CUE sports table insert device and method of securing cloth to a CUE sports table

Abstract

A cue sports table insert device for securing cloth to a cue sports table, such as a carom billiards or pool table, for covering part of the cue sports table is disclosed, wherein the insert device comprises at least one insert body arranged to be connected to a frame assembly of the cue sports table at an end of an elongated rail cushion of the cue sports table, such as at a pocket or corner of the cue sports table, wherein the insert body comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion arranged to extend alongside of the end of the elongated rail cushion and arranged for receiving a cloth fastener, such as a nail or staple, to secure the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion for covering said part of the cue sports table.

Description

[0001] CUE SPORTS TABLE INSERT DEVICE AND

[0002] METHOD OF SECURING CLOTH TO A CUE SPORTS TABLE

[0003] The present invention relates to a cue sports table insert device, a cue sports table rail assembly comprising such an insert device, a cue sports table comprising such an insert device, and a method of securing cloth to a cue sports table.

[0004] On cue sports tables, also generally referred to as billiard tables, popular sports like pool and carom billiards are played. Hereinafter, the terms “cue sports” and “billiard” are used interchangeably, the term “billiards” referring to all cue sports instead of to a specific cue sport like English billiards. Pool is played on a rectangular table with six openings in the table called pockets, one at each corner and one in the middle of each long side, wherein billiard balls are shot into the pockets, whereas carom billiards is played on a billiard table without pockets.

[0005] Such billiard tables comprise a cloth-covered flat playing surface bounded by elongated cushions mounted on the inward facing sides of wooden rails that form part of the frame of the billiard table. The cushions, like the playing surface, are often covered by a cloth that is called baize, wherein the cloth for the cushions is nailed to the wooden rails.

[0006] In recent years, billiard table constructions have been manufactured from metal like aluminium, a more efficient material in terms of customisability and manufacturability, which can enhance the quality of the billiard table. However, it is found that, when constructing the rail assembly using metal, it is challenging to cover the table, in particular the cushion, with cloth. In particular, it is found challenging to secure the cloth to the table at the locations of the pockets in the case of, e.g., a pool table and, in the case of a carom billiards table, at the locations of the corners. More in particular, it is then found challenging to secure the cloth to the rail at those locations.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention, amongst other objects, to at least alleviate the above-noted drawback, in particular to facilitate covering a cushion arranged on a rail made of a nonwooden material.

[0008] Thereto, a cue sports table insert device according to claim 1 is provided, more specifically a cue sports table insert device for securing cloth to a cue sports table, such as a carom billiards or pool table, for covering part of the cue sports table, wherein the insert device comprises at least one insert body arranged to be connected to a frame assembly of the cue sports table at an end of an elongated rail cushion of the cue sports table, such as at a pocket or corner of the cue sports table, wherein the insert body comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion arranged to extend alongside of the end of the elongated rail cushion and arranged for receiving a cloth fastener, such as a nail or staple, to secure the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion for covering said part of the cue sports table.

[0009] This solution is based on the insight that, by providing a cloth fastener receiving portion at the locations of the pockets or corners, i.e., at the end of a cushion, covering the table, in particular the cushion, is considerably facilitated, as it has been found that it is particularly challenging to secure the cloth to the table, in particular to the rail, at the ends of the cushions.

[0010] Preferably, the cloth fastener receiving portion is arranged to be flush with an end face of the rail cushion. This way, the cushion can be tightly covered with the cloth that is secured to the cloth fastener receiving portion of the insert device.

[0011] The insert body may be provided with at least one fastener receiving opening for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt, for mounting the insert body to the frame assembly. Additionally, or alternatively, the insert body may be arranged to be mounted to an elongated rail profile of the frame assembly, on which the rail cushion is arranged. In general, it is preferred if the insert body is releasably connected to the frame assembly, such that the insert body can be easily replaced.

[0012] The insert body may comprise a mating portion arranged to be at least partially inserted into an interior of the rail profile via an open end thereof. The mating portion preferably comprises a cross-sectional shape that at least partially corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the open end of the rail profile for form- fittingly inserting the mating portion thereinto, preferably in a sliding manner in the longitudinal direction of the rail profile. Preferably, the mating portion at least partially corresponds to the cloth fastener receiving portion.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the cue sports table insert device, the cloth fastener receiving portion is at least partially made of a rubbery material, preferably an elastomer such as rubber. Such a material conveniently allows a nail or staple to be efficiently driven thereinto, thereby facilitating the step of securing the cloth to the billiard table at the location of a pocket or corner. Preferably, the cloth fastener receiving portion, or even the insert body, is entirely made of the rubbery material. In general, for manufacturability, it is preferred if the insert body is monolithic, wherein the insert body is preferably obtainable by an injection-moulding process. According to a further preferred embodiment of the cue sports table insert device, the cloth fastener receiving portion is a first cloth fastener receiving portion for a first elongated rail cushion, wherein the cue sports table insert device further comprises a second cloth fastener receiving portion arranged to extend alongside of an adjoining end of a second elongated rail cushion, wherein the second cloth fastener receiving portion is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the second cloth fastener receiving portion. Ends of adjacent rail cushions adjoin at the corners or at the corner or centre pockets, i.e., at the locations where it can be challenging to secure the cloth to the table. As such, it is advantageous to provide a pair of cloth fastener receiving portions at the adjoining ends of adjacent rail cushions. More specifically, the insert device preferably comprises a pair of insert bodies that is arranged to be connected to the frame assembly of the cue sports table at the adjoining ends of the respective first and second rail cushions, wherein the insert bodies respectively comprise the first cloth fastener receiving portion and the second cloth fastener receiving portion. The insert bodies are preferably separate, i.e., not coupled to each other, other than via the frame assembly when connected thereto. By providing separate insert bodies, the cloth fastener receiving portions can be separately connected to the frame assembly of the table such that the connection of the insert device to the table is facilitated.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the cue sports table insert device, the insert body, preferably each insert body, is arranged to partially rim a pocket of the cue sports table. In this case, the billiard table is thus for instance a pool table. In general, corner pockets of a pool or snooker table each have an aperture of 90 degrees in the direction of the playing surface, whereas centre pockets have 180-degree apertures. These apertures are formed by the space between the adjoining ends of adjacent cushions and, in general, additionally by a recess in the rail assembly. Because of their 180-degree aperture, centre pockets are generally cut shallower than corner pockets. To extend partially around the pocket in a compact manner, it is preferred if the insert body is at least partially arcuate. As the shapes of the corner and centre pockets, in particular the apertures thereof, differ, the insert bodies for respectively the corner pockets and the centre pockets may be differently shaped. Specifically, an insert body for a centre pocket may be substantially shaped like an annulus sector, preferably an annulus sector of between 20 and 90 degrees, more preferably between 50 and 90 degrees. In contrast, an insert body for a corner pocket, which is cut deeper than a centre pocket, may be substantially J-shaped.

[0015] It is preferred if the two insert bodies of a pair are mutually arranged mirror-symmetrically when connected to the frame assembly. Preferably, the curved sections of the J-shaped insert bodies opposite the straight sections thereof adjoin, such that the straight sections point towards the playing surface. It is then further preferred if each cloth fastener receiving portion is provided in the straight section of the respective insert body such that the cloth fastener receiving portions can be arranged closely alongside of the respective cushion ends.

[0016] A further preferred embodiment of the cue sports table insert device further comprises a pocket liner connection portion arranged for connecting a pocket liner for the pocket to the insert body. This way, the functions of providing the cloth fastener receiving portion and of connecting a pocket liner are efficiently combined in the insert device. The pocket liner connection portion may be provided with at least one pocket liner fastener receiving opening for receiving a pocket liner fastener, such as a bolt, for fastening the pocket liner to the pocket liner connection portion. For an efficient assembly, the pocket liner fastener receiving opening preferably corresponds to the opening for receiving a fastener for mounting the insert body to the frame assembly as described above, for instance such that the pocket liner and the insert body can be mounted using the same bolt.

[0017] In some cases, it may be preferable to first cover the cushions with the cloth before fully assembling the frame assembly, specifically before mounting the rail profile, which supports the at least one cushion, to the other components of the billiard table. As such, a cue sports table rail assembly for a cue sports table is further provided, wherein the cue sports table rail assembly comprises an elongated rail profile, at least one elongated rail cushion arranged on a side of the rail profile, and a plurality of cue sports table insert devices as described above, wherein each insert device is mounted to the rail profile at an end of a rail cushion, wherein each cloth fastener receiving portion extends alongside of the respective rail cushion end and is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion. For a sturdy coupling between the insert device and the rail profile, it is preferred if the mating portion of the insert body, as described above, is at least partially inserted into an open end of the rail profile.

[0018] The cue sports table rail assembly may further comprise cloth and a cloth fastener, wherein the cloth is arranged to cover the rail cushion, wherein the cloth fastener is arranged in the cloth fastener receiving portion to secure the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion.

[0019] The rail profiles may be nonwooden rail profiles and are preferably made of metal, preferably aluminium.

[0020] The rail profiles may be obtainable by an extrusion process. This way, the rail profiles can be efficiently obtained. Moreover, such an extruded profile has an open end with an interior into which the mating portion of the insert body can be form-fittingly inserted. Further provided is a cue sports table, comprising a playing surface and a frame assembly including a rail system of elongated rail profiles bounding the playing surface, wherein the cue sports table further comprises a plurality of elongated rail cushions, arranged on the inward facing sides of the rail profiles, and a plurality of cue sports table insert devices as described above, wherein each insert device is connected to the frame assembly of the cue sports table at adjoining ends of respective rail cushions, wherein each cloth fastener receiving portion extends alongside of the end of a respective rail cushion and is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion.

[0021] The cue sports table may further comprise cloth and cloth fasteners, wherein the cloth is arranged to cover part of the cue sports table, such as one or more rail cushions of the plurality of rail cushions, wherein the cloth fasteners are arranged in the cloth fastener receiving portions to secure the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portions.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the cue sports table, the insert device is a corner insert device. The corner insert device preferably comprises two corner insert bodies. The insert body, preferably each insert body, is arranged to partially rim a corner of the cue sports table. In such an embodiment the billiard table is pocketless. In this case, the billiard table is thus for instance a carom billiards table. The corner insert bodies are preferably a mirror-symmetric pair of corner insert bodies. Together, the corner insert bodies preferably form a right angled insert device configured to form the corner of the carom table. The corner insert body is preferably releasably connected to the rail cushion. Each corner insert body comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion extending alongside the end of the elongated rail cushion supported by the rail profile. An inward facing surface of the cloth fastener receiving portion is preferably configured to lie flush with an inward facing surface of the rail cushion. Each corner insert body preferably comprises an angular abutment surface. The angular abutment surface extends at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion. The angular abutment surface preferably extends at a 45° degree angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion. According to an exemplary embodiment only a portion of the angular abutment surface extends at a 45° degree angle, for example an upper portion. In this way, the corner insert body can abut against another corner insert body which is arranged at the neighbouring rail cushion. The angular abutment surface can also extend at a second angle. The second angle is measured between the playing surface and the angular abutment surface. The second angle preferably extends at an angle larger than 45°, measured between the angular abutment surface and the playing surface. According to an exemplary embodiment only a lower portion of the angular abutment surface extends at a second angle with respect to the playing surface. When the corner insert body comprises an angular abutment surface having an upper portion which extends at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion and a lower portion which extends at a second angle with respect to the playing surface, a neighbouring corner insert body can abut against the corner insert body near its upper portion and create a space between the corner insert body near its lower portion.

[0023] According to a further aspect, a method of securing cloth to a cue sports table, such as a carom billiards or pool table, for covering part of the cue sports table is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing an elongated rail cushion for the cue sports table; providing the cloth; providing a cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims 1-10; arranging the cloth fastener receiving portion of the cue sports table insert device alongside of an end of the rail cushion; providing a cloth fastener; securing the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion by driving the cloth fastener into the cloth fastener receiving portion.

[0024] The method preferably further comprises the step of providing an elongated rail profile, wherein the rail cushion is arranged on the rail, and the step of mounting the insert body of the insert device to the rail profile.

[0025] The invention is hereinafter further elucidated with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a pool table comprising a cue sports table insert device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 represents a close-up view of a corner of the pool table of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates the corner of Figure 2 wherein elements are omitted for visibility;

[0028] Figure 4 shows an open end of a rail profile shown in Figure 3;

[0029] Figures 5A-B respectively show mirror- symmetric insert bodies for the corner of Figure 2; Figure 5C represents a top view of the pair of insert bodies of Figures 5A-B;

[0030] Figures 6A-C show insert bodies for a centre pocket of the pool table of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a carom table comprising a cue sports table insert device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates an open end of the corner of Figure 7 wherein elements are omitted for visibility; Figures 9A-C show different views of one or more cue sports table insert devices configured for the corner of the carom table of Figure 7.

[0033] Throughout the drawings, like elements are indicated by like reference signs.

[0034] In Figure 1 , a billiard table 1 , specifically a pool table, is shown. The table 1 comprises a base plate 2, four legs 3 supported on the base plate 2, a frame assembly 4 supported by the legs 3, and a flat playing surface 5. The base plate 2 serves as the foundational support structure for the table 1. A base plate 2 may be understood as a flat, rigid component that provides stability and support for the structure above it. An example of a base plate 2 is a wooden or metal slab forming the bottom layer of the table 1 , while an alternative example could be a composite material base designed for enhanced durability. The frame assembly 4 includes two long and two short rail assemblies 10 bounding the rectangular playing surface 5. The frame assembly 4 may be understood as a structural framework that supports and encloses the playing surface 5. The table 1 has four corner pockets 6 and two centre pockets 7. As shown in more detail in Figure 3, each rail assembly 10 comprises one elongated, extruded aluminium rail profile 11.

[0035] Each short rail assembly 10 comprises one elongated rail cushion 12, whereas each long rail assembly 10 comprises two elongated rail cushions 12, i.e., one cushion on either side of the centre pocket 7. A rail assembly 10 may be understood as a component that forms the boundary of the playing surface 5 and provides a cushion for the balls. Each long rail assembly 10 comprises two elongated rail cushions 12, i.e., one cushion on either side of the center pocket 7. The cushions 12 are mounted on the inward facing side of the respective rail profile 11, i.e., the side facing the playing surface 5. Cushions 12 may be understood as padded components attached to the rail profile 11 to absorb impact and provide rebound for the balls. An example of cushions 12 is rubber strips affixed to the rail profile 11 , while an alternative example could be foam cushions with a felt covering for enhanced durability and performance. The cushions 12 of the long rail assemblies 10 adjoin, at one end, at the respective centre pocket 7. At its other end, each cushion 12 of the long rail assemblies 10 adjoins the cushion 12 of the respective short rail assembly 10 at the respective corner pocket 6 as shown in Figure 2.

[0036] Each corner pocket 6 is provided with an insert device 100 as shown in Figure 5C. The insert device 100 comprises a mirror-symmetric pair of J-shaped injection-moulded rubber insert bodies 101 as shown in Figures 5A and 5B. These J-shaped insert bodies 101 are designed to fit snugly within the corner pocket 6, providing enhanced stability and support. The J-shape includes a rounded portion and a longer, straight leg. The rounded portion of the J-shaped insert body 101 is situated at the end of the corner pocket 6, where it provides a curved surface that aligns with the natural curvature of the pocket. This rounded section is crucial for accommodating the entry of balls into the pocket, ensuring they are guided smoothly and efficiently. The longer leg of the J- shaped insert body 101 extends along the side of the pocket 6. This leg acts as a reinforcing element, helping to distribute the forces exerted by the balls as they enter the pocket, thereby reducing stress and potential wear on the pocket structure. The mirror- symmetric design ensures that each insert body 101 complements the other, facilitating a balanced distribution of forces within the pocket. Each centre pocket 7 is provided with an insert device 100 as shown in Figure 6C, which comprises a mirror-symmetric pair of annulus-shaped injection-moulded rubber insert bodies 101 as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. Together, the arcuate insert bodies 101 of a pair form a horseshoe-shaped insert device 100 arranged to partially surround the respective pocket 6, 7.. This horseshoe configuration provides a robust structural support, effectively distributing loads and minimizing stress concentrations within the pocket. The use of injection-moulded rubber for the insert bodies 101 offers excellent flexibility and resilience, allowing the insert device 100 to absorb shocks and vibrations, thereby enhancing the durability and longevity of the assembly. When two mirror-symmetric J-shaped insert bodies 101 are installed within a corner pocket 6, the mirror- symmetric J-shaped insert bodies 101 come together to form a circular pocket. The rounded portions of each J-shaped insert body 101 meet and complement each other, creating a continuous, circular boundary that defines the pocket's shape. This circular configuration is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the pocket and ensuring that balls are captured effectively.

[0037] The insert bodies 101 are releasably connected, at respective ends of the cushions 12, to the rail profile 11 supporting that cushion 12. This releasable connection allows for easy installation and removal of the insert bodies 101, facilitating maintenance and replacement when necessary. The connection mechanism may involve interlocking features, such as clips or latches, or fastening elements, such as screws or bolts, that engage with corresponding structures on the rail profile 11. This design ensures that the insert bodies 101 are securely held in place during operation, while still allowing for quick disassembly without the need for specialized tools. The ability to releasably connect the insert bodies 101 to the rail profile 11 enhances the versatility and adaptability of the system, enabling it to accommodate different cushion configurations and operational requirements. For illustration, reference is made to Figure 3 which shows, as an example, one J-shaped insert body 101 connected to one of the rail profiles 11 at one of the corner pockets 6. This figure exemplifies the secure attachment of the insert body 101 to the rail profile 11. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the insert body 101 and the rail profile 11 are provided with respective sets of mounting openings 103, 110 such that the insert body 101 can be bolted to the rail profile 11 when the mounting openings 103 of the insert body 101 are aligned with the mounting openings 110 of the rail profile 11. Similarly, the pockets 6, 7 are bolted to the rail profiles 11 via pocket mounting openings 111 provided in the rail profiles 11.

[0038] Each insert body 101 comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion 102 extending alongside of the end of the elongated rail cushion 12 supported by the rail profile 11. An inward facing surface of the cloth fastener receiving portion 102 that faces the respective end of the adjacent rail assembly 10 is flush, i.e., coplanar with an end face of the rail cushion 12. A cloth fastener receiving portion 102 may be understood as a section designed to accommodate and secure the cloth covering of the playing surface 5. An example of a cloth fastener receiving portion 102 is a groove or channel that holds the cloth in place, while an alternative example could be a series of clips or hooks integrated into the insert body 101 for securing the cloth. The inward-facing surface of the cloth fastener receiving portion 102 that faces the respective end of the adjacent rail assembly 10 is flush, i.e., coplanar with an end face of the rail cushion 12. This arrangement ensures a smooth and continuous transition between the rail cushion 12 and the cloth fastener receiving portion 102, which is crucial for maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the table 1. By being coplanar, the cloth fastener receiving portion 102 aligns perfectly with the end face of the rail cushion 12, preventing any gaps or misalignments that could affect the playability of the table 1. The alignment between the cloth fastener receiving portion 102 and the rail cushion 12 is achieved by ensuring that the dimensions and positioning of the cloth fastener receiving portion 102correspond to match the end face of the rail cushion 12. The insert body 101, which includes the cloth fastener receiving portion 102, is designed to extend alongside the rail cushion 12, allowing the two components to meet seamlessly.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5B and 6B, each insert body 101 comprises a mating portion 104 shaped to be form-fittingly inserted into a correspondingly shaped open end of the rail profile 11 as illustrated in Figure 3. The mating portion 104 is designed to ensure a secure and stable connection with the rail profile 11 , minimizing any potential movement or misalignment during use. The geometry of the mating portion 104 may include features such as grooves, ridges, or other interlocking elements that complement the internal structure of the rail profile 11. This design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for efficient maintenance or replacement of the insert body 101.

[0040] Each pocket 6, 7 is furthermore provided with a pocket liner 8. As indicated in Figure 2, the pocket liner 8 has a flange 81, which is mounted to the insert device 100 by means of the mounting openings 103 in the insert bodies 101. The flange 81 is designed to fit securely against the insert body 101, ensuring a stable and precise alignment. For mounting the insert body 101 to the rail profile 11 and the pocket liner 8 to the insert body 101, the mounting openings 103 in the insert body 101 extend from an upper surface 105 to a lower surface 106 of the insert body 101, thus forming a through-hole through the insert body 101. This through-hole configuration allows for the insertion of fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which securely affix the components together. The design of the mounting openings 103 is such that it accommodates various fastening mechanisms, providing flexibility in assembly and disassembly. The alignment of the mounting openings 103 with corresponding features on the rail profile 11 and the pocket liner 8 ensures that the entire assembly is robust and capable of withstanding operational stresses.

[0041] The insert body 101 may be provided with further recesses, openings and through-holes 107 for manufacturability and / or material-efficiency.

[0042] In Figure 7, a corner of a billiard table 1’, specifically a carom table, is shown. A carom table is a type of billiard table used in the game of carom billiards, also known as French billiards or carambole. The table has no pockets, and players score points by hitting both object balls with the cue ball in a single shot, known as a "carom". Similarly to the exemplary embodiment shown in figure 1, the carom table 1’ can comprise a base plate, four legs supported on the base plate, a frame assembly supported by the legs, and a flat playing surface. The flat surface can be constructed from one plate like material or can be assembled from a plurality of plate like materials. The frame assembly 4’ includes two long 10’ and two short rail assemblies 10” bounding the rectangular playing surface (not shown). In figure 7 only one of the two long 10’ and one of the two short rail assemblies 10” are shown. Contrary to the table 1 shown in figure 1, the carom table 1 ’ is pocketless, and has four corners which are preferably right angled corners. As shown in more detail in Figure 3, each rail assembly 10’, 10” comprises one elongated, extruded aluminium rail profile 11’.

[0043] Each rail assembly 10’, 10” comprises one or more elongated rail cushions 12’. The cushions 12’ are mounted on the inward facing side of the respective rail profile 11’, i.e., the side facing the playing surface (not shown). The cushions 12’ of the long rail assemblies 10’, 10” adjoin, at one end, at the respective corner pocket. At its other end, each cushion of the long rail assemblies adjoins the cushion of the respective short rail assembly at another respective corner.

[0044] Each corner is provided with a corner insert device 200 as shown in Figure 7. The insert device 200 comprises a mirror-symmetric pair of corner insert bodies 201 as shown in Figures 9A-9C. Together, the corner insert bodies 201 form a right angled insert device 200 configured to form the corner of the carom table 1 ’ . Figure 8 illustrates an open end of the corner of Figure 7 wherein elements are omitted for visibility. Figure 8 shows that the corner insert body 201 is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the elongated rail cushion 12’. In other words, the corner insert body 201 extends in the same direction as the cushion 12’. The corner insert body 201 is placed at the end of the rail cushion 12’ and forms an end of the rail cushion 12’. The corner insert body 201 are releasably connected, at respective ends of the cushions 12’, to the rail profile 11’ supporting said cushion 12’. Alternatively or in combination, the corner insert body 201 is releasably connected to the rail cushion 12’.

[0045] Each corner insert body 201 comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion 202 extending alongside the end of the elongated rail cushion 12 supported by the rail profile 11. An inward facing surface

[0046] 203 of the cloth fastener receiving portion 201 is preferably configured to lie flush, i.e., coplanar with an inward facing surface of the rail cushion 12’. the inward facing surface 203 of the cloth fastener receiving portion 201 is configured to extend at an acute angle, measured between the inward facing surface 203 and the okaying surface (not shown). The angle is for example 75°. In this way the cloth fastener receiving portion 201 as well as the cushion 12’ form an overhang over the playing surface.

[0047] Each corner insert body 201 further comprises an angular abutment surface 204. When the corner insert body 201 is situated in the mounted position, i.e. when the corner insert body 201 is arranged at the end of the rail cushion 12’, the angular abutment surface 204 extends at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion 12’. The angular abutment surface 204 preferably extends at a 45° degree angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion. According to an exemplary embodiment only a portion of the angular abutment surface

[0048] 204 extends at a 45° degree angle, for example an upper portion. In this way, the corner insert body 201 can abut against another corner insert body 201’ which is arranged at the neighbouring rail cushion, see for example figure 9C. The angular abutment surface 204 can also extend at a second angle. The second angle is measured between the playing surface and the angular abutment surface 204. The second angle preferably extends at an angle larger than 45°, measured between the angular abutment surface 204 and the playing surface. According to an exemplary embodiment only a lower portion of the angular abutment surface 204 extends at a second angle with respect to the playing surface. When the corner insert body 201 comprises an angular abutment surface 204 having an upper portion which extends at a first angle of 45° degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rail cushion and a lower portion which extends at a second angle with respect to the playing surface, a neighbouring corner insert body 201' can abut against the corner insert body 201 near its upper portion and create a space between the corner insert body 201 near its lower portion.

[0049] The corner insert body 201 may comprise a mating portion 205, see figure 9B, arranged to be at least partially inserted into an interior of the rail profile via an open end thereof. The mating portion 205 preferably comprises a cross-sectional shape that at least partially corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the interior of the open end of the rail profile for form-fittingly inserting the mating portion thereinto, preferably in a sliding manner in the longitudinal direction of the rail profile. For a sturdy coupling between the insert device and the rail profile, it is preferred if the mating portion of the insert body, as described above, is at least partially inserted into an open end of the rail profile.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the corner insert body 201, the cloth fastener receiving portion 202 is at least partially made of a rubbery material, preferably an elastomer such as rubber. Such a material conveniently allows a nail or staple to be efficiently driven thereinto, thereby facilitating the step of securing the cloth to the billiard table at the location of a pocket or corner. Preferably, the cloth fastener receiving portion 202, or even the corner insert body 201, is entirely made of the rubbery material. In general, for manufacturability, it is preferred if the insert body is monolithic, wherein the insert body is preferably obtainable by an injection-moulding process.

[0051] The drawings and the above description serve to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. A cue sports table insert device for securing cloth to a cue sports table, such as a carom billiards or pool table, for covering part of the cue sports table, wherein the insert device comprises at least one insert body arranged to be connected to a frame assembly of the cue sports table at an end of an elongated rail cushion of the cue sports table, such as at a pocket or corner of the cue sports table, wherein the insert body comprises a cloth fastener receiving portion arranged to extend alongside of the end of the elongated rail cushion and arranged for receiving a cloth fastener, such as a nail or staple, to secure the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion for covering said part of the cue sports table.

2. Cue sports table insert device according to claim 1, wherein the cloth fastener receiving portion is at least partially made of a rubbery material, preferably an elastomer such as rubber.

3. Cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert body is monolithic, wherein the insert body is preferably obtainable by an injectionmoulding process.

4. Cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cloth fastener receiving portion is a first cloth fastener receiving portion for a first elongated rail cushion, wherein the cue sports table insert device further comprises a second cloth fastener receiving portion arranged to extend alongside of an adjoining end of a second elongated rail cushion, wherein the second cloth fastener receiving portion is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the second cloth fastener receiving portion.

5. Cue sports table insert device according to claim 4, wherein the insert device comprises a pair of insert bodies that is arranged to be connected to the frame assembly of the cue sports table at the adjoining ends of the respective first and second rail cushions, wherein the insert bodies respectively comprise the first cloth fastener receiving portion and the second cloth fastener receiving portion.

6. Cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert body is arranged to partially rim a pocket of the cue sports table.

7. Cue sports table insert device according to claim 6, further comprising a pocket liner connection portion arranged for connecting a pocket liner for the pocket to the insert body.

8. Cue sports table insert device according to claim 7, wherein the pocket liner connection portion is provided with at least one pocket liner fastener receiving opening for receiving a pocket liner fastener, such as a bolt, for fastening the pocket liner to the pocket liner connection portion.

9. Cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cloth fastener receiving portion is arranged to be flush with an end face of the rail cushion.

10. Cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert body is arranged to be mounted to an elongated rail profile of the frame assembly, on which the rail cushion is arranged.

11. Cue sports table rail assembly for a cue sports table, wherein the cue sports table rail assembly comprises an elongated rail profile, at least one elongated rail cushion arranged on a side of the rail profile, and a plurality of cue sports table insert devices according to claim 10, wherein each insert device is mounted to the rail profile at an end of a rail cushion, wherein each cloth fastener receiving portion extends alongside of the respective rail cushion end and is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion.

12. Cue sports table, comprising a playing surface and a frame assembly including a rail system of elongated rail profiles bounding the playing surface, wherein the cue sports table further comprises a plurality of elongated rail cushions, arranged on the inward facing sides of the rail profiles, and a plurality of cue sports table insert devices according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, wherein each insert device is connected to the frame assembly of the cue sports table at adjoining ends of respective rail cushions, wherein each cloth fastener receiving portion extends alongside of the end of a respective rail cushion and is arranged for receiving a cloth fastener to secure cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion.

13. Cue sports table according to claim 12, wherein the rail profiles are nonwooden rail profiles, wherein the rail profiles are preferably made of aluminium.

14. Cue sports table according to claim 13, wherein the rail profiles are obtainable by an extrusion process.

15. Method of securing cloth to a cue sports table, such as a carom billiards or pool table, for covering part of the cue sports table, wherein the method comprises the steps of:- providing an elongated rail cushion for the cue sports table;- providing the cloth;- providing a cue sports table insert device according to any of the preceding claims 1-10;- arranging the cloth fastener receiving portion of the cue sports table insert device alongside of an end of the rail cushion;- providing a cloth fastener;- securing the cloth to the cloth fastener receiving portion by driving the cloth fastener into the cloth fastener receiving portion.

16. Method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of providing an elongated rail profile, wherein the rail cushion is arranged on the rail, and the step of mounting the insert body of the insert device to the rail profile.

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