Abstract:
A table game including a housing, a playing surface received within the housing, and a paddle member resiliently affixed to the playing surface and supported by the housing. The paddle member serves to move the playing surface upwardly and downwardly relative to a vertical force applied to the paddle member. The paddle member is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to an actuation of a handle member connected thereto. The paddle member is slidable across a width dimension of the playing surface. The playing surface includes a first surface which is pivotally connected to a second surface. The first surface is independently movable relative to the second surface. A second paddle member is affixed to the second surface at an end of the first surface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present utility patent application is based upon Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/047,727, filed on May 27, 1997, and entitled “TABLE GAME”, presently pending. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to table games in which a sliding or rolling member is moved across the playing surface of the game. More particularly, the present invention relates to such table games which use paddles so as to provide the propulsive force to the puck member. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Games in which a light ball is used are known. In one case, the propelling force applied to the ball is created by a player blowing on the ball so as to cause it to travel it in a desired path. In other cases, bats or paddles are used which are suspended from rotary rods that are axially slidable. These rods are provided with radial arms so that animated players manipulate the rotary rods to bring the bat or paddle into engagement with the ball. On the rotation of the bat, a ball engaged thereby is caused to travel to and fro on the table and across the surface or close to the surface thereof. Each player endeavors so as to cause the ball to move in a direction toward the opponent&#39;s goal. 
     In the past, various patents have issued on devices relating to moving a ball across the surface of a table game. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,061,312 teaches a game with a hinged split surface for manipulating a ball back and forth. Pressure is applied to the surfaces so as to allow the surfaces to pivot with respect to one another. A transparent dome or shell 41 extends over the top of the board so as to prevent loss of the ball. The movement of the ball is controlled by a pair of control buttons which are supported on control boxes located outside of the split surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,967 teaches a game where two inclined surfaces direct a ball back and forth onto propellers/blockers that can be moved from side to side. It does not appear that the board is suitable for being manipulated upwardly or downwardly. The board simply has an incline that assures that the ball will roll from one end to the other upon propulsion by the propeller/blocker members. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,785 teaches a game board with two sliding blocker/propellers for passing the ball over a surface with two inclined portions. Once again, the surface is not manipulatable so as to allow for the desired propulsive movement of the ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,480,277 teaches a table football game which includes a plurality of rotatable bars extending transversely across a longitudinal axis of a game board. The surface of the game is inclined so that a low point is realized in the center of the board. Handles are provided on each of the bars so as to allow for rotation for the purpose of “launching” the ball toward a goal located at the respective ends of the game board. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,574,350 describes a hockey game apparatus which includes an open box containing a playing field for a puck. A series of parallel spaced apart transverse handles are placed over the playing field. Each handle is axially slidable and pivotable and has sideward extending paddles for striking the puck toward either of an opposing goal puck at each opposite end of the playing field. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,675 describes a paddle game apparatus that is provided within a rectangular box. This rectangular box defines a playing area. The playing area has transverse barrier walls of less height than its side and end walls. These transverse barrier walls are spaced from each end wall so as to define goal areas and each barrier wall has an opening to define a scoring pad. Slidable and rotatable paddle-carrying rods extend through the side walls between the barrier walls. The paddles are dimensioned so that a ball may be projected through the opening into a goal area. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,934,381 teaches a table game which has a box-like enclosure with a playing surface of convoluted form positioned thereon. A plurality of bars extend across the playing surface. These bars are manipulatable with handles so as to project a ball from end to end across the playing surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,638 teaches a simulated hockey game board in which a pair of inclined surfaces are located at opposite ends of the game board. A plurality of propulsion members are located between the center of the board and the net at the end of the board. A spring-like device is provided in the center of the board so as to start the game. The board does not have the capability of being moved upwardly or downwardly in a pivotal manner. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a table game in which the handles and paddles serve to rotate, slide, and change the angle of the playing surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a table game which provides greater amusement by the manipulation of the table surface. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a table game which assures continuous action without the need for electrical or pneumatic apparatus. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a table game in which the paddle member actually provides three dimensions of action during the propulsion of the puck member. 
     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a table game which is easy to use, easy to understand, easy to manufacture, and relatively inexpensive. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a table game that comprises a housing, a playing surface received within the housing, and a paddle means affixed to the playing surface and supported by the housing. The paddle means serves to move the playing surface upwardly and downwardly relative to a vertical force applied to the paddle means. The paddle means is rotatable about the vertical axis relative to an actuation of a handle member connected thereto. The paddle means is resiliently supported in the housing such that the playing surface is urged to a horizontal orientation when a vertical force is not applied. 
     The playing surface includes a first surface and a second surface which is pivotally connected to the first surface. The paddle means serves to move the first surface independent of the second surface. The paddle means is positioned at one end of the first surface opposite the second surface. A second paddle means is affixed to the second surface and at end opposite the first surface. The second paddle means is resiliently supported by the housing. The second paddle means serves to pivot the second surface relative to the first surface during the application of a vertical force to the second paddle means. 
     The paddle means includes a frame which is affixed to an end of the playing surface and extends above the top surface, a bar extending across the frame, a paddle member, a vertical member connected to the paddle member and resiliently and slidably connected to the bar, and a handle member affixed to the vertical member. The frame is connected to the housing by a spring. This spring serves to allow the playing surface to move relative to a downward force applied to the handle member. The bar extends between the sides of the housing. The housing has a guide slot formed therein such that the bar extends through the guide slot and moves through the guide slot during the pivotal movement of the playing surface. In particular, the bar includes a first bar which extends in generally parallel relationship to the playing surface, and a second bar in coplanar parallel relationship to the first bar. The vertical member extends between the first and second bars. In particular, the vertical member is retained by a support receptacle slidably affixed to the first and second bars. The support receptacle rotatably receives the vertical member therein. A stop member is affixed to one of the first and second bars so as to limit a slide travel of the support member across the first and second bars. 
     In the present invention, a puck member is slidably and removably positioned on the top surface of the playing surface. The paddle member supports a first paddle which extends upwardly transverse to the top surface and a second paddle extending upwardly transverse to the top surface. The first and second paddles are in coplanar alignment. The first and second paddles have a space therebetween greater than the diameter dimension of the puck member. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the table game of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the table game of the present invention showing the paddle member as pivotting the playing surface. 
     FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the action of the paddle member. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the table game of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the table game in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an isolated detailed view of the paddle member as used in this alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 is an isolated see-through view of the operation of the paddle member of this alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 9 is an alternative variation of the construction of the paddle member of this alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the variation of the paddle member of the alternative embodiment. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view see-through view of a second alternative embodiment of the paddle member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view see-through view of a third alternative embodiment of the paddle member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the handle as used with the paddle member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is an alternative view of the paddle member of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the table game of the present invention as incorporated within a video game console. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the present invention as shown in operation. 
     FIG. 17 is another view of the present invention as shown in operation. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the operation of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown at  10  the table game in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The table game  10  includes a housing  12  having a playing surface  14  received therein. A first paddle member  16  is affixed to the playing surface  14  and supported by the housing  12 . A second paddle member  18  is also affixed to the playing surface  14  and supported by the housing  12 . Each of the paddle members  16  and  18  serves to move the playing surface  14  upwardly, downwardly and angularly relative to a vertical force applied to the paddle members  16  and  18 , respectively. The first paddle member  16  includes paddles  20  and  22  that are connected to a vertical member  24 . The rotation of the handles  26  of the first paddle member  16  serves to cause the paddles  20  and  22  to rotate relative thereto. The second paddle member  18  has a similar configuration. 
     The playing surface  14  has a generally flat top surface. As will be described hereinafter, the playing surface  14  is pivotal such that the actuation of the paddle members  16  and  18  will cause the playing surface  14  to move angularly upwardly and downwardly. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that a slot  30  is provided so as to allow for the insertion of a puck member  32  during play. The puck member  32  is shown in a trough  34  at the end  36  of the housing  12 . The puck member  32  has a plurality of protruding bearings formed therein. These bearings allow the puck member  32  to travel freely and easily on the top surface of the playing surface  14 . Alternatively, in the present invention, the puck member  32  can be a ball which rolls along the top surface of the playing surface  14 . An alternative slot  38  can be provided on a side wall  40  of the housing  12  so as to allow the puck to be inserted through the side wall. 
     In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the paddle member  16  has a first handle member  26  and a second handle member  42  extending upwardly vertically from a crossbar  44 . The crossbar  44  is affixed to the vertical member  24 . The vertical member  24  extends through a guide slot  46  in the top surface  48  of the housing  12 . As such, the vertical member  24  can slide in the slot  46  relative to a side-to-side motion imparted upon the handle members  26  and  42  of the paddle member  16 . 
     The paddle member  16  includes a pair of paddles  20  and  22 . Each of the paddles  20  and  22  extends vertically upwardly generally transverse to the top surface of the playing surface  14 . The surface of the paddles  20  and  22  is generally flat. Each of the paddles  20  and  22  is spaced from each other by a distance greater than the diameter of the puck member  32 . 
     In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the second paddle member  18  extends through a guide slot  50  formed in the opposite end of the housing  12 . The second paddle member  18  will have a similar configuration as the first paddle member  16 . The paddles  52  and  54  of the second paddle member  18  face the paddles  20  and  22  of the first paddle member  16 . As such, each of the paddle members are in a suitable position for propelling the puck member  32  to and fro. 
     Legs  56  and  58  serve to support the housing  12  above a surface. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the operation and construction of the table game  10  of the present invention. Initially, it can be seen that a frame  60  is affixed to the top surface  62  of the playing surface  14 . Frame  60  is affixed to one end of the playing surface  14 . A pivot point  64  is formed centrally along the playing surface  14  so as to divide the playing surface  14  into a first playing surface  66  and a second playing surface  68 . 
     The first paddle member  16  has its handle  42  extending upwardly vertically through the guide slot  46  in the housing  12 . It can be seen that the frame  60  is connected to the top surface  48  of the housing  12  through the use of spring elements  70  and  72 . The paddle  20  is illustrated as standing in a plane transverse to the plane of the playing surface  62 . The second paddle member  18  has an identical configuration as the first paddle member  16 , but faces in an opposite direction. The puck member  32  is illustrated as positioned on the top surface  62  of the playing surface  14 . Another frame  74  is affixed to an opposite end of the playing surface  14  from the frame  60 . The frame  74  is also supported by spring element  76 . 
     FIG. 3 shows an operation of the playing surface  14 . It can be seen that a downward force  78  is applied to the handle of the second paddle member  18 . This causes the second surface  68  of the playing surface  14  to pivot at hinge point  64  relative to the first surface  62 . It can be seen that the spring elements  76  are extended by the downward force  78 . The spring elements  76  serve to urge the playing surface  68  into a horizontal orientation when the force  78  is not applied to the second paddle member  18 . Although the second surface  68  has been pivotted with respect to the first surface  62 , the first surface  62  remains in its horizontal orientation. The downward incline of the second surface  68  causes the puck  32  to move toward the paddle  52 . As such, the person using the second paddle  18  will receive the puck  32  and can, thereby, project the puck  32  toward the opposite end of the housing  12 . 
     Within the concept of the present invention, it should be noted that the puck member  32  can be any type of object which is suitable for sliding along the top surface of the playing surface  14 . For example, the puck member  32  can be a flat puck, can be a puck with bearings, can be a ball, or can be any other object which effectively moves along the surface  14 . The spring elements  76  and  72  can be various types of resilient items, such as rubber bands, compression springs, bungie cords, and related items. 
     FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing the first paddle member  16  and its construction within the housing  12  and relative to the playing surface  14 . Initially, it can be seen that the frame  60  is affixed to the playing surface  14 . The frame  60  has one portion connected to one side  80  at the playing surface. Another frame portion  60  is connected to an opposite side  82  of the playing surface  14 . The frame  60  is mounted within the interior of the housing  12 . Guide slots  84  are provided in an inner wall  86  of the housing  12  so as to control the vertical upward and downward movement of the playing surface  14  and the paddle member  16 . It can be seen that the paddles  20  and  22  can rotate back and forth relative to the rotation of the vertical member  24 . This rotation is accomplished by rotating the handles  26  and  42  relative to each other. The rotation of the handles  26  and  42  causes the crossbar  44  to rotate which, in turn, causes the vertical member  24  to rotate. The vertical member  24  is received by a support receptacle  88  so as to facilitate the rotation of the vertical member  24 . The support receptacle  88  is slidably affixed to bars  90  and  92 . Bars  90  and  92  extend between the sides of the frame  60 . Bars  90  and  92  are arranged in generally parallel relationship to the top surface of the playing surface  14 . The bars  90  and  92  are arranged in co-planar parallel relationship to each other. The bars  90  and  92  serve to cause the downward force applied to the handles  26  and  42  to be imparted on the frame  16  which causes the downward deflection and pivoting of the first playing surface  62  relative to the second playing surface  68 . A stop member  94  is applied to at least one of the bars  90  and  92  so as to limit the side-to-side travel of the vertical member  24  and the support receptacle  88 . This prevents the paddles  20  and  22  from adversely contacting the side walls  86  of the housing  12 . 
     In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the mechanism for the operation of the paddles  20  and  22  allows for three-dimensions of movement. The paddles  20  and  22  can be rotated so as to propel the ball. The handles can cause the paddles  20  and  22  to move from side to side so as to provide defense against the puck passing through the area between the paddles  20  and  22 . Finally, the first surface  62  of the playing surface  14  can be deflected downwardly and angularly so as cause the ball to roll towards the paddles  20  and  22 . 
     FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment  100  of the table game of the present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention, the housing  102  also receives the playing surface  104  therein. The alternative embodiment  100  utilizes balls  106  as the element for rolling along the playing surface  104  between the paddles  108  and  110 . It can be seen that the balls  106  are retained within the ball rack  112 . During the playing of the game, the first person to run out of balls within their respective ball rack is the winner of the game. 
     In this alternative embodiment  100 , the handles  114  are connected by a transmission device  120  to the paddles  108 . The transmission device  120  is a belt or sprocket driven device which causes the paddles  108  to rotate more quickly or less quickly relative to the rotation of the handles  114 . A detailed description of the transmission device is provided hereinafter. 
     In the embodiment  100 , a tube  122  is provided so as to allow one of the balls  106  to be introduced into the center of the playing surface  104 . A hole  124  is provided in a side wall of the housing  102  so as to allow the ball to be delivered to the center of the playing surface from the tube  122 . A striker  126  is provided so as to allow the person to properly serve the ball. An alternative tube  128  can be provided when it is desired that the loser serve his or her ball directly onto the paddles  110 . A similar arrangement of tubes, and other items, is provided for each side of the game  100 . For example, hole  130  is provided so as to allow the introduction of balls from tube  128  on the opposite side of the housing  102 . A ball return pocket  132  receives balls from the opposite end of the playing surface  104  so that the ball returns to the player that made the goal. Legs  134  serve to support the playing surface  104  and the enclosure  102  above the floor. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the operation of the table game  100 . In particular, it can be seen that the playing surface  104  has a first surface  140  and a second surface  142 . Springs  144  are interposed between the bottom of the first surface  142  and the floor  146  of the housing  102 . Similarly, springs  148  are interposed between the bottom of the second surface  140  and the floor  146 . The springs  144  and  148  serve to facilitate the action of the spring elements at the top of the frame. FIG. 6 also shows the ball return tubes  150  and  152  which allow for the return of a ball  154  into a pocket  156  as it passes into a trough  158  at the opposite end of the playing surface  104 . The return tube  150  will function in a similar manner relative to the receipt of a ball by trough  160 . 
     FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the operation of the transmission mechanism  120 . It can be seen that a belt  162  extends between the vertical member  162  of handle  164  and a sprocket or gear associated with the paddle  110 . As such, when the handles  164  are rotated, the gear ratio between the gear  166  associated with the paddle  110  and the gear  168  associated with the vertical member  162  will either enhance or reduce the propulsive effect of the paddle  110 . 
     FIG. 8 shows a similar arrangement as associated with the handles  114  at the opposite end of the playing surface  104 . It can be seen that the handles  114  are connected to a vertical member  170 . Vertical member  170  extends through the receptacle support  172  so as to be connected to a sprocket  174 . Sprocket  174  includes a belt or chain  176 . Belt  176  is received by sprocket  178  associated with a vertical member  180  that is connected to the paddles  108 . It can be seen that a rapid movement of the handles  114  will cause a more rapid rotation of the paddles  108  by virtue of the gear ratio between the sprocket  174  and the sprocket  178 . 
     FIG. 9 shows an alternative arrangement associated with handles  114  for the transmission of rotation speed from the handles  114  to the paddles  108 . As before, the handles  114  are associated with a sprocket  184 . Paddles  108  are associated with a sprocket  186 . A belt or chain  188  extends between sprocket  184  and sprocket  186 . Tension wheels  190  and  192  act on the belt  188  so as to pick up the slack on the belt  188 . A lever  194  is associated with the sprocket  184  so as to allow the belt  188  to be adjusted among the various gears found on the sprocket  184 . As such, the speed and action of the paddles  108  can be easily adjusted relative to the rotation of the handles  114 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a more detailed view of the arrangement of FIG.  9 . It can be seen that the lever  194  extends outwardly of the handle  114  and is supported between bars  200  and  202 . Lever  194  is depressed so that it will compress the spring  204  so as to allow the belt  188  to align with the desired gear on the sprocket  184 . The tension wheels  190  and  192  are arranged so as to pick up the slack when the belt  184  moves from the larger diameter gear on sprocket  184  to a smaller diameter gear. This arrangement of gears on the sprocket  184  in association with the belt  188  and the sprocket  186  allows the player to adjust the level of difficulty of the game to the desired level. 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 show alternative arrangements of the configuration of the game of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the embodiment  300  shows handles  302  which are supported on bars  304  and  306 . The paddle  308  extends outwardly transversely relative to the direction of the bars  304  and  306 . Transmission device  310  serves to impart rotation from the handle  302  so as to cause a “flipping” action of the paddle  308 . The arrangement in FIG. 11 can be utilized whenever it is desired to have play along the sides of the game. This can be utilized, for example, if the game is designed for use in doubles. 
     FIG. 12 shows a similar embodiment as embodiment  300  of FIG.  11 . Embodiment  400 , as shown in FIG. 12, utilizes a first paddle  402  and a second paddle  404 . The short back paddle  404  can be utilized for balance, blocks and for special skill shots. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a handle  500  which is configured for safety. It can be seen that handle  500  has a generally rectangular shape. The handle  500  is connected to the vertical member  502 . The handle  500  has vertical portions  504  and  506 . Horizontal section  508  extends between the vertical sections  504  and  506  so as to prevent injury if a person accidentally falls on top of the handle  500 . 
     FIG. 14 shows another variation on the present invention in which a pair of paddles  600  and  602  can be utilized and supported on the bar  604 . Each of the paddles  600  and  602  has an identical configuration. A gripping portion  606  is provided on the paddle  600 . A gripping portion  608  is provided on the paddle  602 . One of the paddles  600  and  602  can be received by one hand while the other paddle is received by the other hand. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates the present invention as an arcade video unit  700 . In this fashion, the person can play against a machine or against another player. 
     FIG. 16 shows the present invention  10  as being played by individuals  800  and  802 . The individual  800  is gripping the first paddle  16  at one end of the housing  12 . The second individual  802  is gripping the handles  18  at the opposite end of the housing  12 . As can be seen, the puck  32  is propelled by rotating the handles on the paddle member  16  so as to cause the paddle  20  to propel the puck  32  in the direction of the second individual  802 . 
     FIG. 17 shows a similar arrangement with the table game  10  of the present invention as applied for playing on the floor. 
     FIG. 18 shows embodiment  100  of the present invention in its actual form for playing. 
     The present invention is a significant and enjoyable improvement over prior table games in which a puck is propelled from one side of the table to the other. In the present invention, various variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the playing surface can be arranged in a fixed incline. An electromagnetic floor can be provided so as to lower friction acting on the ball or puck. This can be arranged such that the ball or puck floats above the playing surface by magnetic or pneumatic force. The side interior walls of the housing can be formed of a membrane so as to allow for a desired bounce during bank shots. The interior of the housing of the present invention can include built-in water tanks so as to weigh the unit down when in use. This prevents the table from moving during play. A tennis-type mesh can be applied to the paddles in place of the solid striking surface. The table can have an octagonal, oval, round or other configuration. A net can be provided over the top surface of the housing instead of glass. The strike surface of the paddle can be curved, flat, rippled, or of other forms. 
     The present invention also contemplates a double-sized table with four paddles which allow four people to play. This table can contain a partition wall that can be raised with a lever so as to convert the table into two regular tables. The present invention contemplates the ability for one player to control his side of the floor by pushing down but he can also push only on one side of the paddle so as to twist the floor in either direction so that he can direct the ball to the left or right paddle. It is not required that the table move in an even fashion up or down. 
     There are many configurations of rods or bars that can be used to mount the paddles. For example, one round rod can be used instead of the aforedescribed two bars. One rectangular or other shaped rod can act as a rail so as to prevent the paddle from swinging back and forth while still allowing lateral movement. More than one round rod, i.e. four rods for maximum support of the paddle can be used so as to minimize back and forth movement. 
     The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.