GB190807933A - Improvements in and relating to Billiard Tables. - Google Patents

Abstract

7933. Cole, T. H. April 9. Billiards.-A billiard table has inclined ways in connexion with the pockets, and means for controlling the ways so that pocketed balls can be delivered at either end of the table. The pockets a, b at the ends of the table are provided with inclined ways e, f leading to an inclined way j, which runs to the opposite end of the table and terminates in a rack n for the balls. At the junction of the ways e, f, a switch v, w is placed for retaining the balls on the ways or allowing them to pass into the way j. The middle pockets o, p are provided with similar inclined ways q, r leading to a switch box at the centre of the table, where they join two oppositely-inclined ways s, t leading to the end of the table. All the switches are operated by a longitudinal rod u sliding in the framework of the table and manipulated by means of handles 22. The switches for the ways e, f comprise bars v, w secured to the bar u and normally obstructing the ways e, f respectively. By partly rotating the rod u, one or other of the bars is raised and permits the balls to pass into the way j. At the junction of the ways q, r, s, t, a ridge 9 is formed; and on this ridge the balls are retained by the switches 14. Each switch comprises a bell-crank lever pivoted on a knife-edge 13 and having one arm engaged by a segment 17 secured to the rod u. When the rod is moved longitudinally, one of the switches is raised by a segment 17 and permits the balls to run to that end of the table towards which the rod is moved. The rod may be returned to its central position by springs. The switches may also be operated from the sides of the table by means of a transverse rod 49 having a ball-ended lug 50, which engages a cup 51 secured to the rod u. Thus by rotating or sliding the rod 49, the switches may be operated. The switches may also be operated from a distance by means of a rod carried under the floor and having right-angled extensions projecting upwards through the floor. Wires may also be used for the extension system, as shown in Fig. 10. A four-armed member 60, supported on a point bearing 61, is connected by wires 63 with a similar member 64, which is supported on a point bearing 65 and is rocked by a handle 67. A spring 69 holds the gear in its normal position. The member 60 has a ball-ended arm 70 which engages in a cup 71 secured to the rod u. The switch may also be operated by electro-magnets, or by a sliding or rocking movement only of the rod u. In a modified construction, in which a sliding motion only of the rod u is employed, one set of switches is always open. The inclined ways consist of wire coils enclosing a pair of parallel wires on which the balls run.