Abstract:
An inflatable game table ( 10 ) constructed of flexible, air impervious panels ( 22 ) for forming an inflatable enclosure having an upper playing surface for use as a pool table or the like and being capable of resisting inclement, outdoor weather. The game table ( 10 ) is inflatable to a condition for use, and can be deflated for compact storage and transport.

Description:
[0001]    This invention relates to a table for playing the games of pool, billiards or snooker, or the like, and more particularly to a novel, pneumatically, inflatable table which can be inflated and deflated to provide for easy storage and/or transport, and is preferably constructed of material such as waterproof rubber and/or vinyl to allow for indoor or outdoor use during parties or picnics, or at the beach, or similar outings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The novel game table is comprised of a generally hollow bladder of air-mattress like construction wherein the side walls, end walls, top and bottom panels are formed of flexible rubber or vinyl material which is rendered impervious to air so that, upon being inflated, an upright, generally rectangular device in the form of a table is formed. A top, planar member is integral with the uppermost portion of the device to provide a level, horizontally disposed, playing surface upon which a set of conventional pool balls, billiard balls or snooker balls can be used to play respective games. 
         [0003]    The game table may be, preferably, provided with six standard pockets located in a conventional manner but such pockets can be omitted, or covered, if the game table is to be used, for example, to play the game referred to as billiards. Likewise, a removable insert may be provided to fashion a smaller pocket opening required for playing snooker. 
         [0004]    Suitable support straps, preferably of nylon, are used in combination with conventional hook and loop fasteners for securing adjacent straps together to provide adjustability for increasing stability of the table when in its inflated condition. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the inflated game table in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, perspective view of a vertical section taken along a transverse plane across the central portion of the game table, 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary, perspective view of a vertical section taken along a longitudinal plane located midway of the transverse width of the game table. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary, perspective view of an interior of the game table taken along a horizontal plane midway of the height of the game table and looking upwardly toward the underside of the playing surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an inflatable game table, generally indicated by the numeral  10 , shown in inflated form and having a flat playing surface  12  for supporting a series of conventional game balls (not shown), preferably of standard weights and sizes, but may be of other than standard weight and size, for use in playing games known as billiards, pool or pocket billiards, or snooker, and the like. Thus, It is to be understood that table  10  may be used for playing pocket pool, or snooker and, by enclosing or eliminating the shown six pockets, a modified game table is amenable to being used for the game known as billiards which is played on a surface that does not contain pockets. 
         [0010]    Table  10  is essentially a hollow, hermetically sealed, enclosure and is provided with a battery operated pump/motor  14 , of a type known for inflating air mattresses and the like, for inflating and deflating the table  10  between an erected condition and a collapsed condition (not shown). The pump/motor  14  IS adapted to be operated from battery power, such as four D-batteries, or a 12-volt system of an automobile, operating through the conventional cigarette lighter. 
         [0011]    Table  10  is composed of a plurality of superposed panel members  16 ,  18  and  20  comprising the circumference of the table  10  and forming longitudinal side portions  22  and  24 , and transverse end portions  26  and  28 . The panel members  16 ,  18  and  20  may be unitary, or may be constructed of individual segments that are adhered together by heat-sealing along their marginal edges. Table  10  is enclosed by affixing a top panel  30  to an uppermost edge portion of panel member  16 , and a bottom panel  32  to the lower most edge of panel member  2   0 , preferably by heat sealing and/or through the use of adhesives thereby providing a hollow, air-tight enclosure that is expanded by operation of pump/motor  14 . A series of molded rail members  34 ,  36  and  38  circumscribe the upper periphery of table  10  for providing rigidity and stability. 
         [0012]    A series of straps  40 , preferably of nylon, are secured to table  10  at spaced locations about the periphery thereof for providing for stability and leveling of table  10 . Straps  40  are provided with hook and loop fasteners  42  for making adjustment in tension and the like. A series of buckles, or metal loops,  46  are provided at the ends of straps  48  and used in combination with known tent pegs, or stakes, (not shown) for securing the table  10  to the earth when it is to be used in an outside environment. 
         [0013]    The top panel  30  and the bottom panel  32  enclose the table  10  and are preferably constructed of rubber, or vinyl, or the like, having a thickness on the order of 8.5 millimeters (8.5 mm) for providing extended life in an out-of-door environment, where the table  10  is exposed to possibly inclement weather. The panels  30  and  32  are constructed of a somewhat heavier gauge material than the flexible and collapsible panel members  16 ,  18  and  20  which may have a thickness of about 5.5 mm, sufficient for withstanding the pneumatic pressure needed for expanding table  10  to its expanded, upright configuration. Top panel  30  may be treated with a flocked material to provide a velvet-like, or felt, surface which will withstand inclement, outside weather when table  10  is in use or allowed to remain outside at picnics, or on exposed decks, and the like. 
         [0014]    Table  10 , in the form of a conventional pool table, is provided with a series of six pockets  50  which are formed of the same rubber or vinyl material as table  10 , and are recessed, therein and held in place by straps  52  affixed to bottom panel  32 . Table  10  is also provided with traditional markings or diamonds  54 , and spot  56 , all of which are conventional and well known. 
         [0015]    As is shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , table  10  is provided with a plurality of flexible rubber sheets  58  that are adhered to and between the top panel  30  and the bottom panel  32  so that, in the inflated condition of table  10 , the top panel can not bulge upwardly and therefore the top playing surface is, surprisingly, maintained in a flat, horizontal condition. In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the orientation of the sheets  58  is shown in phantom lines upon the playing surface, but it is to be understood that these lines are not seen in the table, as constructed. 
         [0016]    The foregoing description relates to the best mode presently known for constructing the game table  10  but it is to be understood that various modifications and enhancements may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claimed subject matter.