GAME TABLE, ESPECIALLY FOR PLAYING BILLIARDS

Description

[0001] A gaming table includes a top carrying an upper gaming surface and a base structure on which the top is mounted.

[0002] It applies in particular to a gaming table whose upper surface is designed for playing billiards. This table may in particular be intended for outdoor use, the upper surface then preferably being weather-resistant.

[0003] In order to be able to store the game table in a reduced space between two uses, document US-5 020 799 provides a top in two parts which are articulated on the base structure between: a horizontal position of use in continuity with each other to form the upper playing surface, and a position folded vertically against each other.

[0004] However, this storage solution is not entirely satisfactory in that, as provided in particular by document EP-3 169 415, it requires the implementation of complex means to ensure continuity of the playing surface which is compatible with the practice of billiards, in particular by closing the interface between the two parts of the table in a horizontal position.

[0005] To solve this problem, document ES-1 005 075 discloses a game table whose top extends transversely on either side of a longitudinal axis, forming an upper playing surface which is continuous, said top being mounted on the base structure by means of a tilting mechanism around said longitudinal axis between a horizontal position of use and an upright storage position.

[0006] To ensure the stability of the gaming table in the use position and its movement in the storage position, this prior art provides for equipping the base structure with feet and casters.

[0007] In particular, the legs can be screwed more or less under the base structure to rest on the ground when using the game table and set back to put the casters on the ground to allow the table to be moved into storage position.

[0008] However, this solution is not entirely satisfactory in that it is tedious to use since it requires screwing / unscrewing each of the legs to ensure the stability and movement of the gaming table respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, the reliability of the transition from a stable position of use to a movable storage position is not guaranteed since the user must carry out two separate manipulations to, on the one hand, use / store the table by tilting the top and, on the other hand, stabilize / be able to move said table by unscrewing / screwing the legs.

[0010] Finally, screwing each of the feet allows for a tedious adjustment of the stability and horizontality of the playing surface to allow its use in a satisfactory manner.

[0011] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a table whose top has a continuous playing surface which can be tilted between a use position and a storage position, in which said tilting simply and reliably provides respectively the stability of the table for its use and its possibility of moving by rolling once stored.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes a game table comprising a top carrying an upper game surface which extends transversely on either side of a longitudinal axis of said top, said table comprising a base structure having an upper frame on which said top is mounted by means of a tilting mechanism around said longitudinal axis between a horizontal position of use and an upright storage position, said base structure comprising a ground support frame and a rolling carriage on said ground, the support frame and the rolling carriage being associated by an articulation mechanism allowing their relative movement reversibly between: a stable configuration of the base structure in which the support frame is arranged on the ground below the rolling carriage which is arranged at a distance from said ground; and a moving configuration of the base structure in which the rolling carriage is arranged on the ground below the support frame which is arranged at a distance from said ground; said table comprising a device for actuating the articulation mechanism, said actuating device comprising at least one member connecting the top and the articulation mechanism, said member being moved by the tilting of said top while being arranged to put the base structure in a stable configuration - respectively for movement - when the top is in the use position - respectively for storage -.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description, given with reference to the appended figures, in which: [ Fig.1 ] schematically represents in perspective a game table according to an embodiment of the invention, the top being in the position of use with the base structure in stable configuration; [ Fig.2a ] And [ Fig.2b ] each represent a part of the base structure of the gaming table of the figure 1 , there figure 2a representing senior and ground support staff and the figure 2b representing the rolling cart on the ground; [ Fig.3 ] is a representation analogous to the figure 1 view from a transverse edge of the game board; [ Fig.4 ] is a partial and perspective zoom of the figure 3 showing more particularly the articulation mechanism at the interface between the support frame and the rolling carriage; [ Fig.5a ] And [ Fig.5b ] represent the table of the previous figures with the top in the storage position and the base structure in the moving configuration, respectively in perspective ( figure 5a ) and in view from a transverse edge of the game board ( figure 5b ) ; [ Fig.6 ] is a partial and perspective zoom of the figure 5b showing more particularly the mounting of the articulation mechanism on the support frame.

[0014] In relation to these figures, a gaming table is described below comprising a board 1 carrying an upper gaming surface 2 which extends transversely on either side of a longitudinal axis 18 of said board.

[0015] In the description, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are taken in relation to the axis 18, the term "longitudinal" designating a direction parallel to this axis and the term "transverse" designating a direction perpendicular to this axis.

[0016] In the embodiment shown, the board 1 has a substantially rectangular geometry, with four rounded corners 3, supporting an upper playing surface 2 which is arranged for playing billiards.

[0017] In particular, the board 1 has six holes 4 which are distributed regularly along its periphery, being arranged in each corner 3 and in the middle of each longitudinal edge of said board, said holes being arranged to collect billiard balls 5, as shown in the figure 1 . Furthermore, the playing surface 2 is covered with a cloth 6 which may have inscriptions and / or patterns suitable for billiards.

[0018] In a variant not shown, the upper playing surface 2 can be arranged for playing another type of game and / or sport, for example table tennis or a game of pucks.

[0019] Advantageously, the table is suitable for outdoor use, for example on a terrace or in a garden. To this end, the tabletop 1 may have a honeycomb structure arranged between two layers of a polymer coating, for example polyethylene, in order to reinforce both the mechanical rigidity and the water resistance of said tabletop. Similarly, the play mat 6 may be made from a waterproof and UV-resistant textile material.

[0020] The table comprises a base structure which has an upper frame 7 on which the game board 1 is mounted by means of a tilting mechanism around the longitudinal axis 18 between a horizontal position of use ( figures 1 , 3 ) and an upright storage position ( figures 5a , 5b ).

[0021] In particular, the board 1 forms an upper playing surface 2 which is continuous, in particular by remaining in the same state when said board is tilted between its use and storage positions.

[0022] Opposite the playing surface 2, the board 1 has a lower surface 8 which is equipped with at least one plate 9 mounted in rotation on the upper frame 7 to form the tilting mechanism.

[0023] In the figures, the upper frame 7 has two lateral crosspieces 7a connected by a longitudinal beam 7b to have a U-shaped configuration extending horizontally, the free ends of said crosspieces being equipped with the mechanism for tilting the tray 1 between a horizontal position of use resting on the upper frame 7 and a vertical storage position perpendicular to said frame.

[0024] This configuration of the upper frame 7 makes it possible to store the tabletop 1 in a vertical position relative to the ground in order to be able to limit the transverse dimension of the stored table as much as possible. Alternatively, in the upright storage position, the tabletop can form an angle, for example of + / - 20°, around this vertical direction.

[0025] In relation to the figures, the lower surface 8 of the plate 1 is equipped with two plates 9 each mounted in rotation on the free end of a crosspiece 7a respectively to form the tilting mechanism.

[0026] Advantageously, the tray 1 has a longitudinal edge 1a which is arranged in height in the upright position ( figure 5a ), said edge being equipped with a gripping member 10 facilitating the tilting of said tray. As shown in the figures 1 And 5a, the gripping member 10 comprises a handle which is fixed under the lower surface 8 along the corresponding longitudinal edge 1a.

[0027] The base structure has a lower frame 11 for supporting the ground, the upper frame 7 being connected to said support frame by two vertical posts 13. In particular, the vertical posts 13 are each connected in the vicinity of respectively one end of a crosspiece 7a of the upper frame 7, each post 13 being further connected in the vicinity of the other end of said crosspiece by an inclined support 14. In addition, each post 13 is connected directly to the end of a crosspiece 7a associated with the side member 7b, and to the free end of said crosspiece by the inclined support 14.

[0028] To improve the stability of the base structure, the posts 13 are connected by a horizontal support bar 15 which extends longitudinally between said posts, each end of said bar being fixed at mid-height on a respective post 13.

[0029] The base structure has a rolling carriage 12 which is associated with the support frame 11 by an articulation mechanism 24 allowing their reversible relative movement between: a stable configuration of the base structure, in which the support frame 11 is arranged on the ground below the rolling carriage 12 which is arranged at a distance from said ground ( figures 1 , 3 , 4 ); and a configuration for moving the base structure, in which the rolling carriage 12 is arranged on the ground below the support frame 11 which is arranged at a distance from said ground ( figures 5a , 5b ).

[0030] To allow the base structure to be tilted from one configuration to another, the table comprises a device for actuating the articulation mechanism 24, said actuating device comprising at least one member 16, for example in the form of a connecting rod in the embodiment shown, connecting the top 1 and the articulation mechanism 24, said member being moved by the tilting of said top while being arranged to put the base structure in a stable configuration - respectively for movement - when the top 1 is in the use position - respectively for storage.

[0031] Thus, by simply manipulating the tilting of the table top 1, the user simultaneously configures the base structure between its stable state of use of the gaming table and its state allowing the rolling movement of the stored table. Advantageously, the change in configuration of the base structure does not modify the support geometry of the frame 11, which makes it possible to maintain an adjustment of said frame conferring stability and horizontality to the gaming surface 2.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the actuating device comprises two members 16 each mounted near a vertical post 13 respectively, each member 16 having an upper end which is mounted in rotation under the plate 1 along a longitudinal axis of rotation 17 which is offset from the tilting axis 18 to induce a movement of the members 16 by the tilting of said plate.

[0033] In particular, each member 16 is mounted in rotation on the adjacent plate 9 of the tray 1 so that, in the upright storage position, the axis 17 of rotation of said member is arranged above the tilting axis 18, in order to induce a depression of the member 16 when the tray 1 is tilted into the horizontal position of use.

[0034] In the figures, the support frame 11 is fixedly connected to the upper frame 7, the rolling carriage 12 being movable relative to said support frame by means of the articulation mechanism 24 between a high position and a low position in order to be able to reversibly put the base structure in a stable and moving configuration.

[0035] In a variant not shown, the carriage 12 can be fixed to the upper frame 7 and the support frame 11 can be moved by means of the articulation mechanism 24 to be able to modify the base structure from one configuration to another.

[0036] The rolling carriage 12 and the support frame 11 each have two lateral crosspieces 11a, 12a which are spaced longitudinally, each crosspiece 11a of the support frame 11 being fixed to the lower end of a vertical post 13 respectively, the crosspieces 12a of the carriage 12 being arranged in the longitudinal space formed between the crosspieces 11a of said support frame.

[0037] The support frame 11 carries at least one foot 19 whose height is adjustable, which makes it possible to adjust the horizontality of the game board 1 according to the inclination of the ground on which the table is used, in particular when using said table outdoors.

[0038] To do this, the ends of the crosspieces 11a of the support frame 11 each carry a module 20 in which a foot 19 is mounted by means of a manual screwing mechanism 21 which makes it possible to adapt its projection height under said frame. In particular, each mechanism 21 has an upper handle which the user can grasp to screw in the corresponding foot 19.

[0039] Advantageously, once the feet 19 have been screwed in to obtain stability and horizontality of the playing surface 2 allowing it to be used satisfactorily, the tilting of the board 1 and therefore the change in configuration of the base structure have no influence on this adjustment.

[0040] The crosspieces 12a of the rolling carriage 12 are fixedly connected by at least one longitudinal member 12b, the crosspieces 11a of the support frame 11 being associated with a respective crosspiece 12a of the rolling carriage 12. In relation to the figure 2b , the carriage 12 comprises a longitudinal beam 12b, each end of which is divided into two branches 22, the free end of each branch 22 being fixed to respectively one end of the adjacent crosspiece 12a.

[0041] The rolling carriage 12 carries wheels 23 which are arranged to allow the table to be moved by rolling on the ground. In the figures, the carriage 12 comprises four pairs of wheels 23 which are each mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on a respective branch 22 of the central beam 12b, in order to be able to pivot each independently about its vertical axis to be able to steer the table when it rolls on the ground.

[0042] The crosspieces 11a, 12a of the support frame 11 and of the rolling carriage 12 are associated on each side by a respective articulation mechanism 24 actuated by a member 16, each articulation mechanism 24 being arranged at the interface of said crosspieces.

[0043] In relation to the figures 3 , 4 , 5b et 6 , each articulation mechanism 24 comprises an actuating bar 25 on which the lower end of the adjacent member 16 is mounted in rotation, said bar having two lateral ends each carrying a connecting rod 26 in rotation along a first longitudinal axis 27.

[0044] Each of the connecting rods 26 is mounted in rotation along a second longitudinal axis 28 of rotation on the support frame 11 and along a third axis 29 of rotation on the rolling carriage 12, said axes being arranged so that the movement of the bar 25 by the member 16 induces the relative movement of the rolling carriage 12 and the support frame 11.

[0045] In particular, each actuating bar 25 extends over a transverse dimension between its lateral ends, the lower end of the member 16 being mounted in rotation in the vicinity of the central part of said bar.

[0046] Each connecting rod 26 has a first arm 26a extending between the first axis 27 and a pivot 30 defining one of the second 28 and third 29 axes of rotation, and a second arm 26b extending between the pivot 30 and the other of the second 28 and third 29 axes of rotation.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the pivot 30 defines the second axis of rotation 28, around which the carriage 12 is mounted to move relative to the support frame 11 between the stable and moving configurations. Furthermore, the arms 26a, 26b are connected by an elbow carrying the pivot 30, the second arm 26b having a length greater than the length of the first arm 26a in order to be able to benefit from a lever arm effect.

[0048] The connecting rods 26 are arranged so that, when the user tilts the tray 1 into one or other of its positions, they transform the movement of the member 16 into a vertical movement of the actuating bar 25 by rotation of said connecting rods around the pivot 30 to reversibly pass from a configuration in which the axis 29 carried by the second arm 26b is arranged below said pivot, corresponding to the rolling configuration ( figures 5b, 6 ), to a configuration in which said axis is arranged above said pivot, corresponding to the stable configuration ( figures 3 , 4 ).

[0049] In particular, the length of the second arm 26b is arranged to allow movement of the carriage 12 over a height which is sufficiently large to ensure a good height difference between said carriage and the support frame 11, in order to allow: in stable configuration, to separate the wheels 23 from the ground by a height sufficiently great to avoid any contact of said wheels with said ground; and in rolling configuration, to separate the feet 19 from the ground by a height sufficiently great to avoid said feet hindering the rolling of the base structure on said ground.

[0050] The tray 1 is equipped with at least one means 31, 32 for locking in one of its horizontal use positions or upright storage positions, in order to prevent any untimely tilting of said tray towards the other position, in particular from the storage position towards the use position.

[0051] To do this, the upper frame 7 and / or the member 16 is arranged to cooperate with the locking means 31, 32. In the embodiment shown, the lower surface 8 of the plate 1 is equipped with: two locking latches 31 in the horizontal position, arranged to engage reversibly on a lateral crosspiece of the upper frame 7 respectively in said horizontal position; and two locking latches 32 in the upright position, arranged to engage reversibly on a member 16 respectively in said upright position.

Claims

1. A games table comprising a table top (1) carrying an upper games surface (2) which extends transversely on either side of a longitudinal axis (18) of said table top, said table comprising a base structure having an upper frame (7) on which said table top is mounted via a tilting mechanism about said longitudinal axis between a horizontal use position and a raised storage position, said base structure comprising a support frame (11) on the ground and a carriage (12) for rolling on said ground, said table being characterised in that the support frame (11) and the rolling carriage (12) are connected by an articulation mechanism (24) enabling their relative movement reversibly between: - a stable configuration of the base structure in which the support frame (11) is arranged on the ground below the rolling carriage (12) which is arranged at a distance from said ground; and - a movement configuration of the base structure in which the rolling carriage (12) is arranged on the ground below the support frame (11) which is arranged at a distance from said ground; said table comprising a device for actuating the articulation mechanism (24), said actuating device comprising at least one member (16) connecting the table top (1) and the articulation mechanism (24), said member being moved by tilting said table top while being designed to place the base structure in a stable - respectively movement - configuration when the table top (1) is in the use - respectively storage - position.

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

3. The games table according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the upper frame (7) has two lateral cross-members (7a) connected by a longitudinal member (7b) so as to have a U-shaped configuration extending horizontally, the free ends of said cross-members being equipped with the mechanism for tilting the table top (1) between a horizontal position bearing on the upper frame (7) and a vertical position for storage perpendicularly to said frame.

4. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the upper frame (7) is linked to the support frame (11) by two vertical posts (13).

5. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the table top (1) is equipped with at least one locking means (31, 32) in one of its horizontal use position or raised storage position.

6. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the member (16) has an upper end which is rotatably mounted under the table top (1) according to a longitudinal axis of rotation (17) which is offset from the tilt axis (18) to cause the movement of said member by tilting said table top.

7. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the support frame (11) is fixedly linked to the upper frame (7), the rolling carriage (12) being movable relative to said support frame by means of the articulation mechanism (24) between a high position and a low position to be able to set the base structure reversibly in the stable and movement configuration.

8. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the support frame (11) carries at least one foot (19) whose height is adjustable.

9. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the rolling carriage (12) carries wheels (23) which are arranged so as to enable the movement of the said table by rolling on the ground.

10. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that each of the rolling carriage (12) and the support frame (11) has two lateral cross-members (11a, 12a) which are spaced apart longitudinally, the articulation mechanism (24) being arranged at the interface of the cross-members (11a, 12a) of the support frame (11) and of the rolling carriage (12).

11. The games table according to claim 10, characterised in that the cross-members (12a) of the rolling carriage (12) are fixedly linked by at least one longitudinal member (12b), the cross-members (11a) of the support frame (11) being respectively associated with a cross-member (12a) of the rolling carriage (12).

12. The games table according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the articulation mechanism (24) comprises an actuating bar (25) on which the lower end of the member (16) is rotatably mounted, said bar having two lateral ends each carrying a connecting rod (26) in rotation according to a first longitudinal axis (27), each of said connecting rods being rotatably mounted according to a second longitudinal axis (28) of rotation on the support frame (11) and according to a third longitudinal axis (29) of rotation on the rolling carriage (12), said axes of rotation being arranged so that the movement of the bar (25) by the member (16) causes the relative movement of the rolling carriage (12) and of the support frame (11).

13. The games table according to claim 12, characterised in that each connecting rod (26) has a first arm (26a) extending between the first axis of rotation (27) and a pivot (30) defining one amongst the second (28) and third (29) axes of rotation, and a second arm (26b) extending between said pivot and the other one amongst the second (28) and third (29) axes of rotation.

14. The games table according to claim 13, characterised in that the connecting rods (26) are arranged so as to transform the movement of the member (16) into a vertical movement of the actuating bar (25) by rotation of said connecting rods about the pivot (30) to reversibly switch from a configuration in which the axis (29) carried by the second arm is arranged below said pivot into a configuration in which said axis is arranged above said pivot.

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