GB2541911A

GB2541911A - Ball calculator

Info

Publication number: GB2541911A
Application number: GB1515625.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lane Victor
Original assignee: Clean Touch Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Clean Touch Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-03
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Also published as: GB201515625D0

Abstract

Apparatus for billiards having a first part 101 and a second part 102. First part 101 has a concave wall forming a recess (201, figure 2) for abutting and lodging a ball therein and a surface (205, figure 2) for receiving light. The light is directed by a second part 102 from surface (300, figure 3) onto the first part. When a ball is placed in the recess and light is directed onto the first part, it indicates whether there is space between the lodged ball and another adjacent ball. Also claimed is a third part 103 which acts as a container for the first part, and has apertures (406, 407) for directing light from the surface (205, figure 2) of the first part along the table. Light directed along the table indicates whether the ball is a free ball. Preferably the first part has an indicating means (206, figure 2) indicating a predetermined distance relative to a ball located in the recess.

Description

BALL CALCULATOR

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to accessories for use with cue sports and, more particularly, to a ball calculator for use with cue sports.

Background to the Invention [0002] Cue sports are games of skill, in which players equipped with canes known as cues take turns to strike a ball, known as the cue ball, towards further balls arranged on a playing table, those further balls being propelled by the cue ball towards pockets implemented around the periphery of the table. Many variations are known, which include snooker, English pool, American pool and billiards, each variation involving a specific set of game rules, as well as ball characteristics.

[0003] Professional and competitive amateur games are usually arbitrated by a referee, who is responsible for enforcing game rules and attending to any manipulation of the balls in play. Manipulation of balls in play by the players is usually strictly forbidden, however it is regularly required by the referee, either as a result of the game rules, or in order to inspect and/or clean them.

[0004] An example of a context involving frequent manipulations, is the game of snooker, which uses balls of many different colours. The game rules specify that if a player manages to sink one of the many red-coloured balls in a pocket, then this player is allowed a further strike at one of the individually-coloured black, pink, yellow, green, blue or brown balls. Once sunk, a red ball remains in a pocket during a game, known as a frame. However, the differently -coloured individual balls are restored by the referee to their original, predetermined position on the table every time they are sunk in a pocket, until such time as all red balls have been sunk, therefore they are manipulated very frequently. Moreover, if the predetermined position is covered by another ball at the material time, then the individually - coloured ball is placed on the next available predetermined position. If there is no available predetermined position, the ball is placed as close to its own predetermined position as possible in a direct line between that predetermined position and a table cushion, without touching another ball.

[0005] Chalk is traditionally applied by a player to the tip of a cue, to improve the characteristics of the strike. Any amount of chalk powder may be transferred not only to the cue ball but, as and when the cue ball strikes another ball, to that other ball as well. The amount of chalk powder transferred may affect the balance and rolling characteristics of a smeared ball, whereby balls require frequent cleaning by the referee during a frame.

[0006] Regardless of the type of cue sport, it is imperative that a ball in play, which is removed from the table during a game for any reason permitted by the rules, such as explained above by way of example, is returned to the table at substantially the same position on the table, from which it was removed.

[0007] Referees traditionally use a conventional ball marker for this purpose. A ball marker is a device having a concave recess implemented on a face thereof, the diameter of which corresponds substantially to the diameter of a ball. In practice, the referee abuts the ball marker recess against the ball to be removed from the table, without displacing of the ball. The ball marker is then left in situ and the ball removed from the table for cleaning, observation or replacement, as the occasion or the rule may be. The cleaned or replacement ball is eventually returned to the table, by seating it within the recess and abutting it against the wall thereof, whereby the ball marker may then be removed from the table and the game resumed.

[0008] Besides manipulation requirements, the various game rules used in cue sports often require referees or players to observe balls in play, that have come to rest at particular positions, after a strike.

[0009] With reference to the example game of snooker, the game rules likewise specify that if the balls end up in a particular situation during a game, for instance if the player, when his striking turn comes about, cannot strike a red ball without first striking an individually - coloured ball, then this player may have to forfeit his turn at striking. In this example situation, the red ball to be played is not “free” and if this player cannot strike any other ball on the table, he is said to be “snookered” and must forfeit his turn.

[0010] In borderline situations, a referee may be called upon to determine a “free ball” situation and adjudicate whether the player may attempt a strike, or must forfeit his turn. Considering the small size of the standard balls and the extent of the playing table, with distances between balls of potentially several feet, determining a “free ball” situation can become very problematic for the referee with the naked eye, due to the high potential for parallax effects to bias the appreciation of distances.

[0011] The inverse problem is also very frequent, namely that of determining whether neighboring balls are effectively in contact with one another or not, again to adjudicate whether a strike or a forfeiture of turn is in order. Most cue sport rules, regardless of the game variation, include a rule pursuant to which failure to hit a further ball with the cue ball results in the forfeiture of the current player’s turn and/or a penalty. In the game of snooker particularly, a player attempting to ‘snooker’ his opponent instead of sinking balls in pockets will usually attempt to return the cue ball at the end of table from which it was struck, and have the cue ball feather-touch one of the individually-coloured balls at that end, to prevent an ulterior strike at the red balls by his opponent.

[0012] In borderline situations, a referee may be called upon to determine physical contact between balls or not, and adjudicate correspondingly whether a penalty must be dispensed or not. Determining contact can prove very problematic for the referee with the naked eye, due to the curvature and high gloss finish of the balls and the sub-millimetric distances involved, and the traditional source of lighting for cue sports, which is immediately above the playing table but absent from the sides of the playing table and which therefore hinders a lateral observation of the balls. Referees traditionally hold a hand above the potentially - touching balls in order to change the lighting orientation, i.e. laterally relative to the balls on the table.

[0013] The present invention is directed to a ball calculator incorporating means to improve awareness of a cue sports user about ball placement, in the context of ball manipulation and observation as discussed above.

Summary of the Invention [0014] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for cue sports, the apparatus comprising a recess defining a concave wall, wherein the concave wall has a radius suitable for abutting a ball and partially lodging the ball therein; and means to direct light from a light source towards a lateral surface of the apparatus.

[0015] When a determination must be made of any distance between balls potentially in contact, the apparatus may be located so that the lateral side receiving the directed light is adjacent to the balls and facing an observer, whereby the observer will be able to determine that, where darkness is absent between the balls, then the balls are not in contact with one another.

[0016] Preferably, the apparatus is integrally formed.

[0017] Alternatively, the apparatus may be formed in a plurality of parts, at least a first part comprising the recess and the means to direct light and a second part comprising the directed light - receiving lateral surface, wherein the first and second parts are permanently or releasably joined in use.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first and second parts preferably each comprise opposed slots having a respective end aperture, the first part slots being substantially longitudinally aligned with the second part slots when the first and second parts abut one another and forming respective opposed combined slots having end apertures, and the apparatus further comprises a pair of combined slot - engaging arms, each arm having end pins for engaging end apertures of a combined slot.

[0019] Alternatively, the first part comprises opposed slots having respective end apertures and the second part comprises slot-engaging arms having respective end pins for engaging the end apertures. The end apertures may be threaded and the slot-engaging arms may have respective through -apertues for allowing fasteners to pass therethrough and engage the threaded apertures.

[0020] Alternatively, the first part comprises opposed slots having respective end sockets and the second part comprises slot-engaging arms having respective end spring-biased balls for releasably engaging the end sockets.

[0021] The apparatus is preferably formed in a transparent material, or the parts thereof are formed in a transparent material. The transparent material is preferably selected from the group comprising glass and transparent plastics including polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate and lexan.

[0022] The apparatus may further comprise indicating means for indicating a predetermined distance relative to a ball located within the recess. The indicating means is preferably a line observable through the apparatus. The line is preferably curved.

[0023] When a determination must be made about a predetermined position at which to manually place a ball, for instance an individually - coloured ball in the game of snooker and all predetermined positions are respectively covered by other balls, either partly or fully, then the apparatus recess is abutted to the ball occupying that ball’s predetermined position and the indicating means allow a referee to locate the position at which the ball should be manually placed, as the position closest to its own predetermined position in a direct line between that predetermined position and a table cushion.

[0024] The light source is preferably external to the apparatus. Although, the light source may be incorporated within a part of the apparatus, for example instead of or complementary to light directing means 109. In this embodiment, the means to direct light may be selected from the group comprising a refractive layer, a specular reflective layer and a diffuse reflective layer. The layer preferably defines an internal wall of the apparatus. The layer is preferably angled to receive light from the light source located above the apparatus.

[0025] Alternatively, the light source is internal to the apparatus. In this embodiment, the means to direct light may be an optical channel adjacent the light source and extending between the said light source and the lateral surface.

[0026] The lateral surface is preferably any surface of the apparatus not comprising the recess.

[0027] According to a second aspect, there is provided a container for any embodiment of the apparatus recited above, comprising four lateral walls and a bottom wall defining a housing suitable for releasably accommodating the apparatus therein; a through aperture in each of two opposed lateral walls, each aperture being aligned relative to a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the opposed lateral walls and substantially parallel to the bottom wall; wherein the through apertures are located on the walls at a same height relative to the bottom wall, which corresponds substantially to the radius of a ball, and wherein light is emitted through the apertures by the light - directing means of the apparatus.

[0028] When a determination must be made about sufficient clearance between first and second balls, wherein the first ball is potentially obstructing a strike at the second ball and the question is whether this second ball is a ‘free ball’ or not, the combination of container and apparatus may be located adjacent the potentially - free ball, with at least one aperture facing the ball towards the cue ball. A specific beam of light is obtained through the apertures from the light - directing means of the apparatus. The referee may then observe from the side of the cue ball towards the potentially - obstructing ball and, if no light emitted from the aperture is visible to the referee, then the potentially - free ball is indeed apt to be struck.

[0029] Each aperture is preferably a slot extending inwardly from an edge of the lateral wall, the slot being substantially parallel to the bottom wall.

[0030] The lateral wall joining the slotted opposed lateral walls may comprise a transversal slot extending substantially between each of the said slots and vertical relative thereto, defining a channel between the opposed lateral walls and across the joining lateral wall.

[0031] The container is preferably formed in a material selected from the group comprising metals, leather, rubber and opaque plastics including polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate and lexan.

[0032] According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising the at least first and the at least second parts of an apparatus formed in a plurality of parts as recited above.

[0033] This kit of parts may further include a container as recited above.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising any embodiment of the apparatus recited above and any embodiment of the container recited above.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0035] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising three parts.

Figure 2 shows multiple representations of a first part of the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows multiple representations of a second part of the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows multiple representations of a third part of the apparatus of Figure 1.

Detailed Description [0036] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0037] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, an apparatus for cue sports 100 comprises first, second and third parts 101, 102, 103. First, second and third parts 101, 102, 103 are respectively formed in a substantially transparent material, in the example polycarbonate. In one embodiment therefore, apparatus 100 is substantially transparent. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the substantially transparent material may be clear or coloured. Alternatively, the apparatus may be formed of opaque materials or a mixture of opaque and translucent materials.

[0038] First, second and third parts 101, 102, 103 are releasably joined in use.

[0039] At least one lateral surface 200 of the apparatus, in the example a surface of first part 101, comprises a recess 201 defining a concave wall, wherein the concave wall has a radius 202 suitable for abutting a ball and partially lodging the ball in the recess.

[0040] For instance, if an embodiment of apparatus 101 is intended for use with the game of snooker, the radius 202 is comprised in a range between 52.3mm and 52.6mm, to accommodate a standard snooker ball of 52.4 to 52.5mm (±0,05mm). The skilled person will appreciate that such measurements are provided by way of indication only, and are not to intended to restrict or limit the scope of protection in any way, particularly since the apparatus 101 may be implemented for a wide variety of cue sports having balls with very different radii.

[0041] The concave wall is preferably formed in surface 200, so that the portion 203 thereof located nearest the bottom surface 204 of the apparatus tapers to a thickness comprised in a range between 0,01mm and 0,10mm. This configuration allows precise abutment to a ball resting on a surface on which the apparatus likewise rests, for instance the playing table, without displacing the ball.

[0042] At least another portion of the apparatus 102 comprises means to direct light 300 from a light source (not shown) towards a lateral surface 205 of the apparatus, which is opposite and parallel to lateral surface 200. The light source 110 is external to the apparatus 100 and, in the example, comprises lighting means overhead the playing table, which directs light emitted therefrom substantially downward.

[0043] The light source is preferably external to the apparatus. Although, the light source may be incorporated within a part of the apparatus, for example instead of or complementary to light directing means 300. In this embodiment, the means to direct light may be selected from the group comprising a refractive layer, a specular reflective layer and a diffuse reflective layer. The layer preferably defines an internal wall of the apparatus. The layer is preferably angled to receive light from the light source located above the apparatus. Alternatively, the means to direct light may suitably be an optical channel substantially adjacent the light source and extending between the said light source and the lateral surface.

[0044] Other parts of the apparatus may also be mirrored, either to facilitate receiving light from apparatus 102, or to act as means to direct light separately. By way of non-limitative example, with reference to figure 2, apparatus 101 may comprise a mirrored face 205. The mirrored face may be constructed in the same manner or differently to light directing means 300 as discussed herein.

[0045] In the example, the means to direct light 300 from an external light source (not shown) comprises a diffuse reflective layer. Layer 300 is for instance a metallised or mirrored film glued or otherwise affixed (by way of non-limitative example, mechanically held within a physical recess of the apparatus) to the external surface of part 102. As such layer 300 may be a refractive layer, a specular reflective layer or a diffuse reflective layer.

[0046] It will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art that, when the apparatus is formed in a transparent material, the layer 300 may alternatively be, or applied to, the complementary external surface of part 102, with its reflective side facing towards surface pursuant to the above example.

[0047] The layer 300 is angled relative to an external light source located above the apparatus, to receive light therefrom and direct the received light towards either of parts 101 or 103 of the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, the layer is parabolic, to further concentrate the directed light towards either of parts 101 or 103 of the apparatus.

[0048] In order to facilitate alignment of the mirrored surface relative to the light source, external housing of the apparatus 102 including the mirror 300, has cantilevered main opposed faces 301, 302 with cantilevering angles of, respectively, 70° and 10°. The cantilevered faces improve positioning of the mirror relative to the balls on the playfield and reflectivity relative to the other parts of the apparatus.

[0049] When a determination must be made of any distance between balls potentially in contact, the apparatus 102 may be located so that the lateral side 300 receiving the directed light is adjacent the balls and facing an observer, whereby the observer will be able to determine that, where darkness is absent between the balls, then the balls are not in contact with one another, and reciprocally.

[0050] The apparatus further comprises indicating means 206 for indicating a predetermined distance relative to a ball located within the recess 201. The indicating means is a line 206 substantially co-planar with bottom surface 204 and alternatively, may be observable through a transparent top surface of the apparatus 100. It will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art, that line 206 may be implemented on surface 207, surface 204 or within the body of the apparatus itself, and may be implemented by any suitable means, for instance by etching, by engraving or by a suitable configuration of the mould before the transparent material is injected.

[0051] When a determination must be made about a predetermined position at which to manually place a ball, for instance an individually - coloured ball in the game of snooker, and all predetermined positions are respectively covered, partly or fully, by other balls, the apparatus recess 201 is abutted to the ball occupying that ball’s predetermined position. The indicating means 206 allow a referee to locate the position at which the ball should be manually placed, as the position closest to its own predetermined position along indicating means 206 in a direct line between that predetermined position and a table cushion.

[0052] The apparatus further includes a lateral tab 208 to facilitate its movement adjacent a snooker ball, the diameter of the tab (which is suitably curved and extends over the entire length of the member) is half that of the ball the apparatus is intended to be used with. Complimentary to, or alternatively to the lateral tab, the depth of the member between the face adjacent the ball and the extremity of the curved tab is also equal to half the diameter of a ball. The lateral tab and member depth allow easy and precise determination of whether a ball may be located on a given spot or if another object will occlude the respotting (for example, another ball).

[0053] With reference to Figure 4, a container 103 is shown, which comprises four lateral walls 401, 402, 403, 404 and a bottom wall 405, which collectively define a housing suitable for releasably accommodating the apparatus 101 therein.

[0054] Container 103 also comprises through apertures 406, 407 in each of two opposed lateral walls 403, 404, each aperture being aligned relative to a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the opposed lateral walls and substantially parallel to the bottom wall 405. The through apertures are located on the walls at a same height relative to the bottom wall 405, which corresponds substantially to the radius of a ball. Each aperture is a slot extending inwardly from an edge of the lateral wall, the slot being substantially parallel to the bottom wall 405. The lateral wall 401 joining the slotted opposed lateral walls 403, 404 comprises a transversal slot 409 extending substantially between each of the said slots 406, 407 and vertical relative thereto, defining a channel between the opposed lateral walls 403, 404 and across the joining lateral wall 402. In an alternative embodiment, the channel may comprise a central pillar 410 and as such be divided into two half-channels.

[0055] When apparatus 101 is housed within container 103, with surface 205 facing upwards towards the opening of container 103, light directed by the light - directing means 300 of the apparatus 102 shines through the apertures 406, 407, 409.

[0056] The container may further include a domed base 411 on which to rest and pivot the apparatus 101 for adjusting under poor lighting conditions, as well as a “grasping” surface, for example, located on the surface 401 opposite the slot 409 member which serves to retain the pivoted core member 101 in position. Such grasping finish may include but not be limited to, foam or silicone.

[0057] When a determination must be made about sufficient clearance between first and second balls, wherein the first ball is potentially obstructing a strike at the second ball and the question is whether this second ball is a ‘free ball’ or not, the combination of the container 103 and the apparatus 102 may be located adjacent the potentially - free ball, with at least one aperture 406 facing the ball towards the cue ball.

[0058] A specific beam of light is obtained through the apertures 406, 407, 409 from the light - directing means 109 of the apparatus 102. The referee may then observe, following a viewpoint substantially at the side of the cue ball towards the potentially - obstructing ball, whether any light is emitted through the aperture 406. If no light is visible to the referee, then the potentially - free ball is apt to be struck.

Claims

1. Apparatus for cue sports, the apparatus comprising: a recess defining a concave wall, wherein the concave wall has a radius suitable for abutting a ball and partially lodging the ball therein; and means to direct light from a light source towards a lateral surface of the apparatus.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is integrally formed.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is formed in a plurality of parts, at least a first part comprising the recess and at least a second part comprising the means to direct light, the first and second parts being releasably joined in use.

4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is formed in a transparent material, or the parts thereof are formed in a transparent material.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the transparent material is selected from the group comprising glass and transparent plastics including polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate and lexan.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising indicating means for indicating a predetermined distance relative to a ball located within the recess.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 when depending on claim 4 or 5, wherein the indicating means is a line observable through the apparatus.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the line is curved.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is external to the apparatus.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the means to direct light is selected from the group comprising a refractive layer, a specular reflective layer and a diffuse reflective layer.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 when depending on claim 4 or 5, wherein the layer defines an internal wall of the apparatus.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the layer is angled to receive light from the light source located above the apparatus.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source is internal to the apparatus.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the means to direct light is an optical channel substantially adjacent the light source and extending between the said light source and the lateral surface.

15. A container for the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14, comprising four lateral walls and a bottom wall defining a housing suitable for releasably accommodating the apparatus therein; a through aperture in each of two opposed lateral walls, each aperture being aligned relative to a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the opposed lateral walls and substantially parallel to the bottom wall; wherein the through apertures are located on the walls at a same height relative to the bottom wall, which corresponds substantially to the radius of a ball, and wherein light is emitted through the apertures by the light - directing means of the apparatus.

16. A container according to claim 15, wherein each aperture is a slot extending inwardly from the edge of the lateral wall, the slots being substantially parallel to the bottom wall.

17. A container according to claim 16, wherein the lateral wall joining the slotted opposed lateral walls comprises a transversal slot extending substantially between each of the said slots, defining a channel between the opposed lateral walls and across the joining lateral wall.

18. A container according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the container is formed in a material selected from the group comprising metals, leather, rubber and opaque plastics including polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate and lexan.

19. A kit of parts comprising the at least first and the at least second parts of an apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 15 when depending on claim 3.

20. A kit of parts according to claim 19, further comprising a container according to any of claims 15 to 18.

21. A kit of parts comprising an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14 and a container according to any of claims 15 to 18.

22. An apparatus for cue sports substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.

23. A container for an apparatus for cue sports substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.

24. A kit of parts substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying figures.