Table Or Gameboard Patents (Class 473/4)
  • Patent number: 11439891
    Abstract: A ball dispensing device for selectively dispensing and/or replacing pool or billiard balls enables an individual to quickly and repeatedly position balls for taking a shot. The device includes a track on which a number of pool balls are positioned and a dispensing or releasing mechanism disposed adjacent the track. The track feed the balls thereon towards the mechanism, such as under the influence of gravity, and the mechanism enables the balls to be dispensed individually from the track onto the table surface. Depending on the number of balls positioned on the track, the device enables an individual to quickly and readily position each of the balls from the track to quickly take a number of the shots as desired utilizing the balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Ritenour
  • Patent number: 9070126
    Abstract: An entitlement validation system for laser tag games having a laser tag vest arranged to be activatable for enabling game play has a ticketing module arranged to issue a ticket with a machine readable identification code upon payment made for a selected game, and to update a game entitlement database having identification codes matched with corresponding selected games, a ticket reader arranged to read the identification code of a ticket presented for game activation, a game controller arranged to receive the identification code transferred from the ticket reader and to activate the game equipment upon verifying of entitlement by matching the received identification code with the corresponding selected game in the database. The system may have a base station arranged as a communications link between the ticket reader and the game controller. The ticket reader may be integrated into the game equipment or installed in a validation activation station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: LASERFORCE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Leonard Kelly, Christopher Carton
  • Patent number: 8998735
    Abstract: A game table assembly structure includes a table frame and a table face board, the table frame is composed of two pairs of sideboards. Four connection boards are disposed on top edges of the sideboards. At least one support board is disposed in the table frame with two ends connected with a pair of sideboards. The top edge of the support board is higher than the connection boards. Four connecting boards are connected under the bottom face of the table face board and define a locating space therein. When assembled, the table face board is placed on the table frame with the connecting boards and the connecting boards up and down corresponding to each other for connection, the top end of the support board fitted in the locating space. The table face board can be easily located on and assembled with the table frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Zhejiang Elephant Sport Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Tsai
  • Patent number: 8992315
    Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more game objects (e.g., billiard game objects) in relation to a playing surface (e.g., a playing surface of a billiard table) defining a boundary of a field of play of a game involving use of the one or more game objects in the field of play. A graphical interface image is displayed on the playing surface. Whether the position data in relation to the displayed graphical interface image satisfies an input instruction predicate is determined. In response to a determination that the position data satisfies the input instruction predicate, the input instruction is executed on a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Obscura Digital, Inc.
    Inventors: Niklas Lundback, Steve Mason, Michael Harville, Travis Threlkel
  • Publication number: 20140364243
    Abstract: A billiard table for rebound training comprises a table top, four bottom pockets located at the four corners of the table top, and two central pockets located at the centre of the long sides of the table top, wherein a central pocket sight (2) is fixed at the location of a central pocket; a simulation pocket hole (3) is provided at the tail end of the central pocket sight (2); the length of the central pocket sight (2) is equal to the distance between the two central pockets on the table top; and a rotatable bottom pocket sight (1) is provided at the location of a bottom pocket, a movable marker (4) being provided on the rotatable bottom pocket sight (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Tao Rao
  • Patent number: 8727875
    Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes real-time positions of each of one or more billiard balls moving on a playing surface of a billiard table. Imagery is displayed on the playing surface. The imagery dynamically responds to the position data as the one or more billiard balls move on the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Obscura Digital, Inc.
    Inventors: Niklas Lundback, Steve Mason, Michael Harville, Nikolai Cornell, Travis Threlkel
  • Publication number: 20140066217
    Abstract: Cue sports tables are provided with associated automated sensor and positioning assemblies. This permits competitors to play each other on separate tables. The tables automatically sense ball positions on one table and communicate that to a positioner associated with another table. That positioner then automatically drives balls on that other table to a mimicking position. These systems also permit a shot to be replayed if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Todd R. Stimac
  • Publication number: 20140045601
    Abstract: A game table assembly structure includes a table frame and a table face board, the table frame is composed of two pairs of sideboards. Four connection boards are disposed on top edges of the sideboards. At least one support board is disposed in the table frame with two ends connected with a pair of sideboards. The top edge of the support board is higher than the connection boards. Four connecting boards are connected under the bottom face of the table face board and define a locating space therein. When assembled, the table face board is placed on the table frame with the connecting boards and the connecting boards up and down corresponding to each other for connection, the top end of the support board fitted in the locating space. The table face board can be easily located on and assembled with the table frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zhejiang Elephant Sport Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Jerry Tsai
  • Patent number: 8550929
    Abstract: The portable pool table device provides extreme portability by way of disassembly. The table is divided into four separable sections that are selectively assembled as chosen. The affixed sections provide half circle cutouts and half circle cutout shapes for removable pocket attachment. The sections are ideally affixed together by lateral clamps. The felt-atop-rubberized-layer playing surface is removably installed atop the sections upon assembly. The removable side braces and end braces also provide outer brace playing surfaces along with angled bumpers as are used in other pool tables in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Marie L. Nebauer-McRae
  • Patent number: 8246050
    Abstract: A game manager receives a request from a user to play a cue sport, which includes a table and a plurality of balls. The game manager retrieves user attributes corresponding to the user that include a user skill level. Next, the game manager detects ball locations for each of the plurality of balls, and determines one or more beginning shot opportunities based upon the user skill level and the plurality of ball locations. In turn, the game manager provides the beginning shot opportunities to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lydia Mai Do, Pamela Ann Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 8241136
    Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: providing a table game of the type where a player seeks to sink one or more balls of a set of balls in one or more pockets of the table by striking the balls with a cue ball in accordance with the rules of the table game; receiving a wager from a player additional to any amount required to play the table game, the wager entitling the player to receive at least one bonus associated with an event if the player achieves the event; and electronically monitoring play of the table game to determine whether the player achieves the event and the bonus should be awarded to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Luke Bennett
  • Patent number: 8177650
    Abstract: A billiard equipment storage structure, mainly includes: a bearing bracket, including a receiving space with a hand pulling portion; and a foldable extension mechanism, including two movable frames opposite to each other. Each movable frame has a upper fixing plate, a foldable stretching arm and a lower fixing plate coupled to each other in sequence, where the upper fixing plate is configured under a billiard table, and the lower fixing plate is connected to the bearing bracket. Whereby, the storage structure can be folded and suspended to hide under the billiard table, receive billiard equipment neatly so as to save storage space, and achieve the complete protection of billiard equipment and the convenience of taking them out for play anytime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Te-Yao Tasi
  • Patent number: 8162771
    Abstract: A method for practicing a billiard shot includes defining a position for each particular one billiard ball within the plurality of billiard balls on the surface of the billiard table, using a defined device having a defined body, selectively securing each device to the surface of the billiard table with each ball within the cavity of the corresponding device in its first position, taking a first billiard shot, replacing each of the two or more billiard balls to their first position on the surface of the billiard table, and taking a second billiard shot including the replaced two or more billiard balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Brandee Bergstrom
    Inventor: Richard Bergstrom
  • Publication number: 20110312431
    Abstract: A hook and loop fastening system for attaching a billiard table cloth to a table bed and a rail, a billiard table cloth with template markings for assisting the installer in the correct positing and tensioning of the bed cloth and in the cutting of slits in the cloth for pocket openings (for pocket pool tables) and rail bolt holes, and a rail cloth that incorporates a tract system for attaching the rail cloth on rails to replace conventional feather strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7850534
    Abstract: An inflatable game table (10) constructed of flexible, air impervious panels (22) for forming an inflatable enclosure having an upper playing surface for use as a pool table or the like and being capable of resisting inclement, outdoor weather. The game table (10) is inflatable to a condition for use, and can be deflated for compact storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Karen L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7798909
    Abstract: A pool table which comprises a planar playing surface and having conventional indent sidewalls and pockets associated therewith, the improvement wherein there is provided a center cushion which is located substantially centrally of the playing surface. Preferably, the center cushion partially surrounds a centrally located pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Clément Giroux
  • Publication number: 20100222150
    Abstract: A playing system comprises a playing table and a mechanism situated vertically above the playing table, where the mechanism can be used to accommodate one or more dancers to dance above the playing table while the players play on the playing table. The mechanism may comprise a dancing pole where the one or more dancers may perform exotic dance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: James Timothy Meyers, James Maurico Meyers
  • Patent number: 7753802
    Abstract: A billiard table with a movable apron that conceals/exposes a storage compartment is provided. In one embodiment, a billiard table is presented comprising a playing surface, a rail positioned along an edge of the playing surface, a storage compartment, and an apron movable between a first position in which the apron conceals the storage compartment and a second position in which the apron exposes the storage compartment. In another embodiment, a billiard table is presented comprising a playing surface, a rail, and a storage compartment that provides a mechanical connection between the playing surface and the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventor: William R. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7749090
    Abstract: A billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore Caron, Michael Reedy
  • Publication number: 20090305802
    Abstract: A pool table frame includes a set of horizontal beams for supporting a playing surface. The set of horizontal beams includes at least two side beams extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the frame, and at least two end beams extending transversely along opposed ends of the frame and generally between the side beams, the end beams each having a longitudinal extent about half that of the side beams. Each side beam includes beam segments extending lengthwise of the respective side beam, each beam segment having a longitudinal extent generally equal to or less than the longitudinal extent of the end beams. A plurality of legs are mounted beneath the set of horizontal beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Montgomery Kuntz
  • Publication number: 20090298604
    Abstract: A playing surface with a rectangular configuration having a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges formed therebetween having a plurality of rows of divots, each row of divots being offset from an adjacent row wherein the divots define a multiplicity of triangles, a plurality of cemicircular cutouts formed along the edges thereof and two triangular positions in its center for placing 15 balls. A ball collection assembly including a hollow rectilinear periphery integrally formed about the edges of the playing surface and further extending upwardly and downwardly therefrom with the periphery having a channel formed therein, a plurality of semicircular cutouts formed contiguously with the cut outs of the playing surface to define vertically oriented circular bores which are in communication with the channel and further including a pair of adjacent open faces for a accessing the channel and balls during play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Juan Rafael Maldonado-Castro
  • Patent number: 7625293
    Abstract: Q Ball consists of at least some of the following: a tabletop attached to a base and having pockets and bumper rails, touch screen visual display units, and a felt surface. Q Ball also utilizes cue and object balls, break lines and a center dot on the felt surface, color emblems on the edges of the table, and a rack. Two or more players alternate turns attempting to pocket object balls by striking a cue ball into the object balls. Whenever a player pockets the appropriate object ball, he attempts to answer a trivia question from the touch screen visual display units. If he is successful, he gets to shoot again. The winner is the player that pockets all of the appropriate object balls first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Neil R. Jago
  • Patent number: 7621818
    Abstract: A system to allow quick setup of a support structure and connected playing surface with rapid leveling of the playing surface for playing billiards. One embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface to be mounted to a support structure that can be converted to a couch. This embodiment can be placed in residential housing in rooms such as dens, family rooms, or living rooms. Another embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface when mounted to legs rigidly connected to a floor to be used on a concrete patio, a garage with a concrete floor or on a wooden deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Tilden S. Tippit
  • Patent number: 7611417
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a game table, such as a billiards table, with lights. Preferred embodiments and features provide for lights mounted around the periphery of a game table or mounted on the sides of a game table. The lights may be internally or externally powered from the table. Certain preferred embodiments provide one or more power sources mounted to the game table to power the lights. Other preferred embodiments provide one or more solar panels to recharge the power source(s) mounted to the game table. In some preferred embodiments, the game table includes indirect lighting, such as downward or outward facing lights mounted on the sides or apron of a billiards table. In an alternate preferred embodiment, rope lights are mounted around the periphery of a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Murrey, Scott Thomas, Mike Guerzini, Jerry Schreiber, James R. Allshouse
  • Patent number: 7476157
    Abstract: A cue ball point of aim training device, comprising a target, a target positioning member, a transverse member, and a support structure provided for aiming a cue ball with respect to a given object ball. The base of the support structure, when positioned on the playing surface, resides to one side of a line bisecting the object ball along the desired direction of travel, and can remain in place during a shot on the object ball. The target, representing where the center of a cue ball needs to be to effectuate a desired trajectory for a given object ball, is positioned by the other components of the device in an opposite direction along the line of intended travel of the object ball. Through repeated use in practice, the cue ball point of aim training device may aid in improving one's skill in playing the game of billiards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: John L. Bertilson
  • Publication number: 20080254906
    Abstract: The invention includes a game table, such as a pool or billiard table, with interchangeable parts that can change the look or style of the table by someone other than the factory that originally produced or manufactured the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20080182675
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to novel methods for playing billiards, pool and the like. The methods generally include associating a first player with a first timer set to a first value of time and a second player with a second timer set to a second value of time. The players generally take turns according to the rules of a game of pool or billiards while having the time in the first timer expire during said first player's inning or set of innings and the time in the second timer expire during said second player's inning or set of innings. The game generally ends whenever (a) a player's timer completely expires or (b) a player succeeds in achieving the object of the game before said player's timer completely expires. The winner is generally the player having time remaining while said player's opponent's time has completely expired or the player who achieved the object of the game before said player's time completely expired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Amal Flores
  • Publication number: 20080153611
    Abstract: A playing surface that introduces “movement” or “motion” as a fourth dimension to the traditional game of billiards by altering the natural inertia of the billiard balls is disclosed. In one embodiment of the playing surface, “motion” is introduced through turning or rotating of a portion of the playing surface of the billiards table in the same plane as the playing surface. By affecting introducing a new element that would affect the inertia of the balls, players would then be required to not only make judgments about the distance, angle and force that the cue ball should strike the target ball, but must also consider how those factors may be effective by the introduction of an element that may alter the typical movement of the balls. Accordingly, players will be faced with moving targets, moving obstacles and the possible redirection and/or change in speed of the target balls as they attempt to hit the balls into the pockets of the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Carlin Ghahraman
  • Publication number: 20080026859
    Abstract: The invention relates to a billiards game table and billiards in the form of puck type devices. The billiards table is design with a magnetic ferrite material comprising of the inner part of the table. The billiard type puck contains a magnetic ferrite which enable it's to be remain constantly in suspended motion. The design of the puck with the ceramic magnet within the puck itself allows the device to perpetually levitate above the surface of the table. The combination of using a magnet material as a table in combination with the billiard type puck allows the puck to move freely above the table surface. This constant levitation permits the user to hit the billiard type puck with another thereby culminating in a billiards game. The source for levitation is the use of a magnetic ferrite table and puck with magnetic ferrite. By allowing the puck with a bottom surface and table top surface with same magnetic polarities permits the puck to perpetually levitate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Matteo Bonifacio Gravina
  • Publication number: 20070275785
    Abstract: A book and loop fastening system for attaching a billiard table cloth to a table bed and a rail, a billiard table cloth with template markings for assisting the installer in the correct positing and tensioning of the bed cloth and in the cutting of slits in the cloth for pocket openings (for pocket pool tables) and rail bolt holes, and a rail cloth that incorporates a tract system for attaching the rail cloth on rails to replace conventional feather strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20070232403
    Abstract: A billiard table is enhanced by inserting an additional wood layer between the slate and the frame. Preferably, the additional wood layer is cut into two halves and placed on top of the frame such that there is space between the half boards. Slots are cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the half boards to match the position studs on the interior beams. The angular table legs are enhanced by having the side boards of the legs cut at 45 degree angle at the connecting surface and creating a duct perpendicular to the connecting surface with a strip of wood glued into the duct running along the length of the leg. The table legs are further enhanced by inserting a strip of wood at the interior corner of the leg, forming a triangle with the two adjacent side boards. This invention reduces the overall cost of production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Xiu Zhi Zheng
  • Patent number: 7229360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a table (1) which can be converted into a billiard table, of the type comprising a rectangular fixed frame which is provided with vertical support feet (11) and which surrounds a rectangular central plate (13) which is covered with a cloth and which is carried by the fixed frame, and a rectangular movable frame (20) which is arranged above the fixed frame and which carries internally an assembly of rebound bands. The movable frame (20) can be displaced vertically between a lower position, forming a table, and two upper positions, in which the inner edge of the assembly of bands is, relative to the central plate, at a height for American billiards, then at a height for French billiards, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Etablissements Chevillotte
    Inventor: Claude Chevillotte
  • Patent number: 7220185
    Abstract: A game table is disclosed having a support structure including leg assemblies at either end supporting the table. The support structure includes release/lock mechanisms and counterbalancing elements causing an upward force against said tabletop to substantially offset the weight of said tabletop. The leg assemblies are adapted for adjustment to facilitate vertical movement of said tabletop. The release/lock mechanisms are disposed proximate to the players normal positions to allow the players to alter the height of the tabletop without leaving their playing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Chien-Yeh Chen
  • Patent number: 7163214
    Abstract: A pool table carriage for supporting a pool table at an elevated position above a horizontal support structure, and for transporting the pool table between locations without damaging the pool table. The pool table carriage comprises two support plate assemblies and a main frame interposed therebetween. Each support plate assembly selectively supports one of the legs of the pool table, when the pool table carriage is being deployed. Each support plate assembly further has four selectively extendable rotatable jackscrews, and two wheel assemblies each having wheels. The jackscrews are extendable in two opposite directions. Rotation of the jackscrew in one direction causes the jackscrew to retract upward, thereby allowing the wheels to contact the support structure, thereby allowing the pool table carriage to roll between different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: John J. Bratton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7134965
    Abstract: A process for playing the billiard game of 5-Ball without any racking device, utilizing five object balls (number on ball is immaterial), and a cue ball. Opponent places the five object balls anywhere on the billiard table for the shooter. Placement of the object balls can not be closer than one ball width to another object ball. After legal placement of the five object balls, the shooter starts the game with ball-in-hand. The shooter calls each shot and continues to shoot when pocketing the called object ball. Any foul or failure to pocket an object ball in the correct pocket gives the opponent ball-in-hand. The player who pockets the last object ball left on the billiard table wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Deasy
  • Patent number: 6986714
    Abstract: A method for playing a game on a pocket billiards table with a plurality of consecutively numbered billiards balls and a cue ball by at least two players is shown and described. The object of the game is for a single player to sink all of the billiards balls into the pockets of the billiards table in the fewest shots or strokes. The first ball each player attempts to sink in a pocket is the lowest consecutively numbers ball on the table. Each time the lowest consecutively numbered ball is pocketed, the player moves to the next higher consecutively numbered ball which has become the lowest consecutively numbered ball remaining on the table after the previous ball was pocketed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Joseph Porper, John R. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6875120
    Abstract: A device for calculating where a cue ball must cause an object billiard ball to strike the bumper of a billiards table in order to drive the object ball into a selected pocket of the billiards table of the type having two opposed end rails and two opposed side rails. The device includes a plotting board and a guide. The plotting board comprises a scaled playing table portion and at least one scaled mirror table portion having pocket positions formed thereon, wherein the mirror table adjoins at least one of the opposed end rails or opposed side rails and is a mirror image of the playing table portion. The plotter comprises a guide and an object ball arm, the object ball arm having a pocket guide end and an object end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Clyde B. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6857968
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transporting a pool table for storing it in a closet. The pool table includes foldable legs. A mechanical assembly is connected to the pool table for moving it between a horizontal playing position and a vertical transport position. A movable dolly with wheels is also provided which is connected to the mechanical assembly for transporting the pool table from a playing location to a second location for storage or playing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Albert Fallack
  • Publication number: 20040248659
    Abstract: The Glow Table modification will replace the slate or hard board surface top with a clear Lucite or any clear shatterproof surface. The felt replaced and lights installed under surface. When turned on the surface of the table will glow. The color of the felt will dictate shade of glow and a logo or design can be lighted through surface. The pool table will play exactly the same as before and when turned off the top will appear as a normal pool table. All sizes of table tops can be modified as well as any type felt covered table such as; bumper pool, poker, blackjack, craps, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: G.C. Harned
  • Patent number: 6780117
    Abstract: A game apparatus (10) adapted for use in conjunction with a standard billiard table (16), the game apparatus (10) comprising a sheet of flexible material (12) and at least one target apparatus (14), wherein the or each target apparatus (14) is releasably engageable with the sheet of flexible material (12) and is adapted to releasably receive a ball member (not shown), said game apparatus (10) being adapted to enable the playing of the game in which one or more billiard balls interact with the ball member, the target apparatus (14) and the billiard table (16), in particular cushions and pockets thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: David Robert Osborne
  • Patent number: 6764409
    Abstract: A rotary pool and air powered hockey game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes a pool table surface formed on one side of the combination table and an air powered hockey table surface formed on the opposite side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by a side support member on each end thereof. At least one locking pin device is disposed in at least one side support member to rotatably secure the game table relative to the side support members. A second embodiment includes at least two pivotal support arms, which prevent the combination game table from rotating. A third embodiment includes at least one side support member configured to retain a plurality of game accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Justin L. Voden
  • Publication number: 20040067796
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a game table, such as a billiards table, with lights. Preferred embodiments and features provide for lights mounted around the periphery of a game table or mounted on the sides of a game table. The lights may be internally or externally powered from the table. Certain preferred embodiments provide one or more power sources mounted to the game table to power the lights. Other preferred embodiments provide one or more solar panels to recharge the power source(s) mounted to the game table. In some preferred embodiments, the game table includes indirect lighting, such as downward or outward facing lights mounted on the sides or apron of a billiards table. In an alternate preferred embodiment, rope lights are mounted around the periphery of a table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick W. Murrey, Scott Thomas, Mike Guerzini, Jerry Schreiber, James R. Allshouse
  • Patent number: 6709341
    Abstract: A wheel chair-accessible billiard table having a table top with a bottom being substantially parallel to the upper surface of the table top, smooth, and free of any obstruction. A central support column is below the table top, and the central support column is on a base. The central support column has dimensions such that the large wheels and pilot wheels of a wheel chair as well as the arm rests of a wheel chair can be moved under the bottom of said table top, and the base is low enough to avoid the foot rests of a wheel chair while also having lateral dimensions such that a foot rest of a wheel chair will contact the central support column before a pilot wheel of the wheel chair contacts the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Duane D. Giles
  • Publication number: 20040033839
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transporting a pool table. The pool table has two long sides and two short sides. The two short sides each have a pivot rod mounted to them. Further, each of the short sides has a first leg with wheels and a second leg with at least one wheel for supporting the pool table. Also, the second leg which is pivotally mounted to fold 180° to a position in the same plane as the first leg for transporting the pool table. In addition, each of the first legs has a plate mounted on it. The plates have a recess for receiving one of the pivot rods in order to pivot the top of the pool table 90° between a horizontal playing position and a vertical transport position relative to the first leg, so that the short sides of the table are in the vertical position relative to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Fallack
  • Publication number: 20040009821
    Abstract: A portable miniature hockey playing arena for children to play hockey on their knees with miniature sticks has an upward facing play surface with markings thereon to indicate regions of a hockey rink. The playing arena also has a cushion material positioned beneath the play surface. The miniature hockey playing arena is rearrangable between a portable condition and a set up condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Suzan Kelly Samborski
  • Publication number: 20030236125
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transporting a pool table for storing it in a closet. The pool table includes foldable legs. A mechanical assembly is connected to the pool table for moving it between a horizontal playing position and a vertical transport position. A movable dolly with wheels is also provided which is connected to the mechanical assembly for transporting the pool table from a playing location to a second location for storage or playing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Fallack
  • Patent number: 6629897
    Abstract: A rack for a billiards table includes an indicator that produces an indication signal when the rack is properly positioned on a billiards table. The rack may include a device that produces a light beam. The rack may also include a diffuser or a photodetector that creates a signal when it receives a light beam. The light beam may be reflected back from an element positioned on the table or may emanate from the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: John Curtis Belknap
  • Publication number: 20030162597
    Abstract: An interactive toy. The toy includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a control station operable to remotely control the first vehicle and the second vehicle. A selector switch is operable to select one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle to be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Tek Nek Toys International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Horchler
  • Publication number: 20030114235
    Abstract: A method for playing a game on a pocket billiards table with a plurality of consecutively numbered billiards balls and a cue ball by at least two players is shown and described. The object of the game is for a single player to sink all of the billiards balls into the pockets of the billiards table in the fewest shots or strokes. The first ball each player attempts to sink in a pocket is the lowest consecutively numbers ball on the table. Each time the lowest consecutively numbered ball is pocketed, the player moves to the next higher consecutively numbered ball which has become the lowest consecutively numbered ball remaining on the table after the previous ball was pocketed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Porper, John R. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20030096655
    Abstract: A pool table or the like (10) is formed from a trough (20) whose edges support the bed (12) of the table and have the cushions (34) attached to them. The trough includes means for directing potted balls in a particular manner, which may be in the form of channels (28). Sound-deadening material may be provided on the trough. The cushions can be attached to the trough by clips (56), pegs (90) or conventional means. The invention also extends to the trough itself, and to a method of assembling a table with a trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Geoffrey Halstead