U.S. patent application number 14/727270 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for cue ball deflection path teaching aid and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chris Cameron. Invention is credited to Chris Cameron.
Application Number | 20160016066 14/727270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47006783 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160016066 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cameron; Chris |
January 21, 2016 |
CUE BALL DEFLECTION PATH TEACHING AID AND METHOD
Abstract
A cue ball deflection path training aid used by beginning pool
or billiards players to help them optimally position the cue ball
for the next shot. The aid includes cue ball deflection grid
attached or imprinted on a cue stick's top surface. The grid
includes a main neutral l line, a transverse line, and two
diagonally aligned lines that converge to designate a center
intersection point. The two diagonal lines are aligned at
approximately 30 degrees from the transverse line. The grid is
oriented on the cue stick so that the main neutral line is aligned
with the cue stick's longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the grid
is printed on an adhesive label attached to or near the cue stick's
midline axis. During use, the player holds the cue stick so that
lines of the grid are aligned with the aiming line or over the
object ball path line.
Inventors: |
Cameron; Chris; (Bellevue,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cameron; Chris |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47006783 |
Appl. No.: |
14/727270 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13445261 |
Apr 12, 2012 |
9044666 |
|
|
14727270 |
|
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|
|
61474685 |
Apr 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63D 15/006 20130101;
A63D 15/105 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63D 15/00 20060101
A63D015/00 |
Claims
1. A cue ball deflection path teaching aid, comprising; a cue ball
path grid including a main neutral line, a perpendicular transverse
line, and two diagonal lines extending on opposite sides of said
main neutral line, said main neutral line being aligned with said
longitudinal axis of said cue stick and said transverse line
crossing said main neutral line and creating a center intersection
point, said diagonal lines extending from said center point 60
degrees above said transverse line.
2. The teaching aid as recited in claim 2, wherein said grid is
printed on a transparent material thereby said cue stick to be
visible under said grid.
3. A cue ball deflection path teaching aid, comprising; a cue ball
path grid including indicia defining a main neutral line, a
transverse line perpendicular to said main neutral line and an
intersecting point, said indicia further defining two forward
extending diagonal lines aligned approximately 60 degrees from said
transverse line, said diagonal lines converge and are aligned with
said intersecting point between said main neutral line and said
transverse line, and wherein said main neutral line corresponds
with said longitudinal axis of said cue stick.
4. The teaching aid as recited in claim 3 wherein said main neutral
line on said cue ball path grid is denoted by at least two
dots.
5. The teaching aid as recited in claim 3 wherein said transverse
line on said cue ball path grid is denoted by at least two dots or
dashes.
6. The teaching aid as recited in claim 3 wherein each said
diagonal lines on said cue ball path grid is denoted by at least
two dots or dashes.
7. A method for teaching a user the deflection paths of a cue ball
having a top spin, a backspin or having no spin, said method
comprises the steps of: a. selecting a cue ball path deflection aid
including a grid comprising a main neutral line, a perpendicular
transverse line, and two diagonal lines located on opposite sides
of said main neutral line, said main neutral line and said
transverse line forming a center intersection point and said
diagonal lines extending forward from said center intersection
point 30 degrees above said transverse line; b. selecting a spin
type for said ball shot; for a top spin shot, aligning said cue
stick over the cue ball path and observing the orientation of said
diagonal lines on the side opposite the object ball in order to
determine the deflection path of said cue ball, for a back spin
shot, aligning said cue stick over an object ball path, determining
a length of a first line segment which extends perpendicular from
said object ball path to said cue ball and extending the first line
across said object ball path and determining a point along an
extended first line segment which is twice the length of a first
line segment, extending a line from said object ball to a point
along the extended first line segment in order to determine the
deflection path of said cue ball, and for a no spin shot, aligning
said cue stick over said object ball path, using said transverse
line to determine the deflection path of said cue ball; and, c.
executing a shot as determined in step d and observing the
deflection path of said cue ball.
8. A cue ball deflection path teaching aid, comprising; b. a cue
ball path grid including a visual indicia denoting a transverse
line parallel to said transverse axis and perpendicular to said
longitudinal axis of said cue stick and two diverging diagonal
lines that begin at or visually extended forward from a visual or
non visual intersection point formed between said longitudinal axis
and said transverse axis, each said diagonal line extends forward
on said curved surface on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis
approximately 30 degrees.
9. The teaching aid as recited in claim 8 wherein said grid further
includes a visual main neutral line aligned with said longitudinal
axis of said cue stick.
10. The teaching aid as recited in claim 9 wherein said main
neutral line is denoted by at least two dots.
11. The teaching aid as recited in claim 8 wherein each said
diagonal lines on said cue ball path grid is denoted by at least
two dots or dashes.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation patent application of U.S. utility
patent application Ser. No. 13/445,261 filed on Apr. 12, 2012 which
is based on and claims the filing date benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application, Application No. 61474685, filed on Apr. 12,
2011.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] Notice is hereby given that the following patent document
contains original material which is subject to copyright
protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
or digital download reproduction of all or part of the patent
document, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates training aids and more particularly,
to training aids used to teach pool or billiards players to
anticipated and control the deflection paths of a cue ball imparted
with top spin, back spin or no spin.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] When making a pool or billiards shot, the cue stick must be
aimed along a path that extends an imaginary `ghost ball` located
adjacent to the desired contact point on the object ball. The line
extending from the center of the ghost ball, the center of the
object ball, and the center of the desired cup is called the
`object ball path`.
[0007] In addition to developing aiming skills and cue stick stroke
mechanics, advance players apply spin to the cue ball to control
its trajectory after impacting the object ball.to For advance
players to set up the cue ball in the optimal position for next
shot.
[0008] When the cue ball is struck above the center axis, topspin
is created that causes the cue ball to immediately roll forward
towards the object ball and continue to roll forward after
impacting the object ball. If the cue ball is struck below the
center axis, backspin is created which causes the cue ball to
initially roll backward and slide across the table towards the
object ball. When the cue ball impacts the object ball, the cue
ball rolls backwards along the object line. If backspin is applied
to the cue ball and the distance between the cue ball and the
object ball is large, the cue ball will eventually roll in a
forward direction as it travels along the aim line path. When the
cue ball impacts the object ball, the cue ball will travel forward
only a short distance depending on the amount backspin and the
distance traveled.
[0009] When the cue ball is struck in the center, the cue ball will
initially slide across the table a short distance without spin
(called Stun). Eventually after a short distance, friction will
cause the cue ball will eventually begin to spin forward. When a
`stun` cue ball impacts the object ball, it ricochets off the
object ball in natural direction and speed according to the laws of
physics.
[0010] In addition to creating top spin and bottom spin, advance
players will sometimes impart side spin, commonly known as
`English`, to the cue ball. The side spin may be left side spin or
right side spin and can be imparted by themselves or combined with
the three spin strokes mentioned above.
[0011] Advance players are also familiar with the `90 degree angle
rule` that states that with a stun shot, the cue ball and object
ball will be deflected along paths 90 degrees apart. Advance
players are also familiar with the `30 degree angle rule` that
states that when the cue ball is spinning forward, and hits
one-half of the object ball, the cue ball will be deflected 30
degrees away from the aiming line.
[0012] It is important that beginning players use a proper stance,
hold and move the cue stick evenly and smoothly when making a shot.
It is also important that the player hold his or her head down with
their eyes focused on the contact point on the cue ball and the
aiming line. Unfortunately, beginning players do not know or forget
when the `90 and 30 degree angle rules` should be applied. As a
result, beginning players never advance to the next skill
level.
[0013] What is needed is a teaching aid that can be used by a
beginning player that helps them remember the 90 and 30 degree
angle rule and to help them properly align the cue stick to apply
the rule during a game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A cue ball deflection path teaching aid that includes a
standard cue stick used in pool or billiards with at least one cue
ball deflection path grid attached, formed or imprinted on the top
surface of the cue stick. The grid is located at a location
upstream from the handle area on the cue stick so the beginning
player may easily extend the cue stick forward and extend the grid
over the ghost ball or object ball so that the deflection lines on
grid can be aligned with the anticipated paths of the cue ball
after the shot. Also by placing the grid upstream from the handle,
the player can easily review the deflection lines on the grid when
leaning forward in a shooting stance.
[0015] The deflection grid includes a main neutral line that is
longitudinally aligned with the cue stick's longitudinal axis, a
transverse line that is perpendicularly aligned and actually
crosses or would cross the main neutral line if extended, and at
least two diagonal lines that converge towards the center,
intersecting the point between the main neutral line and the
transverse line crosses. In one embodiment shown, the grid is
printed on the top surface of an oval shaped, flexible label
designed to bend around the top surface of a cue stick. A suitable
adhesive may be applied to the bottom surface of the label which
holds the label in a fixed position on the cue stick. The label is
aligned on the cue stick so the grid's main neutral line is aligned
with the cue stick's longitudinal axis and the two diagonal lines
are located above the transverse line extend towards the front tip
of the cue stick.
[0016] During use, the user holds the cue stick horizontally over
the table in one of two orientations depending on whether a top
spin, draw spin, or a stun shot is used. When top spin is to be
applied, the main neutral line is aligned over the aiming line path
to the object ball. Beginner players may extend the cue stick so
that the grid's center intersection point is aligned over the
center point of the object ball. The grid's two diagonal lines
delineate the anticipate deflection paths of a forward rolling cue
ball after impacting the object ball. Simultaneously imparting side
spin to the cue ball, will cause the cue ball to deviate slightly
inward or slightly outward from the anticipated deflection
lines.
[0017] When a backspin is desired, the player again stands behind
the object ball and extends and holds the cue stick so its
longitudinal axis is aligned with the object ball's path. The
center intersection point on the grid is aligned over the center
axis of the object ball. The player then visually determines the
length of the line segment that extends from the cue ball to a
point perpendicularly on the cue stick when aligned over the object
ball path. The player then extends a second line segment twice the
length of the first line segment laterally on the opposite side of
the object ball path. The second line segment is perpendicular to
the object ball path and longitudinally aligned with the first line
segment. The end of the second line segment is located on the draw
spin path that extends from the center axis of the object ball. An
optional `2X` indicia is printed on the grid to remind the player
to double the length of the first line segment to determine the
location of the draw spin path
[0018] When a stun stroke is used, the cue stick is aligned over
the object ball path and the segment on the transverse line located
on the side of the grid opposite the direction of the object ball
path indicates the deflection path of the cue ball. If side spin is
also simultaneously imparted on the cue ball, the cue ball will
deviate slightly inward or slightly outward from the anticipated
deflection line depending on the direction of spin imparted.
[0019] Because the deflection grid is on the top surface of the cue
stick and near the cue stick's midline axis, when the cue stick is
rotated so the grid faces upward it is readily visible to the
player leaning forward and in a shooting stance. The player can
hold his stance and move his eyes back and forth from the grid and
the tip of the cue stick prior to shooting.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cue stick with the cue ball
deflection path teaching aid attached to the cue stick along with
an exploded view of a section of the cue stick showing the teaching
aid.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an end sectional view of the cue stick with the
deflection path aid shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a pool table showing an object
ball, a cue ball, the aiming line path, the object ball path, the
tangent line path, and the top spin path.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a pool table shown in FIG. 3
with the cue stick being longitudinally aligned over the aiming
line path, and the center intersection line on the grind being
aligned over the center axis of the object ball.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pool table showing a object
ball, a cue ball, the aiming line path, the object ball path, the
tangent line path, and the draw spin path.
[0025] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a pool table shown in FIG. 5
with the cue stick being longitudinally aligned over the object
ball path, and the center intersection line on the deflection grid
being aligned over the center axis of the object ball.
[0026] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a pool table showing an object
ball, a cue ball, the aiming line path, the object ball path, the
tangent line path, and the center stun path
[0027] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a pool table shown in FIG. 7
with the cue stick being longitudinally aligned over the object
ball path, and the center intersection line on the deflection grid
being aligned over the center axis of the object ball.
[0028] FIG. 9-15 are illustrations of seven different embodiments
of the cue ball path indicator.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0029] Referring to the accompanying Figs. there is shown a cue
ball deflection path teaching aid 8 that includes a standard cue
stick 10 used in pool or billiards with at least one cue ball
deflection path grid 20 formed or imprinted on the top of cue
stick. The deflection path grid 20 includes a main neutral line 30
that is longitudinally aligned with and denotes the cue stick's
longitudinal axis 12, a transverse line 40 that is perpendicularly
aligned and actually crosses or would cross the main neutral line
30 and denotes the cue sticks transverse axis, and at least two
diagonal lines 50 that denote two 60 degree diagonal axis (from the
transverse axis) that converge towards the center, intersecting
point 55 between the main neutral line 30 and the transverse line
40. In the embodiment shown herein, the deflection path grid 20 is
printed on the top surface 26 of an oval shaped, flexible label 22
designed to bend around the top curved surface of a cue stick 10. A
suitable adhesive 24 may be applied to the bottom surface of the
label 22 to hold the deflection path grid 20 in a fixed position on
the cue stick 10. The label 22 is aligned on the cue stick 10 so
that the main neutral line 30 is aligned with the cue stick's
longitudinal axis 12. The label 22 is also aligned on the cue stick
10 so that the two diagonal lines 50 are located above the
transverse line 30 and extend towards the end tip of the cue stick
10. During assembly, the deflection path grid 20 is location near
or at the middle axis 13 of the cue stick 10 as shown in FIG. 1.
The label 22 may be made of transparent material and the lines on
the grid 20 may be a color that contrasts with the cue stick
surface. Alternatively, the label 22 may be an opaque label with a
color that matches the cue stick surface or contrasts with the cue
stick surface.
[0030] During use, the player holds the cue stick 10 with the end
tip outward and the with the deflection path grid 20 facing upward
and over the table 60. The cue stick 10 is held horizontally over
the table 60 in one of two orientations depending on whether a top
spin, draw spin, or a stun shot is used. FIG. 3 is an illustration
of a pool table 60 showing a cue ball 72 hitting an object ball 76
(also called a target ball) into the left corner pocket 62.
Illustrated adjacent to the object ball 76 is an imaginary ghost
ball 80 is aligned at a tangent point on the object ball 76 that is
aligned with an imaginary object ball path 78 that extends through
the object ball 76 and into the left corner pocket 62. When the cue
ball 72 is aimed over the aiming line path 72 to the location of
the ghost ball 80, the object ball 76 is impacted at a location
that causes it to travel along the object ball path 78 and directly
into the left corner pocket 62. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a tangent
line path 82 and a top spin path 84. The tangent line path 82
passes through the contact point of the ghost ball 80 and
perpendicular to the object ball path 78. The top spin path 84
passes through the center axis of the imaginary ghost ball 80 and
aligned approximately 30 degrees inward or downstream from the
tangent line path 82.
[0031] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a pool table 60 shown in FIG. 3
with the cue stick 10 being longitudinally aligned over the aiming
line path 74 with the center point of the deflection path grid 20
being aligned directly over the center axis of the ghost ball
80.
[0032] When top spin is applied, the cue stick 10 is held so that
grid's main neutral line 30 is longitudinally aligned over the
aiming line path 74. The center intersection point 55 of the
deflection path grid 20 is aligned over the center axis 81 of the
ghost ball 80. When properly aligned, the grid's two diagonal lines
50 automatically delineate the anticipated deflection paths of the
rolling cue ball 72 after impacting the object ball 76.
Simultaneously imparting side spin to the cue ball 72, causes the
cue ball 72 to deviate slightly inward or slightly outward from the
anticipated deflection line 50 on the opposite side of the aiming
line path 74
[0033] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a pool table 60 showing a cue
ball 72, an object ball 76, a ghost ball 80, the object ball aiming
path 78, the tangent line path 82, and the draw backspin path 90.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a pool table 60 shown in FIG. 5 with
the cue stick 10 being longitudinally aligned over the object ball
path 78, and with the center intersection line 55 on the deflection
path grid 20 being aligned over the center axis 81 of the ghost
ball 80.
[0034] When a back or draw spin is desired, the player again stands
behind the object ball 76 and extends and holds the cue stick 10 so
that the cue stick's longitudinal axis 12 is aligned with the
object ball path 78. When used by a beginning player, the cue stick
10 may be sufficiently extended forward so that the center
intersection point 55 on the deflection path grid 20 is aligned
over the center axis 81 of the ghost ball 80. The player then
visually determines the length of a first line segment 92 that
extends from cue ball 72 to a point perpendicularly on the cue
stick 10 when aligned over the object ball path 78. The player then
extends a second line segment 94 that is twice the length of the
first line segment 92 laterally on the opposite side of the object
ball path 78. The second line segment 94 is perpendicular to the
object ball path 78 and longitudinally aligned with the first line
segment 92. The end of the second line segment 94 is located on the
draw spin path 90 that extends from the center axis 81 of the ghost
ball 80. On the deflection path grid 20, an optional `2X` indicia
is printed on the deflection path grid 20 to remind the player to
double the length of the first line segment to determine the
location of the backspin path.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a pool table 60 showing an
object ball 76, a cue ball 72, the aiming line path 78, the object
ball path 74, the tangent line path 82, and the center stun path
96. FIG. 8 is an illustration of a pool table 60 shown in FIG. 7
with the cue stick 10 being longitudinally aligned over the object
ball path 74, and the center intersection line 55 on the deflection
path grid 20 being aligned over the center axis 81 of the ghost
ball 80.
[0036] When a stun stroke is used, the cue stick 10 is aligned over
the object ball path 78 and the segment on the transverse line 82
located on the side of the grid 20 opposite the direction of the
object ball path 78 indicates the stun deflection path 96 of the
cue ball 72. If side spin is also simultaneously imparted on the
cue ball 72, the cue ball 72 will deviate slightly inward or
slightly outward (see lines 98 and 98') from the anticipated stun
deflection line 96 depending on the direction of spin imparted.
[0037] It should be understood that the main neutral line 50,
transverse line 40, the two diagonal lines 50 and the center point
50 may be depicted in different ways. Also, in some instances, only
the main neutral line 50 and transverse line 40 are used (see grid
20B in FIG. 9). FIG. 10 shows alternative grid 20C with a
continuous main neutral lines 50, a segmented transverse line 40'
and two diagonal lines 50. In an alternative grid, two diagonal
lines 30, only the transverse line 40 and the two diagonal lines
are used (See grid 20E in FIG. 11), or only the two diagonal lines
50 are used (See grid 20E in FIG. 12).
[0038] FIGS. 13-15 show alternative grids showing the five dots
101-105 arranged in a diamond shape (grid 20F) configuration used
to depict the main neutral line and the transverse line; three dots
106-108 arranged in a triangle (grid 20G) confused to depict the
main neutral line and the transverse line, and six dots 109-114
arranged in a triangle depicting the main neutral line, and the
transverse line, and the two diagonal lines.
[0039] Using the above aid a method for teaching the deflection
paths of a cue ball with top spin, backspin and no spin, comprising
the following steps:
[0040] a. selecting a cue stick with a cue ball path deflection aid
attached or mounted thereon, said aid includes a grid made of a
main neutral line, a perpendicular transverse line, and two
diagonal lines located on opposite sides of said main neutral line,
said main neutral line and said transverse line forming a center
intersection point, said diagonal lines extending upward from said
center point 30 degrees above said horizontal line;
[0041] b. determining whether the cue ball to be shot, shall have
top spin, backspin or no spin;
[0042] c. holding said cue stick with an end tip pointing towards
said cue ball and said deflection aid is facing upward and visible
when in a shooting stance, if a top spin shot is desired, then
aligning said cue stick over the cue ball path and reviewing the
orientation of said diagonal line on the side opposite an object
ball to determine the deflection path of said cue ball, if a back
spin shot is desired, then aligning said cue stick over said object
ball path and determining the length of a first line segment that
extends perpendicular from said object ball path to said cue ball
and extending the first line segment across said object ball path
and determining a point along the extended that is twice the length
of the first short line segment, extending a line from said object
ball to the point along the first extended line segment to
designated the deflection line of said cue ball with backspin, and
no spin shot is desired, then aligning said cue stick over said
object ball path and then using said transverse line to designate
the deflection path of said cue ball; and,
[0043] d. executing a shot as determined in steps b and c and
observing the deflection path of said cue ball.
[0044] In compliance with the statute, the invention described
herein has been described in language more or less specific as to
structural features. It should be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the
means and construction shown is comprised only of the preferred
embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is
therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately
interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *