Patent GB-1531252-A (GB)
Title: Combined snooker and pool table
IPC: A63D15/00
Filed: 1975-01-25
Abstract: 1531252 Snooker and pool M J MORAN 23 April 1976 [25 Jan 1975] 3526/75 Heading A6H  Snooker apparatus comprises a set of red balls R, snooker balls S and a cue ball, each category of ball having a different diameter from that of the other two, a snooker table having pockets communicating via a plurality of ball runways A, B, C, D with a trough from which a player may take the balls, a ball separator unit providing a plurality of gaps or openings of different widths defined by pairs of mutually parallel edges arranged to direct each ball according to its diameter passing through the unit to its predetermined runway, and ball control means operated during a game without control by the player for retaining the red balls as they are pocketted, for returning to the trough the snooker balls until all red balls have been pocketted, and then for retaining the snooker balls as they are pocketted. Pool balls P are also provided of snooker ball diameter, the range of difference in diameters being 1/16". A channel 4 round the underside of the table directs all pocketted balls to a chute 8 and thus to the ball separator having a flanged body 22, Fig..6. Side outlet holes 26, 28 and 30 lead to runways A, B and D. Plates 32 are adjusted to allow red balls to fall and be deflected by a plate 40 to the outlet 26. Plates 34 are adjusted to allow snooker balls S and pool balls P to fall to outlets 28, 30. Cue balls pass over both plates and fall into runway C. A rod 46 is movable laterally between the holes 28, 30 by rods 56, 58 mounted on rockable rods 60, 62 according to whether a coin is inserted in one side or other of opposite slots in the table, to allow either snooker balls or pool balls to be directed. SNOOKER, using runways A, B, C. To play snooker, the bush-button of the coin mechanism 68 is pressed to lock out the pool coin mechanism 70. When a coin is inserted and the coin slide is pulled out, the rod 60 is rocked to move a stop 72, Fig. 2, against a spring 73, to release the balls R and block the runway B. As the balls R move away from a pivoted (or sliding) stop 74, the stop pivots down and allows the balls S to move up to the stop 72. When the coin-slide is moved fully home, the stop 72 is pivoted back to release the balls S and block the runway A. A finger 84 prevents balls R from being tipped backwardly into play again. During play, the red balls pile up behind the stop 72 and the last one holds the pivoted stop 74 to retain the balls S until the last one actuates a switch 94 and restores the circuit connection to the locked - out mechanism. POOL using runways C, D. To play pool, when the coin mechanism 70 is operated, the stop 86 is rocked to release the balls P, the last ball releasing a switch 96 to operate the lock-out of coin mechanism 68. A finger 92 is also removed when the coin-slide is re-closed to allow pocketted balls to pass down the runway. Simultaneously the stop 86 is also repositioned. MODIFICATIONS. The coin mechanisms may operate by pushing, turning or electrically tripping instead of pulling out of a slide. The change-over mechanism 56, 58 may be operated by solenoids or a motor. The holds and releases may be operated by electrical trip relays, solenoids or motors. An arm 98, Fig. 1, can be fitted to 'operate a timer to move a stop finger into the path of the balls S if the stop 74 is not actuated due to a red ball being withheld by a player. The balls could be separated by gaps in a high level runway.