Patent Application
20110074106
The present disclosure relates to game tables, and in particular to a multi-game table assembly capable of rotation about its width axis.
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. Other factors such as weather have also been known to make arranging games difficult. Accordingly, there has developed a need and market for indoor or smaller scale games, including recreational game tables which can be played with less room and require fewer people. Game tables allow the participants to simulate a full-sized game with fewer people, less space and in a protected environment. The game tables, for example, can be set up in basements, garages, game rooms, backyards, gyms, party facilities or otherwise and are often played with two or four people. However, prior attempts at developing such game tables often result in game tables having large footprints which take up a relatively large amount of space on the support surface.
Additionally, it may be desirable to convert between at least two games within one multi-game table assembly. Improved systems and assemblies for playing and converting between games are desired.
In one embodiment, a game table assembly comprises a game table having a game-playing surface. The game table is rectangular in shape and includes two parallel and opposing ends extending parallel to a width axis and two parallel and opposing longitudinal edges extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The ends are shorter in length than the longitudinal edges. The game table assembly also includes two side support members positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges and a rotating mechanism defining a central width axis parallel to the ends. The rotating mechanism rotatably engages the game table with the side support members at opposing engagement positions along the longitudinal edges. The game table is configured to pivot about the rotating mechanism so that the game table is rotatable about the central width axis. Additionally, the game table is selectively lockable in at least one position.
In another embodiment, a game table assembly comprises a game table having a first game-playing surface positioned on a first side of the game table and a second game-playing surface positioned on a second side of the game table. The game table is rectangular in shape and includes two parallel and opposing ends extending parallel to a central width axis and two parallel and opposing longitudinal edges extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The ends are shorter in length than the longitudinal edges. The game table assembly further includes two side support members positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges and two side adjustable joints aligned along the central width axis and rotatably engaging the game table with the side support members. The game table is configured to pivot about the adjustable joints so that the game table is rotatable about the central width axis to orient one of the game-playing surfaces as desired. Additionally, the game table is configured to be selectively positioned in more than one game-playing orientation.
In yet another embodiment, a game table assembly comprises a game table having a first game-playing surface disposed on a first side of the game table and a second game-playing surface disposed on a second side of the game table. The game table is rectangular in shape and includes two parallel and opposing ends extending parallel to a width axis and two parallel and opposing longitudinal edges extending parallel to a longitudinal axis, the ends being shorter in length than the longitudinal edges. The game table assembly further includes two side support members positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges and two aligned side joints rotatably engaging the game table with the side support members. The side joints are positioned halfway along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a central width axis. The game table is configured to pivot about the joints so that the game table is rotatable about the central width axis to position one of the game-playing surfaces as desired. Additionally, at least one of the side joints includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock the game table at a desired position.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, 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 invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-game table assembly is provided in which the game table is capable of rotating about its shorter or width axis to position one of the game-playing surfaces as desired and expose the surface to the players. The game table includes a table bed having opposing first and second game-playing surfaces which may be configured to receive and/or be replaced by additional game-playing surfaces to allow for multiple games to be played on the game table. Additionally, in certain embodiments the game table may be selectively locked in selected desired orientations.
A standard game table includes a playing surface, held over a support surface, such as a floor, by a support structure such as one or more legs or pedestals. The playing surface is often rectangular or round, but may be made in various geometric shapes. The playing surface is also typically substantially flat. In many instances, the playing surface is surrounded by a peripheral rail or raised portions of the game table, which typically functions to retain game pieces within the area of the playing surface. The game pieces of the present disclosure may be usable with various types of games and/or game tables, which are considered conventional for purposes of the present disclosure and are not described herein in detail.
In the particular illustrated embodiment, mechanism 16 consists of two opposing side joints 18 aligned across the width of the table 12 along a central width axis Wc, about which center game table 12 rotates. The joints 18 assist in selectively locking center game table 12 in desired orientations, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In certain optional embodiments, each side support member 14 may define one or more holes 24 through which locking pins 26 may be passed and inserted into corresponding holes 30 (see
As illustrated, center game table 12 includes an outer frame 28 which is substantially rectangular in shape with slightly rounded corners. Additionally, game table 12 has a length L and opposing longitudinal edges 40 extending along a length axis L, and a width W and opposing shorter width ends 42 extending parallel to the central width axis Wc, wherein the length L is longer than the width W. Center game table 12 preferably includes a first side 44 and an opposite second side 46. In the illustrated embodiment, first side 44 includes a first game-playing surface 45 and second side 46 includes an opposing second game-playing surface 47. Frame 28 surrounds and may optionally extend above game-playing surfaces 45 and 47 for certain games a height sufficient to block escape of a playing piece from the respective playing surface.
Center game table 12 can be flipped or rotated about opposing side joints 18 to expose either first side 44 or second side 46 depending on which game the players desire to play. In this way, center game table 12 is rotatable about the central width axis WC with respect to the non-rotating or stationary side support members 14 positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges 40. When center game table 12 is orientated with the desired game-playing surface facing a desired direction and exposed to the players, center game table 12 may be selectively locked in position with respect to side support members 14 via rotating and locking mechanism 16 and/or locking pins 26. Rotation about the width axis with respect to side support members 14 eliminates the need for any support or rotational members positioned adjacent width ends 42.
Frame 28 and side members 14 may be made of standard materials such as metal, wood, laminate, particleboard, MDF or plastic. As stated above, the illustrated game table 12 is rectangular in shape defining rectangular game-playing surfaces, however it should be appreciated that table 12 and the corresponding game-playing surfaces can include various shapes as would generally occur to one skilled in the art, including circular, square, or polygonal as examples. Assembly 10 may also optionally include bracing such as opposing cross-bars 22 extending between side support members 14 underneath table 12. Alternately, the assembly 10 can be supported in other manners, with side support members 14 and cross-bars 22 being only one example of numerous possible support configurations.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, additional game-playing panels or surfaces may be arranged on and/or engaged with first and/or second sides 44 and 46 of game table 12 as desired to allow users to play different games on the game table. In certain embodiments, the different games may be intended to be played with the game table being positioned at different orientations, including horizontal, vertical and/or angled positions. For example, users may desire to play games such as hockey or billiards (see
Turning to
In certain embodiments, assembly 10 includes a mechanism to prevent pivot pin 20 from being completely removed from the defined holes. In the particular illustrated embodiment, each side joint 18 includes a lock nut 82 threadingly engaged with the end of pivot pin 20. Nut 82 moves within table 12 along with pivot pin 20 as pivot pin 20 is threadingly advanced and retracted with respect to nut 80. When threadingly retracting pivot pin 20, nut 82 will contact an inner side wall of frame 28 to prevent pivot pin 20 from further retraction out of the holes defined in the various components of joint 18. In certain embodiments, nut 82 may include an inner ring of locking material 83 to assist in engaging the lock nut 82 with the pivot pin 20.
The illustrated engagement discs 60 and 62 include corresponding inner projections and depressions 70 and 72, respectively, configured to engage each other when compressed to substantially prevent relative rotation of the engagement discs. In this way, the engagement discs 60 and 62 selectively lock the game table 12 at the desired position. In a particular example embodiment, the projections 70 and depressions 72 are pie-shaped corresponding to the circular shape of the engagement discs. Alternately, other types of engagement surfaces may be present on engagement discs 60 and 62, such as appropriate gearing, splined and/or toothed surfaces, with the projections surfaces being one non-limiting example of the numerous types of surfaces which may be used.
It should be appreciated that the illustrated side joints 18 are one non-limiting example of the numerous possible rotating and locking mechanisms which may be incorporated into assembly 10 to allow for rotation of table 12. Other rotation and/or locking mechanisms are contemplated, including the example side joint 118 illustrated in
In the example embodiment illustrated in
The illustrated joint 118 further includes a locking disc 190 positioned along the inner sidewall of frame 28 within game table 12. Pivot pin 120 extends through hole 191 defined in disc 190, hole 76 defined in frame 28, hole 171 defined in engagement disc 160 and hole 181 defined in bar 180. In certain embodiments the pivot pin (including locking portion 122) may be turned between established locked and unlocked positions with respect to locking disc 190 to enable adjustment of the relative angular positions of the engagement discs 160 and 162. To allow for the locking and unlocking of pivot pin 120, the illustrated locking disc 190 includes alternating depressed and raised portions, with the raised portions 192 being shown in
As another example, a cross bar or axle may extend through game table 12 along central width axis WC about which the game table rotates for example. In such embodiments, the cross bar may include ends terminating at the side support members 14. As yet another example, the assembly may be configured so that the game table rotates about pins, such as pivot pins 20, with engagement discs 60 and 62 being absent and the game table being locked in desired orientations via other mechanisms.
To independently lock or to assist joints 18 in selectively locking the game table 12 at the desired orientation, assembly 10 may optionally include one or more locking pins 26 configured to assist in securing the game table 12 in position and to prevent rotation with respect to side support members 14. In certain embodiments, locking pins 26 may include a mechanism to inhibit removal of the pins. However, it should be appreciated that locking pins 26 are only one example of the numerous possible locking pieces which could be used to secure game table 12 in position. In the particular illustrated embodiment, each side support member 14 defines a plurality of holes 24 optionally disposed in a radial pattern and game table 12 defines two holes 30 along each longitudinal edge 40 (see
It should be appreciated that the number, arrangement and positioning of holes 24 and 30 may vary as would occur to one of ordinary skill in the art, with the illustrated number, arrangement and positioning being just one non-limiting example. Alternately, holes 24 may be replaced by radial slots defined in the side support members. In such alternative embodiments, for example, a fastener such as a compression clamp may be passed through the radial slots at desired positions and inserted into a selected hole in the longitudinal edge of the game table to selectively clamp the game table in the desired position. In other embodiments, pegs may be disposed on the longitudinal edges of the game table and configured to travel in the radial holes as the game table rotates, with appropriate fasteners configured to engage the pegs when the game table is positioned as desired to selectively lock the game table in the desired position.
In other embodiments, holes 24 and 30 and locking pins 26 are absent and either side joint 18 may serve as the sole selective locking mechanism or another appropriate primary or supplemental locking mechanisms may be incorporated within assembly 10 to assist in selectively locking the game table 12 at the desired positions. In yet other embodiments, side joints 18 may be absent (or may only serve as a rotating mechanism) and holes 24 and 30 and locking pins 26 may be the sole locking mechanism for the game table 12. In further alternative embodiments, game table assembly 10 includes only one side joint 18 and/or only one set of holes 24 and 30 and locking pin 26 along one side of the assembly, with the other side including only a rotating mechanism to allow for the game table to rotate about the width axis Wc.
When a user desires to flip or invert or rotate center game table 12 to expose a different game-playing surface or to position the exposed game-playing surface differently, the user may unlock the table, for example by removing locking pins 26, rotate handle portion 21 of one or both (as appropriate) pivot pins 20 to partially or slightly back out the pivot pins 20 a sufficient distance to disengage engagement discs 60 and 62. Thereafter, the center game table may be rotated to a desired orientation.
Pivot pins 20 may be advanced back into game table 12 via rotation of one or both (as appropriate) handle portions 21 to engage engagement discs 60 and 62 together and thereby selectively lock table 12 at the new desired orientation. Additionally, pivot pins 26 may be inserted through holes 24 and 30 to assist in selectively locking the game table. Locking the game table 12 at the desired orientation provides increased stability to assembly 10 and substantially prevents unwanted movement of the game table, especially undesired rotational movement.
In certain embodiments, additional game-playing panels or surfaces may optionally be engaged with game table 12 as desired to allow users to play different games on the game table. Assembly 10 may be configured so that additional game-playing panels or surfaces are arrangeable and/or engageable with only first side 44, only second side 44, or both sides of the table. Alternately, only game-playing surfaces 45 and 47 are utilized in connection with assembly 10, with no additional game-playing surfaces being engageable with table 12. Some game-playing surfaces may be configured to be integral with frame 28, other game-playing surfaces may be mounted to or otherwise removably engaged with frame 28, and other game-playing surfaces may rest in place on the game table with no mounting mechanism used to secure the surfaces.
The attachment of game-playing surfaces may occur through standard methods such as adhesive, friction, screws, bolts, clips, brackets, Velcro®, sliding edge-in-groove arrangements, or other permanent or removable connection means. As a particular example, fasteners 97 may be used to removably secure target panel 94 to center game table 12 in
In the particular illustrated embodiment, surface 45 is a hockey game-playing surface with opposing hockey goals 80 associated with the frame 28 and configured for passage of a hockey puck. In such embodiments, surface 45 may be integral with frame 28 and goals 80 may be removably positioned midway along ends 42 of the game table. For playing the game of hockey, game-playing surface 45 may include one or more indicia thereon, such as hockey puck position circles and other appropriate markings. When playing other games on first side 44, hockey goals 80 may be removed from game table 12.
In optional embodiments, additional covers or panels or game-playing surfaces may be positioned on surface 45 to allow users to play different games on the game table. As an example,
Second side 46 of game table 12 is preferably also configured to receive covers or panels or game-playing arrangements. It is contemplated that second side 46 may include a permanently-engaged game-playing surface upon which additional game-playing covers or panels may be positioned or may be configured to receive one or more removable game-playing surfaces. As an example,
In the particular embodiment illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
Game table assembly 10 may also include game status indicators (not shown), such as score displays and timer displays, mounted to the game table or support members. Additionally, a control box (not shown) may be operably connected to an electronic version of game table 12 for selecting various control functions and could include buttons for turning the power on/off, a game selector button, a game reset button, a score reset and/or adjust button, and/or other appropriate buttons as would occur to one skilled in the art.
Game table assembly 10 can be manufactured and assembled from standard materials. For example, the components may be wood, plastic or metal such as aluminum or steel. The game pieces used in connection with game table assembly 10 may be standard or reduced sized. In certain embodiments, game table assembly 10 may be portable and/or disassemblable. Additionally, in certain embodiments, game table assembly 10 may be manufactured to include modular, lightweight components to enhance the ease of transport, assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, game table assembly 10 requires slight assembly. In certain other embodiments, game table assembly 10 arrives assembled.
While the invention 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 embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
