Games using tangible projectile – Billiards or pool – Table or gameboard
Reexamination Certificate
2001-10-12
2003-12-09
Sewell, Paul T. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Billiards or pool
Table or gameboard
C473S014000, C473S011000, C273S309000, C108S090000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06659879
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a table assembly which is capable of being selectively converted between a conventional orientation, for use in a conventional manner, and a gaming orientation, for use as a gaming table suitable for playing the game of billiards and possibly other games.
2. Description of the Related Art
The game of billiards as well as the related game of “pool” or pocket billiards has enjoyed continued popularity for a number of years. A conventional billiard table generally includes an outer playing surface or face with a normally large area which may vary depending on whether the pool table is of a professional or regulation size or of a smaller size typically found in restaurants, lounges, etc. When structuring a professional or regulation table, the entire outer face is typically made from an extremely hard substance such as marble, slate, etc. Such material is generally recognized as being long lasting and relatively heavy. As such, the table includes a relatively extensive support structure made from solid wood or other materials. As a result, a conventional billiard table is typically quite heavy and includes a sufficiently large dimension and configuration to make such table assemblies either impractical or undesirable for use and installation in many locations.
In addition, the legacy of pool is such that many of the standard size tables are adorned with expensive wood working and/or inlay designs. As a result, the cost of a billiard and/or pool table can be quite high, thereby further rendering such tables undesirable for a vast majority of the consuming public. In spite of the disadvantages associated with the cost, weight, size, etc. of a pool or billiard table, the popularity of the sport has not significantly dwindled. Those interested in the playing of billiards universally recognize that a certain amount of inconvenience is involved since such tables and particularly standard size billiard tables are not practical for use in the average home.
In order to overcome the disadvantages and problems of the type set forth, there have been numerous attempts in the prior art to develop a modified table construction which is lighter, less expensive, smaller and as a result is more obtainable by the average consumer or billiards player. Conventional or known modifications in the prior art include the provision of collapsible or folding table which can be manipulated and/or otherwise oriented so as to facilitate the storage of the billiard table when not in use. In addition, even when such modified structures are left in their operative positions they are significantly lighter and usually smaller thereby enabling their positioning into and out of a stored location with relative ease. While operable and at least somewhat effective for their intended purpose foldable, collapsible or similarly structured billiard or like gaming tables may often suffer from a lack of stability. Accordingly, anyone familiar with the playing of billiards or pocket billiards is well aware that the stability of the table and playing surface is very important, especially to those who play the game on a more serious level.
As a result of the disadvantages associated with such foldable tables, further attempts in the prior art have resulted in a variety of differently structured conversion tables. This type of table assembly is capable of being selectively changed or converted from a table intended for conventional use into a gaming or other purpose table. In addition, numerous tables of this type are specifically designed and structured for the playing of billiards, pool, bumper pool, or other appropriate gaming activities.
In fact, such conversion tables do overcome at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with collapsible gaming tables. In addition, such tables are generally less expensive, lighter and therefore more adaptable for use and/or positioning within a conventional household environment. However, such conversion tables have not gained wide spread popularity or use do at least in part to their being structured in a manner which does not truly represent the appearance of conventional table assembly when not being used as a gaming table. More specifically, the structural components or features which allow such table assemblies to be converted into a gaming table or the like, typically are obvious and/or unsightly when such table assemblies are in a conventional mode of operation.
There is a long existing need for a table assembly which can be easily and efficiently disposed between a conventional orientation and a gaming orientation. More over when in the gaming orientation such an improved table assembly should be structured to be strong, stable and include various structural features which enable the playing of at least one particular game, such as the game of billiards or pocket billiards. Also when in the conventional orientation the improved table assembly should be capable of being used in the intended manner such as a dinning room table or the like for which the table is normally used.
Importantly when in the conventional orientation, the appearance of the table assembly should be pleasing and in certain instances variable such that it is difficult or impossible to recognize that the table assembly may be converted into a gaming table. Also the versatility of such an improved table assembly should be such as to blend in with a variety of different interior designs. Finally such an improved table assembly should be formed from various materials and components which allow the playing of the intended game in a proficient manner while at the same time providing durability and a long operable life whether it is used primarily in the conventional orientation or the gaming orientation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a table assembly capable of being used in the conventional manner, such as when disposed in a conventional orientation or alternatively as a gaming table, when disposed in a gaming orientation. When in the aforementioned gaming orientation the various structural and operative components of the table assembly are particularly adaptable for the playing of the game of billiards thereon. In addition, with little or no structural modification or variation, related games such as, but not limited to “pool” or pocket billiards and/or “bumper pool” can also be played. Accordingly, when the table assembly is in the gaming orientation it is emphasized that it can be used to play games other than those indicated above and still be encompassed in the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the table assembly of the present invention comprises a table top including an outer surface. The outer surface is preferably disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation and in effect defines the playing surface on which the various games are performed when the table assembly is in the gaming orientation. It is also noted that the outer surface may include some type of felt or like material covering which may be fixedly or permanently attached to the outer surface. Alternatively, the surface covering may be disposed and structured to facilitate the temporary covering of the outer surface, and used when games are to be played thereon. As such, the outer surface will remain uncovered or include a different more practical covering when used in the conventional manner such as, but not limited to, a dining table.
The table assembly of the present invention also includes a support assembly comprising a plurality of legs or a variety of other types of support bases or structures. The support assembly is fixedly secured to an under portion, wherein the under portion is disposed beneath the table top. In certain structural embodiments of the present invention the under portion may be considered a part of the overall support in that it is generally disposed in interconnecting relation between the support assembly and the table top. As such the table top, effectively rests on a brac
Aryanpour Mitra
Malloy & Malloy P.A.
Sewell Paul T.
LandOfFree
Convertible table assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Convertible table assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Convertible table assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3116388