Patent Publication Number: US-2022233948-A1

Title: Adjustable tabletop sports system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/808,868, filed on Mar. 4, 2020, which is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/665,846, filed on Aug. 1, 2017. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to systems and methods of adjusting a tabletop sports goal. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditionally, game tables are structurally limited to a configuration for a particular game. Often a limiting factor is the scoring configuration required to play certain games. To name some examples: pool tables have pockets; air hockey tables have low profile goals for a low profile hockey puck; foosball tables have soccer-like goal; table hockey has miniature hockey goals on the surface of the table; and ping-pong only requires a net on the game table. Due to these different needs, game tables are commonly stand-alone tables limited to a particular game where a user would be unable to play other kinds of games on that particular table. Accordingly, to play more than one kind of game may require the user to have more than one game table. Unfortunately, the footprint of each additional game table may consume valuable floor space. 
     To overcome some of these setbacks, game table manufacturers began offering multi-game tables. A multi-game table is a modular design where the user may change a top surface panel of the table to play other games on the same table. In other words, the multi-game table is limited to tabletop games of a similar size top surface panel. Although these multi-game tables reduced the requirement for an individual table for each table game, multi-game tables suffer from still other setbacks including the need for each tabletop game within a multi-game table to include its own goal or scoring components. By needing each tabletop game to have its own goal or scoring components, the user may more easily break, misplace, or encounter issues setting up each tabletop game of the multi-game table. For these reasons, there is a continuing need of improvement for table games. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a goal secured to a table configured to receive a projectile from a tabletop game with a playing surface. The goal includes a net portion, at least one bracket, and a tray portion. The net portion has a first end and a second end. The net portion is movable between a first position and a second position. The net portion is configured to receive a first projectile in the first position and a second projectile in the second position. The at least one bracket is configured to receive at least one of the first end or the second end of the net portion. The tray portion is configured to store the first projectile and the second projectile. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the net portion has a top net surface that is substantially flush with a top surface of the table in the first position. In some examples, the net portion has a scoreboard. In some configurations, the tray portion has a top tray surface facing the net portion and at least one sidewall. In these configurations, the at least one sidewall extends from the top tray surface toward the net portion such that the extension of the at least one sidewall defines a lip to retain the first projectile and the second projectile for storage. The at least one bracket may have a channel configured to receive the at least one end of the net portion. The tray portion may have an end stop configured to receive the net portion in the first position. In some examples, a space between the tray portion and the net portion defines an opening to remove the first projectile and the second projectile from the tray portion. 
     In some implementations, the goal further includes at least one retaining device to secure the net portion in at least one of the first position or the second position. The at least one retaining device may be a magnet, a mechanical stop, or a friction fit between the net portion or the at least one bracket. 
     In some examples, the net portion has a top net surface. The top net surface may define a net opening extending between the playing surface and the top net surface of the net portion. In the first position, the net opening may have a first position height extending between the playing surface and the top net surface of the net portion. In the second position, the net opening may have a second position height extending between the playing surface and the top net surface of the net portion. The first position height may be less than the second position height. 
     Optionally, the net opening has a top net surface and a cross sectional area. The cross sectional area may be defined by a width of the net portion and a height of the net portion. Here, the width of the net portion extends between the first end and the second end and the height of the net portion extends between the playing surface and the top net surface of the net portion. In some examples, the cross sectional area is greater when the net portion is in the second position than when the net portion is in the first position. 
     In some examples, the goal has a first bracket and a second bracket. In these examples, the first bracket is configured to receive the first end of the net portion and the second bracket is configured to receive the second end of the net portion. The net portion may include at least one flange extending from at least one of the first end or the second end. The at least one flange may be received by the at least one bracket. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a goal configured to receive a projectile. The goal has a table, a net portion, at least one bracket, and a tray portion. The table has a first tabletop game with a first playing surface. The net portion has a first end and a second end. The net portion is moveable between a first position and a second position. The net portion is configured to receive a first projectile in the first position and a second projectile in the second position. The at least one bracket is configured to receive at least one of the first end or the second end of the net portion. The tray portion is disposed beneath the net portion. The tray portion is configured to store the first projectile and the second projectile. At least one of the net portion, the at least one bracket, or the tray portion is secured to the table. 
     This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. The table may include a second tabletop game disposed on the first playing surface. The first tabletop game may be air hockey and the second tabletop game may be foosball. The second tabletop game may have an opening to receive the goal wherein the net portion substantially encloses the opening in the second position. The second tabletop game may include at least one retaining device to secure the net portion in the second position. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of an example tabletop game table. 
         FIG. 1B  is a isometric view of an example tabletop game. 
         FIG. 1C  is a isometric view of an example tabletop game. 
         FIG. 2A  is an exploded view of an example goal portion of a tabletop game table. 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial front view of an example goal of a tabletop game table. 
         FIG. 2C  is a sectional view taken along a line  2 C- 2 C of the example goal of  FIG. 2B . 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of an example goal portion of a tabletop game table. 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial front view of an example goal of a tabletop game table. 
         FIG. 3C  is a sectional view taken along a line  3 C- 3 C of the example goal of  FIG. 3B . 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  are examples of a tabletop game environment  10 . Generally, a tabletop game  110  is a game played within a confined space of a table  100 . Examples of tabletop games include foosball (or table football/soccer), air hockey, pool (pocket billiards), bumper pool, carom billiards, table hockey (rod hockey), NOK hockey, shuffleboard, ping-pong, chess, checkers, backgammon, or other versions of entertainment games that may be confined to a table. The tabletop game environment  10  includes a table  100  with at least one playing surface  102  corresponding to at least one tabletop game  110 . The tabletop game environment  10  may include one tabletop game  110  (e.g.,  FIG. 1B ) or more than one tabletop game  110 . For example,  FIGS. 1A and 1C  depict a first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  and a second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b.    
     Typically, the table  100  includes the playing surface  102 , at least one goal end  104 , and a top surface  106 . The playing surface  102  is generally an area for playing the tabletop game  110  on atop surface of the table  100 . Often, the playing surface  102  is substantially parallel to aground plane, but, in some configurations, the playing surface  102  may be angled or sloped with reference to the ground plane to accommodate the tabletop game  110 . In some examples, the table  100  includes a first goal end  104 ,  104   a  and a second goal end  104 ,  104   b . At the at least one goal end  104 , the table  100  includes at least one goal  200  secured to the table  100  anywhere along the at least one goal end  104 . Although, the at least one goal  200  may be secured at any position along the at least one goal end  104 , many tabletop games  110  have the at least one goal  200  secured to the table  100  at a midpoint along the at least one goal end  104 . For example,  FIGS. 1A-1C  depict the table  100  with the goal  200  mounted at the midpoint of the at least one goal end  104  on a surface of a box frame containing the playing surface  102 . 
     In some implementations, the table  100  or the tabletop game  110  includes an opening  120  perpendicular to the playing surface  102 . The opening  120  has a base  122  that may form a bottom of the goal  200  (e.g., the base  122 ,  122   a  of the tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  of  FIG. 1A ) or a top of the goal  200  (e.g., the base  122 ,  122   b  of the tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  of  FIG. 1A ). In some examples, the base  122  (e.g., the base  122 ,  122   a ) is generally flush with the playing surface  102  to enable smooth travel of a projectile  20  into the goal  200 . The opening  120  may be a cutaway a depth “d” from the top surface  106  of the table  100  (e.g., tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  of  FIG. 1A ). Additionally or alternatively, the opening  120  (the opening  120 ,  120   b ) is a cutaway extending from where a top surface  106 ,  106   a  of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  mates with the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  towards the top surface  106 ,  106   b  of the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b . The opening  120  also includes two sides  124 ,  126  defining edges of the goal  200  (e.g., a near post and a far post). With the base  122  and two sides  124 ,  126 , the opening  120 , at least partially, defines an entrance of the goal  200 . In some implementations, a distance “D” between the sides  124  and  126  corresponds to a width  200   w  of the goal  200  ( FIG. 2A ). In some examples, each of the sides  124 ,  126  extend to meet the goal  200  in a first position P 1 . As an example, each of the sides  124 ,  126  extend to the top surface  106  of the table  100  (e.g., the top surface  106 ,  106   a  of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a ). In some examples, the top surface  106  of the table  100  may be flush with the playing surface  102  (e.g., in a ping-pong tabletop game) or extend above the playing surface  102  to form a perimeter side wall  108  around the playing surface  102 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , the cutaway depth d of the opening  120 ,  120   a  is substantially equal to a height of the perimeter side wall  108  measured from the playing surface  102  at the at least one goal end  104 . When the top surface  106  is flush with the playing surface  102 , the goal  200  may be a goal height  200   h  above the playing surface  102  in the first position P 1  (not shown). Whereas, when the top surface  106  extends above the playing surface  102 , the goal  200  may be flush with the top surface  106  in the first position P 1 . In the case where the top surface  106  extends above the playing surface  102 , the perimeter side wall  108  forms a barrier to retain the projectile  20  on the playing surface  102  during play of the tabletop game  110 . In some examples, the tabletop game  110  (e.g., the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b ) may redefine the top surface  106  of the table  100  (e.g., the top surface  106 ,  106   b ) and may extend a height of the perimeter side wall (e.g., the tabletop game  110 ,  110   b ). In examples with more than one tabletop game  110 , the user may remove, exchange, or stack the playing surface  102  to change the tabletop game  110  such that different playing surfaces  102  or different combinations of playing surfaces  102  may be seated within the perimeter side wall  108  or on top of the table  100 . 
     As illustrated by  FIGS. 1A-1C , the table  100  includes the goal  200  secured to the table  100  as a component of at least one tabletop game  110 . The goal  200  is configured to receive the projectile  20  corresponding to the at least one tabletop game  110 . The projectile  20  is any three-dimensional object used as a component of the at least one tabletop game  110 . Generally, the projectile  20  is used as a means of scoring or advancing the tabletop game  110  towards victory. The goal  200  may have dimensions relating to the projectile  20  corresponding to the at least one tabletop game  110 . To depict how the goal  200  is multifunctional as the goal  200  moves between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 ,  FIGS. 1A-1C  depict a first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and a second projectile  20 ,  20   b . In these examples, the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  is a proportional hockey puck corresponding to the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  of air hockey (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A and 1 ). Similarly, in these examples, the second projectile  20 ,  20   b  is a proportional soccer ball corresponding to the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  of foosball (e.g.,  FIG. 1C ). The goal  200  may be offset at a goal height  200   h  from the playing surface  102  such that the goal height  200   h  is greater than a height  20   h  of the projectile  20 . For example, in the case of air hockey, the proportional hockey puck (depicted as the first projectile  20 ,  20   a ) may have a height  20   h   a  of about ¼″ and thus the goal height  200   h  is greater than ¼.″ In the case of foosball, the proportional soccer ball (depicted as the second projectile  20 ,  20   b ) may have a height  20   h   b  of about 1¼″-1½″ and the goal height  200   h  is greater than this range of 1¼″-1½.″ 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an example tabletop game environment  10  with more than one tabletop game  110 ,  110   a - b  as the at least one tabletop game  110 . The tabletop game environment  10  of  FIG. 1A  is a modular design where the table  100  is configured to convert between different tabletop games (e.g., tabletop games  110 ,  110   a - b ) depending on which tabletop game  110  a user wishes to play. In other words, the table  100  includes different combinations of tabletop game layers L. For example,  FIG. 1A  depicts the table  100  with the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  (e.g., shown as air hockey) and the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  (e.g., shown as foosball) as a base layer L B  and a first layer L 1  respectfully. In this example, the table  100  is configured to receive the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  on top of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a , such that the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  mates with features of the table  100  and/or features of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  below the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b . For example, joinery techniques (e.g., rabbets, tongue and groove, mortise and tenon, doll pins, etc.), fasteners, pressure fits, or any mating combination may combine each layer L of the tabletop games  110  (e.g., the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  and the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b ) together to permit the modular (or nested) design of the table  100 . 
     The modular design for tabletop games  110  provides space savings such that a user may not need to have multiple tables  100  or may consolidate multiple tables  100  into one modular design. The modular design also allows users to have more gaming options as many different tabletop game  110  configurations and combinations are possible. As an example, if the tabletop game environment  10  of  FIG. 1A  included a third tabletop game  110 ,  110   c , such as ping-pong, a ping-pong tabletop game may be best played at a particular playing height such that a ping-pong tabletop game may be best played as a second layer L 2  on some tables  100  or, depending on the combination of layers L, a different layer, such as a third layer L 3  or fourth layer L 4  on other tables  100 . Different manufacturers may recommend different orders to tabletop games  110  of a table  100  or construct a table  100  such that tabletop games  110  only fit together in a particular manner to optimize (or comply with rules related to) a particular tabletop game  110 . 
     Referring further to  FIG. 1A , the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  includes the playing surface  102  corresponding to a field of play of at least the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a . As depicted in  FIG. 1A , the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  shares the playing surface  102 . In other examples, however, the second table game  110 ,  110   b  includes a different playing surface  102  related to the second table game  110 ,  110   b  as compared to a playing surface  102  of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a . For example, the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a , as air hockey, may have a playing surface  102  designed for air hockey (e.g., having air holes and lines corresponding to a hockey rink). Whereas, the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b , as foosball, may have a playing surface  102  with lines corresponding to a soccer field. If a third layer L 3 , such as a ping-pong layer, was included as a layer L, the ping-pong tabletop game layer would need a playing surface  102  corresponding to a ping-pong table to cover the example of the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  which has an open top for foosball. 
       FIG. 1B  is another example of a tabletop game environment  10 . In this example, the tabletop game environment  10  is a single layer L rather than a modular, or multi-layer L 1-n , design. The tabletop game environment  10  depicted by  FIG. 1B  includes a table  100  with a playing surface  102  for a tabletop game  110 . Secured to the table  100  is the goal  200 . Although the goal  200  is moveable between a first position P 1  and a second position P 2 ,  FIG. 1B  depicts the goal  200  in the first position P 1 . In the first position P 1 , the goal  200  may receive the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  (shown as the proportional hockey puck). Although not depicted, the goal  200  of  FIG. 1B  may rise to the second position P 2  increasing the goal height  200   h  from the playing surface  102 . A change in the goal height  200   h  may have several advantages. Some advantages include allowing a user to increase or to decrease the difficulty of the tabletop game  110 ; enabling the user to play more than one type of tabletop game  110  on a single playing surface  102 ; and/or permitting the user to use different sized projectiles  20  during the tabletop game  110 . For example, the user may increase the difficulty of a tabletop game  110  such as air hockey by positioning the goal  200  barely larger than the projectile  20  (e.g., the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  depicted as the proportional hockey puck). With the goal  200  barely larger than the proportional hockey puck, the user (or player) may have a limited margin for error when shooting the puck. In other words, the user may only score on a shot of the puck without much wobble (i.e. motion in a plane non-parallel to the playing surface  102 ). In an opposite respect, the user may increase the goal height  200   h  making the goal  200  a larger target and thus decreasing the difficulty of the tabletop game  110 . Additionally or alternatively, the user may change to a larger or a smaller projectile  20  (i.e. a projectile  20  having a greater or lesser height  20   h  from the playing surface  102 ). For example, the user may modify the tabletop game  110  of air hockey by playing with a second projectile  20 ,  20   b  (e.g., a ball or a larger hockey puck). Therefore, with the goal  200  being adjustable, the user may adjust the tabletop game  110  to suit his or her needs or abilities during play. 
       FIG. 1C  is another example of the tabletop game environment  10  with the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  seated on top of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a . In some examples, the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  uses a different projectile  20  from the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a , such that the goal  200  accommodates for the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  by being raised to the second position P 2 . In some implementations, the different projectile  20  may be the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  modified (e.g., by size or shape) to form the second projectile  20 ,  20   b  different from the first projectile  20 ,  20   a . The goal  200  in the first position P 1  has a height  200   h   1  and a cross-sectional area Area 1  ( FIG. 1B ); whereas, the goal  200  in the second position P 2  has a height  200   h   2  and a cross-sectional area Area 2  ( FIG. 1C ). For example, normally, the goal  200  for a tabletop game  110 , of air hockey has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the goal  200  for a tabletop game  110  of foosball as a hockey net is typically smaller than a soccer goal. In some examples, the goal  200  may be raised to any intermediate position between the first position P 1  and a second position P 2  to play the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b . As depicted by  FIG. 1C , the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  may share the playing surface  102  with the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  or may have a playing surface  102  independent from the playing surface  102  of the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a .  FIG. 1C  also illustrates that the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  extends the height of the perimeter sidewall  108  from the playing surface  102 . 
       FIGS. 2A-3C  depict examples of the at least one goal  200 . The goal  200  includes a net portion  210 , at least one bracket  220 , and a tray portion  230 . The net portion  210  is movable between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 . The net portion  210  is also configured to receive the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  in the first position P 1  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b  in the second position P 2 . Typically, the net portion  210  faces and aligns with at least one opening  120  to receive the projectile  20  such that the net portion  210  may at least partially encloses the at least one opening  120 . In some examples, the table  100  includes more than one goal  200 . For example, a first goal  200 ,  200   a  mounted at a first goal end  104 ,  104   a  and a second goal  200 ,  200   b  mounted at a second goal end  104 ,  104   b . In these examples, each net portion  210  (e.g., a first net portion  210 ,  210   a  and a second net portion  210 ,  210   b ) may face an opposing net portion  210 . The net portion  210  has a structure that guides the projectile  20  into the tray portion  230 . The structure of the net portion  210  may be any shape to guide the projectile  20  into the tray portion  230 , but often the net portion  210  is concave, arcuate, slopped, or straight-walled. Some structures, such as a concave structure, provide the net portion  210  with a greater surface area to reduce momentum of the projectile  20  traveling into the net portion  210  of the goal  200 . The reduction of the momentum of the projectile  20  may decrease the likelihood the tray portion  230  fails to contain the projectile  20 . Additionally or alternatively, the net portion  210  is constructed from a material that may dampen the momentum of the projectile  20 . 
     Although classically the term “net” may refer to a mesh or a woven fabric, the term “net” for purposes of this disclosure refers to “net” in a broad sense as anything (i.e. any material) serving to capture the projectile  20 . Therefore, the net portion  210  may be constructed from any material, as opposed to being limited to a mesh or a woven fabric construction. For example, the net portion  210  may be a moldable material, such as a thermoplastic or a metal, or a less moldable material, such as wood or other composite. 
     Furthermore, the net portion  210  includes a first end  212 ,  212   a , a second end  212 ,  212   b , a net top surface  214 , and a rear panel  216 . The overall structure of the net portion  210  may generally resemble a rectangular prism as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-3C . The rear panel  216  is a portion of the net portion  210  that functions as a backstop to receive the projectile  20 . In some examples, the rear panel  216  is concave, arcuate, slopped, or straight-walled to correspond to the structure of the goal  200 . In these examples, the goal  200  may more closely resemble a trapezoidal prism than a rectangular prism. The net top surface  214  may be parallel to the playing surface  102  and/or the top surface  106  of the table  100  such that in the first position P 1  the top surface  106  may be flush (i.e. coplanar) with the top net surface  214 . Although not depicted, the top net surface  214  may alternatively be curved or arcuate. In some examples, a height  210   h  of the net portion  210  (i.e. a net height  210   h ) is equivalent to a space between the top net surface  214  and the playing surface  102 . This same space may define a net opening  240  where, in the first position P 1 , the net opening  240  has a first position height P 1h  extending between the playing surface  102  and the net top surface  214  and, in the second position P 2h , the net opening  240  has a second position height P 2h  extending between the playing surface  102  and the net top surface  214 . In these examples, the first position height P 1h  may be less than the second position height P 2h . Each of the first end  212 ,  212   a  and the second end  212 ,  212   b  may correspond to sides of the net portion  210  that are parallel to the sides  124 ,  126  of at least one opening  120 . In other words, the net portion  210  has a width  210   w  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) extending between the first end  212 ,  212   a  and the second end  212 ,  212   b . In some examples, the net portion  210  at the first end  212 ,  212   a  or the second end  212 ,  212   b  includes at least one flange  218  to engage with a corresponding at least one bracket  220  of the goal  200 . In these examples, the at least one flange  218  may extend along the at least one goal end  104  a distance relating to a width  218   w  of the flange  218 . In other words, the at least one tab  218  may extend from the at least one end  212  of the net portion  210  towards the at least one bracket  220 . For example,  FIGS. 2A-3A  depict the at least one flange  218  as a first flange  218 ,  218   a  and a second flange  218 ,  218   b . Each at least one flange  218  constitutes projections (e.g., rectangular projections) from the first end  212 ,  212   a  and the second end  212 ,  212   b , respectfully, received by a first bracket  220 ,  220   a  and a second bracket  220 ,  220   b.    
     Generally, a bracket is a component that fixes one part to another part. In the case of the goal  200 , the at least one bracket  220  may fix the net portion  210  to the table  100 . For example, the at least one bracket  220  may be mounted to the table  100  by fasteners or other fastening means and the net portion  210  of the goal  200  engages with the at least one bracket  220  to also connect the net portion  210  to the table  100  via the at least one bracket  220 . The engagement of the at least one bracket  220  to the net portion  210  permits the net portion  210  to move between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 . In some implementations, the at least one bracket  220  connects the net portion  210  to the table  100  allowing the net portion  210  to move along an axis A 1  perpendicular to the playing surface  102  while inhibiting the net portion  210  from moving along an axis A 2  parallel to the playing surface  102 . In some examples, the tray portion  230 , disposed beneath the at least one bracket  220 , prevents the net portion  210  from traveling further downward toward the ground plane (i.e. further downward than the first position P 1 ) as the at least one bracket  220  engages with the net portion  210 . 
     Brackets are often defined by their shape or form. Some examples of basic brackets are square brackets (also known as U-brackets), L brackets, S brackets, and sleeve brackets. The at least one bracket  220  of the goal  200  is configured to receive at least one of the first end  212 ,  212   a  or the second end  212 ,  212   b  of the net portion  210 . In some configurations, the at least one bracket  220  has a channel configured to receive the at least one end  212  of the net portion  210 . In some implementations, the at least one bracket  220  is configured to receive both the first end  212 ,  212   a  and the second end  212 ,  212   b  of the net portion  210 . In some examples, the at least one end  212  of the first end  212 ,  212   a  or the second end  212 ,  212   b  received by the at least one bracket  220  is the at least one flange  218  of the net portion  210 . 
     The tray portion  230  is disposed beneath the net portion  210 . The tray portion  230  is disposed beneath the net portion  210  in order to receive the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b . The tray portion  230  is configured to store the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b . In some configurations, the goal  200  includes a space S between the tray portion  230  and the net portion  210 . The space S between the tray portion  230  the net portion  210  may define a projectile removal opening R O  to remove the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b  from the tray portion  230  (shown in  FIG. 2B ). In some examples, the tray portion  230  includes at least one fastening end  232  where the tray portion  230  may secure to the table  100 . The tray portion  230  also may include atop tray surface  234  and at least one sidewall  236 . The top tray surface  234  faces the net portion  210 . The at least one sidewall  236  extends from the top tray surface  234  toward the net portion  210 . The extension of the at least one sidewall  236  defines a lip of a height  236   h  to retain the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b  for storage. In some examples, the at least one sidewall  236  forms a perimeter of the tray portion  230 . In other examples, the at least one sidewall  236  may be in selective locations of the tray portion  230 . Although  FIGS. 2A-3C  depict the tray portion  230  with a top tray surface  234  that is substantially flat and parallel with the ground plane, the tray portion  230  may be any shape that permits the tray portion  230  to retain the first projectile  20 ,  20   a  and the second projectile  20 ,  20   b.    
     Each element of the goal  200  (i.e. the net portion  210 , the at least one bracket  220 , and the tray portion  230 ) may be independent components or formed together in some combination. For example, the at least one bracket  220  and the tray portion  230  may be formed as a single unit. In other examples, the net portion  210  and the tray portion  230  may be formed as a single unit such that the tray portion  230  is also movable between the first position P 1  in the second position P 2  along with the net portion  210 . As independent or combined components, the elements of the goal  200  may likewise be independently mounted or mounted in combination to the table  100  along the at least one goal end  104 . 
     In some examples, the goal  200  includes a scoreboard  250 . The scoreboard  250  refers to any indicator mounted on the goal  200  to convey a score or part of the score of the tabletop game  110 . For example,  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B  depict the scoreboard  250  as an incremental slider where each increment may convey part of the score of the tabletop game  110 . In some examples, the scoreboard  250  may be part of the net portion  210 . In these examples, the scoreboard  250  may be mounted or included in a surface of the net portion  210 . For example, the scoreboard  250  may be part of any component of the net portion  210 , such as the first end  212 ,  212   a , the second end  212 ,  212   b , the net top surface  214 , or the rear panel  216 .  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B  depict an example where the scoreboard  250  is part of the net top surface  214 . In other examples, the scoreboard  250  may be part of tray portion  230 . For example, the scoreboard  250  is part of the at least one sidewall  236 . 
       FIG. 2A  is an example of the goal  200  from a perspective of an exploded view of the net portion  210 . In this example, the at least one bracket  220  and the tray portion  230  secure the goal  200  to the at least one goal end  104  of the table  100 . Here, the goal  200  includes two brackets  220 ,  220   a - b  to receive two flanges  218 ,  218   a - b  extending from the first end  212 ,  212   a  and the second end  212 ,  212   b  respectfully. In this example, each flange  218  slides between the table  100  and each bracket  220  to move between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 . Referring further to this example, the tray portion  230  is disposed directly beneath each bracket  220  with a pair of end stops  238 ,  238   a - b  to receive the net portion  210  the first position P 1 .  FIG. 2A  depicts the table  100  with the first tabletop game  110 ,  110   a  and the second tabletop game  110 ,  110   b  that includes a first opening  120 ,  120   a  and a second opening  120 ,  120   b . Together the first opening  120 ,  120   a  and the second opening  120 ,  120   b  span a net opening  240  for the goal  200  to receive the projectile  20  of a height  20   h  less than a height of the net opening  240 . In the first position P 1 , the net portion  210  may partially enclose the net opening  240  for the goal  200 . In the second position P 2 , the net portion  210  substantially encloses the net opening  240 . 
       FIG. 2B  is an example of the goal  200  in the second position P 2 . In the second position P 2 , the opening  120  formed by the tabletop game  110  may be equivalent to the net opening  240 . In some examples, the net opening  240  corresponds to a net cross-sectional area A net . In these examples the net cross-sectional area A net  is defined by the width  210   w  of the net portion  210  and the net height  210   h . In some implementations, a first net cross-sectional area A net1  in the first position P 1  is less than a second net cross-sectional area A net2  in the second position P 2 . In other words, moving the net portion  210  between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2  alters the net cross-sectional area A net  of the net portion  210 . In these configurations, the width  210   w  of the net portion  210  stays constant while the net height  210   h  varies. As the net portion  210  moves between the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 , a portion of each flange  218  of the net portion  210  may become exposed from the corresponding at least one bracket  220 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a top sectional view along the line  2 C of  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 2C  depicts the net portion  210  of the goal  200  engaging with the at least one bracket  220 . In some implementations, the at least one flange  218  of the net portion  210  engages with the at least one bracket  220 . In some examples, the flange  218  further includes at least one bracket engagement surface  218 - 1  and a table engagement surface  218 - 2 . In other examples where the goal  200  only engages with the at least one bracket  220  rather than both the at least one bracket  220  and the table  100 , the flange  218  includes two bracket engagement surfaces  218 - 1 . The at least one bracket engagement surface  218 - 1  and/or the table engagement surface  218 - 2  constrain the net portion  210  to minimal or no movement along the axis A 2  parallel to the playing surface  102 . In some examples, the at least one bracket  220  includes a fastening portion  222  and an engagement portion  224 . In these examples, the fastening portion  222  secures the at least one bracket  220  to the table  100 . The fastening portion  222  may secure the at least one bracket  220  to the table  100  by any fastening means, such as screws, bolts, nails, pins, rivets, clips, adhesives, hooks and loops, stitches, snaps, magnets, etc. For example,  FIGS. 2C and 3C  depict the fastening portion  222  with a lag screw. In some implementations, the engagement portion  224  of the at least one bracket  220  functions as at least one retaining device  260  to secure the net portion  210  in at least one of the first position P 1  or the second position P 2 . For example, the engagement portion  224  is configured to be a friction fit with at least one end  212  of the net portion  210 . As depicted by  FIGS. 2C and 3C  the engagement portion  224  and the fastening portion  222  may be offset by an offset distance D O  such that at least one end  212  of the net portion  210  may fit between the table  100  and the at least one bracket  220 . In other words, the offset distance D O  may form a groove or a channel to receive the at least one end  212  and/or the at least one flange  218  of the net portion  210 . In other implementations, such as a square bracket, the at least one bracket  220  may have more than one engagement portion  224 . In these implementations, the net portion  210  may not directly contact the table  100 , but rather the net portion  210  is received between more than one engagement portion  224 . Additionally or alternatively, the at least one bracket  220  may have a structure along a length of the at least one bracket  220  to promote engagement between the net portion  210  and the at least one bracket  220 . For example, the at least one bracket  220  may be tapered in thickness along the length of the at least one bracket  220 . In other examples, the at least one bracket  220  may have grooves or ridges along the length. On the other hand, instead of the at least one bracket  220 , the at least one end  212  and/or at least one flange  218  may have a structure to promote engagement between the net portion  210  and the at least one bracket  220 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate an example where the goal  200  includes at least one retaining device  260  to secure the net portion  210  between at least one of the first position P 1  and the second position P 2 . With the at least one retaining device  260 , the goal  200  may maintain position with potentially greater rigidity than without the at least one retaining device  260 . This rigidity may be an advantage especially in a tabletop game  110  where the projectile  20  collides with the net portion  210  of the goal  200  with a force having a potential to unsecure a position P of the net portion  210 . Another advantage may be that a simple friction fit overtime may wear and cause the net portion  210  to slide more easily out of a desired position. In some examples, the at least one retaining device  260  is a magnet, a mechanical stop, or a friction fit between the net portion  210  and the at least one bracket  220 . The retaining device  260  may be part of the net portion  210 , the at least one bracket  220 , the tray portion  230 , or any combination thereof. For example, as previously described above, the tray portion  230  may include the pair of end stops  238 ,  238   a - b  to receive the net portion  210  the first position P 1 .  FIGS. 2A-B  and  3 A-B depict the pair of end stops  238 ,  238   a - b  as a round or a fillet between the at least one fastening end  232  and the at least one sidewall  236 . Referring further to the tray portion  230 , the tray portion  230  may be positioned such that the at least one sidewall  236  functions as the pair of end stops  238 ,  238   a - b . In other implementations, the at least one retaining device  260  may be a combination of features relating to how the at least one bracket  220  is configured to receive the net portion  210 . For example, each of the at least one bracket  220  and the net portion  210  may include a magnet. In other examples, the at least one bracket  220  may have a mechanical insert to lock the net portion  210  in place (i.e. prevent travel with the at least one bracket  220 ). 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the goal  200 ,  200   c  is similar to the goal  200 ,  200   a - b  of  FIGS. 2A-2C  except that the at least one bracket  220  includes the at least one retaining device  260  and the net portion  210  is shaped to receive the at least one retaining device  260  of the at least one bracket  220 . As shown by  FIG. 3C , in some examples, the at least one retaining device  260  extends from a surface of the engagement portion  224 ,  224   b  toward the table  100 . In some implementations, the net portion  210  may include a shape, such as a groove or a channel, to receive the at least one retaining device  260 . For example,  FIG. 3B  depicts that both flanges  218 ,  218   a - b  of the at least one flange  218  include an arched cutaway  218 - 3 ,  218 - 3   a - b  to receive a first retaining device  260 ,  260   a  and a second retaining device  260 ,  260   b . In these examples, each retaining device  260 ,  260   a - b  obstructs and/or limits a path of travel PT of the net portion  210  within the at least one bracket  220 . In some implementations, the at least one retaining device  260  may be temporarily inserted in a position P to limit the path of travel PT of the net portion  210  or permanently in a position P to limit the path of travel PT of the net portion  210 .  FIG. 3C  is a sectional view along the line  3 C of  FIG. 3B  and illustrates a retainer device depth DR corresponding to a distance the at least one retaining device  260  extends from the surface of the engagement portion  224 ,  224   b  toward the table  100 . 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.