"A table for playing a ball game and a method and apparatus for playing a ball game"

The present invention relates to a table for playing a ball game, and the invention also relates to apparatus and to a method for playing a ball game using the table.

Tables known heretofore for playing games such as billiards, snooker, eight-ball, pool and other such billiards and snooker type games are known. In general, such tables comprise a table top having a baize covered ball playing surface and a cushioned ball engaging buffer extending around the ball playing surface for defining a ball playing area within which the game is played. A plurality of pockets are located around the periphery of the ball playing area adjacent the buffer for receiving balls during play. In general, such tables are of rectangular shape having a pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart side buffers joined at their respective opposite ends by spaced apart end buffers which define a rectangular ball playing area. Pockets are located in the corners of the ball playing area defined by the side and end buffers, and two side pockets are located in the respective side buffers approximately halfway between the two end buffers. The various games which can be played on such tables are played by two or more players, and during the course of play, balls are potted in the pockets, and depending on the ball which is potted, a score is awarded to the potting player.

While such tables do facilitate the playing of games such as billiards, snooker, pool, eight-ball and the like, the variation of such games which can be played is limited, and additionally, more skilled players are insufficiently challenged by the layout of such tables.

There is therefore a need for a table which addresses at least some of the problems of known tables.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a table.

According to the invention there is provided for playing a ball game, the table comprising a table top forming a ball playing surface, a main ball engaging buffer surrounding the ball playing surface and defining a ball playing area on the ball playing surface for retaining balls within the ball playing area, the main buffer defining at least two spaced apart main corners, at least one primary ball engaging buffer extending into the ball playing area, each primary buffer extending from the main buffer intermediate a pair of main corners and spaced apart therefrom and defining with the main buffer a pair of primary corners on opposite sides of the primary buffer, a main ball receiving means located adjacent each main corner for receiving a ball from the ball playing area, a primary ball receiving means located adjacent each primary corner for receiving a ball from the ball playing area, and a secondary ball receiving means located in the ball playing area spaced apart from the main buffer, and each primary buffer for receiving a ball from the ball playing area.

In one embodiment of the invention the main buffer comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated side buffers extending along and defining opposite sides of the ball playing area, and spaced apart elongated first and second end buffers extending along and defining opposite first and second ends of the ball playing area and joining the side buffers and defining with the side buffers four main corners.

Preferably, one primary buffer extends from each side buffer. Advantageously, the primary buffers extending from the respective side buffers extend from the side buffers at similar distances from the first end buffer. Ideally, the primary buffers extending from the opposite side buffers extend towards each other.

In one embodiment of the invention the primary buffers extending from the side buffers terminate in the ball playing area at spaced apart locations.

In another embodiment of the invention each primary buffer is an elongated primary buffer. Preferably, each primary buffer is of length in the range of one-eighth to one- third of the width of the ball playing area between the respective side buffers.

Advantageously, each primary buffer is of length of approximately one-quarter of the width of the ball playing area between the respective side buffers.

In one embodiment of the invention each primary buffer defines a longitudinally extending centre line, and each primary buffer is located with the centre line thereof extending substantially parallel to the first end buffer.

Preferably, each primary buffer defines opposite parallel ball engaging side buffer edges. Advantageously, each primary buffer terminates in a ball engaging distal end buffer edge. Preferably, the distal end buffer edge of each primary buffer extends substantially perpendicularly to the side buffer edges thereof. Ideally, distal corners adjacent the distal end of each primary buffer defined by the side buffer edges and the distal buffer edge thereof are radiused.

In another embodiment of the invention each side buffer comprises an elongated first side buffer extending between the first end buffer and the corresponding primary buffer, and a second side buffer extending between the second end buffer and the corresponding primary buffer. Preferably, the first side buffer of each side buffer extends substantially perpendicularly from the first end buffer. Advantageously, the second side buffers of the respective side buffers diverge from each other in a direction from the second end buffer.

In one embodiment of the invention the secondary ball receiving means is equi- spaced from the respective primary buffers. Preferably, the secondary ball receiving means is equi-spaced from the side buffers. Advantageously, the secondary ball receiving means is located intermediate the first end buffer and the primary buffers. Ideally, the secondary ball receiving means is located closer to the primary buffer, than to the first end buffer.

In another embodiment of the invention each primary buffer is substantially equi- spaced from the respective first and second end buffers.

In one embodiment of the invention a secondary buffer extends from the main buffer into the ball playing area. Preferably, the secondary buffer extends from the second end buffer intermediate and spaced apart from the side buffers. Advantageously, the secondary buffer is equi-spaced from the side buffers. Ideally, the secondary buffer is an elongated buffer.

In one embodiment of the invention the secondary buffer defines a longitudinally extending centre line which extends substantially perpendicularly to the second end buffer.

In another embodiment of the invention the secondary buffer is of length in the range of one-sixteenth to one-quarter the distance between the first and second end buffers. Preferably, the secondary buffer is of length of approximately one-eighth the distance between the first and second end buffers.

In one embodiment of the invention the secondary buffer defines a pair of longitudinally extending ball engaging buffer edges. Preferably, the side buffer edges of the secondary buffer extend parallel to each other. Advantageously, the secondary buffer terminates in a transversely extending ball engaging distal end buffer edge. Preferably, the distal end buffer edge of the secondary buffer extends substantially perpendicularly to the side buffer edges thereof. Ideally, distal corners of the secondary buffer defined by the side and end buffer edges thereof are radiused.

In another embodiment of the invention an end ball receiving means is provided for receiving a last one of the balls from the ball playing area, and preferably, the end ball receiving means is located adjacent the first end buffer intermediate the main corners defined by the first end buffer and the side buffer. Preferably, the end ball receiving means is equi-spaced from the respective main corners defined by the first end buffer and the side buffers.

In one embodiment of the invention a primary location identifying means is provided

on the ball playing surface for identifying a location in the ball playing area at which a plurality of primary balls are to be located prior to commencement of a ball game. Preferably, the primary location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface intermediate and spaced apart from the second end buffer and the at least one primary buffer. Advantageously, the primary location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface equi-spaced from the side buffers.

In one embodiment of the invention the at least one secondary location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface for identifying a location in the ball playing area at which a secondary ball is to be located during play of a ball game. Preferably, the secondary location identifying means are provided at equi-spaced apart locations circumferentially around the secondary ball receiving means. Advantageously, each secondary location identifying means is spaced apart from a peripheral edge of the secondary ball receiving means a distance in the range of one to four diameters of the secondary ball. Preferably, each secondary location identifying means is spaced apart from the peripheral edge of the secondary ball receiving means a distance of approximately two diameters of the secondary ball. In one embodiment of the invention a centre line extending through the location of two of the secondary location identifying means extends substantially perpendicularly to the first end buffer. Preferably, four secondary location identifying means are provided on the ball playing surface.

In another embodiment of the invention a cue ball location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface for identifying a location at which a cue ball should be placed prior to the commencement of a game. Preferably, the cue ball location identifying means indicates a plurality of locations at which the cue ball may be placed. Advantageously, the cue ball location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface intermediate the respective side buffers and spaced apart therefrom. Advantageously, the cue ball location identifying means is provided on the ball playing surface intermediate the first end buffer and the at least one primary buffer and spaced apart therefrom. Ideally, the cue ball location identifying means is located closer to the first end buffer than to the at least one primary buffer.

In one embodiment of the invention each ball receiving means comprises a pocket extending downwardly from the ball playing surface.

In another embodiment of the invention each buffer forms a resilient ball engaging buffer edge.

The invention also provides apparatus for playing a game, the apparatus comprising a table according to the invention, a plurality of primary balls and one secondary ball, the number of primary balls being one greater than the sum of main and primary ball receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention the main and primary ball receiving means are assigned respective unique number values, and the primary balls are assigned respective unique number values, the unique number values assigned to the primary balls less one of the primary balls correspond to the unique number values assigned to the respective main and primary ball receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention the game is scored by awarding a first predetermined score to a player on potting a primary ball into one of the main and primary ball receiving means of a number value corresponding to the number value of the potted primary ball, and awarding a second predetermined score to a player on potting a primary ball into one of the main and primary ball receiving means of a number value different to the number value of the potted primary ball.

In another embodiment of the invention the main and primary ball receiving means are assigned consecutive number values.

Preferably, the first predetermined score is determined by multiplying the number value of the ball receiving means into which the primary ball is potted by two.

Advantageously, the second predetermined score is determined by subtracting the number value of the primary ball from the number value of the one of the main and

primary ball receiving means into which the primary ball is potted.

Preferably, the end ball receiving means is assigned a number value higher than the highest number value assigned to the main and primary ball receiving means, and the one of the primary balls not assigned a number value corresponding to one of the number values of the main and primary ball receiving means is assigned a number value corresponding to the number value assigned to the end ball receiving means.

In one embodiment of the invention a bonus score is awarded to a player on potting the secondary ball in the secondary ball receiving means.

In another embodiment of the invention a cue ball is provided for striking the primary and secondary balls during play using a cue.

The invention further provides a method for playing a game with two or more players using the apparatus according to the invention comprising striking one of the primary and secondary balls with the cue ball for urging one of the primary balls into one of the main and primary ball receiving means for obtaining one of a first or second predetermined score, and subsequently for urging the secondary ball into the secondary ball receiving means.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that the table according to the invention facilitates the playing of games of many more variations to the games of billiards, snooker, pool, eight-ball and the like, which can be played on tables known heretofore. Additionally, the table according to the invention facilitates the playing of such games of different skill level requirements. This is achieved by virtue of the provision of the primary and secondary buffers, and in particular, the provision of the primary buffers. The provision of the secondary ball receiving means in the ball playing area in particular facilitates a wide range of variations to games known heretofore, and furthermore, demands a significantly higher skill level of a player to play the game. The provision

of the primary buffers and the secondary ball receiving means further adds to the challenge to a player to play one of the many games which may be played on the table. The provision of the secondary buffer also demands a significantly higher level of skill to play games on the table.

A further advantage of the invention is that the provision of each primary buffer presents many more options to a player as to how to pot a ball by providing additional buffer edges off which a ball may be struck during potting. The provision of the secondary buffer provides a similar advantage.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a table according to the invention for playing a ball game also according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the table of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a portion of the table of Fig. 1 on the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a portion of the table of Fig. 1 on the line IV-IV of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a detail of the table of Fig. 1 on the line V-V of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of another detail of the table of Fig. 1 on the line Vl-Vl of Fig. 1 , and

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a table according to another embodiment of the

invention for playing a game according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 6, there is illustrated a table according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , on which one or more ball games according to the invention, and indeed, other ball games may be played. The table 1 comprises a table top 2 having a baize covered ball playing surface 4 similar to that of a conventional billiard or snooker table. A main ball engaging buffer 5 which extends around the ball playing surface 4 defines a ball playing area 6 within which the ball game or games are played. The main buffer 5 comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated side buffer members 7 which extend along and define respective corresponding side edges 8 of the ball playing area 6, and spaced apart parallel first and second end buffer members 9 and 10, respectively, which join the side buffer members 7 and extend along and define first and second end edges 11 and 12, respectively, of the ball pjaying area 6. The side buffer members 7 and the first and second end buffer members 9 and 10 define four main corners 15, adjacent which four corresponding ball receiving means, namely, four main pockets 16 are located adjacent the peripheral edge of the ball playing area 6 for receiving balls from the ball playing area 6 as will be described below.

A pair of primary ball engaging buffers, namely, two primary buffer members 18 extend inwardly into the ball playing area 6 from the respective side buffer members 7 intermediate and spaced apart from the main corners 15 defined by the adjacent side buffer members 7 and the first and second end buffer members 9 and 10. Each primary buffer member 18 defines with the corresponding side buffer member 7 a pair of primary corners 20, adjacent which are formed primary ball receiving means, namely, primary pockets 21 for receiving balls from the ball playing area 6 as will be described below.

A secondary ball engaging buffer comprising a secondary buffer member 22 extends into the ball playing area 6 from the second end buffer member 10 approximately halfway between the main corners 15 defined between the second end buffer

member 10 and the side buffer members 7.

In this embodiment of the invention each side buffer member 7 is formed by a first side buffer member 25 and a second side buffer member 26. The first side buffer members 25 of the side buffer members 7 extend parallel to each other and perpendicularly from the first end buffer member 9 to the corresponding primary buffer member 18. The second side buffer members 26 extend from the second end buffer member 10 and diverge outwardly from each other and terminate at the corresponding primary buffer members 18. In this embodiment of the invention the overall length L of the ball playing area 6 between the first and second end buffer members 9 and 10 is approximately 2,010mm, while the overall width W of the ball playing area 6 between the first side buffer members 25 is approximately 1 ,060mm. The width w of the ball playing area between the second side buffer members 26 adjacent the second end buffer member 10 is approximately 950mm.

Each primary buffer member 18 extends inwardly into the ball playing area 6 from the corresponding first side buffer member 25 a distance D _p of approximately 240mm, and is of width W _p of approximately 130mm. The secondary buffer member 22 extends inwardly into the ball playing area 6 from the second end buffer member 10 a distance of D _s of approximately 250mm, and is of width W _s of approximately 130mm.

A resilient ball engaging main buffer edging 28 of width w _m of approximately 40mm extends along each of the first and second end buffer members 9 and 10 and the first and second side buffer members 25 and 26. Resilient ball engaging primary side buffer edging 29 extends along respective opposite sides 30 of each primary buffer member 18 and terminates in resilient ball engaging primary end buffer edging 32 extending along a distal end 31 of the corresponding primary buffer member 18. The side and end primary buffer edging 29 and 32 define radiused corners 33 of the primary buffer members 18. The width w _p of the primary side and end buffer edging 29 and 32 of each primary buffer member 18 is approximately 40mm. Resilient ball engaging secondary side buffer edging 35 extends along respective opposite sides

36 of the secondary buffer member 22 and terminates in resilient ball engaging secondary end buffer edging 37 extending along a distal end 34 of the secondary buffer member 22. The secondary side buffer edging 35 and the secondary end buffer edging 37 define respective radiused corners 38 of the secondary buffer member 22. The width w _s of the secondary side buffer edging 35 and the secondary end buffer edging 37 of the secondary buffer member 22 is approximately 40mm. The main, primary and secondary buffer edging 28, 29, 32, 35 and 37 each define a longitudinally extending ball engaging edge 39, and incline downwardly inwardly to the corresponding buffer member 7, 9, 10, 18 and 22, respectively.

The main buffer edging 28 adjacent the main corners 15 is radiused for accommodating a ball from the ball playing area 6 into the corresponding main pocket 16. The main buffer edging 28 and the primary buffer edging 29 adjacent the primary corners 20 is radiused for accommodating a ball from the ball playing area into the corresponding primary pocket 21.

A secondary ball receiving means, namely, a secondary pocket 40 for receiving a ball as will be described below from the ball receiving area 6 is located in the ball playing area 6 substantially halfway between the first side buffer members 25 and between a longitudinally extending centre line 41 defined by the primary buffer members 18 and the first end buffer 9. However, the secondary pocket 40 is located closer to the centre line 41 defined by the primary buffer members 18 than to the first end buffer member 9. In this embodiment of the invention the ratio of the distance between the secondary pocket 40 and the first end buffer member 9 to the distance between the secondary pocket 40 and the centre line 41 is approximately 4:1.

The secondary pocket 40 is formed by a secondary ball accommodating opening 42 which extends through the table top 2 for accommodating a ball as will be described below into a net pocket 44 secured to an under surface 45 of the table top 2.

Each main pocket comprises a main opening 46 which extends through the table top 2 for accommodating a ball from the ball playing area 6 into a main net pocket 48,

which is also secured to the under surface 45 of the table top 2. Each primary pocket 21 comprises a primary opening 49 extending through the table top 2 for accommodating a ball into a primary net pocket 50 which is also secured to the under surface 45 of the table top 2.

A primary location identifying means for identifying an area in the ball playing area 6 in which a plurality of primary balls 52 should be located prior to the commencement of play is provided by a primary dot 54 printed on the ball playing surface 4. The primary dot 54 indicates the position in the ball playing area 6 at which one of the primary balls 52 which defines a forward apex of a triangular configuration of the primary balls 52 is to be located on the ball playing surface 4 as will be described below.

A secondary location identifying means for identifying a location in the ball playing area in which a secondary ball 55 should be located during play is provided by four secondary dots 56 printed on the ball playing surface 4. The secondary dots 56 are equi-spaced circumferentially around the secondary pocket 40, and each secondary dot 56 is spaced apart a distance r from a periphery 58 of the secondary opening 42 which forms the secondary pocket 40. In this embodiment of the invention the distance r is equal to approximately twice the diameter of the secondary ball 55. Two of the secondary dots 56a and 56c lie on a main centre line 59 of the ball playing area 6 which is equi-spaced from the respective side buffer members 7, and parallel to the first side buffer members 25.

A cue ball location identifying means for indicating a plurality of positions in which a cue ball 60 should be located prior to commencement of a game is provided by an elongated cue ball line 61 printed on the ball playing surface 4. The cue ball line 61 is spaced apart approximately 450mm from the ball engaging edge 39 of the first end buffer member 9, and extends equi-distant on either side of the main centre line 59 for a distance of approximately 300mm on each side of the main centre line 59.

In this embodiment of the invention the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 are

assigned unique number values from one to eight. The number values assigned to the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 are encircled and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 adjacent the respective main and primary pockets. Nine primary balls 52, the number of primary balls 52 being one more than the sum of the number of main and primary pockets 16 and 21 , are provided for playing the game, and the primary balls 52 are assigned unique number values from one to nine. The number values assigned to the primary balls 52 are illustrated on the primary balls in Fig. 2. During play, as will be described below, the primary balls 52 of number values one to eight are potted in the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 only. The primary ball 52 of number value nine is potted in the secondary pocket 40 only. When a primary ball 52 is potted in a main or primary pocket 16 or 21 of number value corresponding to the number value of the potted primary ball, a player is awarded a first predetermined score, which is equal to the number value of the main or primary pocket multiplied by two. In other words, if the primary ball 52 of number value five is potted in the main pocket 16 which is also of number value five, the first predetermined score awarded is equal to the number value of the pocket, namely, the number value five multiplied by two, thus giving a first predetermined score of ten. Similarly, if the primary ball 52 of number value six is potted in the primary pocket 21 of number value six, a first predetermined score is awarded of six multiplied by two, which is twelve.

On the other hand, if one of the primary balls 52 of number value one to eight is potted in one of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 of number value different to the number value of the potted primary ball, a player is awarded a second predetermined score. The second predetermined score is determined by subtracting the number value of the primary ball 52 which has been potted from the number value of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 in which the primary ball 52 has been potted. Thus, if the number value of a primary ball 52 is higher than the number value of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 in which the primary ball 52 is potted, the second predetermined score is a negative value score. On the other hand, if the number value of the primary ball 52 is lower than the number value of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 in which the primary ball 52 is potted, then the second

predetermined score is a positive value score.

With the exception of the primary ball 52 of number value nine, none of the primary balls should be potted in the secondary pocket 40, and the secondary ball 55 should be potted in the secondary pocket 40 only.

A shot on the secondary ball 55 is only allowed after a primary ball 52 has been potted in one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 , which is of number value similar to the number value of the potted primary ball 52. Each time the secondary ball 55 is potted in the secondary pocket 40, the potting player is awarded a score of five and a bonus score which is equal to twice the value of the score achieved by previously potting the primary ball 52 in the one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 of number value similar to the number value of the potted primary ball 52. Additionally, on potting the secondary ball 55, the potting player is entitled to another shot, which must be on one of the primary balls 52.

The primary balls 52 of number value one to eight may be potted in any order. However, the primary ball 52 of number value nine must be the last of the primary balls 52 to be potted. None of the primary balls 52 are returned to the ball playing area 6 after being potted. However, the secondary ball 55 is returned to the ball playing area 6 after each potting thereof during play for so long as there is at least one of the primary balls 52 of number values one to eight still in the ball playing area 6, and when returned from the secondary pocket 40, the secondary ball 55 is placed on one of the secondary dots 56 which is selected by the potting player.

A player is only allowed one shot at a time unless a primary ball 52 is potted in one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 the number value of which is similar to that of the potted primary ball 52, when the player is allowed a shot on the secondary ball 55. On potting the secondary ball 55 in the secondary pocket 40 a player is allowed a further shot on one of the primary balls 52.

To play the game the primary balls 52 and the secondary ball 55 are set up in the

ball playing area 6 as illustrated in Fig. 2, and the cue ball 60 is placed on the cue ball line 61. The primary ball 52 of number value nine is initially placed on the primary dot 54, and the remaining primary balls 52 of number values one to eight are arranged in a triangular configuration with the primary ball of number value nine defining the leading apex thereof when viewed from the first end buffer member 9 and with the secondary ball 55 in the centre of the triangular configuration of the primary balls 52. The primary balls 52 of number values five and eight define the remaining apices of the triangular configuration of the primary balls 52. The cue ball 60 may be placed at any desired location on the cue ball line 61.

The game according to the invention is played by two players or by two teams of players. Play commences with one of the players taking a shot to break the primary balls 52 and the secondary ball 55 from the initial triangular configuration. Each shot is taken by striking the cue ball 60 with a cue (not shown but similar to a cue used in the game of billiards or snooker) in order to direct the cue ball 60 to a primary ball 52 or the secondary ball 55 which the player wishes to strike with the cue ball 60. The objective of the game is to gain the highest score by potting as many of the primary balls 52 as possible, and by potting the secondary ball 55 as often as possible. In order to maximise one's score one attempts to pot the primary balls 52 of high number values into correspondingly number value main or primary pocket 16 or 21 , and to pot the lower number value primary balls 52 into the higher or highest number value main and primary pockets 16 and 21. On potting a primary ball 52 of number value corresponding to that of one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 , a player gains the first predetermined score, which as discussed above, is equal to twice the number value of the pocket into which the primary ball 52 is potted.

Additionally, by potting a primary ball of number value corresponding to that of one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 , one is entitled to a shot on the secondary ball 55. Potting a primary ball 52 into a main or primary pocket 16 and 21 of number value different to that of the potted primary ball 52 does not entitle a player to a shot on the secondary ball 55. On a player failing to pot a primary ball 52 or the secondary ball 55, as is appropriate, the other player or a player on an opposing team is entitled to the next shot. Play continues until all the primary balls

52 have been potted, with the exception of the primary ball 52 of number value nine. The primary ball of number value nine, as discussed above, must be the last of the primary balls 52 to be potted, and must be potted in the secondary pocket 40. On potting the primary ball 52 of number value nine in the secondary pocket 40, when it is the last remaining primary ball 52 in the ball playing area 6, the potting player gains a score of eighteen, which is twice the number value of the primary ball 52, and the game terminates.

Penalties are incurred if the secondary ball 55 is potted in any one of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 , and a penalty is also incurred if any of the primary balls 52 numbered one to eight is potted in the secondary pocket 40. Potting any one of the primary balls 52 numbered one to eight into the secondary pocket 40 results in a negative score of five for the potting player unless the number Value of the potted primary ball 52 is greater than five, in which case the negative score to the potting player is the negative value of the number value of the potted primary ball 52. Potting the secondary ball 55 in a main or primary pocket 16 or 21 results in a negative score of five to the potting player, unless the number value of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 into which the secondary ball 55 has been potted is greater than five, in which case the negative score is the negative value of the number value of the main or primary pocket 16 or 21 into which the secondary ball 55 has been potted. If the secondary ball 55 is potted in the secondary pocket 40 by a player not entitled to pot the secondary ball 55, the potting player incurs a negative score of five. Negative scores may be either deducted from the total score of the player who has incurred the negative score, or they may be added to the total score of the opponent player.

The rules of the game are as follows:

1. The game is commenced by one of the players striking the cue ball 60 on the cue ball line 61 with a cue to shoot the ball into the triangular configuration of the primary and secondary balls 52 and 55 to break the triangular configuration.

2. A foul is committed:

(a) if a player fails to strike any of the primary balls 52, or to strike the secondary ball 55 when a player is entitled to a shot on the secondary ball 55,

(b) if the cue ball 60 is potted or propelled off the ball playing area 6,

(c) if a player touches the cue ball 60 with anything other than the tip of the cue,

(d) if the secondary ball 55 is struck by the cue ball 60 before striking a primary ball 52 with the cue ball 60 when a player is not entitled to a shot on the secondary ball 55,

(e) if the primary ball 52 of number value nine is struck by the cue ball 60 before first striking either the secondary ball 55 or any one of the primary balls 52 of number value one to eight, depending on whether the player has a shot on the secondary ball 55 or a primary ball 52.

3. On a player committing a foul, the opponent is awarded five points, and has the option of playing the cue ball from its current position or from the cue ball line 61 , or this choice may be given to the fouling player. The player who has been awarded the five points as a result of the opponent committing a foul is also entitled to a shot on the secondary ball 55, and if the secondary ball 55 is potted in the secondary pocket 40, the player is awarded a score of five for potting the secondary ball 55, and potting the secondary ball 55 entitles the player to another shot on the primary balls 52.

4. Potting the primary ball 52 of number nine value during play in any of the main and primary pockets 16 and 21 or in the secondary pocket 40 while one or more of the primary balls 52 of number value one to eight are still in the ball playing area 6 terminates the game, and the potting player loses the game.

5. If a player commits three fouls on the primary ball 52 of number value nine,

the game terminates and the fouling player loses the game.

The primary balls 52 and the secondary ball 55 may be of the same size, or in certain cases, the secondary ball 55 may be of slightly smaller diameter to that of the primary balls 52. This would particularly be the case where the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a coin operated mechanism for releasing the primary balls 52 for playing the game. In which case, the cue ball 60 would also be of slightly smaller diameter than the primary balls 52, so that the secondary and cue balls when potted during the game would be returned, and the primary balls would be retained for subsequent release by the coin operated mechanism.

In general, it is envisaged that the diameter of the openings 42, 46 and 49 to the secondary main and primary pockets will be of similar diameter, although, in certain cases, while it is envisaged that the openings to the main and primary pockets will be identical, the opening 42 to the secondary pocket 40 may be of larger or smaller diameter than that of the openings to the main and primary pockets, and if the diameter of the opening to the secondary pocket is to be different to the diameter of the openings to the main and primary pockets, in general, it is envisaged that the diameter of the opening to the secondary pocket will be less than the diameter of the opening to the main and primary pockets.

Referring now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a table according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, also for playing one or more ball games thereon according to the invention. The table 70 is substantially similar to the table 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the table 70 and the table 1 is that the table 1 is provided with an end ball receiving means, namely, an end pocket 71 of number value nine, which is located on the periphery of the ball playing area 6 adjacent the first end buffer member 9 at a location halfway between the main pockets 16 which are located at the respective opposite ends of the first end buffer member 9. The end pocket 71 is provided for receiving the primary ball 52 of number value nine, and the primary ball

52 of number value nine must be the last of the primary balls 52 to be potted, and must be potted in the end pocket 71 only. Potting of the primary ball 52 of number value nine in the end pocket 71 when it is the last of the primary balls 52 in the ball playing area 6 gains the potting player a first predetermined score of eighteen, namely, a score of twice the number value nine of the end pocket 71. Potting the primary ball 52 of number value nine in any of the other main and primary pockets 16 and 21 or in the secondary pocket 40 while one or more of the primary balls 52 of number value one to eight are still in the ball playing area 6 terminates the game, and the potting player loses the game.

The primary balls 52 of number value one to eight may be potted in the end pocket 71. However, potting a primary ball 52 of number value one to eight in the end pocket 71 will always result in a negative score for the potting player, which is computed by subtracting the number value of the potted primary ball 52 from the number value nine of the end pocket 71.

Otherwise, the table 70 is similar to the table 1 , and play of the game is similar to that of the game described with reference to the table 1 and described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

In the embodiments of the invention described, the primary balls are of diameter of 55mm approximately, and the secondary ball 55 and the cue ball 60 are of diameter of approximately 50mm. However, as discussed above, the diameter of the primary, secondary and cue balls may be of any other suitable desired value and may be the same or different.

As discussed above, the provision of the primary and secondary buffers has many advantages, one of which is to enhance the challenge to a player playing the game. However, another advantage of providing the primary and secondary buffers is that they provide many more options for taking a shot, for example, depending on the location of a primary or secondary ball, the primary or secondary ball may be played against a side or end edge of a primary buffer or the secondary buffer towards a

pocket or towards another buffer edging or edgings towards a pocket. Additionally, radiusing of the distal corners of the primary and secondary buffers provides a large number of options to a player for playing a primary ball to a primary pocket or for playing the secondary ball to the secondary pocket, since by playing the primary or secondary ball to a radiused portion at the distal end of the primary or secondary buffers, the primary or secondary ball may be directed towards a desired primary pocket or the secondary pocket, as the case may be.

While the tables according to the invention have been described as comprising a secondary buffer, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the secondary buffer may be omitted.

While the table has been described as comprising two primary buffers, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the table may comprise any number of primary buffers from one upwards, and in general, where primary buffers are provided, they will extend inwardly from the side buffer members, although this is not essential. It is also envisaged that each primary buffer will define with the corresponding side or end buffer member at least one, and in general two primary pockets.

Additionally, while the primary and secondary buffers have been described as being of particular length, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the primary and secondary buffers may be of any desired length.

While the table has been described as being of specific dimensions, and while the primary and secondary buffers have also been described as being of specific dimensions, and the ball engaging buffer edging has been described as being of particular dimensions, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the table, the primary and secondary buffers and the ball engaging buffer edgings may be of other suitable dimensions.

While the end pocket has been described as being provided adjacent the first end

buffer member of the table of Fig. 7, it will be appreciated that the end pocket may be provided in any suitable location around the periphery of the bail playing area, or indeed, in the ball playing area. In certain cases, it is envisaged that the table and the rules of the game to be played on the table of Fig. 7 may be arranged such that the last of the primary balls to be potted should be potted in the secondary pocket, or in another pocket in the ball playing area similar to the secondary pocket.