Apparatus for Measuring the Distance Between Two Billiard Balls in the Game known as Pool.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd June, 1889
Complete Specification Left, 7th Sept., 1889-Accepted, 26th Oct., 1889
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Measuring the Distance Between Two Billiard Balls
in the Game known as Pool.
I HENRY FREDERICK PHILLIPS 2 Wellington Road St. Johns Wood in the
County of London Auctioneer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This Invention relates to a cup cover and rotatory spring tape which is applicable
to the measurement of space between two Billiard Balls. This invention will be
found particularly useful for the purpose of measurement in the game of pool as
played upon a billiard table when required for the purpose of taking and ascertaining
which is the nearest ball to the striker's ball. This Invention consists of a square
block of wood hollowed out at the base to permit of its exactly fitting over a
billiard ball or any like object. Having at the top a circular box working on a pivot
containing a tape measure which pivot permits the box to revolve so that the
tape measure may be drawn out at any angle from the ball which the whole block
covers.
Dated this 92nd day of Tuno 1800
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Measuring the Distance Between Two Billiard Balls
in the Game known as Pool.
1, HENRY. FREDERICK PHILLIPS, of 2 Wellington Road, St. Johns Wood, in the
County of London, Auctioneer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This my invention relates to a new and useful apparatus for measuring the distance
between two billiard balls in the game known as pool.
It is well known, that in the game of pool as played upon a billiard table, that it is
necessary at times, to strike a ball in order to hit the nearest of two or more other
balls, and that it is often difficult to readily and correctly ascertain which of the two
or more balls is nearest. It has hitherto been usual to measure the distance between
the balls, by means of a cue, but it is not possible to measure the distance exactly
in this manner.
Now by this my invention, an accurate measurement between the
various balls, can be readily attained, in a neat, simple and efficacous manner herein-
after described.
I now proceed to describe my said invention, reference being had to the accom-
panying drawings, and to the figures and letters of reference marked thereon:-like
letters referring to similar parts throughout.
Fig. 1. is a sectional elevation of my improved apparatus, and Fig. 2. is a plan of
same.
In this my invention, I employ a spring tape measure A of which, B represents the
case, the drum, pivoted on a central spindle, D, a spring within the drum, E the
measuring tape, which is equal in length to an ordinary billiard table, and F a suitable
knob suitably attached to the top of the case B. It will be readily understood, that
I do not confine myself to the precise detail construction of the spring tape measure
shown, as there are other spring tapes of different internal construction which might
be made applicable to this my invention.
The spring-tape A is provided with a suitable swivel-joint, which may consist of a
ring G secured to, or formed integral with the case B, and a metal or other band H

page_text: having a flange adapted to enter and revolve in a groove 1 formed in the ring G.
The band H is secured by screws and eyelets, J, to a square or other shaped block
of wood, K, which is hollowed out in order that it may be placed over a billiard ball,
as indicated by.dotted lines in Fig. 1. It is not essential that the part K of the
apparatus should consist of a block of wood as shown, inasmuch as it may consist of
an inverted metal or other cup, or the spring tape measure may be secured to legs
which will just pass over the ball, as will be understood.
In the drawings I have shown the spring tape measure provided with two
knobs F and L, but it is not essential that both should be retained, inasmuch as
either one will answer the purpose for which it is intended, viz.:-to enable the
spring tape measure to be turned around upon its swivel joint so that the tape may be
drawn out at any angle from the ball which the apparatus covers.
In using my improved apparatus, it is placed over the ball from which it is
intended to measure, and the spring tape measure having been turned around to the
required angle, the tape is drawn out until the first mark thereon coincides with
the centre of the other ball or balls, when the distances may be read off on the
tape.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is performed, I declare that what I
claim is
A spring tape measure formed with a swivel joint whereby it is secured to, and is
free to revolve upon a suitable support capable of being placed over a billiard ball,
substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
Dated this 7th day of Sentember 1889
HORN & SON,
Applicant's Agents.