US3877702A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marble game table with peripheral pockets and cushions
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-07-16
•
Granted: 1975-04-15
•
Expires: 1993-07-16
Abstract
Abstract A base supports a circular playing surface having an upstanding peripheral rim. Pockets or surface apertures and cushions for billiard shots are alternately and equally disposed about the rim. Troughs beneath the playing surface extend from the pockets to a collector. A marble size separator extends toward the peripheral rim from the collector and connects to a pair of discharge chutes each of which extend through a depending portion of the peripheral rim that masks the troughs, collector and separator. The playing surface and marble handling apparatus are supported upon leveling screws secured to the support base. The discharge chutes for the return of marbles which enter the playing surface pockets may be combined with a coin-operated mechanism to require a fee before the marbles are returned to the players.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph E Saliger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 05:35
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/0023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A marble game table comprising, in combination: a base, a playing surface on the base, a peripheral rim about the playing surface, a plurality of spaced billiard cushions adjacent to the playing surface about the rim, a plurality of playing surface apertures adjacent the rim, a respective opening leading from the playing surface into each respective aperture, the circumferential extent of all billiard cushions equalling the circumferential extent of all playing surface openings, a marble collector, a trough from each aperture to a collector, a marble size separator extending from the collector, a pair of return chutes connecting to the separator remote from the collector, and manipulatable means for releasably retaining marbles in each return chute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A marble game table comprising, in combination: a base, a playing surface on the base, a peripheral rim about the playing surface, a plurality of spaced billiard cushions adjacent to the playing surface about the rim, a plurality of playing surface apertures adjacent the rim, a respective opening leading from the playing surface into each respective aperture, the circumferential extent of all billiard cushions equalling the circumferential extent of all playing surface openings, a marble collector, a trough from each aperture to a collector, a marble size separator extending from the collector, a pair of return chutes connecting to the separator remote from the collector, and manipulatable means for releasably retaining marbles in each return chute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A marble game in accordance with claim 1 wherein the billiard cushions and the apertures alternate along the playing surface periphery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A marble game in accordance with claim 1 further comprising level adjusting means supporting the playing surface above the base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A marble game in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a rim annulus below the playing surface, said annulus supporting the discharge ends of said marble return chutes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
95 words
A marble game in accordance with claim 4 wherein the means for releasably retaining marbles in each return chute comprises a rim annulus wall portion receiving each chute, an annulus wall tab extending into each chute so as to block a marble in said chute, spring means retaining said chute and tab in blocking position, said annulus wall portion defining a chute aperture greater in the line of spring loading than the like outer dimension of the chute such that the chute and wall tab may be separated when the spring means force is overcome.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |