U.S. patent application number 12/025026 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for inflatable pong table.
Invention is credited to Stephen Boyd, Donnie T. Foster.
Application Number | 20090194941 12/025026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930880 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090194941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyd; Stephen ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
INFLATABLE PONG TABLE
Abstract
An inflatable pong table comprises a substantially hollow
inflatable member. The inflatable member may be formed with an
opposing pair of end recesses and having an intermediate recess
interposed between the end recesses. The pong table may further
comprise a pair of end inserts that are removably insertable within
the end recesses. Each of the end inserts preferably includes a
plurality of apertures formed therein. Each of the apertures may be
sized and configured to receive the base of a beverage container.
An intermediate insert is preferably configured to be removably
insertable into the intermediate recess. The intermediate insert is
preferably formed with a substantially hard and planar upper
surface to facilitate bouncing of a ball thereagainst.
Inventors: |
Boyd; Stephen; (Murrieta,
CA) ; Foster; Donnie T.; (Murrieta, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NovaTech IP Law
1001 Avenue Pico, Suite C500
San Clemente
CA
92673
US
|
Family ID: |
40930880 |
Appl. No.: |
12/025026 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/04 20130101;
A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 2225/605 20130101; A63B 67/007
20130101; A63B 67/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/00 20060101
A63B067/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable pong table, comprising: a substantially hollow
inflatable member having an opposing pair of end recesses and an
intermediate recess interposed between the end recesses; a pair of
end inserts disposed within the end recesses, each of the end
inserts having at least one aperture formed therein; and an
intermediate insert disposed within the intermediate recess.
2. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein each of the end
inserts has a plurality of apertures formed therein, each one of
the apertures being sized and configured to receive a beverage
container.
3. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein the at least one
aperture is triangularly shaped.
4. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein the inflatable
member is rectangularly shaped.
5. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein the intermediate
and end inserts are sized and configured to be removably insertable
into respective ones of the intermediate and end recesses.
6. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein the intermediate
and end recesses are rectangularly shaped.
7. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 further comprising a valve
assembly mounted to the inflatable member.
8. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein: each of the
intermediate and end recesses defines a recess depth; the recess
depth being less than a thickness of the corresponding intermediate
and end inserts that are insertable into the intermediate and end
recesses.
9. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein each of the
intermediate and end inserts include substantially planar upper
surfaces.
10. The inflatable pong table of claim 1 wherein the intermediate
and end inserts are formed of acrylic material.
11. The inflatable pong table of claim 2 wherein: the plurality of
apertures are formed within each one of the end inserts in a
triangular arrangement; a pair of the apertures being disposed on
opposing sides of a base of the triangular arrangement.
12. An inflatable pong table, comprising: a substantially hollow
inflatable member having an opposing pair of end recesses and an
intermediate recess interposed between the end recesses; a pair of
end inserts disposed within the end recesses, each of the end
inserts having at least one marking configured to designate
placement of a beverage container; and an intermediate insert
disposed within the intermediate recess.
13. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein the inflatable
member is rectangularly shaped.
14. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein the intermediate and
end inserts are sized and configured to be removably insertable
into respective ones of the intermediate and end recesses.
15. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein the intermediate and
end recesses are rectangularly shaped.
16. The inflatable pong table of claim further comprising a valve
assembly mounted to the inflatable member.
17. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein: each of the
intermediate and end recesses defines a recess depth; the recess
depth being less than a thickness of the corresponding intermediate
and end inserts that are insertable into the intermediate and end
recesses.
18. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein each of the
intermediate and end inserts include substantially planar upper
surfaces.
19. The inflatable pong table of claim wherein the intermediate and
end inserts are formed of acrylic material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates generally to games and, more
particularly, to a pong table that is specifically adapted to be
inflatable such that participants may play the game in a swimming
pool or other body of water. Advantageously, the inflatable nature
of the pong table allows for deflation to a reduced size for
convenience in storage and transportability.
[0004] Water pong is an immensely popular game that is similar in
some aspects to the traditional game of ping pong. The game of
water pong entails the use of a relatively smooth and hard surface
upon which a ball such as a ping pong ball may be bounced. In
playing the game, participants at opposed ends of the table take
turns throwing the ball lengthwise across the table in an attempt
to bounce the ball off a central hard surface and into one of many
containers or cups located at opposing table ends. Each of the cups
may contain a desired beverage.
[0005] The beverage containers or cups at each end of the table may
be arranged in a triangular or pyramid shape. Participants attempt
to bounce the ball into one of the cups after which the
participants at the opposing end of the table are required to drink
the contents of the cup into which the ball has landed. The empty
cup is then removed from the table and the opposing team takes its
turn in attempting to bounce the ball in the opposite direction
toward the opposite end of the table. The game is won by the
participants who are the first to cause the opposing team to drink
the contents of all of the cups located at the opposing team's end
of the table. Variations on the game may include the participants
attempting to toss the ping pong ball directly into the opponent's
cups. However, if the ball is bounced off the table instead of
tossed into the cups, the opposing team is allowed to block the
bouncing ball to prevent the ball from landing in a cup.
[0006] Further options in playing the game include requiring the
opposing team to consume the contents of three cups if two balls
are successfully tossed into the same cup. A further option in
playing the game includes allowing a participant at each end of the
table to rearrange the cups as they desire in order to increase the
difficulty for the opposing team to bounce or toss ping pong balls
into the cups at their end. Once all the cups are removed from one
end of the table, the losing team may be provided with one
additional attempt to land a ball into a cup at the opposing team's
end. An overtime round may be included in the game if both teams
successfully cause the opposing team to drink and eliminate all
cups from their respective ends.
[0007] The prior art includes various games which entail the use of
a ping pong ball on a hardened surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,858,877 issued to Lundstrom discloses an invertible floating game
board for use in a swimming pool. The game board comprises a table
that is specifically adapted to float on a body of water and
includes a removable barrier or net over which the ping pong ball
is bounced. In this regard, the invertible game board disclosed in
the Lundstrom reference essentially entails a floatable ping pong
table that may be anchored in position in a swimming pool by the
use of weights on opposing sides of the ping pong table. Ropes or
lines extending downwardly from the ping pong table at the midpoint
help to anchor the pool table in position. One drawback associated
with the game board of Lundstrom is that the game board is
essentially a rigid or hardened surface which occupies a relatively
large volume making transportability and storage of the game board
difficult and inconvenient.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,434 issued to Roig et al. discloses a
floating amphibious game table that is adapted for use on a body of
water. The game table includes a base member having multiple
openings on the upper surface into which beverage containers may be
disposed. The lower surface of the game table is adapted to receive
a plurality of legs which facilitate floatation of the game table
on a body of water such as a swimming pool. In addition, the legs
are sufficiently rigid to support the table out of water such as on
a hardened surface. One drawback associated with the game table of
the Roig reference is similar to the above-mentioned drawback
associated with the generally rigid table of the Lundstrom
reference. The game table of Roig is generally rigid and
non-collapsible such that transportability and storage is also
inconvenient.
[0009] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0188942 filed by Trokan
discloses a beer pong game system comprises colored beer pong balls
having printed messages. In playing the game, participants toss the
pong balls across the length of the table. Upon landing a ball into
one of the cups at the opposing end, the participants at that end
must drink the contents of the beverage and discard the cup. The
printed messages on the ping pong balls, or alternatively, color
coding of each of the balls adds a degree of complexity to the game
in that the participants must perform the acts printed on the ping
pong ball and/or as provided by the color coding of the ping pong
ball. Similar to the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with the
Lundstrom and the Roig references, the game system disclosed in the
Trokan reference possesses the undesirable deficiency of the table
being substantially rigid and non-collapsible such that storage and
transportability is inconvenient.
[0010] The prior art also includes additional references which
disclose game tables adapted for playing the game of pong. However,
each of the references possesses the above-described drawbacks
associated with a substantially rigid table that is relatively
large, heavy and bulky. Unfortunately, the rigid nature of the
prior art tables renders the table difficult and inconvenient to
transport and store.
[0011] As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a pong
table that is adapted to be played in a variety of environments and
which may be conveniently transported and stored without the
undesirable drawbacks associated with bulky, large and heavy tables
of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention specifically addresses the
above-described needs associated with pong tables of the prior art.
More particularly, in one aspect, the present invention is a pong
table that is specifically adapted to be inflatable such that the
table may be easily stored and transported between locations where
the game of pong is played. The pong table comprises a
substantially hollow and inflatable member which may have a
generally rectangular shape although various other shapes and
configurations are contemplated. The inflatable member may include
an opposing pair of end recesses formed on opposing ends of the
inflatable pong table on an upper side thereof. In addition, the
inflatable member preferably includes an intermediate recess that
is disposed midway between the end recesses and is also located on
the upper side of the inflatable member.
[0013] Each of the intermediate and end recesses is adapted to
receive a corresponding intermediate insert and corresponding pair
of end inserts. The end inserts may each include a single aperture
or a plurality of apertures or openings formed therewithin. Each of
the apertures may be sized and configured to receive at least one
beverage container such as a cup. The end inserts may alternatively
each include a single large aperture formed in a triangular or
pyramid shape suitable to accommodate a plurality of cups. The end
inserts may optionally include markings such as lines or symbols or
patterns rather than apertures as a means to designate a placement
or arrangement of the cups.
[0014] In one aspect, the intermediate and end recesses are
preferably fabricated from a polymeric material such as plastic
and, more preferably, acrylic material. In addition, each of the
intermediate and end inserts may preferably be fabricated with a
generally planar and hardened upper surface. Particularly, the
intermediate insert is preferably fabricated to have a generally
hardened and planar upper surface for facilitating bouncing of a
ping pong ball thereagainst such that the ball will bounce in a
predictable direction and manner.
[0015] Regardless of their outer geometry, the inserts may be
fabricated to be buoyant such as by including a hollow interior
portion in order to facilitate floating thereof should the insert
be displaced from the pong table. In addition, it is also
contemplated that the inserts may be fabricated as generally solid
or homogenous bodies that are generally non-buoyant and may further
have a generally constant thickness. Preferable materials for
fabricating the inserts include any suitable polymeric material
such as acrylic, polyester, polyethylene or any other suitable
metallic and/or non-metallic material or various combinations
thereof.
[0016] As discussed above, in one aspect, each of the apertures is
preferably sized and configured to receive a beverage container
such as the base of a cup. The apertures may extend partially
and/or completely through a thickness of the end inserts. Each set
of apertures on each end insert is preferably formed in a pyramid
or triangular shape. In one aspect, the end insert may include ten
apertures and may have a further opposing pair of apertures formed
near corners of the base of the pyramid or triangle in the end
insert. In another aspect, the end insert may include a single
aperture of a triangular or pyramid shape although the end insert
may be formed with an aperture in any number, shape, size and
configuration.
[0017] The inflatable member itself may be constructed with
opposing end walls and opposing side walls which interconnect an
upper side of the inflatable member to a lower side. The upper and
lower sides as well as the end and side walls are preferably formed
of a flexible polymeric material such as vinyl, rubber or any other
material that is suitable for repeated inflation and deflation
cycles. In this regard, the material for forming the inflatable
member is preferably resistant to cracking which could cause
leakage over time. The inflatable member may include at least one
valve or valve assembly by which the inflatable member may be
inflated and deflated. The valve or valve assembly is adapted to
allow insertion of gas such as air by means of any suitable
inflation source such as a common bicycle air pump or any other
suitable means.
[0018] In addition, the valve may comprise a simple, sealable valve
member which is manually open and closable and which allows for
manual inflation and deflation. In one embodiment, the inflatable
member may be sized to be approximately 8 ft. in length, 3 ft. in
width and having a height of approximately 3 inches when fully
inflated. However, the inflatable member may be sized and
configured such that when inflated, the pong table assumes a
variety of sizes and shapes. Furthermore, it is contemplated that
the pong table may be configured for receiving additional inserts
other than the intermediate and end inserts mentioned above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reference of the drawings wherein like
numerals refer to like parts therethroughout and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable pong table
having an opposing pair of end recesses and a center or
intermediate recess for receiving corresponding end inserts and an
intermediate insert;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inflatable pong table
illustrated in FIG. 1 and further illustrating a geometric
configuration thereof in one embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 100-100 of the
pong table of FIG. 2 and further illustrating the mounting of the
intermediate and end inserts in respective ones of the intermediate
and end recesses;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pong table taken along
lines 102-102 of FIG. 2 and further illustrating the border portion
which defines the recess; and
[0024] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 104-104 of FIG.
2 and further illustrating the end insert having a plurality of
apertures formed therein for receiving beverage containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a
perspective illustration of a pong table 2 which is specifically
adapted to be inflatable such that the pong table 2 may be easily
stored or transported between locations where the game is played.
More specifically, the pong table 2 comprises a substantially
hollow but inflatable member 4 having a plurality of recesses 10,
12 adapted to receive a corresponding number of inserts 6, 8. Even
further, the inflatable member 4 may include an opposing pair of
end recesses 10 and an intermediate recess 12 that may be
interposed such as midway between the end recesses 10 although the
intermediate recess 12 may be located at any spacing between the
end recesses 10.
[0026] The pong table 2 includes a pair of end inserts 6 that are
disposable within the pair of end recesses 10. Similarly, the
intermediate recess 12 is adapted to receive an intermediate insert
8. Each of the end inserts 6 may have a plurality of apertures 14
formed therein with each of the apertures 14 preferably being sized
and configured to receive a beverage container. Each of the end
inserts 6 may alternatively have a single aperture 14 being sized
and configured in a pyramid or triangular shape or in any other
size, shape and configuration. Advantageously, the pong table 2 is
adapted to be inflatable to enhance storage and transportability.
As shown in FIG. 2, inflation and deflation of the pong table 2 is
facilitated by at least one valve assembly 16.
[0027] In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is
contemplated that the pong table 2 may include two or more interior
compartments 46 which are fluidly separated from one another. In
this regard, each of the interior compartments 46 preferably
includes its own valve assembly 16 such that each interior
compartment 46 may be separately inflated and deflated by means of
its valve assembly 16. The valve assembly 16 as illustrated in FIG.
2 may be adapted to allow insertion of gas such as air by means of
any suitable inflation source.
[0028] For example, it is contemplated that the valve assembly 16
may be adapted to engage an end fitting on a hose or a common
bicycle air pump as is well known in the art. In an alternative
embodiment, the valve assembly 16 may simply comprise a sealable
valve member which is manually open and closable and which allows
for inflation by manual means such as by a person blowing air into
the valve assembly. For pong tables having such manual valve
members, the same may be deflated by simply removing the valve
member to allow gas such as air to escape.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the inflatable pong table 2 in plan view
wherein the inflatable member 4 is illustrated as
rectangularly-shaped. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable
member 4 may be sized and configured to be approximately 8 ft long,
3 ft wide, and with a height of approximately 3 inches when fully
inflated. However, it is appreciated that the inflated pong table 2
may be sized and configured in any shape, size and configuration
when inflated. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the pong table
2 may be configured for receiving additional inserts other than the
intermediate 8 and end inserts 6, mentioned above which are
conventionally utilized in playing the game of pong.
[0030] Referring still to FIG. 2, inflatable member 4 can be seen
as having the opposing pair of end recesses 10, each of which is
shown as being rectangularly-shaped although the same may be
provided in any shape, size and configuration. Furthermore, shown
in FIG. 2 is the intermediate insert 8 disposed within the
intermediate recess 12. The intermediate recess 12 is generally
equally spaced between the end recesses 10 in the preferred
embodiment although the recesses 10, 12 may be spaced in any
arrangement.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inflatable member 4 itself
has an upper side 18, a lower side 20, a pair of end walls 22 and a
pair of opposing side walls 24. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the upper
side 18 includes the intermediate recess 12 and end recesses 10
which are bordered on the lateral sides by a border portion 26. A
pair of separator portions 28 may optionally be included to divide
the intermediate recess 12 from the end recesses 10. As can be seen
in FIG. 3, the separator portions 28 as well as the border portions
26 each may include upper surfaces 30, 32 which are preferably
disposed slightly above the upper surfaces 34, 36 of the
intermediate 8 and end inserts 6.
[0032] More specifically, each of the intermediate 12 and end
recesses 10 defines a recess depth. Preferably, the recess depth is
preferably less than a thickness of a corresponding intermediate 8
and end inserts 6. However, it should be noted that the relative
heights of the border portion 26, separator portion 28 and upper
surface 30, 32 may vary relative to one another. For example, it is
contemplated that the upper side 18 (i.e., border portion 32 and
separator portion 30) are sized to be at a height that is equal to
or slightly less (such as 1/2 inch) than the height of the upper
surfaces 34, 36 of the inserts 6, 8.
[0033] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pong table 2
illustrating a pair of opposing recess edges 38 and a recess floor
40 which collectively define the end recess 10. Likewise, the
intermediate recess 12 includes the same recess edges 38 and recess
floor 40. Each of the intermediate 12 and end recesses 10 are
preferably fabricated such that at least the upper surfaces 42 of
the recess floors 40 are generally hardened. Furthermore, each of
the intermediate 12 and end recesses 10 preferably has a planar
upper surface 42 although non-planar surfaces are contemplated.
However, the planar arrangement of the upper surface 42 is more
preferable for the intermediate insert 8 to allow bouncing of a
ping pong ball or other object or article thereagainst such that
the ball bounces in a predictable direction and manner. In this
regard, the inserts 6, 8 themselves may each be fabricated so as to
be hollow in order to facilitate floating or buoyancy thereof
should the pong table 2 be displaced during enthusiastic playing of
the game.
[0034] However, it is also contemplated that each of the inserts
6,8 may be fabricated as a generally solid material of constant
thickness. Preferable materials for fabricating the inserts include
any suitable polymeric material such as acrylic, polyester,
polyethylene, or any other metallic and/or non-metallic material or
combination thereof. FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view of one of the
end inserts 6 illustrating a plurality of apertures or openings 14
formed therein. As mentioned above, each of the apertures 14 is
preferably sized and configured to receive the base of a beverage
container such as a cup, can, bottle or other object. As shown in
FIG. 5, the apertures 14 may be formed as extending partially into
a thickness of the end 6 and intermediate inserts 8. However, it is
also contemplated that in a further embodiment, the apertures 14
may extend through an entire length of the insert 6, 8.
[0035] Referring briefly to FIG. 1, one of the end inserts 6 is
disposed in spaced arrangement from the corresponding end recess
10. As can be seen, the plurality of apertures 14 is illustrated as
being formed in a pyramid or triangular shape including ten
apertures 14 with a further opposing pair of apertures 14 formed
near corners of the end insert 6. In this regard, it should be
noted that the end insert 6 may be formed with any number of
apertures 14 in any shape or configuration. Specifically, the end
insert 6 may be formed to have anywhere from six to seventeen
apertures 14 although any number may be provided. Furthermore, the
geometric arrangement of the apertures 14 may be provided in any
form other than the triangular or pyramid shape.
[0036] In addition, markings, symbols, patterns or other geometric
features may be substituted for the apertures 14 to designate the
placement of the cups. Such geometric features may be integrally
molded into the inserts during the formation process such as during
molding. In addition, such geometric features may be applied on any
surface (e.g., upper and/or lower surfaces) of the inserts 6, 8.
Even further, the geometric features designating preferred
placement of the cups may be provided on the recess floors 40. In
such an arrangement, the inserts may be formed as clear acrylic
members such that the geometric features are visible through the
inserts 6, 8.
[0037] As previously mentioned, each of the apertures 14 is
preferably sized and configured to receive the base of a beverage
container or cup. In this regard, the apertures 14 may be sized and
configured to hold any commercially available container such as a
12-ounce paper or plastic drinking cup. However, the apertures 14
may be sized and configured to hold various sizes and
configurations of beverage containers such as cans, glasses, cups
and any other suitable container or object. Preferably, the
apertures 14 are configured such that when the beverage container
is placed thereinto, the base of the beverage container is
laterally stabilized to prevent tipping of the beverage container
during playing of the game. However, the opening of the aperture 14
is preferably such that the beverage container may be easily
inserted and removed therefrom at the appropriate time during
playing of the game. In addition, aperture 14 may be sized and
configured to hold multiple beverage containers in a triangular or
pyramid shape.
[0038] Referring briefly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate insert
8 is disposed within the intermediate recess 12. Each of the
intermediate 8 and end inserts 6 is preferably rectangularly-shaped
and preferably sized and configured to be removably insertable into
the corresponding intermediate 12 and end recesses 10. As was
earlier mentioned, the intermediate insert 8 preferably has a
hardened planar upper surface 34 in order to facilitate bouncing of
the ping pong ball thereagainst. The intermediate 8 and end inserts
6 may further include optional openings or other formations to
facilitate removal and insertion (i.e., placement) of the inserts
6, 8 into the respective recesses 10, 12. For example, each of the
inserts 6,8 may include an opposing pair of finger holds formed
along opposing edges or corners of the insert 6, 8. In a further
embodiment, each of the inserts 6, 8 may include a slight
depression along opposing edges of the inserts 6, 8 to facilitate
insertion of fingers or hand between the recess edges 38 or the
insert 6, 8 for grasping of the insert 6, 8.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the construction of the inflatable
member 4 may include opposing end walls 22 and side walls 24
interconnecting the upper side 18 to the lower side 20. The lower
side 20 may be formed as a substantially planar panel member and
may be formed of any suitable material. Likewise, the upper side 18
is formed to include the end recesses 10 and intermediate recess 12
and therefore may be pre-fabricated into the polymeric material.
However, it is contemplated that the end recesses 10 and
intermediate recess 12 may be formed using panel components which
may be interconnected to one another such as using adhesive bonding
or thermal sealing. Likewise, the upper side 18 may be joined to
the lower side 20 by means of a perimeter seam. Such perimeter seam
may be formed as a protruding inwardly or protruding outwardly
seam.
[0040] In another embodiment, the seam may be formed as an
overlapping seam which may be bonded using adhesive and/or any
suitable means including mechanical and/or heat bonding. In
addition, the inflatable member 4 may be formed in a seamless
configuration. The inflatable member 4 may be formed with generally
straight longitudinal and lateral sides (i.e., side walls 24 and
end walls 22). However, as was earlier mentioned, the inflatable
member 4 may be provided in any alternative shape and/or
configuration other than a rectangular shape having the straight
sides illustrated in the figures. Each of the end walls 22 and side
walls 24 is illustrated in the figures as being generally straight
or slightly bulbous. However, depending upon the formation of the
interconnection of the upper 18 and lower sides 20 and inclusion of
a perimeter seam, the end walls 22 and side walls 24 may form
alternative configurations.
[0041] In a further embodiment, the inflatable member 4 may be
sub-divided into at least two interior compartments 46 which may be
fluidly separated from one another. Each of the interior
compartments 46 may be fluidly connected to a valve assembly 16
mounted to an exterior portion of the inflatable member 4. However,
two or more of the interior compartments 46 may fluidly connect to
a single valve assembly 16. In this regard, it is contemplated that
in order to maintain the generally planar shape of the upper 18 and
lower sides 20, reinforcing or internal webbing 44 may be
strategically located within the inflatable member 4.
[0042] The internal webbing 44 may be disposed in any orientation
such as in a vertical orientation extending between opposing end
walls 22. Likewise, the vertical webbing 44 may extend between
opposing side walls 24. Furthermore, the inflatable member 4 may
include a combination of internal webbing 44 that criss-crosses one
another in varying angles in order to maintain the generally planar
shape thereof. In one embodiment, internal webbing 44 may be
inserted to maintain a generally planar shape of the recess floor
40 of each of the intermediate 12 and end recesses 10. In this
regard, such planar shape of the recess floor 40 may facilitate
stable mounting of the corresponding inserts 6, 8 thereinto in
order to prevent rocking or tipping motion of the insert 6, 8 on an
otherwise protruding recess floor 40.
[0043] The inflatable member 4 may further include a valve assembly
16 located in any suitable location. For example, FIG. 2
illustrates a single valve assembly 16 located adjacent to a corner
of the inflatable member 4. However, it should be noted that the
valve assembly 16 may be positioned on the lower side 20 of the
inflatable member 4 or any other suitable location that does not
interfere with playing of the game. Also optionally included with
the inflatable member 4 may be at least one and, more preferably, a
plurality of anchor members such as eye hooks 48 mountable to the
inflatable member 4 and configured to allow for anchoring against
lateral or sideways movement. As shown in FIG. 2, the eye hooks may
be located as one on each corner to stabilize the inflatable member
4 against movement such as may be desired during play. In addition,
the eye hooks 48 may allow the inflatable member 4 to be hung or
suspended when not in use or in order to allow the inflatable
member 4 to dry after use. Although shown as being provided on each
corner of the inflatable member 4, the eye hooks may be provided in
any location and in any quantity. In addition, the size, shape and
overall configuration of the eye hooks 48 may be varied to
configurations other than that which is illustrated and described
above.
[0044] The inflatable member 4 may be fabricated from flexible
material, such as vinyl, rubber or any other polymeric material,
suitable for repeated inflation and deflation cycles of the
inflatable member 4 without cracking over time that could otherwise
cause leakage of the inflatable member 4. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that the inflatable member 4 is fabricated with
material that, when inflated, maintains a substantially rigid or
semi-rigid shape to facilitate a generally planar overall
configuration of the inflatable member 4.
[0045] Other materials that may be used include sealed fabric
material. In addition, the construction of the inflatable member 4
may comprise a plurality of generally rigid sections such as the
sections used for formation of the recess floors 40. In such an
arrangement, it is contemplated that such rigid portions are
interconnected by relatively flexible vinyl and/or other polymeric
material in order to facilitate deflation and compaction of the
pong table 2 to a relatively small size to facilitate
transportability and storage.
[0046] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
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