GB2346814A

GB2346814A - Ball positioning frame

Info

Publication number: GB2346814A
Application number: GB0002806A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Mcintosh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-02-16
Filing date: 2000-02-09
Publication date: 2000-08-23
Also published as: GB0002806D0

Abstract

A ball positioning frame comprises arms 50,51,52 forming an equilateral triangle, and alignment means 13 and 54 for setting balls in relation to spot and/or line markings on a table such as snooker, billiards or pool. Faces 21,22 may be provided and form an edge for the alignment. Similar faces (22,23, figure 3) may be provided for further alignment. Alternatively, the frame may comprise part 54 which may be slotted of cut away or may be transparent and have a line making for the further alignment. The balls to be aligned are pushed up tight against arms 50 and 51 in the direction of arrow 25 with the frame aligned, the frame can then me moved in the direction of the arrow 25 to provide clearance between the balls and arms allowing the frame to be lifted clear. The frame may have a T cross-section or may be square and have a location surface extending only a little way below the centre-line of the balls so as to reduce the likelihood of the balls being disturbed when removing the frame. The frame may be diamond shaped.

Description

BALL POSITIONING FRAME This invention relates to a device for positioning the red snooker balls on a snooker table in the arrangement required by the rules of snooker. The invention also relates to pocket billiards, pool and the like where groups of balls are positioned on a playing surface.

The rules of snooker (Reference 1) state "the Reds in the form of a tightly-packed triangle, with the red at the apex standing on the centre line of the table, above the Pyramid Spot such that it will be as close to the Pink as possible without touching it, and the base of the triangle nearest to, and parallel with the top cushion." The Pyramid Spot (known as the Pink Spot), and the Black Spot lie on a line extending longitudinally down the centre of the table.

The rules of billiards, which covers pocket billiards, pool and the like (Reference2) state "5. Marking of Tables. Prior to competition, each table and the triangle to be used on it shall be marked so as to ensure that the same triangle will be used throughout the tournament on the same table.

An accurate and clearly visible pencil line must be marked on the cloth, around the outer edge of the triangle to ensure accurate and consistent placement and to enable accurate judgement as to ball positions ;" In snooker, the red balls are conventionally positioned, using a triangular frame, relative to the pink spot and parallel to the top cushion as judged by eye. Devices exist which roll forward to the pink spot having been set against the top cushion and in line with the black spot.

In pocket billiards, pool and the like the triangles are conventionally positioned by eye to embrace the foot spot and be parallel to the foot rail cushion, prior to marking the cloth as required by the rules.

According to the present invention there is provided means of positioning the triangle of red balls while simultaneously aligning the pink spot and the longitudinal line passing through the black spot and near to it.

According to the present invention there is provided means of positioning the triangle or diamond grouping of balls while simultaneously aligning the long string and a spot marked on the long string between the foot spot and the centre spot. Preferably this will be a spot marked one ball diameter along the long string from the foot spot towards the centre spot.

Preferably the alignment means will be on or close to the playing surface of the snooker table such as to avoid parallax errors.

Preferably the frame will be symmetrical so that either end can be used for setting.

Alternatively the frame may be unsymmetrical. Alternatively the frame may have hinged or connected, flexible or rigid, alignment means.

Preferably the alignment means will be of a transparent material.

Preferably the frame will be of a transparent material.

Preferably the frame will be made from material rigid enough to maintain accuracy.

Preferably the ball locating surfaces will be narrow or project a little below the ball centre in the direction of the table playing surface.

Preferably the frame will have clearance from the set grouping of balls to allow easy lifting once the balls are positioned.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan of positioning frame with triangle of balls and lines indicating the pink spot position and black spot positions relative to the pink.

Figure 2 shows an elevation of positioning frame.

Figure 3 shows an underside view of positioning frame with lines indicating the pink spot position and black spot positions relative to the pink.

Figure 4 shows a section through a frame member and the relationship to a ball on the playing surface.

Figure 5 shows alignment means on playing surface with pyramid or pink spot marked with a cross.

Figure 6 shows alignment means on playing surface with pyramid or pink spot marked with a spot.

Figure 7 shows alignment means on playing surface with black spot marked with a cross for range of table tolerances relative to the pink.

Figure 8 shows alignment means on playing surface with black spot marked with a spot for range of table tolerances relative to the pink.

Figure 9 shows a plan of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 1.

Figure 10 shows an elevation of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 2.

Figure 11 shows an underside view of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 3.

Figure 12 shows a section through frame member and the relationship to a ball on the playing surface, with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 4.

Figure 13 shows a plan of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 1 or Figure 9.

Figure 14 shows an elevation of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 2 or Figure 10.

Figure 15 shows an underside view of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 3 or Figure 11.

Figure 16 shows a section through adjustable arm.

Figure 17 shows a plan of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 1, Figure 9 or Figure 13.

Figure 18 shows an elevation of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 2, Figure 10 or Figure 14.

Figure 19 shows an underside view of positioning frame with an alternative construction to that shown in Figure 3, Figure 11 or Figure 15.

Referring to Figure 1 the line 1 extending longitudinally down the centre of the table intersects with line 2 to indicate the pyramid or pink spot. Line 3 intersects with line 1 to indicate the black spot nominal position relative to the pink spot, while lines 4 and 5 intersect line 1 indicating the tolerance on black spot position relative to the pink spot due to table manufacture within the rules of snooker.

The frame comprises arms 6,7,8,9 and 10 forming two equilateral triangles, arm junctions 11 and 12, and alignment means 13 and 14 also functioning as arm junctions.

Referring to Figure 3 items 11, 12,13 and 14 show support surfaces 15,16,17 and 18 respectively which can slide on the snooker table playing surface 19 shown in Figures 2 and 4. The alignment means comprises the faces 20 and 21 on item 13 and, faces 22 and 23 on item 14. Faces 20 and 21 intersect to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19. Faces 22 and 23 intersect to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19.

Alignment of the edges formed by 20,21 and 22,23 with the spot markings enable the frame to be positioned. The red balls 24 shown dotted in Figure 1 can then be pushed up tight against the arms 6 and 9 in the direction of arrow 25 to form an equilateral triangle set in the position as required by the rules of snooker. The frame can then be moved in direction of arrow 25 to give clearance between the red balls 24 and the adjacent arms 6,9 and 10. The frame can then be lifted clear. The symmetric frame can be used either end and is conveniently balanced when lifting at junctions 11 and 12.

Figure 4, section on AA shows tee shaped arm with a narrow location surface 26. This narrow location is advantageous when lifting the frame clear as it reduces the risk of touching the red balls and disturbing the set position.

Figures 1 and 3 show the alignment means advantageously set on the maximum tolerance size relative to the pink spot as defined by line 5 intersecting line 1. This allows the black spot for all tolerances to be viewed and the alignment means at the black spot end to be set on the longitudinal centre line 1.

The arm 10 is an advantageous item but may be omitted.

Referring to Figure 5 the alignment means 13 with faces 20 and 21 intersecting to form an edge is shown positioned on the pyramid or pink spot at the intersection of lines 1 and 2 and marked on the table with a cross 27. Figure 6 shows the setting when using spot 28 to mark the table.

Referring to Figure 7, the alignment means 14 with faces 22 and 23 intersecting to form an edge is shown positioned on the longitudinal centre line 1 with intersections on lines 3,4 and 5 showing the nominal and range of positions for the black spot relative to the pink spot within the table manufacturing tolerances and marked on the table with a cross at the respective positions. Figure 8 shows the settings when using spots to mark the table.

Referring to Figure 11 the line 1 extending longitudinally down the centre of the table intersects with line 2 to indicate the pyramid or pink spot. Line 3 intersects with line 1 to indicate the black spot nominal position relative to the pink spot, while lines 4 and 5 intersect line 1 indicating the tolerance on black spot position relative to the pink spot due to table manufacture within the rules of snooker.

Referring to figures 9 and 11 the frame comprises arms 29,30,31,32 and 33 forming two equilateral triangles, feet 34 and 35, and alignment means 13 and 14. Items 34,35,13 and 14 show support surfaces 15,16,17 and 18 respectively which can slide on the snooker table playing surface 19 shown in Figures 10 and 12. The alignment means in figure 11 comprises the faces 20 and 21 on item 13 and, faces 22 and 23 on item 14.

Faces 20 and 21 intersect to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19. Faces 22 and 23 intersect to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19. Alignment of the edges formed by 20,21 and 22,23 with the spot markings enable the frame to be positioned. The red balls 24 shown dotted in Figure 9 can then be pushed up tight against the arms 29 and 32 in the direction of arrow 25 to form an equilateral triangle set in the position as required by the rules of snooker. The frame can then be moved in direction of arrow 25 to give clearance between the red balls 24 and the adjacent arms 29,32 and 33.

The frame can then be lifted clear. The symmetric frame can be used either end and is conveniently balanced when lifting at the extremities of arm 33.

Figure 12, section on CC shows a square shaped arm with the location surface 36 extending a little below the ball centre in the direction towards the playing surface 19.

This is advantageous when lifting the frame clear as it reduces the risk of touching the red balls and disturbing the set position.

Figures 9 and 11 show the alignment means advantageously set on the maximum tolerance relative to the pink spot as defined by line 5 intersecting line 1. This allows the black spot for all tolerances to be viewed and the alignment means at the black spot end to be set on the longitudinal centre line 1 Referring to Figure 9 strengthening pieces 37, 38, 39 and 40 are advantageously incorporated.

Arm 33 is an advantageous item but may be omitted.

Referring to Figure 13 and Figure 15, line 1 extending longitudinally down the centre of the table intersects line 2 to indicate the pyramid or pink spot. The frame comprise arms 41,42 and alignment means 44 forming an equilateral triangle, alignment means 13, and packing piece 43 shown in figure 14.

Referring to Figure 15 items 13 and 44 show support surfaces 17 and 45 respectively which can slide on the snooker table playing surface 19 shown in Figures 14 and 16. The alignment means 13 comprise faces 20 and 21 intersecting to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19. The support surface 45 is marked on the frame centre line with line 46, score or the like. Item 44 is advantageously transparent. Alternatively item 44 could be slotted or cut away to provide alignment means. Alignment edge formed by 20 and 21, and line 46 along with spot markings enable the frame to be positioned. The red balls 24 shown dotted in Figure 13 can then be pushed up tight against arms 41 and 42 in the direction of arrow 25 to form an equilateral triangle set in the positioned as required by the rules of snooker. The frame can then be moved in the direction of arrow 25 to give clearance between the balls 24 and the arms 41, 42 and 47. The frame can then be lifted clear. Arm 47 is shown advantageously adjustable to suit tables and balls of different sizes.

Referring to Figure 13 strengthening pieces 39, 48 and 49 are advantageously incorporated.

Referring to Figures 17 and 19, line 1 extending longitudinally down the centre of the table intersects line 2 to indicate the pyramid or pink spot. The frame comprise arms 50, 51 and 52 forming an equilateral triangle, alignment means 54 and 13, and packing piece 53 shown in figure 18.

Referring to Figure 19 items 13 and 54 show support surfaces 17 and 55 respectively which can slide on the snooker table playing surface 19 shown in Figure 18. The alignment means 13 comprise faces 20 and 21 intersecting to form an edge extending to the playing surface 19. The support surface 55 is marked on the frame centre line with line 56, score or the like. Item 54 is advantageously transparent. Alternatively item 54 could be slotted or cut away to provide alignment means. Alignment edge formed by 20 and 21, and line 56 along with spot markings enable the frame to be positioned. The red balls 24 shown dotted in Figure 17 can then be pushed up tight against arms 50 and 51 in the direction of arrow 25 to form an equilateral triangle set in the positioned as required by the rules of snooker. The frame can then be moved in the direction of arrow 25 to give clearance between the balls 24 and the arms 50,51 and 52. The frame can then be lifted clear.

Referring to Figures 17,18 and 19 the alignments means 54 can be advantageously attached to packing piece 53 and arm 52. The dotted lines 57,58 and 59 show the profile of an alternative alignment means that can be used on smaller size tables by replacing alignment means 54.

Referring to Figure 17 and 18 strengthening pieces 60 and 61 are advantageously incorporated.

Referring to Figure 18 packing piece 53 is advantageously set back from arm 52 to provide clearance between the balls 24 and the packing piece 53 when lifting the frame.

Various alignment means such as pointers, cross-wires, index marks and the like, and optically assisted devices could be incorporated.

The principle of the invention could be applied advantageously to billiards, pocket billiards, pool and similar games where balls are grouped together if the tables were marked with appropriate spots, crosses,"plus"marks, lines, strings or the like. For example in pocket billiards, pool and the like where the apex ball on the table centre line or long string is placed on the foot spot, an additional spot could be marked one ball diameter from the foot spot towards the head rail along the long string. The 60 degree, or thereby angle formed by arms 50 and 51 enable groups of balls in triangular or diamond grouping to be tightly packed in the position as required by the appropriate rules before lifting the frame clear. Alternatively a spot could be marked between the foot spot and the centre spot to suit the alignment means used.

The principle of the invention could be applied advantageously to snooker, pocket billiards, pool and similar game tables of different sizes.

Reference 1:-Rules of the Games of Snooker and English Billiards, Section 3, 2 (a) (1) page S8 Published and approved by The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and International Billiards and Snooker Federation, September 1995.

Reference 2:-Billiards, The Official Rules & Records Book, The Billiards Congress of America, Section 5.5. Marking of Tables, page 40, IBSN 1-55821-189-6,1992.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for positioning groups of balls comprising a frame having side walls defining an open bottomed aperture having at least two sides at 60 degrees, or thereby, and at least two alignment means mounted on the frame for sighting the spot markings as in snooker, or the spot and string or line markings as in billiards, pocket billiards, pool or the like.
2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein an alignment means is located at the apex of the arms set at 60 degrees, or thereby, and so located that when it is centred on the pink spot and a second alignment means so located on the frame enables the black spot to be aligned, the group of balls can be pushed tightly in the frame towards the pink spot to set them as required by the rules of snooker.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein an alignment means is so located on the frame with respect to the aperture that when the alignment means is centred on a spot marking between the foot spot and the centre spot along the long string, and a second alignment means so located on the frame enables the long string to be aligned, the group of balls, in triangular or diamond grouping, can be pushed tightly towards the foot spot to set the balls as required by the rules of billiards, pocket billiards, pool or the like.
4. A ball positioning frame substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.