# Patent

## Title
Card table

## Abstract

A card table structure, preferably a poker table, includes a frame with legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table. A playing surface is disposed under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played. A peripheral support member is secured under the rail. The peripheral support member includes a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.

## Background
RELATED CASE
This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Ser. No. 13/949,353 filed on Jul. 24, 2013 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,888,101 and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates very generally to a card table, and more particularly to a poker table. The present invention also relates to the addition to the poker table structure of a connector strip that allows for the ready recharging of electronic devices, particularly of cell phones.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Card games, and in particular poker, have become quite popular. These games can last for several hours. One major inconvenience is that any electronic devices occupied by a player cannot be recharged at the card table. Thus, this may require that the player leave the table for the purpose of recharging an electronic device such as a cell phone. It is typical to have a separate charging station that is not conveniently located relative to the card table.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card table, and particularly a poker table, with the ability to recharge electronic devices directly at the table.
Another object of the present invention is to provide, associated with the card table, a peripheral support member that is comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for recharging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a peripheral support member as previously identified and which can be either incorporated into the table during manufacture of the table or can be readily retrofitted to the card table.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention there is provided a card table structure comprising: a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface; the frame including a peripheral rail that extends about the table; a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played; and a peripheral support member secured under the rail; said peripheral support member comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the peripheral support member is in the form of a hollow channel member; the hollow channel member has spaced apart holes therein, each said hole for receiving one of the power connectors; the hollow channel member has inner and outer walls and the receiving hole is disposed in the outer wall so as to be accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure; the hollow channel member also has upper and lower walls with the upper wall thereof to be secured to the peripheral rail; further including a wooden strip secured to an underside of the rail and for supporting the hollow channel member thereunder, and a plurality of fasteners for securing the hollow channel member through the upper and lower walls thereof, through the wooden strip and into the peripheral rail; the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the hollow channel member; each fastener comprises a screw and each of the screws is spaced apart from a receiving hole; including a wooden strip disposed between the hollow channel member and the peripheral rail, and a plurality of fasteners for securing the hollow channel member through upper and lower walls thereof, through the wooden strip and into the peripheral rail; the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the hollow channel member; and each fastener comprises a screw and each of the screws is spaced apart from a receiving hole.
In accordance with the present invention in another version thereof there is provided a poker table constructed so that electronic devices can be readily re-charged directly at the poker table, said poker table constructed to include a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table, a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a poker game is to be played, and a peripheral support member secured under the rail and comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table other than where a dealer is positioned and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the poker table.
In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the peripheral support member is in the form of a hollow channel member that has spaced apart holes therein, each said hole for receiving one of the power connectors; the hollow channel member has inner and outer walls and the receiving hole is disposed in the outer wall so as to be accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure; the hollow channel member also has upper and lower walls with the upper wall thereof to be secured to the peripheral rail, and including a wooden strip secured to an underside of the rail and for supporting the hollow channel member thereunder; a plurality of fasteners are used for securing the hollow channel member through the upper and lower walls thereof, through the wooden strip and into the peripheral rail; the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the hollow channel member; and each fastener comprises a screw and each of the screws is spaced apart from a receiving hole.
In accordance with the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention there is provided a card table structure comprising: a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface; the frame including a peripheral rail that extends about the table; a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played; and a peripheral support member secured under the rail. The peripheral support member is comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure.
In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip; the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors; the connector strip is secured about the periphery of the planar base board, the connector strip being accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure; the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses; the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board; including a plurality of fasteners for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail; the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the frame; each fastener comprises a screw and further including a glass or cup receptacle in the frame and rail; the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses; each power connector includes a circuit substrate for supporting the power connector, the substrate being mounted within a corresponding recess in the planar base board; wherein the interconnecting channel receives wiring that connects between adjacent power connectors, and each power connector includes a pair of terminals respectively connected to different wiring segments; the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board; including a plurality of fasteners for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail, and a header between ends of the frame where a dealer is positioned.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a poker table constructed so that electronic devices can be readily re-charged directly at the poker table, said poker table constructed to include a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table, a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a poker game is to be played, and a peripheral support member secured under the rail and comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table other than where a dealer is positioned and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the poker table.
In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip; the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors; the connector strip is secured about the periphery of the planar base board, the connector strip being accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure; the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses, and wherein the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a card table structure comprising:
providing a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface;
the frame including a peripheral rail that extends about the table;
providing a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played;
and providing a peripheral support member secured under the rail;
said peripheral support member comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure;
providing as at least a part of the frame a base board;
disposing a series of spaced apart recesses in the base board each for receiving a respective power connector; and
disposing an interconnecting channel for wiring and extending between respective recesses.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It should be understood that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosure. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a poker table incorporating the peripheral support member of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating an electronic device about to be plugged into one of the connectors;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing further details of the table construction;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a plan view that illustrates the hollow support member and the associated wiring that interconnects the respective connectors;
FIG. 6 illustrates the respective plan views of components employed in the table construction;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation view at the dealer location;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the poker table without illustrating the support legs;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of the poker table, including in particular a peripheral support member;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another component of the poker table, particularly the base board construction;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view through the card table adjacent to the open space area where the header is disposed;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11; and
FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view at the recess area showing further details of the connector mechanism.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-6 for an illustration of a card table structure in accordance with the present invention. The principles of the present invention may be employed to virtually any card table structure, although, in the description of the present invention it is described primarily in association with a poker table 10, which is illustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 1. The principles of the present invention may be employed in connection with the construction of a variety of different configurations of card tables, one construction of which is described herein. A further embodiment of the present invention is also illustrated in FIGS. 8-13.
In the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the card table structure is comprised of a frame 12 supported by means of a set of legs 14. The legs 14 are for supporting the frame over a floor surface as illustrated in FIG. 1. The frame includes a peripheral rail 16 that extends about the table. This rail is interrupted to provide an open space area 18 where the dealer typically is located. The perspective view of FIG. 1 shows a padding 20 that covers the rail 16. FIG. 1 also illustrates a plane surface at 22 that is basically under the rail and extends across the table to provide a surface upon which the card game is to be played. A peripheral support member 24 is illustrated in FIG. 1 under the rail and is comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and which is for the support of plural power connectors 25. Each of these power connectors may be a conventional USB connector. In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates a typical rechargeable electronic device such as a cell phone 26 that can be connected by way of a cord 27 to a connector part 28 that may be connected into the USB port 25.
Reference is now made to the fragmentary cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 which also illustrates a headpiece 30. Refer also to the side elevation view of FIG. 7 for an illustration of the headpiece 30, which is located at the opening 18 where the dealer is located. The headpiece 30 may be considered as of a T-shape having end extensions 32 that are adapted to a fittingly mate with ends of the peripheral support strip 24. In FIG. 3 an end 34 of the support strip 24 is engaged under the extension 32 of the headpiece 30. The headpiece 30 may be constructed of metal, wood, plastic, or other materials.
The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 also illustrates that the peripheral support strip 24 is basically hollow, thus forming a channel for wiring 35 that runs throughout the channel of the strip 24 between various locations of the plug-in connectors 25. In this regard, refer also to the plan view of FIG. 5 that shows the interconnecting wiring 35 in dotted outline and also shows several locations of the connectors 25. This plan view of FIG. 5 also illustrates a convertor 36 that is used to convert normal AC voltage from the cord 37 (see FIG. 1) into a lower voltage for coupling to each of the connectors 25 by way of the wiring 35.
The construction of FIG. 3 also illustrates the rail at 16 and the overlying padding at 20 which may be in the form of a foam padding with a vinyl cover. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is the peripheral wood strip 40, the configuration of which is also illustrated in the components diagram of FIG. 6. Refer also to the side elevation view of FIG. 7 that shows the wood strip 40 with the ends thereof butting up against the extensions 32 of the headpiece 30. FIG. 3 also illustrates one of a number of different fasteners at 42. The particular fastener of 42 shown in FIG. 3 may be in the form of a screw that extends through the peripheral support strip 24, through the extension 32 of the headpiece and into the rail 16. The rail 16 as well as the strip 40 may both be constructed of wood or other suitable materials. Preferably there are provided a plurality of fasteners 42 that attach the peripheral support strip 24 to the wood strip 40 and rail 16 about the entire periphery of the support strip 24. In connection with the plan view of FIG. 5, these fasteners may be disposed between adjacent connectors 25 so as not to interfere with the coupling of wiring to each of the connectors.
The rail 16 may have a width of, for example, 5 inches, while the width of the preferred wood strip 40 is less than 5 inches. The dealer opening at 18 is preferably 30′′-36′′ wide. As indicated previously, the peripheral support strip 24 is hollow. It may have an internal dimension of 3⁄4′′ by 1′′. The strip 24 is preferable constructed of a lightweight metal material but could also be constructed of a plastic material.
Reference is now made to the cross-section of FIG. 4 which is taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3. The fragmentary cross-section view of FIG. 4 shows somewhat further details. In FIG. 4 there is illustrated the rail 16 and the strip 40. In addition, there are two further support pieces identified in FIG. 4 as members 50 and 52. Member 50 may extend across the full length and width of the table and is for support of the playing surface 22. Under the member 50 is a further support member 52. FIG. 4 also illustrates fasteners at 54 for securing together the various members of the table structure. One of the fasteners 54 extends through the member 50 into the rail 16. The other fastener 54 is shown extending through both of the members 50 and 52. A number of different fasteners may be used throughout the table structure spaced apart for securing together the various components that comprise the table structure.
In the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-13, the card table structure is comprised of a frame 112 supported by means of a set of legs (not shown in FIGS. 8-13). The legs are for supporting the frame over a floor surface as illustrated in FIG. 1. The frame includes a peripheral rail 116 that extends about the table. This rail is interrupted to provide an open space area 118 where the dealer typically is located. The perspective view of FIG. 8 shows a padding 120 that covers the rail 116. FIG. 8 also illustrates a plane surface at 122 that is basically under the rail and extends across the table to provide a surface upon which the card game is to be played. A peripheral support member is illustrated in FIG. 8 under the rail and is comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and which is for the support of plural power connectors 125. Each of these power connectors may be a conventional USB connector. In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates a typical rechargeable electronic device such as a cell phone 26 that can be connected by way of a cord 27 to a connector part 28 that may be connected into the USB port 25.
Reference is also now made to the perspective views of FIGS. 9 and 10 for the details of other components of this embodiment. In FIG. 9 there is provided a peripheral support member strip 123 that is basically a thin metal or plastic strip that raps about the periphery of the card table structure. Each of the power connectors 125 is supported in a spaced relationship along this planar strip 123. FIG. 9 also illustrates the header member 130 which includes exposed end extensions 132. The strip 123 may mate with the opposed ends of the header 130. FIG. 11 illustrates, at 124, the strip being formed under the extension 132.
Reference is now also made to another component of the system of FIGS. 8-13. This includes, in addition to the header 130, and the strip 123, the base board 124. The base board 124 may be constructed of a wood or plastic material and forms the main means by which the power connectors are supported and mounted. The perspective view of FIG. 10 also illustrates a portion of the intermediate board 140 that will be described in further detail hereinafter.
In FIG. 10 the board 124 includes routered out channels 160 that extend between spaced apart recesses 162. In this regard, refer also to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 that shows a portion of the channel 160 leading to the recess 162. Refer also to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 and the fragmentary perspective view of FIG. 13. Both of these views illustrate the channel 160 leading into the recess 162.
Reference is now made to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, as well as the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 and the more detailed fragmentary perspective view of FIG. 13. As indicated previously, the frame of the table also includes a planar intermediate board 140 that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board. The rail 116, also shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11, is constructed and arranged to be disposed over the periphery of the frame and in particular over the planar intermediate board. There are provided a plurality of fasteners 142 for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail 116. The various components that are illustrated may be constructed of wood or a plastic and are preferably constructed of some form of a plywood or particle board construction. Each of the fasteners may be a screw-type fastener or a lag bolt fastener. These various components may also be provided with a cup or glass receptacle such as illustrated at 117 in FIG. 8.
The power connector assembly includes, not only the connector 125, but also a supporting circuit board 126. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a pair of fasteners 127 that may be used for securing the circuit board 126 into the recess 162. FIGS. 12 and 13, in particular, also illustrate other components on the board such as a pair of connectors 128. FIG. 12 shows one of the connectors 128 having a terminal 129 that is conductively secured with the wiring 135. This wiring and the connectors couple the power connector in a series circuit. This series circuit connects between each of the successively mounted power connectors 125. FIG. 12 also illustrates a further fastener at 154. This fastener in particular is engaged between the boards 140 and 124.
Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A card table structure comprising:
a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface;
the frame including a peripheral rail that extends about the table;
a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played;
and a peripheral support member secured under the rail;
said peripheral support member comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure;
wherein the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip;
wherein the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors;
wherein the connector strip is secured about the periphery of the planar base board, the connector strip being accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure;
wherein the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses; and
wherein the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board.

2. The card table structure of claim 1 including a plurality of fasteners for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail.

3. The card table structure of claim 2 wherein the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the frame.

4. The card table structure of claim 3 wherein each fastener comprises a screw and further including a glass or cup receptacle in the frame and rail.

5. The card table structure of claim 1 wherein each power connector includes a circuit substrate for supporting the power connector, the substrate being mounted within a corresponding recess in the planar base board.

6. The card table structure of claim 5 wherein the interconnecting channel receives wiring that connects between adjacent power connectors, and each power connector includes a pair of terminals respectively connected to different wiring segments.

7. A card table structure comprising:
a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface;
the frame including a peripheral rail that extends about the table;
a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a card table game is to be played;
and a peripheral support member secured under the rail;
said peripheral support member comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure;
wherein the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip;
wherein the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors;
wherein the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses;
wherein each power connector includes a circuit substrate for supporting the power connector, the substrate being mounted within a corresponding recess in the planar base board;
wherein the interconnecting channel receives wiring that connects between adjacent power connectors, and each power connector includes a pair of terminals respectively connected to different wiring segments; and
wherein the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board.

8. The card table structure of claim 7 including a plurality of fasteners for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail, and a header between ends of the frame where a dealer is positioned.

9. A poker table constructed so that electronic devices can be readily re-charged directly at the poker table, said poker table constructed to include a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table, a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a poker game is to be played, and a peripheral support member secured under the rail and comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table other than where a dealer is positioned and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the poker table, wherein the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip, wherein the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors, wherein the connector strip is secured about the periphery of the planar base board, the connector strip being accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure, and wherein the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, and an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses, and wherein the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board.

10. A poker table constructed so that electronic devices can be readily re-charged directly at the poker table, said poker table constructed to include a frame that includes legs for supporting the frame over a floor surface and a peripheral rail that extends about the table, a playing surface under the rail and extending across the rail to provide a surface upon which a poker game is to be played, and a peripheral support member secured under the rail and comprised of a strip that extends about a major periphery of the table other than where a dealer is positioned and for the support of plural power connectors for re-charging electronic devices directly at the poker table, wherein the peripheral support member strip comprises a planar strip that wraps about the periphery of the card table structure, and the power connectors are supported spaced apart along the planar strip, wherein the frame also includes a planar base board for supporting each of the power connectors, wherein the connector strip is secured about the periphery of the planar base board, the connector strip being accessible to a user for the purpose of re-charging electronic devices directly at the card table structure, and wherein the base board has a series of spaced apart recesses each for receiving a respective power connector, an interconnecting channel disposed between respective recesses, and wiring that is disposed in the interconnecting channel and interconnects between adjacent power connectors.

11. The poker table of claim 10 wherein the frame further includes a planar intermediate board that is disposed over and secured to the planar base board, the rail constructed and arranged to be disposed about the periphery of the frame and over the planar intermediate board.

12. The poker table of claim 10 including a plurality of fasteners for securing the planar base board and planar intermediate board into the peripheral rail.

13. The poker table of claim 12 wherein the plurality of fasteners are spacedly disposed about the periphery of the frame.

14. The poker table of claim 13 wherein each fastener comprises a screw and further including a glass or cup receptacle in the frame and rail.