Gaming table

Abstract

A gaming table that includes an upper table member of a substantially rigid material, that includes a table perimeter edge, an upper playing surface defined by a playing perimeter edge of the upper table member and that is substantially planar, that defines a plurality of elongated recesses thereon that are each disposed proximal to the upper playing surface, span in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge, and each partially define by an internally formed bottom wall, wherein the upper table member may be coupled to one or more legs that includes a bottom leg surface thereon and that displaces the upper table member a vertical height above the bottom leg surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally gaming tables, and, more particularly, relates to gaming tables configured for domino gameplay and other similar games.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many individuals utilize board-formative games that are played on a table or other similar planar surface. One game routinely played on a table is dominoes. Dominoes are a tile-based game played with gaming pieces, or dominos. Each domino is a rectangular tile, usually with a line dividing its face into two square ends. Each end is marked with a number of spots (also called pips or dots) or is blank. The backs of the tiles in a set are indistinguishable, either blank or having some common design. The gaming pieces make up a domino set, sometimes called a deck or pack.

[0003] While it may appear to be readily known by those of skill in the art, many known gaming tables are not conducive to playing the game of dominos. More specifically, the surface of the table does not provide sufficient surface area of adequate game play, the top surface also enables dominos or other gaming members to be inadvertently removed from the gaming surface, and the top surface of the table does not provide users the ability to effectively secure and store their dominos while in game play, all of which many users find problematic. Furthermore, most known gaming tables are also cumbersome to transport, assemble, and dissemble.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides a gaming table and upper surface thereon that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that effectively secures a plurality of dominos thereon, is cost effective to manufacture, and is quickly and easily able to transport, assemble, and disassemble.

[0006] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a gaming table that includes an upper table member of a substantially rigid material, having a table perimeter edge, having an upper playing surface defined by a playing perimeter edge of the upper table member and that is substantially planar. The table also defines a plurality of elongated recesses thereon, each disposed proximal to the upper playing surface, each spanning in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge, and each partially defined by an internally formed bottom wall. The table also include at least one leg coupled to the upper table member, having a bottom leg surface thereon, and that displaces the upper table member a vertical height above the bottom leg surface.

[0007] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the upper table member is of a monolithic polymeric material and the upper playing surface is centrally disposed within a table area defined by the table perimeter edge. Further, the upper playing surface may be raised above the entire table perimeter edge. Specifically, the upper playing surface may be raised at least 2.5cm above the entire table perimeter edge.

[0008] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the portion of the playing perimeter edge.

[0009] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in the substantially parallel orientation relative to a portion of the table perimeter edge.

[0010] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to another of the plurality of elongated recesses.

[0011] In accordance with an exemplary feature of the present invention, the upper table member forms a monolithic structure.

[0012] In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the upper table member includes a plurality of internally formed sidewalls each defining, with the internally formed bottom wall, one of the plurality of elongated recesses and disposed at an obtuse angle α relative to the respective bottom wall.

[0013] In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the internally formed bottom wall defining each of the plurality of elongated recesses further defines a drain aperture thereon.

[0014] In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the upper table member defining a plurality of phone recesses formed thereon, each disposed proximal to one of the plurality of elongated recesses and a plurality of cup recesses formed thereon, each of a cylindrical shape and disposed proximal to one of the plurality of plurality of phone recesses.

[0015] In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the internally formed bottom wall defines each of the plurality of phone recesses, the plurality of cup recesses, and a drain aperture in each of the plurality of phone recesses and the plurality of cup recesses.

[0016] In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the playing perimeter edge is raised a height above the upper playing surface.

[0017] Also in accordance with the present invention, a gaming table is disclosed that includes an upper table member that is made of a substantially rigid material, has a table perimeter edge, has an upper playing surface defined by a playing perimeter edge of the upper table member, that is substantially planar, and is raised above the entire table perimeter edge, and that has an upper resting surface surrounding the upper playing surface and defining a plurality of elongated recesses thereon, each of the plurality of elongated recesses disposed proximal to the upper playing surface, each spanning in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge, and each partially defined by an internally formed bottom wall. Further, the gaming table also includes at least one leg coupled to the upper table member, having a bottom leg surface thereon, and displacing the upper table member a vertical height above the bottom leg surface.

[0018] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a gaming table, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0019] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but, where applicable, may be utilized to support a particular structural configuration or geometric relationship between components utilized in the assembly.

[0020] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and / or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing / coming into physical existence, making available, and / or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,”“rear,”“right,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user’s perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the table, or from one side to another side of the table.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming table with exemplary dominos and phone coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a close-up view at portion 2-2 of a corner of the upper playing surface and the playing perimeter edge of the upper table member of the gaming table in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a close-up cross-sectional and partially transparent view along section portion 3-3 in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIGS. 4-5 are elevational front and left-side views of the gaming table in FIG. 1, respectively, wherein the rear view is the same as the front view and the left-side view is the same as the right-side view;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the of the gaming table in FIG. 1; and

[0028] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the of the gaming table in FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0030] The present invention provides a novel and efficient gaming table that is structurally configured to secure a plurality of dominos thereon for each user participating in the game and is formed in a cost-effective manner that is capable of being effectively and efficiently utilized, transported, assembled, and disassembled.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in a perspective view. FIG. 1 and other figures herein show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a gaming table 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes an upper table member 102 that may be independently supported on surface, e.g., a table, or coupled to one or more leg(s) 110a-n, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one. In one embodiment, the upper table member 102 only includes four sides for four users, but the upper table member 102 may be formed in other polygonal shapes with straight edges for the desired number of users.

[0032] The upper table member 102 may be selectively removably coupled to the leg(s) 110a-n, possibly with one or more fastener(s). With reference briefly to FIG. 6, each of the one or more leg(s) 110a-n may include a bottom leg surface 700 thereon, wherein the leg(s) 110a-n displace the upper table member 102, namely an upper playing surface 106 thereon, a vertical height 400, approximately 2-4 feet, above the bottom leg surface 700. With reference to FIGS. 3-4 and FIG. 7, each of the leg(s), wherein there are preferably four legs, may be stored and retained with one or more U-shaped clasps so the upper table member 102 can be efficiently stored and transported. Each of the clasps 402a-n may be configured in opposing configurations to store opposite or spaced apart portions of the legs underneath the upper table member 102. Said another way, the clasps 402a-n are disposed underneath the upper table member 102 and face downwardly so the user can either remove to displace the legs and attach them to opposing clasps 402a-n.

[0033] The upper table member 102 is preferably made of a substantially rigid material, wherein the upper table member 102 has some flexibility (e.g., approximately 1inch when 20lbf is applied to each opposing side of the upper table member 102, but does not permanently or plastically deform). The upper table member 102 is approximately 1-4inches thick, spanning from the upper playing surface 106 to a bottom surface 702 of the upper table member 102. Said differently, the upper table member 102 may be preferably formed as a single piece of material, or monolithic in creation. Some exemplary substantially rigid materials include polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or another polymeric material, but may also include metallic materials such as aluminum. Said differently, the upper table member 102 may be substantially rigid such that it has a Shore A rating greater than 60, pursuant to ASTM D2240.

[0034] The upper table member 102 includes a table perimeter edge 104 and the upper playing surface 106 may be defined by a playing perimeter edge 108 of the upper table member 102, wherein in some embodiments the playing perimeter edge 108 may be considered to be the same as the table perimeter edge 104. In other embodiments, the table perimeter edge 104 is the outer-most edge of the upper table member 102 and the playing perimeter edge 108 is internal to the edge 104 and longitudinally offset a length 610 of approximately 2-4inches. The length 610 may also define the portion of the upper surface that continuously surrounds the playing surface 106 and that length may be uniform as it spans around the playing surface to ensure an even playing advantage for the users. In one embodiment, the upper playing surface 106 is substantially planar, i.e., it does not have any raised or recessed surfaces greater than approximately 1inch, thereby providing a surface conducive for dominos and other similar games. The upper playing surface 104 may also be centrally disposed within a table area defined by the table perimeter edge 104, wherein the table area may be of a polygonal, oblong, and / or rectangular shape to permit efficient gameplay.

[0035] In one preferred embodiment, the upper playing surface 106 is raised above the entire table perimeter edge 104, thereby minimizing contact with stored user dominos while in gameplay. In one embodiment, the upper playing surface 106 is raised at least 2.5cm above the entire table perimeter edge 104. In further embodiments and with reference to FIG. 2, the playing perimeter edge 108 is raised a height 200 above the upper playing surface 106. Said another way, the playing perimeter edge 108 is raised above an adjacent portion of the upper playing surface 106 spanning around said perimeter. The height 200 may be approximately 1inch or less. The raised height further prevents inadvertent contact with the stored user dominos. The gaming table 100 may be formed such that upper playing surfaces 106 is centrally located and surrounded by another upper surface of the table 106, i.e., the upper resting surface 112, which is the surface where the user may rest his or her arms, devices, and / or the stored dominos.

[0036] The upper table member 102 can also be seen defining a plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n thereon, wherein each of the elongated recesses 600a-n are disposed proximal to the upper playing surface 106, i.e., adjacent to or near, within approximately 6inches (or 15cm) from the upper playing surface 106. The elongated recesses 600a-n preferably have a geometric dimension greater in one direction compared to another direction, e.g., the length 612 is greater than the width 614. The length 612 and width 614 are approximately 6-18inches and 1-3inches, respectively. Each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n are preferably centrally located on each side or edge 104 of the upper table member 102, i.e., each recess is disposed over an axis line defined by a centroid defined by each side or edge 104 or is centrally aligned with said axis. Each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n span in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge 108, e.g., a longitudinal direction. Said another way, each recess is disposed in a parallel orientation with respect to the playing perimeter edge 108 and / or edge 104 it is proximal to. Further, each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n may be partially defined by an internally formed bottom wall 600a-n thereon that is configured to support the stored dominos. In one embodiment, this internally formed bottom wall may be of the same material as the table 100 or may be formed with a meshed material or netting. As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface sufficient to carry out the intended purpose.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n span in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the portion of the playing perimeter edge 108 or a portion of the table perimeter edge 104, wherein said portion would be the proximal portion of said edges 104, 108. When viewing the recesses 600a-n from another perspective, each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n can be seen spanning in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to another of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n.

[0038] A cross-sectional view of one of the recesses can be seen depicted in FIG. 3, wherein each of recesses 600a-n is also formed by sidewalls 300, 304, or collectively sidewalls 604a-n, in addition to the bottom wall 302, 602a-n. Each recess may define a depth 306 of approximately 1-3inches spanning or defined by height of the sidewall 306 proximal to the playing edge 108 relative to the bottom wall 302. In one embodiment, the plurality of internally formed sidewalls 604a-n each define, with the internally formed bottom wall 602a-n, one of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n and are each disposed at an obtuse angle α relative to the respective bottom wall 602a-n, thereby effectively retaining and displaying the stored user dominos. The height 306 of the recesses 600a-n also makes retention and display conducive to the users of the gaming table 100.

[0039] In one embodiment, the internally formed bottom wall 602a-n defining each of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n further defines a drain aperture(s) (e.g., 606a-n) thereon. As such, if the table is played outdoors or if the table 100 is otherwise exposed to liquid, said liquid may adequately drain or be removed from the table 100 without inhibiting gameplay. These apertures 606a-n can be seen selectively and beneficially defined over the gaming table for effective liquid draining thereon. Additionally, the gaming table 100 also defines a plurality of phone recesses 608a-n formed thereon, wherein each of the phone recesses 608a-n are preferably disposed proximal to one of the plurality of elongated recesses 600a-n. Further, the table 100 may also define a plurality of cup recesses 616a-n formed thereon, wherein each of the cup recesses 616a-n are of a cylindrical shape and disposed proximal to one of the plurality of plurality of phone recesses 608a-n. The bottom wall or surface defining the phone recesses 608a-n and / or cup recesses 616a-n may also be formed with a meshed material or netting and / or may otherwise include a draining aperture. In one embodiment, the internally formed bottom wall 602a-n defines each of the plurality of phone recesses 608a-n, the plurality of cup recesses 616a-n, and the drain aperture(s) in each of the plurality of phone recesses 608a-n and the plurality of cup recesses 616a-n. In further embodiments, the wall configuration for each of the phone recesses 608a-n is like the wall configuration for the recesses 600a-n, i.e., an obtuse angle is formed enabling tilting of the phone(s) or other device away from the user slightly, i.e., approximately 95°-110°.

[0040] Although the figures and specification disclose a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps shown or described as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

[0041] A gaming table has been disclosed that enables effective and efficient use, transportation, and storage of said gaming table, particularly as it relates to gameplay associated with dominos or other similar game.

[0042] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.

Claims

1. A gaming table comprising:an upper table member of a substantially rigid material, having a table perimeter edge, having an upper playing surface defined by a playing perimeter edge of the upper table member and that is substantially planar, defining a plurality of elongated recesses thereon, each disposed proximal to the upper playing surface, each spanning in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge, and each partially defined by an internally formed bottom wall; andat least one leg coupled to the upper table member, having a bottom leg surface thereon, and displacing the upper table member a vertical height above the bottom leg surface.

2. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the upper table member is of a monolithic polymeric material.

3. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the upper playing surface is centrally disposed within a table area defined by the table perimeter edge.

4. The gaming table according to claim 3, wherein the upper playing surface is raised above the entire table perimeter edge.

5. The gaming table according to claim 3, wherein the upper playing surface is raised at least 2.5cm above the entire table perimeter edge.

6. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the portion of the playing perimeter edge.

7. The gaming table according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in the substantially parallel orientation relative to a portion of the table perimeter edge.

8. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongated recesses span in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to another of the plurality of elongated recesses.

9. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the upper table member forms a monolithic structure.

10. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the upper table member includes a plurality of internally formed sidewalls each defining, with the internally formed bottom wall, one of the plurality of elongated recesses and disposed at an obtuse angle α relative to the respective bottom wall.

11. The gaming table according to claim 10, wherein the internally formed bottom wall defining each of the plurality of elongated recesses further defines a drain aperture thereon.

12. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the upper table member further defines:a plurality of phone recesses formed thereon, each disposed proximal to one of the plurality of elongated recesses; anda plurality of cup recesses formed thereon, each of a cylindrical shape and disposed proximal to one of the plurality of plurality of phone recesses.

13. The gaming table according to claim 12, wherein the internally formed bottom wall defines each of the plurality of phone recesses, the plurality of cup recesses, and a drain aperture in each of the plurality of phone recesses and the plurality of cup recesses.

14. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the playing perimeter edge is raised a height above the upper playing surface.

15. A gaming table comprising:an upper table member:of a substantially rigid material;having a table perimeter edge;having an upper playing surface defined by a playing perimeter edge of the upper table member, that is substantially planar, and is raised above the entire table perimeter edge; andhaving an upper resting surface surrounding the upper playing surface and defining a plurality of elongated recesses thereon, each of the plurality of elongated recesses disposed proximal to the upper playing surface, each spanning in a direction aligned with a direction of a portion of the playing perimeter edge, and each partially defined by an internally formed bottom wall; andat least one leg coupled to the upper table member, having a bottom leg surface thereon, and displacing the upper table member a vertical height above the bottom leg surface.

16. The gaming table according to claim 15, wherein the playing perimeter edge is raised a height above the upper playing surface.

17. The gaming table according to claim 15, wherein the upper table member includes a plurality of internally formed sidewalls each defining, with the internally formed bottom wall, one of the plurality of elongated recesses and disposed at an obtuse angle α relative to the respective bottom wall.

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