Casino gaming table with quickly replaceable playing surface

Abstract

This invention provides an improved casino gaming table in which the fabric-covered playing surface may be quickly and easily removed and replaced with minimum disruption of play on the casino floor.

Description

[0001]The present application is a non-provisional application based on U.S. Provisional application No. 61 / 865,722, filed Aug. 14, 2013.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an improved form of a casino gaming table.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A problem exists with maintaining gaming tables which are currently in common use in casinos and elsewhere. The fabric-covered playing surface on these tables must be frequently replaced due to degradation during use due to causes as drink spills, cigarette burns and wear and tear. In addition, it is now common to provide messages printed or painted on the fabric relating to ongoing events at the casino. This leads to a need for the frequent replacement of the fabric -covered playing surface of casino gaming tables.[0004]Currently, the replacement of the fabric-covered playing surface of a gaming table is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The table must first be disassembled with various parts having to be rem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]This invention provides an improved casino gaming table in which the fabric-covered playing surface may be quickly and easily removed and replaced with minimum disruption of play and the casino floor. This is accomplished by providing a quickly-replaceable, fabric-covered, playing surface panel for the table. The table is designed to receive and support this panel in an opening in the upper surface. This panel preferably does not include any of the table hardware such as the chip tray, drink holders and rail and can be removed without disturbing any of this table hardware. The panel can be relatively thin and light weight so it can be easily handled by one person. The panel can be two-sided so that it need only be flipped over in order to provide a fresh playing surface. The panel can be held in place by gravity or by any common attachment means. The panel lies on and is preferably attached to the underlying support structure using, for example, bolts and embedded t-nuts. Alternatively, as the rail of the gaming table is compressible, the outer edge of the panel could be slipped under a portion of the rail and the panel could be held in place by the rail. Extra panels may be provided which could be prepared off the casino floor with new fabric. When the fabric needs to replaced, any attachments means holding the old panel to the table could be removed and the old panel could be lifted out and off the table. The fresh panel is then placed in the opening in the upper surface of the table and reattached.

Problems solved by technology

A problem exists with maintaining gaming tables which are currently in common use in casinos and elsewhere.

The fabric-covered playing surface on these tables must be frequently replaced due to degradation during use due to causes as drink spills, cigarette burns and wear and tear.

Currently, the replacement of the fabric-covered playing surface of a gaming table is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.

This process can take hours and usually requires at least two people.

The problems with replacing the fabric-covered playing surface have been exacerbated with the introduction of large, heavy automatic card shufflers and the installation of cameras and other electronic equipment on casino gaming tables.

This may require specialized personnel or equipment and additional time and effort.

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