Improvements in Pockets for Billiard and Pool Tables and the like.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Mar., 1892-Accepted, 18th June, 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pockets for Billiard and Pool Tables and the like.
I, ALFRED RICHARD SENNETT, of Brentford, Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention is a contrivance to be attached to billiard and pool tables and the
like by means of which the balls can be conveniently and expeditiously removed
from the pockets without the necessity of putting the hand therein.
The mechanical details of my invention may be modified in a number of ways
but its essential feature is a combination of parts so constructed and arranged that
the raising of the hand placed beneath the pocket shall by suitable mechanism
cause the ball or balls to descend into the palm of the hand so placed. For such
purposes I arrange in a convenient position below the network of the pocket a
movable piece of suitable shape which may be called the gravity piece, the raising
of which allows the ball to drop from the pocket.
In the drawings the same letters represent corresponding parts throughout.
I do not limit myself to the exact details of the methods shown but use the
drawings to show the best way in which my invention may be carried out.
Fig. 1 is a view of improved pocket attached to table t.
Fig. 2 is sectional view of lower part of same on an enlarged scale.
Fig. 2 is plan of same.
The net N is conveniently attached to ring R by having the spring ring r threaded
through its meshes. From ring R are suspended three or more jaws J. The lower
parts of J are shaped so as to show an inclined plane p, and a vertical plane X.
This latter portion abuts against a corresponding part F of the gravity piece G,
and so prevents the jaws J opening too wide when i hangs down through
gravity. When the ball B falls into the pocket it is therefore held fast by jaws J,
but when the gravity ring G is raised the jaws J are forced outwards partly by the
pressure of the ball, and partly through the points of suspension Y of the jaws not
being immediately over the position of jaws as shown. The ball thereupon falls
into the hand. Z is slot in G allowing lower part of jaw to pass through gravity
ring G. When the hand is removed from G, the latter falls by its own weight
and brings the jaws J into the position shown. c is cushion of soft material lining
internal faces.
Fig. 3 shows in section an arrangement in which the movable jaws J, of which
there may be any number, entirely enclose the ball except at the joints. The jaws
may be pivoted as shown at Y, or they may be attached by springs or flexible
material, and may open either by gravity or elasticity or both. There is no need
of slots in the gravity ring G shown in Fig. 3.
Fig. 4 shows a view and Fig 4ª a plan of an arrangement in which the gravity
piece G is supported by springs s, 8. The raising of G causes the springs s to flex,
and allows the jaws J to open.
may
Fig. 5 shows a view of an arrangement in which the gravity piece G is pivoted
at K. In this case only one movable jaw J is needed. The other jaws J¹ be
fixed. When G is raised the piece Ġ' moves from the jaw J and allows it to
open and the ball to drop.
Fig. 6 shows an arrangement in which the jaws J are above the pivots Y. The
jaws J may be kept closed by the band of clastic material L. When the gravity
piece G is raised, it slides along the inclined planes p and opens the jaws J.
Fig. 7 shows an arrangement in which the jaws J are above and the inclined
planes p below the pivots Y. When G is raised it slides along the external
:

page_text: inclined planes p, and opens the jaws J. The nuts n prevent the jaws J opening
too far.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that
what I claim is :
1. In a pocket for billiard tables and the like the method of removing the balls
without the necessity of inserting the hand by allowing them to descend through
the bottom by suitable mechanism actuated by pressure applied from beneath.
2. An improved pocket for billiard tables and the like in which one or more
balls are held securely but liberated separately as desired by pressure applied from
beneath.
3. The improved pockets for billiard tables and the like substantially as described
and shown in the drawings.
DL Dol .
1 1003
W. H. MUNNS,
Agent for Applicant.