Training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like
A training apparatus and method for games such as billiards is provided wherein the training apparatus includes a projector body supported by an elongated trunk. The apparatus can be positioned on a playing surface where the projector body is vertically above an object ball that can be received by alignment stops for properly positioning the object ball below the projector body. By activation of electronics in the projector body, a path can be projected that is aligned with and indicates the intended object ball path. This object ball path or line typically will line up with and be a path to a desired pocket for the object ball to be caused to enter. A second path from the projector body can be projected as a target strike location, which can be a vertical target line or a predetermined geometric configuration, can be projected onto the surface of the object ball to indicate a desired contact or strike point, also referred to as an impact location, at which the cue ball should strike the object ball to cause the object ball to move along the intended object ball path. Reference lines can be emitted from the projector body to indicate the resultant cue ball path subsequent to striking the object ball at the vertical target line. An incandescent light or a holographic image can be projected from the projector body behind the object ball to provide a ghost ball or image representing the target impact location for the cue ball to strike the object ball. As a result, a user may select an object ball target objective, receive visual input on the optimum impact location in various formats, and receive feedback information on the resultant cue ball path.
This application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/914,587, filed on Aug. 8, 2004, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/237,646, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,651, which claimed benefit to Provisional Application No. 60/318,387 filed on Sep. 10, 2001. The disclosures of the related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present subject matter relates generally to games such as billiards, snooker, 8-ball, 9-ball and the like. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to an apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like for training and improving shot making in such games.
BACKGROUND ARTA variety of apparatuses and methods are known relating to games such as billiards, snooker, 8-ball, 9-ball and the like. There are millions of players worldwide of billiards and related games, and many have a great desire to increase their proficiency and spend considerable time and effort in the pursuit of increased accuracy and consistency for single shot and multiple shot strategies. Fundamental to success is the ability to cause an object ball to move to a precise location on a playing table or within pockets about the playing table periphery, as well as the ability to leave the cue ball at a desirable and predetermined location to facilitate a subsequent shot.
A number of training aids have been developed for assisting in certain aspects of ball shotmaking practice and training. None, however, provides a systemic approach for the interrelated reactions determinative of success. Each shot in games such as billiards and the like requires predetermination of the object ball direction upon cue ball impact and the resultant direction of the cue ball, as well as the proper speeds and spins thereof, all of which are affected by the idiosyncrasies or deficiencies in a player's stroke.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,929 to Chipman discloses a cue stick having an integral laser on the longitudinal axis that is aligned with the desired impact point with the object ball. While assisting in aligning the intended initial cue ball path and maintaining stroke discipline, the player must make independent mental determinations on resultant paths of the object and cue balls and receive no resultant post shot feedback to assist in achieving consistency or assessing the efficacy of cue ball speed and spin variations. Supplemental reflective devices have been used at the table cushions in combination with cue stick lasers for predicting cue ball rebound as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,075 to Glazer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,398 to Compton; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,796 to Wright. Despite the existence of prior art apparatuses and methods such as those described above, much room for improvement exists in the art for a training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like for training and improving shotmaking in such games.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a training aid for use in such games that additionally provides feedback information on the post impact path and location of the cue ball to further assist in refining player techniques.
SUMMARYThe subject matter described herein discloses a training apparatus and method for games such as billiards or pool utilizing playing balls on a playing table. Billiards typically refers to a group of games where balls are struck with a cue stick in order to score points or knock balls into a pocket. Billiards may also refer to a table with no pockets, where points are usually scored by making contact with certain balls. Pool generally refers to pocket billiard games such as 8-ball, 9-ball, or straight pool. The word “pool” when referring to such games derives from poolrooms, which often provided billiard tables, and by association pool became synonymous with billiards. The training apparatus and method disclosed herein have applicability to any suitable game or practice for a game that uses playing balls wherein one ball strikes another.
The training apparatus and method according to this disclosure in one aspect comprises a multi-task projection system for aligning a prospective shot with respect to an object ball, projecting a prescribed and predetermined direction or path for the object ball to travel, visually providing an impact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball, and referencing the resultant direction or path and rest location of the cue ball to assist in improving positional play.
The training apparatus can include a projector body supported by an elongated trunk. The apparatus can be positioned on a playing surface where the projector body is vertically above an object ball that can be received by alignment stops for properly positioning the object ball below the projector body. By activation of electronics in the projector body, a path can be projected that is aligned with and indicates the intended object ball path. This object ball path or line typically will line up with and be a path to a desired pocket for the object ball to be caused to enter. A second path from the projector body can be projected as a target strike location, which can be a vertical target line or a predetermined geometric configuration, can be projected onto the surface of the object ball to indicate a desired contact or strike point, also referred to as an impact location, at which the cue ball should strike the object ball to cause the object ball to move along the intended object ball path.
Additionally, reference lines can be emitted from the projector body to indicate the resultant cue ball path subsequent to striking the object ball at the vertical target line. Another light, such as an incandescent light beam or a holographic image, can be projected from the projector body behind the object ball to provide a ghost ball or image representing the target impact location for the cue ball to strike the object ball. As a result, a user may select an object ball target objective, receive visual input on the optimum impact location in various formats, and receive feedback information on the resultant cue ball path. Accordingly, a user can practice and perfect techniques for establishing accuracy and consistency in object ball travel and cue ball positioning for improving overall game strategy.
It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a novel training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like for training and improving shot making. This and other objects as may become apparent from the present disclosure is achieved, at least in whole or in part, by the subject matter disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe above and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein, and with reference to the various figures of drawings, a training apparatus and method are provided for use with games such as billiards or pool and the like.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Alignment cradle 30 is adapted for placement of a ball against alignment cradle 30 wherein proper placement and positioning of the ball causes movable tab portion 34 to move vertically inwardly toward and within at least a portion of lower portion 22, alignment cradle 30, and/or both lower portion 22 and alignment cradle 30. While the precise structure and configuration of alignment cradle 30 can be any suitable structure or configuration, alignment cradle 30 as shown in one aspect extends vertically below and from lower portion 22 of projector body 12 and can comprise an arcuate lower portion generally designated 40.
Referring now to
As illustrated, light sources LS1 and LS3 are adapted for projecting light in the form of laser lines LL1, LL2, and LL3, respectively, which can pass through openings O1, O2, and O3, respectively. Laser lines LL1 and LL3 can project in opposite directions along an identical axis line and from opposing sides of lower portion 22. Laser line LL2 can be perpendicular to laser lines LL1 and LL3, as further illustrated below. Circuit board 50 can be provided as shown with light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 positioned as shown, although it is envisioned according to this disclosure that any suitable configuration of light sources with electrical devices as appropriate could be utilized with training apparatus 10. Also, light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 could be positioned in any suitable locations and mounted in any suitable manner as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Circuit board 50 can also be in electrical communication with additional light sources on the bottom of circuit board 50, as shown and described below.
Referring now to
When light activating button 28 has been activated, such as by pressing it, positioning object ball OB against alignment cradle 30 to move tab 34 can also cause light source 42 to activate and emit light onto surface S. As described previously, light source 42 can project an image, generally designated 62, of a cue ball onto surface S. It is also envisioned according to the present disclosure that light source 42 can be adapted for projecting a holographic image of a cue ball beneath lower portion 22 as described further below. Image 62 can comprise a circle projected onto surface S. The image can include a larger diameter circle representing the outer periphery of a cue ball. As desired, the image can further include a smaller diameter circle representing a footprint of contact of a cue ball with surface S. Image 62 represents the location or position in which a cue ball should be at the point of impact when forced to strike object ball OB.
Additionally, when light activating button 26 has been activated, such as by pressing it, positioning object ball OB against alignment cradle 30 to move tab 34 can also cause a light source from projector body 12 to emit light through opening O4. This light can emit or shine a target on object ball OB that provides a target location for a cue ball to strike object ball OB. This target location can be in the form of a line or a circle such as target circle 64 shown in
Referring now to
Circuit board 50 is positioned between upper portion 20 and lower portion 22 of projector body 12. Light activating buttons 26 and 28 are shown at least partially and be interconnected to circuit board by any suitable structures as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art. As shown in
A cue ball can be placed in a desired location, such as cue ball CB1 or cue ball CB2, and then user can visibly see target circle 64 on object ball OB which is the location at which the cue ball needs to hit or strike object ball OB in order to cause object ball OB to move or travel along the line or path represented by laser light LL2. The user can also visibly see cue ball image 62 on surface S (and/or holographic image 70) which is the spot or location in which the cue ball should be upon impact with object ball OB. The cue ball can then be struck by a proper stroke with a cue stick to propel the cue ball toward object ball OB. If properly stroked, the cue ball will with the correct momentum and direction of travel impact object ball OB propelling object ball OB into pocket P. The cue ball will come to rest at a position along a refraction or deflection line represented by either laser light LL1 and laser light LL2, depending on whether the cue ball struck was cue ball CB1 or cue ball CB2. The stroke can be repeated to attain consistency or alteration of the end cue ball position, and different stroke or shot techniques can be experimented with to see the effect. Accordingly, a user may repetitively practice a chosen shot orientation and receive quantifiable feedback regarding terminal cue and object ball locations and positions. In this manner, the user can develop and hone shot techniques under varying stroke movements and strategies for cue ball and object ball placement.
Billiard training apparatus 10 as described herein can therefore be utilized for training and entertainment in the various ball and cue stick formats, pocketed and non-pocketed formats. In addition to developing shot speed and resultant cue ball travel for developing better and consistent positional play, training apparatus 10 can be used to experiment and perfect varying shot techniques. For instance, shots employing cue ball spin (“English”) off center point of contact, and other stroke variation causing non-linear object ball paths can be practiced with training apparatus 10 reoriented to account for such paths. Training apparatus 10 can also be used for cushion reflective paths.
It will be understood that various details of the subject matter disclosed herein may be changed without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation.
Claims
1. A training apparatus for games such as billiards, the training apparatus comprising:
- (a) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources, and the projector body being adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein at least a first projected light represents a target for projecting on the object ball representative of a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction; and
- (b) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table.
2. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the first projected light comprises a laser light.
3. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball.
4. The training apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the second projected light comprises a laser.
5. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.
6. The training apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the second projected light comprises a laser.
7. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.
8. The training apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the second projected light comprises a non-laser light.
9. The training apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the second projected light comprises a holographic image of a cue ball.
10. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body comprises an object ball contact portion on an underneath side of the projector body for engaging an object ball.
11. The training apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the object ball contact portion comprises an alignment cradle for positioning against an object ball.
12. The training apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the object all contact portion comprises a movable actuation mechanism adapted for activating at least a portion of the one or more light sources by positioning of an object ball against the alignment cradle and against the actuation mechanism.
13. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the base comprises an elongated trunk adapted for supporting the projector body above a playing surface a distance spaced apart from the playing surface wherein the base is positioned outside of an area between the projector body and the playing surface.
14. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body is at least generally in a shape of a saucer.
15. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the projector body is rotatable on the base.
16. A training apparatus for games such as billiards, the training apparatus comprising:
- (a) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources, and the projector body being adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein: (i) a first projected light represents a target for projecting on the object ball representative of a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction; (ii) a second projected light represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball; and (iii) a third projected light represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location; and
- (b) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table.
17. The training apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources further comprising a fourth projected light that represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.
18. The training apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the second projected light comprises a holographic image of a cue ball.
19. The training apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the projector body is at least generally in a shape of a saucer and is rotatable on the base.
20. The training apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the projector body includes an alignment cradle on an underneath side of the projector body for positioning against an object ball.
21. The training apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the object ball contact portion comprises a movable actuation mechanism adapted for activating at least a portion of the one or more light sources by positioning of an object ball against the actuation mechanism.
22. A method of using a training apparatus for a game such as billiards, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a training apparatus comprising: (i) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources adapted for projecting light from the projector body; and (ii) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table;
- (b) positioning an object ball against at least a portion of the training apparatus; and
- (c) activating the at least one light source of the training apparatus wherein the first projected light emits from the projector body and represents a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction.
23. The method according to claim 22 further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball.
24. The method according to claim 22 further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.
25. The method according to claim 22 further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.
26. A method of using a training apparatus for a game such as billiards, the method comprising:
- (a) positioning a projector body on a playing surface at least generally above an object ball resting on the playing surface;
- (b) projecting a first projected light from the projector body onto the object ball representing a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction;
- (c) projecting a second projected light from the projector body representing the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball; and
- (d) projecting a third projected light from the projector body representing at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.
27. The method according to claim 26 further comprising projecting a fourth light from the projector body representing a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.
28. The method according to claim 26 further comprising positioning the object ball against a movable actuation mechanism of the projector body to activate at least a portion of the one or more light sources.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 6, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2005
Inventors: Mark Davis (Rocky Mount, NC), Jeffrey Williams (Edinboro, PA), Vanessa Kasabach (Pittsburgh, PA)
Application Number: 11/080,598