Billiard table with reinforcement on structure and support for the heavy slate

Abstract

A billiard table is enhanced by inserting an additional wood layer between the slate and the frame. Preferably, the additional wood layer is cut into two halves and placed on top of the frame such that there is space between the half boards. Slots are cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the half boards to match the position studs on the interior beams. The angular table legs are enhanced by having the side boards of the legs cut at 45 degree angle at the connecting surface and creating a duct perpendicular to the connecting surface with a strip of wood glued into the duct running along the length of the leg. The table legs are further enhanced by inserting a strip of wood at the interior corner of the leg, forming a triangle with the two adjacent side boards. This invention reduces the overall cost of production.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This invention claims priority to a patent issued by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, application number 200610066707.8, dated Oct. 12, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX[0003]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Billiard game is very popular in the United States. The market for home billiard table is larger than that for commercial use. While home billiard tables resemble commercial tables in appearance and functionality, price is an important factor considered by consumers.[0005]The components of an 8-foot billiard table commonly seen in today's market are depicted in FIG. 1. From bottom to top:[0006]four table legs 100: pre-assembled before arriving consumers' homes.[0007]frame 101: consists of four p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]This invention involves a reinforced billiard table with an additional layer inserted between the frame top and slate, providing a well-fitted contact surface for the slate to sit completely flat and leveled. As a result, the installing technicians could assemble the billiard table at the consumer's home easily using the individual sideboards and interior beams.

[0020]Furthermore, this invention allows the packing of the table frame components in CDK, allowing flexibility in space utilization during delivery and hence reducing overall cost of production.

Problems solved by technology

The delivery of its heavy and bulky components through doors, thresholds, stairs and tight corners presents enormous challenge.

Many of these places preclude the use of heavy duty lifting machines.

However, the size of the pre-installed table frame (about 8 ft×4 ft×16 in) makes transportation and delivery difficult.

But the installing technicians face challenges in ensuring that the resulting frame top is even and leveled, and that the three-piece slate is assembled perfectly flat.

Failure to do so will result in an unstable and dysfunctional billiard table.

Despite treatments like drying and sealing, the wood may warp over time, resulting in an uneven frame top and thus leaving spaces between the frame top and the bottom surface of the slate.

This creates challenge for polygonal plywood legs that are used in less expensive billiard tables.

When the vertical pressure from the table top becomes excessive, or when billiard players' weights translate into horizontal thrusts, the tear strength may be inadequate to hold the plywood pieces together, causing tearing at the joints.

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