SHUFFLEBOARD BOARD ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A shuffleboard arrangement is disclosed. The shuffleboard arrangement comprises a wall extending along a first direction and a shuffleboard table. The shuffleboard table extends from the wall orthogonal to the first direction from a first end of the shuffleboard table to a second end of the shuffleboard table opposite to the first end of the shuffleboard table. The first end of the shuffleboard table extends from the wall and comprises a scoring area. The second end of the shuffleboard table comprises a playing area from where players throw pucks along a sliding surface towards the scoring area. The shuffleboard arrangement further includes a scoreboard for displaying scoring, the scoreboard arranged at the first end of the shuffleboard table.

Claims

1. A shuffleboard arrangement comprising: a wall extending along a first direction; a shuffleboard table extending from the wall orthogonal to the first direction from a first end of the shuffleboard table to a second end of the shuffleboard table opposite to the first end of the shuffleboard table, the first end of the shuffleboard table extended from the wall and comprising a scoring area, and the second end of the shuffleboard table comprising a playing area from where players throw pucks along a sliding surface towards the scoring area; and a scoreboard for displaying scoring, the scoreboard arranged at the first end of the shuffleboard table.

2. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard is arranged parallel with the wall along the first direction.

3. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard is elevated with respect to the scoring area.

4. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the scoreboard is arranged on the wall.

5. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the wall is a wall of a building in which the shuffleboard table is housed.

6. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first end of the shuffleboard table is removably attached to the wall.

7. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

8. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 7, wherein the ledge further extends along the first end of the shuffleboard table parallel to the first direction, wherein the ledge provides an attachment with the wall.

9. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 7, wherein the ledge is tapered towards the sliding surface at the second end of the shuffleboard table.

10. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shuffleboard tables.

11. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a viewing area where spectators can stand between neighbouring shuffleboard tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.

12. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 10, further comprising a partition, the partition extending orthogonal to the first direction, the partition separating neighbouring shuffleboard tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.

13. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 2, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

14. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 3, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

15. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 4, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

16. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 5, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

17. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 6, wherein the shuffleboard table comprises: an outer box arranged around a perimeter of the shuffleboard table, and a ledge attached to the outer box extending between the first end and the second end of the shuffleboard table, the ledge for holding drink receptacles.

18. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 8, wherein the ledge is tapered towards the sliding surface at the second end of the shuffleboard table.

19. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 11, further comprising a partition, the partition extending orthogonal to the first direction, the partition separating the neighbouring shuffleboard tables of the plurality of shuffleboard tables.

20. The shuffleboard arrangement of claim 2, wherein the first end of the shuffleboard table is removably attached to the wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a front cross sectional view of a shuffleboard arrangement in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a top view of the shuffleboard arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top view of a shuffleboard arrangement comprising a plurality of shuffleboard tables; and

[0032] FIG. 4 is a top view of a further shuffleboard arrangement comprising a plurality of shuffleboard tables.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shuffleboard apparatus 100 includes a shuffleboard table 2. The shuffleboard table 2 has a sliding surface 4 on which a puck 6 can be thrown. The sliding surface 4 has a single throwing end 8 and a single scoring end 10. Surrounding the sliding surface 4 is a box 12 which extends around the perimeter of the shuffleboard surface creating a well 14 between the sliding surface 4 and the box 12. FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view such that the side of the box 12 is removed so that the well 14 is visible.

[0034] The shuffleboard apparatus is supported by two supports 16 from the floor 18. Although it cannot be seen from the Figures, the supports 16 extend across the width of the sliding surface 4. However, it can be understood that any arrangement of supports 16 could be used.

[0035] The shuffleboard table extends from wall 101. The wall shown in the present embodiment is the wall of the building in which the shuffleboard table is housed. FIGS. 1 and 2 show only a portion of the wall for illustrative purposes. The scoring end 10 of the shuffleboard table abuts the wall, with the outer portion of the box 12 in direct contact with the wall 101. The box 12 at the throwing end 8 of the shuffleboard table 2 is not in contact with the wall.

[0036] The scoring end 10 of the shuffleboard table 2 is not attached to the wall in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is just located against the wall. In other embodiments the scoring end 8 of the shuffleboard table 2 may be attached to the wall 101. The attachment may be removable or may be permanent. For instance, the table may be removably clipped onto a corresponding attachment on the wall. Alternatively, the scoreboard table may be attached to the wall through any of screws, nails or adhesives.

[0037] Located on the wall 101 elevated above the scoring end 10 is a scoreboard 103. The scoreboard displays the scores for the shuffleboard table 2. As can be seen the scoreboard 103 is arranged parallel to the wall. However, in other embodiments the scoreboard 103 may be positioned at an angle that is not parallel to the wall 101, such as tilted to face the viewing area 24.

[0038] A playing area 20 is located at the throwing end 8 of the sliding surface 4.

[0039] A viewing area 24 is positioned to the side of the sliding surface 4, between the throwing end 8 and the scoring end 10.

[0040] Although it cannot be seen in FIG. 1, a ledge 26 is attached to the box 12 adjacent to the sliding surface 4, as can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3. The ledge 26 is directly above the viewing area 24, such that when in the viewing area 24, the players can place items, such as drink receptacles, upon the ledge 26. The end of the ledge 28 nearest the throwing end 8 is tapered, such that the end of the ledge 28 is not perpendicular to the length of the sliding surface 4. As the end of the ledge 26 is tapered, such that the ledge 26 has no sharp edges, players are less likely to injure themselves between turns when moving between the playing area 20 and the viewing area 24.

[0041] As can be seen from FIG. 2 a trigger line 30 may be provided at a predetermined length away from the throwing end 8 to define the limit of a throwing zone. One or more previously validly thrown pucks 6A may be positioned on the sliding surface 4 beyond the trigger line 30. One or more previously validly thrown pucks 6B can also be positioned in a well 14 that surrounds the sliding surface 4. Previously validly thrown puck 6B has fallen off the side of the sliding surface 4. Three lines 32A-32C are provided to define three different scoring sections 32A-32C. Alternative use of one or more lines to define scoring sections or zones would readily occur to a person skilled in the art for use in shuffleboard games involving one or more scoring zones. For example, a game may only have one line to define a single scoring zone. Alternatively, there may be provided five scoring sections. Having more scoring sections provides a larger area over which a player may score points than compared to conventional tables. The one or more lines are also not restricted to being straight and can be curved or used to form different shapes.

[0042] When play begins, the player or team of players whose turn it is to throw, step into the playing area 20 and can throw the puck 6 down the sliding surface 4, in the same manner as is conventional for table shuffleboard games. Whilst the player is standing in the playing area 20 the opposing players can be seated or standing within the viewing area 24. The ledge 26 within the viewing area 24 provides the function of a table or bar, for holding drink receptacles and food items. The scores from the game are displayed on the scoreboard 103 such that the player standing at the scoring end 8 and the players in the viewing area 24 can view the scores.

[0043] By only having a single playing area at one end of the shuffleboard table the second end of the sliding surface of the shuffleboard apparatus can be positioned against a wall. The shuffleboard apparatus can also be positioned in a corner of a venue such that a side of the table between the first and second end of the sliding surface are adjacent to a wall. This enables the shuffleboard apparatus to occupy a space that a conventional shuffleboard table would not be able to occupy, due to the need for more space when having two playing areas for a single table.

[0044] The scoreboard may be an electronic scoreboard. In this way the scoreboard may keep track of the scores of the shuffleboard game, without the user having to manually enter the scores on the scoreboard. The scoreboard may be updated when each puck is thrown, or may be updated at the end of each player's turn to throw. The scoreboard may be connected to a system which determines the scores automatically, such as being in communication with cameras which track the movement of the pucks or through sensors on the shuffleboard apparatus.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a top view of a shuffleboard arrangement 100 comprising a first shuffleboard table 2a and a second shuffleboard table 2b according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals correspond to the same features as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0046] As can be seen from FIG. 3 each of the shuffleboard tables 2a and 2b extend from the wall 101, with the scoring end 10a 10b of each shuffleboard table 2a 2b against the wall 101. The shuffleboard tables are arranged parallel to one another.

[0047] Unlike in FIG. 2 where the shuffleboard table has its own scoreboard 103, the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b in FIG. 3 share a single scoreboard 103. The single scoreboard is arranged between the two shuffleboard tables 2a 2b. The scoreboard 103 is elevated above the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b such that it is easily observable to players standing in the playing areas 20a 20b of both tables 2a 2b and also to players located in the viewing areas 24a 24b of both shuffleboard tables 2a 2b.

[0048] The single scoreboard 103 may use a split screen, with one portion of the screen showing the score for shuffleboard table 2a and the other portion of the screen showing the score for shuffleboard table 2b. In addition, the shuffleboard tables 2a and 2b may be linked together. For instance, the gameplay may involve players on each table playing against each other. In this way the single scoreboard 103 may show a single screen related to the joint game.

[0049] Shuffleboard table 2a, as shown in FIG. 3, only has a single viewing area 24a adjacent to the ledge 26a. Shuffleboard table 2b has two viewing areas 24b one either side of the shuffleboard table 2b.

[0050] Table 105 separates the two shuffleboard tables 2a and 2b. Table 105 is located between the viewing areas 24a and 24b. The table acts to separate the adjacent shuffleboard tables from one another such that players on neighbouring tables are kept apart.

[0051] Chairs 107 are located within the viewing areas 24a 24b of the shuffleboard tables 2a 2b. The chairs are at a height such that players in the viewing areas 24a 24b can sit at and use the table 105 and the ledges 26a 26b. The chairs 107 shown are fixed in position. However, in other embodiments the chairs may be moveable. Players may move the chairs 107 to get their preferred position relative to the table. This also allows the chairs 107 to be removed when not required.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a further shuffleboard arrangement 100 having eight shuffleboard tables 2c-2j arranged in two rows of four. Shuffleboard tables 2c, 2e, 2g and 2i are arranged in the same direction to each other, extending from wall 101B. Shuffleboard tables 2d, 2f, 2h, and 2j are arranged in the opposite direction to tables 2c, 2e, 2g and 2i. Shuffleboard tables 2d, 2f, 2h, and 2j are arranged in the same direction to each other, extending from wall 101A.

[0053] Walls 101A and 101B are walls of the building in which the shuffleboard tables are housed. Each of the shuffleboard tables in FIG. 4 has their own corresponding scoreboard 103c-103j.

[0054] Tables 105 are shown between each of the shuffleboard tables 2c-2j, between neighbouring shuffleboard tables. As can be seen from FIG. 4 the plurality of shuffleboard tables have various arrangements of viewing areas. Shuffleboard tables 2c and 2d are positioned side on to wall 109A, in addition to extending from walls 103B and 103A respectively. Thus, they only have a single viewing area 24c and 24d. Each of the other shuffleboard tables 2e-2j have two viewing areas 24e-24j.

[0055] In addition, various arrangements of chairs 107 within the viewing areas are shown. Shuffleboard table 2e has chairs only in a single viewing area 24e. Shuffleboard table 2j has chairs in both of its viewing areas 24j. Shuffleboard tables 2f, 2g and 2h do not have chairs 107 within their viewing areas 24f, 24g, 24h.

[0056] By arranging a plurality of shuffleboard tables in a way such that they extend from a wall, and such that they have a single playing end, it enables more shuffleboard tables to be housed within a single area. This increases the packing density of the shuffleboard tables within an area. This helps maximises the space when housed in areas with limited real estate.

[0057] In other arrangements not all of the shuffleboard tables need to be positioned such that they extend from the wall. So long as at least some of shuffleboard tables extend from a wall the advantages of increased packaging density can be achieved. For instance, in some arrangements the shuffleboard tables may be positioned in the middle of the room that they are located in, with the other shuffleboard tables arranged around the outside as in FIG. 4.

[0058] The shuffleboard table shown in the figures has a length of 16 feet. However, the shuffleboard table may be anywhere between 12 to 22 foot in length. The height of the sliding surface of the shuffleboard table may be around 1 m. Preferably it may be between 0.9 to 1.1 m. More preferably it may be 0.96 m.

[0059] The tables 105 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be a single raised table such as those found in bars. Alternatively, the tables 105 may be lower than the shuffleboard table. Although the tables 105 shown extend down the length of the shuffleboard table, they may instead be a plurality of separate smaller tables. In FIG. 4 some of the shuffleboard tables have a table on each of their sides, and some of the tables have a table along a single side. In other embodiments, all of the shuffleboard tables may have a table 105 along the edge of the viewing area on each side of the shuffleboard table. In addition, to the tables 105 shown, additional tables may be present in the viewing areas 24.

[0060] The chairs 107 may be any type of seat. For instance, any of a chair, a stool, a bar stool. Alternatively, the chairs may be a long bench or a plurality of long benches that can accommodate a plurality of people. The chairs may act as the partition between neighbouring tables, with no table 105 acting as a partition needed.

[0061] Instead of tables 105 a partition wall may be used. This partition wall may be movable or permanent. The partition wall acts to separate the viewing area 24 between neighbouring tables.

[0062] It can be understood that both sides of the shuffleboard tables may have ledges 26. In other embodiments the shuffleboard table may not have ledges. Players may place their drinks receptacles and other items on the tables located between neighbouring tables.

[0063] The arrangement of shuffleboard tables shown in FIG. 4 should not be considered as limiting. Other arrangements of a plurality of shuffleboard tables fall within the scope of the present invention.