Method and system for playing a table game

Abstract

A method and apparatus for playing a game similar to ping-pong where a ball is bounced from one table surface to another table surface that is distinctly separated from the first. The distance between the table surfaces may be increased to increase the difficulty of the game. This may occur in between games, or progressively during a game. The table surfaces, preferably round, may be provided with folding legs and joined together for convenient transportation and storage. The height of individual legs are adjustable by both fine and coarse adjustment means.

1 . A game apparatus, comprising at least two separated table playing surfaces and support means for each table playing surface, wherein: 
 a) the table playing surfaces are disconnected from each other so that they can be further separated from each other by a chosen distance; and    b) said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters, the apparatus further comprising inter-table coupling means for detachably locking two tables together during storage with their respective playing surfaces in parallel alignment with each other and with their respective circular perimeters aligned to permit the coupled tables to be transported by being rolled on their circular perimeters.    
   
   
       2 . A game apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein each table has an underside surface and wherein said inter-table coupling means comprises a plurality of sockets mounted on said underside surfaces in combination with a plurality of locking tubes for seating in said sockets and for extending between the tables in order to couple said tables together.  
   
   
       3 . A game apparatus as in  claim 2  comprising leg mounting hardware fastened to the underside surface of said tables wherein said sockets are respectively carried by said leg mounting hardware.  
   
   
       4 . A game apparatus, comprising at least two separated table playing surfaces and support means for each table playing surface whereby the table playing surfaces may each be mounted as a separate table, wherein: 
 a) the table playing surfaces are disconnected from each other so that they can be further separated from each other by a chosen distance; and    b) the support means includes at least three legs, each leg being provided with a height adjustment means,    whereby each such leg may be independently adjusted to alter the height of the portion of a playing surface above the respective leg, providing support means for the table playing surfaces that can be set at different heights to align the table playing surfaces at a preferred orientation with respect to each other.    
   
   
       5 . A game apparatus as in  claim 4  wherein said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters.  
   
   
       6 . A game apparatus as in  claim 4  each table playing surface including: 
 a) a front edge portion and a back edge portion, and    b) support means for each table playing surface,    wherein, with the front edge portions of each table playing surface being positioned in opposition to each other, the playing surface width of the back edge portion decreases as it passes further from the front edge portion.    
   
   
       7 . A game apparatus as in  claim 4  wherein such support means comprises both discrete height adjustment means and continuous fine adjustment means.  
   
   
       8 . A game apparatus as in  claim 5  wherein such support means comprises both discrete height adjustment means and continuous fine adjustment means.  
   
   
       9 . A game apparatus as in  claim 6  wherein such support means comprises both discrete height adjustment means and continuous fine adjustment means.  
   
   
       10 . A game apparatus, comprising at least two similarly shaped and separated table playing surfaces, each table playing surface including: 
 a. a front edge portion and a back edge portion, and    b. support means for each table playing surface,    wherein the table playing surfaces are disconnected from each other so that they can be further separated from each other by a chosen distance, wherein, with the front edge portion of each table playing surface being positioned in opposition to each other, the playing surface width of the back edge portion decreases as it passes further from the front edge portion.    
   
   
       11 . A game apparatus, comprising two similarly shaped and separated table playing surfaces, wherein the table playing surfaces are disconnected from each other so that they can be further separated from each other by a chosen distance, and further comprising a third table playing surface similarly shaped to the table playing surfaces of the other tables and including support means for the third table playing surface, wherein all of said tables are disconnected from each other so that they can be separated a predetermined distance.  
   
   
       12 . A game apparatus as in  claim 11  wherein said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters.  
   
   
       13 . A method for playing a game comprising the steps of: 
 a) selecting at least three players and providing each player with a playing paddle;    b) providing three tables that are disconnected from each other, each having a playing surface;    c) positioning such surfaces on supports so that such surfaces are a predetermined distance apart, and    d) positioning the respective players using a paddle to strike a ball towards an opposite player's table surface    whereby the players may engage in playing the game.    
   
   
       14 . The method for playing a game as claimed in  claim 13  further comprising the steps of increasing the difficulty of playing the game by increasing the distance between the table playing surfaces progressively during play.  
   
   
       15 . The method for playing a game as claimed in  claim 13  further comprising the steps of increasing the difficulty of playing the game by increasing the distance between the table playing surfaces between each game.  
   
   
       16 . The method as in  claim 13  wherein said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters.  
   
   
       17 . The method as in  claim 14  wherein said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters.  
   
   
       18 . The method as in  claim 15  wherein said table playing surfaces are circular in shape, each having circular perimeters.