GB2238481A - Snooker/pool aim trainer - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim trainer comprises a stationary object ball 12, a stationary cue ball 11 and, rotatably mounted on the object ball, an aim indicator 15 and target 24. The aim indicator is spaced from the axis of the object ball by a distance slightly greater than the sum of the radii of the cue and object balls to allow for the true contact angles. In use, the target is first hidden and for a given aim indicator position the user estimates the target position. The target is then revealed to allow users to check and modify their perceptions and judgement of angles. <IMAGE>

Description

AIM TRAINER FOR SNOOKER/IOOL/BlLLlARDS This invention relates to games such as snooker, pool or billiards and is concerned particularly with the skill of angle recognition in these games.

The traditional method of aquiring skill at angle recognition is simply to practice, and memorise accurate aims for angles. More specific advice is unavailable, the main reason being that, for straight shots and narrow angles the object ball travels in a geometrically logical manner, however, as the angle between the centres of object and cue balls widens the object ball travels in a direction which is not strictly in line with the centres of the balls at the instant of contact.

Consequently only players who can spend a grent deal of time practicing, ever achieve consistent accuracy. For the vast majority of casual players, consistent accuracy is simply a mystery which they cannot solve, and will remain so until they put in the many hours of practice time required.

According to the present invention thel e is provided an ailn trainillg ul?pliance for use in aquiring the skill of angle recognition in games such as snooker, pool or billiards, comprising a support in cans, a target means for an object ball and carried by the support means, an aim indicator for alignmeiit with a cue ball and carried by the support means, the aim indicator being spaced frorn the vertical centre of the object ball by a distance equal to the sum of the radii of object and cue balls plus a compensatory factor, and on a straigllt line joining the aim indicator with a centre line of the target means.

Preferably the aim indicator comprises an elongate and thin lenient representing a line.

Preferably the target means comprises a two dimensional representation of a pocket, reduced in size to give the impression of distance.

Preferably the support means comprises an arm extending between the target means and aim indicator.

Preferably the support means further comprises a spindle through which said arm extends horizontally relative thereto, the axis of the spindle co - incident with the vertical centre of the object ball.

Preferably the support means further comprises a box structure, within which, said spindle is supported top and bottom, allowing the spindle to be rotated.

A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 demonstrates the relationship between aim of cue ball and angle of travel of object ball for a wide angle shot.

Figure 2 provides a perspective view of the aim trainer with top cover removed.

Figure 3 demonstrates the raising and lowering of the pocket.

Figure 4 shows a persepective view of the aim trainer with top cover in place and pocket concealed.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the aim trainer with top cover in place and pocket raised.

Figure 6 shows the aim trainer in cross-section.

Figure 1 shows a plan representation of a cue 10 being aimed through the centre of a cue ball 11 on a path P1 towards a notional point A, which will bring the balls 11 and 12 into contact with their centres in geometric line G. The direction in which the object ball 12 will travel is path P2. This effect is believed to be caused by friction between ball and cloth and is the reason why accomplished players recommend memorising aims for angles as opposed to attempting to visualise the angle at which the object ball will travel from a given aim with the cue ball. Memorising aims and angles requires a protracted aiiiount of practice which most casual players are unable or unwilling to undertake.The present invention is directed towards spccdiiig up the absorption ol' tiicrelationship between aim and angle.

Figure 2 shows tile aim trainer witi) top cover removed niid comprising a baseboard 13 on which is located a spindle 14 to which is attached an aim indicator 15 and an arm supporting a simulated pocket 16. Aim indicator and pocket are in direct line through tic vertical centre of the spindle. 12 pulley belt 21 connected between spindle 14 and spindle 17 enables tulle aim indicator and pocket to be rotated around the central axis point 22 by turning spi;id]e 17.

The aim indicator is designed to project through a slot in tile top cover while the pocket remains below a slot in the top cover and only activated to appear above the surface of the top cover by pressure applied to bellows 18.

Figure 3 demonstrates the raising and lowering of the pocket. Other features have been omitted for clarity. Pressure applied to bellows 18 forces air through tubes 19 and flexible connection 20 jilto bellows 23, causing it to inflate and raise the pocket from its sheath 24 into view above the surface of tile top cover.

Releasing the pressure on bellows 18 causes it to re-expand, withdrawitig tlie air from bellows 23 and returning the pocket to its sheath.

In Figure 4 the aim trainer is shown with top cover 25 in placc. An object ball 12 is located directly over axis point 22 (Fig. 2). A design comprising two squares and showing the lines of major angles is provided on the top cover of the aim trainer. The centre of the base line of the design is located directly below the vertical centre of the object ball. The top and sides of tile design are parallel with the top and sides of the top cover. A cue ball 11 is located in direct line with the object ball 12 and the common side of tiie two squares 27.

A semi-circular slot 28 is provided in the top cover through wich tile aim indicator 15 is free to move around the object ball, stops being provided (not shown) to limit the travel of the ain1 indicator when it reaches the position1 of the widest possible angle. The aim indicator is located at a distance from the object ball which is dependent on the size of the balls used. Taking standard snooker balls of 52.5mm diameter ns till example + RAD 2 = 52.5mm plus a compensatory factor of 0.5mm would require the aim indicator to be located at a distance of 53mm from the vertical centre of ti1e object bail.TIe compensatory factor has no effect on the ain indication for straigl1t shots or narrow angles but as the distance between the centre of tle object ball aiid aim indicator widens, the aim indicator becomes eccentric to the notiollal centre of the cue ball in contact with the object ball,thus providiiig sufficiellt compensation to show the aim required for the angle designated bg the line between aim indicator and tlie pocket which is concealed below a semi-ciretiltir slot 29 and is rotated around the object ball in unision with the aim indicator <RTI ID=4.28>by turning knob 30 which is fitted to spindle 17 (Fig. 2).

When players have placed indicators 31 at the position in which they judge the pocket to be located from the given aim with the cue ball, the pocket is raised into view by pressing the bellows button 32 and players score points in relation to their accuracy (see Fig. 5).

Fig 6 is a view in cross-section showing the combination of features above and below the top cover.

Claims (5)

1. A snooker or pool aim trainer in which the cue ball and object ball remain stationary while the aim indicator and target pocket, rotate around the central axis of the object ball.

2. A snooker or pool aim trainer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the aim indicating means is located at a distance Prom the central axis point of the object ball, which is equal to the combined RAD11 of the balls plus a compensatory factor.

3. A snooker or pool aim trainer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the angle indicating means may be concealed, allowing the users to check and test their ability to recognise the angle of travel any given aim will produce.

4. A snooker or pool aim trainer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the lines of main angles are printed on the surface of the aim trainer to facilitate discussion of particular points and as an aid to aim/angle memory.

5. A snooker or pool aim trainer substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-6 of the accompanying drawing.