Billiards Aiming Device

Abstract

A billiards aiming device is provided. The device is comprised of at least one aiming spot that can be placed on a playing surface of a billiards table. The aiming spot may be positioned in one embodiment via at least one alignment tool. The aiming spot has a plurality of structures designed to aid a user in factoring in various conditions for making a shot on the table.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of billiards and other similar table games of the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a billiards aiming device comprised of at least one aiming spot and at least one alignment tool. Both the aiming spot and alignment tool can be applied to the playing surface of a billiards (or other similar table game) table to aid a user in aiming and practicing various shots. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Aim practice stands as a fundamental aspect for both amateur and professional billiards players alike. It is an essential skill that transcends all levels of play, as the ability to precisely identify various angles and alignments is crucial for executing a successful shot. This involves more than just hitting the cue ball towards the object ball; it requires a deep understanding of the physics involved in predicting the trajectory and impact point.

For players to consistently improve and refine their technique, they must become adept at recognizing and adjusting for different shot scenarios. This includes accurately locating balls that are positioned along the rail, which often present challenging shots even for experienced players. Establishing reliable aiming points for these and other varied shots is a skill that demands practice and patience. It involves a thorough analysis of the table layout, predicting ball behavior upon impact, and understanding how spin affects the path of both the cue ball and the object ball.

The challenge of billiards lies not only in the physical execution of shots but also in the mental preparation and visualization required. Aim practice helps in developing a strategic mindset, enabling players to think several moves ahead and anticipate the outcome of their shots. This foresight is invaluable, as it influences shot selection, cue ball control, and the overall strategy for winning a game.

Moreover, consistent aim practice allows players to build muscle memory, making the execution of complex shots feel more natural over time. It also aids in adjusting to different tables and environments, as the conditions can significantly affect gameplay. By dedicating time to practice aiming, players can significantly improve their accuracy, confidence, and ultimately, their performance in the game.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to help train aiming for billiards and other similar table games. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a billiards aiming device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a billiards aiming device that can be applied to and used on a billiards table (or other similar table of the like) that allows a user to practice aiming while performing a plurality of shots.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a billiards aiming device. The device is comprised of at least one aiming spot that can be placed on a playing surface of a billiards table. The aiming spot may be positioned in one embodiment via at least one alignment tool. The aiming spot has a plurality of structures designed to aid a user in factoring in various conditions for making a shot on the table.

In this manner, the billiards aiming device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that can be used to help train aiming for billiards and other similar table games. More specifically, at least two aiming spots of the device can be applied to and used on a billiards table (or other similar table of the like) to allow a user to practice aiming while performing a plurality of shots. In addition, the alignment tool can also be used to position two aiming spots adjacent to the rail to practice aim on rail shots.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a billiards aiming device. The device is comprised of at least one aiming spot and at least one alignment tool that are used as training tools for precise placement of balls and shots on a billiards table's playing surface. The aiming spots can be used to mark the positions for the cue ball or object balls, and come in various forms: single spots, unconnected pairs, or connected pairs. Aiming spots are generally circular and may feature a multi-layered structure consisting of a bottom, middle, and top layer, each potentially containing an adhesive layer to secure the spots to the table without causing damage. This adhesive is designed to be reusable and not leave residue or damage. The aiming spots can be integrated within different layers, depending on their type. Individual spots or pairs might be placed in the middle layer, while connected pairs are located in the top layer. Non-spot layers can also have repositionable adhesives for easy application and adjustment with the help of an alignment tool.

The alignment tool is preferably rectangular with a cutout for accommodating the dispensed aiming spot pair and features ball openings and alignment lines for further precision. This tool not only aids in the accurate positioning of the spots adjacent to the table's rails, but also ensures that the playing surface remains undamaged through its use via smooth edges and rounded corners.

During use, the device allows billiards players to practice a wide range of shots and scenarios by providing a systematic way to place and replace aiming spots on the table, thereby enhancing both the accuracy and consistency of shots through clearly defined object ball positions, cue ball positions, as applicable, and aiming points.

Accordingly, the billiards aiming device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can be used to help train aiming for billiards and other similar table games. More specifically, at least two aiming spots of the device can be applied to and used on a billiards table (or other similar table of the like) to allow a user to practice aiming while performing a plurality of shots. In addition, the alignment tool can also be used to position and apply aiming spots to practice aim on rail shots. In this manner, the billiards aiming device provides a solution to practicing aiming for billiards and other similar table games of the like.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an aiming spot of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a connected aiming spot pair top layer, a bottom layer, and a middle layer of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention while unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view and an exploded side view of an aiming spot pair of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an aiming spot pair middle layer, a bottom layer, and a top layer of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention while unattached in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view and an exploded side view of a connected aiming spot pair of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view and side view of an alignment tool of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a plurality of aiming spots of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention placed on a playing surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can be used to help train aiming for billiards and other similar table games. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a billiards aiming device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a billiards aiming device that can be applied to and used on a billiards table (or other similar table of the like) that allows a user to practice aiming while performing a plurality of shots.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an individual aiming spot 110 of one potential embodiment of a billiards aiming device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of at least one aiming spot 110 and at least one aiming spot 110 alignment tool 160. During use, the aiming spot 110 can be accurately positioned on and applied to the playing surface 10 of a billiards table using the alignment tool 160. Aiming spot 110 can be used to spot the cue ball or an object ball, wherein the aiming spot 110 provides the condition that the ball will consistently rest accurately at a center opening 111 of the aiming spot 110. Aiming spot 110 can also be used to create aiming points.

In different embodiments, the aiming spot 110 may be in the form of an individual aiming spot 110, a pair of aiming spot 110 (that are not connected as seen FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), or a pair of aiming spot 110 that are connected (as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5). Connected aiming spot 110 pairs are required when the diameter of the aiming spot 110 exceeds the diameter of a ball size for which it is used with.

The aiming spot 110 is preferably circular and as dispensed may have a multi-layer construction that may include in one embodiment a bottom layer 120, a middle layer 130, and a top layer 140, wherein the aiming spot 110 may comprise any layer and any layer may also be comprised of an adhesive 150 that allows the aiming spot 110 to adhere to the playing surface 10 of a billiards table. The adhesive 150 is preferably a reusable adhesive 150 that does not damage the playing surface 10. More specifically, individual aiming spot 110 or aiming spot 110 pairs may comprise the middle layer 130 and connected aiming spot 110 pairs may comprise the top layer 140. Layers that do not include aiming spot 110 may also include re-positional adhesive 150 that allow the aiming spot 110 to be dispensed and then positioned on and applied to the playing surface 10 using an alignment tool 160. When dispensed as individual connected aiming spot 110 pairs only the middle layer 130 and top layer 140 are required. The re-positional adhesive 150 used shall not damage the playing surface 10 during application, while in use, or after the removal of the aiming spot 110.

In one embodiment of a dispensed aiming spot 110 pair (as seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), the top layer 140 is comprised of an outer edge 141 such that when dispensed the top layer 140 fits within the cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160, and may also be comprised of an alignment hole 142 the same size as and directly above the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 below. The middle layer 130 is comprised of aiming spot 110 pairs or pairs of individual aiming spot 110. The bottom layer 120 may be comprised of at least one outer edge 121 and may include at least one offset perforation 123 offset towards the interior of the layer. When the applicable outer edge 121 of the layer forms the boundary of the dispensing method, the offset perforation 123 are not required, and that outer edge 121 shall align with the corresponding outer edge 141 of the top layer 140. The perforation 122 dividing this layer in half is used to allow for the easy removal of one side of the bottom layer 120 during installation. The perforation 122 through the center opening 111 is to allow for the easy removal of one end of the bottom layer 120 during the positioning and application of an individual aiming spot 110. This perforation 122 is only required for individual aiming spot 110 pairs. The bottom layer 120 may also be comprised of an alignment hole 124 the same size as and directly below the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 above.

In another embodiment a dispensed connected aiming spot 110 pair (as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5) comprises the top layer 140. The middle layer 130 is comprised of an outer edge 131 that when dispensed fits within the cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160, and may also be comprised of an alignment hole 133 the same size as and directly below the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 above. The perforation 132 divides the middle layer 130 in half. The bottom layer 120 features an outer edge 121 with perforation 122 aligned directly with the outer edge 131 of the middle layer 130. The offset perforation 123 dividing the bottom layer 120 is offset to the right of center to allow for the easy removal of the bottom layer 120 without disturbing the middle layer 130. The bottom layer may also be comprised of an alignment hole 124 the same size as and directly below the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 above.

Aiming spot 110 may be made from any material that allows the aiming spot 110 to be used as described herein.

Aiming spot 110 are dispensed in preferably rectangular embodiments that are designed to contain the various sizes and embodiments of the aiming spot 110 and fit within a cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160.

The various embodiments of aiming spot 110 may be dispensed in various methods that include but are not limited to sheets, rolls, individual aiming spot 110 (dispensed as pairs) and aiming spot 110 pairs. Standard size billiard balls are 2.25 in., 2.438, and 2.125 in., for pocket 12 billiards, carom billiards, and snooker respectively. However, over time, the wearing of the balls due to play, cleaning, polishing, etc. may result in a significant decrease in the diameters of the balls. If the diameters are not close to the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 spacing, accuracy will be degraded. Therefore, the aiming spot 110 pairs and connected aiming spot 110 pairs may be provided for various sized balls that may be encountered thus creating a variety of center opening 111 spacing between aiming spot 110 pairs and aiming spot 110 center opening 111 diameters in different embodiments. As a result, the aiming spot 110 may be any size and diameter in different embodiments to accommodate different sizes of billiard balls (or other similar table game balls of the like).

The aiming spot 110 is comprised of a plurality of features (as seen in FIG. 1). First, the aiming spot 110 may be comprised of at least one (but preferably a plurality of) degree ruling 112. The ruling 112 may be spaced at any degree spacing such as but not limited to every 2.5 degrees, every 5 degrees, every 10 degrees, etc., and allows a user to train their eye to measure the cut angle and help determine the cut-induced throw angle. The aiming spot 110 may also be comprised of at least one (but preferably a plurality of) deflection adjustment ring 114. The deflection adjustment ring 114 are preferably spaced at 0.05 in. concentric offsets and are combined with the known radius of an aiming spot 110 center opening 111 to enable the determination of the deflection distances. A first ring identifies a deflection of one aiming spot 110 center opening 111 radius. This aids the player to in determining the deflection distance and the resultant deflection angle of various strokes contacting the cue ball with English based on the cut angle and distance from the cue ball to the object ball. The center opening 111 diameter allows the ball to accurately rest in the same spot within the aiming spot 110 each time it is used. The center opening 111 preferably has the same line weight as the concentric deflection adjustment ring 114 and its edge identifies a deflection of one aiming spot 110 center opening 111 radius. Since the center opening 111 is cut in the middle of the first deflection adjustment ring 114, the line weight will be one half that of the other concentric deflection adjustment ring 114. Further, the aiming spot 110 is comprised of at least one (but preferably a plurality of) rail aiming adjustment line 115. The rail aiming adjustment line 115 can be used in combination with the known center opening 111 radius and the deflection adjustment ring 114 which allows the player to identify rail 14 side aim points along the rail aiming adjustment line 115. In addition, the aiming spot 110 is comprised of at least one (but preferably a plurality of) cut-induced throw correction arc 113. The cut-induced throw correction arc 113 are used to identify the corrected aiming point on the cut-induced throw correction arc 113 which is found by determining the cut angle using the degree ruling 112 and a table of cut-induced throw angle by cut angle. The cut-induced throw correction arc 113 provides an approximately 2 degree correction at the intersection of the cut-induced throw correction arc 113 and the edge of the center opening 111 and an approximately 4.6 degree correction at the intersection of the cut-induced throw correction arc 113 and the second concentric deflection adjustment ring 114.

The device 100 is also comprised of an alignment tool 160 (as seen in FIG. 6) that allows for accurate positioning of aiming spot 110 on a playing surface 10. The alignment tool 160 is preferably rectangular and is comprised of a preferably rectangular cutout 162 located within the body of the tool 160. The cutout 162 is sized and shaped to receive at least one embodiment of the dispensed aiming spot 110 pair. The alignment tool 160 is also comprised of at least one ball opening 161 near each end to support the applicable sized billiard ball within approximately 0.004 in. or less above the playing surface 10. The balls provide weighting to the alignment tool 160 to aid positioning and allow the aiming spot 110 to be accurately placed on the playing surface 10 adjacent to the rail 14. Finally, the alignment tool 160 is comprised of at least one alignment line 163 that indicates the target line of the aiming spot 110 pairs and the centers of the aiming spot 110 center opening 111. The alignment tool 160 is preferably comprised of smooth edges 164 and rounded exterior corners 165 such that it does not damage the playing surface 10 when used. The tool 160 may be made from any flat material of a thickness that allows the aiming spot 110 to be used as described herein.

During use, at least one aiming spot 110 can be used to spot the cue ball or an object ball, wherein said ball will consistently rest accurately in the center opening 111 of the aiming spot 110 such that the ball rests approximately 0.001 in. above the playing surface 10. The aiming spot 110 can also be used to create an aiming point. Further, when an aiming spot 110 pair is placed on a playing surface 10 using an alignment tool 160, an object ball is placed on the aiming spot 110 that is closest to the intended target or target line, and the other aiming spot 110 is accurately fixed (one ball diameter center-to-center) from the object ball such that when the cue ball is struck in the center (i.e., no English) towards the center of the aiming spot 110 center opening 111 from any possible angle, and the cue ball crosses the center of the center opening 111 of the aiming spot 110 behind the object ball, the object ball will consistently travel near the target line. A certain amount of cut induced throw, caused by the friction between the cue ball and object ball as the cue ball caroms off the object ball, that increases with the cut angle will be applied. When only center, draw or follow strokes are used, use the cut induced throw correction arc 113 to adjust the aim point. A table for the degrees of cut induced throw for a given cut angle is required to determine the amount of correction.

The device 100 can be used to practice a plurality of shots and scenarios (as seen in FIG. 7). For example, in one embodiment wherein the device 100 is being used for stroke practice (striking the cue ball on center), two individual aiming spot 1101A, 1B can be placed (anywhere) on a playing surface 10 on a line parallel with the length of the table and aligned with the center marks as close as possible. Then, a user can firmly strike the cue ball on center (without English) from the first aiming spot 110 at 1B directly aimed at a second aiming spot 1101A and hold the follow through such that the cue tip comes to rest directly over the target line and the cue ball center strikes the cue tip when it returns from the rail 14 near the first aiming spot 1101A.

The device 100 can also be used to practice hitting cut shots to any pocket 12. A first aiming spot 110 pair 2A and a second aiming spot 110 pair 2B are placed on (any) target line directly between (any) two corner pocket 12. The placement of the pairs 2A,2B is such that there are two possible object ball placements near a top left corner pocket 12 and two possible object ball placements near the center of the table. For each object ball placement, there exists a corresponding aiming point near the center opening 111 of the aiming spot 110 such that when the cue ball is aimed at the proper corrected line for the cut induced throw (by using the cut induced throw correction arc 113 and a table of degrees throw at the cut angle) from any possible angle the object ball should be pocketed in the near or far pocket 12. Similarly, a third aiming spot 110 pair 3A and a fourth aiming spot 110 pair 3B can be placed on a target line directly between the left side pocket 12 and the top right corner pocket 12. These placements can be used to practice pocketing object balls from these spots from any possible angle.

The device 100 can also be used to practice rail 14 shots. In this usage case, aiming spot 110 pair 4 is placed near a rail 14 using the alignment tool 160. After setting the alignment tool 160 on the playing surface 10, a user can place a ball in each in ball opening 161 of the tool and place the tool next to the rail 14 with the balls (in each ball opening 161) touching the rail 14. A user can then secure an aiming spot 110 pair to the playing surface 10 using the cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160. Once the alignment tool 160 is removed, the aiming spot 110 pair provides two possible object ball placements for a near pocket 12 side rail 14 shot and a far pocket 12 side rail 14 shot. Deflection adjustment ring 114 on the aiming spot 110 can be used to aid in correcting for deflection and swerve as required when using English, and wherein the rail aiming adjustment line 115 can be used to help find the correct aim point on the rail 14 side.

The device 100 can also be used to practice bank shots. In this embodiment, aiming spot 110 pair 5 is placed on a playing surface 10 and establishes a target line for a one rail 14 bank shot. A user can use the aiming spot 110 pair 5 to practice pocketing the object ball from this spot from any possible angle.

The device 100 can also be used to practice carom system shots. In this embodiment, aiming spot 1106A and aiming spot 1106B are placed on a target line and are set up for a 5-2-3 three rail 14 shot to a bottom right corner. Then, a user can place the cue ball on aiming spot 1106B and firmly strike the cue ball with a moderate top left English component (running English) aimed to the left of aiming spot 1106A to account for deflection. This embodiment can be used to determine how hard to strike the cue, how much English to use, and how far to the left to aim to correct for deflection to send the cue ball off three rail 14 into the bottom right corner pocket 12.

It should be appreciated that any described method above can be used to set up any other variation of basic shots that may also involve English, deflection, curve, and throw.

A first method 200 of applying an individual aiming spot 110 and/or aiming spot 110 pairs to a playing surface 10 is described as follows and can be seen in FIG. 8:

• • 1. Providing a device 100 as described above [Step 202].
  • 2. Place the alignment tool 160 on a table playing surface 10 [Step 204].
  • 3. Place a billiard ball in each ball opening 161 of the alignment tool 160 to weight the alignment tool 160 and prevent movement of the tool on the playing surface 10 while being used [Step 206].
  • 4. Position the alignment tool 160 in the desired location on the playing surface 10. When positioning the aiming spot 110 pair adjacent to a rail 14, a second alignment tool 160 may be placed over the billiard balls in the ball opening 161 so that by using the table sights, a ruler, and the second alignment tool 160 alignment line 163, accurate placement of the aiming spot 110 can be achieved [Step 208].
  • 5. Dispense the aiming spot 110 pair and verify the aiming spot 110 pair has the correct spacing for the billiard balls used. For Individual aiming spot 110, a user can fold the aiming spot 110 in half and tear to remove one side of the aiming spot 110 pair [Step 210].
  • 6. Remove one half of a bottom layer 120 exposing the adhesive 150 on one half of the aiming spot 110 pair middle layer 130 and top layer 140. For individual aiming spot 110, remove the part of the remaining bottom layer 120 exposing the re-positional glue on the part of the individual aiming spot 110 middle layer 130 and top layer 140 adjacent to the torn edge [Step 212].
  • 7. Position the aiming spot 110 pair in the cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160 beginning with the half of the pair that does not have adhesive 150 exposed. For individual aiming spot 110 position the aiming spot 110 adjacent to one side of the cutout 162 with the torn edge side facing the center of the cutout 162 keeping the sticky side away from the table surface 10 [Step 214].
  • 8. Once the non-adhesive 150 area is positioned on one side of the cutout 162, a user can lower the side with exposed adhesive 150 into the cutout 162 and press said side onto the table surface 10. [Step 216]
  • 9. Next, a user can remove the alignment tool 160 from the playing surface 10, leaving the aiming spot 110 pair in place, secured to the table by the side with exposed adhesive 150 [Step 218].
  • 10. Then, a user can lift the side without exposed adhesive 150 and remove the bottom layer 120 from said side to expose the adhesive 150 [Step 220].
  • 11. Then, a user can adhere this side to the playing surface 10 [Step 222].
  • 12. Next, a user can remove the top layer 140 leaving the aiming spot 110 pair secured to the playing surface 10 [Step 224].
  • 13. Finally, a user can check installation of the aiming spot 110 pair by placing billiard balls in the center opening 111 one at a time, verifying that when the balls are slightly disturbed from their position in several different directions, the balls return to the same position [Step 226].

A second method 300 of applying a connected aiming spot 110 pair to a playing surface 10 is described as follows and can be seen in FIG. 9:

• • 1. Providing a device 100 as described above [Step 302].
  • 2. Place the alignment tool 160 on a table playing surface 10 [Step 304].
  • 3. Place billiard balls in each ball opening 161 of the alignment tool 160 to weight the alignment tool 160 and prevent movement of the tool on the playing surface 10 while being used [Step 306].
  • 4. Position the alignment tool 160 in the desired location on the playing surface 10. When positioning the aiming spot 110 pair adjacent to a rail 14, a second alignment tool 160 may be placed over the billiard balls in the ball opening 161 so that by using the table sights, a ruler, and the second alignment tool 160 alignment line 163, accurate placement of the aiming spot 110 can be achieved [Step 308].
  • 5. Dispense the aiming spot 110 pair and verify the aiming spot 110 pair has the correct spacing for the billiard balls used [Step 310].
  • 6. Remove the bottom layer 120 [Step 312].
  • 7. Remove one half of the middle layer 130 exposing the adhesive 150 on one half of the aiming spot 110 pair top layer 140 [Step 314].
  • 8. Position the aiming spot 110 pair in the cutout 162 of the alignment tool 160 beginning with the half of the aiming spot 110 pair that does not have adhesive 150 exposed [Step 316].
  • 9. Once the non-adhesive 150 area is positioned on one side of the cutout 162, a user can lower the side with exposed adhesive 150 into the cutout 162 and press said side onto the table surface 10 [Step 318].
  • 10. Next, a user can remove the alignment tool 160 from the playing surface 10, leaving the aiming spot 110 pair in place, secured to the table by the side with exposed adhesive 150 [Step 320].
  • 11. Then, a user can lift the side without exposed adhesive 150 and remove the middle layer 130 [Step 322].
  • 12. Next, a user can lower the remaining exposed adhesive 150 onto the playing surface 10 [Step 324].
  • 13. Finally, a user can check installation of the aiming spot 110 pair by placing billiard balls in the center opening 111 one at a time, verifying that when the balls are slightly disturbed from their position in several different directions, the balls return to the same position [Step 326].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “billiards aiming device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the billiards aiming device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the billiards aiming device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the billiards aiming device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the billiards aiming device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the billiards aiming device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the billiards aiming device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A billiards aiming device comprising: a first aiming spot comprised of: a center opening;a first degree ruling;a cut-induced throw correction arc;a first deflection adjustment ring;a rail aiming adjustment line; andan adhesive.

2. The billiards aiming device of claim 1, wherein the first aiming spot is connected to a second aiming spot.

3. The billiards aiming device of claim 1, wherein the center opening supports a billiard ball 0.0015 inches or less above a playing surface of a billiards table.

4. The billiards aiming device of claim 1, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second degree ruling spaced at 2.5, 5, or 10 degrees from the first degree ruling.

5. The billiards aiming device of claim 1, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second deflection adjustment ring spaced at 0.05 inches edge-to-edge from the first deflection adjustment ring.

6. A billiards aiming device comprising: a first aiming spot comprised of: a center opening;a first degree ruling;a cut-induced throw correction arc;a first deflection adjustment ring; anda rail aiming adjustment line;an adhesivean alignment tool comprised of: a ball openinga cutout;a rounded exterior corner;a smooth edge; andan alignment line.

7. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the first aiming spot is connected to a second aiming spot.

8. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the center opening supports a billiard ball 0.0015 inches or less above a playing surface of a billiards table.

9. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second degree ruling spaced at 2.5, 5, or 10 degrees from the first degree ruling.

10. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second deflection adjustment ring spaced at 0.05 inches edge-to-edge from the first deflection adjustment ring.

11. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the center cutout is comprised of a rectangular shape and is positioned in a center of the alignment tool.

12. The billiards aiming device of claim 6, wherein the ball opening supports a billiards ball 0.0045 inches above a playing surface of a billiards table.

13. A billiards aiming device comprising: a top layer comprised of: an outer edge; andan alignment hole.a middle layer comprised of: an outer edge;a perforation; andan alignment hole.a bottom layer comprised of: a perforation; andan alignment hole.a first aiming spot comprised of: a center opening;a first degree ruling;a cut-induced throw correction arc;a deflection adjustment ring; anda rail aiming adjustment line;an adhesivean alignment tool comprised of: a ball opening;a cutout;a rounded exterior corner;a smooth edge; andan alignment line.

1. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the top layer, the bottom layer, or the middle layer is comprised of the first aiming spot or a first aiming spot connected to a second aiming spot.

2. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the center opening supports a billiard ball 0.0015 inches or less above a playing surface of a billiards table.

3. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second degree ruling spaced at 2.5, 5, or 10 degrees from the first degree ruling.

4. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the first aiming spot is comprised of a second deflection adjustment ring such that the inner edges of the deflection rings are spaced at 0.05 inches edge-to-edge.

5. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the top layer, the bottom layer, or the middle layer may be comprised of an adhesive.

6. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the billiards aiming device is comprised of only the top layer, the bottom layer, the first aiming spot, and the alignment tool.

7. The billiards aiming device of claim 13, wherein the center cutout is comprised of a rectangular shape and is positioned in a center of the alignment tool.