Game table with integral lighting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a game table with a plurality of player stations with an integral lighting system. The game table, for example, a poker table, includes a light window adjacent all of the player stations. An illumination device is fixedly disposed beneath the light window. With such a configuration, lighting is provided from beneath the table, which minimizes shadows during television taping.

1 . A game table comprising: 
 a playing surface configured to be disposed at a predetermined height;    a light window disposed adjacent said playing surface; and    a light source disposed beneath said light window for projecting light upward.    
     
     
         2 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said playing surface defines one or more player stations and a dealer station and said light window is disposed adjacent all of said one or more player stations.  
     
     
         3 . The game table as recited in  claim 2 , further including a light trough rigidly secured to the underside of the playing surface for carrying said light source, said light trough disposed at least partially beneath said light window.  
     
     
         4 . The game table as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said light window is disposed such that it is continuous adjacent all of said player stations.  
     
     
         5 . The game table as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said light window is disposed adjacent an edge of said playing surface.  
     
     
         6 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said light window is flush with said playing surface.  
     
     
         7 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , further including an arm rest adjacent said light window around said player stations.  
     
     
         8 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said playing surface is configured for use in a poker tournament.  
     
     
         9 . The game table as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said light trough is configured with a generally C-shaped cross section defining a first and second vertical risers and a connecting floor.  
     
     
         10 . The game table as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said first vertical riser is securely fastened to the underside of the playing surface and located such that a portion of said light trough extends outwardly from an edge of said playing surface.  
     
     
         11 . The game table as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said light trough is formed with one or more access holes.  
     
     
         12 . The game table as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said light trough is formed with one or more vent holes.  
     
     
         13 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said light source includes one or more fluorescent or non-fluorescent lights.  
     
     
         14 . The game table as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said light window is formed from plexiglass or other similar material.  
     
     
         15 . The game table as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said plexiglas is translucent (adj spec).  
     
     
         16 . A poker table comprising: 
 a playing surface;    one or more table supports for supporting said playing surface at a predetermined height above the ground; and    a lighting system for projecting light upwardly from a point beneath the playing surface.    
     
     
         17 . The poker table as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said lighting system includes a light source and a light window.  
     
     
         18 . The poker table as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said light window is generally flush with said playing surface.  
     
     
         19 . The poker table as recited in  claim 16  said light source is located beneath said light window.  
     
     
         20 . The poker table as recited in  claim 19  wherein said light window is translucent.  
     
     
         21 . A method for televising an event around a game table defining a playing surface, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) projecting light from beneath a playing surface of the game table; and    (b) televising the event by way of cameras located above the playing surface of the table.