Patent Publication Number: US-11389715-B1

Title: Training device for cue sports

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/535,233, filed Aug. 6, 2019, entitled “Training Device for Cue Sports”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/715,831, filed Aug. 8, 2018, entitled “Training Device for Cue Sports.” 
    
    
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to billiards, and more particularly, to a training device for positioning balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables, such as billiards or pool, to assist players in making practice shots and further develop their playing skills and techniques. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Cue sports are generally played using a game table, balls, and an elongate cue stick that is generally held in a player&#39;s hands and maneuvered to forcibly strike the balls along the playing surface of the game table. The game table generally includes a rectangular geometric shape having a specific dimension, a smooth material top surface, and depending on the type of game played, a plurality of pockets situated at designated areas alongside the table for receiving balls during play. Exemplary depictions of cue sports include carom billiards, the well-known game of pool, and snooker which is similar to pool, but comprises a particular game table, and smaller balls. Each respective cue sport is governed by a set of rules and regulations of play defined by game instructions, historical use and culture, and various professional associations and organizations. 
     Both professional and amateur players alike often practice to further develop their playing skills at the game. One common practice drill entails making repeated cue shots to help improve the player&#39;s stance, coordination and shooting techniques over time. The practice drill generally involves positioning a host of object balls at predetermined positions on the playing surface of a cue sport game table, sequentially aligning a cue ball with each positioned object ball, and striking the cue ball forcibly with the distal end of a cue stick forcing the cue ball to collide with each target object ball, directing the object balls into table pockets. The training exercise permits players to strategically place object balls, and the cue ball, at various positions on the playing surface of the cue sport game table in an effort to strategize proper shooting angles, distances, stance, and requisite degree of impact force needed to improve their shooting skills. Individual players must consistently maneuver around the perimeter of the game table when setting up the object balls during a practice session. The need for positioning individual object balls at various locations on the game table is not only time consuming, but also interrupts the player&#39;s focus, mental concentration, and pre-shot routine analysis that is often undertaken during practice sessions. 
     A variety of conventional training devices have been designed in an effort to assist individual players in positioning billiard balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables. For example, a prior art device includes a ramp having a mechanical clamp that is fastened along the perimeter of a game table where object balls are launched by hand onto the playing surface of the game table. Another prior art device includes a ramp that is placed on the surface of a game table, and is designed to readily hold a single ball at a time where players must apply a forward pushing force by hand on each ball in order to launch the balls down the ramp. Still other training devices include helical ramps, or employ electrical components such as electronic timers and solenoids that are electrically operated to release balls on the surface of a game table. 
     Conventional cue sport training devices are not without drawbacks. For example, the use of mechanical clamps results in attaching the device at one designated spot along the perimeter of the game table making it cumbersome and difficult to launch balls from different angles on the playing surface of the game table. Constantly loosening and tightening the mechanical clamp is time consuming, and cumbersome. Some prior art devices are specifically designed for use with object balls having a particular size thus restricting use to a particular game. Other training devices are bulky, awkward to use, and are not conveniently portable. Most conventional training aids require players to forcibly launch object balls down a ramp by hand. Those training devices typically provide a less effective means for accurately positioning balls on a playing surface of a table on a consistent basis. For example, as a result of disproportionate forces applied to object balls by a player&#39;s hand, it is very difficult to accurately position object balls in desired locations on a game table on a consistent basis. Often times players either drop the object balls onto the ramp with varying degrees of force, or provide a slight, unintentional forward force to the object balls when launching the balls by hand, thus forcing the object balls down the ramp with varying speeds. The forward force applied to object balls is generally proportional to the launching velocity such that a slightly stronger force will result in a faster rolling ball, and a lighter pushing force will result in an object ball rolling slower down a ramp. As a result of the differing forces applied to the object balls by the player&#39;s hand when launching object balls, the balls roll down prior device ramps at different velocities and thus into different positions on the game table leading to the inconsistent positioning of balls on the game table. 
     Accordingly, there is an established need for a training device that is easy to set-up, and use, accommodates use with balls of different sizes, includes a ball release system for selectively positioning balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables in a controlled manner on a consistent basis, and is small, compact and portable for easily transporting the device to different locations for use with a variety of different cue sport game tables. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a training device for positioning balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables such as billiards, to assist players in making practice shots. The training device includes a base, ramps pivotally attached to the base which are pivoted in a deployed position, and completely folded in a non-deployed position to provide portability, includes rails to accommodate cue balls of different sizes, and a ball release system including a loading pad and a ball stopper for sequentially deploying balls down the ramps in a controlled manner to accurately position balls on game tables on a consistent basis. 
     Another embodiment of the invention provides a training device for positioning balls on cue sport game tables. The training device comprises a central base and a pair of triangularly shaped ramps. The central base includes a rectangular bottom surface, first and second pentagonal side walls extending perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface, and a hole defined between the first and second pentagonal side walls. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps are rotatably coupled to the central base on opposite sides of the first and second pentagonal side walls. Each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps includes first and second ramp edges extending acutely from a respective corner distal the central base. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps in combination with the central base defines at least a first configuration associated with a first launch location and a second configuration associated with a second launch location, the second ramp edges of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps positioned parallel to the rectangular bottom surface of the central base in the first configuration, the first ramp edges of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps positioned parallel to the rectangular bottom surface of the central base in the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the first and second ramp edges of each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps are equal in length. 
     In another aspect, each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps includes an arcuate edge extending between the first and second ramp edges opposite the respective corner. 
     In another aspect, at least a portion of the central base extends away from the pair of triangularly shaped ramps beyond the respective arcuate edges in the first configuration. 
     In another aspect, the pair of triangularly shaped ramps are pivotally coupled to the central base closer to the arcuate edge than to the respective corner of each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps using a fastener extending through the hole of the central base. 
     In another aspect, the first launch location is defined between the arcuate edges of each of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps and the central base in the first configuration. 
     In another aspect, the first launch location is defined in the first configuration and the second launch location is defined in the second configuration; and the first and second launch locations are configured to receive a ball prior to rolling the ball down the pair of triangularly shaped ramps. 
     In another aspect, the second ramp edges of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps each include a common length and a receiver channel defined perpendicularly to the common length; and the receiver channel of the second ramp edges of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps define the second launch location in the second configuration. 
     In another aspect, the receiver channel of each of the second ramp edges of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps are trapezoid shaped. 
     In another aspect, the pair of triangularly shaped ramps pivot around the central base between the first and second configurations. 
     In another aspect, each of the central base and the pair of triangularly shaped ramps includes an external non-slip covering. 
     In another aspect, the first pentagonal side wall is parallel to and spaced apart from the second pentagonal side wall. 
     In another aspect, the central base includes a first surface extending perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface between the first and second pentagonal side walls; the central base includes a second surface extending perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface opposite the first surface between the first and second pentagonal side walls; the central base includes a third surface extending from the first surface parallel to the rectangular bottom surface between the first and second pentagonal side walls; and the central base includes a fourth surface angularly extending between the second surface and the third surface and defined between the first and second pentagonal side walls. 
     In another aspect, each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps includes an arcuate edge defined between the first and second ramp edges, and a ramp hole positioned closer to the arcuate edge than to the respective corner; and the ramp hole of each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps is configured to align with the hole of the central base and receive a fastener for pivotally coupling the pair of triangularly shaped ramps to the central base. 
     In another aspect, each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps includes an elongated channel facing the central body defined circumferentially about the respective ramp hole; and each of the first and second pentagonal side walls of the central base includes an elongated protrusion defined circumferentially about the hole. 
     In another aspect, the elongated protrusion of the first pentagonal side wall is configured to engage the elongated channel of one ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps; and the elongated protrusion of the second pentagonal side wall is configured to engage the elongated channel of a different ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps. 
     In another aspect, the elongated protrusions of the first and second pentagonal side walls of the central base includes at least one movement limiting protrusion extending therefrom; the elongated channels of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps include at least one movement limiting protrusion positioned therein; and the at least one movement limiting protrusion of the elongated protrusion and the at least one movement limiting protrusion of the elongated channel are configured to selectively engage to limit movement between the first and second configurations. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of positioning balls on cue sport game tables using a training device. The method comprises (a) positioning a bottom surface of a central base of the training device on the cue sport game table; (b) rotating a pair of triangularly shaped ramps about the central base between a first configuration and a second configuration; (c) positioning a ball at one of a first launch location or a second launch location; and (d) launching the ball down the pair of triangularly shaped ramps. 
     In another aspect, step (d) of the method further comprises positioning a subsequent ball in its place at a same one of the first launch location or the second launch location. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents a side perspective view of a training device for cue sports, showing a base including rails, ramps including rails and pivotally attached to the base for deploying object balls of different sizes on cue sport game tables, and a ball release system including a loading pad operatively coupled to a ball stopper for selectively positioning object balls in a controlled manner on game tables, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  presents an exploded view of the training device of  FIG. 1 , showing a plurality of functional parts including ramps, an articulating link system, and integral body parts of the base for readily assembling the training device. 
         FIG. 3  presents a side perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 1  with a second body of the base removed, showing the ball release system including a loading pad, a lock, an articulating link system including a first link mechanically coupled to a second link, and a ball stopper coupled to the distal end of the second link for controllably launching object balls down the ramps. 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 1 , showing one object ball resting against the ball stopper for ready deployment down the ramps, and a second object ball readily disposed on the loading pad of the ball release system to lower the ball stopper and launch the one object ball down the ramps by gravity. 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 4 , showing the one object ball rolling down the ramps in ready position on a cue sport game table, while the second object ball rolls off the loading pad along the base rails and butts against the ball stopper. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 1  disposed on the playing surface of cue sport game table, showing object balls deployed in various positions on the cue sport game table in preparation for a practice shot via, a cue ball, and a second object ball poised against the ball stopper for readily rolling down the ramps. 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the training device  FIG. 1 , showing the ramps in a folded, non-deployed position resting on top lateral edges of corresponding base stabilizers for easily transporting and storing the training device. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a training device in a first configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in the first configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in a second configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in the second configuration in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in the first configuration with an object ball positioned in a first launch location in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 8  in the second configuration with the object ball positioned in a second launch location in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart of a method of positioning balls on a cue sport game table using the training device of  FIG. 8  in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed to a training device for positioning balls on cue sport game tables. The training device includes a base, ramps pivotally attached to the base, a rail system provided on the base and ramps to accommodate balls of different sizes, and a ball release system that includes a loading pad operatively coupled to an articulating system including a first link, a second link, and a ball stopper, where the ball release system is operated to sequentially launch object balls down the ramps and into position on the playing surface of cue sport game tables in a controlled manner on a consistent basis. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are represented by like numerals throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a side perspective view, and an exploded view, respectively, of a training device  100  for strategically positioning object balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables in a controlled manner on a consistent basis during practice shot sessions, via, a cue ball, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Reference made herein to the term, “cue sports”, includes, but is not limited to, the game of carom, billiards, pool, and snooker. Also, reference to the term, “object ball”, includes one or more balls commonly known and used for playing billiards or pool that, during play, are impacted by force with a cue ball to move the one or more object balls along the playing surface of such game tables. The training device  100  includes a base  102  defined by a first body  104  including a ledge  106  and cut-outs  108  and  110  formed partially within the ledge  106 , and a second body  112  including a ledge  114  and cut-outs  116 ,  118  also formed partially within the ledge  114 . The first and second body  104 ,  112 , respectively, are assembled together via, link fasteners  120 ,  121  such that the two ledges  106 ,  114  engage each other to form a top platform  122 , and cut-outs  108 ,  110  engage cut-outs  116 ,  118 , respectively, to form a loading pad opening  124  for receiving a vertically moving loading pad  126 , and a stopper opening  127  for receiving a vertically moving ball stopper  128 . Each body  104 ,  112  also includes a base stabilizer  130 ,  132  that is permanently or releasably secured to opposite outer surfaces of each body  104 ,  112  and hence the base  102 , for securely supporting the base  102  on the playing surface of cue sport game tables. In a preferred embodiment, the base  102  comprises a generally rectangular geometric shape having a predetermined height, width, and length, and may comprise a solid body, a hollow body, or any combination thereof. 
     Each base stabilizer  130 ,  132  includes a first longitudinal edge integral with the top lateral edge  138 ,  140  that is integral with a second longitudinal edge. The second longitudinal edges are each longer in length, and opposite to, each first longitudinal edge. Preferably, each second longitudinal edge is coplanar with the back end of each body  104 ,  112 , or back end of the base  102 . The top lateral edge  138 ,  140  inclines upwards towards the back end of the base  102  at a predetermined angle and length. It is noted that the width of each top lateral edge  138 ,  140  is defined by the thickness of the material used to construct the base stabilizers  130  and  132 . In a preferred embodiment, each top lateral edge  138 ,  140  spans a width that is equal to, or larger than, the width of each ramp rail  142 ,  144  of corresponding ramps  134 ,  136  as shown in  FIG. 1 . It is appreciated that the base stabilizers  130 ,  132  may comprise any geometric shape, size, or configuration. 
     Each body  104 ,  112  is preferably constructed as one integral part from any durable material, including but not limited to, a dense foam, a hard rubber, a hard polymer, wood, plastic, nylon, any lightweight metal such as aluminum, or any combination thereof, using any well-known process such as injection molding. In one embodiment, the base  102  may include one or more weights or a ballast that is enclosed within, or separately attached to, the body of the base  102  and/or one or both stabilizers  130 ,  132  to help weight down and secure the cue sport training device  100  in position when disposed on the playing surface of a cue sport game table. The added weight may include a single or multiple pieces of any of metal, lead, ceramic, wood, or include a ballast such as sand or pebbles. For example, small metal plates may be attached to, or encased within, each stabilizer  130 ,  132 , or base  102  to provide added weight. 
     With continued reference made to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the training device  100  includes a pair of ramps  134 ,  136  each pivotally attached to opposite sides of the base  102  via, ramp fasteners  146  and  148 . Each ramp  134 ,  136  includes a fastener opening for inserting the ramp fasteners  146 ,  148  through to pivotally attach the ramps  134 ,  136  to the sides of the base  102  via, nuts  147  and  149 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In one non-limiting embodiment, ramp fasteners  146 ,  148  may include screws, a threaded bolt and nut, or a lateral pin or rod that rotatably extends through designated fastener openings formed through the body of each ramp  134 ,  136 , and the base  102 . For example, a lateral rod or pin can be firmly retained in place by compressing the opposite ends of the pin or rod, or by use of a mechanical member to prevent the elongate pin or rod from sliding out through formed holes. Alternatively, the articulated, pivoted action of the ramps  134 ,  136  may be accomplished by a hinge assembly, a tooth gear system, or other suitable articulating or mechanical components. It is contemplated that in one embodiment, ramps  134 ,  136  move together in parallel, as a single unit. Thus, specific fasteners can be employed to interlock with, or permanently attach to, each ramp  134 ,  136  to prevent the ramps  134 ,  136  from pivoting independently from one another about the base  102 . One example of such specific fastener may include a bridging element (not shown) such as a webbing or bar that is placed across the ramps  134 ,  136 , at a location that does not restrict object balls from rolling down the ramps  134 , and  136 . Although a preferred embodiment depicts ramps  134 ,  136  as being pivotally attached to the base  102 , it will be understood that ramps  134 ,  136  can be releasably attached to opposite sides of base  102 , using releasable fasteners such as magnets, hook and loop, snaps, clips, or an interlocking configuration. Thus, the training device  100  includes ramps  134 ,  136  that are either permanently, or removably, attached to opposite sides of the base  102  using a variety of different connectors or fasteners. 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, each ramp  134 ,  136  generally comprises a triangular geometric shape defined by a lateral leg integrally formed with a longitudinal leg, and a hypotenuse that extends from the distal end of the lateral leg to the distal end of the longitudinal leg. In one embodiment, the hypotenuse of each ramp member  134 ,  136  defines a pair of ramp rails  142 ,  144  having a top, planar surface comprising a predetermined width that is designed to engage the top lateral edges  138 ,  140  of each base stabilizer  130 ,  132 , when the ramps  134 ,  136  are folded, in a non-deployed position, as better illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The dimensional characteristic of each ramp  134 ,  136  is selected to permit object balls to roll down the ramp rails  142 ,  144  by gravity, at a given velocity governed by the angle of each hypotenuse of ramps  134  and  136 . It is contemplated that in order to help reduce weight, unwanted material can be removed from the body of each ramp  134 ,  136  forming openings, gaps, or grooves through the body of each ramp  134 , and  136 , if desired. 
     The training device  100  is designed for use with a variety of different cue sport games and includes a rail system for accommodating object balls of different sizes. The rail system includes a pair of ramp rails  142 ,  144  defined by the hypotenuse of each ramp  134 ,  136 , and a pair of base rails  150 ,  152  that each extend upwards from opposite lateral edges of the base  102  in parallel with each other. As such, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each ramp rail  142 ,  144  is integrally formed with respective bodies of each ramp  134 ,  136 , and rails  150 ,  152  are integrally formed with each first and second body  104 ,  112  of the base  102 . In one non-limiting embodiment, each rail  142 ,  144 ,  150 ,  152  may comprise a flat, planar top, a rounded top edge, or an elongate bar or rod having a predetermined diameter. In one embodiment, each ramp rail  142 ,  144 , and each base rail  150 ,  152  may include a top, planar edge having a predetermined width that is preselected to accommodate objects balls of different sizes. For example, rails  142 ,  144 ,  150 ,  152  may include a top, planar edge in which the width of the edge is larger to reduce parallel spacing between the rails  142 ,  144 , and  150 ,  152  for accommodating object balls having smaller diameters, or, alternatively, the width of each top, planar edge of each rail  142 ,  144 , and  150 ,  152  may be smaller to increase the parallel spacing between the rails  142 ,  144 , and  150 ,  152  to accommodate object balls having larger diameters. Thus, the training device  100  may be engineered and constructed for use with objects balls of different sizes. In one embodiment, rails  142 ,  144 ,  150 ,  152  may include an adjustable mechanism that permits users to adjust the parallel spacing between the rails  142 ,  144 ,  150 ,  152  to adjust parallel spacing and accommodate use with object balls of different sizes. In one embodiment, a friction material may be coated on, or separately attached to, the top outer surface of each rail  142 ,  144 ,  150 ,  152  to reduce or increase rotational frictional of object balls when rolling on the rails  142 ,  144 ,  150 , and  152 . Such frictional material may include rubber, silicone, lubrication, plastic film, anti-friction coating, anti-friction paint, smooth surface finish, rough surface finish, urethane, epoxy, enamels, or any combination. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the training device  100  employs a ball release system for providing a controlled method of launching object balls, and assuring accurate and consistent positioning of the object balls on the playing surface of a cue sport game tables during practice. Prior art devices generally require players to apply a forward pushing force by hand to propel object balls down a ramp and onto the top playing surface of game table. As a result of a disproportionate amount of force applied by the player&#39;s hand, the object balls roll in different positions on the game table. The applied force is generally proportional to the rolling velocity imparted on the object ball, thus, a faster moving ball will come to rest at a different position on the game table as will a slower moving ball. As such, the present invention assures the accurate placement and positioning of object balls on a game table by implementing the use of a ball release system which eliminates the need of applying a pushing force to launch object balls. 
     The ball release system includes a first link  154  having a hole  156 , an upwardly extending arm  158 , and a link post  160 , a second link  162  having a hole  163 , a link groove  164  and a second link post  166 , and a ball stopper  128  including a stopper groove  168 . In assembly, the two links  154 ,  162  attach together such that the link groove  164  of the second link  162  receives the link post  160  of the first link  154 , and the stopper groove  168  of the ball stopper  128  receives the second link post  166  of the second link  162 . The parts are assembled together and enclosed within the base  102  so that a link fastener  120  extends through the hub  158 , through the hole  156  of the first link  154  and through a fastener opening  170  provided in the second body  112 . A fastener nut  172  is employed to secure the two bodies  104 ,  112  together, as better illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Another link fastener  121  extends through another hub  161 , a hole  163  provided in the body of the second link  162 , and through a fastener opening  174  provided in the second body  112 . A fastener nut  176  secures the two bodies  104 ,  112  together. As the links  154 ,  162  are mechanically coupled together within the body of the base  102 , the ball stopper  128  is aligned with the ball stopper opening  127  formed by the cut-outs  110  and  118  depicted in  FIG. 2 , and controllably moves along the vertical axis within the opening  127 . It will be understood that the parts comprising the first link  154 , the second link  162 , the ball stopper  128  and the loading pad  126  may each be constructed from a durable, lightweight material comprising plastic, nylon, or a light metal material. 
     The loading pad  126  comprises a generally square or rectangular member that includes a peripheral lip  129  for engaging the surrounding perimeter of the loading pad opening  124  when the training device  100  is assembled to prevent the loading pad  126  from exiting the load pad opening  124 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . A friction material or coating may be applied to the upper surface of the loading pad  126  to provide frictional engagement with the surface of an object ball when disposed on the loading pad  126  during use. Such frictional material may include rubber, silicone, dimples, ridges, or grooves. It is appreciated that either the top surface of the loading pad  126 , or the base rails  150 ,  152  may slope slightly downwards towards the front end of the base  102 , at a predetermined angle, to direct object balls in a forward direction towards the ball stopper  128  during use. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , a lock  178  is provided at the back end of the base  102  and operated to prevent the loading pad  126  from moving vertically within the loading pad opening  124 . In one embodiment, the lock  178  includes a slider  180  having a nub or protrusion  182  extending outwards from the slider  180 . The slider  180  slides between slider rails  184  provided on the inner surface of the first and second body  104  and  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The nub  182  may be operated to engage with the peripheral lip  129  of the loading pad  126  or the pad  126  may include a short extension that engages the lock  178 . In the present embodiment, the lock  178  slides from left to right to engage and disengage the protrusion  182  with the loading pad  126  to selectively prevent the loading pad  126  from moving vertically. It will be appreciated that other mechanical arrangements may be implemented to provide a lock  178  for selectively preventing the loading pad  126  from moving vertically within the loading pad opening  124  including for example, a push-pull button, a swing lever, or spring detent mechanism. 
     Upon complete assembly of the parts outlined in  FIG. 3 , the first body  104  is securely fastened to the second body  112  with link fasteners  120  and  121 , and respective fastener nuts  172 ,  176 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each fastener opening  170 ,  174 , and fastener openings provided in the ramps  134 ,  136 , include a counter bore to permit the heads of the link fasteners  120 ,  121 , ramp fasteners  146 ,  148 , fastener nuts  172 ,  176  to enter the counter bore. A series of covers  186 ,  188  are employed to cover the link fasteners  120 ,  121 , ramp fasteners  146 ,  148  and nuts  172 ,  176  to promote the cosmetic appearance of the training device  100 . The covers  186 ,  188  may generally comprise plastic, wood, or metal covers that correspond to the same or different color or pattern of the base  102 . 
     Ready deployment of an object ball  200  onto the playing surface of a cue sport game table is better illustrated in reference to  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 . With the lock  178  poised in an unlocked position, an object ball  200  is initially positioned on the base rails  150 ,  152  of the base  102  directly behind the ball stopper  128 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the object ball  200  is identified as the number  8  ball associated with a ball in the game of pool. Another object ball  202 , denoted as the number  5  ball, is disposed on the loading pad  126  of the ball release system. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the weight of the object ball  202  forces the loading pad  126  to move vertically downwards which forces the upwardly extending arm  158  of the first link  154  downwards thus rotating the first link  154  about the link fastener  120  in the opening  156  and moving the link post  160  upwards. As the link post  160  moves upwards, the second link  162  rotates about the link fastener  121  extending through the opening  163  forcing the link post  166  downwards thus moving the ball stopper  126  downwards through the ball stopper opening  127  along a vertical axis, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Once the ball stopper  126  is completely retracted within the ball stopper opening  127  of the base  102 , the barrier preventing the object ball  200  down the ramps  134 ,  136  is removed, and the object ball  200  is launched down the ramps  134 ,  136  and rolls along ramp rails  142 ,  144 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The second object ball  202  begins to roll in a forward direction off the loading pad  126  towards the front end of the base  102  along base rails  150 ,  152  where the downward weight of an object ball  202  is removed from the loading pad  126  resulting in the upwardly extending arm  158  moving upwards rotating the first link  154  in an opposite direction and forcing the link post  160  downwards while rotating the second link  162  where the link post  166  begins to move upwards forcing the ball stopper  128  upwards through the ball stopper opening  127  along a vertical axis to extend upwards from the top platform  122  blocking and preventing the object ball  202  from rolling down ramps  134 , and  136 . As such, as the object ball  202  rolls off the loading platform  126 , the ball stopper  128  is uplifted to prevent the object ball  202  from transitioning down the ramps  134 , and  136 . When ready, the player disposed another object ball on the loading pad  126 , forcing the ball stopper  128  downwards allowing the object ball  202  to roll down the ramps  134 ,  136  coming to rest in position on the surface of the cue sport game table. The sequence of steps is repeated to sequentially position a plurality of object balls on the playing surface of a game table during a practice session. In circumstances where players do not wish to launch or position an object ball, the player can simply slide the lock  178  into a locking position to prevent the loading pad  126  from moving vertically downwards and articulating the links  154  and  162  to move the ball stopper  128 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6  there is shown, a top perspective view of the training device  100  disposed on the playing surface of a cue sport game table  300 , with one object ball  202  located on base rails  150 ,  152  behind the ball stopper  128  for readily launching the ball in position on the game table  300  in preparation for making practice shots, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The training device  100  is employed by individual players during practice sessions to improve their skills and techniques of playing cue sports. During a practice session, the player disposes the training device  100  on the upper playing surface of a cue sport game table  300 . In doing so, the base stabilizers  130 ,  132  provide added stability to properly balance and retain the training device  100  in position. As described with reference to  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , an initial object ball  200  is disposed on the base rails  150 ,  152 , of the base  102 , behind the ball stopper  128 . Players point the distal ends of the ramps  134 ,  136  towards the general direction of interest for situating the object ball  200  in position on the table  300 . To deploy the object ball  200  down the ramps  134 ,  136  and into position on the table  300 , players dispose a second object ball  202  onto the loading pad  126 , as was illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The weight of the object ball  202  forces the loading pad  126  to move downwards forcing the ball stopper  128  vertically downwards allowing the object ball  200  to roll down the ramps  134 ,  136  by gravity, and into position on the top playing surface of the game table  300 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As the object ball  200  rolls off the loading pad  126  over base rails  150 ,  152 , the weight of the object ball  200  is removed from the loading pad  126  allowing the ball stopper  128  to move vertically upwards to prevent the previously loaded object ball  202  from rolling down ramps  134 ,  136 , via the ball stopper  128 . Players can quickly and easily position the training device  100  at different angles on the table  300 , and repeat the sequence of disposing object balls, one at a time, onto the loading pad  126  for positioning balls at different locations on the game table  300  during practice sessions. During practice, players strategically align a cue ball with each object ball positioned placed on the table  300  to make repetitive practice shots while enhancing their playing skills. The simplified construction of the training device  100  includes a ball release system that provides an effective tool for selectively launching object balls down the ramp rails  142 ,  144  of ramps  134 ,  136  in a controlled manner to accurately position the object balls on a cue sport game table  300  on a consistent basis during practice sessions, thus eliminating the need for players to apply a pushing force to launch balls down a ramp by hand. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective view of the training device of  FIG. 1 , showing ramps  134 ,  136  completely folded about the base  102  in a non-deployed position to provide a portable training device  100  that is easily stored in one&#39;s pocket, carried and transported for use at different locations or establishments. In one non-limiting embodiment, a pair of detents  190 ,  192  such as outwardly extending ridges, are provided on opposite sides of the base  102  and oriented slightly above each base stabilizer  130  and  132 . Each detent  190 ,  192  is designed to engage with and securely retain the ramps  134 ,  136  in a fully folded, pivoted position such that the top, planar rail  142 ,  144  of each ramp  134 ,  136 , respectively, engages the top lateral edges  138 ,  140  of each base stabilizer  130 , and  132 . The inclined surface of the top lateral edges  138 ,  140  corresponds to a portion of respective hypotenuse of each ramp  134 ,  136  providing for smooth engagement of the ramps  134 ,  136  with respective base stabilizers  130 ,  132 . When the ramps  134 ,  136  are fully folded and pivoted in a closed, non-deployed position, the training device  100  assumes a generally, rectangular shape to more easily store the training device in a player&#39;s pocket. It will be understood that detents  190 ,  192  may comprise rounded members shaped as a semi-sphere, generally constructed from a plastic or smooth nylon material, or include a spring or bias member for providing spring-detents that resiliently extend outwards, away from the base  102 . Each detent  190 ,  192  may correspondingly engage with, and releasably extend within, detent holds formed at designated areas within the inner surface of each ramp  134  and  136 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the detent holds may each comprise a hole, or bore, ridge, groove, protrusion, catch, or indentation provided at predetermined locations within the inner surface of ramp members  134 , and  136 . It will be appreciated that additional detents may also be employed to releasably lock the ramps  134 ,  136  in place, in a fully open, deployed position. 
     The cue sport training device  100  is designed for use with a host of different cue sport games including carom, pool, billiards, or snooker, and is easy to use when positioning object balls at various locations on the playing surface of game tables to assist players in making repetitive practice shots without hindering the positional stance, concentration level, and coordination undertaken during practice sessions. The ramps  134 ,  136  are pivoted about the base  102  into a fully deployed position where the ramps  134 ,  136  extend forwards in front of the ball stopper  128 , or are fully folded about the base  102  to rest on base stabilizers  130 ,  132  when in a non-deployed position to provide portability. The cue sport training device  100  may include any color, pattern, design, logo, advertisement, or indicia. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8-14 , an embodiment of a training device  400  for positioning balls  200 ,  202  on a cue sports game table  300  is shown. The training device  400  features two launch locations (e.g., a near shot location and a long shot location) from which a ball may be manually launched, for example, by positioning a subsequent ball in the place of the ball to be launched. The training device  400  comprises a central base  410  and a pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  rotatably coupled to the central base  410 . 
     The central base  410  includes a rectangular bottom surface  412 , first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416 , and a hole  418  defined between the first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416 . The first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416  extend perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface  412 . The first pentagonal side wall  414  is parallel to and spaced apart from the second pentagonal side wall  416 . 
     The central base  410  further includes a first surface  420 , a second surface  422 , a third surface  424 , and a fourth surface  426 . The first, second, third, and fourth  420 ,  422 ,  424 ,  426 , as well as the rectangular bottom surface  412  all extend between the first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416 . The first surface  420  extends perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom portion  412 . The second surface  422  extends perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom portion  412  opposite the first surface  420 . The second surface  422  is shorter, perpendicular from the rectangular bottom surface  412 , than the first surface  420 . The third surface  424  extends from the first surface  420  parallel to the rectangular bottom surface  412 . The fourth surface  426  angularly extends between second surface  422  and the third surface  424 . 
     The pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 , 442  are rotatably coupled to the central base  410  on opposite sides of the first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416 . Each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may include a first ramp edge  444  and a second ramp edge  446  extending acutely from a respective corner  448  of the ramp distal the central base  410 . The first and second ramp edges  444 ,  446  may also be referred to herein as first and second ramped edges  444 ,  446 . In other words, the first and second ramp edges  444 ,  446  of each of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  are coupled together at the corner  448 . Each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may further include an arcuate edge  450  extending between first and second ramp edges  444 ,  446  distal the corner  448 . The first and second ramp edges  444 ,  446  of each of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may be equal in length. 
     The pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  in combination with the central base  410  define a first configuration  470  (shown in  FIGS. 8, 9, and 13 ) and a second configuration  472  (shown in  FIGS. 10, 11, and 14 ). The pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may rotate about the central base  410  between the first and second configurations  470 ,  472 . At least a portion of the central base  410  may extend away from the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442 , beyond the respective arcuate edges  450 , in the first configuration  470 . The central base  410  may be wholly encapsulated between the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  in the second configuration  472 . The second ramp edges  446  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may be positioned parallel to the rectangular bottom surface  412  of the central base  410  in the first configuration  470 . The first ramp edges  444  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may be positioned parallel to the rectangular bottom surface  412  of the central base  410  in the second configuration  472 . 
     The second ramp edges  446  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may each include a common length  452  and a receiver channel  454 . The receiver channels  454  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may be defined perpendicularly to the common length  452  and may be aligned with each other relative to the common length  452 . The receiver channels  454  may be defined centrally along the common length  452 . In certain optional embodiments, the receiver channels  454  may be defined closer to or further from the corner  448 . As illustrated, the receiver channels  454  are trapezoid shaped, more specifically, as isosceles trapezoids. In other optional embodiments, the receiver channels  454  may be shaped differently, for example, triangular, circular, rectangular, or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the arcuate edges  450  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  in conjunction with the central base  410  define a first launch location  474  in the first configuration  470 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the receiver channels  454  defined along the second ramp edges  446  of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  define a second launch location  476  in the second configuration  472 . The first and second launch locations  474 ,  476  are configured to the object ball  200 . The object ball  200  may be rolled down the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  via a user&#39;s hand (not shown) or by positioning a subsequent object ball (not shown) in the place of the object ball  200  to be launched. The object ball  200  as launched from the first launch location  474  may travel further than the object ball  200  as launched from the second launch location  476 . By having two different launch locations, a user may easily launch balls to varying distances for practicing both near and far shots. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the training device  400  is shown exploded. Each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may include a ramp hole  456  positioned closer to the arcuate edge  450  than to the corner  448 . The ramp hole  456  of each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  is configured to align with the hole  418  of the central base  410  and receive a fastener  480  for pivotally coupling the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  to the central base  410 . As illustrated, the fastener  480  may be a bolt  482  and a nut  484 . In other embodiments, the fastener  480  may include screws, a lateral pin or rod that rotatably extends through designated fastener openings for enabling pivotal movement, or the like fasteners. 
     Each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may include an elongated channel  458  facing the central body  410  defined circumferentially about the respective ramp hole  456 . Each of the first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416  of the central base  410  includes an elongated protrusion  428  defined circumferentially about the hole  418 . The elongated protrusion  428  of the first pentagonal side wall  414  is configured to engage the elongated channel  458  of one ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442 . The elongated protrusion  428  of the second pentagonal side wall  416  is configured to engage the elongated channel  458  of a different ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442 . 
     The elongated channel  458  of each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may include at least one movement limiting protrusion  460  defined therein. The elongated protrusions  428  of the first and second pentagonal side walls  414 ,  416  may include at least one movement limiting protrusion  430 . The at least one movement limiting protrusion  430  may be configured to engage the at least one movement limiting protrusion  460  for limiting pivotal movement between the first and second configurations  470 ,  472  only. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the central base  410  may include an external covering  432  and each ramp of the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  may include an external covering  462 . The external coverings  432 ,  462  may be rubber or any other the like non-slip material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a method  500  of positioning balls on a cue sport game table using the training device  400 . The method  500  comprises positioning  502  the bottom surface  412  of the central base  410  of the training device  400  on the cue sport game table  300 . The method  500  further comprises rotating  504  a pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442  about the central base  410  between a first configuration  470  and a second configuration  472 . The method  500  further comprises positioning  506  a ball  200  at one of a first launch location  474  or a second launch location  476 . The method  500  further comprises launching  508  the ball down the pair of triangularly shaped ramps  440 ,  442 . The step of launching  508  may further include positioning a subsequent ball  202  in place of the ball  200  to be launched at the same one of the first launch location  474  or the second launch location  476 . As mentioned previously, the first launch location  474  is associated with the first configuration  470  and the second launch location  476  is associated with the second configuration  472 . 
     Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.