GB2095542A - A table - Google Patents

Abstract

A table, eg. for games, comprising an upper part carrying a top, which is detachable to permit the substitute of other tops for different purposes, and which is attached to a supporting lower part so as to be capable of relative movement in a vertical direction with respect to the lower part, means being provided for counteracting the weight of the upper part and top to facilitate the adjustment of the height of the top. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A table This invention relates to an improved table.

The table is primarily intended to allow people of a wide variety of heights, including the handicapped in wheelchairs to play table type games at a height which is comfortable for them i.e. snooker, pool table tennins and board games such as chess, scarabble, cards etc. An added advantage of the table is that it is possible to play an integrated game of snooker or pool between a handicapped person in a wheel chair, and an able-bodied player. A smooth vertical counter-balance movement, held firmly at each corner by dovetailed guides, allows the table top to be moved to the height required by the player when it is their turn, without disturbing the positions of the balls on the table. Stops are provided to facilitate changes to be made to exactly the same height every time without fumbling or wasting time.

The table has been designed to take a variety of tops, e,g, Dining, Snooker, Pool, Table Tennis, Card also Gaming Tables tops such as Roulette etc.

The table is intended to appeal to a wide variety of people, Clubs, Hospitals, Handicapped institutions etc. In the home it should be welcomed by all members of the family. As a piece of furniture it is a substantial dining table which will quickly convert to a lower height as an occasional or coffee table. At this height, 60 cm., it should be extremely useful for yound children, adjusting the height as they grow.

The multi purpose variable height games table can be raised or lowered with little effort between the low position 60 cm, and the high position 90 cm, by means of a counterbalance movement housed within the main centre column stand of the table. Four adjustable feet ensure that the table can be leveled all round and 5 mm peg holes at 10 cm centres on the dovetail guide on each corner of the lower section of the stand, ensures that when the table height is altered by placing a peg in each corner at the same level the top section of the table will seat onto the pegs, thereby leveling the table top (Very important, especially for snooker or pool tables).

When an integrated snooker game is in progress between a person of average height, and a very short person, or perhaps someone in a wheelchair, it is advisable to firstly establish the ideal table top height for the shorter person and place four pegs in the holes at that height, which can remain for the duration of the game, acting as a stop and automatically leveling the table each time the top is returned to their position without any fumbling. The player of average height will bring the table top back up to the top height, and place a leveling peg into each corner before turning the locking handle. Although it sounds time consuming, in fact, the whole operation should be completed in seconds, probably while weighing up the next shot to play.

The main frames are made from hollow square steel tube, covered by veneered boards. The mechanism is made from flat steel and round steel rod. Corner guides from plastic and dovetailed guides in steel, as are the leveling pegs.

The invention is illustrated in the attached drawings.

1. A table comprising an upper part carrying a top, which is detachable to permit the substitute of other tops for different purposes, and which is attached to a supporting lower part so as to be capable of relative movement in a vertical direction with respect to the lower part, means being provided for counteracting the weight of the upper part and top to facilitate the adjustment of the height of the top.

2. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means comprises at least one arm one end of which is pivotally attached to the upper part and the other end of which is attached to a counter-balance weight, the arm being pivotally attached intermediate its ends to the lower part, and lost motion means for permitting the vertical movement of the upper part.

3. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means comprises two arms each having one end pivotally attached to the upper part and its other end pivotally attached to and joined via a counter-balance weight, each arm being pivotally attached intermediate its ends to the lower part, and lost motion means permitting the vertical non-horizontal movement of the upper portion.

4. A table as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein removable stop means are provided on one of the parts to permit the top to be positioned at a predetermined height.

5. A table as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein means are provided for clamping or locking the parts together when the top has been adjusted to a predetermined height.

6. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means includes spring means extending between the two parts.

7. A snooker or pool table having means for adjusting the height of its playing surface whilst a game is in progress without disturbing the positions of balls on the playing surface.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A table This invention relates to an improved table. The table is primarily intended to allow people of a wide variety of heights, including the handicapped in wheelchairs to play table type games at a height which is comfortable for them i.e. snooker, pool table tennins and board games such as chess, scarabble, cards etc. An added advantage of the table is that it is possible to play an integrated game of snooker or pool between a handicapped person in a wheel chair, and an able-bodied player. A smooth vertical counter-balance movement, held firmly at each corner by dovetailed guides, allows the table top to be moved to the height required by the player when it is their turn, without disturbing the positions of the balls on the table. Stops are provided to facilitate changes to be made to exactly the same height every time without fumbling or wasting time. The table has been designed to take a variety of tops, e,g, Dining, Snooker, Pool, Table Tennis, Card also Gaming Tables tops such as Roulette etc. The table is intended to appeal to a wide variety of people, Clubs, Hospitals, Handicapped institutions etc. In the home it should be welcomed by all members of the family. As a piece of furniture it is a substantial dining table which will quickly convert to a lower height as an occasional or coffee table. At this height, 60 cm., it should be extremely useful for yound children, adjusting the height as they grow. The multi purpose variable height games table can be raised or lowered with little effort between the low position 60 cm, and the high position 90 cm, by means of a counterbalance movement housed within the main centre column stand of the table. Four adjustable feet ensure that the table can be leveled all round and 5 mm peg holes at 10 cm centres on the dovetail guide on each corner of the lower section of the stand, ensures that when the table height is altered by placing a peg in each corner at the same level the top section of the table will seat onto the pegs, thereby leveling the table top (Very important, especially for snooker or pool tables). When an integrated snooker game is in progress between a person of average height, and a very short person, or perhaps someone in a wheelchair, it is advisable to firstly establish the ideal table top height for the shorter person and place four pegs in the holes at that height, which can remain for the duration of the game, acting as a stop and automatically leveling the table each time the top is returned to their position without any fumbling. The player of average height will bring the table top back up to the top height, and place a leveling peg into each corner before turning the locking handle. Although it sounds time consuming, in fact, the whole operation should be completed in seconds, probably while weighing up the next shot to play. The main frames are made from hollow square steel tube, covered by veneered boards. The mechanism is made from flat steel and round steel rod. Corner guides from plastic and dovetailed guides in steel, as are the leveling pegs. The invention is illustrated in the attached drawings. CLAIMS

1. A table comprising an upper part carrying a top, which is detachable to permit the substitute of other tops for different purposes, and which is attached to a supporting lower part so as to be capable of relative movement in a vertical direction with respect to the lower part, means being provided for counteracting the weight of the upper part and top to facilitate the adjustment of the height of the top.

2. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means comprises at least one arm one end of which is pivotally attached to the upper part and the other end of which is attached to a counter-balance weight, the arm being pivotally attached intermediate its ends to the lower part, and lost motion means for permitting the vertical movement of the upper part.

3. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means comprises two arms each having one end pivotally attached to the upper part and its other end pivotally attached to and joined via a counter-balance weight, each arm being pivotally attached intermediate its ends to the lower part, and lost motion means permitting the vertical non-horizontal movement of the upper portion.

4. A table as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein removable stop means are provided on one of the parts to permit the top to be positioned at a predetermined height.

5. A table as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein means are provided for clamping or locking the parts together when the top has been adjusted to a predetermined height.

6. A table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the counteracting means includes spring means extending between the two parts.

7. A snooker or pool table having means for adjusting the height of its playing surface whilst a game is in progress without disturbing the positions of balls on the playing surface.