Patent GB-190315942-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Game Boards.
Inventor: BURROWES EDWARD THOMAS
Filed: 1903-07-18
Granted: 1904-07-18
Abstract: 15,942. Burrowes, E. T. July 18. Billiards and like games.-Relates to portable billiard boards for placing on domestic tables or other supports. Fig. 1 is a cross-section of the board, and Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section. The side rails A are formed with flat inner faces, and the end rails B have longitudinal grooves b. The bed C is preferably constructed of wood, and may consist of a single piece, or be built up of sections such as a series of narrow strips glued together. The transverse width of the bed is less than the distance between the two side rails, and its length is less than the distance between the bottoms of the grooves b, thus permitting the bed to expand and contract without distorting the rails or the bed. The bed is supported by steel girder bars D, of the cross-section shown in Fig 2, which are attached to it by means of clips d of wood or metal adapted to overlap the T-heads of the bars. This construction allows a free movement of the bed laterally. The ends of the bars D are attached to the side rails by brackets E connected to the bars D, which may be internally threaded, by a screw or bolt. The brackets are first attached to the bars, and then screwed to the rails. Or, a small plate may be employed with a screw hole in one portion and a second bolt or screw-hole in an opposite direction ; one screw is inserted in the bar and the other in the side rail. Or, the bar D may be carried directly to the side rail, split, and its opposite end portions bent outward, flattened, and drilled to receive the holding-screws. Another form of connection between the side rails and supporting-bars consist of a bracket H, Fig. 10, secured to the side rail by a screw h, Fig. 8. The bar D engages the bracket by means of grooves d<1>, d<2>. To prevent the side rails from yielding at the centre, due to the impact of the balls, and to stiffen the structure, a flat bar F is placed across the bottom of the bed and secured by screws, the ends of the bar being turned up and secured by screws into grooves formed at the centres of the rails. The bed is retained in its proper position by end brackets G. If desired, the bed may be seated in grooves formed in the side rails. The side and end rails are connected by a tongue and groove connection, and secured by screws k and corner plates k<1>. The pocket opening is cut partly in the bed and partly in the rail, a metal plate K<1>, Fig. 14, being employed to preserve the rigidity of the frame. The ball is prevented from coming in contact with the frame or with the plate K<1>, by a leather skirt L, Fig. 13, supported from a filling piece l of rope or fibrous material secured by screws l<1> to the tops of the rails. The plate K<1> is curved upwards at k<3> to form a protector for the corded edges of the skirt. A pocket closure is provided consisting of a block N, which, when in position, forms a continuation of the cushion. Ledges are cut in opposite sides of the block N, which fit overhanging ledges m, m<1> cut in the supporting-block of the cushion. The inner end of the block is chamferred on its upper edge, so as to fit below the corded edge of the skirt L.