Leveling system for a playing surface

Abstract

Apparatus and system for leveling a playing surface on a table, such as a billiards or pool table, which utilizes a plate which supports the playing surface and which is tiltable about an x and y-axis for maintaining contact with the playing surface regardless the angle of the surface relative to the frame. Further, the apparatus is height adjustable to assist with leveling the playing surface in engagement with the plate of the leveling apparatus. Leveling apparatus are also provided between the legs of the table and the frame and which can be pre-leveled before positioning the playing surface to minimize the amount of leveling required to level the playing surface relative to the frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Embodiments of the invention relate to systems for leveling a playing surface of a table and more particularly to apparatus for leveling a playing surface, such as a billiards table.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A variety of playing surfaces require leveling in order to permit proper movement of playing pieces thereon. Certain games, such as billiards and pool and the like, are very sensitive to proper leveling in order to fairly allow the balls to travel on the surface.[0003]In most tables used for billiards, a wooden frame is supported on a plurality of legs and a playing surface, such as slate, is supported on the wooden frame. The slate surface may be provided in a single piece or in a plurality of pieces which are positioned side by side on top of the frame. Thus, both the leg and frame assembly may be off-level as can be the slate or portions of the slate. Leveling therefore becomes complex.[0004]Conventionally, leveling may be performed using sh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Apparatus and a system for leveling a playing surface using at least said apparatus enable leveling of the playing surface with reduced point loading on the playing surface to prevent damage thereto.

[0016]In a broad aspect of the invention, apparatus for leveling a playing surface supported in a frame comprises: a bracket for connection to the frame; a threaded member supported in the bracket and extending axially upwardly therethrough, an effective height of the member being adjustable axially along a z-axis within the bracket; and a contact plate for supporting the playing surface thereon in a substantially level orientation, the contact plate supported at a top end of the threaded member for tilting about an x-axis and a y-axis, the plate being moveable thereabout for freely orienting the contact plate relative to an underside of the playing surface so as to substantially maintain distributed contact with the playing surface when the effective height of the threaded member is adjusted to position the plate at the underside of the playing surface.

Problems solved by technology

Leveling therefore becomes complex.

Due to the weight of the entire assembly, lifting the entire table or even portions of the slate is difficult and may be very time consuming.

Positioning of the shims requires much trial and error.

Typically, the area of contact between the leveling foot and the floor is reduced and there is difficulty in handling the weight of the table while adjusting the height of the leveling feet.

In all cases where leveling occurs between the table and the slate, the prior art apparatus provide a rigid contact surface for engaging the slate, thus the apparatus may not remain fully in contact with the slate.

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