Modular multi-use surface set

A modular multi-use surface set that may be configured for use in several modes including a table mode, a platform mode, and a carry mode. The convertible set is particularly well-suited for use as both a Beer Pong table and a pair of Cornhole platforms.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Invention

The subject matter of the disclosure relates to modular multi-use surface sets and, more specifically, to convertible tables that may be used as surfaces to play popular social games such as “Beer Pong” and “Cornhole.”

Background

Over the past few decades, certain social games have become increasingly widespread, especially on college campuses. Among these are two particularly popular games known as “Beer Pong” and “Cornhole.”

Beer Pong, also known as Beirut, is a game in which players throw a ping pong ball across a table with the intent of landing the ball in a cup partially filled with liquid (usually beer) on the other end. The game typically consists of opposing teams of two or more players per side with 6 or 10 cups set up in a triangle formation on each side. Each team then takes turns attempting to shoot ping pong balls into the opposing team's cups. If a ball lands in a cup, the cup is removed from the table. In some versions, the contents of the cup are consumed by the opposing team as the cup is removed. The first team to eliminate all of the opponent's cups is the winner. Beer Pong requires the following equipment to play: two ping pong balls; 12-20 plastic cups; and an elongated surface, often a folding table.

Cornhole (also known as Bean Bag Toss, or simply Bags) is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bags of corn (or bean bags) at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one remaining on the surface of the platform after the round is over scores 1 point. Cumulative or differential scoring may be used. Play continues until a team or player reaches (or exceeds) the score of 21, with most scoring systems using a win-by-two format. Cornhole requires the following equipment: two sets of bags; two platforms.

Both Beer Pong and Cornhole are often played outdoors, for example, at tailgate parties, at the beach, or in parks. It is therefore often difficult and cumbersome to carry all the equipment necessary to play these games to the desired location, especially given the relatively large size of the surfaces required to play them. This is especially true at gatherings where both games will be played.

Thus, there is a need for a compact, easily portable system that is capable of conversion between distinct gameplay modes, for example, a system that is convertible between a Beer Pong table and a Cornhole set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes modular multi-use surface sets that are particularly well-suited for use as tables for popular social games such as Beer Pong and Cornhole.

The disclosure is described herein with reference to certain embodiments, but it is understood that the devices/systems can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure are described below in regards to certain modular multi-use surface sets, such as game tables for example.

It is understood that when an element can be referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “upper”, “above”, “lower”, “beneath”, and “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the ordinal terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

In the most general sense, one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a multi-use surface set that may be used as a convertible game set. The set has sub-sections that are configurable as a Beer Pong table when connected and configurable as a pair of Cornhole platforms when disconnected. In other words, the multi-use surface set is operable in several modes of use, such as a regular table mode (or Beer Pong mode), platform mode (or Cornhole mode), and carry mode.

FIG. 1Ais a top perspective view of a multi-use surface set10shown in table mode (or Beer Pong mode) according to the disclosure. In the table, the multi-use surface set10comprises a rigid frame11generally defining the shape of the set, a top surface12on or connected to the frame11. In table mode, the frame11has a first side14, a second side16, two end sides20, and at least one collapsible table leg26, usually a pair of table legs26on each end. The multi-use surface set can also comprise one or more handles22on said frame, such as two handles for example, and/or two holes28. If left open, the holes28may be used for holding devices. In other modes, e.g., platform mode, the holes are used as part of the game. The multi-use surface set generally comprises multiple sub-sections of the multi-use surface set10such as a first sub-sub-section10aand a second sub-sub-section10b, as shown inFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1Bis a top perspective view of the multi-use surface set10shown in platform mode (or Cornhole mode) according to the disclosure. The first sub-section10agenerally comprises a first section top surface12a, a second section top surface12b, section one of the first side14a, section one of the second side16a, a third side18, an end side20, a hole28, and platform legs30. The first section top surface12acan meet flush with the second section top surface12bat hinge joint24to create a continuous flat surface. The first sub-section10acan also comprise a handle22for easy transportation, especially in the carry mode. Similarly, the second sub-section10bgenerally comprises a first section top surface12a, a second section top surface12b, section two of the first side14b, section two of the second side16b, a third side18, an end side20, a hole28, and platform legs30. The first section top surface12acan meet flush with the second section top surface12bat hinge joint24to create a continuous flat surface. The second sub-section10bcan also comprise a handle22for easy transportation, especially in the carry mode.

FIG. 2is a side view of the multi-use surface set10shown in carry mode according to the disclosure. FIG. illustrates a user carrying the first sub-section of10aand the second sub-section10bby the handles22, which in this embodiment, are on the first side14, but could easily be placed on any side in other embodiments. Thus, in carry mode, the sub-sections10a,10bcan be carried by the handles22as if they were a single unit. Hinges36are on either side of the hinge joint24such that the first sub-section10acan fold onto the second sub-section10b. The sub-sections10a,10bare divided by the hinge joints24into an exterior half and an interior half, wherein the exterior and interior halves each can fold into a closed position and unfold into an open position about the hinge joint24, such that the surface set10is configured in the carry mode when said halves are in the closed position. In the closed position, the back of the first sub-section10afaces the back of the second sub-section10b, and the top surface12faces outward.

Pairs of connectors34a,34b, in this embodiment joint brackets, are positioned by the third side18of the first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10bwith a total of four connectors34. A first connector34aon the first sub-section10aand a second connector34bon the second sub-section10bcorrespond to releasably join the sub-sections10a,10bto provide a continuous table top surface across both.

FIG. 3is a close-up side view of the multi-use surface set10shown in carry mode according to the disclosure. Latches32shown inFIG. 3on the first side14, can be on or near a side of the first sides14of the first sub-section10aand a side of the second sub-section10b. Latches32, when engaged, secure the first sub-section top surface12ato the second sub-section top surface12bfor transportation or storage.

FIG. 4is a detailed close-up side view of the multi-use surface set10shown in carry mode according to the disclosure. On the first side14is a pair of connectors34a,34b. The connector34acomprises an extended portion with a hole that is at least partially medially positioned, and the connector34bcomprises an extended portion with a hole that is at least partially laterally positioned. Therefore, when one of the sub-sections10a,10bof is unfolded, the connectors do not collide.

FIG. 5is a detailed close-up side view of the multi-use surface set10shown in carry mode according to the disclosure. The hinges36allow the first section top surfaces12aof the first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10bto fold onto the second section top surfaces12bof the first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10b, respectively.

FIG. 6is a top perspective view of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure. The top surface12may comprise a smooth waterproof material, such as melamine laminate, but may also comprise many alternate materials and can be smooth, textured, and/or gripped. Designs also can be placed on the top surface12, such as aesthetic designs or markings for use during one of the modes, for example a triangle to mark placement on the table for cups during Beer Pong. The layer under the top surface12can be any kind of rigid material to support the top surface12, for example medium-density fiberboard. The top layer12may also be rigid enough to not require a support layer underneath. The multi-use surface set10comprises multiple table legs26, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight.FIG. 6shows that the platform legs30are not in use while the multi-use surface set10is in table or Beer Pong mode. When in table or Beer Pong mode, section one of the first side14aand section two of the first side14bare joined and flush with each other. Similarly, section one of the second side16aand section two of the second side16bare joined and flush with each other. Thus, the third ends18are also flush with each other. Dimensions of the multi-use surface set10may be varied according to its intended uses.FIG. 6shows a top surface12with dimensions roughly two feet by eight feet and a height of approximately 28.5 inches.

FIG. 7is a bottom perspective view of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure.FIG. 7illustrates the first step to converting the multi-use surface set10from carry mode to table or Beer Pong mode. The first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10bare unfolded after unfastening the latches32, such that the corresponding first section top surface12ais no longer on the second section top surface12bas shown inFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 7, the table legs26and the platform legs30are folded under the top surface12. A storage pouch38may be attached to the underside of the top surface12for various uses, such as storing the bags for Cornhole, for example. A storage tube40may also be attached to the underside of the top surface12or to the frame11for additional storage of items such as instructions and/or a bag of instruments such as screws and connectors, for example.

FIG. 8Ais a detailed close-up bottom view of the multi-use surface set10. The table legs26and the platform legs30are folded underneath and parallel against the underside of the top surface12. The table legs26are longer than the platform legs30. For instance, the platform legs30may be about twelve inches or another suitable length. The table legs26are secured within the brace42to ensure that the table legs and the platform legs30do not unfold unintentionally. The brace42is on the frame11opposite said top surface12and is configured to receive the table leg26when collapsed underneath the top surface and in an intermediate position (as discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B).

FIG. 8Bis a detailed close-up bottom view of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure. The table legs26are adjustable in length and can be adjusted to an extended position (maximum length), a retracted position (minimum length), and any number of intermediate lengths therebetween. In some embodiments, the table legs26comprise a leg base25and a leg extension27. The leg extension27fits at least partially within the leg base25and can extend from the leg base25or retract into the leg base25, using a telescoping action. To unfold the table legs26and the platform legs30, a force is applied to the leg extensions27parallel to the legs and away from the brace42. A sufficient force causes the leg extensions27to retract into the leg bases25, shortening the table legs26to an intermediate position and causing them to disengage from the braces42.FIG. 8Bshows the table legs26after they have been released from the brace42.

FIG. 9Ais a detailed close-up bottom view of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure. The table legs26and the platform legs30are pivotably attached to the corners of the sub-sections10a,10band can be unfolded by swinging the ends of the legs away from the top surface12, down from the frame11. The table frame11runs along at least part of the perimeter of the top surface12and extends below the top surface12a short distance. A securing arm44is connected on one end to the frame11and on the other end to a table leg26and can lock into place to secure the extended position of the table legs26and the platform legs30.

FIG. 9Bis a detailed close-up bottom view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the leg bases25each have at least one hole and the leg extensions27each have a pin48that can fit into the at least one hole. The table legs26are lengthened by extending the leg extensions27from the bases25, and the table legs26are locked to a desired length by engaging the pin48into the appropriate hole.

FIG. 10is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure. The third side18of the first sub-section10ais positioned flush against the third side18of the second sub-section10b.

FIG. 11is a detailed close-up bottom view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure. When first and second sections10a,10bare unfolded, the connectors34a,34bare then slotted together such that their holes are aligned. The knob screw is then fitted through the aligned holes of the connectors34a,34band screwed into place. A similar pair of connectors are on the opposite side of the sub-sections10a,10bsuch that the they are locked into place in the table mode configuration. Once the knob screw50is securely within the connectors34a,34b, the first side14, the second side16, and the top surface12of the first sub-section10aare flush with the first side14, the second side16, and the top surface12of the second sub-section10b, respectively.

FIG. 12is a bottom side perspective view of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure.

FIG. 13is a detailed close-up side view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure. As the knob screw50is securely fastened within the connectors34a,34band the adjoining sides are flush with each other, the first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10bare securely connected, providing a flat top surface12.

FIG. 14is a top side perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure.

FIG. 15is a bottom perspective view of one end of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode. The platform legs30fit between the table legs26as the distance between pairing platform legs30is less than the distance between pairing table legs30. Another embodiment comprises table legs26that are between platform legs30. The pins48are engaged in the corresponding hole in the table legs26. A platform leg securing arm52is shown folded and connecting a table leg26to a platform leg30.

FIG. 16is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode according to the disclosure.

FIG. 17is a top perspective view of the multi-use surface set10shown in platform mode according to the disclosure. The first sub-section10aand the second sub-section10bare separated in this mode. The platform legs30are extended while the table legs26are folded underneath and parallel with the top surface12such that the third side18is resting against the ground. In this embodiment, the hole28is approximately six inches in diameter and roughly nine inches from the end side20such that the devices may be used for the Cornhole game. However, the hole28may be of any size and at any location on the top surface12to accommodate numerous uses and games. The hole28can also be fitted with a ring29along the inside of the hole. The ring29protects the hole28and can be made of numerous materials such as plastic. The ring29can extend partially over and under the top surface12along the perimeter of the hole28and can be removable and of various thicknesses, such as approximately 1/16 of an inch. In some embodiments, a detachable triangular insert is placed around the ring29such that the triangular insert is flush with the ring29. The triangular insert may be made of numerous types of materials such as plastic or foam and can have markers or aesthetic designs on the face of it. The triangular insert can also be of a specific size and shape for marking the appropriate placement of cups for Beer Pong. In table mode, it may be desirable to use an insert sized to fit snugly within the hole28to provide a continuous flat surface around and over the hole28. In other embodiments, the insert can consist of alternate shapes and sizes.

FIG. 18is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in platform mode according to the disclosure. A securing arm52is connected to each platform leg30at one end and each table leg26at the opposite end. As shown inFIG. 15, the platform leg securing arm52is folded when not in use and extends when the platform leg30is extended and the table leg26remains folded under the top surface12. The platform leg securing arm52, when extended, locks the platform leg30in its extended position.

FIG. 19is a side perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in platform mode according to the disclosure.

FIG. 20is a top perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in platform mode. The hinge joint24, the first section top surface12aand the second section top surface12bare all flush with each other to act as a single flat top surface.

FIG. 21is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10according to the disclosure. The storage pouch38may be removably attached to the underside of the top surface12or to the frame11by many different types of attachment mechanism, such as hook and loop attachment mechanisms, for example. A portion of the pouch38is shown removed in this view to reveal the hook and loop attachment mechanism in this particular embodiment.

FIG. 22is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the multi-use surface set10shown in table mode.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above.