IL143818A - Game table - Google Patents

Description

A GAME TABLE Inventor: Shavit Mass 9 Harotem Street 9 Kadima 60920 Israel 60920 no p File No. 4212.1 A GAME TABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus providing a game table having within bidding boxes, in general and an apparatus providing a game table with sunk-in holes for boxes for bidding cards and announcement cards within the bridge game, in particular.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART The related art concerning the present invention is affiliated with habits and customs of active players within board games such as the bridge game. Bidding cards and announcement cards take part within the bridge game. The bidding cards and the announcement cards are used as an aid for the players within the bridge game, preventing any possible errors commemorating the bids or announcements each of the players can make during the game. Accordingly, the bidding cards are to be in the possession of all four players seated at each side of the ordinary square bridge table. Though the bidding cards are an integral part of the bridge game, during the greater part of time of the game the bidding cards have no active role. The possession of excess presence of cards, as the bidding and announcement cards, by the players applies players to designate exclusive location for them. Naturally the preferred designated location for the bidding cards is to be found within the immediate surroundings of the player. The solution of placing the excess cards on the table is inadequate because of the inconvenience and concentration disruption arisen to the players. The obstacles the bidding cards arose to players within the bridge game has generated a number of solutions, neither of which is adequate, i.e. generating a new aspect of inconvenience and disruption. The designated solutions have provided boxes large enough to contain the bidding cards and are positioned along side each of the four players within the bridge table surroundings. A bidding box is comprised of two compartments that are designated to two types of cards, the actual bidding cards and the announcement cards such as a "Pass" " Double" "Alert" ...cards and the like.

One solution proposes the positioning four bidding boxes on the table next to each player. The said box supplies sufficient space for the bidding cards. However, even though this solution provides sufficient space for the bidding cards it is inconvenient. The inconvenience comes as result of the position of the box on the table. The box placed on the table next to each player limits the view and movements of the players. Another inconvenience may arise as result of the fact that the bidding box is portable and might fall as result of the table's movement. Players can also accidentally push and knock down the box placed on the table. Another proposed solution is a bidding box attached to the table with a bar. The bar is positioned as an extension to the bridge game table. According to this solution each side of the four side table is provided with a bidding box that is positioned on the edge of the table, fixed to the edge by various means or via a rod extending from the table's side, thus protruding from the bridge game table's frame. The box on the edge of the extension has a sufficient space to insert the bidding cards by the player during the bridge game. However, the suggested solution provides other inconvenience resulting from the protrusion of the bidding box adjoined with the extension bar. This solution bears inconvenience to players, spectators as well as other persons walking alongside the bridge game table. Encountering collisions with the extension resulting in damage to the tablecloth or to clothes are not uncommon and/or the damaging the extension bar and/or the bidding box is unavoidable. The bidding boxes in the prior solutions are fabricated from plastic and contain a bottom breakable opening used to insert the bidding cards after use. Another disadvantage regarding the bidding boxes refers to the storage space required for the bidding boxes at the end of the game. The bidding boxes being separated particulars are needed to be stored separately from the bridge game table. The ordinary size of bidding boxes used today is 6.5X9X13.5 cm. Thus the minimum additional volume required for the four boxes, storage space is 0.00315 m . It is a long felt necessity within the bridge game player's community for a solution, which will provide an efficient yet convenient space to place the bidding cards within the bridge game. The necessity is for a resilient bidding box as well as a minimum space required for storage of the bidding boxes. The present invention provides a solution to the said long desired inadequacy.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel apparatus of a game table creating a useful, efficient and yet convenient device for board game users such as the bridge game players. The apparatus overcomes disadvantages of prior art providing installing of boxes such as bidding boxes within the game table.

One aspect of the present invention regards a table having four legs and a plate, the table to be used in playing games, the table comprising an upper top flat platform having equal sides; the platform having at least two and preferably four and even eight holes in predetermined locations of the platform for inserting bidding boxes. The platform can have four holes in predetermined locations of the platform for inserting the bidding boxes or any other box or device for storing items. The bidding boxes are used for storing items, such as playing cards. The table can further comprise four bidding boxes. The holes are positioned along side the location of each player. The table is suitable for playing the game of bridge. The bidding boxes can further comprise attaching means for attaching the at least four bidding boxes to the table.

A second aspect of the present invention regards a bidding box designed for insertion to space holes within an upper top flat platform of a table the box comprises at least one compartment, the compartment having a bottom member and four wall members; the compartments adapted for receiving and storing game cards. The bidding box may comprise two compartments or more. The compartments having substantially the same measurements and adapted for receiving and storing cards. The upper part of the wall member of each compartment which is placed closer to the player is slanted towards the player. Alternatively the compartment wall closer to the player is rounded on the edge of the said wall. The bidding box can further comprise attaching means for attaching the bidding box to a table. The bidding boxes can be molded and constructed from a non-resilient polymer.

A third aspect of the present invention regards a table comprising four legs, an upper top flat platform the platform having holes adjusted for insertion of at least four bidding boxes and containing bidding boxes within. The bidding boxes are preferably attached to the table via suitable attaching means. The table with bidding boxes is suitable for an arena for a bridge game or other games. The bidding boxes above can be replaceable with similar in size boxes having various functions. Also, the table wall of the compartment far from the player can be rounded at its upper part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a bridge game table with bidding boxes in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a of the profile of the bidding boxes in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic isometric illustration of the bidding boxes in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention overcomes the said disadvantages of prior art by providing a novel apparatus which provides convenience to players within a bridge game and other users seated by a table as depicted within the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention suggests the inclusion of the bidding boxes within the bridge game table. Other boxes for other games are also contemplated by the present invention. For the purpose of clarity and in order to describe the present invention the Bridge game is used as the example. The present invention provides for boxes such as bidding boxes that consist an integral part of the bridge table as described in detail below thus, maximizing the convenience of players taking part in the bridge game. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that boxes similar to the bidding boxes can be used instead of the bidding boxes for various uses in conjunction with the table.

Fig. 1 illustrates the bridge game table including bidding boxes within in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bridge game table's upper platform 10 is the arena of the bridge game. The bridge game table 10 provided is an equal sided square table that enables four players to sit comfortably around the table. Prior to commencing the game each player receives all the bidding cards including all possible bids a player can use within the bridge game. The bidding cards are placed within the bidding boxes 30 positioned along side each player. The bidding boxes 30 are placed within the bridge game table in a manner that the protrusion of the boxes does not exceed about 1 mm from the table's upper platform 10. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention the bidding boxes 30 are placed on the right side of each player and are situated about 2 cm to 5 cm apart from the edge of each side of the bridge game table's corner. The measurements referred to herein are made for the sole purpose of providing a better understanding of the present invention. They should not serve as limitation. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other measurements are applicable without departing from the spirit of the invention. In another embodiment of the present invention the bidding boxes can be placed on the left side of the player. Instead of four bidding boxes eight boxes could be used, this providing each player with two boxes. If eight boxes are used than each box can have one compartment. If eight boxes are used and boxes with two compartments are employed than each player has four compartments for his or her use. In an alternative embodiment the two boxes each having one compartment can be inserted into a table having eight holes and attached from the bottom side of said boxes. It will be apparent that the additional embodiments providing like results do not depart from the spirit of the invention and are contemplated herein. As the bidding stage within the bridge game is commenced each player is enabled to forward a bidding card drawn from the bidding box 30. Upon conclusion of the bidding stage and acceptance of the highest bid, each player inserts its own bidding cards within the bidding box 30. The location of the bidding boxes 30 do not consist any obstacle for the players in any manner and are designed to serve their purpose comfortably as will be further described in detail in view of Fig. 2 below.

The bridge game table in the preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided with predominated suitable spaces identical to the size required for the bidding boxes. The spaces within the bridge game table's platform 10 are located in predominated locations as described above, on the right side of each player and about two cm to five cm apart from the edge of each of the sides of the bridge game table, as illustrated in Fig.l. In accordance with the present invention the bidding boxes 30 are optionally attached to the table with screws, and even though the bidding boxes 30 are detachable they consist with the bridge game table 10 one unit apparatus. Boxes 30 can be attached from the bottom member. Additionally to the convenience achieved for players taking part in a bridge game using the bridge game table in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention enables the movement and storage of the bridge game table 10 conjointly with the bidding boxes 30 attached, without any requirement for a special storing space for the bidding boxes apart from the ordinary bridge game table. It will be obvious to any person skilled in the art that the position of the bidding boxes as well as the manner of attachment of the bidding boxes are not presented as limitations to the present invention rather as one preferred embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention it is suggested to place within the bidding box 30 installations providing the use of the boxes for holders of cups, ashtray, bottles for drinks or petit food container. In another embodiment of the present invention it is suggested to use the bidding box 30 for a display board or small computer platform units used in the playing of a bridge game.

Fig. 2 depicts the bidding box 30 profile in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, bidding boxes for a bridge game table. The bidding box 30 is preferably constructed from a non-resilient polymer mold such as ABS and the like and can be constructed from any other non-resilient or resilient material. It can be construed from such materials as steel, strengthened aluminum, non-breakable glass, various composite materials, and the like. The bidding box is comprised from two compartments 40 A and 40B. Each compartment is comprised of a bottom member and four wall members. The two compartments 40A and 40B are used for storing bidding cards in one and announcement cards in the other. The compartments 40A and 40B are preferably of identical sizes. Other division of the compartments is also contemplated by the present invention. The compartments 40A and 40B have each four walls that comprise a preferably rectangle shape. Other shapes are contemplated by the present invention. The walls 50A, 50B (preferably located away from the player) of compartments 40A and 40B have preferably rounded edges 80 A and 80B. The rounded edges 80A and 80B assist the player in drawing and inserting the cards from the compartments of the bidding box 40A and 40B. Bidding box 30 can be made not having the round edges 80A, 80B. The walls 50A, 50B of compartments 40A and 40B are slanted towards the player in order to aid the players during the drawing out and insertion of the said cards. The walls 70A, 70B (preferably located away from the player) of compartments 40A and 40B are preferably straight. The floor 60A and 60B of the compartments 40A and 40B will be further described in detail in conjunction with Fig. 3 below. The bidding box's edge 90 is rounded on the edge in order to avoid injuries to the players or users of the bidding box 30 on the bridge game table and for providing the bidding box's attachment to the table as discussed below in view of Fig. 3. The length of member 70B should be preferably about 5 - 7 cm so that the bidding cards are slightly protruding out of bidding box 30. Optionally and because bidding box 30 is placed within holes in table 10, the length of member 70B and 70A is preferably shorter than table 10 plate depth. The holes in table 10 should preferably match the length of members 70A, 70B to accommodate the bidding boxes 30. Alternatively, the bidding boxes can protrude from the lower part of table 10 plate. Such alternative however is less desired because it can interfere with the legs of the players.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic isometric illustration of the bidding boxes in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bidding box 30 compartments' 40 A and 40B floor can contain an opening 100 that aids the maintenance and cleaning of compartments 40A and 40B after usage. Opening 100 can be used for attaching box 30 to the table from bottom member 60 A, 60B. The four corners of the bidding box 30 contain holes 110 that can be used for screws and the like. The said screws are can be used to attach the bidding box 30 to the bridge game table in the preferred embodiment of the present invention using the rounded frame 90. Though detachable, once the bidding box 30 is attached to the bridge game table they comprise together one unit that is portable and/or can be stored conjointly. Other means for attaching the bidding boxes to the table can include glue, Velcro, nails and the like. Bidding box 30 can be separated to two boxes for use and installation in tables having eight holes or having less room for boxes. Thus, four one-compartment boxes can be used. Alternatively eight one-compartment boxes can be used. The boxes can be attached on any location on the table. It is desirable that such location will aid the player in playing the board game of his or her choice.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the present invention is further defined by the claims, which follow.

ABSTRACT A table having legs and a plate, the table to be used in playing games, the table comprising an upper top flat platform having equal sides; the platform having two to eight holes in predetermined locations of the platform for inserting boxes such as bidding boxes. The bidding boxes having one or two equally sized compartments. The bidding boxes inserted to the table and attached from the bottom member of the boxes or from the upper wall of the boxes. The box's compartments upper side-wall facing the player can be slanted towards the player. k:\misrad\od\clients\4212\4212_l\6.doc

Claims (32)

1. A table having four legs and a plate, the table to be an upper platform locations of the platform for inserting boxes.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein the platform having at least four holes in predetermined locations of the platform for inserting boxes.

3. The table of claim 1 wherein the platform having at least eight holes in predetermined locations of the platform for inserting boxes.

4. The table of claim 1 wherein the platform having holes in predetermined locations of the platform.

5. The table of claim 1 wherein the platform having holes in predetermined locations of the platform where boxes have been previously inserted.

6. The table of claim 1 further comprising a bidding box for storing items.

7. The table of claim 1 further comprising at least two bidding boxes.

8. The table of claim 1 further comprising at least four bidding boxes.

9. The table of claim 1 wherein the holes are positioned along side the location of each player.

10. The table of claim 1 suitable for playing the game of bridge.

11. 1 1. The table of claims 2 - 8 wherein the bidding boxes further comprise attaching means for attaching the bidding boxes to the table.

12. A bidding box designed for insertion to space holes within an upper top flat platform of a table the box comprises at least one compartment, the compartment having a bottom member and four wall members; the compartments adapted for "reserving and storing cards.

13. The bidding box of claim 12 having at least two compartments, the compartments having substantially the same measurements; the compartments adapted for receiving and storing cards.

14. The bidding box of claim 12 wherein the compartment upper part of the wall member placed closer to the player is slanted.

15. The bidding box of claim 13 wherein the compartments upper part of each wall member placed closer to the player is slanted towards the player.

16. The bidding box of claim 12 wherein the compartment wall closer to the player is rounded on the edge of the said wall.

17. The bidding box of claim 12 wherein the compartment wall further away from the player is rounded on the edge of the said wall.

18. The bidding box of claim 12 further comprising attaching means for attaching the bidding box to a table.

19. The bidding boxes as in claim 12 molded and constructed from a non-resilient material.

20. The bidding boxes as in claim 12 molded and constructed from a resilient material.

21. The bidding box of claim 12 wherein the compartment wall closer to the player is squared on the edge of the said wall.

22. A table comprising four legs, an upper top flat platform the platform having holes adjusted for insertion of at least two bidding boxes and containing bidding boxes within.

23. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 wherein the bidding boxes further comprise attaching means for attaching said boxes to the table.

24. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 that is suitable for an arena for a board game.

25. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 having boxes each box having at least one compartment.

26. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 wherein the bidding boxes are located near a player.

27. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 having boxes including at least two sized compartments having a bottom member and four wall members; the far wall member to the player is slanted from the player.

28. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 wherein the wall of the compartment far from the player is rounded at its upper part.

29. The table with bidding boxes of claim 22 wherein the bidding boxes are attached to the table by attaching means connecting the box bottom member.

30. The table as substantially claimed in claims of 1-11.

31. The box as substantially claimed in claims of 12-21.

32. The table and bidding boxes as substantially claimed in claims of 22-29. & Patent Attorneys