Patent Publication Number: US-7211003-B2

Title: Pool table

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a pool table or the like on which pool, snooker or similar games can be played, and in particular to a table which can also serve as a dining table. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Snooker tables are of course well known. Further, snooker tables which can also serve as dining tables (hereinafter referred to as “snooker/dining tables”) are known. When it is desired to convert the table from its snooker form into its dining form, one or more covers are laid across the table, extending from one side to the other and supported on the cushions or the cushion surrounds. These covers form the surface of the dining table. It is also normally necessary to lower the height of the table, as the optimum height for the playing surface of a snooker table is several centimetres greater than the optimum height for a dining table, and mechanisms for adjusting the height in this manner are well known. 
   The use of such a table as a dining table imposes strict requirements on the allowable size of the top of the table. In particular, when the table is to be used as a dining table, the lower surface of the table top should be at least around 21.5 inches (around 55 cm) above the ground, to allow diners to fit their legs under the table top when seated. However, the upper surface should not be more than around 29 inches (around 74 cm) above the ground, as it is awkward to eat at a height greater than this. Thus, the total thickness of the table top, including the covers, should not exceed 7.5 inches (19 cm). 
   This does not normally pose a great problem in the context of snooker/dining tables. The thickness of a snooker/dining table top is made up of the thickness of the bed (normally made from slate or some similar flat and stiff material), the height of the cushions (which extend upwardly from the bed), and the thickness of the covers forming the dining surface. In addition, if there is a bed support, its thickness must also be taken into account. The total thickness is normally only a few inches. 
   In part, this stems from the nature of the game of snooker itself In snooker, it is often necessary for a ball to be placed on the table after it is potted. The contents of the pockets of a snooker table must therefore be easily accessible during a game, to facilitate this replacement. The pockets are commonly formed as shallow net bags, hanging from the bed and the cushions. It is easy for a person using the table as a snooker table to reach a hand into the pocket to retrieve a ball. Pockets of this type do not take up much space, and in any event will not inconvenience a diner. 
   However, in the game of pool, the situation is rather different. Once a ball is potted in pool, it is never replaced on the table. Pool tables, and in particular coin-operated pool tables of the sort found in pubs, bars and so on, normally include means for collecting and retaining the balls after they are potted. In coin-operated tables, these means can be operated to release the balls following insertion of the necessary coinage, in preparation for the next game. 
   One common way of achieving this is to provide channels leading from each of the pockets to a central collection point, and a further channel leading from the collection point to a region where the balls can be removed. This further channel can be blocked by a bar or the like, which is retracted or lifted when the necessary coins are inserted. Alternative arrangements are of course possible, and are known in the art. The channels are commonly formed from pairs of rails, along which the balls run. 
   A further complication arises from the chance that the cue ball will be accidentally potted by a player during a game of pool. Clearly, if this occurs, it is necessary to return the cue ball, to enable the following player to take his or her shot, and so it is necessary to separate the cue ball from the other balls (the “object balls”) and prevent it from being collected with them. 
   A common solution to this problem is to make the cue ball with a slightly smaller diameter than the object balls. The further channel can then be provided with a cut-away region having a size such that the cue ball can fall through it, but the object balls cannot. If the channel is formed from a pair of rails, then these can have a region where the distance between them is greater than the diameter of the cue ball but smaller than the diameter of the object balls. After falling through this region, the cue ball can be led (for example by means of another channel) to a region where it can be removed from the table by the players and used in the next shot. 
   Alternative means for separating the cue ball from the object balls are also known in the art. 
   It will be appreciated that these means for separating the cue ball from the object balls, and for returning the balls to specified regions, can take up a considerable amount of space. Indeed, in coin-operated tables, the mechanism can have a total thickness (measured downwardly from the top of the cushions) of around 15 inches (38 cm). Obviously, it is impossible to use mechanisms of this nature and size in a pool/dining table. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to a first aspect, the invention provides a pool table, wherein the body of the table is formed from a trough, whose edges support the bed of the table and have the cushions attached thereto, the trough being provided with means disposed under the bed for directing potted balls in a desired manner. 
   Having a trough which supports the bed of the table and to which the cushions are attached simplifies the assembly of the table. Further, the means for directing the potted balls can be formed with the trough, thus further reducing assembly time and the thickness of the table top. 
   The trough can support the bed in any suitable manner. However, in a preferred embodiment, the trough is generally bowl shaped, with a horizontal inwardly projecting lip to support the bed. 
   Further, the cushions can be attached to the trough in any convenient way. However, it is preferred that the trough also comprises an edge portion, extending upwardly from the lip, to which the cushions are attached. 
   The table can also comprise additional supports for the bed. 
   In a preferred form, the means for directing balls is in the form of a plurality of channels leading from the pockets to a collection point. In an alternative embodiment, the means for directing balls is provided by the lower surface of the trough being generally dish-shaped, with the collection point at the lowest point of the dish. 
   It is envisioned that the pool table of the invention will be used as a pool/dining table in a domestic environment. Preferably, sound deadening material is provided in at least some of the regions of the trough which are contacted by balls. This reduces the noise produced by the table during play. 
   The cushions can be retained on the edge portions in any suitable manner. For example, a screw can pass through the edge portion and engage in the body of the cushion, thus retaining it. However, it is preferred for the cushions to be attached to the trough by at least one clip. 
   Preferably, the clip has two legs which are resiliently attached to each other, one of the legs being attached to the cushion and the other of the legs passing through an opening in an edge portion of the trough. This other leg of the clip may bear on the side of the edge portion which is distant from the cushion. This arrangement serves to retain the cushions very well, and also allows them to be removed, for example if the table is to be renovated, very easily. 
   Indeed, this aspect of the invention is considered to be of independent inventive merit, and so according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a pool table, wherein at least one cushion of the table is attached to the body of the table by at least one clip. 
   Preferably, the tables described above can also serve as dining tables. 
   The invention also extends to a trough for use in a table as described above. The trough may be formed from more than one part. 
   The invention also extends to a method of assembling a pool table, comprising the steps of providing a trough with edges for supporting a bed and for the attachment of cushions, the trough being provided with means for directing potted balls in a desired manner, laying the bed in the trough so that it is supported by at least the edges, and attaching cushions to the trough. It is preferred that at least one cushion is attached to the trough by at least one clip. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-section of a table according to a preferred aspect of the invention; 
       FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show a method of forming a part of the table; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a cushion for use with the table; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the cushion installed on the table; 
       FIG. 5  is a view of a part of the trough which allows balls to be retrieved; 
       FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are side views showing how the part of the trough allows balls to be retrieved; and 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a cushion installed on the table in an alternative embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention is best described with reference to  FIG. 1 , which as mentioned above shows a schematic cross-section through the side of a pool/dining table  10 . The table includes a bed  12 , whose upper surface is covered with cloth  14  and which forms the pool playing surface. The edges of the bed  12  rest on the lip  22  of a trough member  20 , which is substantially coextensive with the bed  12  and extends upwardly and downwardly therefrom. Additional support members  24  can be provided extending across the table to reduce the risk of the bed  12  sagging, and a region of the trough formed to position such a support member is shown in phantom at  26 . 
   Beneath the bed  12 , the trough  20  is formed in a generally dished shape. In a preferred embodiment, shown in the drawings, the trough is formed with channels  28  for directing balls  16  from the regions directly underneath the pockets to a particular region of the trough  20 . The channels  28  slope downwardly toward this region of the trough  20 . In this way, when a ball  16  is potted and falls through the cut-out (not shown) in the bed  12  onto the trough  20 , it moves under gravity to the region of the trough. Suitable means can be provided for guiding the balls  16  from the region of the table to a collection point. In one embodiment, the region to which the balls are directed is the centre of the trough; however, it will of course be appreciated that the region need not be in the centre of the table, but can be in any desired convenient position. 
   It will be appreciated that at the pockets of the table, the bed  12  is cut away to allow the ball  16  to drop. The trough  20  is formed with a bulge at these points, shown in phantom at  30 , to allow the ball to drop cleanly into the channel  28 . 
   In an alternative form, the trough  20  is not formed with channels, but the dish shape is more pronounced. Any balls potted will automatically run to the lowest part of the trough, from where they can again be led to a collection point. 
   The balls can be removed from the table at the collection point. In a first preferred embodiment, a part of the trough is hingedly attached to the remainder of the trough. Such a part is shown schematically in  FIG. 5 , and generally indicated by the reference numeral  70 . As will be seen from that Figure, the part  70  is generally wedge-shaped, with a lower wall  72 , side walls  74 ,  76  and an end wall  78 , which is preferably not as high as the side walls. The side of the lower wall  72  opposite to the end wall  78  is hinged to the remainder of the trough. 
   Normally, the part is in an upper position, shown schematically in  FIG. 6   a , where the lower wall  72  slopes away from the hinge  80 . In use, potted balls are led to the region where the part is hinged to the trough, and the balls roll along the lower wall  72  to the end wall  78  as a result of the slope of the lower wall. The motion of the balls is constrained by the side walls, so that the balls collect by the end wall. The hinged part can be retained in this position by a latch or similar. 
   When it is desired to remove the balls, the latch is disengaged, and the part  70  is rotated about the hinge  80  into a lower position as shown in  FIG. 6   b . This allows a user to reach a hand in over the end wall  78  and retrieve the balls. Once the balls have been retrieved, the hinged part can be returned to its original position. Alternatively, it can remain in its lower position, which simplifies the removal of the cue ball if it is potted. 
   It is possible to provide the hinged part with a lock, allowing it to be locked in its upper position. This can prevent unauthorized use of the table. 
   Further, means may be provided for separating the cue ball from the object balls and delivering it to a different collection point. 
   Above the bed  12 , the edges  32  of the trough  30  extend upwardly. The cushions  34  of the pool table are attached to these edges  32 . The height of the vertical extent of the edges  32  is approximately equal to the thickness of the cloth-covered bed  12  and the height of the cushions  34 . 
   The edges of the trough can also extend horizontally, level with the top of the cushions, as shown at  36 . This provides a region surrounding the cushions on which a player can rest his or her bridge hand when playing a shot where the cue ball is close to the cushion  34 . Of course, the surround can be formed as a separate member. 
   As mentioned above, the systems for guiding potted balls in known pool tables take up a large amount of space, and in particular are too thick (from top to bottom) to be used in a pool/dining table. However, using a trough as described above allows the system for guiding potted balls to be much reduced in size. 
   As an example, sample dimensions for the trough will be given, although it will of course be understood that these are examples only. 
   Routinely, the bed has a thickness of around 0.5 inches (13 mm), and the cushion has a height of 1.5 inches (36 mm). The covers which are put on top of the cushions to turn the table into a dining table have a thickness of around 0.75 inches (18 mm). The lowest point of the trough is around 3.5 inches (90 mm) below the underside of the bed, to allow the table to be used with balls of a diameter of around 2 inches (51 mm). With the inclusion of around an eight of an inch (3 mm) for the thickness of the material from which the trough is formed, the total thickness of the table top when used for dining is around 6.25 inches (160 mm), well within the 7.5 inch (19 cm) limit. 
   The trough  20  can be formed from any material of sufficient stiffness and strength to support the bed  12  and cushions  34  securely. Suitable materials include plastics, fibre-reinforced plastics such as fibreglass, sheet metal such as aluminium, medium density fibreboard (MDF), and wood, although other materials can also be contemplated. The method of forming the trough  20  will of course depend on the material from which it is formed, but moulding, pressing and vacuum-forming are all particularly suitable methods. 
   It will be appreciated that the trough  20  has a total height (from its lowest point to its highest point) of around 6.25 inches (160 mm), and, in the embodiment shown, has sides which are generally vertical. This can cause difficulties if, for example, the trough  20  is being pressed or vacuum-formed from a single sheet, as then the original plane of the sheet will form the horizontal extent  36 , parallel with the top of the cushions  34 . Pressing such a deep trough  20  with vertical sides can lead to weakening or even tears in the material, especially at the corners. 
   To overcome this problem, the trough  20  can be formed with the sides having a more gentle slope. Alternatively, the trough  20  can be formed from a number of separate pieces, each of which is formed individually. The pieces can be pressed from separate sheets so that the formation of vertical parts (ie parts which are perpendicular to the original plane of the sheet being pressed) can be avoided. This is shown schematically in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  where upper and lower tools  40 ,  42  are used to press a section  46  of the trough  20  from a sheet  44  of material. 
   As mentioned above, when a ball  16  is potted, it drops onto the surface of the trough  20 . The impact of the ball on the trough creates a certain amount of noise, and this can be undesirable, particularly if the table is being used as a pool/dining table in a domestic environment. To overcome this problem, sound deadening material can be disposed in the channels, or (where the trough is not formed with channels) on the surface of the trough itself. Alternatively, the channels or the surface of the trough can be treated so as to reduce the amount of noise generated in this way. 
   Assembly of the table is as follows. Firstly, any additional support members  24  which may be required are placed in the trough  20 . Then the covered bed  12  is laid in the trough  20 , and is supported at its edges, and by any additional support members which may be used. Cushions  34  are attached to the upstanding edges  32  of the trough  20 . The assembly of the trough, bed and cushions is then inserted into a frame, which may be directly attached to a table, or may be attached to a height adjustment mechanism which is attached to the table. 
   There are various ways of attaching the cushions to the trough. In the prior art, cushions have been attached to tables by screwing, or by over-centre clamps. It is vital that the cushion is firmly attached to the table. If there is any slack, then the cushion will move when a ball hits it, absorbing a great deal of the kinetic energy of the ball and reducing the speed at which the ball bounces off. 
   Screwing or clamping the cushion to the table succeeds in firmly attaching it, but can make it difficult to remove the cushion, which is necessary if the cloth on the bed is to be replaced. In particular, if the cushion is screwed to the table, then it is normally necessary to remove a surround before the screw can be accessed, and removal of the surround may itself involve further dismantling of the table. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the cushions are attached to the upstanding edges of the trough by clips. A cushion which can be attached in this way is shown in  FIG. 3 , and the cushion is shown in its attached state in  FIG. 4 . 
   The cushion of  FIG. 3  comprises a rail  50  made of wood or any other suitable material. A strip  52  of elastomeric material is attached to the rail  50 , and it is this strip  52  which the balls contact. The strip  52  and rail  50  are normally covered with cloth. 
   On the side opposite to that where the strip  52  is attached, the rail  50  has a recess  54 , and one end  58  of a clip  56  is attached to the floor of the recess  54  by a screw. The free end  60  of the clip  56  has an aperture  62  through it, to allow a screwdriver to access the head of the screw. Of course, the cushion  34  is provided with as many clips  56  as are necessary to hold it in place. In addition, any other suitable method of attaching the clips  56  to the rail  50 , such as gluing, can be used. The rail can also have an aluminium profile section inserted into the recess, for additional strength. 
   The upstanding edges  32  of the trough are formed with openings  64  therethrough, and these can be seen in  FIG. 4 . These openings  64  can be formed when the trough  20  as a whole is formed, or in a subsequent step. 
   To mount the cushions  34  on the trough  20 , the free end  60  of the clip  56  is threaded through the opening  64 . The cushion  34  is then pressed downwardly, so that the clip  56  arrives at the position shown in  FIG. 4 . Here, it will be seen that the free end  60  of the clip  56  is in contact with a face of the upstanding edge  32  of the trough  20 . As a result, the cushion  34  is held tightly on the trough, as is necessary to provide a good bounce characteristic. 
   In this embodiment, the free end of the clip is in direct contact with a face of the upstanding edge of the trough. However, this can cause problems depending on the material from which the trough is formed. In particular, fibreglass is prone to wear in this type of situation, and so in an alternative embodiment the edge of the trough can be provided with a reinforced region which the clip contacts. This reinforced region can be in the form of a piece of aluminium sheet attached to the edge of the trough at the area where the clip contacts. 
   Similar reinforcing regions can also be used if the cushion is to be attached to the edge of the trough by means of screws. 
   The cushions  34  can be easily removed in the event that this is required, by simply levering them upwardly from one end. 
   Alternative forms of clips can also be used to attach the cushions. For example,  FIG. 7  shows a method of attachment in which pegs  90  are attached to the cushions. The pegs are formed from a resilient material, and the ends of the pegs are slit and tapered, so that the halves  92 ,  94  of the peg can be pushed together. To attach the cushions, the ends of the pegs are located in holes in the edge of the trough, and the cushion is pushed towards the trough. This pushes the pegs into the holes, compressing the halves of the peg. When the peg is fully inserted, the halves spring back into their original position as a result of the resilience of the material from which the peg is formed, and so hold the cushion in place. 
   Of course, it will be appreciated that this method of attaching cushions to tables is of general applicability, as is the idea of using a trough to support the bed and the cushions. Thus, the invention should not be construed as being limited to pool/dining tables, but also extends to ordinary pool tables, billiard tables and snooker tables.