Training apparatus and method for games such as billiards and the like

Abstract

A training apparatus and method for games such as billiards is provided wherein the training apparatus includes a projector body supported by an elongated trunk. The apparatus can be positioned on a playing surface where the projector body is vertically above an object ball that can be received by alignment stops for properly positioning the object ball below the projector body. By activation of electronics in the projector body, a path can be projected that is aligned with and indicates the intended object ball path. This object ball path or line typically will line up with and be a path to a desired pocket for the object ball to be caused to enter. A second path from the projector body can be projected as a target strike location, which can be a vertical target line or a predetermined geometric configuration, can be projected onto the surface of the object ball to indicate a desired contact or strike point, also referred to as an impact location, at which the cue ball should strike the object ball to cause the object ball to move along the intended object ball path. Reference lines can be emitted from the projector body to indicate the resultant cue ball path subsequent to striking the object ball at the vertical target line. An incandescent light or a holographic image can be projected from the projector body behind the object ball to provide a ghost ball or image representing the target impact location for the cue ball to strike the object ball. As a result, a user may select an object ball target objective, receive visual input on the optimum impact location in various formats, and receive feedback information on the resultant cue ball path.

1 . A training apparatus for games such as billiards, the training apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources, and the projector body being adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein at least a first projected light represents a target for projecting on the object ball representative of a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction; and    (b) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table.    
   
   
       2 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the first projected light comprises a laser light.  
   
   
       3 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball.  
   
   
       4 . The training apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the second projected light comprises a laser.  
   
   
       5 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.  
   
   
       6 . The training apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the projector body comprises a laser light source and the second projected light comprises a laser.  
   
   
       7 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein a second projected light represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.  
   
   
       8 . The training apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the second projected light comprises a non-laser light.  
   
   
       9 . The training apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the second projected light comprises a holographic image of a cue ball.  
   
   
       10 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body comprises an object ball contact portion on an underneath side of the projector body for engaging an object ball.  
   
   
       11 . The training apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the object ball contact portion comprises an alignment cradle for positioning against an object ball.  
   
   
       12 . The training apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the object all contact portion comprises a movable actuation mechanism adapted for activating at least a portion of the one or more light sources by positioning of an object ball against the alignment cradle and against the actuation mechanism.  
   
   
       13 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the base comprises an elongated trunk adapted for supporting the projector body above a playing surface a distance spaced apart from the playing surface wherein the base is positioned outside of an area between the projector body and the playing surface.  
   
   
       14 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body is at least generally in a shape of a saucer.  
   
   
       15 . The training apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the projector body is rotatable on the base.  
   
   
       16 . A training apparatus for games such as billiards, the training apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources, and the projector body being adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources wherein: 
 (i) a first projected light represents a target for projecting on the object ball representative of a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction;  
 (ii) a second projected light represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball; and  
 (iii) a third projected light represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location; and  
   (b) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table.    
   
   
       17 . The training apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the projector body is adapted for projecting light from the one or more light sources further comprising a fourth projected light that represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.  
   
   
       18 . The training apparatus according to  claim 17  wherein the second projected light comprises a holographic image of a cue ball.  
   
   
       19 . The training apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the projector body is at least generally in a shape of a saucer and is rotatable on the base.  
   
   
       20 . The training apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the projector body includes an alignment cradle on an underneath side of the projector body for positioning against an object ball.  
   
   
       21 . The training apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the object ball contact portion comprises a movable actuation mechanism adapted for activating at least a portion of the one or more light sources by positioning of an object ball against the actuation mechanism.  
   
   
       22 . A method of using a training apparatus for a game such as billiards, the method comprising: 
 (a) providing a training apparatus comprising: 
 (i) a projector body for positioning at least generally above an object ball on a surface of a playing table, the projector body containing one or more light sources adapted for projecting light from the projector body; and  
 (ii) a base attached to the projector body and adapted for resting on a playing table to maintain the projector body a distance spaced-apart from the surface of the playing table;  
   (b) positioning an object ball against at least a portion of the training apparatus; and    (c) activating the at least one light source of the training apparatus wherein the first projected light emits from the projector body and represents a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction.    
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22  further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball.  
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 22  further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.  
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 22  further comprising activating the at one or more light sources of the training apparatus wherein a second projected light emits from the projector body and represents a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.  
   
   
       26 . A method of using a training apparatus for a game such as billiards, the method comprising: 
 (a) positioning a projector body on a playing surface at least generally above an object ball resting on the playing surface;    (b) projecting a first projected light from the projector body onto the object ball representing a contact location on the object ball for a cue ball to strike the object ball in order to cause the object ball to travel in a predetermined direction;    (c) projecting a second projected light from the projector body representing the predetermined direction of travel for the object ball; and    (d) projecting a third projected light from the projector body representing at least one deflection direction for a cue ball to travel after striking the object ball at the contact location.    
   
   
       27 . The method according to  claim 26  further comprising projecting a fourth light from the projector body representing a position a cue ball should be in upon striking the object ball.  
   
   
       28 . The method according to  claim 26  further comprising positioning the object ball against a movable actuation mechanism of the projector body to activate at least a portion of the one or more light sources.