Pool table frame

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.

1 . A frame for a billiard table, comprising:
 a) a set of horizontal beams for supporting a playing surface, the set of horizontal beams including at least two side beams extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the frame, 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,   b) each side beam comprising 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; and   c) a plurality of legs mounted beneath the set of horizontal beams.   
   
   
       2 . A billiard table, comprising:
 a) a set of horizontal beams including at least two side beams extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the table, at least two end beams extending transversely along opposed ends of the table and generally between the side beams, the end beams each having a longitudinal extent about half that of the side beams;   b) each side beam comprising 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;   c) a flat playing surface (e.g. comprising slate) mounted atop the set of horizontal beams; and   d) a plurality of legs mounted beneath the set of horizontal beams.   
   
   
       3 . A pool table frame comprising
 a) a frame body comprising at least two frame ends, and at least two frame sides extending between the at least two frame ends;   b) each frame side comprising at least two longitudinally extending frame segments coupled together to form each frame side such that in use, the frame segments bear at least some of the weight of a pool table surface;   c) each frame segment having a length that is less than or equal to half of a length of each frame side; and   d) a plurality of legs extending from the frame body.   
   
   
       4 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , wherein each frame side comprises two frame segments of substantially equal length. 
   
   
       5 . The pool table frame of  claim 4 , wherein each frame segment is about 4 feet in length. 
   
   
       6 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , wherein the at least two frame segments are coupled together at end faces thereof to form a seam therebetween. 
   
   
       7 . The pool table frame of  claim 6 , further comprising an ornamental piece coupled to an outer surface of the frame side to at least partially conceal the seam. 
   
   
       8 . The pool table frame of  claim 6 , wherein the at least two frame segments are coupled together with at least one cam-and-dowel fastener. 
   
   
       9 . The pool table frame of  claim 6 , further comprising a bracing member coupled to an inner surface of the at least two frame segments to support the at least two frame segments at the seam. 
   
   
       10 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of ribs extending between the two frame sides. 
   
   
       11 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , wherein the at least two frame segments are coupled together at end faces thereof to form a seam therebetween, and wherein at least one of the ribs extends between the at least two frame sides at the seams thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one rib extending between the at least two frame ends. 
   
   
       13 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , wherein each frame segment comprises a first width at a first end thereof, and a second width greater than the first width at a second end thereof. 
   
   
       14 . The pool table frame of  claim 13 , wherein the at least two frame segments are coupled together at the first ends thereof. 
   
   
       15 . The pool table frame of  claim 14 , wherein the at least two frame segments are coupled to the at least two frame ends at the second ends thereof. 
   
   
       16 . The pool table frame of  claim 3 , wherein the frame ends and the frame segments are fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of oak, maple, and mahogany. 
   
   
       17 . A pool table comprising the pool table frame of  claim 3 .