Abstract: A cross-shaped billiards rack is disclosed. The cross-shaped billiards rack allows players to use a standard billiard table, with standard object balls and cue balls, and play a variation of billiards. A variety of methods for playing billiard games with the cross-shaped rack are disclosed. The cross-shaped billiards rack can be used to form a 9-ball cross; a 5-ball mini-cross; or a 7-ball unbalanced cross.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pool rack for grouping pool balls tightly on a pool table. The frame has walls that may be disassembled and may move between, and exist alternatively in, an extended position that loosely group a set of billiard balls, wherein the rack walls are substantially upstanding and, or a closed position that tightly groups the balls, wherein the rack walls are angled and the frame sits atop the billiard balls.

Abstract: A billiard ball rack for racking 3 or more billiard balls is provided, comprising a base arm and two side arms configured to enable the billiard ball rack to be foldable and self-aligning. The inner surfaces of the base arms and the side arms are tapered at an angle relative to a top surface of the billiard ball rack, and the arms are pivotally connected to one another and configured such that when the billiard rack is positioned around a set of billiard balls and downward pressure is applied, the base arm and side arms of the billiard rack automatically adjust to form an equilateral triangle. The billiard ball rack is also configured to be folded compactly to fit within standard pool cue cases while the arms remain interconnected. Methods of using the billiard ball rack for racking billiard balls are also provided.

Abstract: A pocket billiards racking device for one or more game configurations. The rack shows a practical, functional, useful and simplified improvement. The design improvements shows a conventional equilateral triangle rack, showcasing a novel set of positional “fences” (i.e., Gates). The Gates, or Fences, incorporated, inset and hinge-pin within the triangular rack, simplifying the setup of the games and streamlining its design.

Abstract: A compact folding billiard ball rack includes first and second sides coupled about a pivot portion. Each side is formed with hinge portions coupled to the pivot portion. The two sides can be pivoted or folded into a compact side by side position and into a V-shaped racking position. Magnetic latches are provided for releasably and repeatably holding the first and second sides in predetermined fixed positions.

Abstract: A racking device for arranging a plurality of balls on a table includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, a racking portion coupled to the frame adjacent the distal end, a handle bar coupled to the frame, and a ball setting member comprising an engagement surface. The racking portion includes at least two side walls that are coupled together to form a corner. The distal end of the frame and the side walls define a void configured for receiving the plurality of balls. The ball setting member is coupled to the handle bar, and the engagement surface of the ball setting member is movable toward the void to urge the balls against the side walls and into abutment with each other and away from the void without disturbing the arrangement of the balls.

Abstract: A two dimensional metrological calibration standard includes a plurality of calibration cylinders each having a diameter and a plurality of calibration gauge blocks each having a length, each calibration gauge block being interposed between two of the calibration cylinders, such that end faces thereof are in contact with the walls of adjacent calibration cylinders, the calibration cylinders and calibration gauge blocks as a group are fastened to a flat plate and conjointly form a triangle. Bearing and alignment rulers ensure alignment of the calibration gauge blocks between the calibration cylinders, by contact with the calibration gauge blocks and/or the calibration cylinders, and are fastened to the plate.

Abstract: A billiards rack assembly tightly organizes billiard balls on a table. The rack assembly comprises a rigid frame defining a ball containment area. An elongated pivoted racking bar is located at one end of the rigid frame. A handle is attached to the pivoted racking bar, and is adapted for being grasped by a user to move the racking bar between a downwardly pivoted ball-engaging position and an upwardly pivoted frame-removing position. In the ball-engaging position, the pivoted racking bar forces the billiard balls tightly together within the ball containment area towards an opposite end of the rigid frame, thereby reducing gaps between adjacent balls. In the frame-removing position, the pivoted racking bar is moved away from the billiard balls and the handle located to facilitate lifting and removal of the rack assembly from the table.

Abstract: A compact folding billiard ball rack includes first and second sides coupled about a pivot portion. Each side is formed with hinge portions coupled to the pivot portion. The two sides can be pivoted or folded into a compact side by side position and into a V-shaped racking position. Magnetic latches are provided for releasably and repeatably holding the first and second sides in predetermined fixed positions.

Abstract: A casino chip organizer/pusher has a chip receiving portion and a handle secured to a lower end of the chip receiving portion. The chip-receiving portion is formed by a U-shaped fixed member affixed to the handle and an optional detachable U-shaped member that can be slidably engaged with the fixed member. When stacks of chips are positioned inside the chip receiving portion they can be transferred along the gaming table without tumbling.

Abstract: The improved billiard ball rack positioning system is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily position a billiard ball type rack. The rack of the system includes a plurality of position indicating LEDs and a plurality of proximity sensors mounted thereon. Proper positioning of the rack at a predetermined location on a playing surface or table causes actuation of the proximity sensors and consequently lighting of the indication lights. Lighting of all of the indication lights functions as an indication to the user that the rack is properly positioned. In contrast to prior art devices, the improved billiard ball rack positioning system provides for a “go/no-go” type of position indication means.

Abstract: A billiard rack design providing a perfect line-up of the balls with the diamonds on a pool table. When compression a ball in the corner of the slots makes for a perfect rack. The point on the removable markers (4) will line the rack up with the diamonds on the pool table. In addition by slightly tipping the rack before removing it from the balls, makes for an steady accurate rack, and will not the disturb the other rack balls. These racks may come in different sizes to fit for 6, 7, 8, 9 ball pool tables.

Abstract: A billiards rack system has a rack body and at least two alignment elements. The rack body has at least two inner surfaces that together define an inner area shaped for racking the billiard balls. The at least two alignment elements of the rack body each have an alignment indicia that is shaped to be placed over and visually aligned with alignment marks on a billiards table. The rack body correctly positions billiard balls on the billiards table once the alignment indicia of the alignment elements have been placed over and visually aligned with the alignment marks of the billiards table.

Abstract: A racking frame kit including a storage container housing three shaped side members that can assembled into an equilateral triangular enclosure for receipt of a group of balls in a compressed position. The racking frame providing a portable device that allows pool players to obtain the repeatability necessary from location to location. The kit further provides for the tightening of the formation of balls to obtain the maximum transfer of energy from a cue ball impact which will allow a predictable and disperse spread of balls across a playing surface. Various embodiments include a latching release, a magnet release, a tongue & groove release, and an elastic band.

Abstract: A cue sport ball rack comprises a frame and at least one protector that protrudes in at least two directions from the frame for shielding the frame from damage if the frame is dropped. The protector may have portions protruding in opposite directions generally transversely to the centerplane of the frame, and also preferably in directions parallel to the centerplane and out beyond outermost side surfaces of the frame. The frame may have corners, with a protector at or near each of said corners. The protectors may be part of, or attached to, the connectors that rigidly and securely connect bars together in a triangular shape. The protectors may be detachable and replaceable, for repair or replacement and to alter the appearance/style of the rack and/or indicia on the protectors.

Abstract: A billiard rack design providing a perfect line-up of the balls with the diamonds on a pool table. When compression a ball in the corner of the slots makes for a perfect rack. The point on the removable markers 4 will line the rack up with the diamonds on the pool table. In addition by slightly tipping the rack before removing it from the balls, makes for an steady accurate rack, and will not the disturb the other rack balls.

Abstract: A racking frame kit including a storage container housing three shaped side members that can assembled into an equilateral triangular enclosure for receipt of a group of balls in a compressed position. The racking frame providing a portable device that allows pool players to obtain the repeatability necessary from location to location. The kit further provides for the tightening of the formation of balls to obtain the maximum transfer of energy from a cue ball impact which will allow a predictable and disperse spread of balls across a playing surface. Various embodiments include a latching release, a magnet release, a tongue & groove release, and an elastic band.

Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.

Abstract: A billiard ball rack includes a spring loaded pusher bar for accurately positioning billiards balls, and extensions on the rack provide a gripping surface for a user. The rack may include one or more adapters that permit the rack to position balls for games of three-ball, six-ball, seven-ball, eight-ball, nine-ball and ten-ball. The rack has a low profile, and therefore fits into existing storage spaces in pool tables and the like previously used for conventional racks.

Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.

Abstract: A game is played on a billiard type table using balls with indicia of chess pieces. A cue stick is used to strike the balls following rules of movement that vary with the indicia on the ball to be moved. Game rules control movement and pocketing of balls are representative of the movement and capture of chess pieces, but are modified for use on a billiard table. The game is also adaptable to other playing surfaces including electronic displays.

Abstract: A billiard rack and method using the rack defining V-shaped ball containment area having a pair of arms each having an outer and inner side, where said arms meet at an apex and have extremities away from the apex that create an arc of approximately 60 degrees, the inner side of each arm extending at least as far as a distance equal to five times the diameter of a standard billiard ball and the outer side or each arm extending at least as far as the distance equal to four times the diameter of a standard billiard ball that is accessible from the top. The radius of curvature of the apex preferably is 1? inches and the distance between the ends of each inner side of each arm is 13? inches and the outer side is 14? inches. In a preferred method, the balls are racked by the user with two thumbs pressing against the balls and the rack is removed by forward movement away from the balls without disturbing the balls.

Abstract: This invention is a billiard/pool ball rack assembly consisting of a triangular rack and a detachable bottom plate and when joined, serves as a tray to encase the balls that can be hand-filled or gravitational filling. When racking the pool balls, the unit is placed on the playing surface then the bottom plate is released from the triangle while the triangle along with the balls are rolled off the plate to the racking spot and the bottom plate which is now serving as a measuring guage and is resting at the foot rail. Then the triangle with balls are backed up against the bottom plate and the triangle is lifted away from the balls for an most accurate racking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device such as a snooker, pool or billiards ball rack for setting such balls in a formation for play. The device comprises a frame for receiving said balls and positioning the balls in formation. A display member is also provided which has indicia provided thereon and which is mountable to the frame to display said indicia. The indicia is typically in the form of commercial advertising indicia and/or corporate trade marks and/or logos, but may also convey a variety of information to the players and/or spectators of the game of snooker, pool or billiards.

Abstract: A billiard ball racking system including a rack housing light emitting means to project a pair of 180 degrees separated light beams into at least one light receiver means housed adjacent the side rail of a billiard table so as to assist the racking player in consistently producing a square rack which, when achieved, is visibly evident to the breaking player.

Abstract: A billiard rack and method using the rack defining V-shaped ball containment area having a pair of arms each having an outer and inner side, where said arms meet at an apex and have extremities away from the apex that create an arc of approximately 60 degrees, the inner side of each arm extending at least as far as a distance equal to five times the diameter of a standard billiard ball and the outer side or each arm extending at least as far as the distance equal to four times the diameter of a standard billiard ball that is accessible from the top. The radius of curvature of the apex preferably is 1? inches and the distance between the ends of each inner side of each arm is 13? inches and the outer side is 14? inches. In a preferred method, the balls are racked by the user with two thumbs pressing against the balls and the rack is removed by forward movement away from the balls without disturbing the balls.

Abstract: This invention is a billiard/pool ball rack assembly consisting of a triangular rack and a detachable bottom plate and when joined, serves as a tray to encase the balls that can be hand-filled or gravitational filling. When racking the pool balls, the unit is placed on the playing surface then the bottom plate is released from the triangle while the triangle along with the balls are rolled off the plate to the racking spot and the bottom plate which is now serving as a measuring guage and is resting at the foot rail. Then the triangle with balls are backed up against the bottom plate and the triangle is lifted away from the balls for an most accurate racking.

Abstract: A ball rack for billiard game. The ball rack of the present invention accommodates three billiard balls so it can be used in a three-ball billiard game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a billiard ball racking device consisting of two-pieces (two V-shaped mirror-image sides) which form a diamond-shape capable of racking the balls in the tightest possible position (balls touching each other) and is likewise capable of being removed (withdrawn) without disturbing the balls. The disclosed invention is capable of racking a wide variety of configurations with different multiples of billiard balls. The disclosed invention is three proportionally-sized apparatuses, each size directly relating to the number of billiard balls being racked. The disclosed invention is capable of racking a number of conventional and unconventional configurations. The design of the invention is extremely simple in nature, yet superior in function.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated billiard table which includes first and second laser apparatus for producing respective first and second laser spots, a rack for positioning a plurality of balls confined within said rack. The rack has first and second indicia thereon and a support carrying said first and second laser apparatus in spaced relationship. The support may be dimensioned and configured to permit adjustment thereof to align respectively said first and second laser spots with respectively said first and second indicia when said rack is in a predetermined location on the associated billiard table.

Abstract: An improved ball setting and tightening rack for creating a compact formation of playing balls on a playing surface that is used for playing billiards, pool, snooker, or any other game requiring a tight grouping of playing balls on a playing surface. The improved ball setting and tightening rack contains a mechanism for both creating a compact formation of playing balls and for aiding in the removal of the rack from the compacted formation of playing balls without disturbing the compacted balls. The improved ball setting and tightening rack uses horizontal compression to create a compact formation of playing balls, thus reducing wear on the playing surface. The improved ball setting and tightening rack also fits in a standard rack holder or rack slot such as the rack holders or rack slots found in billiard halls.

Abstract: A billiard rack laser system for positioning a rack for a billiard game includes a pool table having an alignment mark and a pool rack having a laser operably connected thereto such that when the rack is placed on the table, the laser is equipped to illuminate a beam which when directed at the alignment mark illuminates the same thereby indicates a proper spot of the rack for positioning the same on the table.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a billiards ball racking system comprised of two symmetrical circular loops 12, 14 bonded together. Each circular loop 12, 14 may hold up to seven billiard balls 16, six balls around the inner perimeter of each loop, and one ball 26 in the center. The present invention 10 may be composed of a plastic, metal or any rigid or semi-rigid substance or a flexible strap 32 for the proper functioning of the invention.

Abstract: A pocket billiards break shot training apparatus for improving the execution of a break shot. The training apparatus permits a user to make continuously repeated break shots without the time consuming necessity of gathering and re-racking the object balls after each shot. Moreover, the training apparatus permits a user to increase skill in controlling post break, cue ball positioning. The apparatus employs a head ball, rear ball, and two side balls oriented around cross-shaped frame to simulate a racked set of balls. Furthermore, the apparatus utilizes the compression of a spring element to sufficiently simulate the actual reaction of a set of racked balls to the impact of a cue ball. A bow restraint assembly interacts with a set of elastic cords to moor the frame in a desirable position on the table and reposition the frame after each shot.

Abstract: A rack for a billiards table includes an indicator that produces an indication signal when the rack is properly positioned on a billiards table. The rack may include a device that produces a light beam. The rack may also include a diffuser or a photodetector that creates a signal when it receives a light beam. The light beam may be reflected back from an element positioned on the table or may emanate from the table.

Abstract: A billiards ball rack includes a frame having a plurality of side walls forming an opening. A plate is attached to a top surface of the frame, and includes inwardly and downwardly directed inclined surfaces for engaging an outer periphery of a group of billiards balls to compact the billiards balls into a desired configuration. The inclined surfaces define a cut-out portion of the plate, typically a triangle or diamond. The rack includes lifting levers pivotally attached to two side walls of the triangular frame. When a handle segment of the lever is grasped and pulled upward, a lower foot segment pivots and extends below a base of the frame to lift the frame from the playing surface, leaving the compacted billiards balls in the desired configuration on the billiard table.

Abstract: Novel set up racks and games for billiards. The racks set up object balls in arrays wherein the object balls are spaced apart from one another. The arrays are straight, circular, and cruciform. Games played employing the novel arrays may be generally conventional, but add novel steps. One step is that of avoiding touching object balls with the cue ball other than that object ball being projected into a table pocket. Another novel step is that of requiring that the cue ball not cross over a line of object balls. An alternative novel step requires that the cue ball touch opposite sides of the line of object balls on alternate shots. Novel steps employing the circular array include maintaining the cue ball selectively inside or outside the circular array, or alternatively requiring that the cue ball alternate between coming to rest inside and outside the circular array.

Abstract: A billiard type game is provided including a table having a top face and a plurality of pockets. The top face is divided into a plurality of zones, and the plurality of zones include neutral zones being demarcated by a first color marked on the top face. First player zones are demarcated by a second color marked on the top face. Second player zones are demarcated by a third color marked on the top face.

Abstract: A billiards ball rack includes a frame having a plurality of side walls forming an opening. A plate is attached to a top surface of the frame, and includes inwardly and downwardly directed inclined surfaces for engaging an outer periphery of a group of billiards balls to compact the billiards balls into a desired configuration. The inclined surfaces define a cut-out portion of the plate, typically a triangle or diamond. The rack includes lifting levers pivotally attached to two side walls of the triangular frame. When a handle segment of the lever is grasped and pulled upward, a lower foot segment pivots and extends below a base of the frame to lift the frame from the playing surface, leaving the compacted billiards balls in the desired configuration on the billiard table.

Abstract: A rack for a billiards table includes an indicator that produces an indication signal when the rack is properly positioned on a billiards table. The rack may include a device that produces a light beam. The rack may also include a diffuser or a photodetector that creates a signal when it receives a light beam. The light beam may be reflected back from an element positioned on the table or may emanate from the table.

Abstract: A three-ball pool rack apparatus includes three straight wall portions and three curved corner portions connected between adjacent straight wall portions. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions define a ball-reception space, and the ball-reception space is of a size which is large enough to retain a maximum of three standard size pool balls. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions form an equilateral triangular formation. The straight wall portions and the curved corner portions extend perpendicularly upward from a pool table surface when placed thereon. Preferably, a lip extends outward horizontally from top portions of the straight wall portions and the curved corner portions. A finger-reception gap is provided in the ball-reception space when three object balls are contained in the ball-reception space.

Abstract: A pocket pool or billiard rack that incorporates in its rearmost side outwardly and angularly extending lever portions that permit upward rotation of the billiard rack upon the application of downward pressure with the thumbs or other fingers prior to removal of the billiard rack from about the balls in the ball racking operation. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, cut outs or reliefs are provided in the interior walls of the billiard rack below the points of contact of the billiard rack with the balls to further facilitate the rotational removal of the billiard rack from about the balls.

Abstract: A rack includes three sides each having a protrusion on the first end thereof and a recess defined in the second end thereof so that the three sides are connected to be a triangle rack by engaging the three protrusions with the three recesses. Each side has two grooves defined in the inside thereof and two ridges extending from the outside thereof. Three separators each have two protrusions for being engaged with the corresponding grooves of the three sides to from a small triangle or a rhombus. Each separator has two concavities defined in the inside thereof so as to receive the ridges when attached to the outside of the sides.

Abstract: A billiard type game is provided including a table having a top plate with a hexagonal configuration and a vertically oriented pocket formed in each corner thereof. Also included is a plurality of balls, a pair of cue sticks and a rack with a hexagonal configuration.

Abstract: This present invention relates to the game of pool. It is a device to rack pool balls with consistent accuracy. Throughout the history of pool-billiards, balls were racked by using a triangular or quadrilateral (9 ball) shaped rack in which the racker would place the balls within the rack and roll the rack of balls to a designated spot then lift and remove the rack to accomplish the task. In doing so, rackers would have to rely on their eyesight or judgement for a perfect alignment. This was indeed difficult to achieve because when the rack of balls were rolled over to the designated spot, the racker could not see the designated spot because the lead ball was covering the designated spot so the racker had to approximate the stop of the balls. It could be a little too forward or a little too backward. In the same motion of doing the racking, the racker might turn the rack a few degrees to the left or to the right thus giving an inaccurate alignment in a different plane.

Abstract: A racking device, for racking a plurality of pool balls upon a pool table have a felt top surface, comprising a rack for containing the balls, a pressure base located above the rack, and a sweeper frame capable of relative vertical movement with respect to the rack. A plurality of sweeper pins extend vertically downward from the sweeper frame, which each selectively engage one of the pool balls. A lever causes the sweeper pins to move downward toward the balls to engage the balls and urge them toward each other. A pressure pin is associated with each of the balls, which firmly press upon the apexes of the balls to press them downward into the felt top surface so that the balls hold their positions in a tight, racked formation even after the racking device has been lifted upward and away from the balls.

Abstract: A combination billiard rack convertible between two game configuration, such as a 15-ball configuration and a 9-ball configuration. The rack includes two side members and a base member that cooperate to form a substantially equilateral triangle defining an interior area in a plane of the rack capable of receiving and racking a plurality of billiard balls. Pivotal arms are provided on each of the side members. Each is pivotal about one fixed end at a location proximate a midpoint of each side member for pivotal movement about the fixed end in the plane of the rack. The pivotal arms are pivotal between a first position in which each pivotal arm is parallel with corresponding side members and a second position located within said interior area in which the pivotal arms are non-parallel with corresponding side members and act with the side members and base member to form an internal area of a size smaller than the first configuration.

Abstract: A pool ball racking system for tightly and evenly racking a set of pool balls in preparation for a beginning player's break. The system comprises an equilateral triangular racking frame within which the set of pool balls are placed. The racking frame is placed upon a napped felt surface of a pool table, with the pool balls located therein. A vibrating device secured to the racking frame is activated and causes the pool balls to resonate and settle into the nap of the felt surface, thus firmly setting the pool balls in place.

Abstract: A frame or rack for creating a compact formation of billiard balls on a table. The interior of the side walls of the frame is angled inward to urge the balls into a compact formation. Sleeves, attached to the frame, house support legs. The relationship between the sleeves and the support legs provides for and controls the motion of the frame and likewise, limits undesired motion of the frame until the frame is clear of the ball formation. The player's effort is limited to pressing down on the frame to compact the ball formation, while springs within the sleeves bias the frame upward. Spring loaded contacts or projections may be housed within the inner walls of the frame to reduce contact between the balls and the frame.

Abstract: A ball frame assembly 10 for use in a ball game played on a table. The ball frame assembly 10 comprises a base 12 slidably mounted in a frame 14. The base 12 comprises a triangular plate 16 having an upstanding wall 18 fixed on one side thereof. The base 12 further comprises a male locking component 20 fixed midway along an inside face of the wall 18. The base 12 also comprises a liner, in this example a rubber liner 27, covering an upper face of the triangular plate 16. The frame 14, in the shape of an equilateral triangle, has three interconnected sides or retaining walls 28A, 28B, 28C. Each of the two walls 28A, 28B have receiving means, in this embodiment a longitudinal groove 32, for slidably receiving each of the edges of the triangular plate 16. The frame 14 further comprises a female locking component 34 fixed to the retaining wall 28C in a position so that the male locking component 20 can mate therewith when the base 12 is in a closed position.