Game table, in particular for playing billiards

Abstract

The invention relates to a game table comprising a base structure having an upper frame (7) on which a table top (1) is mounted by means of a tilting mechanism for tilting about a longitudinal axis (18), the base structure comprising a support frame (11) for supporting on the ground and a rolling carriage (12) for rolling on the ground, connected by a hinged mechanism (24), the game table comprising at least one member (16) connecting the table top (1) and the hinged mechanism (24), which is moved by tilting the table top, while it is designed to place the base structure in a stable configuration when the table top (1) is in a horizontal use position and in a mobile configuration respectively when the table top is in a vertical storage position, in the stable configuration the support frame (11) being arranged on the ground under the rolling carriage (12), in the mobile configuration the rolling carriage (12) being arranged on the ground under the support frame (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game table, which includes a tabletop supporting a game surface and a base structure on which the tabletop is mounted.

[0002] Specifically, it is suitable for game tables whose upper surface is used for playing billiards. In particular, the table can be used outdoors, so the upper surface is preferably resistant to wind and rain. Background Technology

[0003] To enable the game table to be stored in a small space between uses, document US-5 020799 provides a table made of two parts that are hinged to a base structure in the following positions: a horizontal use position in which the two parts are continuous to form an upper game surface, and a vertical folding position in which the two parts are abutted against each other.

[0004] Nevertheless, this storage solution is not entirely satisfactory because, in particular, as described in document EP-3 169415, it requires complex components, especially by closing the interface between the two parts of the table in a horizontal position to ensure the continuity of the game surface compatible with playing billiards.

[0005] To address this problem, a game table is known from document ES-1 005 075, in which the table extends laterally on both sides of a longitudinal axis, forming a continuous upper game surface. The table is mounted on a base structure by a tilting mechanism for tilting the table about the longitudinal axis between a horizontal use position and an upright storage position.

[0006] To ensure the stability of the gaming table in its usage position and its mobility in its storage position, the prior art proposes equipping the base structure with legs and casters.

[0007] Specifically, the legs can be tightened more or less under the base structure to support the game table on the ground during use, and can be retracted to support the casters on the ground so that the game table can be moved to the storage position.

[0008] However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory because it is so cumbersome to use that it requires tightening / loosening each leg to ensure the stability and mobility of the game table separately.

[0009] Furthermore, the reliability of switching from a stable use position to a movable storage position cannot be guaranteed, because the user must perform two different operations in order to use / store the table by tilting it on the one hand, and to stabilize / move the table by loosening / tightening the legs on the other.

[0010] Finally, adjusting the stability and level of the gaming surface by screwing on each foot in order to use the surface satisfactorily is tedious and tedious. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to improve the prior art by providing, in particular, a table with a continuous playing surface that is tiltable between a use position and a storage position, wherein such tilting simply and reliably achieves both the stability of the table during use and the mobility of the table by rolling after storage.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention provides a game table, comprising a tabletop supporting an upper game surface, the upper game surface extending laterally on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the tabletop. The game table includes a base structure having an upper frame. The tabletop is mounted on the upper frame via a tilting mechanism for tilting the tabletop about the longitudinal axis between a horizontal use position and an upright storage position. The base structure includes a support frame for supporting itself on the ground and a rolling bracket for rolling on the ground. The support frame and the rolling bracket are connected by a hinge mechanism to enable reversible relative movement between the support frame and the rolling bracket between their configurations.

[0013] - A stable base structure, wherein the supporting frame is arranged on the ground below the rolling bracket, which is positioned at a distance from the ground; and

[0014] - A movable structure for the base, wherein the rolling bracket is arranged on the ground below the support frame, and the support frame is arranged at a distance from the ground;

[0015] The game table includes an actuation device for actuating the hinge mechanism. The actuation device includes at least one component connecting the table and the hinge mechanism. The component is moved by tilting the table, and the component is designed to place the base structure in a stable position when the table is in a horizontal use position, and to place the base structure in a movable position when the table is in an upright storage position. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrates a game table according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the tabletop in a usage position and the base structure in a stable configuration;

[0018] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Each shows Figure 1 Part of the base structure of the game table, Figure 2a The upper frame and ground support frame are shown. Figure 2bA rolling bracket for rolling on the ground is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 It is similar to what is observed from a horizontal edge of the game table's tabletop. Figure 1 A schematic diagram;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial magnified perspective view, showing more specifically the hinge mechanism at the interface between the support frame and the rolling bracket;

[0021] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Using perspective views respectively Figure 5a ) and the way it is viewed from one horizontal edge of the game table ( Figure 5b The image above shows a game table, with the tabletop in its stowed position and the base structure in a movable configuration.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5b A partial magnified perspective view shows more specifically the installation of the hinge mechanism on the support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Referring to these figures, a game table is described below, which includes a tabletop 1 supporting an upper game surface 2 that extends laterally on both sides of the longitudinal axis 18 of the tabletop.

[0024] In this specification, the terms "longitudinal" and "lateral" refer to axis 18, with "longitudinal" referring to the direction parallel to the axis and "lateral" referring to the direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the table 1 has a generally rectangular geometry with four rounded corners 3, supporting an upper gaming surface 2, which is arranged for playing billiards.

[0026] Specifically, the table 1 has six holes 4, which are evenly distributed along the perimeter of the table, arranged at each corner 3 and the middle of each longitudinal edge of the table, the holes being arranged to collect billiard balls 5, as shown. Figure 1 As shown. In addition, the game surface 2 is covered with a mat 6, which may have markings and / or patterns suitable for billiards.

[0027] In a variant not shown, the upper game surface 2 can be arranged for playing another game and / or a type of sport, such as table tennis or discus throwing.

[0028] Advantageously, the table is suitable for outdoor use, such as on a patio or in a garden. For this purpose, the tabletop 1 can have a honeycomb structure arranged between two layers of a polymer covering, for example, made of polyethylene, to both enhance the tabletop's mechanical rigidity and increase its water resistance. Similarly, the playmat 6 can be made based on a waterproof and UV-resistant fabric material.

[0029] The table includes a base structure with an upper frame 7, and the tabletop 1 of the game table is positioned in a horizontal use position. Figure 1 , Figure 3 ) and vertical storage location ( Figure 5a , Figure 5b A tilting mechanism for tilting around the longitudinal axis 18 is mounted on the upper frame.

[0030] Specifically, the table 1 forms an upper gaming surface 2, which is continuous, especially when the table is tilted between its use position and its storage position, the upper gaming surface remains in this state.

[0031] The table 1 has a lower surface 8 opposite to the game surface 2, the lower surface 8 being provided with at least one pad 9, the pad being rotatably mounted on the upper frame 7 to form a tilting mechanism.

[0032] In the figure, the upper frame 7 has two lateral beams 7a connected by longitudinal beams 7b, thus having a horizontally extending U-shaped structure. The free ends of the lateral beams are equipped with a tilting mechanism for tilting the table 1 between a horizontal use position supported on the upper frame 7 and an upright storage position perpendicular to the upper frame.

[0033] This construction of the upper frame 7 allows the table 1 to be stored in an upright position relative to the ground, thereby limiting the lateral dimensions of the stored table as much as possible. Optionally, in the upright storage position, the table 1 can be angled, for example, by + / -20° around the vertical direction.

[0034] Referring to the attached drawings, the lower surface 8 of the table 1 is equipped with two pads 9, each of which is rotatably mounted on the free end of a lateral crossbeam 7a to form a tilting mechanism.

[0035] Advantageously, the table 1 has a longitudinal edge 1a, which is raised in the upright position. Figure 5a The longitudinal edge is equipped with a gripping member 10 to facilitate tilting and rotating the table. Figure 1 and Figure 5a As shown, the gripping member 10 includes a handle that is fixed to the lower surface 8 along the corresponding longitudinal edge 1a.

[0036] The base structure has a lower frame 11 for support on the ground, and an upper frame 7 is connected to the supporting frame by two vertical supports 13. Specifically, each vertical support 13 is connected near one end of a lateral beam 7a of the upper frame 7, and each support 13 is further connected near the other end of the lateral beam 7a by an inclined support 14. Furthermore, each support 13 is directly connected to the end of the lateral beam 7a that is connected to the longitudinal beam 7b, and is connected to the free end of the lateral beam 7a by the inclined support 14.

[0037] To improve the stability of the base structure, the support column 13 is connected by a horizontal retaining rod 15, which extends longitudinally between the supports, and each end of the retaining rod is fixed at the middle height of a support column 13.

[0038] The base structure has a rolling bracket 12, which is connected to the support frame 11 via a hinge mechanism 24, enabling reversible relative movement between the support frame and the rolling bracket in the following configuration:

[0039] - A stable base structure, wherein the support frame 11 is arranged on the ground below the rolling bracket 12, and the rolling bracket is arranged at a distance from the ground. Figure 1 , 3 , 4); and

[0040] - A movable structure for the base, wherein the rolling bracket 12 is arranged on the ground below the support frame 11, and the support frame is arranged at a distance from the ground. Figure 5a , 5b ).

[0041] To enable the base structure to tilt from one configuration to another, the table includes an actuation device for actuating the hinge mechanism 24. The actuation device includes at least one member 16, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is in the form of a linkage. This member connects the table 1 and the hinge mechanism 24. The member is moved by tilting the table, and is designed to place the base structure in a stable configuration when the table 1 is in the use position, and in a movable configuration when the table 1 is in the storage position.

[0042] Therefore, by simply and easily manipulating the tilt of the table 1, the user simultaneously configures the base structure between a stable use state of the game table and a state where the table can be moved and folded up by rolling. Advantageously, changing the configuration of the base structure does not alter the supporting geometry of the frame 11, thus allowing the frame setup to maintain stability and levelness over the game surface 2.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation device includes two components 16, each mounted near a vertical support 13. Each component 16 has an upper end that is rotatably mounted under a table 1 about a longitudinal rotation axis 17 offset from the tilt axis 18, so as to cause movement of the component 16 by tilting the table.

[0044] Specifically, each component 16 is rotatably mounted on an adjacent pad 9 of the table 1, such that in the upright storage position, the rotation axis 17 of the component is arranged above the tilt axis 18, so as to cause the component 16 to be pressed down during the tilting of the table 1 to the horizontal use position.

[0045] In the figure, the support frame 11 is fixedly connected to the upper frame 7, and the rolling bracket 12 can be moved between a high position and a low position relative to the support frame via the hinge mechanism 24, so that the base structure can be reversibly placed in a stable configuration and a movable configuration.

[0046] In a variant not shown, the bracket 12 may be fixed to the upper frame 7, while the support frame 11 may be movable via the hinge mechanism 24, so that the base structure can be changed from one configuration to another.

[0047] Each of the rolling bracket 12 and the support frame 11 has two longitudinally spaced lateral beams 11a and 12a. Each lateral beam 11a of the support frame 11 is fixed to the lower end of an upright column 13. The lateral beams 12a of the bracket 12 are arranged in the longitudinal space formed between the lateral beams 11a of the support frame.

[0048] The support frame 11 supports at least one leg 19, the height of which is adjustable. This allows the level of the tabletop 1 of the game table to be adjusted according to the inclination of the ground on which the table is used, especially when the table is used outdoors.

[0049] For this purpose, each end of the lateral crossbeam 11a of the support frame 11 carries a module 20, in which a leg 19 is installed via a manual screwing mechanism 21, which allows adjustment of the height of the leg protruding under the frame. In particular, each mechanism 21 has an upper handle that the user can grasp to screw the corresponding leg 19.

[0050] Advantageously, once the legs 19 are screwed on to achieve stability and levelness of the game surface 2 so that it can be used satisfactorily, the tilting of the table 1 and the resulting change in the construction of the base structure have no effect on the setup.

[0051] The lateral crossbeams 12a of the rolling bracket 12 are fixedly connected together by at least one longitudinal beam 12b, and the lateral crossbeams 11a of the support frame 11 are respectively connected to the lateral crossbeams 12 of the rolling bracket. See also Figure 2b The bracket 12 includes a longitudinal beam 12b, each end of which is divided into two branches 22, and the free end of each branch 22 is fixed to one end of an adjacent lateral beam 12a.

[0052] The rolling bracket 12 carries wheels 23, which are arranged to move the game table by rolling on the ground. In the figure, the bracket 12 includes four pairs of wheels 23, each pair of wheels 23 being rotatably mounted on a branch 22 of the central longitudinal beam 12b about a vertical axis, so that each can pivot independently about its vertical axis, thereby enabling manipulation of the table while it is rolling on the ground.

[0053] The lateral beams 11a and 12a of the support frame 11 and the rolling bracket 12 are connected on each side by a hinge mechanism 24 actuated by the member 16, and each hinge mechanism 24 is arranged at the interface of these lateral beams.

[0054] See Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5b and Figure 6 Each hinge mechanism 24 includes an actuating rod 25, the lower end of an adjacent member 16 being rotatably mounted on the actuating rod, the actuating rod having two side ends, each side end carrying a connecting rod 26 rotatable about a first longitudinal axis 27.

[0055] Each link 26 is rotatably mounted on the support frame 11 about a second longitudinal axis of rotation 28 and rotatably mounted on the rolling bracket 12 about a third axis of rotation 29. These axes are arranged such that moving the actuating rod 25 via the member 16 causes relative movement between the rolling bracket 12 and the support frame 11.

[0056] Specifically, each actuating rod 25 extends over a lateral dimension between its lateral ends, and the lower end of the member 16 is rotatably mounted near the central portion of the actuating rod.

[0057] Each link 26 has: a first arm 26a extending between a first axis 27 and a pivot 30, the pivot 30 defining one of a second rotation axis 28 and a third rotation axis 29; and a second arm 26b extending between the other of the second rotation axis 28 and the third rotation axis 29 and the pivot 30.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, pivot 30 defines a second axis of rotation 28, around which bracket 12 is movably mounted between a stable configuration and a movable configuration relative to support frame 11. Furthermore, arms 26a, 26b are connected by elbows that support pivot 30, with the second arm 26b being longer than the first arm 26a, thereby benefiting from a lever arm effect.

[0059] The link 26 is arranged so that when the user tilts the table 1 to any position, the movement of the member 16 is converted into the vertical movement of the actuating rod 25 by the rotation of the link about the pivot 30, so as to the structure (corresponding to the rolling structure) of the shaft 29, which is carried by the second arm 26b and arranged below the pivot. Figure 5b , 6 The configuration can be reversibly switched to a structure in which the axis is arranged above the pivot (corresponding to a stable configuration). Figure 3 , 4 )).

[0060] Specifically, the length of the second arm 26b is arranged to allow the bracket 12 to move at a sufficiently large height to ensure a good height difference between the bracket and the support frame 11, thereby allowing:

[0061] - In a stable configuration, the wheel 23 is moved a sufficiently large height away from the ground to avoid any contact between the wheel and the ground; and

[0062] - In the rolling configuration, the support leg 19 is moved a sufficiently large height away from the ground to avoid the support leg obstructing the rolling of the base structure on the ground.

[0063] The table 1 is equipped with at least one locking device 31, 32, which is used to lock the table in one of its horizontal use position and its upright storage position to prevent any unintentional tilting of the table to the other position, particularly from the storage position to the use position.

[0064] For this purpose, the upper frame 7 and / or component 16 are arranged to cooperate with locking devices 31, 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface 8 of the table 1 is provided with:

[0065] - Two latches 31 for locking in the horizontal position are arranged to reversibly engage one side crossbeam 7a of the upper frame 7 in the horizontal position; and

[0066] - Two latches 32 for locking in the upright position are arranged to reversibly engage a member 16 in the upright position, respectively.

Claims

1. A game table comprising a tabletop (1) supporting an upper game surface (2) extending laterally on both sides of a longitudinal axis (18) of the tabletop, the game table comprising a base structure having an upper frame (7), the tabletop being mounted on the upper frame by a tilting mechanism for tilting the tabletop about the longitudinal axis between a horizontal use position and an upright storage position, the base structure comprising a support frame (11) for support on the ground and a rolling bracket (12) for rolling on the ground, the game table being characterized in that the support frame (11) and the rolling bracket (12) are connected by a hinge mechanism (24) to enable reversible relative movement between the support frame and the rolling bracket in the following configuration: -The stable construction of the base structure, wherein... The support frame (11) is arranged on the ground below the rolling bracket (12), which is arranged at a distance from the ground. and -The movable structure of the base structure, wherein the rolling bracket (12) is arranged on the ground below the support frame (11), and the support frame is arranged at a distance from the ground; The game table includes an actuation device for actuating the hinge mechanism (24), the actuation device including at least one component (16) connecting the table (1) and the hinge mechanism (24), the component being moved by tilting the table, the component being designed to place the base structure in a stable position when the table (1) is in a horizontal use position and to place the base structure in a movable position when the table (1) is in an upright storage position.

2. The game table according to claim 1, characterized in that, The table (1) has a lower surface (8) equipped with at least one pad (9) which is rotatably mounted on the upper frame (7) to form the tilting mechanism.

3. The game table according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, The upper frame (7) has two lateral crossbeams (7a) connected by longitudinal beams (7b) so that the upper frame has a horizontally extending U-shaped structure, and the free ends of the lateral crossbeams are equipped with a tilting mechanism for tilting the table (1) between a horizontal use position supported on the upper frame (7) and an upright storage position perpendicular to the upper frame.

4. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The upper frame (7) is connected to the support frame (11) by two vertical pillars (13).

5. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The table (1) is equipped with at least one locking device (31, 32) for locking the table in one of its horizontal use position and its vertical storage position.

6. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The component (16) has an upper end that is rotatably mounted under a table (1) about a longitudinal rotation axis (17) about a longitudinal axis (18) for tilting, so as to cause the component to move by tilting the table.

7. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The support frame (11) is fixedly connected to the upper frame (7), and the rolling bracket (12) is movable relative to the support frame between a high position and a low position via a hinge mechanism (24) so ​​that the base structure can be reversibly placed in a stable configuration and a movable configuration.

8. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The support frame (11) carries at least one height-adjustable leg (19).

9. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The rolling bracket (12) carries the wheels (23), which are arranged to move the game table by rolling on the ground.

10. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Each of the rolling bracket (12) and the support frame (11) has two longitudinally spaced lateral beams (11a, 12a), and a hinge mechanism (24) is arranged at the interface of the lateral beams (11a, 12a) of the support frame (11) and the rolling bracket (12).

11. The game table according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lateral beams (12a) of the rolling bracket (12) are fixedly connected together by at least one longitudinal beam (12b), and the lateral beams (11a) of the support frame (11) are correspondingly connected to the lateral beams (12) of the rolling bracket (12).

12. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The hinge mechanism (24) includes an actuating rod (25), the lower end of which is rotatably mounted on the actuating rod. The actuating rod has two side ends, each carrying a connecting rod (26) rotatable about a first longitudinal axis of rotation (27). Each connecting rod is rotatably mounted on a support frame (11) about a second longitudinal axis of rotation (28) and rotatably mounted on a rolling bracket (12) about a third longitudinal axis of rotation (29). The first, second, and third longitudinal axes of rotation are arranged such that moving the actuating rod (25) via the member (16) causes relative movement between the rolling bracket (12) and the support frame (11).

13. The game table according to claim 12, characterized in that, Each link (26) has: a first arm (26a) extending between a first longitudinal rotation axis (27) and a pivot (30), the pivot defining one of a second longitudinal rotation axis (28) and a third longitudinal rotation axis (29); and a second arm (26b) extending between the other of the second longitudinal rotation axis (28) and the third longitudinal rotation axis (29) and the pivot.

14. The game table according to claim 13, characterized in that, The link (26) is arranged to convert the movement of the member (16) into the vertical movement of the actuating rod (25) by rotating the link about the pivot (30), so as to reversibly switch from a configuration in which the longitudinal rotation axis (29) carried by the second arm (26b) is arranged below the pivot to a configuration in which the longitudinal rotation axis carried by the second arm is arranged above the pivot.

15. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The game surface (2) is arranged for playing billiards.

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