Game table

Abstract

A table is disclosed having a table top and legs to support the table top. The table top can be constructed from blow-molded plastic having an upper surface and a spaced apart lower surface. The upper surface can have features formed therein including, but not limited to, a central portion and a boundary portion. The boundary portion can include various retaining regions for holding game pieces, beverages, and the like. The lower surface can include a plurality of depressions formed therein.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to tables and, in particular, to a light-weight game table with a blow-molded plastic table top.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional tables typically include one or more legs that are connected to a table top. The legs may be pivotally connected to the table top and the table top may be constructed from materials such as metal or wood. In particular, conventional table tops may be constructed from materials such as steel, aluminum, particle board, plywood, and other suitable types of wooden laminates. Table tops constructed from wood or metal, however, are often relatively heavy and this may make the table awkward or difficult to move. Conventional table tops constructed from wood or metal are also relatively expensive and the table tops must generally be treated or finished before use. For example, table tops constructed from wood must generally be sanded, and painted, and table tops constructed from metal must be formed or cut into the desired shape and painted or otherwise finished. In addition, metal or wooden table tops often require a canvas or vinyl cover, which undesirably increases the costs of the table. Further, because these conventional table tops are relatively heavy, transportation and shipping costs are generally increased.

In order to decrease the weight of these known tables, the table tops can be constructed from lightweight materials such as plastic. In particular, the table tops can be constructed from injection molded plastic to form thin, lightweight table tops. Disadvantageously, these lightweight table tops frequently require reinforcing members or other structural parts such as brackets, support members and the like to strengthen the table top. While these additional parts may increase the strength of the table top, they undesirably increase the weight of the table. In addition, these additional parts increase manufacturing costs and require additional time to assemble the table. Furthermore, these additional parts may have sharp edges that can injure a user's arms or legs.

Conventional tables, which can be used for a variety of different purposes and come in a wide array of designs, may be sized and configured for a particular use or specific function. For example, it may be desirable to have a table that is sized and configured for playing games. In particular, a game table may be designed so that one or more players can sit at the table and be within reach of various playing areas. For example, when playing poker, it may be desirable that players have a central space on the game table in which to place cards and chips. It may also be desirable for poker players to have a specific location in which their chips can be stacked or placed when not being used for wagering. In addition, when playing this or other types of games, it may be desirable for players to have an area in which to roll dice, place game boards and/or position game pieces.

Conventional card tables are often used as game tables because the tables have a generally planar, flat upper surface upon which games may be played. Conventional card tables are also often used as game tables because they are relatively lightweight and can be easily transported. Conventional card tables typically include four legs and each leg is pivotally connected to the table top by a brace with an elongated slot. The slotted brace allows each leg to individually fold against the table top. Conventional card tables often include a table top that is constructed from pressed wood or particle board and covered with a vinyl or plastic covering. Disadvantageously, the pressed wood or particle board table top is not very strong or rigid and it can easily bend or break. In addition, the legs are often not securely connected to the table top and the legs often wobble or otherwise undesirably move. The vinyl or plastic covering often undesirably increases manufacturing time and costs. Additionally, the vinyl or plastic covering is often easily torn or damaged and it may be very difficult or impossible to satisfactorily repair or replace the covering. Further, conventional card tables are often damaged or broken because the tables are not very strong or sturdy. Damaged or broken card tables are typically discarded and new card tables purchased because card tables are often difficult to fix or repair.

Conventional card tables may also be difficult to play games on because, for example, the table top may easily bend or may not be flat. In particular, the center portion of many card tables contains a depression because the table top is not very strong or rigid. This may make it difficult to play a game because the game board may not be placed on a flat surface and/or the dice may be rolled on an uneven surface. Additionally, the table top may have a bumpy or irregular surface that allows game pieces to undesirably move or does not allow cards to be placed on a flat surface.

It is also known to construct tables that are specifically designed for playing games such as poker. Conventional poker tables are typically constructed from wood and include felt or other types of materials connected to the table top to define game playing areas. For example, different portions of the table may have regions that are specifically designed for holding a player's chips. Known poker tables may also have a large center area in which chips and cards may be placed. Many known poker tables are very heavy, difficult to move and they may require multiple manufacturing steps or processes, which undesirably increases the costs of the table.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need therefore exists for a table that eliminates the above-described disadvantages and problems.

One aspect is a table that is specifically sized and configured to play games. Desirably, the table is sized and configured to allow two or more people to play a game, but the table could also be sized and configured to allow a single person to play a game. This type of table that is intended for use by one or more persons to play a game is referred to as a game table.

Another aspect is the game table may be relatively small and lightweight, which may allow the table to be easily moved and transported. The game table may also be sized and configured so that it does not take up unnecessary space or provide a large amount of unused space when playing a game. The game table, however, preferably provides ample space for one or more persons to play a game.

Yet another aspect is the game table may include a table top that is constructed from a lightweight material so that the table is easily portable and can be readily lifted and moved by a single person. Desirably, the table top is constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene. The table top is desirably constructed by blow-molding, but other suitable processes such as injection molding or compression molding may also be used to construct the table top. The plastic table top is desirably designed to create rigid, high-strength structures that are capable of withstanding repeated use and wear. Advantageously, the plastic table top can easily be manufactured and formed into the desired size and shape. In addition, the plastic table top can form a structural component of the table to minimize the number of components required to construct the table. Thus, frames, braces or other support members are not required to support the table top, but these types of devices or structures could be used if desired.

Still another aspect is the game table may include a blow-molded plastic table top with one or more features formed in the blow-molded table top. Advantageously, these features may be integrally formed in the table top during the blow-molding process as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. These features may include, but are not limited to, a central portion formed on the upper surface of the table top that may be sized and configured to support, for example, a game board or cards. The table top may also include a boundary portion that at least partially surrounds the central portion of the table top for retaining playing pieces or cards in the central portion. In addition, the table top may include one or more retaining regions formed in or near the edge or boundary of the table top for holding items such as, but not limited to, beverage containers, game pieces, chips and the like. Additionally, one or more walls and/or channels can be formed about the central portion to prevent items, such as game pieces or chips, from falling off of the table.

Advantageously, the game table may be relatively simple to manufacture because it preferably consists of a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic. The blow-molded plastic table top may include two opposing walls that are spaced apart by a relatively small distance, which may increase the strength and rigidity of the table top. The blow-molded plastic table top may also include one or more depressions or tack-offs to further increase the strength of the table top and/or interconnect the spaced apart walls. Significantly, the blow-molded table top may be lightweight, rigid, durable, weather resistant and generally temperature insensitive. In addition, the blow-molded plastic table top may not corrode, rust or otherwise deteriorate over time. Further, the blow-molded table top can also be formed in various shapes, sizes, configurations and designs.

A further aspect is the game table may include a table top that is support by one or more legs. The game table, for example, may include four separate legs that are independently attached to the table top. Each of the legs may be pivotally connected to the table top and movable between collapsed and extended positions. The legs may also be positioned within or secured within openings formed in the lower surface of the table top when the legs are in the collapsed position, if desired. The legs, for example, may be held within the openings in the lower surface of the table top by a snap fit, interference, or friction fit arrangement. The legs may also be pivotally attached to the table top by a bracket and the bracket may be sized and configured to retain the legs in the collapsed position.

A still further aspect is the game table may be quickly and easily assembled, which may reduce manufacturing and labor costs. For example, the game table may include four legs and once the legs are attached to the table top, the game table may be completely assembled. Thus, no manufacturing steps other than attaching the legs to the table top may be required. Significantly, because various features may be integrally formed in the table top, the manufacturing and assembly of the game table may be very fast and efficient.

Yet another aspect is the game table may be used to play a variety of games such as card games (e.g., poker) and/or board games (e.g., chess, checkers, dominos, Monopoly, etc.). Advantageously, the game table may include one or more regions that allow various game pieces to be stored. The game table may also include one or more regions that are designed to hold items such as food or beverages. The game table can also be used in wide variety of different situations and other uses. For example, the game table may be used to play games and it may also be used to support a television, computer, sewing machine, microwave, lamp, luggage, and the like. The table can also be used as a bedside table, coffee table, night stand, desk, shop table, and the like. Further, the table can be used while performing a wide variety of tasks such as reading, writing, studying, working, etc. Thus, the game table can be used in a number of different environments and it can perform numerous different tasks.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limits its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game table in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the game table shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game table shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the game table shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a game table in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed towards a table and, in particular, to a table that is intended to be used as a game table. The game table can simultaneously be used by one or more persons or players, if desired. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to a table intended for a particular number of persons or used exclusively for playing games. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the table can be for purposes other than playing games.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the game table, words such as upper, lower, top, bottom, front, rear, right and left may be used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the game table can be located in a variety of desired positions—including various angles, sideways and even upside down. A detailed description of the game table now follows.

As seen in FIG. 1, an exemplary game table 10 includes a table top 12 and a plurality of legs 14 that is used to support the table top above a surface such as the floor or ground. The legs 14, which may consist of hollow steel tubes, may be connected to table top 12 by using brackets or linkages which are secured to the table top by screws, bolts, rivets, and the like. The legs 14 may be rigidly coupled to the table top 12 or the legs may be pivotably connected to the table top 12 so that table 10 may be a folding table. The legs 14 may also be selectively coupled to the table top 12 so that the legs can be removed if desired. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the legs 14 may be connected to the table top 12 by any suitable manner or process and the legs could have any desired configuration or arrangement. For example, the legs 14 could be connected by cross-bars and the legs may be adjustable in length.

The game table 10 is preferably sized and configured to allow one or more persons to play a game. In particular, the game table 10 may be sized and configured to allow four people to simultaneously play a game, but the game table could be sized and configured to allow more or fewer people to play a game. The game table 10 may also be sized and configured to allow different games to be played. For example, the game table 10 could be specifically sized and configured to play a card game such as poker or a board game such as dominos. It will be appreciated that the game table 10 could have various suitable configurations and arrangements depending, for example, upon the type of game intended to be played. It will also be appreciated that the game table 10 may have any suitable size and shape depending, for example, upon the type of game to be played and/or the number of persons desired to play a game at one time.

As shown in FIG. 1, the table top 12 includes an upper surface 16, lower surface 18, front 20, rear 22, right side 24 and left side 26. The table top 12 preferably has a generally square configuration with rounded corners and slightly rounded outer edges. For example, the table top 12 may be about thirty-six (36) inches in length and about thirty-six (36) inches in width, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that the table top can have other suitable sizes and configurations. Thus, the table top 12 may be larger or smaller and the table top can have other configurations such as rectangular, circular, oval, and the like depending, for example, upon the intended use of game table 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the table top 12 may also include a beveled, sloped or rounded surface disposed between the upper surface 16 and one or more of the sides 20, 22, 24 and 26. The beveled surface may be sized and configured to increase the comfort of the person(s) using the game table 10. It will be appreciated that game table 10 does not require a beveled surface. In addition, the corners and edges of the table top 12 do not have to be rounded and, in contrast, the corners and edges could have any desirable configuration, but the rounded features may increase the comfort and/or safety of the person(s) using the game table 10.

The table top 12 is preferably constructed from a lightweight material and, more preferably, the table top is constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene. The plastic table top 12 is desirably formed by a blow-molding process because, for example, it allows a strong, lightweight, rigid and sturdy table top to be quickly and easily manufactured. Advantageously, the blow-molded plastic table top 12 has a lighter weight than conventional table tops constructed from wood or metal, and the blow-molded plastic table top can be constructed from less plastic than conventional plastic table tops, which may save manufacturing costs and reduce consumer costs. In particular, the blow-molded table top 12 can be manufactured with thin plastic walls and that allows the table top to cool faster during the manufacturing process, which decreases the manufacturing time.

Further, the blow-molded plastic table top 12 can be constructed with any suitable shape, configuration, size, design and/or color depending, for example, upon the intended use of game table 10. For example, the table top 12 can be constructed with a generally rectangular configuration of about thirty-six (36) inches by about forty (40) inches. The table top 12 could also have a generally circular configuration with a diameter of about thirty (30) inches or a generally square configuration with thirty-six inch (36) sides. Of course, the blow-molded table top 12 can have any suitable size and configuration depending, for example, upon the intended use of the game table 10.

The table top 12 is preferably constructed from blow-molded plastic because blow-molded plastic table tops are durable, weather resistant, generally temperature insensitive, corrosion resistant, rust resistant, and generally do not deteriorate over time. One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the table top 12 does not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and other suitable materials and/or processes can be used to construct the table top depending, for example, upon the intended use of the game table 10. Thus, the table top 12 could be constructed from other materials with suitable characteristics, such as wood, metal and other types of plastic. Additionally, the table top 12 does not have to be constructed from blow-molded plastic and it could be constructed from injection molded plastic, extrusion molded plastic, and the like.

The upper surface 16 of the table top 12 preferably includes one or more features that are integrally formed in the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. The features may be sized and configured to assist in playing a game, increase the comfort of the players and/or increase the enjoyment of playing the game. These features may vary depending, for example, upon the particular game to be played or the number of desired players. It will be appreciated that the table top 12 could have any suitable number of features, but the table top does not require any particular features or number of features.

As shown in the accompanying figures, one exemplary embodiment of the game table 10 includes a central portion 28 in the upper surface 16 of the table top 12. The central portion 28 is preferably recessed into the table top 12 and it preferably has a generally square configuration. Desirably, the central portion 28 can be substantially square area that is spaced equidistant from each side 20, 22, 24 and 26, but the central portion could be positioned in any desired portion of the table top 12. The central portion 28 preferably has a substantially flat upper surface so that it can serve as a central playing area for players to place bidding or playing items such as cash, chips, cards, etc. The central portion 28 can also be sized and configured to receive a conventional game board to allow games such as dominos or Monopoly to be played. Because game boards typically have a square configuration, the game boards can easily fit into central portion 28. It will be appreciated that the central portion 28 can have any suitable geometric configuration such as, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, oval, polygonal, and the like depending, for example, upon the type of game to be played. It will also be appreciated that the central portion 28 does not have to have a substantially flat upper surface and it can have a curved, uneven or irregular upper surface, if desired.

A boundary portion 30 is preferably disposed about the central portion 28. The boundary portion 30 may extend from the central portion 28 of the table top 12 to or towards the edges 20, 22, 24, and 26 of table top. The boundary portion 30 may include discrete playing areas that provide each player with sufficient space for the player's arms and game pieces. The boundary portion 30 may also help prevent items from falling off the table, such as game pieces, dice or chips.

Advantageously, the boundary portion 30 may separate the central portion 28 from the edges of table top 12. The upper surface of the boundary portion 30 may be curved such that it gradually slopes inward toward the central portion 28. The upper surface of the boundary portion 30 may also be substantially flat so as to enable users to lay cards or game pieces thereon without rolling or falling off the table. It will be understood that the outer surface of the boundary portion 30 could also be convex, concave, and the like depending, for example, upon the intended use of the game table 10.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the boundary portion 30 may include side portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d that are disposed along the sides 20, 24, 22, 26 of table top 12. The side portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d preferably each have a generally rectangular configuration, but it will be appreciated that the side portions could have any desired shape depending, for example, upon the size and configuration of the table top 12. In particular, the boundary portion 30 may follow the shape of the central portion 28 and/or the outer edges 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. The boundary portion 30 may also follows the shape of the outer edge of the table (e.g., square) and the central portion 28 may have a different configuration (e.g., circular). One skilled in the art will understand that the boundary portion 30 and side portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d may have any suitable size and configuration.

The boundary portion 30 could also include rounded corner portions 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d and each of the corner portions could include a retaining region 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d respectively. The retaining regions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can be sized and configured to hold game pieces. The retaining regions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d can also be sized and configured as beverage or cup holders. Advantageously, the beverage holders 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d may provide a defined space in which beverages can be spaced and the beverage holders may help prevent drinks from being inadvertently spilled. This may also help prevent beverages from being placed on portions of the table that interfere with playing of a game.

The boundary portion 30 could have a contiguous construction so that the side portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are integrally formed with the corner portions 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. The boundary portion 30 could also be formed from discrete side portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d and/or corner portions 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, if desired. In addition, the boundary portion 30 could completely surround the central portion 28 or it may only partially surround the central portion 28. It will be understood that boundary portion 30 could have any suitable size and configuration depending, for example, upon the size and shape of the table top 12. It will also be understood that the table top 12 does not require the boundary portion 30.

The boundary portion 30 may also include one or more steps or walls 27. For example, the boundary portion 30 may include a wall 27 that is disposed between the central portion 28 and the edges 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. The wall 27 may separate the boundary portion 30 into a first portion 30a and a second portion 30b. The first portion 30a and the second portion 30b of the boundary portion 30 may have different heights and configurations, if desired. For example, the first portion 30a may have a height that is above the central portion 28 and the second portion 30b. In addition, the outer surface of the first portion 30a may be generally planar or curved. The second portion 30b may have a different height than the first portion 30a and it may have a generally planar or curved outer surface. The wall 27 preferably separates the first portion 30a and second portion 30b into discrete portions, but the wall may separate only a portion of the boundary portion 30 and the wall is not required.

The game table 10 may also include a plurality of playing areas 40. The number of playing areas 40 may depend upon the number of players intended to use the game table 10. For example, if the game table 10 is sized and configured to allow four people to simultaneously play a gane, then the game table may include four playing areas 40. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the game table 10 may include any suitable number of playing areas 40.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the game table 10 may include four playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d that are disposed along the sides 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. The playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are preferably sized and configured to allow a player to play a game. For example, the playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d may provide the player with space to place cards or game pieces. Preferably, the playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d have the same general size and configuration so that each of the players at the game table 10 have the same amount of room to play the game. The playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, however, may have different sizes and configurations, if desired.

The game table 10 may include one or more retaining regions 42. The number of retaining regions 42 may depend upon the number of players intended to use the game table 10. For example, the game table 10 may include four retaining regions 42 if the game table is sized and configured to allow four people to simultaneously play a game. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the game table 10 may include any suitable number of retaining regions 42.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the table top 12 of the game table 10 may include four retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d that may be formed in the second portion 30b on each side 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. The retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d are preferably sized and configured to form a holding area in which game pieces such as chips, dice, blocks, cubes, tiles, and the like may be positioned. In greater detail, as best seen in FIG. 1, the lower surface of retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d may be configured to gradually taper toward the wall 27 and each retaining region may include a lower surface that is flat, concave, or convex, or the like. The lower surface of each retaining region 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d may include one or more grooves that may be configured to hold playing pieces such as poker chips. The retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, however, could have any suitable sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the game table 10. In addition, the game table 10 could include multiple retaining regions 42 for each player, if desired, but the game table does not require the retaining regions.

Advantageously, the retaining regions 42 could be formed in any suitable portions of the table top 12. For example, the retaining regions 42 could be formed in the sides 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. In particular, a cylindrical recess may be formed in the sides 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12 with a lower surface that may be contiguous with the lower surface 18 of table top and an opening that may be flush with the upper surface 16 of the table top. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the retaining regions 42 may be located in any suitable portions of the table top and the retaining regions may have any size and configuration depending, for example, upon the type of item or items intended to be placed in the retaining regions. In particular, the retaining regions 42 may have a generally square, oval, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, or other configuration depending upon the items intended to be positioned in the retaining regions.

Advantageously, the various features of the table top 12 may be integrally formed during the manufacture of the table top as part of a unitary, one-piece structure. For example, the central portion 28, boundary portion 30, side portions 32, rounded corner portions 34, beverage holders 36, playing areas 40 and/or retaining regions 42 may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece construction. These various features, however, can be separately formed and the game table 10 does not require any or all of these features.

Another exemplary embodiment of a game table 10a is shown in FIG. 5. The game table 10a preferably has generally the same size, shape and construction as the game table 10 described above. The game table 10a, however, may have other suitable sizes, shapes and constructions, for example. In particular, the game table 10a may include a table top 12a and it may include many of the same features of the table top 12 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the table top 12a may include a central portion 28 and a boundary portion 30. The central portion 28 may include a wall 29 that at least partially surrounds the central portion 28. The wall 29 may include an inner sidewall 31, an outer sidewall 33 and an upper surface 35. The inner sidewall 31, outer sidewall 33 and upper surface 35 can be generally planar or curved.

As shown in FIG. 5, the central portion 28 may also include a channel 37 formed around the wall 29. The channel 37 is preferably formed completely around the wall 29, but the channel may be only partially disposed about the wall. The channel 37 may include an opposing sidewall 39 and an upper surface 41, and the sidewall and upper surface may be generally planar or curved.

The table top 12a of the game table 10a may include a boundary portion 30 with a surface that extends between channel 37 and the edges 20, 22, 24, 26 of the table top 12. The boundary portion 30 may include corners 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d and retaining regions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d as discussed above. The table top 12a, however, may not include the wall 27 as discussed above. In contrast, a substantially smooth surface may extend between the channel 37 and the edges 20, 22, 24, 26 of table top 12a. The table top 12a, of course, could include the wall 27 if desired.

As shown in FIG. 5, the playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are preferably generally oblong-shaped regions formed proximate the edge of each side 20, 22, 24, 26 of table top 12. The playing areas 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d can be formed contiguously with the boundary portion 30 and the sides 20, 22, 24, 26 so as to make it appear that the boundary portion and sides have a curved configuration. The retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d may consist of elongated regions with a curved rear wall. As discussed above, the retaining regions 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d may have various suitable sizes and configurations depending, for example, upon the intended use of the retaining regions.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing discussion that the game tables 10, 10a may include various features that are configured to enhance the use of the game table. By having these features readily available for each player, that may facilitate playing of the game. In addition, it may minimize the required space of the game table 10, 10a.

In addition, features can be provided to accommodate various different types of games that have different types of playing pieces. For example, some games require throwing dice and various features, such as the wall 29, may be formed to keep the dice within the center of the table top 12. In another example, the central portion 28 of the table top 12 may include indicia such as a checker board that allows games such as chess and checkers to be played. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other designs may be formed on the central portion 28 depending, for example, upon the game intended to be played. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that additional discrete components may be added to the game table 10. For example, a roulette wheel may be attached to the table top 12. It will further be appreciated that the table top 12 may include other features such as a textured surface, surfacing marks, and the like.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the lower surface 18 of the table top 12 may include a central portion 44. The central portion 44 may be recessed into the lower surface 18 of the table top 12 and it may cover substantially the entire lower surface 18 of the table top 12, or it may cover only a portion of the bottom of the table top. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the table top 12 does not require the recessed central portion 44.

The lower surface 18 of the table top 12 may also include a plurality of depressions 46. The depressions 46 preferably cover at least a substantial portion of the lower surface 18 of the table top 12 and the depressions preferably extend towards and/or contact the upper surface 16 of the table top. In particular, the ends of the depressions 46 may engage, contact or abut the inner surface of the upper surface 16 of table top 12 or the ends of the depressions may be spaced from the upper surface of the table top. As shown in FIG. 4, the depressions 46 may be formed in an array that may be staggered, geometric, random or have any other suitable pattern.

The depressions 46 may be designed to increase the strength and structural integrity of the table 12. While it was previously believed that stronger structures were provided by making the walls thicker and/or adding structures such as ribbing, the depressions 46 may provide the surprising and unexpected result that an increased number of depressions may provide a stronger structure and/or thinner walls may be used to construct the structure. Surprisingly, the depressions 46 may increase the structural integrity of the structure despite forming disruptions in the continuity of bottom portion 18 of the table top 12, and less plastic can be used to make the structure even though the plurality of depressions are formed in the structure. The costs of manufacturing and transportation may be decreased because thinner plastic walls may be used to construct the table top 12, which may create a lighter weight table 10.

Additionally, when blow-molded structures are formed, a certain amount of time must elapse before the structure can be removed from the mold. Blow-molded structures with thicker walls require a longer cooling time than structures with thinner walls. The depressions 46, however, may allow table tops with thinner plastic walls to be constructed and that reduces the cooling time before the structure can be removed from the mold. Significantly, a reduced cycle time may increase the efficiency of manufacturing process. In addition, because less plastic is required, the cost of the table 10 may be reduced.

While the game table 10 is intended to be used to play various types of games, it will be appreciated that the game table can be used for a wide variety of purposes and in a number of different environments. For instance, the game table 10 can be used for working, reading, writing and other suitable uses. In addition, the game table 10 can be used as a television stand, computer table, sewing table, bedside table, coffee table, microwave stand, desk, shop table, luggage stand and the like. Accordingly, the game table 10 is capable of many different uses and it can be sized and configured to support one or more objects related to these different tasks and uses.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A game table configured to allow one or more user to play one or more games, the game table comprising: a table top constructed from plastic, the table top including an upper surface and a lower surface that is spaced apart from the upper surface, wherein the upper surface of the table top comprises: a central portion, a boundary portion at least partially surrounds the central portion, and at least one retaining region formed in the boundary portion; and one or more legs configured to be coupled to the lower surface of the table top to support the table top in an upright position.

2. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the central portion is substantially flat.

3. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the central portion is polygonally shaped.

4. The game table as recited in claim 3, wherein the central portion is square shaped.

5. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the table top is polygonally shaped having a plurality of sides.

6. The game table as recited in claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of sides has substantially the same size.

7. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the boundary portion comprises a plurality of side portions and corner portions.

8. The game table as recited in claim 7, wherein the side portions and corner portions are integrally formed.

9. The game table as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one retaining region is formed in at least one corner portion.

10. The game table as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one retaining region is formed in at least one side portion.

11. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one retaining region is an elongate depression at least partially surrounded by the boundary portion.

12. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein a wall is formed in the boundary portion.

13. The game table as recited in claim 12, wherein the at least one retaining region is adjacent to the wall.

14. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein the central portion comprises a channel formed at least partially around the central portion.

15. The game table as recited in claim 14, wherein the central portion comprises a wall formed at least partially around the central portion.

16. The game table as recited in claim 1, wherein a plurality of depressions are formed on the lower surface of the table top.