05/073140

04/24/1973

09/17/1970

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473/30

473/33, 473/32

A63D15/00; A63D15/00; A63D15/06

273/3R,3C,6,7,8,9 160/380,395

3330559	Side rail construction for billiard tables	July 1967	Fischer et al.
2809040	Pocketed ball game apparatus	October 1957	Trovato

Pinkham, Richard C.

Stouffer R. T.

This is a divisional application of my pending application titled Bumper Device For Pool Table filed Nov. 12, 1968, Ser. No. 774,760, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,584,872.

What is claimed is

1. A pool table comprising

2. The pool table as defined in claim 1 wherein the upper wall of each rail member has an elongate groove therein, a flexible bumper cover extending over the bumper member of each rail member and extending over a portion of the lower wall and over a portion of the upper wall and into the groove of each rail member, an elongate bead element formed of yieldable material positioned in snug fitting relation within the groove of each rail member to releasably anchor the bumper cover to the upper wall of each rail member.

3. The pool table as defined in claim 2 wherein said bed is provided with a plurality of elongate upwardly facing recesses therein adjacent the marginal portions thereof, said bumper cover having a marginal portion thereof extending into a recess in the bed, each rail member having a downwardly projecting element thereon positioned in a recess in the bed to releasably clamp the marginal portion of the bumper cover between the rail member and the bed.

4. The pool table as defined in claim 1 wherein the upper and lower walls of each rail member project substantially beyond the adjacent peripheral edge of the bed whereby the outer wall of each rail member is positioned substantially beyond the adjacent peripheral edge of the bed.

5. A pool table comprising a substantially flat rectangular bed, a frame supporting said bed and having leg means secured thereto and projecting downwardly therefrom,

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

There are currently available many styles of pool tables; however, most of the commercially available pool tables, especially full size tables, require substantial effort, skill, and in some instances, special tools in the installation and/or the assembly of the table.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel pool table, which may be sold in an unassembled compact condition, but which may be readily assembled by the consumer without the requirement of special skills, tools, or the like. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a novel pool table, including a leg supported steel frame having a bed mounted thereon, and a rail and bumper structure mounted on the bed and connected to the frame by a plurality of bolts so that the components of the pool table are releasably interlocked together with a minimum of parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pool table with a novel and bumper structure, which includes rail members releasably interconnected together and each having a yieldable bumper member frictionally mounted thereon and wherein the rails also serve to releasably clamp the fabric cover upon the table bed to permit ready removal and replacement of the cover without the requirement of any special tools or skills by the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the pool table;

FIG. 2 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a corner-portion of the rail and bumper structure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an enlarged scale illustrating the manner of interconnection of the bed, frame, and bumper structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spacermember;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating a modified form of the rail and bumper structure; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1, it will be seen that one embodiment of the novel pool table, designated generally by the reference numeral 10 is there shown. The pool table 10 includes a frame 11 which is supported by suitable leg structures 12. The frame 11 is comprised of a pair of similar longitudinal frame members or plates 13 of channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration which are detachably connected to a pair of transverse or end frame members or plates 14. It will be noted that the end frame members 14 are provided at each end with a pair of attachment tabs 15 which project through openings 16 in the longitudinal frame members 13 adjacent but spaced from the ends of these longitudinal frame members, thus allowing ease of assembling and repairing at the frame. The longitudinal end frame members are formed of metal, such as sheet steel and the like, and it will be noted that the longitudinal and end frame members are arranged in generally rectangular configuration.

The longitudinal frame members 13 have a plurality of triangular shaped openings 17 therein which are longitudinally spaced apart, each opening 17 in one longitudinal frame member being transversely aligned with an opening 17 in the other longitudinal frame member. A plurality of similar V-shaped truss members 18 extend between and project through the opening 16 in the longitudinal frame members and are supported by the longitudinal frame members. These V-shaped truss members 18 are also formed of metal and as shown, project through and beyond the longitudinal frame members. In the embodiment shown, truss members are positioned on opposite sides of the end frame members 14. The V-shaped truss members 18 are provided with openings in opposite end portions thereof for accommodating the ends of elongate wires 19 therethrough. One end portion of the wires 19 which passes through an opening also engages the outer surface of the longitudinal frame members 13 to prevent longitudinal movement of the associated v-shaped truss member 18. The other end portion of the wire is passed through another opening spaced from the first-mentioned opening so that a downwardly extending loop is formed by each wire. These loops are arranged in aligned relation for the purpose of supporting a ball tray in a manner to be described hereinbelow.

In this regard, a pair of ball return trays 20 are provided and each is formed of a plastic material and is of substantially channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The trays have an opened top extending throughout their lengths and the ends thereof are closed with an opening 21 being formed in one side wall thereof adjacent one end thereof. The openings 21 in the trays, as shown, open inwardly toward each other, and it is pointed out that the trays are longitudinally inclined so that when balls fall therein through the open top thereof, the balls will roll toward the end portion wherein the opening 21 is located. The ball trays 20 are positioned within the loops formed by the wires 19 and are suspended in depending relation therefrom. It will be noted that the openings 21 in the trays will be disposed in registering relation with openings 22 formed in adjacent ends of the longitudinal frame members 13.

The frame 11 also includes a pair of similar longitudinal exterior side wall members 23 which are molded or formed from a suitable rigid plastic material, or other, and each being vertically oriented and mounted on the longitudinal frame members 13 exteriorly thereof. Each of these exterior side wall members 23 has a substantially flat lower wall portion 24 integrally formed therewith and extending inwardly therefrom. Opposite ends of the side wall members project inwardly therefrom at substantially right angles thereto to define end wall portions 25. A continuous outturned peripheral flange 26 is formed throughout the upper edge of the side wall members 23 and end wall portions 25 thereof. The end wall portions 25 also have an outturned vertical flange 27 integrally formed therewith and projecting longitudinally therefrom at substantially right angles thereto as best seen in FIG. 1. The lower wall portion 24 of each exterior side wall member 23 is apertured to permit the passage of bolts therethrough and these bolts will also pass through openings in the lower flange 28 of the longitudinal frame members 13. In the event that the bolts are not the self-threading type suitable nuts may be provided for securing the bolts in place. With this particular arrangement, it will be noted that the exterior side wall members 23 will be spaced from the adjacent longitudinal frame members 13 with the ball return tray being positioned therebetween but spaced respectively from the frame and side wall members.

A pair of similar exterior end wall members 29 are also provided and these end wall members are also formed of a suitable plastic material and may be molded in the manner of the exterior side wall members 23. The end wall members are vertically oriented and each includes an inwardly projecting bottom wall portion 30 which extends in substantially right angular relation relative thereto. Each end wall member is provided with an outwardly projecting upper peripheral flange 31 while the lower wall portion 30 has apertures therein adjacent the longitudinal marginal areas thereof which will be disposed in registering relation with the openings in the lower wall portion 24 of the exterior side wall members 23. Thus, it will be seen that the end and side wall members are detachably secured together and are secured to the longitudinal frame members by bolts so that the vertical portions of the end exterior wall members 29 are spaced from the end frame members 14.

It will be seen that the exterior end wall member 29 adjacent the left side of the drawing as viewed in FIG. 1, has a ball return outlet 32 therein which is located at the mid-portion thereof. Therefore, balls which are returned by the ball trays 20 pass through openings 21 in the trays through the openings 22 in the frame members and will be supported upon the lower wall portion 30 of the end wall member 29 and may be retrieved through the opening 32. In this regard, it is pointed out that the lower wall portion 30 of each end wall member will be positioned against and attached to the lower edge of the adjacent end frame member 14.

In the embodiment shown, the leg structures 12 are formed of a central panel 33 provided with an upper wall and anti-skid feet 35 at the lower corners thereof. These anti-skid feet may be formed of rubber or suitable yieldable material in a well-known manner. End panels 36 are also provided which have inturned end flanges and which are suitably apertured at their upper end portions to permit the passage of pivot bolts 37 therethrough, the bolts also passing through suitable apertured attachment brackets which are secured to the inner surface of the longitudinal frame members 13. It will be noted that each pair of attachment brackets 38 for each longitudinal frame member 13 are positioned adjacent but spaced inwardly from the end portions of these longitudinal frame members. Thus the leg structures 12 are positioned within the confines of the longitudinal end frame members and diverge downwardly and outwardly therefrom. The leg structures are also provided with releasable lock means for locking the leg structures in the erect position. All of the structural features are clearly shown in my copending application, Ser. No. 775,007, filed Nov. 12, 1968, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,945, entitled POOL TABLE.

The pool table also includes a bed 39 which as shown is of substantially flat rectangular configuration and is of rigid construction and formed of any of several suitable materials. The bed 39 has pocket openings 40 therein adjacent the pockets and has the arcuate recesses 41 therein in the longitudinal edges thereof arranged in a well-known manner. The upper surface of the bed 39 has an upwardly facing peripheral groove 42 formed therein which is positioned closely adjacent but spaced inwardly from the longitudinal and end marginal edges of the bed. Groove 42 is interrupted only by the corner pocket openings 40 and the recess pocket openings 41 in the upper surface of the bed. The function of this groove will be explained more fully herein below.

The bed 39 is positioned upon the frame 11, and a rail and bumper structure 43 is positioned upon the bed 39 adjacent the periphery thereof. The rail and bumper structure 43 is comprised of a pair of opposed side rail members and end rail members 44. The end and side rail members 44 are preferably formed from a suitable rigid material, such as aluminum or plastic and, as shown, are of substantially identical hollow construction. The end rail members have a slightly shorter length dimension than the side rail members. Each rail member includes a substantially flat bottom wall 45, a top wall 46, an outer side wall 47 and an inner side wall 48, as best seen in FIG. 3. The top and bottom walls of each rail member have a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures therein, each aperture in the top wall being disposed in registering relation with an aperture in the bottom wall and each pair being disposed in registering relation with spacer sleeves 49 which extends between the top and bottom walls of each of the rail members 44. The apertures and spacer sleeves accommodate elongate bolts 50 which have flat heads that are positioned in counter-sunk relation with respect to the upper surface of the upper wall of each rail member and each rail member and each bolt has a threaded end 51 which threadedly engages an aperture 52 in the ends of the truss member 18. In this regard, it will be noted that the bed 39 also has a plurality of spaced apert apertures 53 in the marginal portions thereof which, as shown, are slightly larger than the exterior diameter of the bolts 50 so that the bed 39 is not engaged by the bolts.

Since the bed is clamped between the frame and the rail and bumper structure 43, spacer elements 54 of generally rectangular configuration are positioned upon the upper edges of the V-shaped truss members 18 as best seen in FIG. 3. It will be noted that these spacer members 54 have a central opening 55 therein whose width is greater than the divergent legs of each V-shaped truss member 18, the opening 55 being formed by downwardly struck legs 56. It will be seen that each spacer member 54 is positioned upon each V-shaped truss member 18 so that the legs 56 thereof are positioned externally of the legs of the V-shaped truss member. Thus as the bolts 50 are threaded into the truss members, the bed is tightened against the substantially flat surface presented by the spacer members. In the embodiment shown, the outer marginal positions of the bed are supported, cantilever fashion, by the end portions of the V-shaped truss members.

The spacer members are formed from a blank of material having a thickness dimension which corresponds to the distance between the upper edge of each V-shaped truss member and the upper edge surface of the longitudinal frame members 19. The upper surface of the spacer members is therefore coplanar with the upper surface of the longitudinal and end frame members. Spacer members may be placed in spaced apart relation along the upper surface of the V-shaped truss members 17 so that the bed is positioned and supported by spacer members and longitudinal and end frame members. The legs 56 also serve to prevent spreading of the V-shaped truss members.

The rail and bumper structure 43 also includes corner rail members 57 comprised of an upper corner section 58 and a lower corner section 59. The lower corner section 59 while being of angular configuration is also of generally channel shaped cross-sectional configuration, including a lower wall 60, an outer wall 61 and inner wall 62. End portions of the lower corner section 59 are telescopically positioned within the hollow end portions of the adjacent end and side rails to interconnect the side and end rails together. In this regard, each rail member is provided with an upwardly projecting guide element 45a integrally formed with the upper surface of the lower wall thereof and spaced between the inner and outer side walls of the rail member. This serves to properly position and guide each corner rail member into the end and side rail members. It will also be noted that the inner and outer walls of the lower corner section are offset inwardly and the lower wall is offset upwardly to form stop shoulders and to thereby limit telescopic insertion of the lower corner sections into the end and side rail members.

It will be noted that the inner wall of each lower corner section is arcuately formed to conform to the corner pockets of the pool table. It will further be noted that the lower corner sections are provided with suitable apertures 63 therein for accommodating bolts 63a therethrough which engage downwardly threaded bosses 58a integrally formed with the upper wall of the upper corner section 58. The upper corner section is also of channel shaped cross-sectional configuration and is releasably secured to the lower corner section to define the corner rail members.

Referring again to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the outer side wall 47 of each rail member is substantially straight and, as shown, may be provided with an ornamental surface. The inner side wall 48 of each rail member presents a convex outer surface provided with a pair of longitudinal elongate grooves or sockets 64 therein throughout substantially the entire length thereof. These grooves 64 in each rail member are vertically spaced apart and are adapted to receive in snug fitting relation a pair of beads or male socket elements 66 of an elongate substantially straight bumper member 65. The bumper member 65 is formed of a yieldable material, such as rubber, and while being of somewhat triangular cross-sectional configuration, presents a substantially flat surface 67 which is only slightly angularly related with respect to the vertical. Each bumper member 65 also has a longitudinal groove 68 therein located adjacent the inner wall of the adjacent rail member to permit yielding or distortion of the rubber bumper when struck by a ball. Thus each of the rail members is provided with a yieldable bumper member which is detachably secured thereto by frictional snap coupling effect.

The bed 39 is provided with a flexible fabric cover 69 which may be readily removed and replaced by a user without the use of any special tools or skills. In this regard, it will be noted that the cover 69 will be of rectangular configuration and will be of a size only slightly larger than the bed 39. The cover is positioned upon the upper surface of the bed 39 and will be stretched to a taut condition and the rail and the bumper structure will then be applied to the upper surface of the bed. It will be noted that the lower wall 45 of each rail member is provided with a downwardly projecting elongate bead 70 throughout the length thereof which is spaced closely adjacent the inner side wall 48 of the rail member. Thus when the bumper and rail structure 43 is applied to the bed, the beads 70 of the rail members will be urged downwardly into the recess or groove 42 of the bed thus clamping the cover 69 of the bed in a taut condition. When it is desirable to remove the cover 69, it is merely necessary to remove the bolts 50 from connected relation with respect to the frame and remove the rail and bumper structure and thereafter remove the damaged cover. When the cover is replaced, the rail and bumper structure will again be connected to the frame to thereby clamp the cover in taut condition on the bed.

The rail and bumper structure 43 is also provided with a flexible fabric cover 71 formed of the same material as the cover 69 and having a length corresponding to the length of the table, but having a relatively narrow width dimension. It will be noted that the cover 71 will have one edge portion positioned between the lower wall of the rail members and will be positioned upon the upper surface of the cover 69. The covers 71 and 69 will also be clamped into the recess 42 by the beads 70 of the rail members and will extend upwardly and around the inner surface of the bumper member and over the inner portion of the upper wall 46 of each rail member. In this regard, it will be noted that the top wall 46 of each rail member 44 has a molded-in upwardly facing elongate groove 72 therein throughout the length thereof. One marginal portion of the cover 71 will be urged downwardly into the groove and will be retained therein by an elongate bead element 73 which is formed of a yieldable material, such as rubber or the like. The groove 72 will be of a size to accommodate the marginal portion of the cover 71 therein as well as the bead 73 therein. The bead element will be inserted while the cover 71 is in a taut condition and, of course, this bumper and rail structure cover 71 may be replaced very easily by user by merely removing the rail structure from the bed. A relatively thin cover plate 74 may be positioned upon the top wall 46 in the recess formed therein to cover the ends of the cover 71 as best seen in FIG. 3. These cover plates 74 may be formed of plastic or other suitable rigid material and will be engaged in the recess with frictional snap coupling or may be secured in place with mastic glue.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be noted that a slightly modified form of the rail and bumper structure is there shown and is designated generally by the reference numeral 43b. This rail and bumper structure 43b is also comprised of a pair of opposed side rail members and end rail members 44b and, in the embodiment shown, are of solid construction and are preferably formed of wood. These rail members 44b are similar in shape and size to the rail members 44 but because of the solid construction of the rail members, there is no spacer 49 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. Corner rail members 57b are also provided and include an upper corner section (not shown) and a lower corner section 59b. The upper corner section of the corner rail members 57b are similar in construction to the upper corner sections 58 except the slight change in the configuration to conform to the lower corner section 59b.

It will be noted that the lower corner section 59b is of generally channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration and includes a lower wall 60b, an outer wall 61b and an inner wall 62b. In the embodiment shown, the inner and outer walls have substantially the same vertical dimensions thus requiring the vertical walls of the upper corner section to be slightly modified. The side and end rail members 44b are provided with an outer recess 44c and an inner recess 44d in the lower wall surface thereof for accommodating the inner and outer walls of the lower corner section. These recesses are in the form of slots and the lower wall 60b of the lower corner section may be provided with apertures 60c for accommodating screws therethrough to permit attachment of the corner section to the rail members. The lower wall also has an aperture 63b therein for accommodating a bolt 63c therethrough which readily engages the downwardly projecting boss on the upper corner section. Although this particular construction is not shown in the drawings, it is pointed out that the upper corner section will be provided with a boss in the manner of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring again to FIG. 5, it will be noted that rather than the inner side wall of the rail member being shaped to define grooves for receiving the rubber bumper therein, each rail member is provided with a generally elongate channel-shaped bumper mounting member 48c which embraces the inner side wall surface 48b as well as a portion of the top and bottom wall surfaces of each rail member. This channel-shaped bumper mounting member 48c, when mounted on each rail member, presents a convex outer surface in the manner of the inner wall 48 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. The bumper mounting 48c is provided with a pair of longitudinally elongate grooves or sockets 64c therein which extend throughout the length of each bumper mounting member. These grooves in each bumper mounting member are vertically spaced apart and are adapted to receive in snug fitting relation a pair of bead or male socket elements 66c of an elongate substantially straight bumper member 65c. The bumper member 65c is similar in construction to the bumper member 65 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 but projects downwardly beyond its lower male socket element 66c, as best seen in FIG. 5. It will also be noted that the bumper member presents a substantially flat surface 67c and is provided with a groove 68c in the manner of the embodiment of FIG. 2. Each rail member 44b is provided with a recess 44e at the corner area between the inner wall surface 48b and the upper wall surface for accommodating the socket 64c therein. Each rail member 44b is provided with a recess 44f for accommodating the socket member 72c therein.

The cover 69c is applied to the bed 39c in the manner of the embodiment of FIG. 2 and to this end, the bumper mounting member is provided with a downwardly projecting elongate bead 70c which engages in a slot 42c in the bed 39c. The rail cover 71c is also similar in its manner of attachment to the bed and rail structures to that of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and is clamped in the groove 42c by the bead 70c of the bumper mounting member. The bumper and rail cover is also secured along one edge portion thereof by bead 73c which is positioned within the socket member 72c. Thus, the rail and bumper structure is similar to that shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3. In order to facilitate correct positioning of the end and side rail members with respect to the corner rail member, it is pointed out that each lower corner section 59b is provided with upwardly projecting stop elements 60c which engage against the end of each rail to which the corner section is attached. In the embodiment of the corner rail members illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, that portion of the floor corner section, which is inserted into each rail member, is offset upwardly as well as inwardly to define a stop 60a for correct positioning of the lower corner section in each rail member.

One of the functional advantages of the present pool table is that it may be packaged in a disassembled condition and may be readily assembled by consumer without requiring any special tooling or skills. Another important feature of the present invention is that the bed of the pool table, while being clamped between the frame and the rail and bumper structure, may also expand and contract since the openings through which the attachment bolts pass are slightly larger than the bolts. Thus if the bed does expand or contract, this may be accomplished without distortion of the frame or bed, so that the bed is mounted in limited free or floating fashion.

It will also be noted that the outer marginal portions of the bed are very effectively and sturdily supported on the outer portions of the V-shaped truss members. It is essential to support these outer marginal portions of the bed since these are the portions which are subjected to downward stress by the players who lean upon the able. Thus the cantilever support of the marginal portions of the bed by the truss members not only effectively support these portions of the pool table but prevents a condition generally referred to as runoff which is a rather common problem with conventional pool table constructions. Runoff is a condition wherein the pool ball will roll towards the rails because of the downwardly inclined unsupported portions of the bed in the conventional pool tables.

Finally, the unique construction of the rail and bumper structure not only provides a highly attractive rail and bumper structure, but one which may be applied and removed from the table with a minimum of effort and time. This unique construction of the rail and bumper structure further permits ready removal and replacement of the cover of the bed as well as ready removal and replacement of the bumper members and cover.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided a novel pool table, which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which contains more novel features than those of prior art structures.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the various parts without departing from the scope of my invention.