GB2546064A - Anti-static gaming surface - Google Patents
Anti-static gaming surface Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2546064A GB2546064A GB1520726.9A GB201520726A GB2546064A GB 2546064 A GB2546064 A GB 2546064A GB 201520726 A GB201520726 A GB 201520726A GB 2546064 A GB2546064 A GB 2546064A
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- Prior art keywords
- carbon
- static
- fabric
- fibres
- gaming surface
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- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 114
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920001059 synthetic polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009940 knitting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003575 carbonaceous material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010454 slate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910021389 graphene Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 1
- 239000002134 carbon nanofiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011852 carbon nanoparticle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000008240 homogeneous mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical class C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003278 mimic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D02—YARNS; MECHANICAL FINISHING OF YARNS OR ROPES; WARPING OR BEAMING
- D02G—CRIMPING OR CURLING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, OR YARNS; YARNS OR THREADS
- D02G3/00—Yarns or threads, e.g. fancy yarns; Processes or apparatus for the production thereof, not otherwise provided for
- D02G3/44—Yarns or threads characterised by the purpose for which they are designed
- D02G3/441—Yarns or threads with antistatic, conductive or radiation-shielding properties
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
- A63D15/00—Billiards, e.g. carom billiards or pocket billiards; Billiard tables
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D03—WEAVING
- D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
- D03D15/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
- D03D15/50—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the properties of the yarns or threads
- D03D15/533—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the properties of the yarns or threads antistatic; electrically conductive
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2101/00—Inorganic fibres
- D10B2101/10—Inorganic fibres based on non-oxides other than metals
- D10B2101/12—Carbon; Pitch
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2401/00—Physical properties
- D10B2401/16—Physical properties antistatic; conductive
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Woven Fabrics (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
An antistatic gaming surface to reduce kicking in snooker, pool or billiards, comprising a fabric 132 layer affixed to a substrate 136 containing two fibres, one fibre 134 containing carbon in order increase conductivity and reduce the build up static electricity. Preferably, the fabric fibres are natural or synthetic and have a directional or non-directional nap. Preferably, the carbon containing fibre is in a matrix of fibres and comprises a polymer composite where the carbon may be in the core (142, figure 4), form a sheath or be distributed through the fibre. Preferably, 0.5% of the fibres contain carbon. Preferably, the carbon containing and fabric fibres are homogeneously mixed, then are spun to form a yarn, and then woven or knitted to form a fabric. Preferably the percentage of carbon containing fibres is matched to the speed of play.
Description
Anti-Static Gaming Surface
The present invention relates to an anti-static gaming surface, in particular for a cue and ball gaming table, such as a billiards, snooker or pool table. The invention further relates to an anti-static gaming surface covering, to a method of forming an anti-static gaming surface using such a covering, and to a method of creating a fabric for such an anti-static gaming surface covering.
Cue and ball games are popular pastimes, and are played competitively to very high standards. The games generally require manipulation of the cue in order to accurately propel the balls about the gaming surface. Interfering factors to a player’s accuracy can hamper the enjoyment of watching and playing the game.
One such factor is the phenomenon known as ‘kicking’, wherein the cue and/or object balls on the gaming surface make poor contact with one another, or jump up from the gaming surface unexpectedly. This phenomenon is not well understood, but the main hypothesis is that the build-up and subsequent rapid dissipation of static electrical charge as the balls come into contact with one another is the cause of the problem. The electrostatic adhesion of chalk particles to the surfaces of the balls may also be a contributing factor.
Given the accuracy requirements for cue and ball games, such as elite-level snooker, pool and billiards, the problem of such kicks can result in random, unfair errors being introduced into the play of the game. This is a particular issue where the stakes of any particular game are very high.
There are a few preventative measures which have been adopted to attempt to reduce the build-up of static charge mid-game. Such measures include: the wearing of non-synthetic clothing by officials and players; regular ball cleaning; table brushing; temperature and/or humidity control within the gaming room; and/or anti-static cleaning sprays or products which can be applied to the table. However, none of these solutions represent a permanent solution to the problem of static build-up, and do tend to interrupt play, which is disruptive to the game.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gaming surface which substantially reduces or minimises the build-up of static electric charge in order to obviate or lessen the above-described problems without substantially changing the fabric characteristics and surface friction properties of the gaming surface.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an anti-static gaming surface comprising: a fabric layer having a main fabric body including a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and a plurality of fabric fibres which are different to the said carbon-element-containing fibres, the carbon-element-containing fibres being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer; and a support substrate which defines a gaming area, the fabric layer being affixed to the support substrate to cover at least part of the gaming area.
By providing interspersed carbon-element-containing fibres, or carbon fibres, within the fabric body of a gaming table cloth, it becomes possible to more readily dissipate static electrical charges which may have formed on the gaming table surface, balls, cues, and/or players. Carbon-element-containing fibres are good electrical conductors, allowing build-up of charge to be dissipated away from localised areas of charge concentration, in turn, limiting the likelihood of static discharge. This should then result in a reduced propensity for kicks to occur.
The fabric fibres may comprise natural fibre material, or may comprise synthetic fibre material. Furthermore, the fabric layer may be finished having a nap, which may be directional or non-directional.
Ideally, the fabric body is constructed so as to closely mimic the gameplay properties of traditional napped snooker cloth, depending upon the game in question, and therefore it is beneficial to utilise similar fabrics to those traditionally used.
Preferably, the plurality of fabric fibres may be arranged as a matrix of fibres, the carbon-element-containing fibres being distributed throughout the matrix of fibres.
There is clearly a trade-off between utilising a higher or lower concentration of carbon-element-containing fibres. A higher concentration would likely result in better static charge dissipation properties for the gaming surface, but would also likely hamper the gameplay when compared with traditional gaming surfaces. Interspersing carbon-element-containing fibres within the fabric matrix offers a good balance between anti-static properties and expected gaming performance for the gaming surface.
Optionally, the carbon-element-containing fibres may be formed from a carbon composite fibre material, which may be a synthetic polymer fibre which includes a carbon-containing element. Said carbon-containing element may include: a carbon-containing core of the synthetic polymer fibre; a carbon-containing strip arranged on the surface of the synthetic polymer fibre; or a plurality of carbon elements distributed throughout the synthetic polymer fibre.
Various types of carbon-containing fibre have been tried and tested, and it has been found that fibres having a carbon-containing core strike the most effective balance between anti-static properties and trueness of play of the gaming surface.
In one preferred embodiment, the percentage by weight of the carbon-element-containing fibres in the anti-static gaming surface may be or may substantially be 0.5%.
Such a percentage of carbon-element-containing fibres to fabric fibres in the anti-static gaming surface provides excellent electrostatic dissipation properties whilst minimising the overall effect on the play of the gaming surface.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a billiards, snooker or pool table having an anti-static gaming surface in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there provided an anti-static gaming surface covering comprising a fabric layer having a main fabric body having a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres integrated therein, the carbon-element-containing fibres being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of reducing the effects of static kicks on a gaming surface, the method comprising the steps of: a] creating an anti-static gaming surface covering according to the third aspect of the invention; and b] affixing the anti-static gaming surface covering to a support substrate which defines a gaming area to reduce the build-up of kick-causing static at or on the gaming surface.
The provision of a separate covering which can be applied to a gaming surface allows the above-described invention to advantageously be applied to existing gaming tables to allow for conversion to an anti-static gaming surface to reduce the likelihood of kicks occurring.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a fabric for an anti-static gaming surface covering, preferably in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and a plurality of fabric fibres which are different to the carbon-element-containing fibres; b] creating a composite fibre blend by blending the plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and the plurality of fabric fibres; and c] forming the composite fibre blend into fabric for an anti-static gaming surface.
By providing a means for forming carbon-element-containing fibres into a traditional gaming fabric for use in cue and ball games, it becomes possible to construct a fabric having the above-described anti-static properties.
Preferably, during step b], the plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and the plurality of fabric fibres may be blended homogeneously. A homogeneous mixture of carbon-element-containing fibres and fabric fibres, that is, a blend having a reasonably even distribution of each type of fibre, beneficially allows for the electrically-conductive properties of the carbon-element-containing fibres to be evenly distributed across the entire gaming surface. This improves the uniformity of the anti-static properties of the gaming surface.
During step c], the composite fibre blend may be spun to form a composite fibre yam, which may then be woven into fabric. There may further be the step d] of finishing the fabric so as to provide a directional or non-directional nap.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an anti-static gaming surface comprising: a fabric layer having a main fabric body and a static charge dispersing element associated with the main fabric body, the static charge dispersing element being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer; and a support substrate which defines a gaming area, the fabric layer being affixed to the support substrate to cover at least part of the gaming area.
Whilst the provision of carbon-element-containing fibres may be the most effective means by which anti-static properties can be introduced into a gaming fabric, it will be appreciated that other means of dissipating charge can also be considered.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of altering a speed of play of a gaming surface for a cue and ball game, the method comprising the step of: providing an anti-static gaming surface, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the percentage by weight of carbon-element-containing fibres in the anti-static gaming surface is selected according to the speed of play of the anti-static gaming surface.
Changing the ratio of carbon-element-containing fibres to fabric fibres in the anti-static gaming surface can have an effect on the speed of play of the surface. This characteristic may advantageously be utilised to produce a range of gaming surfaces having different speeds of play for different types of cue and ball games, merely by changing the fibre blend.
The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective representation of an existing snooker table in use;
Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic cross-section view through the snooker table of Figure 1, indicating the potential accumulation of static charge;
Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a gaming table having an anti-static gaming surface in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional representation through one embodiment of a carbon-element-containing fibre usable as part of the anti-static gaming surface of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a representation of a composite fibre blend comprising a main fabric body and a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres, usable in the production of the anti-static gaming surface of Figure 3;
Figure 6 shows a representation of a composite fabric yarn formed from the composite fibre blend of Figure 5; and
Figure 7 shows a plan representation of an anti-static gaming surface covering formed from the composite fabric yam of Figure 6.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a known gaming table, indicated globally at 10, and which can be used for playing cue and ball games such as snooker, pool or billiards. Such games generally involve a player 18 striking a cue ball 14 with their cue 12 across a fabric gaming surface 20, which covers the gaming board, known as a slate 22. The aim is generally to hit an object ball 16, usually into a pocket 24 or onto the cushions 26 or rails of the gaming table 10.
The form of the fabric gaming surface 20 differs depending upon the game being played. In snooker, for example, the main fabric body 28 of the fabric gaming surface 20 is formed primarily from cloth, which is either made from wool or a wool-nylon blend. High-quality woollen or worsted cloth, for example, may be used for tournament pool tables, and snooker cloth typically has a directional nap, being a raised pile formed as part of the cloth in a process known as finishing and brushed in a given direction. This nap alters the manner in which the fabric gaming surface 20 plays; balls 14, 16 struck along the nap will roll differently to those struck against the nap. However, non-directional naps are also commonly used in other games, and it will be apparent that such a non-directional nap could readily be provided.
The likely distribution of static electrical charges for a gaming table 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The player 18 may have a build-up of static charge about their person, which may accumulate through physical interaction with their clothing, for example, particularly if wearing synthetic fibres. The balls 14, 16 may also carry static charges on their surfaces, and there may be localised static charges associated with the fabric gaming surface 20.
As the balls 14, 16 move across the fabric gaming surface 20, the static charges between the various moving bodies may interact, which can result in the trajectories of the balls 14, 16 being less than true. This is referred to as a ‘kick’ in the gaming table 10.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an anti-kick gaming surface, in accordance with the present invention, indicated globally as 120. The gaming surface 120 is here illustrated as a snooker cloth having a directional nap 130, but it will be appreciated that any type of gaming surface could be provided, such as those for pool, billiards, carom, and so on, and could also be considered for card gaming surfaces, such as those found in casino games which often utilise similar fabrics, or for table football games. References which are similar or identical to those utilised previously refer to like or similar features and therefore further detailed description is omitted.
The anti-static gaming surface 120 is formed from a fabric 132 which here comprises a main fabric body 128, within which is interspersed a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres 134. These carbon-element-containing fibres 134 are arranged to reduce the build-up of, and to dissipate existing static electricity on the main fabric body 128. The main fabric body 128 is positioned onto a support substrate, such as the slate 136 of gaming table 110 to form a planar upper surface 138 upon which the game can be played.
One embodiment of such carbon-element-containing fibre 134 is illustrated in Figure 4,illustrated in cross-section; the fibre 134 is a carbon composite comprising a fibre body 140 which is not formed from a carbon-element-containing fibre, but may be formed, for example, from wool, nylon, a composite thereof, or any known fabric fibre, natural or synthetic. Nylon is the most usual material for use in this context. Contained within the fibre body 140 is a core of carbon material 142, recessed relative to an external surface 144 of the fibre body 140 and running therethrough along or substantially along the longitudinal extent of the fibre body 140. The core of carbon material 142 enables dissipation of static charge through the longitudinal extent of the carbon-element-containing fibre 134.
The carbon-element-containing fibres 134 are distinct from fibres which may contain carbon atoms, such as organic materials like wool. The important feature is that the carbon-element-containing fibres 134 contain carbon elements which are effective electrical conductors, to enable dissipation of the electrostatic charges which may build up on the gaming surface.
In this particular embodiment, the carbon-element-containing fibres 134 preferably include graphene elements, which are excellent conductors of electrostatic charge. However, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanofibers, and/or graphite arrangements can be considered, and the present invention is not intended to be limiting to the type of carbon element utilised in the carbon-element-containing fibre 134.
To form the carbon-element-containing fibre 134 the, preferably graphene, carbon core 142 is embedded into a nylon fibre body 140 as an elongate strand, again preferably as part of the synthetic extrusion process typically used to form synthetic fibres. In this embodiment, each fibre is typically 65 to 75 millimetres in length, though any fibre length can be made depending upon the utility of the cloth to be formed. Furthermore, the overall composition of carbon-element-containing fibres 134 to fabric fibres 146 is exaggerated in Figure 3; excellent anti-static properties have been demonstrated in fibre blend having as little as 0.5% by mass of carbon-element-containing fibres 134.
Other embodiments of carbon-element containing fibres may also be possible, for example, where a strip of carbon material is provided in communication with the external surface of the fibre body, such that a portion of the strip of carbon material is exposed. Such an arrangement may be more appropriate where thicker fibre bodies are required for the carbon-element-containing fibre.
An alternative embodiment of fibre body may be formed so as to have a substantially identical external surface to that of the embodiment described above. However, rather than utilising a bulk carbon material impregnating the fibre body, a large plurality of small carbon elements could be dispersed throughout the fibre body, effectively forming an array of static charge dissipating elements throughout the carbon-element-containing fibre. Such an arrangement may be more straightforward to manufacture than the cored carbon-element-containing fibre 134 or a strip carbon-element-containing fibre.
Following significant testing of various carbon-element-containing fibres 134, it has been found that the cored carbon-element-containing fibre 134 is most effective; most readily reproducing the play mechanics of untreated fabric whilst being most readily dyed for consistency with a typical coloured gaming surface. It will be apparent, however, that any of the carbon-element-containing fibres 134could be incorporated into the gaming surface 120 of the present invention, either according to the suggested embodiments above, or in accordance with other possible embodiments which, for brevity, are not discussed in detail here. Hereafter, however, the carbon-element-containing fibres referred to will be assumed to carbon core 142 carbon-element-containing fibres 134.
The formation of the anti-static gaming surface 120 may be achieved by providing a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres 134 and a plurality of fabric fibres 146, being different to the carbon-element-containing fibres 134, and then blending the plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres 134 and the plurality of fabric fibres 146 to produce a composite fibre blend 148, indicated in Figure 5. This composite fibre blend 148 is a, preferably homogeneous, mix of the two pluralities of fibres 134, 146 arranged in a relatively random bundle.
The homogeneity refers to the mixture of fibres 134, 146 in the composite fibre blend 148; the distribution of carbon-element-containing fibres 134 is kept as even as possible throughout the composite fibre blend 148, so as to maintain uniform or substantially uniform electrostatic charge dispersal characteristics across the entirety of the eventual gaming surface 120.
Once the composite fibre blend 148 has been created, it can then be carded or combed and formed into a composite fibre yarn 150 such as that illustrated in Figure 6. This would typically be achieved by twisting a linear array of the composite fibre blend 148 along its axis, thereby forming usable strands of composite fibre yam 150. The composite fibre yarn 150 can then be formed into a fabric 132, such as that illustrated in Figure 7, having a main fabric body 128 formed from a matrix of the said fabric fibres 146, having the carbon-element-containing fibres 134 interspersed therein.
Typically, the composite fibre yarn 150 would be woven so as to form the fabric 132 via interleaving of warp and weft, though it will be appreciated that the skilled person will be aware of other means of forming fabric, such as knitting, or the use of non-woven methods, and such techniques could readily be applied to the present invention.
The fabric 132 may be finished, as previously suggested, so as to have a, preferably directional, nap 130, thus making the fabric 132 suitable for use as a snooker cloth or other gaming surfaces. This directional nap 130 may be formed during the finishing process, subsequent to the formation of the fabric 132 from the composite fibre blend 148. A non-directional nap could just as readily be created, however.
As the carbon-element-containing fibres 134 are integrally formed with the main fabric body 128 within the fabric 132, the fabric 132 is able to readily dissipate static charge which builds up on the surface thereof, thereby disrupting the mechanisms by which it is thought that kicks are produced.
Once a fabric 132 has been produced, it can be cut to size to form an anti-static gaming surface covering, and then affixed to the slate 136 of the gaming table 110, as visualised in Figure 3, to thereby form a usable anti-static gaming surface upon which a game can be played.
One demonstrable property of the anti-static gaming surface 120 is that the speed of the gaming surface 120, that is, the speed measurable from the distance a ball travels across the gaming surface 120 when dropped from a standard height ramp, is increased. This speed increase can be utilised to alter the play of a particular gaming surface; potentially by altering the ratio of the carbon-element-containing fibres 134 in the anti-static gaming surface 120, the speed of play of the surface 120 can be selected.
It will be appreciated that the use of carbon-element-containing fibres is merely one means of creating an anti-static gaming surface. Other types of static-reducing fibres are potentially usable in conjunction with the present invention. Furthermore, it may be possible provide permanent anti-static coatings, such as specific chemical treatments which are available for textile products. It will therefore be apparent to the skilled person that the carbon-element-containing fibres could be replaced with a generic static charge dispersing element associated with the main fabric body so as to arrive at the present invention.
Whilst the carbon-element-containing fibre arrangement has been tested and has been found to have the closest performance to that of a standard untreated gaming cloth, due to a comparable surface friction and minimal shedding properties, it is not intended that similar arrangements be specifically excluded from use in the present anti-static gaming surface embodiments.
It is therefore possible to provide an anti-static gaming surface which is formed from a fabric comprising a plurality of fabric fibres in addition to a static charge dispersing element, which may preferably be a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres integrated with the plurality of fabric fibres within the fabric. Static charge, rather than building up within the fabric, will be dissipated via the static charge dispersing element, thereby reducing the likelihood of kicks being produced which may otherwise disrupt the true striking of balls across the anti-static gaming surface. This results in a far improved gaming experience for players and spectators alike.
The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention herein described and defined.
Claims (26)
1. An anti-static gaming surface comprising: a fabric layer having a main fabric body including a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and a plurality of fabric fibres which are different to the said carbon-element-containing fibres, the carbon-element-containing fibres being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer; and a support substrate which defines a gaming area, the fabric layer being affixed to the support substrate to cover at least part of the gaming area.
2. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric fibres comprise natural fibre material.
3. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric fibres comprise synthetic fibre material.
4. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fabric layer is finished so as to have a nap.
5. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 4, wherein the nap is a directional nap.
6. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 4, wherein the nap is non-directional.
7. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of fabric fibres is arranged as a matrix of fibres, the carbon-element-containing fibres being distributed throughout the matrix of fibres.
8. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carbon-element-containing fibres are formed from a carbon composite fibre material.
9. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 8, wherein the carbon composite fibre material is formed as a synthetic polymer fibre which includes a carbon-containing element.
10. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carbon-containing element includes a carbon-containing core of the synthetic polymer fibre.
11. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carbon-containing element includes a carbon-containing strip arranged on the surface of the synthetic polymer fibre.
12. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in claim 9, wherein the carbon-containing element includes a plurality of carbon elements distributed throughout the synthetic polymer fibre.
13. An anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the percentage by weight of the carbon-element-containing fibres in the anti-static gaming surface is or is substantially 0.5%.
14. An anti-static gaming surface as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A billiards, snooker or pool table having an anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
16. An anti-static gaming surface covering comprising a fabric layer having a main fabric body having a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres integrated therein, the carbon-element-containing fibres being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer.
17. A method of reducing the effects of static-kicks on a gaming surface, the method comprising the steps of: a] creating an anti-static gaming surface covering as claimed in claim 16; and b] affixing the anti-static gaming surface covering to a support substrate which defines a gaming area to reduce the build-up of kick-causing static at or on the gaming surface.
18. A method of creating a fabric for an anti-static gaming surface covering as claimed in claim 16, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and a plurality of fabric fibres which are different to the carbon-element-containing fibres; b] creating a composite fibre blend by blending the plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and the plurality of fabric fibres; and c] forming the composite fibre blend into fabric for an anti-static gaming surface.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein during step c], the composite fibre blend is spun to form a composite fibre yam which can be formed into fabric.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein, during step c], the composite fibre yarn is woven to form the fabric.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein during step b], the plurality of carbon-element-containing fibres and the plurality of fabric fibres are blended homogeneously.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising the step d] of finishing the fabric so as to provide a directional or non-directional nap thereon.
23. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein during step c], the composite fibre blend is formed into the fabric via a non-woven technique.
24. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein during step c], the composite fibre blend is formed into the fabric via knitting.
25. An anti-static gaming surface comprising: a fabric layer having a main fabric body and a static charge dispersing element associated with the main fabric body, the static charge dispersing element being arranged to reduce the build-up of static electricity on an upper surface of the fabric layer; and a support substrate which defines a gaming area, the fabric layer being affixed to the support substrate to cover at least part of the gaming area.
26. A method of altering a speed of play of a gaming surface for a cue and ball game, the method comprising the step of: providing an anti-static gaming surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the percentage by weight of carbon-element-containing fibres in the anti-static gaming surface is selected according to the speed of play of the anti-static gaming surface.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1520726.9A GB2546064A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2015-11-24 | Anti-static gaming surface |
| KR1020187017281A KR20180087301A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-23 | Antistatic gaming surface |
| CN201680067405.4A CN108474146A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-23 | Antistatic play surface |
| EP16822227.1A EP3380658B1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-23 | Anti-static gaming surface |
| PCT/GB2016/053678 WO2017089796A1 (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2016-11-23 | Anti-static gaming surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1520726.9A GB2546064A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2015-11-24 | Anti-static gaming surface |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201520726D0 GB201520726D0 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
| GB2546064A true GB2546064A (en) | 2017-07-12 |
Family
ID=55133295
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1520726.9A Withdrawn GB2546064A (en) | 2015-11-24 | 2015-11-24 | Anti-static gaming surface |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3380658B1 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20180087301A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN108474146A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2546064A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2017089796A1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5512355A (en) * | 1994-06-02 | 1996-04-30 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Anti-static woven coated fabric and flexible bulk container |
| US6057032A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-05-02 | Green; James R. | Yarns suitable for durable light shade cotton/nylon clothing fabrics containing carbon doped antistatic fibers |
| WO2000075406A1 (en) * | 1999-06-03 | 2000-12-14 | Solutia Inc. | Antistatic yarn, fabric, carpet and fiber blend formed from conductive or quasi-conductive staple fiber |
| US20040102116A1 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2004-05-27 | Milliken & Company | Electrostatic dissipating fabric and garments formed therefrom |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE69013395T2 (en) * | 1989-05-22 | 1995-03-30 | Du Pont | Spinning sheath-core threads with a multilobal cross-section and with an electroconductive core. |
| FR2707888B1 (en) * | 1993-07-02 | 1995-11-03 | Weil Sa Ets Maurice | Method for neutralizing electrostatic charges resulting from the evolution of at least one ball on a billiard table cloth, means and billiards thus equipped and material for implementing the method. |
| GB9827042D0 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 1999-02-03 | Milliken Ind Ltd | Non-woven felt |
| GB0217231D0 (en) * | 2002-07-25 | 2002-09-04 | Millikem Ind Ltd | Method for printing cue sports cloth and cloth |
| CN201542236U (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2010-08-11 | 冠宏股份有限公司 | High-grade tablecloth fabric |
| WO2013089688A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2013-06-20 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Coded fibers |
-
2015
- 2015-11-24 GB GB1520726.9A patent/GB2546064A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2016
- 2016-11-23 WO PCT/GB2016/053678 patent/WO2017089796A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2016-11-23 KR KR1020187017281A patent/KR20180087301A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2016-11-23 EP EP16822227.1A patent/EP3380658B1/en active Active
- 2016-11-23 CN CN201680067405.4A patent/CN108474146A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5512355A (en) * | 1994-06-02 | 1996-04-30 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Anti-static woven coated fabric and flexible bulk container |
| US6057032A (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-05-02 | Green; James R. | Yarns suitable for durable light shade cotton/nylon clothing fabrics containing carbon doped antistatic fibers |
| WO2000075406A1 (en) * | 1999-06-03 | 2000-12-14 | Solutia Inc. | Antistatic yarn, fabric, carpet and fiber blend formed from conductive or quasi-conductive staple fiber |
| US20040102116A1 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2004-05-27 | Milliken & Company | Electrostatic dissipating fabric and garments formed therefrom |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| Brian Darby, 2012, What Causes Kicks and Bad or Heavy Contacts in Snooker?, Free Inventions, [online], Available from: http://www.myfreeinventions.com/snooker/kicks-and-bad-contacts/, [Accessed 05/01/2016]. * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201520726D0 (en) | 2016-01-06 |
| EP3380658A1 (en) | 2018-10-03 |
| KR20180087301A (en) | 2018-08-01 |
| CN108474146A (en) | 2018-08-31 |
| EP3380658B1 (en) | 2020-03-18 |
| WO2017089796A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |