Trapdoor game table

Abstract

This game table (1) comprises a hexagonal platform (2), a base (3) supporting said platform (2) substantially parallel to the ground, a plurality of pucks (9), said platform (2) being divided into six trapezoidal quadrants separated by six longitudinal members (12) and forming six consecutive boards (8) joined end to end, the table (1) further comprising a central receptacle (14) around which the boards (8) are arranged, which is formed of six walls (20), each wall (20) interfacing the interior of the central receptacle (14) and only one of the boards (8) and comprising a passage (22) connecting said board (8) with the interior of the central receptacle (14), the table (1) further comprising an elastic band (10) per board (8) stretched parallel to an edge of said board (8). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Passe-Traps game table technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to game tables allowing several users to play the game of "passe-trappes" consisting of sending as many pucks as possible through a passage forming a goal, thanks to an elastic band fixed to the table.

[0002] The present invention aims to provide a game table that allows at least six people to play, and that is electronic for scoring and interactive.

[0003] Prior techniques

[0004] Devices are known for games such as Passe-Trappe, but they are not interactive and / or are unsuitable for Passe-Trappe with six players using electronics. Description of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and to offer a game table capable of combining advantages of ergonomics, simplicity and reliability for its implementation, in an interactive way and for up to six simultaneous players.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, the invention relates to a game table comprising a hexagonal platform, a base carrying said platform substantially parallel to the ground, a plurality of pucks, said platform being divided into six trapezoidal quadrants separated by six stringers and forming six consecutive boards joined close together, the table further comprising a central receptacle around which the boards are arranged which is formed of six walls, each wall interfacing the interior of the central receptacle and only one of the boards and comprising a passage connecting said board with the interior of the central receptacle, the table further comprising an elastic band per board stretched parallel to an edge of said board.

[0007] Preferably, the table includes electronic means for counting the number of pucks entering each pass.

[0008] For example, the electronic counting means comprise an electronic board, a per-puck magnet integrated into each puck, and a reed switch in each pass, each switch being configured to activate so as to modify a counting value in the electronic board when said switch is exposed to a magnetic force by the passage of a puck over a switch.

[0009] Advantageously, the central receptacle includes a recessed disc onto which pucks passing through a passage can fall, said disc being placed lower than all the platforms.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the table further comprises at least one display device coupled to the electronic board and positioned above the central receptacle and configured to be able to display in particular the electronic count of the number of pucks entering each passage so that this display is visible from any of the platforms.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one display device is either formed of a flat screen per tray, or of one or more curved screens common between several trays.

[0012] Advantageously, the base has four feet and lockable wheels placed at the end of each foot.

[0013] The game table may further provide that a box is placed under the central receptacle, configured to contain and protect the electronic board.

[0014] Preferably, LED strip lighting is provided on each longitudinal member.

[0015] The invention also relates to a game table in which there is at least one loudspeaker coupled to the electronic board, and a control panel placed on one of the edges and comprising a screen and control buttons to control at least one display device, at least one loudspeaker and LED strip lighting. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The invention will be better understood upon detailed study of an embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] represents the game table according to the invention, in perspective view.

[0018] [Fig.2] represents the game table in exploded view.

[0019] [Fig.3] represents a particular view of the game table's trays.

[0020] [Fig.4] represents an exploded view of the means for assembling the trays.

[0021] [Fig.5] represents the display device of the game table in front view.

[0022] [Fig.6] represents the housing containing the electronics.

[0023] [Fig.7] represents the means of controlling the game table. Detailed description

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates the game table according to the invention, in perspective view, and Fig. 2 represents it in exploded view.

[0025] The game table 1 comprises a hexagonal platform 2, a base 3 carrying said platform 2 substantially parallel to the ground, and a plurality of pucks 9.

[0026] The base 3 is for example such that it has four feet 4 and lockable wheels 6 placed at the end of each foot 4.

[0027] The 4 feet can be detachable feet, equipped with lockable casters to facilitate the transport of the game table 1 and to stabilize the game during use of the table 1.

[0028] The legs 4 can be linked by crossbars 7, for example linked to each other by interlocking, and allowing the stability of the table 1 to be increased by fixing the gap between the legs 4.

[0029] Platform 2 is divided into six trapezoidal dials separated by six longitudinal members 12 and forming six consecutive platforms 8 joined close together, which allows six players to play.

[0030] The design of table 1 allows for its customization with particular colours and dimensions, with a diameter dimension of the hexagonal platform 2 of the order of one meter and eighty centimetres.

[0031] The pucks 9 are designed to circulate on each of the platforms 8 but not from one platform to another 8, thanks to the stringers 12.

[0032] Table 1 further comprises a central receptacle 14 around which the trays 8 are arranged.

[0033] The central receptacle 14 is formed of six walls 20, each wall 20 interfacing the interior of the central receptacle 14 and only one of the trays 8.

[0034] As illustrated by [Fig.3], each wall 20 has a passage 22 connecting the platform 8 with the interior of the central receptacle 14.

[0035] Table 1 further includes an elastic band 10 per tray 8.

[0036] The elastic bands 10 are, for example, elastic cords, configured for propelling the pucks 9 towards the passages 22.

[0037] A specific fixing system can be provided for the elastic band, for example, a hook screwed to a plate 8 or to the stringers 12.

[0038] The elastic bands 10 are stretched parallel to an edge 18 of said plate 8.

[0039] The edges 18, just like the stringers 12 and the plates 8, are for example formed essentially by an assembly of medium density fiber panels with a laminated finish, which modernizes the aesthetics and prevents damage.

[0040] As illustrated by [Fig.4], the platforms 8 are for example linked to each other consecutively to form the platform 2 by an assembly using wooden pegs 23, 26 inserted into complementary openings 24, 25, which allows the main parts of the game table 1 to be assembled mainly with these wooden pegs 23, 26.

[0041] This results in a minimal design without electronics which avoids false positives related to puck returns 9 and simplifies the manufacture of table 1.

[0042] Preferably, table 1 includes electronic means for counting the number of pucks 9 entering each passage 22.

[0043] This results in an advanced design that allows for an electronic scoring system.

[0044] For example, the electronic counting means comprise an electronic card, a magnet per puck 9 integrated in each puck 9, and a reed switch in each passage 22.

[0045] Table 1 is for example linked to a power supply by a power cable 5, but one can imagine a design including a supply including electrical energy storage as a replacement or complement to the cable 5.

[0046] This forms an electronic scoring system activated by the magnet in the puck 9 and coupled to the electronic board.

[0047] As illustrated by [Fig.5], the game table may further provide that a box 19 is disposed under the central receptacle 14, configured to contain and protect the electronic board.

[0048] The housing 19 includes, for example, a polypropylene casing and provides protection for the electronic components.

[0049] For example, it is injection molded under the hexagonal platform 2 to house the electronic components, including the speakers.

[0050] The pucks 9 are for example made of wood with the magnet embedded in it, or of plastic with the magnet overmolded inside.

[0051] Each pass switch 22 is configured to activate so as to modify a counting value in the electronic board when said switch is exposed to a magnetic force by the passage of a puck 9 over a switch.

[0052] Advantageously, the central receptacle 14 has a recessed disc 21 onto which the pucks 9 passing through a passage 22 can fall, said disc 21 being placed lower than all the trays 8.

[0053] Thus, the central receptacle 14 where the pucks 9 arrive is set back to prevent a puck 9 from returning, under the force provided by an elastic band 10 and a ricochet of said puck 9, towards a passage 22 which it has just crossed from a platform 8 and towards the disc 21, which makes it possible to avoid reading errors and in particular double counting.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the table 1 includes at least one display device 13 coupled to the electronic card and overhanging the central receptacle 14.

[0055] The display device 13 is configured to be able to display in particular the electronic count of the number of pucks 9 entering each passage 22 so that this display is visible from any of the platforms 8.

[0056] At least one display device 13 is for example formed of a flat screen 15 per tray 8, i.e. a total of six screens so as to form a central hexagonal figure which offers a distinctive aesthetic.

[0057] The at least one display device 13 is for example formed of one or more curved screens common between several boards 8, for example of a single circular screen common to all the boards 8, rather than a separate screen for each player.

[0058] At least one display device 13 may include a multicoloured diode matrix known as "neopixels", for a display offering an alternative to individual screens.

[0059] The at least one display device 13 comprises, for example, at least one liquid crystal display screen, which may also be a seven-inch screen.

[0060] As illustrated by [Fig.6], at least one display device 13 is for example mounted on an aluminum frame 16, which allows the scores to be displayed towards the players.

[0061] At least one display device 13 makes it possible to offer the possibility of programming digital animations related to the game in progress.

[0062] As illustrated by [Fig.7], the invention also relates to a game table in which there is at least one loudspeaker 30 coupled to the electronic board, LED strip lights 17, and a control panel 11 placed on one of the edges 18 in a cavity 27 and comprising a screen 15 and control buttons 31 to control at least one display device 13, at least one loudspeaker 30 and the LED strip lights 17.

[0063] With the speakers 30, the screens 15, and the diode strips 17, a game table 1 is thus produced which is particularly ergonomic and practical for its balance between increased functionality and controlled potential costs.

[0064] In addition, at least one speaker 30 allows sound effects to be added to the games, in particular relating to the time remaining and the score.

[0065] Preferably, LED strip lighting 17 is provided on each stringer 12, multicoloured LEDs in the form of strips or LED ribbons 28 being placed under elongated semi-transparent and potentially coloured cases 29 made of clear injection-molded polypropylene.

[0066] Programmable strips of light-emitting diodes 17 are thus formed along the playing area of ​​each player delimited by a board 8, an edge 18, a wall 20 and two stringers 12.

[0067] The LED strip lights 17, which are programmable and coupled to the electronic board, can be configured to indicate the score of a player on at least one display device 13, as well as represent the elapsed or remaining playing time.

Claims

Demands

1. Game table (1) comprising a hexagonal platform (2), a base (3) carrying said platform (2) substantially parallel to the ground, a plurality of pucks (9), said platform (2) being divided into six trapezoidal quadrants separated by six stringers (12) and forming six consecutive boards (8) joined in close succession, the table (1) further comprising a central receptacle (14) around which the boards (8) are arranged, which is formed of six walls (20), each wall (20) interfacing the interior of the central receptacle (14) and only one of the boards (8) and comprising a passage (22) connecting said board (8) with the interior of the central receptacle (14), the table (1) further comprising an elastic band (10) per board (8) stretched parallel to an edge (18) of said board (8).

2. Game table (1) according to claim 1, further comprising electronic means for counting the number of pucks (9) entering each passage (22).

3. Game table (1) according to claim 2, wherein the electronic counting means comprise an electronic board, a per puck magnet (9) integrated in each puck (9), and a reed switch in each pass (22), each switch being configured to activate so as to modify a counting value in the electronic board when said switch is exposed to a magnetic force by the passage of a puck (9) over a switch.

4. Game table (1) according to claim 3, wherein the central receptacle (14) has a recessed disc (21) onto which pucks (9) passing through a passage (22) can fall, said disc (21) being placed lower than all the platforms (8).

5. Game table (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, further comprising at least one display device (13) coupled to the electronic board and positioned above the central receptacle (14) and configured to be able to display in particular the electronic count of the number of pucks (9) entering each passage (22) so that this display is visible from any of the boards (8).

6. Game table (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least one display device (13) is either formed of a flat screen per tabletop (8), or of one or more curved screens common between several tables (8).

7. Game table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (3) has four legs (4) and locking wheels (6) placed at the end of each leg (4).

8. Game table (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a housing (19) disposed under the central receptacle (14), configured to contain and protect the electronic board.

9. Game table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising LED strip lighting (17) on each stringer (12).

10. Game table (1) according to any one of claims 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, and according to claim 5 and according to claim 9, further comprising at least one loudspeaker (30) coupled to the electronic board, LED strip lights (17), and a control panel (11) placed on one of the edges (18) and comprising a screen and control buttons (31) to control at least one display device (13), at least one loudspeaker (30) and the LED strip lights (17).

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