Abstract A table top to be used in games of table tennis and the like. The table top is convex in one or more directions. The convexity provides a deflection bias to a ball in play so that the post-bounce trajectory has more horizontal velocity and less vertical velocity than would be present had it bounced off of a flat or concave surface. This deflection bias increases near the edges of the table. As a general rule, the more challenging a ball's pre-bounce trajectory is, the closer it bounces to the edge of the table, because it is already travelling low and fast. Thus, the more challenging a ball's trajectory is, the more deflection bias is provided, resulting in an even more challenging trajectory. This serves to accelerate the game, always making it more and more challenging, and adds elements of sportsmanship, competition, and strategy.
An elongated ball bounce game table top comprising: a playing surface cable of deflecting a ball in a multitude of directions, said playing surface having a convex configuration such that its center lies in a plane higher than its perimeter when said table top is substantially horizontal; said playing surface being free of inflection points and free of discontinuities in slope, whereby the convexity is smooth and continuous over the entire playing surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
An elongated ball bounce game table top comprising: a playing surface cable of deflecting a ball in a multitude of directions, said playing surface having a convex configuration such that its center lies in a plane higher than its perimeter when said table top is substantially horizontal; said playing surface being free of inflection points and free of discontinuities in slope, whereby the convexity is smooth and continuous over the entire playing surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The game table as defined in claim 1, wherein said table is a table tennis table, said table having a net extending transversely across said playing surface, said net being attached to said table and upper and lower edges, said upper edge being substantially straight and said lower edge having a curvature that substantially conform to the convex curvature of said playing surface.