Electronic card table with hinged table top

Abstract

A table game apparatus including a substantially planar table top having an upper surface and a lower surface extending to a border. The table top defines a centrally located electronic display. A plate is attached to the lower surface for supporting the table top. A support frame supports the table top. A hinge is used for pivotal movement of the table top relative to the support frame between a closed position and an open position. The plate presents a plate aperture substantially co-extensive with the electronic display and the plate is connected to the hinge for supporting the table top.

1 . A table game apparatus for playing an electronic game comprising: 
 a substantially planar table top having an upper surface and a lower surface extending to a border;    said table top configured for mounting a centrally located electronic display;    a plate attached to said lower surface for supporting said table top;    a support frame supporting said table top;    a hinge for pivotal movement of said table top relative to said support frame between a closed position and an open position; and    said plate presenting a plate aperture substantially co-extensive with said electronic display and said plate being connected to said hinge for supporting and pivoting said table top.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 1  including a plurality of biasing members interconnecting said support frame and said plate for holding said table top in said open position.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said support frame defines a cavity and a side wall.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 3  including an electronic control unit disposed in said cavity and electronically connected to said electronic display.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  including an access panel disposed on said side wall.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  wherein said support frame includes a box frame and a leg frame supporting said box frame.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 6  wherein said leg frame includes a pair of oppositely disposed and horizontal T-shaped members and a pad disposed at the distal end of each leg of each T-shape member for supporting said leg frame on a floor.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said leg frame includes a post extending upwardly from each leg of each T-shape to support said box frame.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 8  including a ring extending about and connected to each of said posts to define a foot rest.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said plate includes a periphery spaced inwardly of said border and said side wall engages said plate with said table top extending in a cantilevered portion outwardly of said side wall and outwardly of said periphery of said plate to said border.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said periphery of said plate presents a first side and a second side parallel to one another and a first end and a second end with a plurality of diagonal corners interconnecting said sides and said ends.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said table top defines a pair of first openings disposed along each side of said plate and a second opening disposed at each end and at each corner of said plate.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 12  including an electronic player interaction area disposed in each of said openings for player input.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 13  including a plurality of pieces disposed about said border to define a bumper.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said plate is attached to said lower surface and extends to an edge disposed at said border.  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 15  wherein said plate is spaced apart from said lower surface.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 16  wherein said side wall engages said plate with said plate and said table top extending in a cantilevered portion outwardly of said side wall.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said plate defines a plurality of apertures for receiving electrical leads from electrical components.  
   
   
       19 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 18  including a plurality of pieces disposed about said border to define a bumper.  
   
   
       20 . A table game apparatus for playing an electronic game comprising: 
 a substantially planar table top having an upper surface and a lower surface;    said table top configured for mounting an electronic display;    a plurality of electronic player interaction areas;    a plate being spaced apart and coupled to said table top to define a space there between;    a support frame supporting said table top;    a hinge for pivotal movement of said table top relative to said support frame between a closed position and an open position; and    said plate presenting a plate aperture substantially co-extensive with said electronic display and said plate being connected to said hinge for supporting and pivoting said table top.    
   
   
       21 . A table game apparatus as set forth in  claim 20  including an electrical lead extending in said space and being connected to said electronic display.  
   
   
       22 . A table game apparatus as set forth in  claim 21  including an electronic control unit being connected by said electrical lead to said electronic display.  
   
   
       23 . A table game apparatus for playing an electronic game comprising: 
 a substantially planar table top having an upper surface and a lower surface;    said table top configured for mounting an electronic display;    a plurality of electronic player interaction areas;    a plate being spaced apart and coupled to said table top to define a space there between;    a support frame supporting said table top;    a hinge for pivotal movement of said table top relative to said support frame between a closed position and an open position; and    said plate being connected to said hinge for supporting and pivoting said table top.