Patent Publication Number: US-2003228944-A1

Title: Combination table tennis system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/386,229 filed on Jun. 8, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention relates to tables, ping pong (table tennis) tables, and other types of tables. In particular, the present invention is directed toward a unique attachment and combination of individual folding multi-functional banquet tables to create a table tennis table.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Ping Pong or Table Tennis is a popular sport for individuals and families. Many individuals and families have a ping pong table, for example, in a garage, basement or family room. Ping Pong is also a popular sport for schools and other institutions. The equipment is relatively inexpensive, and even novices can learn the game quickly.  
       [0004] However, storing Ping Pong tables has always presented a problem to the game—and a non-trivial problem at that. A Ping Pong table takes up quite a bit of room, and thus when not in use, can be a major nuisance. Folding tables are known in the art. Kettler, U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,835, issued Jul. 30, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference, discloses an example of such a folding table. Most folding tables are limited by the means in which they fold. Typically, most fold at the midpoint (i.e. , where the net is located) so that the folding mechanism will not affect the playing surface.  
       [0005] This folding technique is not by accident. Even a small discrepancy, ridge, seam, or other imperfection in the playing surface will result in a Ping Pong ball bouncing in an unpredictable manner if it bounces at such a point. If the playing surface is uneven or has imperfections, it is not suitable for use for serious (or even amateur) Ping Pong play. Unpredictable court conditions make for frustrating play. For this reason, most Prior Art Ping Pong tables have folded only along the net line, so as to not introduce imperfections into the playing surface.\ 
       [0006] Appelbaum, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,559, issued Nov. 10, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a Ping Pong table where a seam is present in the playing surface. Applebaum discloses a Ping Pong Table which is provided with “auxiliary panels” which may be clamped to the sides of the table to increase the overall width of the Ping Pong table, or to be used as side panels. Applebaum discloses a clamp mechanism (e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3B) to attach the side panels, or a hinge mechanism (e.g., FIGS.  4 A-C to allow the panels to be moved to different positions.  
       [0007] The problem with the Applebaum table is that in the clamping mode, any warpage or imperfection in the alignment of the side panels has the potential to introduce a ridge, seam, or other imperfection in the playing surface. If the clamp is not properly seated (See, e.g. FIG. 3A) the wing panel may not be flush with the main playing surface.  
       [0008] The hinge mechanism of Applebaum probably alleviates this concern somewhat, in that the hinge eliminates the need for manually aligning the side panels, and thus reducing the chance that a seam or ridge will be introduced into the playing surface. However, the hinge construction requires that the panels be attached to the main playing surface at all times.  
       [0009] Traditional folding Ping Pong tables, even when folded, are bulky to store, as they are quite tall. Given their large size, Ping Pong tables are of little use to homeowners and institutions for other than their intended purpose. Thus, Prior Art Ping Pong tables do not lend themselves well to dual uses.  
       [0010] For many homeowners or institutions, banquet tables are useful for special occasions (e.g., parties, banquets, and the like). However, renting such tables for each use is expensive and inconvenient. Purchasing such tables is also quite expensive, and adds the problem of storing such tables between their infrequent use.  
       [0011] Various folding banquet table designs and table tennis (i.e., ping pong) designs are known in the art. However, research indicates there is no known art of a system combining these applications. Thus, it remains a requirement in the art to provide a combined Ping Pong table which may be converted into banquet tables. Such a multi-functionality helps alleviate cost concerns and also reduces bulky and space consuming storage requirement. There are several obstacles to overcome in making each function acceptable. The present invention addresses those obstacles.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012] The present invention pertains to simple but unique attachment system that allows the use of four (or more) separate folding banquet tables (e.g., 30″×54″) which may be combined to form a single table tennis table (e.g., 60″×108″). The attachment system allows for a uniform playing surface with proper court markings. The attachment system further allows for various court configurations for varying skill levels.  
       [0013] The attachment system comprises a three millimeter edgebanding in contrasting color to the table surface that is machined into a tongue and groove configuration. When individual banquet tables are drawn together by a bolt and wing-nut between table leg supports, or by a bungee chord or the like, the tongue and groove edge treatment forms a smooth and uniform playing surface junction between tables. The edgebanding also creates a centerline and exterior lines on the surface to divide playing courts and mark out of bounds.  
       [0014] The table surface may be laminated with a high pressure laminate, stained or painted plywood or particleboard, or any other surface deemed acceptable for both applications. The invention comprises the unique combination and application of the leg assemblies, bolt and wing-nut (or bungee chord or the like) and tongue and grooved edge treatment. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015]FIG. 1 is an enlarged side sectional view of table portions  110  and  120  illustrating tongue A and groove B of the edgebanding.  
     [0016]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of table legs  210  and  220  and portions  110  and  120  illustrating the bolt  2 A and wingnut  2 B together with the junction C of the tongue and groove edge assembly.  
     [0017]FIG. 3 is perspective view of two combined tables.  
     [0018]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a shock cord (bungee chord) to hold two adjacent tables together.  
     [0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a shock cord (bungee chord) to hold two adjacent folding tables together. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0020] The present invention comprises a tongue and grooved machined edgebanding coupled with a unique leg assembly designed to couple tables together securely forming a uniform playing surface for table tennis (i.e., ping pong). This combination of materials and machining provides a smooth playing surface of exact playing dimensions and court markings while allowing the table to be disassembled for use as four separate multi-functional folding tables.  
     [0021] Each of the separate tables may be used a banquet tables, dining tables, desks, hobby tables, or other types of tables. In the preferred embodiment, the Ping Pong table of the present invention may be disassembled into four separate tables, each approximately 30″ by 54″. Each of these tables is of manageable size for one person to move or carry and is more than suitable for use as a desk, buffet table, or the like. Each of the individual tables may be provided with folding legs or the like as is known in the art.  
     [0022] When two tables are combined together, as illustrated in FIG. 3, they may form half of a Ping Pong table, approximately 60″ by 54″ in size. Two such assemblies may then be combined to form a complete Ping Pong table, approximately 60″×108″ in size. A Ping Pong net may be attached using clamping mechanisms as is known in the art or by other means which do not form a part of the present invention. Note that for the sake of illustration, the tongue and groove joint of FIGS. 1 and 2 is not illustrated in FIG. 3.  
     [0023] As illustrated in FIG. 3, each half court comprises two tables  110 ,  120  combined with the fastening mechanism of the present invention. Two of such half courts may be pushed together, and need not be fastened together, to provide a full court (approximately 5′×9′). Since the seam between two such half-courts is at the net, the tongue and groove fastening method at the half-court seam may not be required. Installation of a standard net (not a part of this invention) completes the transformation of the four separate tables into a table tennis (i.e., Ping Pong) table.  
     [0024]FIG. 1 is an enlarged side sectional diagram of the tongue and groove machining of the  3  millimeter edgebanding (identified by the diagonal lines). Table surface  110  may be provided with a male edge A on at least one side of the table. Table surface  120  may be provided with a female edge B on at least one side of the table. In order to make the tables interchangeable, each table may be made with male edge A on one side and female edge B on an opposite side, such that the tables can be joined together to make even larger surfaces for other applications.  
     [0025] Table surfaces  110 ,  120  may vary in thickness. In the preferred embodiment, table surfaces  110 ,  120  may be approximately 0.8″ to 1″ thick. Tongue A may be extend outward approximately 0.1″ to mate with corresponding groove B which may have a depth of approximately 0.1″. Tongue A and groove B may be made of plastic or other material, in a suitably contrasting color to table surfaces  110 , 120  so as to form a court centerline when drawn together. In the preferred embodiment of the prototype of the present invention, tongue A and groove B are made from 3 mm PVC edgebanding that is machined in the profile illustrated in FIG. 1. However, for production purposes, it is envisioned that injection molded or extruded plastic may be used to reduce costs and insure a consistent profile.  
     [0026] The use of tongue A and groove B allows the two table surfaces  100 ,  120  to be drawn together such that no ridge or groove is formed in the playing surface, or that at least such a ridge or groove is minimized. For a consumer-grade embodiment, a small ridge on the playing surface may be tolerated by amateur players—and thus a lower cost fastening system may be utilized as set forth below. For more professional-grade models, a more elaborate fastening system and tighter tongue and groove tolerances may be required. Fairly precise machining tolerances may be required (e.g., to 0.001″) to insure that when tongue A and groove B mate together no significant seam or ridge is formed.  
     [0027]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of table legs  210  and  220  and portions  110  and  120  illustrating a first fastening system of the present invention. Bolt  2 A and wingnut  2 B together with the junction C of the tongue and groove edge assembly tie two adjacent tables together to form a single playing surface. FIG. 2 illustrates the bolt  2 A and wing-nut assembly  2 B attaching the outside legs of the combining tables. Note how the tightening of wing-nut  2 B draws the tongue and groove assembly of the table edges together C.  
     [0028] Note that for the purposes of illustration, bolt  2 A and wing-nut  2 B may be provided between adjacent table legs. However, a fastening system, including clamps, straps, bolts, pins, latches, and the like, may be used in place of a bolt and wing nut, and may be provided on the underside of the table surface. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment mechanism may be provided away from the edge of the table surface so that when in use as a banquet table, such a mechanism does not snag clothing and the like of table users.  
     [0029]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a shock cord (bungee chord) to hold two adjacent tables together. When two tables are combined together, as illustrated in FIG. 4, they may form half of a Ping Pong table, approximately 60″ by 54″ in size. Two such assemblies may then be combined to form a complete Ping Pong table, approximately 60″×108″ in size. A Ping Pong net may be attached using clamping mechanisms as is known in the art or by other means which do not form a part of the present invention.  
     [0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4, each half court comprises two tables  110 ,  120  combined with the fastening mechanism of the present invention, here illustrated as bungee or shock cord  410 . Two of such half courts may be pushed together, and need not be fastened together, to provide a full court (approximately 5′×9′). Since the seam between two such half-courts is at the net, the tongue and groove fastening method at the half-court seam may not be required. Installation of a standard net (not a part of this invention) completes the transformation of the four separate tables into a table tennis (i.e., Ping Pong) table.  
     [0031] The use of bungee or shock chord  410  joining table legs  210  and  220  together, reduces the cost and complexity of the overall assembly, as no specialized attaching mechanism need be manufactured and attached to tables  110  and  120 . Moreover, the use of shock or bungee chord  410  reduces the likelihood that a user will snag his or her clothing on an attachment mechanism when tables  110  and  120  are used a banquet tables.  
     [0032] This preferred embodiment significantly reduces cost and complexity of the overall assembly, and allows the product to be readily and inexpensively manufactured. Indeed, standard banquet tables can be readily adapted for use in the present invention simply by machining their edges to provide the tongue and groove mechanism of the present invention (not illustrated in FIG. 4) or by providing a tongue and groove edging to an existing table.  
     [0033]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a shock cord (bungee chord) to hold two adjacent folding tables together. When two tables are combined together, as illustrated in FIG. 5, they may form half of a Ping Pong table, approximately 60″ by 54″ in size. Two such assemblies may then be combined to form a complete Ping Pong table, approximately 60″×108″ in size. A Ping Pong net may be attached using clamping mechanisms as is known in the art or by other means which do not form a part of the present invention.  
     [0034] As illustrated in FIG. 5, each half court comprises two tables  110 ,  120  combined with the fastening mechanism of the present invention, here illustrated as bungee or shock cord  510 . Two of such half courts may be pushed together, and need not be fastened together, to provide a full court (approximately 5′×9′). Since the seam between two such half-courts is at the net, the tongue and groove fastening method at the half-court seam may not be required. Installation of a standard net (not a part of this invention) completes the transformation of the four separate tables into a table tennis (i.e., Ping Pong) table.  
     [0035] The use of bungee or shock chord  510  joining folding table legs  210  and  220  together, reduces the cost and complexity of the overall assembly, as no specialized attaching mechanism need be manufactured and attached to tables  110  and  120 . Moreover, the use of shock or bungee chord  410  reduces the likelihood that a user will snag his or her clothing on an attachment mechanism when tables  110  and  120  are used a banquet tables.  
     [0036] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, familiar folding-type tables may be used to form the present invention. Standard banquet, cafeteria, or other type of institutional tables can be readily adapted for use in the present invention simply by machining their edges to provide the tongue and groove mechanism of the present invention (not illustrated in FIG. 5) or by providing a tongue and groove edging to an existing table.  
     [0037] Thus, for example, a series of tables  110 ,  120  of FIG. 5 may be assembled for dining in an institution or the like, during a lunch period. After the lunch period, the tables  110 ,  120  and other tables may be reconfigured as Ping Pong tables (with excess tables and chairs being folded and stowed) and a dining area quickly converted to a recreation area. Thus, residents of an institution or students can entertain themselves without the need for an additional expensive Ping Pong tables, and without the storage problems associated therewith.  
     [0038] Moreover, when selling banquet, folding, cafeteria, or other tables encompassing the present invention, a salesman has the additional advantage over his competitors in that the tables of the present invention can provide a dual use—at little or no additional cost. Thus, by modifying tables for such commercial or institutional use to embody the present invention, a manufacturer of such tables can increase sales by touting the dual use feature.  
     [0039] For consumer use, the opposite marketing tactic may be used. A consumer may be more inclined to buy a Ping Pong table that may be used as four banquet tables on special occasions. If comparing the present invention to a Prior Art folding Ping Pong table, the consumer will more than likely choose the present invention, as it may be more readily handled and folded (in four pieces, as opposed to one bulky folding mechanism on wheels) and is easier to transport. The tables of the present invention, folded flat, may be carried on the roof of even a small car or the like, whereas a large folding Ping Pong table may require truck delivery.  
     [0040] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed and described in detail, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.  
     [0041] Moreover, various modifications may be made in materials and dimensions for the edge treatment, leg assemblies and attachment device, substrate material and thickness, and surface materials. These modifications remain within the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
     [0042] For example, although illustrated herein in terms of Ping Pong, other types of gaming surfaces may be provided by the present invention, or the tables may be joined to form other types of table surfaces such as hobby tables, dressmaking or quilting tables, desks, and the like.  
     [0043] Further, adjacent banquet tables of the present invention may be joined using the tongue-and-groove technique of the present invention so as to form longer banquet tables—largely eliminating the “seam” that plagues traditional banquet tables (often causing plates and glasses to topple and spill) at weddings and other events. The result is a linger banquet table where the “seam” area can be used for seating or serving without worrying about spillage. To the table user, the section of the table where the joint occurs is largely “seamless” and thus a guest may not even realize they are seated at the joint section.