US3585945A

US3585945A - Pool table

Info

Publication number: US3585945A
Application number: US775006A
Authority: US
Inventors: Otto S Nielsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-11-12
Filing date: 1968-11-12
Publication date: 1971-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 1988-06-22

Abstract

A pool table is provided with a pair of leg structures which are pivotal between erect and collapsed positions. The leg structures support the table in the erect position and are folded against the table in the collapsed position. A mobile support structure is provided and includes a pair of wheel-supporting members each having wheels thereon and each being connected to the frame of the pool table for movement between operative and inoperative positions. The wheel mounting members when in the operative position rollably supporting the table after the table is turned upon one longitudinally edge thereof, thereby permitting ready and easy movement of the pool table.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Nielsen 4875 Sorrel! Ave. North, Minneapolis, Minn. 55422 211 Appl. No. 775,007 1221 Filed Nov. 12,1968 [45] Patented June 22, 1971 s41 POOL TABLE 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 108/111, 108/132,108/50, 273/3 [5 1] Int. Cl. A6311 15/00 501 Fleldoisearch 108/111, 112,131,11S,l32,l33;273/3,3.4,5.1

[56] Relerenees Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 272,909 2/1883 Shattuck 108/131 329,734 11/1885 Gosner 273/3 1,426,531 8/1922 Albinson 108/11 l Primary Examiner-Francis K. Zugel Attorney-Williamson, Palmatier and Bains ABSTRACT: A pool table is provided with a pair of leg structures which are pivotal between erect and collapsed positions. The leg structures support the table in the erect position and are folded against the table in the collapsed position. A mobile support structure is provided and includes a pair of wheel-supporting members each having wheels thereon and each being connected to the frame of the pool table for movement between operative and inoperative positions. The wheel mounting members when in the operative position rollably supporting the table after the table is turned upon one longitudinally edge thereof, thereby permitting ready and easy movement of the pool table.

POOL TABLE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide a pool table with leg structures which are shiftable between erect and collapsed positions, and mobile support means which are swingable from an inoperative position to an operative position to support the pool table when the latter is turned upon its side, thereby permitting the table to be readily moved from one location to another.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pool table having collapsible leg structures with a locking means to releasably lock the leg structures in an erect position, and mobile support means which may be releasably held in either an inoperative out-of-the-way position or in an operative position for support of the table upon its side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side-elevational view of the pool table illustrating the same turned upon one longitudinal edge thereof and sup ported by the mobile support means,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows,

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the leg structures in an erect position and the mobile support means in an inoperative position,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the locking means for locking the leg structures in an operative position,

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the locking means illustrated in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating certain details of construction of the mobile support means in the operative position, and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 but illustrating the mobile support means in the inoperative position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. 1 to 3, it will be seen that one embodiment of the novel pool table, designated generally by the reference numeral 10 is thereshown. The pool table 10 includes a frame 11 which is supported by suitable leg structures I2. The frame 11 is substantially identical in construction to the frame disclosed in my copending application, Ser. No. 774760, filed Nov. 12, 1968, entitled Bumper Device for Pool Table," and is therefore not shown in detail in the present drawing. However, it is pointed out that the frame 11 is comprised of longitudinal frame members 13 which are of Z-shaped cross-sectional configuration and each frame member is provided with an intumed flange 14 along its upper longitudinal edge and an outtumed flange 15 along its lower edge. The longitudinal frame members 13 are interconnected at opposite ends by a pair of transverse or end frame members 16. The longitudinal and end frame members are formed of metal and define a frame of generally rectangular configuration. The longitudinal frame members have a plurality of triangular-shaped openings therein which are longitudinally spaced apart, each opening accommodating one of a plurality of V-shaped truss members 17 therein.

Although not shown in the drawings but very clearly disclosed in my copending application, the truss members are provided with wire elements which are arranged in loop fashion to support ball return trays 18. The ball return trays 18 are preferably formed of a rigid material, such as plastic and are of substantially channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The frame also includes a pair of similar longitudinal exterior side sidewall members 19 which are formed of a rigid material, such as plastic, and each being vertically oriented and mounted on the longitudinal frame members 13. Each exterior sidewall member 19 has a flat lower wall which extends inwardly therefrom so that the ball return trays are positioned between each longitudinal frame member and each of the exterior sidewall member.

The frame is also provided with a pair of exterior end wall members (not clearly shown) which are secured to the end frame member 16. Although these details of construction of the frame 11 are not clearly set forth in the present application, the frame is very clearly disclosed in my copending application.

The pool table also includes a bed 20 which is of substantially flat rectangular configuration and is of rigid construction. The bed has pocket openings therein and a rail and bumper structure 21 is positioned upon the bed 20 adjacent the periphery thereto. The rail and bumper structure as well as the bed is also of substantially identical construction to that disclosed in my copending application. It is pointed out, however, that the bed is clamped between the rail and bumper structure and the frame 11 in the manner of my copending application.

Each leg structure 12 is formed of a central panel 22 which is secured between substantially channel-shaped vertically arranged leg elements 23 which are disposed in embracing relation with respect to the vertical edges of the panel 22. Suitable antiskid elements or feet 24 are secured to the lower end of each channel-shape leg element 23 so that each leg structure 12 is provided with two such antiskid element 24. These antiskid elements 24 may be provided with resilient lower surfaces which are formed of rubber or similar material.

The panels of the leg structures may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal or the like, and may be provided with a suitable decorative exterior such as the wood grain finish disclosed.

Each leg structure 12 is provided with a pair of elongate mounting members 25 each being secured to one of the channel-shaped leg elements 23 of each leg structure. It will be noted that the mounting members 25 are of angle shaped cross-sectional configuration each including a flange 26 and a flange 27. It will be noted that the flange 27 of each mounting member has an elongate opening 28 therein as best seen in FIG. 4. It will be noted that the mounting members 25 are secured to the inner surface of the channel-shaped leg elements 23 by spot welding or the like and project upwardly therefrom.

Each of the longitudinal frame elements 13 has a pair of mounting brackets 29 secured to the inner surface thereof and longitudinally spaced apart with respect to each other. Each mounting bracket 29 has its upper end portion bent inwardly as at 30 and this bent portion is then integrally formed with a terminal portion 31 which is of the U-shaped configuration. One leg of the U-shaped terminal portion 31 cooperates with the main body of the bracket 29 to define a U-shaped guide 32 for receiving therein the flange 27 of one of the mounting members 25.

Each bracket 29 has a threaded aperture 23 therein which threadedly accommodates the bolt 34 which passes through the opening 28 in the associated mounting member 25. A

washer 35 is interposed between the head of the bolt 34 and the flange 27 so that the bolt 34 actually forms a pivotal mounting for the mounting member 25. In this regard, it is pointed out that the width dimension of the elongate opening 28 is larger than the diameter of the bolt 34 It is further pointed out that the bent portion 30 of each bracket 29 is positioned against and is preferably spot welded to the flange 14 of the associated longitudinal frame member.

With the arrangement shown, the leg structure 12 are shiftable from an erect position as best seen in FIG. 3. When the leg structures are in the erect position they diverge downwardly from the frame and when the leg structures are in the collapsed position they are folded closely adjacent the lower sur face of the bed 20 of the pool table. When the leg structures are in the erect position, the leg structures, of course, support the table in a horizontal position. Means are also provided for releasably locking the leg structures in the erect position and reference is again made to FIGS. 4 and 5.

It will be seen that the inner leg or flange of the U-shaped terminal portion 31 has a notch 36 therein which is adapted to engage to the upper edge portion of the flange 26 of each mounting member 25. It will further be noted that this notched leg or flange of the U-shaped terminal portion is of inclined or sloped configuration to define a cam surface 37. This facilitates seating of the upper edge portion of the flange 26 in each locking notch.

With this arrangement, it will be seen that when it is desirable to arrange the table in the erect position, the leg structures will be swung from the folded position to the erect position about the pivots defined by the bolts 34. As this occurs, the flanges 27 of the mounting member for each leg will swing into the U-shaped guides 32 and the upper edges of the flanges 26 will engage the cam surfaces 37 and will be cammed downwardly into the notches 36. Thereafter, when the legs are shifted upwardly, the flanges 26 of upwardly, leg structure will be positively locked into the locking notches 36. When it is thereafter desirable to shift the leg structures to the collapsed position, the leg structures may be pulled downwardly thus allowing the flanges 26 to clear the locking notches and the legs may then be folded. Although not shown in the drawing, means may be provided for positively holding the leg structures in the folded position closely adjacent the lower surface of the bed of the poolv table and this means may include a locking bar or bars which may be pivoted between lock and released positions.

Mobile support means are also provided for supporting the pool table when turned upon one longitudinal edge thereof after collapsing of the leg structure so that the pool table may be readily moved from one location to another or to an out-ofthe-way position. This mobile mounting means includes a pair of mobile support structures 38 each located adjacent opposite end portions of the pool table and each being connected to the frame 11 of the pool table. Each mobile support structure 38 includes an elongate support member or bar 39 each having one end positioned between a pair of spaced apart mounting brackets or plates 40 pivotally connected thereto by a pivot 41. The mounting brackets or plates 40 are secured to the longitudinal frame members 113 and are also secured to one of the V-shaped truss members 17 by suitable bolts or screws as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The opposite end of each elongate bar 39 is pivotally connected by hinge 42 to one end of an intermediate link 43. Each intermediate link 43 is connected at its other end by hinge 44 to one end portion of an elongate substantially straight wheel mounting member 45. It will be noted that each wheel mounting member is provided by a pair of castor wheels 46.

The hinge 42 between each elongate bar 39 and each intermediate link 43 is a pintle type hinge, and opposite ends of the hinge pin or pintle 47 is also pivotally connected to a pair of links 48. The other ends of links 48 are connected to pin 49 whose ends are positioned in slots 50 formed in a pair of spaced apart brackets 51, the latter being secured to the frame 47 by suitable screws. Each mobile support structure U- shaped a ulshaped spring 52 which has one leg thereof positioned against the pin 49 and has its other leg positioned adjacent longitudinal frame member 13. It will also be noted that each wheel mounting member 45 has a notch 53 formed in one end thereof and this notch is engaged by the pin 49 when each mobile support structure is in the inoperative position.

In this regard, it is pointed out that each mobile mounting structure 38 is shiftable from an inoperative position, as best seen in FIG. 2, to an operative position, as best seen in FIG. 3. when in the inoperative position, it will be noted that each mounting structure is positioned below the bed and generally within the confines of the pool table. However, when in the operative position as best seen in FIG. 2, the wheel mounting members 45 will be disposed in substantially normal relation with respect to the bed 20 and will be positioned adjacent one longitudinal edge of the pool table to support the pool table in a vertically oriented position with one longitudinal edge positioned downwardly.

Means are provided for releasably locking the wheel mounting members in their operative position and to this end, it will be seen that the rail and bumper structure 21 is provided with a pair of spaced-apart L-shaped brackets 54. Each bracket 54 has an aperture therein to accommodate the wing nut and bolt assembly 55 which is carried by each wheel mounting member. Thus the wheel mounting members may be releasably locked in the operative position asbest seen in FIG. 2.

During use of the pool table, the leg structures 12 will be positioned in an erect position and the mobile support structures 38 will be disposed in their inoperative positions as best seen in FIG. 3. When it is desirable to move the pool table from one location to another or to store the pool table in an out-of-the-way position, a user will first shift and support structures to the operative position from the inoperative position. In order to accomplish this, a user will grasp each wheel mounting member 45 and will pull the wheel mounting member downwardly and outwardly as viewed in FIG. 3. When this occurs, the pin 49 for each mobile support structure will move in the slots of the associated brackets 41. Movement of the pin 49 in its associated slots along with pivotal movement of the associated bar 39 about its pivot 41 permits the hinge 42 to break or open from its closed position.

In this regard, it is pointed out that the pin 49, hinge pintle 47 and the pivot 41 for each support structure actually constitutes an overcenter arrangement, so that the spring 52 for each mobile support structure yieldably retains the bar 39, intermediate link 43 and the wheel mounting member 45 of each mobile support structure in the collapsed or inoperative position. However, it is further pointed out that the notch 53 in each wheel mounting member also engages the pin 49 so that each wheel mounting member will actually pivot about the pin 49 during the initial opening movement of the hinge 42. After each mobile support structure 38 is moved to the operative position, it will be noted that the intermediate link 43 for each mobile support structure is disposed in abutting aligned relation with the associated bar 39. Each wheel mounting member will be swung into substantially right angular relation with respect to the bed 20 and will be secured to its associated bracket Si by the wing and nut assembly 55.

The user may then tip the table upon its side so that it is supported by the castor wheels 46 secured by the wheel mounting members 45. The leg structures 12 may then be shifted to the collapsed position and retained thereat thereby permitting the table to be very readily and easily moved from one location to another. By having the table turned upon one longitudinal edge thereof and supported by the wheel mounting members 45, the table will occupy a much smaller horizontal volumetric space then if the table were horizontally oriented. This permits the table to be rolled against the wall or to an out-of-the-way place until it is desirable to set the table up again in its normal horizontal position.

In this regard, the user will then shift the leg structures 12 to their erect position and lock the same with respect to the locking notches 36. The table may then be positioned horizontally, and the wing nut and bolt assemblies 55 will be disengaged from the brackets 54 to permit swinging of the mobile support structures to their inoperative positions. Because of the overcenter relation of the pivot 41, hinge pintle 47 and pin 49 for each mobile support structure, the latter may be swung to its inoperative position and retained thereat by the action of the spring 52.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I have provided a novel pool table which not only has leg structures for supporting the table in a horizontal position, but leg structures which are foldable to permit collapsing of the table. Further, the unique mobile support means which are provided not only pennit the table to be readily moved from one location to another but also provides a novel support structure for supporting the table in a vertically oriented collapsed position.

Thus it will be seen that l have provided a pool table with a unique mobile support means which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which functions in a more efficient manner than any heretofore known comparable device.

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.

What i claim is:

l. A pool table including,

a rectangular frame,

a generally rectangular bed supported on said frame,

a pair of leg structures each being pivotally connected with said frame for pivotal movement between collapsed and erect positions, said leg structures depending from and supporting the frame-and bed when in the erect position, and being folded adjacent the frame and bed when in the collapsed position,

means on each leg structure and frame releasably locking said leg structures in the erect position,

mobile support means having wheel means secured thereto, and being shiftably connected to said frame to permit shifting movement of said mobile support means between operative and inoperative positions, said mobile support means including a pair of wheel mounting members, each having a pair of spaced apart castor wheels mounted thereon, a pair of spaced apart elongate support members each being pivotally connected at one end to said frame adjacent one side thereof, and a pair of elongate intermediate links, means pivotally connecting one end of each of said intermediate links with the other end of one of said elongate support members, means pivotally connecting the other end of each of said intermediate links with one of said wheel mounting members, means pivotally connecting the pivotal connection between each support member and intermediate link with the frame,

each of said wheel mounting members when in the inoperative position being suspended from the frame and spaced below the bed, and when in the operative position each wheel supporting member disposed generally normal to the bed and laterally beyond one edge thereto support the table when the leg structures are collapsed and when the table is turned upon one of its edges.

2. The pool table as defined in claim 1 wherein the means pivotally connecting the frame and pivotal connection between each intermediate link and its associated support member is a connecting link, the latter being interconnected with the frame, and resilient means engaging each of said connecting links for yieldably retaining each wheel mounting member in the inoperative condition.

3. The pool table as defined in claim 1 and means for yieldably retaining each of said wheel mounting members in the inoperative position and releasable lock means releasably locking each of said wheel support member with said frame for releasably locking each wheel support member in the operative position.

4. The pool table as defined in claim 7 and a plurality of pins on said frame, a plurality of slots in said leg structures, each slot receiving one of said pins therethrough whereby said leg structures are mounted on said frame for limited translation and swinging movement between collapsed and erect positions, said leg structures depending from and supporting the frame and bed when in the erect position, and being folded adjacent the frame and bed when in the collapsed position,

a locking member on said frame having a locking notch therein, each leg structure including a notch engaging element engageable in the notch of the locking member when the leg structures are swung from their collapsed position to their erect positions and then are translated relative to the frame whereby the leg structures are releasably locked in the erect position.

Claims

1. A pool table including, a rectangular frame, a generally rectangular bed supported on said frame, a pair of leg structures each being pivotally connected with said frame for pivotal movement between collapsed and erect positions, said leg structures depending from and supporting the frame and bed when in the erect position, and being folded adjacent the frame and bed when in the collapsed position, means on each leg structure and frame releasably locking said leg structures in the erect position, mobile support means having wheel means secured thereto, and being shiftably connected to said frame to permit shifting movement of said mobile support means between operative and inoperative positions, said mobile support means including a pair of wheel mounting members, each having a pair of spaced apart castor wheels mounted thereon, a pair of spaced apart elongate support members each being pivotally connected at one end to said frame adjacent one side thereof, and a pair of elongate intermediate links, means pivotally connecting one end of each of said intermediate links with the other end of one of said elongate support members, means pivotally connecting the other end of each of said intermediate links with one of said wheel mounting members, means pivotally connecting the pivotal connection between each support member and intermediate link with the frame, each of said wheel mounting members when in the inoperative position being suspended from the frame and spaced below the bed, and when in the operative position each wheel supporting member disposed generally normal to the bed and laterally beyond one edge thereto support the table when the leg structures are collapsed and when the table is turned upon one Of its edges.

4. The pool table as defined in claim 7 and a plurality of pins on said frame, a plurality of slots in said leg structures, each slot receiving one of said pins therethrough whereby said leg structures are mounted on said frame for limited translation and swinging movement between collapsed and erect positions, said leg structures depending from and supporting the frame and bed when in the erect position, and being folded adjacent the frame and bed when in the collapsed position, a locking member on said frame having a locking notch therein, each leg structure including a notch engaging element engageable in the notch of the locking member when the leg structures are swung from their collapsed position to their erect positions and then are translated relative to the frame whereby the leg structures are releasably locked in the erect position.