U.S. patent application number 11/080598 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like.
Invention is credited to Davis, Mark Anthony, Kasabach, Vanessa Sica, Williams, Jeffrey Francis.
Application Number | 20050209013 11/080598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34987044 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050209013 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis, Mark Anthony ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
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.
Inventors: |
Davis, Mark Anthony; (Rocky
Mount, NC) ; Williams, Jeffrey Francis; (Edinboro,
PA) ; Kasabach, Vanessa Sica; (Pittsburgh,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKINS, WILSON & TAYLOR, P. A.
3100 TOWER BLVD
SUITE 1400
DURHAM
NC
27707
US
|
Family ID: |
34987044 |
Appl. No.: |
11/080598 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11080598 |
Jun 6, 2005 |
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10914587 |
Aug 9, 2004 |
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10914587 |
Aug 9, 2004 |
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10237646 |
Sep 9, 2002 |
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6827651 |
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60318387 |
Sep 10, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63D 15/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/002 |
International
Class: |
A63D 015/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed:
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.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] 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
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a training
apparatus according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 of the drawings is an elevational, left side view of
the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 of the drawings is an elevational, right side view of
a training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 of the drawings is an elevational, front side view of
the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 of the drawings is an elevational, rear side view of
the training apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] 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;
[0019] 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;
[0020] FIG. 8 of the drawings is an exploded view of the training
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] 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;
[0022] 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
[0023] 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
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
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