U.S. patent application number 16/966496 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for shuffleboard board arrangement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Electric Shuffle IP Limited. Invention is credited to Paul Barham, Jason Dale, Stephen Moor.
Application Number | 20210228956 16/966496 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005523858 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210228956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barham; Paul ; et
al. |
July 29, 2021 |
SHUFFLEBOARD BOARD ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
A shuffleboard arrangement is disclosed. The shuffleboard
arrangement comprises a wall extending along a first direction and
a shuffleboard table. The shuffleboard table extends from the wall
orthogonal to the first direction from a first end of the
shuffleboard table to a second end of the shuffleboard table
opposite to the first end of the shuffleboard table. The first end
of the shuffleboard table extends from the wall and comprises a
scoring area. The second end of the shuffleboard table comprises a
playing area from where players throw pucks along a sliding surface
towards the scoring area. The shuffleboard arrangement further
includes a scoreboard for displaying scoring, the scoreboard
arranged at the first end of the shuffleboard table.
Inventors: |
Barham; Paul; (London,
GB) ; Moor; Stephen; (Wimbledon, GB) ; Dale;
Jason; (Surrey, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electric Shuffle IP Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005523858 |
Appl. No.: |
16/966496 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
January 29, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2020/050205 |
371 Date: |
July 31, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/14 20130101;
A63F 2007/3674 20130101; A63F 11/0051 20130101; A63F 7/0005
20130101; A63B 71/0672 20130101; A63F 7/0017 20130101; A63B
2225/682 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/14 20060101
A63B067/14; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06; A63F 7/00 20060101
A63F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 8, 2019 |
GB |
1903129.3 |
Claims
1. A shuffleboard arrangement comprising: a wall extending along a
first direction; a shuffleboard table extending from the wall
orthogonal to the first direction from a first end of the
shuffleboard table to a second end of the shuffleboard table
opposite to the first end of the shuffleboard table, the first end
of the shuffleboard table extended from the wall and comprising a
scoring area, and the second end of the shuffleboard table
comprising a playing area from where players throw pucks along a
sliding surface towards the scoring area; and a scoreboard for
displaying scoring, the scoreboard arranged at the first end of the
shuffleboard table.
2. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard
is arranged parallel with the wall along the first direction.
3. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard
is elevated with respect to the scoring area.
4. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard
is arranged on the wall.
5. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the wall is a
wall of a building in which the shuffleboard table is housed.
6. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first end
of the shuffleboard table is removably attached to the wall.
7. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
8. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 7, wherein the ledge
further extends along the first end of the shuffleboard table
parallel to the first direction, wherein the ledge provides an
attachment with the wall.
9. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 7, wherein the ledge is
tapered towards the sliding surface at the second end of the
shuffleboard table.
10. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of shuffleboard tables.
11. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a
viewing area where spectators can stand between neighbouring
shuffleboard tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.
12. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a
partition, the partition extending orthogonal to the first
direction, the partition separating neighbouring shuffleboard
tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.
13. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 2, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
14. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 3, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
15. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 4, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
16. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 5, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
17. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 6, wherein the
shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a
perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the
outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the
shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.
18. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 8, wherein the ledge is
tapered towards the sliding surface at the second end of the
shuffleboard table.
19. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 11, further comprising a
partition, the partition extending orthogonal to the first
direction, the partition separating the neighbouring shuffleboard
tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.
20. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first end
of the shuffleboard table is removably attached to the wall.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a playing apparatus for a
shuffleboard.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The game of shuffleboard, or table shuffleboard, is
traditionally played on a long wooden table with each player
situated at opposing ends of the table. When it is a player's turn
they throw plastic-capped metal pucks from their end of the table
down towards the opposite end until all the pucks of an innings or
frame have been thrown. When it is the opposing player's turn to
throw, they throw from their end of the table towards the other
player's end. The scores are usually determined at the end of each
frame according to the rules of the game.
[0003] Table shuffleboard is growing in popularity and can be
increasingly found in public spaces, such as bars and entertainment
complexes. However, such environments can become crowded and make
it difficult to advance gameplay. The space that shuffleboard
tables typically occupy can be large, with the playing areas from
where users throw required to be of a sufficient size to allow a
comfortable throwing position and action. Space in these venues is
often limited especially in big cities, with the desire to
incorporate more tables in a limited amount of space.
[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve the
shuffleboard playing environment. In particular, for use within
bars and entertainment complexes.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
shuffleboard arrangement comprising a wall extending along a first
direction, a shuffleboard table extending from the wall orthogonal
to the first direction from a first end of the shuffleboard table
to a second end of the shuffleboard table opposite to the first end
of the shuffleboard table, the first end of the shuffleboard table
extending from the wall and comprising a scoring area, and the
second end of the shuffleboard table comprising a playing area from
where players throw pucks along a sliding surface towards the
scoring area; and a scoreboard for displaying scoring, the
scoreboard arranged at the first end of the shuffleboard table.
[0006] Having a first end that is configured to extend from a wall
when the shuffleboard table is in use, results in a shuffleboard
table with only a single scoring area, and a single playing area.
This creates a dedicated scoring end of the table which all players
throw towards from the single playing area. This also enables the
scoreboard to be located at the same end of the table as the
scoring area. In this way, each player's view of the table is
uninterrupted by the placement of the scoreboard, as it is located
at the end of the table that all players are throwing towards.
[0007] The shuffleboard apparatus according to the present
invention is suited for bars and venues with limited space. By
positioning one end of the shuffleboard table against the wall and
only having one playing area at a single end of the shuffleboard
table, the space that the table takes up is reduced as opposed to
having playing areas at both ends of the table. This enables a
plurality of shuffleboard tables to be placed in close proximity to
one another, providing an improved packing density of shuffleboard
tables in a single venue.
[0008] Preferably, the scoreboard is arranged parallel with the
wall along the first direction. In this way the scoreboard is also
orthogonal to the direction in which the shuffleboard table
extends. This means that the players have a direct view of the
scoreboard when located at the playing area, and also when standing
around the side of the shuffleboard table.
[0009] Preferably, the scoreboard may be elevated with respect to
the scoring area. This enables the scoreboard to be easily
visualised at any point around the shuffleboard table, especially
by the players at the playing end. Furthermore, when located in a
venue such as a bar, it enables players at other locations within
the venue to view the scoreboard, such as those on neighbouring
shuffleboard tables or when a player is away from the shuffleboard
table, such as at a different location in the venue. In some
embodiments the scoreboard is arranged at a height of at least 1 m
above the scoring area. In other embodiments, it may be arranged at
least 1.5 m above the scoring area.
[0010] The scoreboard may be arranged on the wall. Mounting the
scoreboard on a wall means that additional apparatus, such as a
stand, is not required to hold up the scoreboard. This is
advantageous as additional apparatus to hold up the scoreboard
could be a health and safety hazard, especially in a bar, which
could cause players to trip over, or the additional apparatus could
be knocked over. By mounting on a wall the scoreboard is out of the
way and is mounted on a fixed structure. It also allows the
scoreboard to be mounted at a height such that it is easily
visible.
[0011] Alternatively, the scoreboard may be mounted on a stand. The
stand may be moveable or fixed. Having a movable stand may enable
the scoreboard to be moved to a preferred position, or may enable
adjustment of the height of the scoreboard.
[0012] The wall may be the wall of a building in which the
shuffleboard table is housed. This enables the shuffleboard to be
positioned directly up against the wall of the venue in which it is
to be housed. Positioning the shuffleboard table against the wall
of the building minimises the space required, as additional
supporting structure are not required. The shuffleboard table can
be placed along the perimeter of the room in which it is housed.
This may reduce the amount of wasted space, as a greater number of
shuffleboard tables can be tightly packed within the building as
the arrangement allows them to be positioned flush against the
wall.
[0013] Alternatively, the wall may be a temporary wall. This may be
suitable for venues where the shuffleboard table is to be installed
temporarily, or if the shuffleboard table is installed outside.
[0014] The shuffleboard table may be attached to the wall. This
ensures that the shuffleboard table is securely fixed relative to
the wall. The first end of the shuffleboard table may be removably
attached to the wall. This enables the shuffleboard table to be
moved from its position by detaching the shuffleboard table from
the wall. It may be desirable to change the layout of the venue, or
area where shuffleboard apparatus is housed. For instance, when
carrying out renovation, or if it is desired to make more room for
additional shuffleboard tables or other furniture. Being able to
move the shuffleboard table with respect to the wall enables the
improved packing density to be maintained throughout the lifetime
of the shuffleboard table, as it can be readily moved and
repositioned.
[0015] Preferably, the shuffleboard table comprises an outer box
arranged around the perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a
ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and
the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding
drink receptacles. Advantageously, the ledge provides a convenient
location for players to rest items, such as drink receptacles when
waiting for their turn to play or when playing.
[0016] Conventional shuffleboards have an outer box, also known as
the cradle. In other embodiments the ledge may be attached to other
sections of the shuffleboard apparatus. For instance, to the one or
more supports, or to the underside of the sliding surface.
[0017] The ledge may further extend along the first end of the
shuffleboard table parallel to the first direction, wherein the
ledge provides attachment with the wall. Having the ledge provide
the attachment between the shuffleboard table and wall means that
the area of attachment between the shuffleboard table and the wall
is not wasted and may be used by the players to place items such as
drink receptacles, further making use of all available space in the
venue in which the shuffleboard table is housed.
[0018] Preferably, the ledge is tapered towards the sliding surface
at the second end of the shuffleboard table. In other words, the
ledge is tapered when viewed from above relative to the sliding
surface.
[0019] In other words, a first end of the ledge proximal to the
second end of the shuffleboard table is not parallel to either the
first direction or the direction of the shuffleboard table
extending from the wall orthogonal to the first direction. Thus,
the profile of the ledge is not rectangular. Alternatively, the
tapered profile may be a curved or rounded profile. This may
comprise a single curve or a plurality of different curves.
[0020] In this way, the ledge does not comprise a sharp point or
corner that extends out from the shuffleboard table. Thus, when
players move from the viewing area adjacent to the shuffleboard
table to the playing area, they are less likely to injure
themselves on the ledge. This type of profile also provides an
aesthetic appeal to the shuffleboard table.
[0021] The shuffleboard apparatus may further comprise a plurality
of shuffleboard tables. As outlined above, arranging a plurality of
shuffleboard tables in this way enables a tight packing density to
be achieved maximising the use of space.
[0022] The plurality of shuffleboard tables may be arranged
parallel to one another extending from the wall. In some
arrangements, an opposing wall may be present spaced from the wall,
with shuffleboard tables arranged extending from the opposing wall.
This may be arranged in such a way that consecutive shuffleboard
tables arranged along the first direction, extend from the wall and
the opposing wall in an alternate manner. In this way, the players
on neighbouring tables throw in opposite directions to each other,
towards the first end of the shuffleboard table that they are
playing upon.
[0023] Each of the plurality of shuffleboard tables may comprise
their own scoreboard. The scoreboard for each shuffleboard table
may only show the scores for that particular table. However, in
some instances the scores from other tables may be displayed, for
instance when group play is present or the neighbouring
shuffleboard tables are linked. In other arrangements there may be
a single scoreboard which displays the scores for each shuffleboard
table in the venue.
[0024] Preferably, the shuffleboard apparatus may further comprise
a viewing area where spectators can stand between neighbouring
shuffleboard tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables. The
viewing area may be arranged between the first and second end
alongside the shuffleboard table. Advantageously, this provides an
area for the players to stand whilst waiting for their turn to
throw. As the viewing area is between the playing area and the
scoring area the players in the viewing area have an uninterrupted
view of the both the player throwing the pucks and the scoring area
and scores.
[0025] The viewing area may be arranged on one side of the
shuffleboard table. In other embodiments there may be a plurality
of viewing areas. For instance, they may be either side of the
shuffleboard table. The viewing area may comprise one or more
seats, and/or bar stools, and/or tables. This allows the opponents
to take a seated position whilst they are waiting for their turn to
play.
[0026] The shuffleboard arrangement may further comprise a
partition, the partition extending orthogonal to the first
direction, the partition separating neighbouring shuffleboard
tables. This provides a clearly defined area to accommodate the
spectators and players playing on each of the shuffleboard
tables.
[0027] In some arrangements, the plurality of shuffleboard tables
may be separated by a table. The table may be a raised table on
which players can place drink receptacles. The table may act to
separate neighbouring viewing areas. Alternatively, the partition
may be a seating area. For instance, the partition may be an
arrangement of chairs or benches. The partition may instead be a
partition wall or divider. The partition may be movable or fixed.
By having a moveable partition the partition may be removed to
allow players from neighbouring tables to easily interact with one
another, for instance when linking games on neighbouring
tables.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of
example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front cross sectional view of a shuffleboard
arrangement in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a top view of the shuffleboard arrangement shown
in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top view of a shuffleboard arrangement
comprising a plurality of shuffleboard tables; and
[0032] FIG. 4 is a top view of a further shuffleboard arrangement
comprising a plurality of shuffleboard tables.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shuffleboard apparatus 100
includes a shuffleboard table 2. The shuffleboard table 2 has a
sliding surface 4 on which a puck 6 can be thrown. The sliding
surface 4 has a single throwing end 8 and a single scoring end 10.
Surrounding the sliding surface 4 is a box 12 which extends around
the perimeter of the shuffleboard surface creating a well 14
between the sliding surface 4 and the box 12. FIG. 1 shows a cross
sectional view such that the side of the box 12 is removed so that
the well 14 is visible.
[0034] The shuffleboard apparatus is supported by two supports 16
from the floor 18. Although it cannot be seen from the Figures, the
supports 16 extend across the width of the sliding surface 4.
However, it can be understood that any arrangement of supports 16
could be used.
[0035] The shuffleboard table extends from wall 101. The wall shown
in the present embodiment is the wall of the building in which the
shuffleboard table is housed. FIGS. 1 and 2 show only a portion of
the wall for illustrative purposes. The scoring end 10 of the
shuffleboard table abuts the wall, with the outer portion of the
box 12 in direct contact with the wall 101. The box 12 at the
throwing end 8 of the shuffleboard table 2 is not in contact with
the wall.
[0036] The scoring end 10 of the shuffleboard table 2 is not
attached to the wall in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it
is just located against the wall. In other embodiments the scoring
end 8 of the shuffleboard table 2 may be attached to the wall 101.
The attachment may be removable or may be permanent. For instance,
the table may be removably clipped onto a corresponding attachment
on the wall. Alternatively, the scoreboard table may be attached to
the wall through any of screws, nails or adhesives.
[0037] Located on the wall 101 elevated above the scoring end 10 is
a scoreboard 103. The scoreboard displays the scores for the
shuffleboard table 2. As can be seen the scoreboard 103 is arranged
parallel to the wall. However, in other embodiments the scoreboard
103 may be positioned at an angle that is not parallel to the wall
101, such as tilted to face the viewing area 24.
[0038] A playing area 20 is located at the throwing end 8 of the
sliding surface 4.
[0039] A viewing area 24 is positioned to the side of the sliding
surface 4, between the throwing end 8 and the scoring end 10.
[0040] Although it cannot be seen in FIG. 1, a ledge 26 is attached
to the box 12 adjacent to the sliding surface 4, as can be seen
from FIGS. 2 and 3. The ledge 26 is directly above the viewing area
24, such that when in the viewing area 24, the players can place
items, such as drink receptacles, upon the ledge 26. The end of the
ledge 28 nearest the throwing end 8 is tapered, such that the end
of the ledge 28 is not perpendicular to the length of the sliding
surface 4. As the end of the ledge 26 is tapered, such that the
ledge 26 has no sharp edges, players are less likely to injure
themselves between turns when moving between the playing area 20
and the viewing area 24.
[0041] As can be seen from FIG. 2 a trigger line 30 may be provided
at a predetermined length away from the throwing end 8 to define
the limit of a throwing zone. One or more previously validly thrown
pucks 6A may be positioned on the sliding surface 4 beyond the
trigger line 30. One or more previously validly thrown pucks 6B can
also be positioned in a well 14 that surrounds the sliding surface
4. Previously validly thrown puck 6B has fallen off the side of the
sliding surface 4. Three lines 32A-32C are provided to define three
different scoring sections 32A-32C. Alternative use of one or more
lines to define scoring sections or zones would readily occur to a
person skilled in the art for use in shuffleboard games involving
one or more scoring zones. For example, a game may only have one
line to define a single scoring zone. Alternatively, there may be
provided five scoring sections. Having more scoring sections
provides a larger area over which a player may score points than
compared to conventional tables. The one or more lines are also not
restricted to being straight and can be curved or used to form
different shapes.
[0042] When play begins, the player or team of players whose turn
it is to throw, step into the playing area 20 and can throw the
puck 6 down the sliding surface 4, in the same manner as is
conventional for table shuffleboard games. Whilst the player is
standing in the playing area 20 the opposing players can be seated
or standing within the viewing area 24. The ledge 26 within the
viewing area 24 provides the function of a table or bar, for
holding drink receptacles and food items. The scores from the game
are displayed on the scoreboard 103 such that the player standing
at the scoring end 8 and the players in the viewing area 24 can
view the scores.
[0043] By only having a single playing area at one end of the
shuffleboard table the second end of the sliding surface of the
shuffleboard apparatus can be positioned against a wall. The
shuffleboard apparatus can also be positioned in a corner of a
venue such that a side of the table between the first and second
end of the sliding surface are adjacent to a wall. This enables the
shuffleboard apparatus to occupy a space that a conventional
shuffleboard table would not be able to occupy, due to the need for
more space when having two playing areas for a single table.
[0044] The scoreboard may be an electronic scoreboard. In this way
the scoreboard may keep track of the scores of the shuffleboard
game, without the user having to manually enter the scores on the
scoreboard. The scoreboard may be updated when each puck is thrown,
or may be updated at the end of each player's turn to throw. The
scoreboard may be connected to a system which determines the scores
automatically, such as being in communication with cameras which
track the movement of the pucks or through sensors on the
shuffleboard apparatus.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a top view of a shuffleboard arrangement 100
comprising a first shuffleboard table 2a and a second shuffleboard
table 2b according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Reference numerals correspond to the same features as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0046] As can be seen from FIG. 3 each of the shuffleboard tables
2a and 2b extend from the wall 101, with the scoring end 10a 10b of
each shuffleboard table 2a 2b against the wall 101. The
shuffleboard tables are arranged parallel to one another.
[0047] Unlike in FIG. 2 where the shuffleboard table has its own
scoreboard 103, the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b in FIG. 3 share a
single scoreboard 103. The single scoreboard is arranged between
the two shuffleboard tables 2a 2b. The scoreboard 103 is elevated
above the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b such that it is easily
observable to players standing in the playing areas 20a 20b of both
tables 2a 2b and also to players located in the viewing areas 24a
24b of both shuffleboard tables 2a 2b.
[0048] The single scoreboard 103 may use a split screen, with one
portion of the screen showing the score for shuffleboard table 2a
and the other portion of the screen showing the score for
shuffleboard table 2b. In addition, the shuffleboard tables 2a and
2b may be linked together. For instance, the gameplay may involve
players on each table playing against each other. In this way the
single scoreboard 103 may show a single screen related to the joint
game.
[0049] Shuffleboard table 2a, as shown in FIG. 3, only has a single
viewing area 24a adjacent to the ledge 26a. Shuffleboard table 2b
has two viewing areas 24b one either side of the shuffleboard table
2b.
[0050] Table 105 separates the two shuffleboard tables 2a and 2b.
Table 105 is located between the viewing areas 24a and 24b. The
table acts to separate the adjacent shuffleboard tables from one
another such that players on neighbouring tables are kept
apart.
[0051] Chairs 107 are located within the viewing areas 24a 24b of
the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b. The chairs are at a height such that
players in the viewing areas 24a 24b can sit at and use the table
105 and the ledges 26a 26b. The chairs 107 shown are fixed in
position. However, in other embodiments the chairs may be moveable.
Players may move the chairs 107 to get their preferred position
relative to the table. This also allows the chairs 107 to be
removed when not required.
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a further shuffleboard arrangement 100 having
eight shuffleboard tables 2c-2j arranged in two rows of four.
Shuffleboard tables 2c, 2e, 2g and 2i are arranged in the same
direction to each other, extending from wall 101B. Shuffleboard
tables 2d, 2f, 2h, and 2j are arranged in the opposite direction to
tables 2c, 2e, 2g and 2i. Shuffleboard tables 2d, 2f, 2h, and 2j
are arranged in the same direction to each other, extending from
wall 101A.
[0053] Walls 101A and 101B are walls of the building in which the
shuffleboard tables are housed. Each of the shuffleboard tables in
FIG. 4 has their own corresponding scoreboard 103c-103j.
[0054] Tables 105 are shown between each of the shuffleboard tables
2c-2j, between neighbouring shuffleboard tables. As can be seen
from FIG. 4 the plurality of shuffleboard tables have various
arrangements of viewing areas. Shuffleboard tables 2c and 2d are
positioned side on to wall 109A, in addition to extending from
walls 103B and 103A respectively. Thus, they only have a single
viewing area 24c and 24d. Each of the other shuffleboard tables
2e-2j have two viewing areas 24e-24j.
[0055] In addition, various arrangements of chairs 107 within the
viewing areas are shown. Shuffleboard table 2e has chairs only in a
single viewing area 24e. Shuffleboard table 2j has chairs in both
of its viewing areas 24j. Shuffleboard tables 2f, 2g and 2h do not
have chairs 107 within their viewing areas 24f, 24g, 24h.
[0056] By arranging a plurality of shuffleboard tables in a way
such that they extend from a wall, and such that they have a single
playing end, it enables more shuffleboard tables to be housed
within a single area. This increases the packing density of the
shuffleboard tables within an area. This helps maximises the space
when housed in areas with limited real estate.
[0057] In other arrangements not all of the shuffleboard tables
need to be positioned such that they extend from the wall. So long
as at least some of shuffleboard tables extend from a wall the
advantages of increased packaging density can be achieved. For
instance, in some arrangements the shuffleboard tables may be
positioned in the middle of the room that they are located in, with
the other shuffleboard tables arranged around the outside as in
FIG. 4.
[0058] The shuffleboard table shown in the figures has a length of
16 feet. However, the shuffleboard table may be anywhere between 12
to 22 foot in length. The height of the sliding surface of the
shuffleboard table may be around 1 m. Preferably it may be between
0.9 to 1.1 m. More preferably it may be 0.96 m.
[0059] The tables 105 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be a single raised
table such as those found in bars. Alternatively, the tables 105
may be lower than the shuffleboard table. Although the tables 105
shown extend down the length of the shuffleboard table, they may
instead be a plurality of separate smaller tables. In FIG. 4 some
of the shuffleboard tables have a table on each of their sides, and
some of the tables have a table along a single side. In other
embodiments, all of the shuffleboard tables may have a table 105
along the edge of the viewing area on each side of the shuffleboard
table. In addition, to the tables 105 shown, additional tables may
be present in the viewing areas 24.
[0060] The chairs 107 may be any type of seat. For instance, any of
a chair, a stool, a bar stool. Alternatively, the chairs may be a
long bench or a plurality of long benches that can accommodate a
plurality of people. The chairs may act as the partition between
neighbouring tables, with no table 105 acting as a partition
needed.
[0061] Instead of tables 105 a partition wall may be used. This
partition wall may be movable or permanent. The partition wall acts
to separate the viewing area 24 between neighbouring tables.
[0062] It can be understood that both sides of the shuffleboard
tables may have ledges 26. In other embodiments the shuffleboard
table may not have ledges. Players may place their drinks
receptacles and other items on the tables located between
neighbouring tables.
[0063] The arrangement of shuffleboard tables shown in FIG. 4
should not be considered as limiting. Other arrangements of a
plurality of shuffleboard tables fall within the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *