U.S. patent application number 12/570196 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for multi-game table assembly.
Invention is credited to James R. Allshouse.
Application Number | 20110074106 12/570196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43779428 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110074106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allshouse; James R. |
March 31, 2011 |
MULTI-GAME TABLE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A game table assembly comprises a game table having a
game-playing surface, 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 of the game table are shorter in length than the longitudinal
edges. The game table assembly additionally includes two side
support members positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges and a
rotating mechanism defining a central width axis parallel to the
shorter width 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.
Inventors: |
Allshouse; James R.;
(Newburgh, IN) |
Family ID: |
43779428 |
Appl. No.: |
12/570196 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/284 ;
273/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2007/3651 20130101;
A63F 2007/3674 20130101; A63D 15/04 20130101; A63F 7/36 20130101;
A63F 2250/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/284 ;
273/287 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A game table assembly, comprising: a game table having a
game-playing surface, wherein the game-playing surface is
configured for playing at least one game selected from the group
consisting of hockey, billiards, darts, bean bag toss, football
passing and baseball passing, wherein the game table is rectangular
in shape having two parallel and opposing ends extending parallel
to a width axis and two parallel and opposing longitudinal edges
extending parallel to a longitudinal axis, wherein the ends are
shorter in length than the longitudinal edges; two side support
members positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges; and a rotating
mechanism defining a central width axis parallel to the ends and
rotatably engaging the game table with the side support members at
opposing engagement positions along the longitudinal edges, wherein
the game table is configured to pivot about the rotating mechanism
so that the game table is rotatable at least 180 degrees about the
central width axis and wherein the game table is selectively
lockable in at least one position.
2. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein the game-playing
surface is a first game-playing surface positioned on a first side
of the game table, wherein the game table includes a second
game-playing surface positioned on a second side of the game table,
wherein the second game-playing surface is configured for playing
at least one game selected from the group consisting of hockey,
billiards darts, bean bag toss, football passing and baseball
passing.
3. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotating
mechanism includes two side adjustable joints adjustably engaging
the game table to the side support members at the opposing
engagement positions.
4. The game table assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the two side
adjustable joints includes first and second mating engagement discs
configured to compressibly engage each other at desired angular
positions to selectively lock the game table at correspondingly
desired positions, wherein each first mating engagement disc is
engaged with the game table and each second mating engagement disc
is engaged with a corresponding one of the side support
members.
5. The game table assembly of claim 4, wherein one of the first or
second mating discs includes at least one projection and the other
of the first or second mating discs includes at least one
corresponding depression configured to receive the projection for
engaging the discs together at selected angular positions.
6. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable in at least two positions.
7. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable at a horizontal game-playing position, a
vertical game-playing position and at least one angled game-playing
position.
8. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable at a plurality of angled game-playing
positions.
9. The game table assembly of claim 1, comprising at least one
locking mechanism adapted for selectively locking the game table in
at least one desired position, wherein the locking mechanism
includes a locking pin configured to be inserted through aligned
holes offset from the rotating mechanism in the corresponding side
support member to engage one of the longitudinal edges of the game
table.
10. The game table assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
side support members defines a plurality of holes offset from the
rotating mechanism and the adjacent longitudinal edge of the game
table defines at least one hole configured to selectively align
with one of the holes selected from the plurality of holes as the
game table rotates about the central width axis, further comprising
at least one side locking pin configured to be passed through one
of the plurality of holes and the at least one hole defined in the
adjacent longitudinal edge to selectively lock the game table at
the desired position.
11. A game table assembly, comprising: 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, wherein the game table is rectangular in shape
having 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 being shorter
in length than the longitudinal edges; two side support members
positioned adjacent the longitudinal edges; two side adjustable
joints aligned along the central width axis and rotatably engaging
the game table with the side support members, wherein the game
table is configured to pivot about the adjustable joints so that
the game table is rotatable at least 180 degrees about the central
width axis to orient one of the game-playing surfaces as desired,
wherein the game table is configured to be selectively positioned
in more than one game-playing orientation.
12. The game table assembly of claim 11, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable at a horizontal game-playing orientation, a
vertical game-playing orientation and at least one angled
game-playing orientation.
13. The game table assembly of claim 11, comprising one or more
side locking pins configured to be inserted through selectively
aligned holes in the side support members and longitudinal edges of
the game table to selectively lock the game table at desired
orientations.
14. The game table assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the joints
includes first and second mating engagement discs configured to
compressibly mate together at desired angular positions to
selectively lock the game table at corresponding desired
orientations, wherein each first disc is engaged with the game
table and each second disc is engaged with a corresponding one of
the side support members.
15. The game table assembly of claim 14, wherein one of the first
or second mating discs includes at least one projection and the
other of the first or second mating discs includes at least one
corresponding depression configured to receive the projection for
engaging the discs together at selected angular positions
16. A game table assembly, comprising: 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, wherein the first game-playing surface and second
game-playing surface are each configured for playing at least one
game selected from the group consisting of hockey, billiards,
darts, bean bag toss, football passing and baseball passing,
wherein the game table is rectangular in shape having 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; 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 being positioned halfway along the longitudinal edges and
aligned along a central width axis, wherein 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; wherein at least one of the side
joints includes a locking mechanism operable to selectively lock
the game table at a desired position.
17. The game table assembly of claim 16, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable in at least two game-playing positions.
18. The game table assembly of claim 16, wherein the game table is
selectively lockable at a game-playing horizontal position, a
vertical game-playing position and at least one angled game-playing
position.
19. The game table assembly of claim 16, wherein the game table is
configured to be selectively locked at a plurality of game-playing
positions.
20. The game table assembly of claim 16, wherein the locking
mechanism includes first and second engagement discs configured to
compressibly mate together at selected angular game-playing
positions.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to game tables, and in
particular to a multi-game table assembly capable of rotation about
its width axis.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1-7 are perspective views of a game table assembly
according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 8 is a top view of a side joint of the game table
assembly of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of the side joint of
FIG. 8.
[0010] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another side joint according
to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate various perspective views of a
multi-game table assembly 10 according to embodiments of the
present disclosure. Game table assembly 10 generally includes a
center table bed or game table 12, two opposing side support
members 14, and a rotating and locking mechanism 16 rotatably
engaging the table 12 with the side support members 14 and allowing
for selective locking of the game table in desired
orientations.
[0015] 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 W.sub.c, 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 FIG. 5) in the center game table 12 to assist in
selectively locking the game table at a desired position.
[0016] 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 W.sub.c, 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.
[0017] 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
W.sub.C 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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 FIGS. 1 and 2) with the game table in a
horizontal position, or projectile-passing games (see FIG. 4) or
may play throwing games such as darts (see FIG. 6) with the game
table in a vertical position, or may play other games such as a
bean bag toss with the game table at an angled position (see FIG.
7). To accommodate the various game-playing orientations, in the
illustrated embodiment game table 12 is configured to rotate about
the central width axis W.sub.C and be selectively locked in one of
certain defined positions. In some embodiments, the side joints 18
are selectively locked in place to substantially prevent rotational
movement of center game table 12 and preferably position table 12
with the desired game-playing surface facing the desired direction
and exposed to the players.
[0020] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the illustrated side
joints 18 includes first and second mating engagement discs 60 and
62 connected together via pivot pin 20. In the particular
illustrated embodiment, engagement disc 60 is engaged with game
table 12 and engagement disc 62 is engaged with an optional
mounting block 61 which is engaged with side support member 14, the
engagement discs being non-moveably and non-rotatably engaged with
the game table and the optional spacer and/or support member.
Additionally, engagement discs 60 and 62 define central holes 71
and 73 extending therethrough, each side support member 14 defines
a hole 74 extending therethrough, each mounting block 61 defines a
hole 75 extending therethrough, and each section of frame 28
defines a hole 76 extending therethrough, the holes being
configured for passage of pivot pin 20. Pin 20 may be threadingly
advanced through a nut 80 embedded within frame 28 of table 12 to
compress engagement discs 60 and 62 together. When pin 20 is
slightly backed out of threaded engagement with nut 80 (see FIG.
9), engagement discs 62 and 64 may be permitted to at least
slightly separate so that the game table 12 may be rotated with
respect to the side support members 14 and correspondingly the
relative angular or rotational positions of the engagement discs
may be adjusted. Pivot pin 20 includes a handle portion 21 which a
user may rotate to threadingly advance and retract pivot pin 20
with respect to nut 80. Additionally, pivot pin 20 may also include
a spacer 23 adjacent handle portion 21, with the spacer being
configured to abut side support member 14 when pivot pin 20 is
fully advanced with respect to nut 80.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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 FIG. 10. Similar to side joints 18, each side joint
118 includes first and second mating engagement discs 160 and 162
connected together via pivot pin 20, the discs having projections
170 and depressions 172. Additionally, the particular illustrated
joint 118 includes a rotation bar 180 configured to extend through
hole 74 defined in side support member 14 and hole 173 defined in
engagement discs 162. The bar 180 includes at least one depressible
flange 182 positioned at the end of bar 180. The flange 182 is
configured to be depressed into a corresponding cavity defined in
bar 180 while passing through holes 173 and 74 and return to the
extended position adjacent outer wall 14a of side support member
14. In this way, the flange 182 catches against the outer wall 14a
to prevent the bar 180 from retracting back through holes 173 and
73 and thereby prevent unwanted separation between game table 12
and side support member 14. Additionally, in the particular
illustrated embodiment, bar 180 is rotatable within holes 173 and
74 and rotates along with game table 12 to allow for rotation of
the game table with respect to the side support members.
[0024] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, pivot pin
120 is used to selectively compress and lock engagement discs 160
and 162 together to prevent relative rotation of the game table
with respect to the side support members when the table is
positioned as desired. The pivot pin 120 does not serve as the
member about which table 12 rotates in the example embodiment shown
in FIG. 10. Additionally, FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing pivot
pin 120 separated from the remaining components of side joint 118;
however, during use of the joint 118, pivot pin 120 extends through
the components as will be described in greater detail below. Pivot
pin 120 includes handle portion 121 at one end, locking portion 122
at the opposite end, and a spacer 123 positioned adjacent handle
portion 121. In certain embodiments, locking portion 122 is
integral with pivot pin 120 and handle portion 121 and spacer 123
form a separate member engagable with pivot pin 120 following
assembly of the joint 118.
[0025] 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 FIG. 10. In certain embodiments, the
pivot pins 120 may be turned via handle portion 121 so that locking
portion 122 is caused to slide along the surface of disc 190 over
the alternating depressed and raised portions. When the locking
portion 122 engages the raised portions 192, the engagement discs
160 and 162 are caused to compress together with projections 170
received in depressions 172 to substantially lock the engagement
discs at a desired angular position. When the locking portion 122
engages the depressed portions, space is made available so that the
engagement discs 160 and 162 may be disengaged from contact.
[0026] As another example, a cross bar or axle may extend through
game table 12 along central width axis W.sub.C 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.
[0027] 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 FIG. 5). The game table 12 may be rotated
as desired until one or both of the holes 30 on each edge 40 are
aligned with a hole 24 so that one or two locking pins 26 may be
inserted through the aligned holes. When the game table 12 is
positioned in the horizontal position, two locking pins 26 may be
used to assist in securing the game table at the desired position
(see FIG. 1). When the game table is positioned in the vertical
position (see FIG. 4) or an angled position (see FIG. 7), one
locking pin 26 is used to assist in securing the game table at the
desired position. In certain optional embodiments, the one or more
locking pins 26 may be secured to side support members 14 via
chains or other attachment mechanisms allowing for the pins to be
positioned in various aligned holes as necessary and not lost.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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 W.sub.c.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] The attachment of game-playing surfaces may occur through
standard methods such as adhesive, friction, screws, bolts, clips,
brackets, Velcro.RTM., 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 FIG. 5. The game-playing panels may
be mounted to or otherwise engaged with the game table in a variety
of appropriate manners as would occur to one of ordinary skill in
the art. Game table 12 may include appropriate support members to
support the game-playing surfaces from underneath. Additionally,
the game-playing surfaces may be sized and positioned to extend
across the area defined within frame 28 to form the playing areas.
In certain embodiments, the game-playing surfaces are positioned to
extend all the way to the inner edges of the frame to eliminate
gaps. In certain embodiments, each game-playing surface is
configured for playing a different table game.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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,
FIG. 2 shows a cover or panel 90 placed over the hockey
game-playing surface 45 to create a billiards playing surface (see
FIG. 2). For playing the game of billiards, first side 44 of game
table 12 may include a plurality of billiards pockets 82 and a
plurality of billiards bumpers 84 arranged in a standard
billiards-playing configuration. For use of the game table for
playing games other than billiards, inserts may be removably
positioned in front of the pockets 82 to prevent game pieces from
entering the pockets. In alternative embodiments, the billiards
bumpers and pockets may be removable from the game table 12. As
another example, FIG. 3 shows a game-playing panel 92 having a
chess and checkers playing area and a backgammon playing area
displayed thereon, the panel 92 being positioned on surface 45.
[0036] 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, FIG. 4 shows a target panel 94 positioned at second
side 46 with defined target holes 95 through which projectiles may
be passed. As another example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a game-playing
panel 96 positioned on second side 46 having a dart board area and
a bean bag toss area displayed thereon.
[0037] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5,
game table 12 includes a net 98 positioned within the game table
between first and second sides 44 and 46 and between edges 40 and
ends 42. The net 98 is configured to catch projectiles passed
through define target holes 95 in target panel 94. Use of the term
"pass" is intended to include a variety of actions, such as
kicking, throwing, tossing, impelling, propelling, flinging,
projecting or otherwise urging a projectile toward a defined target
hole, to name a few non-limiting examples. Additionally, the
defined target holes may be sized and arranged differently as would
occur to one of ordinary skill in the art, with the illustrated
embodiment being one non-limiting example of a possible
arrangement. Additionally, the particular target panel 94
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 is intended for the game of passing
footballs, however it should be appreciated that other
projectile-passing games are contemplated by the present
disclosure. In certain embodiments, target 94 may be removed from
engagement with game table 12 and flipped to expose the opposite
side which may designed for a different projectile-passing game,
such as baseball. In certain optional embodiments, game table 12
may incorporate a projectile return system such as a ramp below an
open lower end of the frame to return projectiles received within
the frame to a pickup position convenient for the players.
[0038] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the center
game-playing section 12 may be orientated vertically to allow for
playing darts and orientated at an angle to allow for playing bean
bag toss on panel 96. Additionally, the game-playing panel 96 may
be engaged with game table 12 by being positioned either over
another game-playing panel, such as panel 94, or directly engaged
with game table 12 upon the removal of another game-playing panel.
It is contemplated that numerous other table games may played on
additional covers or panels or game-playing surfaces positioned on
the first and/or second sides of game table 12, including table
versions of bowling, shuffleboard, finger football, finger
baseball, puzzles, card games, tic tac toe, ring toss, and horse
shoes, as examples.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
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