WO2010000068A1

WO2010000068A1 - Remote-operated device for playing billiards

Info

Publication number: WO2010000068A1
Application number: PCT/CA2009/000913
Authority: WO
Inventors: Design Carl; Carl Seguin
Original assignee: Design Carl; Carl Seguin
Priority date: 2008-07-03
Filing date: 2009-07-03
Publication date: 2010-01-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote-operated device (1) for receiving and displacing balls (3) along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), in order to drive the balls (3) into corresponding pockets (9) of the billiard table (7), to a kit therefor, as well as to a method for playing billiards with the above-mentioned device and/or kit. The remote-operated device (1 ) includes: a housing (11); at least one wheel (13) operatively connected to the housing (11 ), the wheel(s) (13) being provided with a corresponding motor (15); a nesting arrangement (17) for nesting a given ball (3), and for driving the ball (3) along the playing surface (5); at least one support (19) connected to the housing (11 ); and a controller (21) enabled to receive a control signal (23) from a remote control device (25) in order to drive the wheel(s) (13) in response to the control signal (23).

Description

REMOTE-OPERATED DEVICE FOR PLAYING BILLIARDS

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a remote-operated device for playing billiards, to a kit and an assembly therefor, as well as to a method for playing billiards with the device and/or kit.

Background of the invention:

Cue sports are a wide variety of games of skill generally played with a cue stick. The cue stick is typically used to strike billiard balls or "object balls", moving them around a cloth-covered billiards table surface. The cue is usually either a one- piece tapered stick or a two-piece stick divided in the middle by a joint of metal or phenolic resin. High quality cues are generally two pieces and are made of hardwood, generally maple for billiards and ash for snooker.

It is known that there are three major subdivisions of games within cue sports:

1) Carom billiards, referring to games played on tables without pockets, including, amongst others, balkline and straight rail, cushion caroms, three- cushion billiards and artistic billiards;

2) Snooker, which while technically a pocket billiards game, is generally classified separately based on its historic divergence from other games, as well as a separate culture and terminology that characterize its play; and

3) Pocket billiards or "pool" generally played on a table with six pockets, including, amongst others, eight-ball, nine-ball, straight pool, one-pocket pool and bank pool.

As known in the art, the term "billiards" generally designates a category encompassing pool, snooker and carom. More specifically with regard to pocket billiards, it is conventionally played on a rectangular table having a playing surface twice as large as it is wide. Most pool tables are known as 7-, 8-, or 9-footers, referring to the length of the table's longitudinal side. Six pockets are provided, one at each of the corners of the rectangle and one at each center of the two longitudinal sides or rails of the table.

Billiard games played on such pocket billiard tables will vary in the number of balls used. The balls, identical in diameter and sized so as to be able to enter the pockets smoothly, are used as targets. In general, one ball, commonly white and known as the cue ball, is propelled by being struck by the cue stick. The usual object of a pocket billiards game is to cause the cue ball to contact one or more other balls, the object balls, and further cause one or more of the object balls to enter the pockets.

It is known that a conventional billiard game consists of 15 object balls initially racked triangularly and positioned on an indicia at a foot end of the table. The triangular rack is removed and the cue ball is struck from the opposite end of the table, from the head area, to break the triangular configuration of the object balls. The 15 object balls comprise a solid black numbered eight ball, seven balls of solid colors, and seven striped balls. In the known game of eight-ball, a player who pockets the first ball, be it a solid ball or a striped ball, must then sink all of the similarly configured balls and conclude by sinking the eight ball. Certain variations of this game are known in the art.

Other pocket billiards games include, but are not limited to, artistic pool, bank pool, baseball pocket billiards, blackball, bottle pool, bowlliards, casino, Chicago, China eight-ball, cowboy pool, cribbage pool, cutthroat, eight-ball, English billiards, equal offence, Irish standard pool, Kelly pool, killer, nine-ball, one-pocket, poker pool, rotation, Russian pyramid, seven-ball, skittle pool variants or pin pool, speed pool, straight pool, ten-ball, and three-ball. Besides pocket billiards, carom and snooker, obstacle billiards games also exist. Such games include bagatelle, bar billiards, bumper pool, bottle pool, pin pool, and five-pins. Some games have also been classified as being cueless and/or ball-less. Such games include hand billiards and finger pool which do not use any cues. It is also known in the art that virtual computer games have been based on pocket billiard games where the object of the game is similar to pocket billiards, but where the player controls the pool cue through a joy stick or a computer pad, for instance. However, there is no pocket billiards game which combines the use of a remote- operated device on a real pool table.

Of course, remote-operated devices have been known, for example, for playing other types of games, such as football, also known as soccer, on a surface. For example, known to the Applicant are robots produced by Merlin Systems Corp. Ltd. Also, known to the Applicant are US Patents No. 6,877,574 B2, No. 491 ,566 B2, No. 7,463,001 B2 and US 6,482,064 B1 as well as Korean Patent No. 20030029342. However, these devices are not adapted for playing games on a billiard table or billiard playing surface.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a new device or system which would improve the enjoyment of playing of a game of billiards.

Summary of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a remote-operated device which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related devices for playing a billiards game and/or over other related methods for playing this game known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a remote-operated device for playing a billiards game such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote- operated device for receiving and displacing balls along a playing surface, in order to drive said balls into corresponding zones of the playing surface, the remote- operated device comprising: a housing displaceable along the playing surface; at least one wheel operatively connected to the housing, the at least one wheel being provided with a corresponding motor for driving said at least one wheel in order to displace the housing along the playing surface; a nesting arrangement being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the housing for removably nesting a given ball, and for driving the same along the playing surface via a displacement of the housing; at least one support connected to the housing for displaceably supporting the housing with respect to the playing surface; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one wheel for receiving a control signal from a remote control device in order to control at least one parameter of the at least one wheel in response to the control signal. The playing surface may be any surface for playing games such as hockey, soccer and/or the like.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote- operated device for receiving and displacing balls along a playing surface of a billiard table, in order to drive said balls into corresponding pockets of the billiard table, the remote-operated device comprising: a housing displaceable along the playing surface of the billiard table; at least one wheel operatively connected to the housing, the at least one wheel being provided with a corresponding motor for driving said at least one wheel in order to displace the housing along the playing surface of the billiard table; a nesting arrangement being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the housing for removably nesting a given ball, and for driving the same along the playing surface via a displacement of the housing; at least one support connected to the housing for displaceably supporting the housing with respect to the playing surface; and a controller operatively connected to the at least one wheel for receiving a control signal from a remote control device in order to control at least one parameter of the at least one wheel in response to the control signal. Preferably, there is provided a remote-operated device for playing pocket billiards on a playing surface, the device comprising: a unit, said unit comprising a communication system, at least two low-friction guides for maintaining the unit levelled and in constant contact with the surface and at least one wheel for providing motility to the unit; and controlling ball means for controlling a billiard ball, said controlling ball means being mounted to the unit; wherein the unit relays a signal between the unit and a control station for directing the unit, and thereby controlling the movement of the device on the surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of playing a game of billiard along a playing surface of a billiard table, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing on the playing surface a plurality of balls to be driven into corresponding pockets (9) of the billiard table; (b) providing on the playing surface at least at least two opposing remote-operated devices such as the one described herein; and (c) allowing said at least two opposing remote-operated devices to simultaneously operate on the playing surface of the billiard table in order to play the game of billiard within a framework of gaming guidelines.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a billiards game assembly provided with the above-mentioned remote-operated device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned remote-operated device and/or its corresponding components.

According to yet another object of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembling the above-mentioned device, components and/or game assembly. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a remote-operated device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2a is a schematic top view of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2b is a schematic front view of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2c is a schematic side view of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2d is a schematic bottom view of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3a is a schematic top view of a remote-operated device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3b is a schematic front view of the device shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 3c is a schematic side view of the device shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 3d is a schematic bottom view of the device shown in Figure 3a.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of two remote-operated devices, as shown in Figure 1 , the devices being shown on a conventional pool table, being shown partially, with a plurality of billiard balls. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a remote-operated device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote-operated device being shown in communication with a remote control device.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.

In the context of the present description, the expression "billiards", "billiard", "billiards game", or "game of billiards" includes all types of such games as described hereinabove, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for a game of pocket billiards or "pool", it may be used with other kinds of billiard games, such as the aforementioned or others, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression "billiards", "billiards game" or "game of billiards" should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of games or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.

Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "remote- operated device", "device", "robot", "assembly", "unit" and "product", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "support", " guide", "roller ball" and "wheel", for example, or even "nesting assembly" and "controlling ball means" as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises components, and although the preferred embodiment of the remote-operated device and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the remote-operated device according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Broadly described, the remote-operated device according to the present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, is a remote-operated device for receiving and displacing balls along a playing surface of a billiard table, in order to drive the balls into corresponding pockets of the billiard table.

Preferably and as better illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the remote-operated device (1) of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment comprises: a housing (11) displaceable along the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7); at least one wheel (13) operatively connected to the housing (11), the at least one wheel (13) being provided with a corresponding motor (15) for driving said at least one wheel (13) in order to displace the housing (11) along the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7); a nesting arrangement (17) being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the housing (11) for removably nesting a given ball (3), and for driving the same along the playing surface (5) via a displacement of the housing (11); at least one support (19) connected the housing (11) for displaceably supporting the housing (11) with respect to the playing surface (5); and a controller (21) operatively connected to the at least one wheel (13) for receiving a control signal (23) from a remote control device (25) in order to control at least one parameter of the at least one wheel (13) in response to the control signal (23).

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote- operated device comprises a pair of wheels (13), each being mounted about a corresponding axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11). Preferably, each wheel (13) is mounted about a common axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11). The common axis of rotation (27) is preferably provided substantially centrally with respect to the housing (11), as exemplified in the drawings, namely with reference to Figures 2a to 3d. For a given pair of wheels (13), each wheel (13) is preferably positioned equidistantly from a common reference point (29) of the housing (11), the common reference point (29) preferably, intersecting the axis of rotation (27) of each wheel (13). The common reference point (29) may be the center of gravity of the remote-operated device (1) or a central position with respect to the housing (11).

Preferably, each wheel (13) of the remote-operated device (1) is independently driven by a corresponding motor (15), as better illustrated in Figure 5. Moreover, the remote-operated device (1) is preferably provided with a pair of wheels (13) which is of differential steering type in order to allow a wide range of movements thereof. Preferably, the remote-operated device (1) only comprises one pair of wheels (13), wherein each wheel (13) is mounted about a common axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11). The wheels (13) may be configured to rotate at a same speed. Thus, a rotation of the wheels (13) along a same first direction of rotation displaces the housing (11) frontwardly along the playing surface (5), a rotation of the wheels (13) along a same second direction of rotation displaces the housing (11) rearwardly along the playing surface (5), and a rotation of the wheels (13) along respective opposite directions of rotation displaces the housing (11) in a pivoting manner about itself. In the context of the present description, the expression "direction of rotation" is to be understood as the direction of rotation with respect to a common reference point.

Preferably, a rotation of the wheels (13) at different speeds displaces the housing (11) in a non-rectilinear manner along the playing surface (5). More particularly, the wheels (13) may be configured to rotate at various speeds within a given range. Thus, for a given pair of wheels (13), when the wheels (13) are rotating in the same direction of rotation, with one wheel (13) rotating faster than the other (13), the remote-operated device (1) is caused to move along a corresponding arc. Preferably, the parameters the wheels (13), including the speed of rotation, the acceleration of rotation, the direction of rotation and/or orientation of the wheels are variable and preferably also controllable, preferably via the remote control device (25).

Moreover, each wheel (13) is preferably provided with a rubberized peripheral surfacing (31) for improving gripping about the playing surface (5). Preferably, the peripheral surfacing (31) is compatible with the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7), in order to avoid damaging the playing surface (5).

Preferably, the wheels (13) are provided peripherally with respect to the housing (11), as shown in Figures 1 , 2a, 2d, 3a and 3c. Alternatively, the wheels (13) may be covered by the housing (11), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the wheels (13) may be provided at any suitable position in order to allow support and displacement of the housing (11 ), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the wheels (13) may be mounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the axis of rotation of the wheels (13), in order to allow a pivoting and/or turning movement of the remote- operated device (1). Such pivotable wheels (13) are preferably operable via a corresponding motor which may or may not be connected to the motor (15) for driving the rotation of the wheel (13). Preferably, the wheels (13) are mounted on the housing (11) in order to lift the housing (11) above the playing surface (5) and thus reduce friction against the playing surface (5).

The housing (11) may have any suitable shape and size. Indeed and for example, the housing (11) may have a cylindrical, cubical, polygonal, semi-circular, or asymmetrical shape, and/or the like, as can be easily understood. Moreover, the housing (11) may be provided adjacent to the controller (21), without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed and for example, the housing (11) may have the form of a structural frame, defining a nesting arrangement (17) therein.

Preferably, the nesting arrangement (17) defines a cavity (33) being substantially complementary in shape to that of the balls (3) to be nested and driven by the remote-operated device (1), as better illustrated in Figure 5. However, the cavity (33) may have any suitable shape to receive one or more ball(s) (3), as can be easily understood. The nesting arrangement (17) preferably defines a substantially cup-shaped cavity (33). Moreover, the cavity (33) is preferably defined by a pair of guiding arms (35) projecting frontwardly from the housing (11). Each guiding arm (35) is preferably arched inwardly such that the guiding arms (35) are bent toward one another, in order to better nest the one or more balls (3) and to further avoid hooking and/or damaging the playing surface (5), namely the bordering edges thereof, as better illustrated in Figures 1 to 2d. Alternatively, the guiding arms (35) are linear, as better illustrated in Figures 3a to 3d. Front edges of the guiding arms (35) are preferably provided with protective trims (37), also as a preventive measure to avoid damaging the balls (3), another remote-operated device (1), the playing surface (5), namely bordering edges, and/or any other part of the billiard table (7) or game. The protective trims (37) are preferably made of low-friction materials, such as rubber.

The pair of guiding arms (35) may be provided by a U-shaped component (39) being removably mounted about the housing (11). Alternatively, the U-shaped component (39) may be fixedly and/or permanently provided about the housing (11). Moreover, the guiding arms (35) may be two separate members connected removably or fixedly to the housing (11). The above-mentioned guiding arms (35) may be provided in a number of configurations. Indeed and for example, the guiding arms (35) may be movable and/or flexible, with respect to the housing (11), so as to grasp, lift and/or pinch one of the balls (3). Moreover, the guiding arms (35) may be hingedly connected to the housing (11) and may also be controllable, for example via the control device (25), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The guiding arms (35), U-shaped component (39) and/or any component thereof is preferably made of a resilient material.

Alternatively, the nesting arrangement (17) may be provided at any suitable position with respect to the housing (11). Indeed and for example, the nesting arrangement (17) may include a hook, positioned at a side of the housing (11) or remote-operated device (1). Alternatively, the nesting arrangement (17) may include a liftable loop configured to surround a ball (3), which may be located at any side of the remote-operable device (1). Alternatively, the housing (11) may be configured so as to encage a ball (3) therein, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the nesting arrangement (17) may be provided so as to nest one or more balls (3). The balls (3) may be conventional billiard balls or may have different sizes. The nesting arrangement (17) may be configured so as to receive a ball (3) loosely, tightly and/or adjustably.

The above-mentioned U-shaped component (39) is preferably mounted about the housing (11) with at least one spacer (41) for preventing interference of the U- shaped component (39) with rotation of each wheel (13), and also for protecting the housing (11) against collisions with other objects of the billiard game, such as balls (3), another remote-operated device (1), the playing surface (5), namely the bordering edges, and/or any other part of the billiard table (7) or game. Alternatively, the spacers (41) are provided by the housing (11), namely if the wheels (13) are located inwardly with respect to the periphery of the housing (11). The U-shaped component (39) is preferably made of a given material and configured about the housing (11) so as to also act as a bumper for the remote- operated device (1). The U-shaped component (39) is preferably made of low- friction materials such as Teflon™, carbon fiber and/or the like in order to avoid damaging objects on the billiard table and the billiard table itself, including the balls (3), another remote-operated device (1), the playing surface (5), namely the bordering edges, and/or any other part of the billiard table (7) or game.

The U-shaped component (39) may be attached to the housing (11) in any suitable manner. Indeed and for example, the U-shaped component (39) may be adhered to the housing (11), for example, via the spacers (41), which may have adhering surfaces, or the U-shaped component (39) may be adhered or attached directly on the housing (11). Alternatively, the U-shaped component (39) may be attached to the housing (11) using fasteners such as a screw, a clip, a button and/or the like. Any fastening means projecting outwardly from the U-shaped component (39) and/or housing (11) is preferably also made of any suitable low-friction material such as nylon, Teflon™, carbon fiber, a suitable polymer and/or the like for example. Also, the U-shaped component (39) is preferably slightly lifted with respect to the playing surface (5) in order to reduce friction thereagainst when the remote-operated device (1) is moving, as can be easily understood. The U-shaped component (39) is also preferably mounted in order to maintain a centrally positioned center of gravity relative to the housing (11). Any part of the U-shaped component (39), such as the guiding arms (35), the lateral protection and the bumper may be provided integrally with the housing (11), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote- operated device (1) comprises a pair of supports (19) each projecting from a bottom surface (43) of the housing (11) so as to support the housing (11) with respect to the playing surface (5), as better illustrated in Figures 2a to 3d. Preferably, each support (19) of a given pair is positioned equidistantly from a common reference point (45) of the housing (11). Alternatively, one or more supports (19) may be positioned at a rear portion or front portion of the housing (11) depending on the center of gravity and other points of support. Indeed and for example, if the wheels are provided at a front portion of the remote-operated device (1), one support (19) may be provided at a rear portion in order to counterbalance the remote-operated device (1). The aforementioned common reference point (45) may be the same common reference point (29) about which each wheel (13) is positioned equidistantly. Moreover, the common reference point (29,45) may be the center of gravity of the remote-operated device (1), as shown in Figures 2a, 2d, 3a and 3d.

Preferably, each support (19) is a low-friction support (19) displaceable along the playing surface (5) along with a corresponding displacement of the housing (11). Preferably, each support (19) is slidably movable with respect to the playing surface (5) and is preferably semi-circular, that is, substantially semi-spherical or semi-cylindrical. Preferably, each support (19) is provided with a Teflon™ covering (47) for improving sliding along the playing surface (5). Moreover, each support (19) may be rotatably movable with respect to the playing surface (5). Preferably, each support (19) comprises a roller ball (49). The roller ball (49) may be rotatable along one axis so as to act as a wheel or the roller ball (49) may be configured in the form of a ball bearing so as to provide multiple axes of rotation. Alternatively, one or more supports (19) may be fixedly attached to the housing (11). Moreover, the support(s) (19) is/are preferably configured to cooperate with the wheel(s) (13) in order to maintain the housing (11) in a substantially leveled manner with respect to the playing surface (5).

The above-mentioned support(s) (19), wheel(s) (13), housing (11) and controller (21) may be provided in various numbers and configurations, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed and for example, the remote-operated device (1) may be provided with three wheels (13) positioned in a triangular configuration. Alternatively, the remote-operated device (1) may be provided with one front wheel and two rear supports (19). Alternatively, the remote-operated device (1) may be provided with one support (19) shaped to provide a low-friction point of contact with the playing surface (5), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, such that the housing (11) is dragged along the playing surface (5). Alternatively, a low-friction contact of the above- mentioned U-shaped component (39) against the playing surface (5), preferably at a rear portion thereof, may provide the support (19). Moreover, the support(s) (19) may be mounted on the U-shaped component (39), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is to be understood that one or more of the above- described support(s) (19) may be provided in the form of a wheel and/or roller and that one or more of the above-described wheel(s) (13) may be provided in the form of a support (19). Moreover, the wheel (13), may include a belt, a caterpillar track, a bidirectional or omnidirectional wheel and/or any other suitable displacement assembly such as a rail system, a cable and rail system, etc., as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, a set of three ombidirectional wheels may be provided in a triangular configuration, as can be understood.

Furthermore, the remote-operated device (1) may be provided in two or more separate members. Indeed and for example, the housing (11) may be provided with a magnetic element and movable via a controller (21) with wheel(s) (13) assembly located under the playing surface (5) within the magnetic field of the magnetic element of the housing (11), the controller (21) with wheel(s) (13) assembly being provided with a complementary magnetic element. In other words, the controller (21) may be provided in a separate body with respect to the housing (11) and connected thereto via a magnetic field, such that the controller (21) is placed under the billiard playing surface (5) and/or table (7) so as to control the housing (11) via the magnetic field, the controller (21) and the housing (11) each being provided with a complementary magnetic element. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller (21) is configured to receive a wireless control signal (23). Preferably, the controller (21) receives the control signal (23) via radio control technology and/or via Bluetooth™ technology. Preferably, a radio control signal of either, 72 MHz or 75 MHz, is used, as is well known in the art. Alternatively, a GPS system, a satellite system, a "WiFi" system, a microwave communication system, an infrared communication system, a cellular network system and/or any other wireless communication system may be used, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the control signal (23) is emitted by a remote control device (25), such as a game console, for example, operable by a player. Alternatively, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the remote control device (25) may be any handheld wireless device, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PC, a laptop, a pocket PC, and/or the like. The remote control device (25) is preferably provided with a user interface, including, for example, a push button, a lever, a joystick, a touch screen and/or the like, as is well-known in the art.

Alternatively, the remote control device (25) may be an autonomous programmed device to automatically controlling the remote-operated device (1). The controller (21) may be a programmable robot. The programmable robot may be provided with a number of sensors, and transceiving means, in order to exchange signals with the remote control device (25), namely in a system where the remote control device (25) automatically controls the remote-operated device (1). The programmable robot may be configurable by a user or preprogrammed, as is well known in the art. Alternatively, the remote-operated device (25) is connected to the remote control device (25) via a cable, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the remote-operated device (1) and/or the remote-control device (25) is battery powered. The remote-operated device (1) and/or the remote-control device (25) may be adapted to receive one or more standard disposable battery(ies), one or more standard rechargeable battery(ies) and/or a permanent battery rechargeable by directly pluging a charger thereto. The remote-operated device (1) may be powered by any suitable type of energy, such as solar energy, electricity, etc. or combination thereof.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the parameter(s) of each wheel (13) is/are selected from the group consisting of speed, direction of rotation, and orientation. Preferably, the parameters the wheels (13) are variable and preferably also controllable, preferably via the remote control device (25).

A number of modifications could be made to the above-described remote-operated device (1) without departing from the scope of the present invention as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed and for example, the nesting arrangement (17) may be made integral to the housing (11). Moreover, each support (19) and/or any other component of the remote-operated device (1), such as, for example, the guiding arms (35), the U-shaped component (39), etc may be made integral to the housing (11).

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit (51) for playing a game of billiard along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), the kit preferably (51) comprising at least two remote-operated devices (1) such as the one described hereinabove, as exemplified in Figure 4.

Preferably, the kit (51) further comprises a control device (25) for controlling each remote-operated device (1). The kit (51) preferably comprises a plurality of balls (3a, 3b, 3c) and/or a billiard table (7) with a playing surface (5) and corresponding pockets (9). Preferably, a set of seven solid balls (3a), a set of seven striped balls (3b) and one black ball (3c) are provided. The billiard table (7), may be a conventional billiard table or any variant thereof, such as a miniature table, or a portable playing surface, which could be placed on a table, a floor or any other suitable surface. Alternatively, the billiard table (7) is provided with a playing surface (5) having different levels of surfaces. The balls (3) and playing surface (5), billiard table (7) and remote-operated device (1) may be of any suitable shape, size, appearance and numbers, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed, the balls (3) and table (7) may be smaller than those of a conventional billiards game, for example, for a children's game. Moreover, more or fewer balls (3) may be provided in comparison with a conventional set of billiard balls (3). Moreover, the balls may have, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, a rounded cubicle shape having slidable surfaces and/or any other suitable shape allowing the remote-operated device (1) to move the balls (3). Indeed, the balls (3) may be rollable or slidable. Moreover, a given set of ball (3) may include balls (3) of different size and/or shape and/or appearance, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, the game may include only one remote-operated device (1) for a single user. Moreover, a plurality of remote-operated devices (1) and corresponding sets of balls (3) may be provided to allow a number of players greater than two to concurrently play the game of billiard. Furthermore, a combination of user- operable remote control devices (25) and automated/programmed remote control devices (1) may be provided to allow players to interact with a computer-controlled remote-operated device (1), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of playing a game of billiard along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), the method comprising the steps of: providing on the playing surface (5) a plurality of balls (3), preferably a set of solid balls (3a) and a set of striped balls (3b), to be driven into corresponding pockets (9) of the billiard table (7); providing on the playing surface (5) at least at least two opposing remote-operated devices (1) such as the one described hereinabove; and allowing said at least two opposing remote-operated devices (1) to simultaneously operate on the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7) in order to play the game of billiard within a framework of gaming guidelines. The guidelines preferably include substantially the same rules as a conventional game of billiards or known variants thereof. For example, the objective for one of the remote-operated devices (1) could be to drive all the solid balls (3a) into the pockets, while the objective of the other opposing remote-operated devices (1) is be to drive all the striped balls (3b) into the pockets. Alternatively, the guidelines may be adapted according to user preferences and/or number of players.

Indeed, a wide range of combinations and possible guidelines may be provided to adapt the above-mentioned billiard game and/or kit, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As previously mentioned and as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the remote-operated device (1) for playing billiards is positioned on a playing surface (5) which includes at least one pocket (9). As will be understood by a person skilled in the art and as shown in Figure 4, this playing surface (5) may be, for instance, a conventional pocket billiards table surface (5). As mentioned hereinabove, it is known that a pocket billiards table has pockets (9), normally in the number of six, with one at each corner of the table ("corner pockets") and one at the midpoint of each of the longer sides ("side pockets") of the table (7) into which a billiard ball (3) or object ball (3) must be directed to score. Indeed, as may be understood by a person skilled in the art, the remote-operated device (1) is directed so as to guide a billiard ball (3) toward a pocket (9) with the intention that the pocket (9) will receive the billiard ball (3) in order for a player to score.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the remote-operated device (1) for playing pocket billiards on a playing surface (5) comprises a housing (11).

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing (11) may adopt a variety of shapes including, for example, a cylindrical, platform or cubic shape. The housing (11) preferably has a width of about 3 inches and a height of about 3 inches. The housing (11) is further provided with front and rear ends.

Advantageously, and as shown on Figures 1 to 3d, the housing (11) may be provided with a cavity (33) on its front end which is designed and sized so as to receive a side of the billiard ball (3). As such, the cavity (33) may be, for instance, cup-shaped.

As mentioned hereinabove, features of the unit (11) which are particularly important to the unit (11) include a communication system, and preferably at least two low-friction supports (19) or "guides", and at least two wheels (13).

Concerning the communication system of the housing (11) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageously a Bluetooth™ communications system. This type of system is known to a skilled person in the art as a wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology facilitating data transmissions over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices and therefore provides a sophisticated way to connect and exchange information between devices such as mobile phones, telephones, laptops, personal computers, printers, GPS receivers, digital cameras, and video game consoles over a secure, globally unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) 2.4 GHz short-range radio frequency bandwidth. Furthermore, this type of communication system is fully controllable wirelessly via, for example, ACSII serial protocol. Of course, a person skilled in the art will understand that the communication system of the housing (11) can be any type of wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology which may be applicable to the present invention.

As such, the communication system of the housing (11) enables data transmission between a remote control device (25) and the housing (11), in order to control and direct the at least two wheels (13), and thereby enabling the remote operation of the device (1) on the surface (5). For example, both the speed and the direction of the device (1) can be controllable by the remote control device (25). Of course, a person skilled in the art will understand that the remote control device (25) or "control station" can be, for example, a console held by a player. This console may be a handheld double proportional joystick or any other type of console (e.g. with push buttons, levers, etc.) which could be a control station.

Also in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (11) comprises at least two low-friction supports (19), which may be positioned at the front end and the rear end of the housing (11) on the bottom surface (43) of the housing (11). Advantageously, these supports (19) are semicircular and maintain the device (1) and corresponding housing (11) levelled and in constant contact with the surface (5).

Yet again according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (11) is provided with the at least two wheels (13) for enabling the housing (11) to be mobile. The wheels (13) are of the differential steering type. As such, these two wheels (13) are positioned symmetrically on either side of the unit (11). This allows for rotation of the housing (11) and utilizes a minimum amount of space when the housing (11) changes direction. Each of the wheels (13) is independently driven by its own closed loop motor. As such, a person in the art will understand that when both wheels rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions, the housing (11) moves in a linear direction either frontwardly or rearwardly. However, when both wheels rotate at the same speed but in the same direction, the housing (11) will pivot upon itself.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing (11) includes a programmable robotic unit. Optionally, the programmable robotic unit is a MIABOT™ robot.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the remote-operated billiards device (1) comprises controlling ball means or nesting arrangement (17) for controlling a billiard ball (3). The nesting arrangement (17) is an important feature of the remote-operated device (1) since it allows the control of the billiard balls (3) on the surface (5). The nesting arrangement (17) is preferably mounted to the housing (11). A person skilled in the art will understand that the controlling ball means (17) can be mounted to the housing (11) by way of pins, screws, latches, clips, and by any other way to properly attach or mount the means to the unit (11).

As shown in the Figures, the nesting arrangement (17) consist of a U-shaped belt (39). Edges of the nesting arrangement (17) correspond to the tips of the "U" and extend from either side of the housing (11) so as to receive the billiard ball (3). Advantageously, the edges are provided with a trim (37), such as a rubber or plastic trim (37), in order to avoid damage to the edges when the nesting arrangement (17) is in collision and to avoid damage to the billiard balls (3). The edges will also advantageously protect the extremities of the playing surface (3), such as the bands of a billiard table for instance, when the device (1) is used on this type of surface (5).

The nesting arrangement (17) are also provided with a closed end which corresponds to the loop portion of the "U". This closed end loops nesting arrangement (17) around the housing (11) at the rear thereof. The closed end is designed so as to allow smooth rotation of the housing (11) when the latter abuts the side of the table or playing surface (5). It may also to be used as a bumper which helps in avoiding damage to the housing (11) when it collides with another housing (11) or with the balls (3).

Advantageously, the nesting arrangement (17), when mounted to the housing (11), is provided with spacers (41) in order to stabilize the nesting arrangement (17). The spacers (41) are further advantageously included so as to prevent the wheels (13) from contacting the nesting arrangement (17) and thereby preventing the wheels (13) from being impeded in their movement.

Therefore, the remote-operated billiards device (1) according to the present invention provides a device enabling a unique methodology for scoring in a billiards game. As also previously mentioned, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a use for the remote-operated device (1) as described hereinabove for playing a game of billiards.

Preferably, this game is designed for at least two players who each control their own remote-operated device (1). The rules of the game are similar to any billiards game, such as eight-ball for example, but require a different type of dexterity as will be explained hereinbelow.

In the game according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first designated remote-operated device (1) is used to break and disperse the balls (3) set up at one end of the surface (5). The device (1) can push the cue ball against the set up or the device (1) can reverse into the set up, whereby the closed end of the U-shaped component (39) can be used to break up the set up.

Once the balls (3) are dispersed, the cue ball, if used, can be discarded. The game is then played simultaneously by the players who use any method they wish to choose whether they are assigned the solid balls or the striped balls. The challenge of the players is to pocket their designated balls (3) as fast as possible in either a random fashion or with respect to the order of the number on the balls. The first player to have pocketed all its designated balls (3) should pocket the eight ball to win the game. Just like for the rules for eight-ball, if the eight ball is pocketed before the player's designated balls are pocketed, the player who motioned the eight ball towards a pocket is disqualified and the game is over.

Therefore, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for playing a billiards game and/or operating the above- mentioned remote-operated device and/or its corresponding components.

Of course, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a billiards game assembly provided with the above-mentioned remote- operated device. According to yet another object of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembling the above-mentioned device, components and/or game assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A remote-operated device (1) for receiving and displacing balls (3) along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), in order to drive said balls (3) into corresponding pockets (9) of the billiard table (7), the remote-operated device (1) comprising: a housing (11) displaceable along the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7); at least one wheel (13) operatively connected to the housing (11), the at least one wheel (13) being provided with a corresponding motor (15) for driving said at least one wheel (13) in order to displace the housing (11) along the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7); a nesting arrangement (17) being positioned, shaped and sized with respect to the housing (11) for removably nesting a given ball (3), and for driving the same along the playing surface (5) via a displacement of the housing (11); at least one support (19) connected to the housing (11) for displaceably supporting the housing (11) with respect to the playing surface (5); and a controller (21) operatively connected to the at least one wheel (13) for receiving a control signal (23) from a remote control device (25) in order to control at least one parameter of the at least one wheel (13) in response to the control signal (23).

2. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one wheel (13) comprises a pair of wheels (13) each being mounted about a corresponding axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11).

3. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each wheel (13) is mounted about a common axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11).

4. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein for a given pair of wheels (13), each wheel (13) is positioned equidistantly from a common reference point (29) of the housing (11).

5. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the common reference point (29) intersects the axis of rotation (27) of each wheel (13).

6. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the common reference point (29) is the center of gravity of the remote-operated device (1).

7. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein each wheel (13) is independently driven by a corresponding motor (15).

8. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein for a given pair of wheels (13), said pair of wheels (13) is of differential steering type.

9. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the remote-operated device (1) only comprises a pair of wheels (13), wherein each wheel (13) is mounted about a common axis of rotation (27) provided on the housing (11), wherein the wheels (13) are configured to rotate at a same speed, wherein a rotation of the wheels (13) along a same first direction of rotation displaces the housing (11) frontwardly along the playing surface (5), wherein a rotation of the wheels (13) along a same second direction of rotation displaces the housing (11) rearwardly along the playing surface (5), and wherein a rotation of the wheels (13) along respective opposite directions of rotation displaces the housing (11) in a pivoting manner about itself.

10. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 9, wherein a rotation of the wheels (13) at different speeds displaces the housing (11) in a non- rectilinear manner along the playing surface (5).

11. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein each wheel (13) is provided with a rubberized peripheral surfacing (31) for improving gripping about the playing surface (5).

12. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 , wherein the nesting arrangement (17) defines a cavity (33) being substantially complementary in shape to that of the balls (3) to be nested and driven by the remote-operated device (1).

13. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the nesting arrangement (17) defines a substantially cup-shaped cavity (33).

14. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the cavity (33) is defined by a pair of guiding arms (35) projecting frontwardly from the housing (11).

15. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 14, wherein front edges of the guiding arms (35) are provided with protective trims (37).

16. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the guiding arms (35) are bent toward one another.

17. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the pair of guiding arms (35) is provided by a U-shaped component (39) being removably mounted about the housing (11).

18. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 17, wherein the U- shaped component (39) is mounted about the housing (11) with at least one spacer (41) for preventing interference of the U-shaped component (39) with rotation of each wheel (13).

19. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the U-shaped component (39) is made of a given material and configured about the housing (11) so as to also act as a bumper for the remote-operated device (1).

20. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-19, wherein the at least one support (19) comprises a pair of supports (19) each projecting from a bottom surface (43) of the housing (11) so as to support the housing (11) with respect to the playing surface (5).

21. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein for a given pair of supports (19), each support (19) is positioned equidistantly from a common reference point (45) of the housing (11).

22. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 21 , wherein the common reference point (45) about which each support (19) is positioned equidistantly is the same common reference point (29) about which each wheel (13) is positioned equidistantly.

23. A remote-operated device (1) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the common reference point (29,45) is the center of gravity of the remote-operated device (1 ).

24. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-23, wherein each support (19) is a low-friction support (19) displaceable along the playing surface (5) along with a corresponding displacement of the housing (11).

25. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-24, wherein each support (19) is slidably movable with respect to the playing surface (5).

26. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-25, wherein each support (19) is semi-circular.

27. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-26, where iinn eeaacchh ssuuppppoorrtt ((1199)) iiss pprroovviidded with a Teflon™ covering (47) for improving sliding along the playing surface (5).

28. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-27, wherein each support (19) is rotatably movable with respect to the playing surface (5).

29. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-28, wherein each support (19) comprises a roller ball (49).

30. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-29, wherein each support (19) is configured to cooperate with each wheel (13) in order to maintain the housing (11) in a substantially leveled manner with respect to the playing surface (5).

31. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-30, wherein the controller (21) receives a wireless control signal (23).

32. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-31 , wherein the controller (21) receives the control signal (23) via radio control technology.

33. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-31 , where iinn tthhee controller (21) receives the control signal (23) via Bluetooth™ technology.

34. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-33, wherein the controller (21) is a programmable robot.

35. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-34, wherein the at least one parameter of each wheel (13) is selected from the group consisting of speed, direction of rotation, and orientation.

36. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-35, wherein the nesting arrangement (17) is made integral to the housing (11).

37. A remote-operated device (1) according to any one of claims 1-36, wherein each support (19) is made integral to the housing (11).

38. A kit (51) for playing a game of billiard along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), the kit (51) comprising at least two remote-operated devices (1) such as the one defined in any one of claims 1-37.

39. A kit (51) according to claim 38, wherein the kit (51) further comprises a control device (25) for controlling each remote-operated device (1).

40. A kit (51) according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the kit (51) further comprises a plurality of balls (3).

41. A kit (51) according to any one of claims 38-40, wherein the kit (51) further comprises a billiard table (7) with a playing surface (5) and corresponding pockets (9).

42. A method of playing a game of billiard along a playing surface (5) of a billiard table (7), the method comprising the steps of: a) providing on the playing surface (5) a plurality of balls (3) to be driven into corresponding pockets (9) of the billiard table (7); b) providing on the playing surface (5) at least at least two opposing remote- operated devices (1) such as the one defined in any one of claims 1-37; and c) allowing said at least two opposing remote-operated devices (1) to simultaneously operate on the playing surface (5) of the billiard table (7) in order to play the game of billiard within a framework of gaming guidelines.