Training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like

Abstract

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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

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 FIELD

The 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 ART

A 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.

SUMMARY

The 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 DRAWINGS

The 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:

FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a training apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 of the drawings is an elevational, left side view of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 of the drawings is an elevational, right side view of a training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 of the drawings is an elevational, front side view of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 of the drawings is an elevational, rear side view of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B of the drawings are a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively, of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a top plan view of the bottom half of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the circuit board therein;

FIG. 8 of the drawings is an exploded view of the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A and 9B of the drawings are right and left side views, respectively, of the training apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned on a surface of a playing table with an object ball underneath the training apparatus;

FIG. 10 of the drawings is a side sectional view of the training apparatus of FIG. 1 positioned on a playing surface with an object ball underneath the training apparatus; and

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a partial top plan view of a playing table illustrating diagrammatically the various lines and projection paths of the training apparatus according to the present disclosure.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

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 FIG. 1 of the drawings, a training apparatus generally designated 10 is shown in one aspect and comprises a projector body generally designated 12 for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table. Projector body 12 can be of any suitable shape or configuration, such as an at least general saucer shape as shown, and can contain one or more light sources, as described further below, adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources in a variety of manners as described further below. A trunk 14 of any suitable shape or configuration can be used to support projector body 12. As shown in FIG. 1 in one possible aspect, projector body 12 is shown in what can be described as a general saucer shape and trunk 14 is shown as a single, elongated support trunk that is curved as shown between a base end 16 of trunk 14 adapted to rest on a flat surface and an opposite, top end 18 that can extend over and be attached to a center of an upper portion 20 of projector body 12 with projector body 12 being rotationally movable in either direction as illustrated by arrow A1. A lower portion 22 of projector body 12 is below upper portion 20 and is illustrated only partially in FIG. 1, but is shown in greater detail in subsequent figures. Base end 16 of trunk 14 can include an end cap 24 that can be weighted sufficiently to allow projector body 12 to be maintained in a spaced-apart position above a playing surface on which trunk 14 rests whereby balls can be positioned on the playing surface and below projector body 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, upper portion 20 of projector body 12 can include one or more light-activating switches or buttons such as, for example, buttons 26 and 28. Button 26 can control light emission such as from a source within projector body 12 adapted for providing a projected light indicating a predetermined direction of travel or target path for an object ball to be struck by a cue ball. Button 26 can also control light emission such as from a source within projector body 12 adapted for providing a projected light indicating a deflection direction or path indicative of the path for a cue ball to travel after striking an object ball. Button 28 can control light emission such as from a source within projector body 12 adapted for providing a projected light indicating an image of or position for a cue ball to be in beneath projector body 12 as described further below. Light emitted from projector body 12 can pass through a number of openings described further below, such as, for example, opening O1 defined in lower portion 22, upper portion 20, or in both wherein opening O1 is adapted to allow passage of projected light indicating a deflection direction and path for a cue ball to travel in after contact with an object ball, as described further below.

FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates training apparatus 10 in an elevational side view manner and shows another side of projector body 12. As shown, an alignment cradle 30 can be attached to or formed as a part of lower portion 22 of projector body 12 and can be used to position and align an object ball (shown later). A movable actuating mechanism generally designated 32 of any suitable shape or configuration can be used with projector body 12 and even alignment cradle 30. As shown in one aspect in FIG. 2, actuating mechanism 32 is shown as an elongated tab portion 34 that extends through a slot opening 36 that can be part of or defined by alignment cradle 30 and lower portion 22 of projector body 12. Slot opening 36 is shown as vertically oriented with tab portion 34 also being vertically oriented, although it is envisioned according to the present disclosure that any suitable shape and configuration of a slot opening and a tab portion could be used in association with training apparatus 10. It is also envisioned according to the present disclosure that slot opening 36 can extend within alignment cradle 30 alone or even in lower portion 22 alone as may be desired. On the outer periphery of lower portion 22, opening O2 can be seen in FIG. 2 and can be a slot opening defined in lower portion 22 primarily and extending less so in upper portion 20. It is also envisioned that opening O2 could be defined only by lower portion 22 or upper portion 20 depending on the specific configuration of projector body 12. Opening O2 can be an opening to allow a light to be emitted from a light source within projector body 12. As shown, opening O2 is the opening for a projected light, such as from a laser, to provide a target path for an object ball to travel, as described further below. Also as shown at least partially in FIG. 2, upper portion 20 of projector body 12 can include any suitable symbol or indicia generally designated 38 to indicate and point in the direction of the light source that can be emitted through opening O2.

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 FIG. 3 of the drawings, an elevational side view of training apparatus 10 is provided that is an opposite side view from FIG. 2. The rear side of alignment cradle 30 can be seen with tab portion 34 shown in phantom as it is positioned on the other side of alignment cradle 30. Light-activating buttons 26 and 28 are present on upper portion 20. Also visible in FIG. 3 is slot opening O3 which can be an opening for a projected light, such as from a laser, to indicate and provide a deflection direction and path for a cue ball to travel in after contact with an object ball. Opening O3 can be defined in lower portion 22 and/or upper portion 20 of projector body 12. An opening O4 can be partially seen in FIG. 3 and is an opening adapted for allowing passage of light from a light source within projector body 12 as further described below.

FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings are opposite views of training apparatus 10, and FIGS. 6A and 6B are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of training apparatus 10. As shown particularly in FIGS. 4 and 6B, and also in FIG. 3, lower portion 22 of projector body 12 can comprise a light source 42 for projecting an image of a cue ball onto a surface such as a playing table, as described further below. 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. Light source 42 can be a battery-powered, small bulb that can be contained entirely or partially within or simply be attached to projector body 12 and adapted for producing an image of a cue ball. The image can comprise a circle projected onto a surface wherein the image can include a larger diameter circle representing the outer periphery of a cue ball, and the image can further include a smaller diameter circle representing a footprint of contact of a cue ball with the surface. FIG. 6B also illustrates end cap 24 which can include a fastening mechanism 44 shown in one aspect as a screw for maintaining end cap 24 in place.

FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates an exemplary electronic circuit board that can be contained within projector body 12 in one aspect according to the present disclosure. As shown, circuit board generally designated 50 can be positioned and supported by lower portion 22. Openings O1, O2, and O3 are illustrated and defined at least partially by and at spaced-apart locations about the outer peripheral edge of lower portion 22. Light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 can be contained within the peripheral edge of lower portion 22 and can be in electrical connection with and controlled by circuit board 50. Light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 can be lasers or any other light suitable for projecting light.

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 FIG. 8 of the drawings, an exploded view of training apparatus 10 is provided and illustrates projector body 12, trunk 14, base end 16, and top end 18. Upper portion 20 of projector body 12 is shown above circuit board 50, and lower portion 22 of projector body 12 is shown below circuit board 50. Light sources LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS4 are shown attached to circuit board 50. For providing power to operate training apparatus 10, batteries generally designated 60 can be inserted into a hollow portion inside of trunk 14 through an opening in base end 16 thereof. End cap 24 can be used to help hold batteries 60 within trunk 14. Batteries 60 can comprise four (4) type AA batteries. Where the light sources are lasers, the lasers can have sufficient intensity to project a consistent beam path. Lenses may be utilized for controlling beam width and height. A 26 mw, 650 nm commercially available laser has been found to provide satisfactory results.

FIG. 9A of the drawings illustrates training apparatus 10 in use and on a surface S which can be a playing surface of a table such as for billiards or games of the like. Training apparatus 10 can be positioned over an object ball OB which in games such as billiards is the ball to be hit or struck by a cue ball in order to attempt to make object ball OB move to a predetermined location such as into a pocket or to a desired location on surface S. Training apparatus is positioned over object ball OB such that object ball OB contacts and is fitted against alignment cradle 30 where the presence of object ball OB there causes tab 34 (shown in other figures) to move upwardly. Such upward movement of tab 34 as object ball OB is fitted against alignment cradle 30 can cause a desired combination of light sources LS1, LS2, and/or LS3 (shown in other figures) within projector body 12 to activate and emit light when power has been activated or provided to light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 by activating, for example, light activating button 26. For example, when light sources LS1 and LS3 are lasers, laser lights LL1 and LL2 can be continuously emitted through openings O1 and O3, respectively, when light activating button 26 has been activated, such as by pressing it, and when object ball OB is properly positioned against alignment cradle 30 as shown in FIG. 9A. Laser lights LL1 and LL2 represent refraction or deflection lines or paths that a cue ball will take after striking object ball OB.

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 FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9B of the drawings illustrates training apparatus 10 in use as in FIG. 9A but provides an opposite side view. As shown, object ball OB is positioned under projector body 12 and against alignment cradle 30 whereby tab 34 has been forced slightly upwardly through slot opening 36. When in this position, and once light activating button 26 has been activated, laser light LL2 is emitted through opening O2. Laser light LL2 provides a vertical target line or path for object ball OB to move once struck by a cue ball.

Referring now to FIG. 10 of the drawings, a partial sectional view is provided of training apparatus 10 in use with projector body 12 positioned over object ball OB. Circuit board 50 is schematically illustrated and positioned within projector body 12 and is in electrical communication with light sources LS1, LS2, and LS3 as described previously. Light source LS4 is positioned underneath circuit board and also in electrical communication with circuit board 50. Light source LS4 can also be a laser or other light adapted for emitting light through opening O4 of projector body 12 to provide a target location by shining a target location on object ball OB in the form of a circle or a line or any other suitable configuration. In FIG. 10, only half of target circle 64 is shown since it is a side view.

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 FIG. 10, depressing light activating button 28 depresses arms 66 and 68 to activate a portion of circuit board 50 adapted to allow power to light source 42. Depressing light activating button 26 can activate a portion or portions of circuit board 50 to allow power to one or more light sources, such as light sources LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4. Then, when tab 24 is activated by object ball OB moving it upward, light sources LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS4 will all turn on and emit light as described herein. As described previously, light source 42 can provide a cue ball image 62 onto surface S which can be an incandescent light. Alternatively, light source 42 can provide a holographic image 70 of a cue ball representing a ghost ball or image representing the precise location that a cue ball should be in to strike object ball OB at target location 64 to cause object ball to be propelled or caused to travel along a predetermined path or target line represented by laser light LL2. Circuit board 50 can be activated to turn on light sources LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 by pressure applied from arm 72 which can be moved by moving tab 34 or in any other suitable manner as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 11 of the drawings is a partial top plan view of a playing table illustrating diagrammatically the various lines and projection paths of training apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure in use on surface S. A user can select a practice location on surface S for training apparatus 10. Buttons 26 and 28 can be depressed to activate power to the light sources. Object ball OB can be positioned beneath projector body 12 and against alignment cradle 30 which turns on laser lights LL1, LL2, LL3, and LL4. Laser light LL2 can be aimed along a desired path and at a desired target such as pocket P representing the desired target toward which it is desired for object ball OB to travel. Laser lights LL1, LL2, and LL3 can be along an at least generally identical horizontal plane with laser lights LL1 and LL3 being co-linear in opposite directions. Laser light LL2 can be perpendicular to laser lights LL1 and LL3.

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.