Abstract:
The invention provides a leveling apparatus that cooperates with a game table leg by vertically translating the leg, wherein the apparatus is actuated near the top of the leg.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/817,292, filed Jun. 29, 2006, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to a mechanical leveling system for use with billiards tables and pool tables.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Game tables, such as pool and billiards tables, are generally leveled by one of three conventional methods. In one conventional method, spacers or shims made of wood, metal, or other materials are inserted under the legs or frame to elevate that portion of the table. The shims or spacers are added to the low points of the table until the playing surface on the bed of the table is level. The weight of the table is usually lifted manually. This is a difficult and relatively imprecise leveling method.  
         [0004]     In another conventional method taught, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,803 (FIG. 7), screws with leveling pads are included on the bottom of the table legs. These pads, or leg levelers, are adjusted up and down by turning the pad on the bottom of the leg until the desired height is achieved to make the table level. Because the leveling pads are on the bottom of the legs, the user must be on the floor to adjust the height of the table. The level, however, is usually placed on the playing surface, which is on top of the table where the user cannot see it from the floor. In a further conventional device taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,702 (FIG. 4), the playing surface is leveled by screws that are turned to raise and lower the table bed frame relative to the table legs such that height of the legs is not adjusted.  
         [0005]     What is desired is a pool table leveling system that allows the user to finely raise and lower each leg of the table while in a position in which a level on the playing surface is visible to the user.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a leveling apparatus and method for game tables, such as pool tables, billiard tables, and other tables requiring a level playing surface. A leveling apparatus according to the invention cooperates with each of the table legs to raise or lower each leg as needed to level the playing surface, The leveling apparatus includes a rod extending through the leg to the floor wherein actuation of the rod near the top of the leg translates the leg vertically with respect to the rod.  
         [0007]     In one form, the invention includes a game table leveling apparatus comprising a game table leg having a top and a bottom; a foot pad proximate to the bottom of the leg; and a rod engaging the foot pad and extending from the bottom of the leg to the top of the leg.  
         [0008]     In another form, the invention includes a game table comprising a game surface supported by a frame; a plurality of rails supported by the frame; a plurality of table legs supporting the frame, each of the table legs having a top and a bottom and a leveling apparatus comprising: a foot pad proximate to the bottom of the leg; and a rod engaging the foot pad and the leg, said rod extending from the bottom of the leg to the top of the leg.  
         [0009]     In another form, the invention includes a game table leveling apparatus comprising a game table leg having a top and a bottom, the leg defining a through hole extending from the bottom to the top; an internally-threaded insert coupled to the leg; and a rod having external threads engaging the internal threads of the insert, the rod extending through the through hole from approximately the bottom of the leg to approximately the top of the leg.  
         [0010]     In another form, the invention includes a method for leveling a game table. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of game table legs, each of the legs having a top and a bottom and comprising a foot pad proximate to the bottom of the leg and a rod engaging the foot pad and the leg, the rod extending from the bottom of the leg to the top of the leg; and translating the foot pad vertically by actuating the rod proximate the top of the leg to level the game table.  
         [0011]     An advantage of the present invention is that the installer is able to make adjustments at the top of the leg while viewing a leveling device on the playing surface to bring the table to a level plane. A further advantage is that the installer is not required to bend over or lie on the floor and manually raise the table for leveling. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a game table having a game table leveling system according to the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a game table leg according to the present invention; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a game table leg having a leveling system according to the present invention. 
     
    
       [0016]     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The example set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0017]     Referring to the figures, the present invention includes a game table leg leveling system.  FIG. 1  illustrates a game tables such as a pool table  10 , having a frame  12 , a plurality of legs  14 , a game surface  16 , and a rail and pocket assembly  18 . Each of the legs  14  includes a leveling apparatus  20 , shown for one leg in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The apparatus  20  includes a vertical rod  22 , inserted through the table leg  14 . The rod  22  is threaded and mates with an internally-threaded insert  24  that is coupled to the table leg  14  with fasteners, an interference fit, adhesives, or combinations thereof. The insert  24  may include a flange  25  that is countersunk into the leg  14  to improve the coupling of the insert to the leg. A foot pad  26  engaging the bottom of the threaded rod  12  provides a large surface for contact with the floor. The pad  26  may include a soft material to protect the floor. In a particular embodiment, a recess in the bottom of the leg  14  is deep enough to allow the pad  26  to be withdrawn from the floor.  
         [0018]     A knob  28  is located at the top of the rod  22  for turning the rod. The knob  28  may be knurled or otherwise textured for a better grip with fingers or a hand tool. Alternatively, the knob  28  may have a polygonal head, such as a hexagon, for cooperation with a wrench. In a particular embodiment, a guide tube  30  is included as a sleeve for the threaded rod  22 . The rod  22 , the insert  24 , and the guide tube  30  may be made of metal, such as steel, or another suitably sturdy material for supporting a portion of the game table  10 . Further, a bushing or a bearing may be included in the guide tube  30  at the end opposite to the threaded insert  24  in order to stabilize the rod  22 .  
         [0019]     Alternative configurations are readily imagined to accommodate different shapes of the leg  14  or different rail assembly configurations. For example, the rod  22 , the knob  28 , and the guide tube  30  do not extend above the top of the leg  14 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . A recess defined by the top of the leg  14  provides access to the knob  28 .  
         [0020]     In use, an installer places one or more carpenter&#39;s levels (or other suitable levels) on the frame  12  or game surface  16 . Alternatively, one or more levels, such as a spirit levels, are built-in to one or more of the horizontal portions of the frame  12 . At this stage, the rail and pocket assembly  18  has not been installed or has been removed. The installer turns the knobs  28  for each of the leveling apparatus  20  to turn the rod  22 , raising and lowering the leg  14  via the threaded interface between the rod  22  and the insert  24 . The installer monitors the levels and continues adjusting the leveling apparatus  20  until satisfied that the frame  12 , the game surface  16 , or both are level. The rail and pocket assembly  18  and other components of the table  10  may then be installed.  
         [0021]     The ability to raise and lower the table from the top of the leg  14  has the significant advantage of allowing the installer to make adjustments at the top of the leg while viewing a leveling device on the playing surface to bring the table to a level plane. It also keeps the installer from having to bend over or lie on the floor and manually raise the table for leveling.  
         [0022]     The embodiments shown in the figures are by way of example. Mechanical means that allow the installer to raise and lower the table leg from the top of the leg are considered within the scope of the invention.  
         [0023]     While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.