Patent Application
20230233926
This application relates to portable gaming tables and more particularly, to a portable gaming table system with a trailer and leveling system.
The game of pool, also called billiards, is very popular but requires a pool table. Pool tables are expensive, bulky, and difficult to move and install. For example, pool tables are heavy and so frequent movement is undesirable. In addition, a pool table is susceptible to damage while being moved between locations. Pool tables are also difficult to level when installing. These detriments prevent rental or temporary use of pool tables at a location. Other types of gaming tables, such as ping pong tables, air hockey tables, shuffleboard tables and other type of gaming tables, have similar issues. Accordingly, there is a need for a gaming table that is easily transported and installed between various locations.
In one aspect, a portable gaming system includes a gaming table including a tabletop and a trailer attached to the gaming table. The trailer includes at least one axle and two wheels, a hitch, and a plurality of supports, wherein a height of one or more of the plurality of supports is adjustable for leveling the tabletop of the gaming table.
In another aspect, a portable gaming system includes a gaming table including a tabletop and box support, at least two wheels coupled to the box support, and a hitch coupled to the box support. A plurality of adjustable legs are coupled to the box support, wherein the plurality of adjustable legs are separately adjustable for leveling the tabletop of the gaming table.
In another aspect, a portable gaming system includes a gaming table including a tabletop and box support, wherein the box support includes a top support fixedly coupled to the tabletop and a bottom support. A plurality of level mechanisms couple the top support and the bottom support, wherein each of the plurality of level mechanisms is separately adjustable to increase or decrease a distance between the top support and the bottom support. The portable gaming system also includes a vehicular trailer attached to the box support, wherein the trailer includes at least one axle and two wheels, a hitch, and a plurality of adjustable legs, wherein the plurality of adjustable legs is each separately adjustable for leveling the tabletop of the gaming table.
In one or more of the above aspects, the gaming table further comprises a plurality of leveling mechanisms for leveling the tabletop.
In one or more of the above aspects, the gaming table includes a bottom support for the gaming table, wherein the bottom support is coupled to the trailer and a top support fixedly coupled to the tabletop. A plurality of level mechanisms couple the top support and the bottom support, wherein each of the plurality of level mechanisms is separately adjustable to increase or decrease a distance between the top support and the bottom support.
In one or more of the above aspects, the bottom support for the gaming table is detachably coupled to the trailer.
In one or more of the above aspects, a level mechanism includes a bolt with threads reversed from each end, wherein the bolt pulls a portion of the top support a closer distance to the bottom support when rotated in a first direction and pushes the portion of the top support a further distance from the bottom support when rotated in a second direction.
In one or more of the above aspects, a plurality of level indicators is positioned on the tabletop. The plurality of level indicators determine a level for the tabletop for adjusting the plurality of level mechanisms and the height of the one or more of the plurality of supports.
In one or more of the above aspects, a hitch is integrated with a crossbar that is attached to the trailer. The hitch is configured to attach to a vehicle for towing of the trailer. The trailer may also include a track for sliding the hitch under the trailer.
In one or more of the above aspects, the tabletop includes at least one of: a pool tabletop, air hockey tabletop or a shuffle board tabletop.
In at least one or more of the above aspects, the portable gaming system includes a level controller including at least one processing circuit and at least one memory device, wherein the at least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processing circuit, causes the portable gaming system to determine level data from the plurality of level indicators and automatically adjust one or more of the plurality of level mechanisms and/or the height of the one or more of the plurality of supports in response to the level data.
In at least one or more of the above aspects, the plurality of supports includes at least four legs, wherein each one of the four legs includes a scissor jack for independently raising and lowering a height of the respective one of the four legs.
In at least one or more of the above aspects, the plurality of supports includes at least two legs, wherein each one of the two legs is hingedly coupled to the trailer and independently extendable to different heights.
In at least one or more of the above aspects, the gaming table further comprises a plurality of leveling mechanisms for leveling the tabletop.
In at least one or more of the above aspects, the box support includes a bottom support, wherein the bottom support is coupled to the plurality of adjustable legs and a top support fixedly coupled to the tabletop. A plurality of level mechanisms couple the top support and the bottom support, wherein each of the plurality of level mechanisms is separately adjustable to increase or decrease a distance between the top support and the bottom support.
In one or more of the above aspects, a plurality of level indicators are positioned on the tabletop, wherein the plurality of level indicators measures a level of the tabletop for adjusting the plurality of level mechanisms and the plurality of adjustable legs.
The word “exemplary” or “embodiment” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” or as an “embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
Embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the aspects described herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that these and other aspects may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In addition, well known steps in a method of a process may be omitted from flow diagrams presented herein in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure. Similarly, well known components in a device may be omitted from figures and descriptions thereof presented herein in order not to obscure the aspects of the disclosure.
The pool table 104 includes the tabletop 140 and box support 150. The box support 150 may include one or more ball returns 128a-b and level gauges 130a-b. The portable pool table system 100 includes one or more methods for leveling the tabletop 140. First, the trailer 102 includes two support legs 120, 122 that are configured to adjustably extend from a bottom portion of the trailer 102 to the ground. In an embodiment, the support legs 120, 122 are configured to be stowed under the trailer 102 and then to be released and extend to a height H from the trailer 102 to the ground. In one example, at least one of the two legs may be adjusted to varying heights H. For example, one or more of the support legs 120, 122 may be adjusted using a ratchet or screw lift system, hydraulic lift system, mechanical lift, or other type of system to varying and/or different heights H. The heights of the one or more support legs may be adjusted to help level the tabletop 140. Preferably, the support legs 120, 122 extend such that the tabletop 140 is at least a height of 31 inches to 33 inches.
One or more level indicators 210a-d (shown in
Another, second method for leveling the tabletop 140 includes a plurality of leveling mechanisms that are accessible through openings 130a, 130b formed in the enclosure of the box support 150. The leveling mechanisms are configured to adjust a level of the tabletop 140 independently of the trailer 102, as explained in further detail herein. The box support 150 further includes a flexible strip 126, such as rubber or foam, that lies between the box support 150 and tabletop 144. The flexible strip 126 may be compressed by the tabletop 140 or may expand to support the tabletop 140 as the tabletop 140 is leveled.
The height of the trailer 102 with the extended support legs 120, 122 from the ground to the tabletop 140 is preferably the standard height of a pool table, between 2 ft 9.5 in and 2 ft 10.5 in. However, shorter, or taller heights may be implemented in different models or for different sized tables.
The pockets 208a-f may be lined with netting or other material that holds and supports the balls within the pockets 208a-f. In another embodiment, a tubing system (not shown) may guide the balls from the pockets 208a-f to one or more ball return openings 128a, 128b in the box support 150.
The playing field 204 is typically constructed using slate and covered in a felt material. However, slate is more susceptible to breaking or cracking and may not be sufficiently durable for the portable pool table system 100. Thus, the playing field 204 may instead comprise wood (such as aviation pilot plywood), steel, fiberglass, plexiglass, or other materials. When a slate material is preferred, the tabletop 140 may include extra cushioning, such as air bags, foam, rubber and/or other protective measures to help prevent cracking. The rail 202 may be formed of wood, fiberglass, plexiglass, tempered aluminum, or other material. Felt or other suitable material may then cover the playing field 204 and bumpers 206.
The tabletop 140 further includes a plurality of level indicators 210a-d. As shown in
The size of the tabletop 140 may vary depending on the use of the pool table 104, the desired model, location, etc. Below is a list of standard sizes that may be implemented:
12-ft (snooker): 140″ (356.9 cm)×70″ (177.8 cm)
10-ft (oversized): 112″ (284.5 cm)×56″ (142.2 cm)
9-ft (standard regulation size table): 100″ (254 cm)×50″ (127 cm)
8-ft+(pro 8): 92″ (233.7 cm)×46″ (116.8 cm)
8-ft (typical home table): 88″ (223.5 cm)×44″ (111.8 cm)
7-ft+(large “bar box”): 78-82″ (198.1-208.3 cm)×39-41″ (99.1-104.1 cm)
7-ft (“bar box”): 74-78″ (188-198.1 cm)×37-39″ (94-99.1 cm)
6-ft (“small bar box”): 70-74″ (177.8-188 cm)×35-37″ (88.9-94 cm)
These dimensions are exemplary, and other dimensions for the tabletop 140 may be implemented as well. The size of the trailer 102 may be varied to accommodate the desired dimensions of the tabletop 140. And box support 150
In this embodiment shown in
The level mechanisms 400 are adjusted until the level indicators 210a-d of the tabletop 140 indicate that the tabletop 140 is level or at least within a desired level range (e.g., 0-2 degrees of a bullseye level).
In an embodiment, the pool table 104 is fixedly coupled with respect to the trailer 102. For example, a first plurality of bolts 502a, 502b or other attachment mechanisms fixedly couple the box support 150 to a bottom portion 500 of the trailer 102. In another embodiment, the box support 150 for the tabletop 140 is detachably coupled to the trailer 102, e.g. using clamps or other mechanisms, rather the bolts 502b. The trailer 102 may thus be used for other purposes or the pool table 104 may be used separately from the trailer 102.
In the box support 150, one or more bolts 504a or other attachment mechanisms fixedly couple the bottom support 412 to a first front side portion 506a. One or more other bolts 504b or other attachment mechanisms fixedly couple the bottom support 412 to a second, end side portion 506a. Though
In contrast to the bottom support 412, the top support 408 is adjustable with respect to the trailer 102, e.g., via the plurality of level mechanisms 400. The tabletop 140 may be adjusted or leveled independently of the trailer 102. Thus, the top support 408 is not fixedly coupled with respect to the trailer 102 but may have a different level than the trailer 102 or bottom support 412.
A flexible layer 508a, 508b may be positioned between the top support 408 and side portions 506a, 506b. During leveling, the flexible strip 126 may be compressed by the top support 408 and/or tabletop 140 or may expand to support the top support 408 and/or tabletop 140 as the tabletop 140 is adjusted with respect to the trailer 102. One or more other components may lay between the top support 408 and/or tabletop 140 and the trailer 102, however such components do not fixedly couple the trailer 102 to the top support 408 or otherwise hinder the adjustment or leveling of the tabletop 140.
In a first step to level the tabletop 140, the height of different sides of the trailer 102 may be adjusted using the support legs 120, 122. For example, one or more of the support legs 120, 122 may be adjustably extended to different heights H. The heights H of the one or more support legs may then be adjusted using the one or more level indicators 210 as a guide at 708. Thus, the support legs 120, 122 may have different extensions and heights H with respect to the ground.
In a next step to level the tabletop 140, one or more of the level mechanisms 400 is adjusted using the one or more level indicators 210 as a guide at 710. The level indicators 210 are used to determine whether the tabletop 140, e.g. the playing surface 204, is level or within an acceptable range (such as 0-2 degrees of a bullseye level) at 712. For professional play, the flatness of the playing surface 204 must be divergent by no greater than 0.02 inches lengthwise and 0.01 inches across the width. Thus, the acceptable range in the level of the playing surface 204 may depend on the size of the playing surface 204 and the desired standard (professional or amateur). When the tabletop 140 is not within the desired range, the steps at 708 and/or 712 may be performed again until the playing surface 204 is within an acceptable range. The pool table is then ready to be used for play at 714.
The level controller 802 is configured to communicate with a user interface 810, such as a control panel integrated on the trailer 102, remote controller, smart phone, or another user device. The level controller 802 is operable to receive commands from the user interface 810 and to provide status updates to the user interface.
The level controller 802 is further configured to receive data from the plurality of level indicators 812. The level controller 802 may determine from the plurality of level indicators 812 whether the playing surface 204 is level. In response thereto, the level controller 802 is configured to adjust one or more automatic trailer support legs 814 and/or one or more automatic level mechanisms 816. For example, the level controller 802 may control a hydraulic gear to extend and/or retract one or more of the support legs with respect to the trailer 102. The level controller 802 may also control one or more of the level mechanisms 400 to adjust the level of the playing surface 204.
In an embodiment, the portable pool table system 100 may also include gears or hydraulic system to retract the trailer hitch 112 and crossbar 110 along the tracks 604. Thus, the system and methods for the trailer 102 to convert to a playable pool table are performed electronically without manual intervention.
From the level data, the level controller 802 determines whether the one or more support legs 120,122 need to be adjusted at 908 and/or whether one or more level mechanisms 400 need to be adjusted at 910. The level controller 802 automatically performs such adjustments and continues to monitor the level indicators 210 at 912. If the tabletop 140 is still not level, the level controller 802 continues to determine how to adjust the pool table system 100 using the level indicators 210 and performs such adjustments. For example, when the levels indicate that the adjustments needed are greater than possible with the level mechanisms 400, then the extension of one or more of the leg supports 120, 122 is adjusted.
When fine adjustments are needed, then the adjustments are made using the one or more level mechanisms 400. The level controller 802 may also determine which of the plurality of level mechanisms 400 need adjustment based on the level indicators 210. For example, one level indicator 210 may show that one corner is level but three other level indicators 210 may show that the other three corners are not level. The level controller 802 may then adjust the three level mechanisms 400 located proximately to the unlevel corners. The level controller 802 may also determine from the level data the distance and direction to adjust the level mechanisms 400.
When the tabletop 140 is level at 912, the level controller 802 communicates to the user interface that leveling is complete. The user interface 810 provides an audible or visual signal to the user that the pool table 104 is level and ready to play. At any time thereafter, a user may input a command to automatically relevel the pool table.
In this embodiment, the hitch and crossbar 110 may be electronically slid under the trailer 102. For example, a motor 1016 may use gears or hydraulics to slide the crossbar along the tracks 604 into the cover 116 under the trailer 102. An electronic extender 1020 is attached to each support leg 120, 122. The electronic extender 1020 automatically extends or retracts the support legs 120, 122 and may comprise a motor/gear configuration, hydraulic slide, or other mechanism.
In an embodiment, the pool table system 100 may include one or more manual systems as described with respect to
The leveling system for the air hockey table 1300 is similar as with the pool table system 100. The trailer 102 includes two adjustable support legs 120, 122 that are configured to extend from the bottom of the trailer 102. One or more level indicators 210a-d are located on the table top 1300 and may be referenced when adjusting the length of the support legs 120, 122. After extension of the support legs 120, 122, the wheels 106 may be elevated off the ground or may remain touching the ground but with little to no rotation. Though two support legs 120, 122 are shown in
The box support 150 also includes a plurality of leveling mechanisms 400 that are accessible through openings 130a, 130b. The leveling mechanisms 400 are configured to adjust the level of the hockey tabletop 1300 independently of the trailer 102, as explained in further detail hereinabove with respect to the pool tabletop 140. The playing surface 1306 is fixedly coupled to a top support, as shown in
Thus, the trailer 102 may include a pool tabletop 140, a ping pong tabletop 1200 or air hockey tabletop 1300. Other types of table games may be implemented using similar components as described herein, such as shuffleboard or other table games.
In an embodiment, a back portion of the trailer 102 may include an arm and hitch 1400 for towing other trailers, such as a bar-b-que trailer or another gaming trailer. The back portion of the trailer 102 may also include a shelf 1402 or rack for holding other items during transport, such as a cooler, small refrigerator, bar-b-que, bicycle, etc. For example, a barbeque trailer may have one or two axles and couple to the arm and hitch 1400. When not in motion, the barbeque trailer may be unhitched and retractable support legs are extended to support the barbeque.
The box support 150 may also include one or more drawers or compartments 1404, 1404b for holding gaming supplies or other items. Thus, the trailer 102 may include one or more racks, shelves, hitches, drawers, compartments, etc. for holding and stowing other items.
Each of the support legs 1500a-b include a hinge 1504a-b for hinging attachment to the trailer 102 or to the bottom supports of the table itself. The support legs 1500a-b may be retracted under the trailer 102 using the hinges 1504a-b during movement such that the wheels 106 support the trailer. In addition, the height of one or more of the support legs 1500a-b may be separately and independently adjusted. For example, all the support legs may be separately and independently adjusted or two support legs on opposing sides, etc.
In one embodiment, the one or more of the support legs 1500a-b may include a scissor jack type mechanism with a center bolt 1502a-b for adjusting the height, e.g., using the handles or levers 1506a-b. In another embodiment, hydraulic jacks may be used in one or more of the support legs 1500a-b. The height of the one or more support legs 1500a-b may thus be adjusted to level the tabletop 140.
In one embodiment, the pool table 104 may be detachable from the trailer 102 such that the trailer 102 and/or pool table may be used separately. In this embodiment, the support legs 120, 122 are attached to the box support 150 rather than the trailer 102. In another embodiment, the pool table system 100 has an integrated trailer 102, with the axles, wheels, and hitch fixedly attached to the box support 150.
The gaming table as described herein is thus easily transported between locations via the trailer 102 and installed using the adjustable support legs and level mechanisms. The gaming table may be used at parties, gaming tournaments, outdoor camping, tailgating, etc.
As may be used herein, the term “operable to” or “configurable to” indicates that an element includes one or more of components, attachments, circuits, instructions, modules, data, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more of the described or necessary corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items to perform the described or necessary corresponding functions. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “coupled”, “coupled to”, “connected to” and/or “connecting” or “interconnecting” includes direct connection or attachment between components or indirect connection between components via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, structure, material, etc.). As may further be used herein, inferred connections (i.e., where one element is connected to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect connection between two items in the same manner as “connected to”. As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items.
The various features of the disclosure described herein can be implemented in different systems and devices without departing from the disclosure. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure. The description of the aspects of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
In the foregoing specification, certain representative aspects of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. For example, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.
Furthermore, certain benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.
As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied, or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
Moreover, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is intended to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) as a “means-plus-function” type element, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”
This application claims priority to prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/303,863 filed on Jan. 27, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63303863 | Jan 2022 | US |
