Patent Publication Number: US-11027179-B2

Title: Portable tailsports game

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is related to popular drinking games played on a table surface by two or more players. More particularly, the present invention relates to a table top assembly for playing ball games commonly known as Beer Fong, Flip Cup, Canoe, Batavia Downs, Survivor Flip Cup, Taps, Flippy Cup, Tippy Cup and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many types of drinking games that require the use of a planar playing surface, especially a table. Among these are games commonly referred to as “Beer Pong” and “Flip Cup”. 
     In “Beer Pong” and its variants, cups containing a beverage, typically an alcoholic beverage, are placed near opposing ends of the play surface, in a configuration determined by the rules of the particular game. The game is played by two sides or teams, each side consisting of one or more players, but usually with an equal number of players on each side. The sides stand at the respective ends of the playing surface, behind one set of the cups. In turn, a player from each side attempts to propel an object, usually a ball, and typically a ping-pong or table tennis ball, from the team&#39;s end of the playing surface into one of the cups at the opposite end of the playing surface, causing it to come to rest therein. In some variants of the game, the object is thrown; in other variants of the game, the side on the offence has the opportunity to take two successive attempts. 
     Depending upon the particular set of rules adopted, the defending side may defend its cups. In one variation, no defense is permitted, yet in other variants, the defending side may use hands, a paddle, or the like. If the ball comes to rest in a defending side&#39;s cup, the, defending side must drink the contents thereof and the cup is removed from the playing field. When two balls are used and the offensive side is successful in landing both in the cups, the defensive side may be required to remove an additional cup from play and drink its contents. As cups are removed from play, some rule variations allow (or require) re-arrangement of the remaining cups. The side to remove all of the opponent&#39;s cups from the playing surface is the winner, and most rule variations require that the contents of any cups remaining on the winning side&#39;s end of the playing surface must be consumed by the losing side. 
     It is common to play the game of “Beer Pong” in a round-robin or elimination-type tournament, with many matches occurring In a venue on a number of playing surfaces. In such a format, the state of inebriation of members of each side may depend upon its success (or lack thereof) in prior matches. 
     The cups used in the game are usually of the disposable, plastic variety, typically with about a capacity of from about 10 to 16 liquid ounces. A typical material for such a cup is poly (ethylene terephthalate), sometime referred to as PETE. An amount of a beverage (usually 3 to 6 ounces) is added to each cup at the start of a game. Based upon a 12 ounce container (can or bottle), about 2 to about 5 cans or bottles will be imbibed per team per game to achieve this. A ping pong ball, with a nominal diameter of about 4 cm, will be about ½ of the diameter of the open end of the cup, so it is reasonably sized for the game. Also, with its light weight and density, the ping pong ball keeps spillage and splashing down from that which would occur with a denser ball. 
     The preferred playing field of known games is from about six to eight feet long, with a width in the range of about two to three feet. The cups are typically arranged within 18 inches from an end of the playing field, but usually no closer than about 4 inches from an end. As such, the typical playing field is slightly shorter in length than a conventional table tennis table, and about ½ as wide. The typical playing field is similar in shape and size to that of the surface of a door. The playing field is usually placed on a flat horizontal position about 29 inches off of the floor, that is, at the approximate height of a conventional table. 
     Until now, Beer Pong players have bad to play the game on a variety of makeshift playing fields, including kitchen tables, homemade platforms, and old doors, all of which prove to be inadequate. Since the size of the playing surface is not standardized and because it is not primarily intended for use in the game, the cups are not consistently thereon. This can unfairly affect the difficulty of the game. To promote fairness, it is important that the cups are placed in the same starting and regrouping positions on each end of the playing surface, and that this placement is consistent from game to game. It is therefore desirable for the game to be played on a surface that mandated the correct and consistent placement of cups. 
     A search of issued U.S. patents in the field of known drinking games and related apparatus reveals U.S. patents related generally to the field of the present invention but which do not anticipate nor disclose the device of the present invention. The discovered U.S. patents relating generally to the present invention are discussed herein below. 
     Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0029747 A1 to Grayson entitled “Drinking Game Cup Holder” describes a drinking game cup holder that provides a plurality of cup-receiving openings. The holder places the cups within the holder in a correct relationship, but it does not provide a means for correctly positioning the cups at the opposite ends to each other. To this extent, the Grayson &#39;747 published application exemplifies the fact that the game has been commonly played on a variety of make-shift playing fields. 
     Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/01889942 A1 to Trokan entitled “Non-Alcoholic Beer-Pong Game/System” describes a non-alcoholic drinking game system, but the invention is concerned with the game rules and physical properties of the balls used in the game. While Trokan &#39;942 published application discloses the triangular arrangement of the drinking cups used and the general size of the playing field used, it does not describe the playing field particularly adapted for use with the game. 
     “Flip Cup” is another drinking game that is played in many of the same venues as “Beer Pong”. In “Flip Cup”, two opposing teams line up across from each other at a table. Each player has a cup, filled with a beverage. Starting at one end of the table, the first player on each team consumes the beverage in his cup and places the emptied cup, upright, along the table edge, with a portion of the cup bottom extending over the edge. The player strikes this portion of the cup bottom from below, attempting to flip the cup into an upside down position on the table. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the player places the cup again and repeats the flip attempt until successful. The game proceeds in the manner of a relay race, with each team member starting only after the prior team member has succeeded. The first team to successfully drink and flip all of its cups is the winner. 
     As with Beer Pong, Flip Cup can become very messy due to inadvertent spillage. The ability to contain such spillage on the table is desirable. Even in a commercial drinking establishment, it is desirable to have a portable playing surface for playing games such as Beer Pong and/or Flip Cup, so that the playing surface may be readily moved for cleaning and be readily stowed away when not in use. 
     It is therefore an unmet advantage for the prior art to provide a compact and portable standardized playing surface for drinking games such as Beer Pong and/or Flip Cup that is readily portable and easily cleaned after use. 
     None of the above listed U.S. patents applications disclose or suggest an omni-directional and/or multi-level beer pong gaming surface of the present invention. Each of the above listed U.S. patents applications (i.e., U.S. 2005/0029747 A1; and U.S. 2004/0188942 A1) are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The forgoing problems and limitations are overcome and other advantages are provided by a new and improved beer pong gaming table which provides flexibility and user convenience when setting up and storing in inconvenient and confined venues. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel beer pong gaming table system. 
     The present invention provides a multi-level table game assembly comprising a lower table forming a substantially circular upwardly facing playing surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter D1, an upper table forming a substantially circular upwardly facing playing surface, a bottom surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter D2, wherein D1&gt;D2, a vertically elongated support member rigidly interconnecting the upper and lower tables, wherein playing surfaces each define discrete play segments and cup positioning markers. This arrangement provides an extremely compact game assembly suitable for tailgate venues and the like. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a table game assembly includes a table forming a substantially circular upwardly facing playing surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge, an inner circular hub line extending about the axial center of said playing surface, a plurality of radially outwardly directed rays formed on said playing surface, each said ray circumferentially equally spaced from each immediately adjacent ray, wherein each pair of adjacent rays defines a generally trapezoidally shaped play segment extending from said edge to said hub line, an outer cup positioning marker centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from said edge, and an inner cup positioning marker centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from said hub line. 
     According to another aspect of the invention. A table game assembly comprises a first table forming a substantially circular upwardly facing playing surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter D1, a second table forming a second substantially circular upwardly facing playing surface, a bottom surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter D2, wherein D1&gt;D2, a vertically elongated support member rigidly interconnecting the first table playing surface with the second table bottom surface, said first and second playing surfaces each including an inner circular hub line extending about the center of said respective playing surface, said first and second playing surfaces each including a plurality of radially outwardly directed rays formed on said respective playing surfaces, each said ray circumferentially equally spaced from each immediately adjacent ray, wherein each pair of adjacent rays defines a generally trapezoidally shaped play segment extending from said edge to said hub line, an outer cup positioning marker centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from said edge, and an inner cup positioning marker centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from said hub line. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, the table game assembly further comprises at least one open topped drinking container including a side wall and a generally circular bottom wall, wherein said bottom wall has a nominal diameter of D, wherein said outer cup positioning marker within a given play segment is located radially from said edge by a dimension R, and wherein D&gt;R. This arrangement ensures that cups positioned to ensure that they overlap the outer edge of the table edge, allowing playing “Flip Cup” simultaneously with “Beer Pong” 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, which, along with the drawings, describes preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1 , is a downwardly directed perspective view of a reconfigurable TailSports game table assembly embodying the present invention, deployed for a “Tail Pong” game, the TailSports game table assemble including a one-piece lower or main table portion supported on a folding leg structure, an upper table portion symmetrically supported above the lower table portion by centered pedestal, and a plurality of beverage glasses prepositioned on designated upper surface areas of both the main and upper table portions; 
         FIG. 2 , is a top plan view of the lower table portion of the TailSports game table assembly of  FIG. 1  on an enlarged scale; 
         FIG. 3 , is a top plan view of the upper table portion of the TailSports game table assembly of  FIG. 1  on a still further enlarged scale; 
         FIG. 4 , is a side plan view of a reconfigurable TailSports game table assembly including an alternative embodiment of the present invention, featuring a bi-foldable lower table portion supported upon discrete vertically adjustable ground staking legs and an infinitely adjustable scissors frame interconnecting the lower and upper table portions; 
         FIG. 5A , is an exploded perspective view of the an infinitely adjustable scissors frame and upper table of  FIG. 4  on an enlarged perspective; 
         FIG. 5B , is side view on an enlarged scale of a subframe integrated or interfit on the bottom of the upper table of  FIG. 5A  enabling infinite adjustability of the scissors frame within a limited range; 
         FIG. 5C , is side view on an enlarged scale of an alternative design subframe integrated or interfit on the bottom of the upper table of  FIG. 5A  enabling coarsely stepped adjustabdily of the scissors frame within a limited range; 
         FIG. 5D , is side view on an enlarged scale of a second alternative design subframe integrated or interfit on the bottom of the upper table of  FIG. 5A  enabling finely stepped adjustability of the scissors frame within a limited range; 
         FIG. 5E , is a broken plan view, on an enlarged scale of an exemplary radially resilient connector integrally formed near the end of each scissors frame element retentively interconnected within an opening of a subframe of the upper table; 
         FIG. 6 , is an exploded, perspective bottom view of the reconfigurable TailSports game table assembly of  FIG. 4  on an enlarged scale illustrating additional features including internal stowage of the upper table portion, game balls, the scissors frame and the lower table legs within the lower table portion; 
         FIG. 7 , is a perspective view of the game assembly of  FIG. 6  in the fully folded configuration for stowage and/or transportation to a game venue; 
         FIG. 8 , is a cross-sectional view of a cup height extender which can be employed to selectively vertically position and affix a game cup to the upper or lower table portions of the TailSports game table assembly with certain game configurations: 
         FIG. 9 , is a top plan view of the TailSports game table assembly of  FIG. 1  with the game cups initially arranged for a first game sequence; 
         FIG. 10 , is a top plan view of the TailSports game table assembly of  FIG. 1  with the game cups initially arranged for a second and third sequence game; 
         FIG. 11 , is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, structured similarly to that depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , but with more rigid construction appropriate for semi-permanent or indoor use, with an entirely different (non-sport related) decorative motif, and the addition of a net system bifurcating the playing surfaces between the teams to prevent a bouncing ping pong ball from intruding into an opponent&#39;s field of play and to enable simultaneous play by multiple teams without significant interference with one another; and 
         FIG. 12 , is a side plan view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11 , illustrating the net system and the extension of the decorative motif to the table edges, the vertical support member, legs and support structure. 
       Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set forth herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention, although conceivably useful indoors, is primarily intended for outdoor use. Specifically, it is intended for outdoor venues such as athletic contests (e.g. football games) where large groups of spectators gather in a celebratory atmosphere. “Tailgating” is a tradition at such events where fans congregate to eat, drink and socialize (e.g., play team-type games) prior to athletic contest. 
     The preferred embodiment is described for use in conjunction with attendance at a football game, and particularly for games involving a particular sports team. To this end, it can include team specific features such as logos, team colors, mascot persona, and the like. Such features are included for exemplary purposes only. 
     Referring to the drawing figures, and particularly to  FIGS. 1, 8 and 9 , a preferred embodiment of a game tank assembly (in use) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in perspective view and is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of a game table assembly  10  includes a first or bottom table  12  supported on a folding leg assembly  14  affixed to the lower surface (not illustrated) thereof. A second or top table  16  is arranged concentrically above the bottom table  12  and is retained in a fixed position by a vertically elongated support member (not illustrated). The tables  12  and  16  can be fabricated from composite material such as plywood which is subsequently painted, but preferably are injection or blow molded from plastic with the artwork integrated therein. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the detail of the playing surface  20  of the bottom table  12 , which is decorated and colored in a football motif. The design can be altered depending upon the activity, sport, team or the like. The bottom table  12  is round and 36 inches in diameter (D 1 ) and forms a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge  22 . The playing surface  30  is illustrated in a green color with a circular hub  24  defined by a concentric line. Twelve equally spaced circumferential radial lines or rays  26 A- 26 L extend from the hub  24  to the outer edge  22 . Each adjacent pair of rays  26 A- 26 L are angularly offset by 30°, Rays  26 A- 26 L and captured portions of the hub  24  and outer edge  22  define twelve equally dimensioned trapezoidally shaped play segments  28 A- 28 L. An outer cup positioning marker  30  is illustrated as a dotted circle concentric with the playing surface  20  located inwardly from the outer edge  22  by a radial dimension R which is less that the nominal diameter D of the bottom of a cup employed in a game to ensure that a portion of the cup extends radially outwardly beyond the outer edge  22 . An inner cup positioning marker  32 A- 32 L is illustrated is a small dotted circle centrally disposed within each play segment  28 A- 28 L located radially outwardly from the central hub  24 . 
     Play segments  28 B- 28 F segments are reserved for Team  1 , play segments  28 H- 28 L are reserved for Team  2  and play segments  28 A and  28 G provide an unused tree space between the teams. Scaled indicia such as white colored consecutive yardage marker designations “ 10 ”, “ 20 ”, “ 30 ”, “ 40 ” and “ 50 ”,  34 B,  34 C,  34 D,  34 E, and  34 F, respectively, are disposed within associated play segments  28 B- 28 F, respectively. Similarly, scaled indicia such as black colored consecutive yardage marker designations “ 10 ”, “ 20 ”, “ 30 ”, “ 40  ” and “ 50 ” are disposed within associated play segments  28 H- 28 L, respectively. Game themed indicia such as footballs  36  are disposed within play segments  28 A and  28 G. Game themed indicia such as stylized referee  FIGS. 38  are disposed within the circular hub  24 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the detail of the playing surface  40  of the top table  16 , which is decorated and colored in a football motif. The design can be altered depending upon the activity, sport, team or the like. The top table  12  is round and 12 inches in diameter (D2) and forms a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge  42 . The playing surface  40  is illustrated in a green color with a circular hub  44  defined by a concentric line. Six equally spaced circumferential radial lines or rays  46 A- 46 F extend from the hub  44  to the outer edge  42 . Each adjacent pair of rays  46 A- 46 L are angularly offset by 60°. Rays  46 A- 46 L and captured portions of the hub  44  and outer edge  42  define six equally dimensioned trapezoidally shaped play segments  48 A- 48 F. An outer cup positioning marker  50  is illustrated as a dotted circle concentric with the playing surface  40  located inwardly from the outer edge  42 . Circular hub  44  defines an inner cup positioning marker illustrated is a small solid circle. 
     Play segments  48 A- 48 C segments are reserved for Team  1 , and play segments  48 D- 48 F are reserved for Team  2 . Game themed indicia such as goalposts  52  are disposed within each play segment  48 A- 48 F. Game themed indicia such as a stylized referee  FIG. 54  is disposed within the circular hub  44 . 
     Once the game table assembly  10  is assembled as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each ray  46  of the top table  16  aligns in parallel with every other ray of bottom table  12 . For example, if upper ray  46 A is aligned with lower ray  26 A, upper ray  46 B will align with lower ray  26 C, upper ray  46 C will align with lower ray  26 E, upper ray  46 D will align with lower ray  26 G, upper ray  46 E will align with lower ray  26 I, and upper ray  46 F will align with lower ray  26 K. Restated, when so aligned, upper play segment  48 A encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 B and  28 C, upper play segment  48 B encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 D and  28 E, upper play segment  48 C encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 F and  28 G, upper play segment  48 D encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 H and  28 I, upper play segment  48 E encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 J and  28 K, and upper play segment  48 F encompasses and is thus part of both lower play segments  28 L and  28 A. The forgoing juxtaposition of the bottom table  12  and the upper table  16  is best illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a number of disposable plastic cups  56  are employed in various numbers and configurations for the games described herein. Examples of two specific alternative configurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The most common cups used are 18 fluid ounce (530 ml) disposable plastic cups  54  (such as red Solo brand cups) with ridge-lines which can be used precisely to measure the amount of beverage (beer) to be poured into the cup. Prior to commencing a game, cups are positioned on each play segment  28 A- 28 L on play surface  20  and  48 A- 48 F on play surface  40 . Each team usually also has a separate cup of water used to rinse off the balls. 
     Although 18 ounce cups  56  are very common in games of this nature, other sized disposable cups, as listed below, can be employed: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 CUP VOLUME (oz.) 
                 HEIGHT 
                 RIM DIA. 
                 BASE DIA. (all in.) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 18 
                 4.750 
                 3.750 
                 2.500 
               
               
                 14 
                 4.500 
                 3.375 
                 2.375 
               
               
                 12 
                 4.500 
                 3.250 
                 2.375 
               
               
                 9 
                 3.750 
                 3.000 
                 1.875 
               
               
                 5 
                 2.750 
                 2.500 
                 1.750 
               
               
                 2 
                 2.125 
                 2.000 
                 1.250 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Because different sized cups  56  may be employed for various games and circumstances, the configuration of the outer cup positioning markers  30  and  50 , and the inner cup positioning markers  32  and  44  can be varied. Because differing base diameter cups may be employed, a plurality of concentric or non-concentric circles (solid, dotted or otherwise) such as a shooting target can be employed to assist precise location of cups  56 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a game table assembly  58  including a first or bottom table  60  having an upper playing surface  62  and a bottom surface  64 . The game table assembly  58  is supported by a plurality (preferably 4) of tubular legs  66  circumferentially equally spaced about the perimeter of the bottom table  60 . A second or top table  68  having an upper playing surface  86  and a bottom surface  88  is supported above the bottom table  60  by a scissors spacer or adjuster  70  which is infinitely or incrementally adjustable within a fixed range of displacement. As illustrated, the upper playing surface  86  of the top table  68  is positioned above the upper playing surface  62  of the bottom table  60  by a vertical dimension h 1  corresponding with the nominal height of a cup  90  employed in a game. If a larger cup having a greater nominal height is to be employed in a game, the scissors adjustor  68  is reconfigured wherein the upper playing surface  86  of the top table  62  is positioned above the upper playing surface  62  of the bottom table  60  by a vertical dimension h 2  corresponding with the nominal height of a taller cup  92 . 
     As an alternative to the scissors adjuster  70 , a fixed length or adjustable free-standing column can be applied to interspace the top table  68  above the bottom table  60 . 
     The bottom table is bifurcated onto two mirror image halves  98  and  100  joined by a piano type elongated hinge  102 . At least one spirit level device  104  is integrated within the outer edge  106  of the lower table to facilitate set-up of the game table assembly  38  on even ground. Preferably two such spirit level devices  104  are circumferentially offset by 90° to enable two-axis leveling. 
     Each tubular leg  66  includes an upper tube portion  72  telescopingly disposed within a lower tube portion  74  and selectively engaged by a clinching collar  76 . Each leg  66  is removably connected to the bottom surface  64  of table  60  wherein the upper end of each upper tube  72  is slip fit or screwed within a blind bore opening  84  (illustrated in phantom) formed in the bottom surface  64  of the bottom table  60 . The lower end of lower tube  74  terminates in a foot  78  forming an outwardly extending offset  80  and a ground engaging spike  82 . The axial length of each leg  66  can be separately adjusted, as illustrated by arrow  108 , to accommodate uneven ground. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5E , a scissors type adjustable spacer  70  includes two pairs of elongated struts  94  and  96 , each pair juxtaposed in an “X” configuration and for rotation about a central axis A-A. The pairs of struts  94 ,  96  are axially separated by a tubular spacer  110  and held in assembly by opposed hand tightening knobs  112  having opposed threaded shafts  114  extending through thru bores  116  and  118 , and threadably engaging a threaded center shaft  120  of spacer  110 . 
     An outwardly projecting pivot extension  122 , as detailed in  FIG. 5E , is integrally formed adjacent the upper end of each strut  94 ,  96 . Each pivot extension  122  is generally tubular in form, terminating in a bulbous end portion  124  which is circumferentially segmented by a plurality of axial slots  126  affording radial resilience. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a support bracket  128 , associated with each scissors adjuster  70 , is located along the bottom surface  88  of the top table  68  and entrained by the inner surface of the outer edge  42  of the top table  68 . Each support bracket  128  is elongated and has a thru bore  130  and a thru slot  132  formed at opposed ends thereof. Each scissors adjuster  70  is assembled with an associated support bracket  128  by extending its pivot extensions  122  through the bore  130  and slot  132 . The bulbous end portion  124  has a nominal diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the thru bore  130  and slot  132  requiring temporary resilient deflection of the segments to enable assembly. Thereafter, the struts  94  and  96  are selectively rotationally repositioned to affect the desired vertical height of the combined scissors adjuster  70  and top table  68 . When so positioned, the knobs  112  are tightened to affix the scissors adjuster  70  in their desired configurations. 
     The lower end of each strut  94 ,  96  preferably includes a resilient (e.g., rubber) cleat or foot  134  to provide tactile adhesion with the playing surface  62  of the bottom table  60  without marring during usage. Alternatively, a form of mechanical interconnection of the struts  94 ,  96  to the upper (playing) surface of the lower table  60  can be implemented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , a series of spaced apart thru holes  136  are formed adjacent each end of the support bracket  128 ′ providing coarse incremental adjustability. Referring to  FIG. 5D , a series of overlapping thru holes  138  are formed adjacent each end of the support bracket  128 ″ providing relatively fine incremental adjustability. 
     The major components of the game table assembly  58  are preferably formed of lightweight rigid material, such as fiberglass or vacuum formed plastic. The support brackets  128  can be discrete elements or, alternatively, can be integrally formed with their associated top table  68 . 
     The bottom table  60  is dimensionally identical to bottom table  12  and the playing surface  62  is as described in connection with  FIG. 2 . The top table  68  is dimensionally identical to bottom table  16  and the playing surface  62  is as described in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the game table  58  is illustrated with each discrete or removable element disassembled and stowed in associated retention pockets formed in the bottom surface  64 . Specifically, the four legs  66  are removed from their blind bores  84 , collapsed to a minimum axial length, bundled and stowed within an elongated recess  140 . Note that the foot  78  and spike  82  structure are not illustrated for the purpose of clarity in  FIG. 6 . The scissor adjusters  70 , support brackets  128 , tubular spacer  110  and knobs ( 2 )  112  are separated and stowed in associated retention pockets  142 . The top table  68  is stowed within an associated round recess  144 . Individual ping pong balls  146  are stowed within separate retention pockets  148 . Lastly, a rule book—instruction manual  150  is stowed within a retention pocket  152 . Note that designated recesses  140 ,  144 ,  148  and  152  are mirrored in clam shell fashion in table halves  98  and  100 . 
     The bottom table  60  also forms a cooperating latch  154  and catch  156 , to retain the table  60  in a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , and a carrying handle  158 . For additional protection, the game assembly  58  can be provided with a zippered cover carrying case (not illustrated). 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , for game configurations, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cup  56  positioned in the center of the top table  16  within the circular hub  44  is elevated above the surrounding cups  56  adjacent the outer cup positioning marker  50 . This is accomplished by employing a cup height extender  160  comprising an upwardly opening cylindrical wall  162  and an integral radially outwardly extending flanged base  164 . The cylindrical wall  162  defines an inner wall surface  166  which is tapered at substantially the same pitch as the nominal outer wall of the intended cup  56 . This effectively increases the effective height (he) of the cup  56  (approximately 3 inches) while maintaining its standard lip diameter (d 1 ) and provides extremely robust retention of the cup  56 , even when filled with a liquid. The flanged base  164  has a flat bottom, with an effective nominal diameter (d 2 ). Stability if the elevated cup  56  can be further enhanced by the addition of an adhesive or tactile layer  168 . This feature provides a third level (of lips of cups in play). 
     The basic rules of two exemplary games: Game 1: Tail Pong and Game 2: Race Pong are as follows. 
     TAIL PONG RULES: 
     The object of the game is to finish each task in order before the opposing team finishes their task. 
     Each team is made up of 1-5 players 
     First Sequence: 
     (A.) You start by lining your Solo cup  56  face up on the outside of the dotted circle  30  filled with ⅓ liquid as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     (B.) The game starts with the first person on each team at the 10 yard line  28 B and  28 H. 
     (C.) The first person drinks the contents of their cup  56 , and then places the cup down on the edge  22  of the table  20 . 
     (D.) The player then flips over the “flip cup” until the cup  56  lands on its lip/top. The next player will only get to their turn once each subsequent player finished their task and so on. 
     (E.) When each player on your team drinks the contents of their cup  56 , then flips the cup  56  over with the lip landing on the table  20 , the team then advances to their next task. 
     Second Sequence: 
     (A.) Each player, lines their cup  56  up on the inside circle  32  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     (B.) Once the cups  56  are lined up on the inside circle  32 , the person starting at the 10 yard line  28 B or  28 H takes a ping-pong hall  146  and bounces the ping-pong ball  146  into their cup  56 . Once the player bounces the ping-pong ball  146  into the cup  56 , the next player in line will do the same and so on. 
     Third Sequence: 
     (A.) When all of the players achieve getting the ping-pong ball  146  in their cups in sequence, the ping pong ball  146  is given back to the first player at the 10 yard line  28 B or  28 H. 
     (B.) The first player, then attempts to bounce the ping-pong ball  146  from the first level to the second level into the top cup  56 . If this player does not get the ping-pong ball  146  into the top cup  56 , the ping-pong ball  146  will be given to the next player in line for their chance at bouncing the ping-pong ball  146  into the cup  56 . Once one of the teams finishes their entire task and one of the teams bounces the ping pong ball  146  into the top center cup  56 . The person on the opposing team whom is in play “bouncing their ping-pong ball  146 ” will have to drink the entire contents of the top center cup  56 . 
     RACE PONG RULES 
     (A.) Divide into two equal teams from 1 to 5 people. 
     (B.) Fill up each cup  56  with about ⅓ drink and 1 cup  56  in the center top full of drink. 
     (C.) The first person at the 50 yard line  28 F or  28 L starts the game. 
     (D.) You start the game by drinking the ⅓ drink, then flipping the cup  56  over and having it land on its rim, face down. Once your cup  56  is successfully flipped over, the team member to your left at the next lower yard line drinks their drink and flips their cup  56  over, and so on. 
     (E.) Once all the cups  56  on your team have been drunk and flipped over, the process starts again with the first person at the 50 yard line. 
     (F.) The next sequence is you have to place your cup  56  upright on the dashed circle  32 , then bounce a ping pong ball  146  into your cup  56 . Once you bounce your ping pong ball  146  into your cup  56 , then the next person at the next lower number to your let does the same. When players on your team get the ping pong ball  146  into their cup  56 , the ping pong ball  146  goes back to player number one. 
     (G.) The final sequence is to bounce the ping pong ball  146  into the full cup  56  of drink in the center of the board  16 . The first team to achieve all of the sequences wins! When a team wins, the contents of the center cup  56 , has to be drunk, by the opposing team member that is attempting the sequence. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a second embodiment of a game table assembly  170  includes a first or bottom table  172  supported on a rigid fixed leg assembly  174  affixed to the lower surface (not illustrated) thereof. The leg assembly  174  includes a plurality (such as 4) circumferentially spaced legs  173  and a plurality (such as 4) of cross members  175  interconnecting adjacent leg pairs  173 . A second or top table  176  is arranged concentrically above the bottom table  172  and is retained in a fixed position by a vertically elongated support member  178 . The tables  172  and  176  can be fabricated from composite material such as plywood which is subsequently painted, but preferably are injection or blow molded from plastic with the artwork integrated therein. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate the detail of a playing surface  180  of the bottom table  172  and a playing surface  182  of the top table  176 , which are decorated and colored in an Irish/St. Patrick motif. The design can be altered depending upon the theme, activity or the like. Tables  172  and  176  are round and form circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edges  184  and  186 , respectively. The playing surfaces  180  and  182  are illustrated in a dark green color with a circular hub  188  defined by a concentric line. Twelve equally spaced circumferential radial lines or rays, similar to rays  26 A- 26 L of  FIG. 2  extend from the hub  188  to the outer edge  172 . An outer cup positioning marker  190  is illustrated as a dotted circle concentric with the playing surface  180  located inwardly from the outer edge  184 . Similarly, four equally spaced circumferential radial lines or rays, similar to rays  46 A- 46 F of  FIG. 3  extend from the geometric center of the second table  176  to the outer edge  188 . 
     Scaled indicia  193  such as white colored consecutive point marker designations“ 10 ”, “ 20 ”, “ 30 ”, “ 40 ” and “ 50 ”, are disposed within associated play segments  195 . Game themed indicia such as shamrocks  192  are disposed within play segments  195  constituting inner cup positioning markers. Game themed indicia such as stylized leprechaun hats  194  are disposed within neutral play segments  196 . A single large shamrock  198  covers the playing surface  182  of the second table  176 . 
     A vertically upstanding net assembly  200  bifurcates the playing surfaces  180  and  182  of the first and second tables  172  and  176 , respectively, extending radially through neutral play segments  196  along an axis designated A-A. The net assembly  200  extends well above the upper lip of the largest cup employed in any intended game, effectively forming a barrier preventing a ping pong ball in play by one team front entering the opposing team&#39; playing area. 
     Although the net assembly  200  could consist of a single, continuous net extending the entire diameter of the lower table  172 , it preferably consists of three distinct segments, left and right outer segments  202  and  204 , respectively, and center segment  206 . Each net segment  202 ,  204  and  206  consists of an opposed pair of vertical support stanchions  208  interconnecting a net portion  210  in tension. Each stanchion  208  is slip fit within a blind bore  212  formed in the playing surfaces  180  and  182  of the bottom and upper tables  172  and  176 , respectively. So constructed, one or more of the net segments  200 ,  202  and  204  can be removed to change the nature of the game. 
     Additional decorative shamrocks  214  and pinstripes  216  can be added as desired to the table edges  184  and  186 , the elongated support member  178 , the legs  173  and the cross members  175  for ornamental appeal. 
     The enlarged shamrock  198  is centered on the playing surface  182  of the top table  176  and is bifurcated by the center net segment  206 . The shamrock  198  is enlarged to form a double circular hub comparable to the circular hub  44  of the playing surface  40  of the top table  42  of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The net assembly  200  requires the use of two cups within the shamrock  198 , one on each side of the center segment  206  of the net assembly  200 , one fix each of the opposing teams. 
     The following documents are deemed to provide a fuller background disclosure of the inventions described herein and the manner of making and using same. Accordingly, each the below-listed documents are hereby incorporated into the specification hereof by reference. 
     Wikipedia Rules regarding “Beer Pong” date unknown. 
     Wikipedia Rules regarding “Flip Cup” date unknown. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,372,934 to Heil entitled “Game Board and Small Bounceable Ball”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,650 to Reed et al entitled “Method of Playing a Board Game of College Social Life”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,686 B1 to Chille entitled “Board Game and Method for Teaching Responsible Drinking”. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0188942 A1 to Trokan entitled “Non-Alcoholic Beer-Pong System”. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0029747 A1 to Grayson entitled “Drinking Game Cup Holder”. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No, 2005/0116413 A1 to Wagner entitled “Board Game Incorporating Drinking Beverages and Method of Playing Board Game, and Board and Gamepieces Thereof and Method of Use Thereof”. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0226606 A1 to Finley et al, entitled “Portable Game Device and Method of Use”, 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0200293 A1 to Gomez et al, entitled “Board Game and Method with Social Drinking Theme”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,807 B1 to Eason entitled “Beer Pong Table”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,960 B1 to Battiste entitled “Inflatable Table”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,959 B2 to Webb et at. entitled “Cup Holder for Drinking Game”. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0015197 A1 to Maffei et al. entitled “Beer Pong Game and Method of Playing”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,406 B2 to Brown entitled “Portable Point/Beer Pong Table”. 
     U.S. Design Patent No. D755,898 S to Blanchard entitled “Cap for Beer Pong Game”. 
     It is to be understood that the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and variations to provide the features and advantages previously described and that the embodiments are susceptible of modification as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Furthermore, it is contemplated that many alternative, common inexpensive materials can be employed to construct the basis constituent components. Accordingly, the forgoing is not to be construed in a limiting sense. 
     The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the circular hub lines defining part of the generally traps zoidally shaped play segments can be imaginary, meaning that they can be a designated circular location, but not necessarily imprinted or formed on the playing surface. Furthermore, temporary covers for the upper and lower table portions can be provided for post-game food service. The upper table portion can be converted into a “lazy Susan” condiment server. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, wherein reference numerals are merely for illustrative purposes and convenience and are not in any way limiting, the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents, may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described.