BILLIARD TABLE SLATE LEVELING SYSTEM

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure deals with leveling apparatuses for billiard tables.

BACKGROUND

Billiard tables are tables on which cue sports such as carom billiards, pool, snooker, or a variety of other games may be played. A billiard table typically includes a flat surface, called the slate, covered with cloth and surrounded by cushions which form the perimeter of the playing surface. The slate sits on top of a base so that the slate is elevated above the support surface, such as a floor. In order for the billiard table to function properly, it is important that the slate provides a level surface so that a ball on the slate rolls consistently and smoothly. In some instances, the slate may be unlevel due to manner in which it sits on the base. However, in other instances, there may be concave or convex bends within the slate itself. Removing the slate from the base to fix these issues can be time consuming. Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments include a billiard table including a base that may have a base frame and legs extending from the base frame. The base frame may include an interior support rail and a support bracket extending from the interior support rail. The interior support bracket may define a support bracket opening.

The billiard table may also include a slate that is positioned atop the base frame and supported by the base. The slate may be a single piece or may be comprised of several panels. The slate may include a slate opening that is aligned with the support bracket extending from the interior support rail.

One or more slate leveling assemblies may be used to connect the slate to the base frame and to ensure that the slate is positioned to be level on the base. The slate leveling assemblies may include a slate connector, a slate leveling screw, and a slate leveling plate. A portion of the slate leveling screw may be configured to fit within the slate connector. The slate leveling plate may be removably positionable around at least a portion of the slate leveling screw.

The slate connector may be positionable within said slate opening. The slate leveling screw may be configured to be inserted through said support bracket opening so that a portion of said slate leveling screw is positioned on a first side of said support bracket and a portion of said slate leveling screw including said leveling screw flange is positioned on a second side of said support bracket

The slate leveling assembly may be configured to move said slate away from said base frame when said slate leveling plate is positioned between said leveling screw flange and said support bracket, and when said slate leveling screw is loosened with respect to said slate connector. The slate leveling assembly is configured to move said slate toward said base frame when said slate leveling plate is removed from said slate leveling screw, and when said slate leveling screw is tightened with respect to said slate connector.

In certain aspects, the slate connector may define a slate connector recess. A portion of said slate leveling screw may be fit within said slate connector recess to attach said slate leveling screw to said slate connector. In some embodiments, said slate connector may include a barrel nut and a connector screw. The connector screw may be insertable within said barrel nut and the connector screw may define the slate connector recess. In some instances, the connector screw may be threadedly inserted within said barrel nut.

In some embodiments, the slate leveling screw may include a leveling screw head, a leveling screw body, and a leveling screw flange extending radially from said leveling screw body. A proximal portion of said leveling screw body may be defined between said leveling screw head and said leveling screw flange. The leveling screw body may have a portion that is threaded so that the leveling screw body may be threadedly inserted within the slate connector recess.

In some embodiments, the slate leveling plate may include a leveling plate slot, and wherein said slate leveling screw may be configured to fit within said leveling plate slot when said slate leveling plate is removably positioned around a portion of said slate leveling screw. The leveling plate slot may be defined through a first edge of the slate leveling plate. The first edge of the slate leveling plate may have a length that is less than a length of a second edge of the slate leveling plate. The slate leveling plate may also include a leveling plate seat recessed within a slate leveling plate body of said slate leveling plate. The leveling plate seat may at least partially surround said leveling plate slot. The leveling screw flange may rest on said leveling plate seat when said slate leveling screw is positioned in said leveling plate slot.

In certain examples, the interior support rail may include a plurality of support brackets, and a slate leveling assembly may be inserted through each of said plurality of supports brackets. For example, one of said plurality of support brackets may be positioned on a first side of said interior support rail, and another one of said plurality of support brackets may be positioned on an opposite, second side of said interior support rail.

In some embodiments, the billiard table may further comprise a perimeter rail, a rail top surface, and a rail opening defined through said rail top surface. A perimeter bracket may extend from said perimeter rail. The perimeter bracket may include a leveling surface defining a leveling surface opening. A frame nut may be positioned on a first side of said leveling surface and aligned with said leveling surface opening. A slate perimeter leveling assembly may include a threaded perimeter leveling bolt, a perimeter bolt ball joint positioned at one end of said perimeter leveling bolt, and a bolt pad surrounding the end of said perimeter leveling bolt including said ball joint. The perimeter leveling bolt may be inserted through said leveling surface opening and said frame nut so that said bolt pad is on a first side of said leveling surface. A jam nut may be threaded on said perimeter leveling bolt on a second side of said leveling surface.

The slate perimeter leveling assembly may be configured to move said slate away from said base frame when said perimeter leveling bolt is tightened with respect to said frame nut. The slate perimeter leveling assembly may be configured to move said slate away from said base frame when said perimeter leveling bolt is loosened with respect to said frame nut.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of billiard table including a slate positioned on a base frame.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base frame of the billiard table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slate of the billiard table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slate leveling assembly of the billiard table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a slate connector of the slate leveling assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a slate leveling screw of the slate leveling assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slate leveling plate of the slate leveling assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the slate leveling plate of FIG. 7 positioned around a portion of the slate leveling screw of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the slate leveling assembly and the slate leveling plate shown in FIG. 7 coupled to the base frame and the slate of the billiard table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the slate leveling assembly of FIG. 4 arranged to push the slate of the billiard table of FIG. 1 upward upon tightening the slate leveling screw.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the slate leveling assembly of FIG. 4 arranged to push the slate of the billiard table of FIG. 1 downward upon loosening the slate leveling screw.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a slate perimeter leveling assembly for the billiard table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of a longitudinal rail of the billiard table of FIG. 1 with the slate perimeter leveling assembly of FIG. 11 installed.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the billiard table of FIG. 1 showing the slate perimeter leveling assembly of FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

Directional terms, such as forward, rearward, top, bottom, etc., are used in this description with reference to the specific embodiment shown and used for purposes of clarity. It should be recognized that these terms are not meant to be limiting.

The disclosed slate leveling system allows a user to adjust the slate of a billiards table to sit level atop the frame of the table. The slate leveling system utilizes different mechanisms to level the center of the slate and the perimeter of the slate. At the center of the slate, the slate center leveling assembly utilizes a leveling screw and a leveling plate. The leveling screw supports the slate against a bracket on the frame of the table. A t-shaped barrel nut and mating connector screw are embedded in the slate and are configured to receive a threaded portion of the leveling screw. The leveling screw further includes a flange that extends around the body of the leveling screw. The flange supports the leveling screw against the bracket. If the slate needs to be raised in the center, a leveling plate can be inserted between the bracket and the flange. The leveling plate includes a slot and a seat. The slot allows the leveling plate to slide onto the shaft of the leveling screw. The seat receives a portion of the flange to secure the position of the plate relative to the leveling screw.

On the perimeter, the slate leveling system includes a slate perimeter leveling assembly. The slate perimeter leveling assembly generally includes a bolt and a pad. The pad is coupled to the top of the bolt and supports the slate. The pad is coupled to the bolt through a ball and socket joint that allows the pad to pivot to a certain degree. By allowing the pad to pivot, the pad can sit flush against the slate regardless of the orientation of the bolt. The bolt screws into a frame nut that is welded to the frame of the table. To adjust the height of the slate, a user can screw the bolt further into or out of the frame nut. The leveler assembly further includes a jam nut. To lock the position of the leveler assembly, the user can tighten the jam nut along the bolt against the frame.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a billiard table 100 that is shown without finished rails and without the typical felt playing surface. The billiard table 100 includes a base 105 including a base frame 110 and legs 130 that extend from the base frame 110. The legs 130 include feet 134 which are in contact with the floor or some other desired support surface for the billiard table 100. Although the slate 150 is shown as a single, monolithic piece in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, the slate 150 may include multiple panels. For example, the slate 150 may be formed from three panels, four panels, or more or fewer panels as desired.

The base 105 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The perimeter of the base frame 110 is formed by a pair of opposed longitudinal rails 112 and a pair of opposed latitudinal rails 122 where one of the latitudinal rails 122 is positioned at one end of and between the pair of opposed longitudinal rails 112. The longitudinal rails 112 have a length that is greater than the length of the latitudinal rails 122. Additionally, the longitudinal rails 112 are positioned parallel to each other and the latitudinal rails are positioned parallel to each other to form a rectangular shape.

Each of the longitudinal rails 112 includes a longitudinal rail top surface 114 that extends substantially perpendicular to the body of the longitudinal rail 112 and provides a surface for the base frame 110 to support the outer perimeter of the slate 150. A number of longitudinal rail openings 117 are defined through the longitudinal rail top surface 114. The longitudinal rail openings 117 are configured to receive fasteners for securing the slate 150 to the base frame 110. Likewise, each of the latitudinal rails 122 includes a latitudinal rail top surface 124 that allows the base frame 110 to support the outer perimeter of the slate 150. A number of latitudinal rail openings 127 are defined through the latitudinal rail top surface 124. The latitudinal rail openings 127 are configured to receive fasteners for securing the slate 150 to the base frame 110.

A corner pocket 113 is defined at each corner of the base frame 110, where a respective longitudinal rail 112 meets with a respective latitudinal rail 122. A side pocket 115 is defined through each of the longitudinal rails 112, approximately half way along the length of the longitudinal rail 112. Each longitudinal rail 112 includes a plurality of brackets 118 positioned along the length of the longitudinal rail 112 and aligned with the longitudinal rail openings 117. The brackets 118 are designed to provide support for a rail facing that covers the longitudinal rail 112. Likewise, each latitudinal rail 122 includes a plurality of brackets 128 that provide support for a rail facing that covers the latitudinal rail 122.

A pair of interior support rails 142 extend between the longitudinal rails 112, parallel with respect to the latitudinal rails 122. A cross support rail 144 extends between the interior support rails 142. One or more support brackets 145 extends from each side of each of the interior support rails 142. The interior support rails 142 and the cross support rail 144 assist to support the central portion of the slate 150 when the slate 150 is positioned on the base frame 110. The support brackets provide a connection point to secure the slate 150 to the base frame 110.

A perspective view of the slate 150 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The slate 150 includes a number of slate openings 153 positioned around the perimeter of the slate 150. The slate openings 153 are defined through the entire thickness of the slate 150. In the embodiment shown, each latitudinal edge 154 of the slate 150 includes a total of three slate openings 153. The slate 150 also includes six slate openings 153 along each longitudinal edge 152 of the slate 150. A total of four slate openings 153 are positioned within the interior of the slate 150. In other embodiments, slate 150 may include more slate openings 153 or fewer slate openings 153 as desired.

Each of the slate openings 153 is configured to receive a slate connector 160 of a slate leveling assembly 155, shown in FIG. 4. The slate connector 160 is removably attachable to a slate leveling screw 170. A slate leveling plate 180 may be positioned around a portion of the slate leveling screw 170. The slate leveling assembly 155 may be used to push and/or pull the slate 150 to level and unbend the slate 150 where necessary to assist in ensuring a level playing surface. As described in greater detail below, the slate leveling assembly 155 may be adjusted to move the slate 150 either up or down as desired to create a level playing surface.

The slate connector 160 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. Each slate connector 160 is configured to fit within a slate opening 153 defined through the slate 150. The slate connector 160 includes a barrel nut 161 having a barrel nut head 162 and a barrel nut body 163 extending from the barrel nut head 162. The barrel nut body 163 has a threaded interior surface 164 and defines a barrel nut recess 165. The slate connector 160 also includes a connector screw 166 that has a threaded connector body 167 that is threadedly insertable within the barrel nut recess 165. The connector screw 166 also includes a connector screw head 168 and a slate connector recess in the form of a connector screw recess 169 defined through the connector screw head 168 and at least a portion of the threaded body 167.

The barrel nut 161 is inserted into the slate opening 153 through the top surface of the slate 150 so that the barrel nut body 163 is positioned within the slate opening 153. In some embodiments, the slate opening 153 may be shaped so that the barrel nut head 162 is countersunk within the slate opening 153 so that the barrel nut head 162 does not extend past the top surface of the slate 150. The connector screw 166 is inserted into the slate opening 153 through the bottom surface of the slate 150, and the connector body 167 is threadedly engaged with the barrel nut body 163 so that the connector body 167 is positioned within the barrel nut recess 165. The connector screw head 168 may be positioned exterior of the slate opening on the bottom surface of the slate 150.

A slate leveling screw 170 is shown in FIG. 6. The slate leveling screw 170 includes a leveling screw head 171 and a leveling screw body 172. The leveling screw head 171 includes a collar 173. A leveling screw flange 174 is positioned around the leveling screw body 172 and is spaced from the leveling screw head 171. The leveling screw flange 174 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the leveling screw body 172, but may have a diameter that is less than at least a portion of the diameter of the leveling screw head 171. The leveling screw flange 174 splits the leveling screw body 172 into a proximal portion 175 between the leveling screw head 171 and the leveling screw flange 174, and a distal portion 177 extending between the leveling screw flange 174 and the end of the leveling screw body 172. At least a portion of the distal portion 177 of the leveling screw body 172 may be threaded to allow the slate leveling screw to be threadedly inserted into the connector screw recess 169 to connect the slate leveling screw 170 to the slate connector 160.

A slate leveling plate 180 is illustrated in FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown, the slate leveling plate 180 includes a slate leveling plate body 182 that is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the slate leveling plate body 182 may be other suitable shapes, such as triangular, square, or circular. A leveling plate slot 183 is defined through the thickness of the leveling plate body 182 and extends from one of the edges of the leveling plate body 182 into the interior of the leveling plate body 182. A leveling plate seat 184 is defined in the leveling plate body at the end of the leveling plate slot 183 so that the leveling plate seat 184 surrounds at least a portion of the leveling plate slot 183. The leveling plate seat 184 only extends through a portion of the leveling plate body 182. In the embodiment shown, the leveling plate seat 184 has a circular shape that corresponds to the shape of the leveling screw flange 174, allowing the leveling screw flange 174 to fit within the leveling plate seat 184.

FIG. 8 illustrates the slate leveling plate 180 mated with the slate leveling screw 170. As shown, the slate leveling plate 180 is positioned with respect to the leveling screw 170 so that the proximal portion 175 of the leveling screw body 172 is positioned within the leveling plate slot 183. This allows the leveling screw flange 174 to sit within the leveling plate seat 184 on a top surface of the leveling plate body 182. The leveling screw head 171 is positioned on the opposite side of the leveling plate body 182 with respect to the leveling screw flange 174.

In particular embodiments, the slate connector assemblies 160 may be used to assist with leveling the center portion of the slate 150 when the slate 150 is positioned on the base frame 110. Each support bracket 145 on the interior support rails 142 may receive a slate connector 160 as shown in FIG. 9. The leveling screw head 171 is positioned on a first side of the support bracket 145 and the leveling screw body 172 extends through a support bracket opening 193 defined through the support bracket 145. The threaded portion of the distal portion 177 of the leveling screw body 172 is positioned within the connector screw recess 169 to mate the leveling screw to the slate connector 160.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the slate leveling plate 180 may be used to either move the slate 150 up or down to ensure that the slate 150 is level. In FIG. 10A, the slate leveling plate 180 is positioned on the support bracket 145 so that the proximal portion 175 of the leveling screw body 172 is positioned within the leveling plate slot 183. The slate 150 may be pushed upward by rotating the leveling screw 170 out of the connector screw recess 169, loosening the leveling screw 170 with respect to the slate connector 160.

In FIG. 10B, the slate leveling plate 180 is removed, so that the slate leveling plate 180 is not positioned on the support bracket 145. The leveling screw 170 may be tightened with respect to the slate connector 160, so that the leveling screw extends further into the connector screw recess 169 to pull the slate 150 downward.

A slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 11. The slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 includes a perimeter leveling bolt 210. The perimeter leveling bolt 210 includes a perimeter bolt head 212 and a perimeter bolt body 214. The perimeter bolt body 214 is threaded. A perimeter bolt ball joint 216 is positioned at a distal end 215 of the perimeter bolt body 214, opposite the end having the perimeter bolt head 212. A bolt pad 220 is positionable on the distal end 215 of the perimeter bolt body 214. The bolt pad 220 is positioned around the ball joint 216 and has a conical shape so that the diameter of the bolt pad 220 expands moving away from the perimeter leveling bolt 210. In some embodiments, the ball joint 216 may have a threaded section and the bolt pad 220 may be threadedly connected to the perimeter leveling bolt 210 at the ball joint 216. In certain embodiments, the bolt pad 220 may be made of a plastic material. In other embodiments, the bolt pad 220 may be made from a polymeric material or from metal.

The slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 is shown in operation in FIG. 12. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 shows the slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 installed on one of the longitudinal rails 112 as a representative example. However, it should be recognized that the slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 may also be used with the latitudinal rails 122.

The slate perimeter leveling assembly 200 is positioned within one of the perimeter brackets 118 extending from the longitudinal rail 112. The perimeter bracket 118 includes a leveling surface 119 that is positioned below and substantially parallel to the longitudinal rail top surface 114. The perimeter bolt body 214 extends through a leveling surface opening defined in the leveling surface 119 so that the ball joint 216 is positioned on a top side of the leveling surface 119 and the perimeter bolt head 212 is positioned on a bottom side of the leveling surface 119.

A frame nut 238 is positioned on the top side of the leveling surface 119 and receives the ball joint 216 and the perimeter bolt body 214. In some embodiments, the frame nut 238 may be welded directly to the leveling surface 119. A jam nut 236 is positioned around the perimeter bolt body 214 and may be tightened to be in contact with the bottom side of the leveling surface 119. In this position, the perimeter leveling bolt 210 is positioned so that the bolt pad 220 is in contact with the underside of the longitudinal rail top surface 114. The ball joint 216 allows the bolt pad 220 to pivot to a certain degree so that the bolt pad 220 may sit flush against the slate 150, regardless of the orientation of the bolt, when the slate 150 is positioned on the base frame 110.

To adjust the height of the slate 150 along the perimeter of the base frame 110, a user can screw or unscrew the perimeter leveling bolt 210 with respect to the frame nut 238. With the jam nut 236 in place on the leveling surface 119, as the perimeter leveling bolt 210 is tightened into the frame nut 238, the bolt pad 220 is moved upward, pushing the slate 150 upward. As the perimeter leveling bolt 210 is unscrewed from the frame nut 238, the perimeter leveling bolt 210 and the bolt pad 220 move downward, allowing the slate to move downward.

As shown in FIG. 13, in order to lock the slate 150 at a desired level, a slate bolt 252 may be threaded into a slate barrel nut 250 that is defined through the longitudinal rail top surface 114 and embedded in the slate 150. When the perimeter leveling bolt 210 is positioned so the slate 150 is in a desired position, the slate bolt 252 is tightened into the slate barrel nut 250 to secure the perimeter of the slate 150 to the base frame 110. In certain embodiments, the bolt that is inserted into the slate barrel nut 250 is a standard 3/8-24 UNF bolt. However, in other embodiments, other suitable bolts may be used to secure the slate at a desired level around the perimeter of the base frame 110.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected.