A Look At Hockey Tables
Air hockey is a very unique game and the history of the hockey tables is an interesting one. It begins around 1969 when three employees at the Brunswick Billiard company thought it would be cool to have a game that included a surface that was frictionless. This idea never made it to completion, but about three years later a fellow employee decided to tweak the idea and make it playable. This was a success and the invention by Bob Lemieux became a hit.
Simplicity is the thing that got air hockey its start. In the beginning the equipment included a round disc that was used for the action of the game. This disc was hit by square mallets held by each player. Doorbells were used at the ends of the tabletop alert everyone when a score was made.
Todays hockey table uses a large, very smooth surface as the playing area. Metal railings surround the entirety of the table and can be used for bank shots and keeping the disc on the table. Goals are located at either end of the table and are nothing more than thin slits just a little bigger than the thickness of the puck. Finally, there is a puck return under the goal for fast retrieval.
The inside of most tables is filled with the machinery used to make the table work. The components are there to form a pocket of air on the table to reduce friction to allow the puck to move much faster. The top of the table has many tiny holes punched into it that allow the air to be distributed on the surface.
There are other tables that do not use air to reduce the friction. These products use a flat surface that is very slick to reduce the friction. The surface of these can be made of plastic or stainless steel. The reason these tables are made is to allow the people who love the game to afford the cheaper prices and low upkeep these provide. Sometimes a puck can be added that will produce its own cushion of air by using a battery operated fan.
Most of the tables made are for use with two players, but there are some that are made for four players. This type of table is not sanctioned for competitive play. The only current table that is sanctioned for tournament play are the two player that are eight foot in length.
Aside from the table, the only components of this game are the puck and a mallet for each player. Mallets are used for striking the puck and have very simple designs. A handle and flat piece is all that exists for the mallet. The puck is used as the device to score with and is simply a thin piece of polycarbonate resin. Pucks range in color from green, red, to yellow.
There are certainly competitive competitions, but for the most part this game is for recreational entertainment. Companies are always looking for ways to make the experience a little better. There are products that glow, some have unique lighting, and the designs are even evolving.
Established in 1975, Canada’s largest distributor and operator of billiard table Toronto offers entertainment operation solutions such as pool table lights, game room furniture, arcade game rental, and pinball repair for your business needs.
July 22, 2011 | Posted by Adriana Noton
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