Game table

Abstract

A table is disclosed having a table top and legs to support the table top. The table top can be constructed from blow-molded plastic having an upper surface and a spaced apart lower surface. The upper surface can have features formed therein including, but not limited to, a central portion and a boundary portion. The boundary portion can include various retaining regions for holding game pieces, beverages, and the like. The lower surface can include a plurality of depressions formed therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 175,753, filed Feb. 10, 2003, and entitled GAME TABLE, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to tables and, in particular, to a light-weight game table with a blow-molded plastic table top. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Conventional tables typically include one or more legs that are connected to a table top. The legs may be pivotally connected to the table top and the table top may be constructed from materials such as metal or wood. In particular, conventional table tops may be constructed from materials such as steel, aluminum, particle board, plywood, and other suitable types of wooden laminates. Table tops constructed from wood or metal, however, are often relatively heavy and this may make the table awkward or diff...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Another aspect is the game table may be relatively small and lightweight, which may allow the table to be easily moved and transported. The game table may also be sized and configured so that it does not take up unnecessary space or provide a large amount of unused space when playing a game. The game table, however, preferably provides ample space for one or more persons to play a game.

[0014] Yet another aspect is the game table may include a table top that is constructed from a lightweight material so that the table is easily portable and can be readily lifted and moved by a single person. Desirably, the table top is constructed from plastic, such as high density polyethylene. The table top is desirably constructed by blow-molding, but other suitable processes such as injection molding or compression molding may also be used to construct the table top. The plastic table top is desirably designed to create rigid, high-strength structures that are capable of withstanding repeated use and wear. Advantageously, the plastic table top can easily be manufactured and formed into the desired size and shape. In addition, the plastic table top can form a structural component of the table to minimize the number of components required to construct the table. Thus, frames, braces or other support members are not required to support the table top, but these types of devices or structures could be used if desired.

[0015] Still another aspect is the game table may include a blow-molded plastic table top with one or more features formed in the blow-molded table top. Advantageously, these features may be integrally formed in the table top during the blow-molding proc...

Problems solved by technology

Table tops constructed from wood or metal, however, are often relatively heavy and this may make the table awkward or difficult to move.

Conventional table tops constructed from wood or metal are also relatively expensive and the table tops must generally be treated or finished before use.

In addition, metal or wooden table tops often require a canvas or vinyl cover, which undesirably increases the costs of the table.

Further, because these conventional table tops are relatively heavy, transportation and shipping costs are generally increased.

Disadvantageously, these lightweight table tops frequently require reinforcing members or other structural parts such as brackets, support members and the like to strengthen the table top.

While these additional parts may increase the strength of the table top, they undesirably increase the weight of the table.

In addition, these additional parts increase manufacturing costs and require additional time to assemble the table.

Furthermore, these additional parts may have sharp edges that can injure a user's arms or legs.

Disadvantageously, the pressed wood or particle board table top is not very strong or rigid and it can easily bend or break.

In addition, the legs are often not securely connected to the table top and the legs often wob...

Images