A frame for snooker, pool, or billiard balls

Abstract

A frame 1 for grouping or racking snooker, pool, or billiard balls comprises a plurality of recesses 60, wherein the plurality of recesses are arranged around the inner surface 40 of the frame, betwee

Description

The present invention relates generally to a device for grouping balls together and a method of grouping balls on a table, and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in grouping snooker, pool, or billiard balls. To set up a ball game such as snooker, pool, or billiards, the balls may be arranged on a table in a triangular shape. To aid in arranging the balls in a triangular shape, it is known to provide a triangular frame that sits on the table, which enables a user to organise the balls within the triangular frame. Once the balls are arranged in a triangular shape, a player propels a separate ball (the ‘white ball’) towards them using a cue. In this way, the force of the white ball causes the balls to disperse across the table. This is commonly known as a ‘break’. If a space is present between the balls arranged in a triangular shape such that the balls are not in contact, this may have a detrimental impact on the success of the break. For example, the balls may remain substantially grouped and centralised on the table, rather than dispersed across the table. Commonly known triangular frames have a gap between the outer balls of the triangle and the inside surface of the frame to enable users to arrange the balls; this is particularly common for arranging pool balls. In use, this gap may allow the balls to become spaced apart, such that they do not contact their adjacent balls. In 9 ball pool, the balls are instead arranged in a rhombus shape using a rhombus-shape frame, but the same problem caused by spacing between balls may still apply. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a frame for grouping snooker, pool, or billiard balls, comprising a plurality of recesses, wherein the plurality of recesses are arranged around the inner surface of the frame, between inner comers of the frame, the frame further comprising a base side, wherein the inner surface of the frame is inclined inwardly relative to the base side at an acute angle. The frame may be a triangular frame, or a rhombus-shape frame. References throughout the description to “a frame” or “the frame” may refer to either the triangular frame or the rhombus-shape frame, unless otherwise specified. Other shaped frames are also contemplated, for example, square frames, pentagonal frames, or hexagonal frames. When a group of balls are arranged in a triangular shape on a table (a ‘triangular arrangement’), each ball located around the perimeter may be held within one of the recesses, or one of the inner comers of the triangular frame. In this way, the recesses and inner comers of the triangular frame enable the outer balls to be positioned in a precise equilateral triangle, such that each ball within the triangular arrangement contacts its adjacent balls, and an equal distribution of contact is provided between each ball, thus improving the chances of a successful break. When a group of balls are arranged in a rhombus shape on a table (a ‘rhombus arrangement’), each ball located around the perimeter may be held within one of the recesses, or one of the inner comers of the rhombus-shape frame. In this way, the recesses and inner comers of the rhombus-shape frame enable the outer balls to be precisely positioned in the rhombus shape, such that each ball within the rhombus arrangement contacts its adjacent balls, and an equal distribution of contact is provided between each ball, thus improving the chances of a successful break. By the inner surface of the frame contacting the outer balls, the frame may also provide an equally distributed inward pressure on the balls to further improve the contact between adjacent balls. The triangular frame may comprise a frame that has three main comers, and three main walls extending between the corners. The triangular frame may be an equilateral triangle. It will be appreciated that the triangular frame may be generally triangular in shape, such that the main walls and main corners themselves may comprise sub walls and comers, without departing from an overall triangular form. For example, a triangular frame having sides comprising a zigzag arrangement may still be considered generally triangular. The rhombus-shape frame may comprise a frame that has four main corners, and four main walls extending between the corners. It will be appreciated that the rhombusshape frame may be a generally rhombus shape, such that the mam walls and main corners themselves may comprise sub walls and comers, without departing from an overall rhombus form. For example, a rhombus frame having sides comprising a zigzag arrangement may still be considered generally as a rhombus. The frame may comprise plastics, metal, composites, or wood. The frame may be formed as a unitary piece, or may be formed of multiple parts; for example, each side may be made individually in one step, and in another step die sides may be joined together. Alternatively, the frame may be formed via 3D printing techniques. The triangular frame may be configured to group 15 balls in a triangular arrangement, wherein each of the 12 perimeter balls may be located either in a comer of the triangular frame, or in a recess of the triangular frame. It will be appreciated that die triangular frame may be compatible with other numbers of balls in triangular arrangements, such as 10 balls, 21 balls, or 28 balls. The rhombus-shape frame may be configured to group 9 balls in a rhombus arrangement, wherein each of the 8 perimeter balls may be located either in a comer of the rhombus-shape frame, or in a recess of the rhombus-shape frame. It will be appreciated that the rhombus-shape frame may be compatible with other numbers of balls in a rhombus arrangement such as 4 balls, 16 balls, or 25 balls. A recess may define a hollow area located within the inner surface of the frame, or located adjacent to the inner surface of the frame. The inner surface may be inclined at an angle between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. The base side may be substantially planar. Alternately, the base side may be non-planar. In use, the frame comprising an inner surface inclined relative to the base side may be placed on top of a group of balls after they have been placed in an approximate arrangement on a table. This approximate arrangement may be either a triangular arrangement or a rhombus arrangement, and it will be appreciated that the frame will be either triangular or rhombus-shape accordingly. A force applied on the balls located around die perimeter of the arrangement by the inner surface of the frame may urge the balls together, ensuring sufficient contact between each of the balls within the arrangement, and thus improving the chances of a successful break. At least one of the recesses may comprise at least two walls converging to form an indentation. In this way, the recesses may allow for different sized balls to be grouped. The at least two walls may be inset into the inner surface of the frame, or may extend inwardly relative to the frame from the inner surface. In this way, the recess may have a V-shape cross section. The V-shape cross section may be in a plane parallel to the plane of the base side, or perpendicular to die plane of the base side, or both. At least one of the recesses may comprise a curved wall forming an indentation. The curve may be formed of a single, continuous arc, or may be formed of a plurality of sections angled relative to each other. At least one of the recesses may comprise two walls protruding from the inner surface of the frame. In this way, the inner surface may be planar, and comprise protrusions extending perpendicularly from the inner surface. Each recess may be configured, in use, to receive at least a portion of a snooker, pool, or billiard ball. For example, a quarter, or less, of a snooker, pool, or billiard ball may be receivable in each recess. Alternatively, a half, or less, of a snooker, pool, or billiard ball may be receivable in each recess. In use, the frame may be configured to be supported, by the balls, above the surface on which the balls are arranged. In this way, the frame may not contact the surface on which the balls are arranged. The weight of the frame may provide the force which urges the balls together. Alternatively, the force of a user pressing the frame towards the surface on which the balls are arranged may provide the force which urges the balls together. The inner surface of the frame may be of a height sufficient to extend from a surface on which the snooker, pool, or billiard balls are arranged, to a portion of the hemisphere of the snooker, pool, or billiard balls spaced away from the surface. In this way, the frame may be of a sufficient height to contact an upper portion of the balls, relative to the surface on which they are arranged, in order to provide a force having a component acting towards the surface, and a component acting towards the centre of the arrangement of balls. The surface on which the snooker, pool, or billiard balls are arranged may be the table top of a playing table, such as a snooker, pool, or billiard table. In particular, the surface may be the layer of green baize commonly provided on the top planar surface of a playing table. A support structure may extend inwardly between the sides of the frame. In this way, the likelihood of the frame warping may be reduced. Warping may include the frame twisting or bending. Warping may be introduced during manufacture, due to temperature changes, as a result of use of the frame, or as a result of storage of the frame. The support structure may be located in a plane parallel to the plane of the base side of the frame, but spaced away from the plane of the base side. The support structure may be located on top of the frame, in use. In particular, the support structure may be located on the side of the frame opposite to the base side. The support structure may be substantially rigid. The support structure may be formed integrally with the frame, or formed as a separate part. The support structure may comprise a different material to that of the frame. The support structure may comprise at least one crosspiece extending inwardly from one side of the frame to another side of the frame. Alternatively, the at least one crosspiece may extend from one side of the frame to a corner of the frame. In a further alternative, the at least once crosspiece may extend betw’een multiple sides and / or corners. The at least one crosspiece may have a length substantially longer than its width and / or thickness. The at least one crosspiece may have, for example, a square, rectangular, or oblong shape cross-section. The at least one crosspiece may have a thickness of 3mm to 25mm, for example, 10mm. The support structure may comprise a plurality of crosspieces. The plurality of crosspieces may overlap and / or connect to form a mesh or lattice. The support structure may include an aperture formed by at least one crosspiece. The aperture may be aligned substantially centrally within the frame. Alternatively, the aperture may be aligned offset from the centre of frame. The aperture may have a diameter of sufficient width to enable a user to place their fingers within the aperture and around a ball, such that in use a ball may be placed into an arrangement of balls, or removed from an arrangement of balls, whilst the arrangement of balls are within the frame. The support structure may include a plurality of apertures. The aperture may be, for example, circular, square, or hexagonal. Alternatively, the aperture may be the absence of a crosspiece extending through a region. In this way, the support structure may reduce the risk of the frame warping, but still allow a user to access a ball without removing the frame from the balls. For example, the aperture may enable a user to remove and / or replace the ‘black ball’ whilst the balls are arranged within the frame, although the removal and replacement of other balls is also contemplated. At least one crosspiece may extend from one side of the frame to the aperture. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of grouping snooker, pool, or billiard balls, comprising the steps of: providing the frame of the first aspect; arranging the balls on a surface in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the frame; placing the frame on the pattern of balls, such that the corners of the frame align with the comers of the pattern, and each ball around the perimeter of the pattern is located within a recess of the frame; and using the frame to force the balls together such that each ball is in contact with its adjacent balls. In this way, a user may group the balls in a tight formation, such that a superior break is achieved, by comparison to a break wherein the balls are initially loosely grouped. The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is top view of a triangular frame; Figure 2 is a bottom view of a triangular frame; Figure 3 is a top view of a triangular frame, in use, grouping snooker balls; Figure 4 shows the interaction of a ball and a recess of the triangular frame; and Figure 5 shows a support structure extending between the sides of a triangular frame. The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence. Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein. It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value. The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances. The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims. Figure 1 is top view of a triangular frame 1, showing a generally triangular structure formed of a first side 15 and a second side 25 joined at a first comer 10, the second side 25 and a third side 35 joined at a second comer 20, and the first side 15 and the third side 35 joined at a third comer 30. The triangular frame 1 is an equilateral triangle. An inner aperture 50 extends through the triangular frame 1, and the walls of the inner aperture 50 define an inner surface 40. A plurality of recesses 60 are located around the inner surface 40, between each of the comers 10, 20, 30. Each corner 10, 20, 30 may also be considered to be, or comprise, a recess. In this way, fifteen recesses are shown in Figure 1, wherein each is configured to receive a snooker, pool, or billiard ball, in use. Each recess 60 is formed of two walls 61, 62 converging to form an indentation. However, it will be appreciated that the recesses 60 may instead comprise a curved wall. Alternatively, some recesses 60 may comprise two converging walls, and other recesses 60 may comprise curved walls. Figure 2 is a bottom view of a triangular frame 1, and shows a base side 70. In use, the plane of the base side 70 may be parallel to the surface on which the snooker, pool, or billiard balls sit, and orientated such that it is the side of the triangular frame nearest to the surface. The surface may be, for example, the top surface of a pool, snooker, or billiard table. Figure 2 also shows the inner surface 40, and a recess 60 formed of two walls 61, 62 converging. The inner surface 40 is inclined relative to the base side 70, such that the inner wall 40 extends from the base side 70, into the page and towards the centre of the page. Figure 3 is a top view of a triangular frame 1 in use grouping snooker balls 100. The perimeter balls 100a are partially obscured by the triangular frame 1 because its inner surface (not shown) is inclined inwards, and includes recesses. In this way, the perimeter balls are partially located within the inclined recesses. The frame is shaped such that it rests on at least part of the upper hemispheres of at least some of the perimeter balls 100. Figure 3 also shows two internal walls 61, 62 converging to form a recess for a ball to rest in, in use. Figure 4 shows the interaction of a ball 100 and a recess 60 of the triangular frame 1, and provides an illustrative ‘side-on’ representation of the interaction in a direction parallel to a surface 200 on which the ball 100 is arranged. As can be seen, the base side 70 of the triangular frame 1 is the side nearest to the surface 200. The surface 200 may be, for example, the top surface of a pool, snooker, or billiard table. In this example, the triangular frame 1 is supported by the ball 100 such that the triangular frame 1 does not touch the surface 200. However, it will be appreciated that the height of the inner surface 40 may be of such a height that the base side 70 does contact the surface 200. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a recess 60 of the triangular frame 1 is formed by the convergence of two internal walls 61, 62. Wall 62 is shown in Figure 4 to extend into the page from edge Y towards comer X, wherein comer X is the line of intersection of the two walls 61, 62, and edge Y is the end of wall 62 opposite to the line of intersection. Comer X may be considered to be an internal corner, and edge Y may be considered to be an external comer, relative to the internal recesses. The comer X and the edge Y are inclined relative to the base side 70 at an acute angle. The corner X and the edge Y are parallel, although it will be appreciated that they may alternatively not be parallel. In this way, a portion 111 of ball 100 is located within the recess 60. In use, fifteen balls 100 are arranged on the surface 200 in a triangular arrangement, wherein each side of the triangle comprises five balls. The triangular frame 1 is placed on the triangular arrangement of balls 100, such that the corners of the triangular frame 1 align with the comers of the triangular pattern, and each ball 100 around the perimeter of the triangular arrangement is located within a recess 60 of the triangular frame 1. The triangular frame 1 is used to press the balls together such that each ball 100 is in uniform contact with its adjacent balls, and then finally removed from the triangular arrangement of balls 100. In this way, a superior break may be achieved, such that the balls are more evenly distributed over the surface 200. Figure 5 shows a support structure extending inwardly between the first side 315, second side 325, and third side 335 of a triangular frame 300. The support structure comprises a first crosspiece 345 extending between the first side 315 and third side 335, and a second crosspiece 355 extending between the second side 325 and third side 335. A third crosspiece 365 extends between the first side 315, second side 325, third side 335, and first comer 310. A circular aperture 375 is located within the centre of the frame, and is formed by curved sections of the third crosspiece 365. In use, the aperture 375 encircles the location of a black pool ball. Whilst the figures only show a triangular frame grouping a triangular arrangement of balls, it will be appreciated that the same concepts apply to a rhombus-shape frame grouping a rhombus arrangement of balls.

Claims

1. A frame for grouping snooker, pool, or billiard balls, comprising a plurality of recesses, wherein the plurality of recesses are arranged around the inner surface of die frame, between inner comers of the frame, the frame further comprising a base side, wherein the inner surface of the frame is inclined inwardly relative to die base side at an acute angle.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of the recesses comprises at least two walls converging to form an indentation.

3. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of die recesses comprises a curved wall forming an indentation.

4. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of the recesses comprises two walls protruding inwardly from the inner surface of the frame.

5. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein each recess is configured, in use, to receive at least a portion of a snooker, pool, or billiard ball.

6. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein in use, the inner surface is configured to be supported, by the balls, above a surface on which die balls are arranged.

7. The frame of any of claims 1 to 5 wherein, in use, the inner surface is of a height sufficient to extend from a surface on which the snooker, pool, or billiard balls are arranged, to a portion of the hemisphere of the snooker, pool, or billiard balls spaced away from the surface.

8. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein a support structure may extend inwardly between sides of the frame.

9. A method of grouping snooker, pool, or billiard balls, comprising the steps of: providing the frame of any of claims 1 to 8;arranging the balls on a surface in a pattern corresponding to the shape of the frame;placing the frame on the pattern of balls, such that the corners of the frame align with the corners of the pattern, and each ball around the perimeter of the pattern is located within a recess of the frame; andusing the frame to force the balls together such that each ball is in contact with5 its adjacent balls.16 01 24

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