129results about "Bagatelles" patented technology

A faceplate for golf clubs, such as a putter, iron or driver designed to control the spin of a golf ball after impact. The volume immediately behind the striking face comprises a plurality of angled elements which may be holes, slots or objects such as pixels, bars, or pins. Compression and rebound of the faceplate upon impact imparts spin to a golf ball according to the choice and arrangement of the angled elements. The invention can be used to start a ball rolling at impact with a putter head, thus enhancing the accuracy of a putts. The invention may also apply corrective spin to off-center putter hits, increase backspin for greater loft and chipping control, or correct for hooking and slicing side-spin in off-center hits with iron or drivers.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot. By comparing the ball locations perceived from the vantage of the local camera with the known ball locations determined from the global camera image, the invention can calculate the acquired robotic positioning error, which can then be corrected for prior to placing the shot.

An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

A game machine (2, 200) which includes a playing field (6, 301) traversed by objects, such as balls (320). The playing field can have plural drop zones (381-383) which can be selected by the player using deflectors (108-110) that control where the balls are launched. Detectors (22, 392) indicate scoring positions assumed by the balls. A payline display (28, 335) displays scored events. A symbol selector is included to select symbols which are variably assigned to the scoring positions and displayed on displays (20, 397). Balls score symbols which can be displayed in the payline display and affect winning or bonus play. Game machine (200) includes traditional slot machine reels which can work in conjunction therewith.

A miniature golf game involving a miniature golf hole having a playing surface including a tee-off area and a ball-receiving cup. The hole includes a pachinko game or other game of chance, which may be positioned within the playing surface or otherwise adjacent the cup. The game of chance is operable to select one a predetermined plurality of prizes. The player putts the golf ball along the playing surface and into the cup. The game of chance is operated to select a prize for award to the player. The travel of the ball within the game of chance may determine the selection of the prize. Such operation may occur automatedly or manually in response to receipt of the ball in the cup. The player is awarded the prize selected by the game of chance. Prizes may be dispensed in an automated fashion, and may include a counter for accounting purposes.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot. By comparing the ball locations perceived from the vantage of the local camera with the known ball locations determined from the global camera image, the invention can calculate the acquired robotic positioning error, which can then be corrected for prior to placing the shot.

A method for manufacturing a golf club head with an insert having a face plate is disclosed herein. The insert is disposed in a recess of the club head in which the recess has a depth that is greater than the thickness of the insert. The insert preferably has a plurality of tabs on its perimeter to engage the recess walls to allow the insert to essentially float within the recess. An adhesive is preferably disposed between the rear wall of the recess and an interior surface of the insert. Further, an adhesive is applied between the plurality of tabs, and preferably over the exterior surface of each of the plurality of tabs.

A billiards training apparatus is described, the apparatus used in training a user to properly strike a cue ball. The apparatus comprises a housing having a front face, the housing coupled to a striking platform extending a length from the housing. An elongated striker is held in position by at least one support element, the elongated striker having a striking end and a terminal end. Further, the striking end extends out from the front face of the housing and is positioned parallel to the striking platform. At least one lateral movement sensing element is electronically coupled to at least one visual indicia element, the elements being lights in one embodiment of the invention. The elongated striker is positioned to be struck in-line by a cue, the lateral movement sensing element alerting the user to any non-linear movement of the cue relative to the striker.

An arcade game including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. The progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined task on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of an arcade-type game with a rotating wheel on which to base scoring. A playing piece is directed down a playing surface towards a target end, and the wheel is rotated according to the target that was hit by the playing piece. The position of the wheel when it stops rotating affects the score. A non-monetary award based on the score is dispensed to the player when the game is completed.

A billiard table sideboard includes a fixing wall at the outer circumference of a frame under a billiard table, and a sideboard positioned at the outer side of the fixing wall. The fixing wall has its lower edge flush with that of the frame, and the height of the sideboard is longer than that of the fixing wall, so the sideboard extends down below the fixing wall. The sideboard is secured with the fixing wall contacting each other by thumb screws. Thus the sideboard can be separated from the fixing wall so as to save the cost for the size in packaging and transporting.

A game unit including an indicator wheel and an award dispenser. In certain embodiments, when players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive a non-monetary award such as a ticket or token. Preferably, a game unit may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel which displays a result of a game event or status.

A convertible game table has a multi-sided and multi-functional table top which is rotatably mounted upon a frame for selective orientation between pool / billiards and ping-pong game playing surfaces. A frame which surrounds the table top houses pool ball pockets and compartments. Rotational pin mounts between the table top and frame have keyed locks to prevent rotation of the table top from one of the horizontal playing positions.

An ordinary golf ball is cleaned and then heated with an emulsion depositing in the dimples a hologram having the capacity to reflect a pre-selected wavelength of laser-beam. If a player temporarily losses such ball, a hand-held unit directs an infra-red laser beam of said pre-selected wavelength, desirably one not absorbed by atmospheric moisture, such as 1310 nm. Said hand-held unit contains an analyzer evaluating the light reflected back to such analyzer and attributable to such laser bean of said pre-selected wave-length. By evaluating the intensity of such reflected light, the golfer can target the location of the temporarily lost ball. Upon approaching the lost ball the angle at which the unit would be held would be modified for focusing on the lost ball. Earphones, meters, or other diagnostic equipment can monitor the intensity of the light reflected back from such laser beam. Such hand held analyzer of reflected light involves an investment which is small enough that a golf club can include the rental of such a unit as a part of the rental for a golf cart. Preliminary estimates indicated that any country club failing to utilize the present invention will encounter greater losses from lost balls than those practicing the present invention, because the cost of periodically regenerating the hologram for a ball represents such a small fraction of the cost of a replacement ball.

An air hockey game apparatus includes a playing surface having at least one banked portion thereon. The air hockey game apparatus further includes a table frame assembly and a hollow interior region formed by the table frame assembly and the playing surface. An air blower is included and is configured to blow air through the apertures formed in the playing surface to decrease friction between a puck and the playing surface. The banked surface increases the challenge level of the air hockey game.

The game is a putting pool game played by a plurality of players. The putting pool game includes a game frame, a plurality of ball receiving holes, at least two sets of balls where each set of balls is a different color, at least one striker ball and a plurality of ball striking clubs. Each of the players is assigned a particular set of balls. The game is started by dumping the sets of balls out of a storage bucket into an open area inside of the game frame. One player places the striker ball at one end of the game frame for a first shot and each player takes alternating shots by hitting the striker ball into his particular set of balls in an attempt to project his set of balls through the ball receiving holes.

A measuring device includes a spool mounted in a housing having opposing front and rear ends. A string is wound about the spool, and has an end is attached to a marker located outside the housing. The string winds and unwinds relative to the spool upon rotation thereof. A rocker arm, which carries a first reference mark, is pivotally attached to a support attached to the housing at the front end thereof. The rocker arm carries a second reference mark, which can be aligned with the first reference mark by pivoting the rocker arm. A brake is mounted in the housing, which moves between a first position against the spool inhibiting its rotation, and a second position away from the spool permitting its rotation. The brake is biased for movement in its first position, and a handle is provided for operating the brake.

A gaming machine includes a cabinet, a lower liquid crystal display, a manual adjustment mechanism and liquid storage portions. The lower liquid crystal display is attached to the cabinet. The manual adjustment mechanism adjusts an attachment angle of the lower liquid crystal display with respect to the cabinet, in accordance with a movement of the lower liquid crystal display. The liquid storage portion has liquid and a plurality of inclination indicators. The attachment angle is presented based on a relative positional relation between the liquid and the inclination indicators.

This invention is a table type game that requires both billiard skills and bowling skills to play. Scaled down bowling lanes, gutters, pins and approach are provided. The scaled down bowling balls are regulation size billiard balls that are struck and driven by regulation size billiard cues. The approach is covered with a billiard table type felt material and is raised approximately ¼ inch above the lane to allow the billiard balls to replicate the sounds of a bowling alley during play. Standard bowling scoring is used.

An improved golf clubhead having a hollowed strike-barrel (10) centrally located and positioned parallel on the golfer's intended target line for more precise alignment and efficient on-target stroke. The mass of strike-barrel walls (16) in a graduating manner providing additional force behind the usual-mis-hit-area, therefore compensating for the misdirection and the loss of velocity on off-center strikes. The strike-barrel pocket (12), and any additional pockets in the rear of arms (40), hosel (44), and the heel and toe (42), providing a significant air drag when the clubhead is swung back from the ball, thereby slowing the golfer's backswing. The strike-barrel (10) having gun-barrel type bead-mark sights (49) and (28) on its parallel axis along the target line for improved alignment and stroke. An elongated hosel-base (32) provides assistance to the golfer in keeping the clubhead on track longer.

Improvements for use with table games include a first set of improvements which allow a player of a table game to more securely hold a paddle used in playing the table game. A second set of improvements provides a visual barrier which obscures a player's view of a playing surface of a game table, providing for more dynamic, challenging and entertaining play. A third set of improvements provides an elevated platform allowing players of significantly differing heights to comfortably, conveniently and safely use a table game with a table surface of a fixed height.

A billiard table includes a table top, two pairs of brackets secured to the table top and each having one or more openings, two pairs of bars each having one or more ears easily and quickly hooking to the openings of the brackets, for easily and quickly hooking and securing the bars to the table top, and for allowing the billiard table to be assembled by the users. A number of angles are secured between the bars for securing the bars together and to the table top. A bottom plate may be secured to the bars, and a support device may be secured to the bottom plate.

A method of putting a ball calls for a golfer to use only one hand (29') or both hands to grasp a putter (10'). The golfer grasps a grip (12') of the putter (10) with one hand so that the proximal end of the grip extends above his wrist (25') in one embodiment, and to or above his elbow (29'c) in another embodiment. In both embodiments the proximal bears against the arm associated with this one hand (29'). The golfer stands upright to one side of a target line (14'a), with his body facing in the same general direction as the target line and both his feet (35', 36') on the side of the target line and pointing in the same general direction as the target line (14'a) and positioned nearby the ball (15'). Most of his body is on the one side of the target line (14'a) and the arm (29'a) from which the hand extends is the arm (29'a) furthest from the target line (14'a).

A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes a pool table surface formed on one side and an air powered hockey table surface formed on the opposite side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by a side support member on each end thereof. To pivotally constrain the combination game table, at least one locking pin device is used; in a second embodiment at least two pivotal support arms; and in a fourth embodiment a pair of support latches. A third embodiment includes at least one side support member configured to retain a plurality of game accessories. A gaming table may be substituted for the air hockey table.

Disclosed is a billiard table ball pick-up box, comprising a bottom bracket and a side cover located above the bottom bracket, wherein the side cover comprises a cover plate, a left side plate and a right side plate located on both sides of the cover plate, and a scoreboard located on the top of the cover plate. The left side plate, the right side plate and the scoreboard are all hinged with the cover plate, or one side of the left side plate and the right side plate is spliced with both sides of the cover plate respectively. The side cover of the present utility model can be unfolded to be flat or disassembled during transport, so that the same container can accommodate more side covers, thus reducing the transportation cost.

A gaming device including a playing field having a substantially planar surface, and a target setter arranged to pivot relative to the playing field between a first position and a second position, the target setter including a reservoir and at least one channel extending from the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is adapted to receive and store at least one substantially spherical object therein when the target setter is in the first position, and the at least one channel is operatively arranged to direct a substantially spherical object from the reservoir to the playing field when the target setter is in the second position.