Portable tailsports game
11027179 · 2021-06-08
Inventors
Cpc classification
A63B67/04
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B63/08
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B71/022
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B67/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
A portable game includes a lower table forming a circular playing surface and an edge having a diameter D1, an upper table forming a circular playing surface and an edge having a diameter D2, wherein D1>D2. A vertical support member interconnects the lower and upper tables. Both playing surfaces include an inner circular hub line extending about the center of the respective playing surfaces, and a plurality of radially directed rays formed on the respective playing surfaces. Each ray is circumferentially equally spaced from each immediately adjacent ray, wherein each pair of adjacent rays defines a trapezoidal play segment extending between the edge and hub line. An outer cup positioning marker is centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from the edge, and an inner cup positioning marker is centrally formed in each play segment at a common radial distance from the hub line.
Claims
1. A compact, multi-level beer pong table game assembly for use in a game including at least one ping pong game ball and a plurality of ball receiving open topped beverage cups, each cup having a nominal height h and a maximum lip diameter d1, wherein said table game assembly comprises: a first table forming a substantially circular upwardly facing flat/smooth horizontal playing surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter of dimension D1; a second table forming a second substantially circular upwardly facing flat/smooth horizontal playing surface, a bottom surface and a circumferentially continuous outwardly facing edge having a nominal diameter of dimension D2, wherein dimension D1 is greater than the sum of dimension D2 plus two times the cup maximum lip diameter d1; a vertically adjustable support member concentrically rigidly interconnecting the first table playing surface with the second table bottom surface, said support member having a maximum lateral dimension equaling D2 and vertically interspacing the first and second table playing surfaces by a dimension approximately equaling nominal beverage cup height h; a plurality of circumferentially arranged cup positioning markers disposed within associated play segments formed on said first and second table playing surfaces for locating said beverage cups thereon, said cup positioning markers located on said first table playing surface being disposed radially intermediate said first table outwardly facing edge and said second table outwardly facing edge; a circumferentially opposed pair of neutral play segments formed on said first table playing surface; and an elongated barrier or net assembly extending vertically above said first and second playing surfaces and extending horizontally between said opposed pair of neutral play segments bisecting said first upwardly facing playing surface and said second upwardly facing playing surface, said vertical barrier operative to define discrete opposed team play areas enabling a plurality of teams to play simultaneously on opposed sides of said barrier and to prevent horizontal travel of ping pong balls between opposing team play areas, said barrier supported by a plurality of vertically elongated support stanchions, each stanchion dimensioned for removable slip-fit within an associated blind bore formed within said playing surfaces to enable selective removal and insertion thereof.
2. The table game assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one leveling device supported by said game table operable to affect two axis leveling.
3. The table game assembly of claim 1, wherein said first table forms a downwardly facing flat bottom surface spaced below said first playing surface.
4. The table game assembly of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of elongated, legs removably affixed to the flat bottom surface of said first table.
5. The table game assembly of claim 4, wherein said plurality of elongated legs are each individually telescopingly adjustable in length.
6. The table game assembly of claim 5, wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated legs forms a lower end terminating in a ground penetrating extension serving to fixedly anchor the table game assembly to the underlying ground surface.
7. The table game assembly of claim 3, wherein said first table is bifurcated into two semicircular shapes, hinged along the flat bottom surface.
8. The table game assembly of claim 1, wherein said support member is operable to selectively incrementally or infinitely vary vertical spacing between the first and second table playing surfaces to dimensionally approximate said beverage cup height h employed in a given game.
9. The table game assembly of claim 1, wherein said first table bottom surface forms at least one shaped cavity configured and dimensioned to receive and store the second table, the support member, game legs, and/or game balls.
10. The table game assembly of claim 1, further comprising a ball receiving beverage cup height extender comprising a tapered open topped base portion dimensioned to slidingly receive a standard cup to enhance its effective vertical height, and a radially outwardly extending base flange to enhance stability of the combined cup and height extender, wherein the total height h.sub.e of a standard cup fitted within the beverage cup height extender substantially corresponds with the vertical displacement between the first table playing surface and the second table playing surface.
11. The table game assembly of claim 10, wherein said beverage cup height extender includes a layer of resilient or adhesive material affixed to the said base flange operative to affix said beverage height extender to said first or second playing surfaces.
12. The table game assembly of claim 10, wherein a plurality of said beverage cup height extenders are employed on said first and/or second playing surfaces.
13. The table game assembly of claim 1, wherein D1˜3×D2.
14. The table game assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one said second table inner cup positioning markers is normally enlarged to extend on both sides of said barrier to receive separate cups simultaneously on both opposed sides of said barrier.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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(18) 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
(19) 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.
(20) 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.
(21) Referring to the drawing figures, and particularly to
(22) Referring to
(23)
(24) Play segments 28B-28F segments are reserved for Team 1, play segments 28H-28L are reserved for Team 2 and play segments 28A and 28G provide an unused tree space between the teams. Scaled indicia such as white colored consecutive yardage marker designations “10”, “20”, “30”, “40” and “50”, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, and 34F, respectively, are disposed within associated play segments 28B-28F, respectively. Similarly, scaled indicia such as black colored consecutive yardage marker designations “10”, “20”, “30”, “40 ” and “50” are disposed within associated play segments 28H-28L, respectively. Game themed indicia such as footballs 36 are disposed within play segments 28A and 28G. Game themed indicia such as stylized referee
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(26) Play segments 48A-48C segments are reserved for Team 1, and play segments 48D-48F are reserved for Team 2. Game themed indicia such as goalposts 52 are disposed within each play segment 48A-48F. Game themed indicia such as a stylized referee
(27) Once the game table assembly 10 is assembled as illustrated in
(28) Referring to
(29) 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 28A-28L on play surface 20 and 48A-48F on play surface 40. Each team usually also has a separate cup of water used to rinse off the balls.
(30) Although 18 ounce cups 56 are very common in games of this nature, other sized disposable cups, as listed below, can be employed:
(31) TABLE-US-00001 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
(32) 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.
(33) Referring to
(34) 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.
(35) 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.
(36) 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.
(37) Referring to
(38) An outwardly projecting pivot extension 122, as detailed in
(39) Referring to
(40) 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.
(41) Referring to
(42) 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.
(43) The bottom table 60 is dimensionally identical to bottom table 12 and the playing surface 62 is as described in connection with
(44) Referring to
(45) 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
(46) Referring to
(47) The basic rules of two exemplary games: Game 1: Tail Pong and Game 2: Race Pong are as follows.
(48) TAIL PONG RULES:
(49) The object of the game is to finish each task in order before the opposing team finishes their task.
(50) Each team is made up of 1-5 players
(51) First Sequence:
(52) (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
(53) (B.) The game starts with the first person on each team at the 10 yard line 28B and 28H.
(54) (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.
(55) (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.
(56) (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.
(57) Second Sequence:
(58) (A.) Each player, lines their cup 56 up on the inside circle 32 as illustrated in
(59) (B.) Once the cups 56 are lined up on the inside circle 32, the person starting at the 10 yard line 28B or 28H 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.
(60) Third Sequence:
(61) (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 28B or 28H.
(62) (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.
(63) RACE PONG RULES
(64) (A.) Divide into two equal teams from 1 to 5 people.
(65) (B.) Fill up each cup 56 with about ⅓ drink and 1 cup 56 in the center top full of drink.
(66) (C.) The first person at the 50 yard line 28F or 28L starts the game.
(67) (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.
(68) (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.
(69) (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.
(70) (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.
(71) Referring to
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(73) 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.
(74) 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' playing area.
(75) 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.
(76) 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.
(77) 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
(78) 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.
(79) Wikipedia Rules regarding “Beer Pong” date unknown.
(80) Wikipedia Rules regarding “Flip Cup” date unknown.
(81) U.S. Pat. No. 3,372,934 to Heil entitled “Game Board and Small Bounceable Ball”.
(82) U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,650 to Reed et al entitled “Method of Playing a Board Game of College Social Life”.
(83) U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,686 B1 to Chille entitled “Board Game and Method for Teaching Responsible Drinking”.
(84) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0188942 A1 to Trokan entitled “Non-Alcoholic Beer-Pong System”.
(85) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0029747 A1 to Grayson entitled “Drinking Game Cup Holder”.
(86) 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”.
(87) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0226606 A1 to Finley et al, entitled “Portable Game Device and Method of Use”,
(88) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0200293 A1 to Gomez et al, entitled “Board Game and Method with Social Drinking Theme”.
(89) U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,807 B1 to Eason entitled “Beer Pong Table”.
(90) U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,960 B1 to Battiste entitled “Inflatable Table”.
(91) U.S. Pat. No. 7,805,959 B2 to Webb et at. entitled “Cup Holder for Drinking Game”.
(92) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0015197 A1 to Maffei et al. entitled “Beer Pong Game and Method of Playing”.
(93) U.S. Pat. No. 8,905,406 B2 to Brown entitled “Portable Point/Beer Pong Table”.
(94) U.S. Design Patent No. D755,898 S to Blanchard entitled “Cap for Beer Pong Game”.
(95) 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.
(96) 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.
(97) 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.
(98) 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.