GB2326108A

GB2326108A - Pool table cushion construction

Info

Publication number: GB2326108A
Application number: GB9802100A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Aguiar David Manoel D
Original assignee: LEAGUE POOL TABLE TECHNOLOGY C; League Pool Table Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: LEAGUE POOL TABLE TECHNOLOGY C; League Pool Table Tech Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1997-06-13
Filing date: 1998-01-30
Publication date: 1998-12-16
Also published as: AU5291598A; GB9802100D0

Abstract

A pool table playing surface (1) is assembled from a cloth covered slate slab (3) with a peripheral cushion assembly (4) held in position on the slate (3) by a channel shaped clip (10) with inwardly tapered flanges, one flange (12) engaging in a slot in the cushion assembly (4) and the other (11) under the slate (3).

Description

POOL TABLE CONSTRUCTION This invention relates to the construction of pool tables generally but not exclusively for public use.

Pool tables and more especially coin operated pool tables, are usually subjected to far rougher usage than private tables. They are far more open to abuse than tables which are accessible only with the permission of a private owner or club.

It has been proposed to make tables of the above kind having a body moulded as a single unit in fibre reinforced plastics material. A cloth covered slate slab provides the playing surface and around the edge of which the cushions are supported. Supporting the slate exactly horizontally and solidly within the body is a prerequisite for a good table as is the proper parallel and rigid location of the cushions around the edge of the playing surface.

It is in the object of the present invention to provide a pool table in which the above requirements can be met.

According to this invention there is provided a pool table playing surface comprising a cloth covered slate slab with a peripheral cushion assembly held thereon by a resilient clip engaging the cushion assembly and under the slate.

Further features of this invention provide for the clip to be a continuous channel sectioned enclosure with the channel flanges tapered inwardly at small angles, for the upper flange to engage in a slot provided in the cushion assembly and for the channel section to have a sloping lip extending from what in use is the lower edge of the channel.

Still further features of the invention provide for the clip to extend around the periphery of the playing surface and to locate accurately in a recess provided in the top of a body with the slate supported independently of the body or on the inner edge of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING These and other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one example where reference is made to accompanying drawing which shows: Figure 1 a section through part of one side of the table.

As illustrated, a pool table top (1) has a playing surface provided by cloth covering (2) over a slab of slate (3).

Peripheral cushions (4) consist of wooden bars (5) notched at their corners (6) to receive conventional padding (7). This is wrapped in further cloth (8) which extends across the face and bottom of the bar to be secured by staples (9) in the usual way.

The cushions (4) are fixed to the slate slab (3) by means of clips (10). These clips (10) are preferably extruded aluminium but other stiff material can be used.

The clips (10) are generally of channel shape in cross-section with the flange (11) that is the lower in use made slightly longer than the upper flange (12). An extension (13) to the web (14) of the clip (10) is inclined towards the flange (11).

The flanges (11) and (12) are inclined towards each other at angles of about 3 degrees.

The upper flange (12) engages in a horizontal slot provided in the bar (5) while the lower flange (11) engages under the slab (3). The inward inclination of the flanges results in the bar (5) being firmly pressed against the slab (3) and thus securely held in position.

The clips (10) may be continuous around the playing surface or may be used in sections spaced apart. The clips will also preferably be arranged to locate over the staples (9) preventing their unintentional release and also preventing the staples from causing damage to the fibre reinforced surround (15) forming part of the body. The surround is provided with a gel coat to provide a highly polished and smooth surface. The extension (13) to the clips (10) provide a lead-in for the assembled playing surface and peripheral cushion when this assembly is positioned within the surround (15). This assists in preventing damage to the surface of the surround.

The assembled playing surface is supported on a plurality of posts (16) which may convenientiy be made from aluminium or alternatively on suitably strengthened surrounds (15) the playing surface can be supported on the innermost flange of the surround (17).

Preferably there will be four posts and each will be fitted with an adjustable foot so that the playing surface can be accurately levelled when the table is positioned for use. The moulded body will have suitable ball collection and coin release mechanisms when these are required and will be positively located relative to the slate supports to result in a robust construction with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pool table playing surface comprising a cloth covered slate slab with a peripheral cushion assembly held thereon by a resilient clip engaging the cushion assembly and under the slate.

2. A pool table playing surface as claimed in claim 1 in which the clip is channel sectioned with the flanges tapered inwardly at a small angle and with the upper flange of the channel engaged in a slot provided in the cushion assembly and the lower flange engaged under the slate.

3. A pool table playing surface as claimed in claim 2 in which the clip extends continuously around the playing surface.

4. A pool table playing surface as claimed in claim 2 in which the cushion assembly includes wooden bars notched in their operatively inner and upper corners, padding located in the notches and a cloth covering over the padding and extending under the bars to be held against the operatively outer surface by staples with the clips located over the staples.

5. A pool table playing surface as claimed in claim 2 in which the clip has an operatively downwardly projecting extension inclined towards the lower flange.

6. A pool table consisting of a moulded body having a recess in the top thereof in which is located a playing surface comprising a cloth covered slate slab with a peripheral cushion assembly held thereon by a resilient clip engaging the cushion assembly and under the slate and with support for the playing assembly independant of the body.

7. A pool table playing surface substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.