Kit and Method for Playing a Golf-Style Game on a Cue Sport Table

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/764,418, filed Feb. 27, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

One or more embodiments relate generally to cue sports and tabletop games, and more particularly to equipment, kits, and methods that convert a billiards or pool table into a golf-style game environment.

Traditional billiards games use fixed rules and objectives. Pool table games, such as 8-ball typically is played with 15 numbered balls and a cue ball.

Some embodiments include a kit for temporarily transforming a cue sport table into a golf-style game environment, including a plurality of tee markers configured for removable positioning on a playing surface of the cue sport table for defining a tee box. At least one hazard element is configured to be placed on the playing surface and to be displaced upon contact by a moving ball. At least one pocket obstruction device is configured for removable insertion into a pocket of the cue sport table so as to block entry of balls into that pocket. A plurality of course diagrams where each course diagram defines a distinct hole by specifying at least (i) placement locations for one or more object balls and (ii) a tee-box location on the cue sport table. The plurality of tee markers, the at least one hazard element, the at least one pocket obstruction device, and the plurality of course diagrams are configured to cooperatively convert the cue sport table into a multi-hole golf-style course when used together according to the course diagrams.

One or more embodiments include a method for converting a cue sport table into a golf-style game, including providing a plurality of course diagrams, each course diagram defining a distinct hole by specifying at least (i) placement locations for one or more object balls and (ii) a tee box location on the cue sport table. For a selected hole, the method includes placing one or more object balls on the playing surface at the locations specified by the corresponding course diagram. A plurality of tee markers are positioned on the playing surface to define a tee box at the tee-box location shown on the course diagram. Any hazard elements indicated by the course diagram are placed on the playing surface at the locations shown by the course diagram. Any pocket obstruction devices indicated by the course diagram are inserted into pockets of the cue sport table at the locations shown by the course diagram.

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of one or more embodiments and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

One or more embodiments relate generally to cue sports and tabletop games, and more particularly to equipment, kits, and methods that convert a billiards or pool table into a golf-style game environment.

Some embodiments include a kit for temporarily transforming a cue sport table, such as a billiards or pool table, into a golf-style game environment, including a plurality of tee markers configured for removable positioning on a playing surface of the cue sport table for defining a tee box. At least one hazard element is configured to be placed on the playing surface and to be displaced upon contact by a moving ball. At least one pocket obstruction device is configured for removable insertion into a pocket of the cue sport table so as to block entry of balls into that pocket. A plurality of course diagrams where each course diagram defines a distinct hole by specifying at least (i) placement locations for one or more object balls and (ii) a tee-box location on the cue sport table. The plurality of tee markers, the at least one hazard element, the at least one pocket obstruction device, and the plurality of course diagrams are configured to cooperatively convert the cue sport table into a multi-hole golf-style course when used together according to the course diagrams.

One or more embodiments include a method for converting a cue sport table into a golf-style game, including providing a plurality of course diagrams, each course diagram defining a distinct hole by specifying at least (i) placement locations for one or more object balls and (ii) a tee box location on the cue sport table. For a selected hole, the method includes placing one or more object balls on the playing surface at the locations specified by the corresponding course diagram. A plurality of tee markers are positioned on the playing surface to define a tee box at the tee-box location shown on the course diagram. Any hazard elements indicated by the course diagram are placed on the playing surface at the locations shown by the course diagram. Any pocket obstruction devices indicated by the course diagram are inserted into pockets of the cue sport table at the locations shown by the course diagram.

One or more embodiments provide an equipment and system for playing golf billiards or pool. Some embodiments provide portable equipment that enables a user to set up a billiards or pool table for a golf-style game are described herein. In one embodiment, the portable equipment comprises, but is not limited to, one or more game cards, one or more tees, one or more balloon blockers, a book including official rules with diagrams, and one or more score and golf pencil sheets.

1 FIG. 100 170 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 110 120 130 130 130 illustrates a golf-style billiards game setting configurationon a billiards or pool table, according to some embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the golf-style billiards game setting configurationincludes golf tee markers for a tee box, a head string(imaginary line that runs across the table between the second diamonds on the rail), a pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker), one or more hazard elements(or penalty tee), a foot spot (under ball), and designated driving ball (DDB). In some embodiments, the tee boxdefines a starting region from which the cue ball is struck. The tee box is generally located behind the head string. In one or more embodiments, the pocket obstruction deviceis a removable obstruction positioned within a selected pocket to prevent entry of balls into that pocket. The pocket obstruction deviceshould fit snugly in a pocket of the table. There is no penalty for hitting pocket obstruction device.

140 140 In some embodiments, the penalty tee (or penal tee)is a typical golf tee that is positioned on the playing surface. If the penalty teeis struck or knocked over during play, a penalty may be assessed.

160 160 160 160 160 160 In one or more embodiments, the DDBmust be contacted first during a “golf” shot when designated for a particular hole. The DDBis determined when a hole diagram (e.g., included in the system of components or game kit) shows a letter “D” on one of the balls. This ball must be struck first. This does not mean you have to hole the ball, you simply must make contact with it first. If you miss the DDBand do not make contact with any other balls, then you must again shoot at the DDB. If you miss the DDBand make contact with any other balls, it is a two (2) stroke penalty. Once you have made contact with the DDBor have been penalized, the golf-style game continues and the player continues and shoots as normal.

110 Additionally, a cue ball is used and is placed in the tee box(the tee box is determined as being anywhere between and behind the tee markers. The cue ball is used for teeing off or breaking.

1200 140 130 110 12 FIG. While there are many variations, in some embodiments the golf-style billiards game is played as a golf-style sequence of holes on a billiards or pool table, with the objective of obtaining the lowest possible shot score. For play preparation, a player or group of players selects a course (i.e., different courses may be included in a system of components or game kit), for example: Green Valley course, Mountain View course, etc.). A score sheet() is prepared with hole numbers and par values. Par for each hole is determined by the number of object balls on the table plus one. The balls are placed on the billiards or pool table according to the diagram (for the selected hole of the course being played). If required, a penalty teeand/or pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)are also placed on the billiards or pool table. The tee boxis positioned according to the diagram for the hole.

In one or more embodiments, for determining player order, hole cards may be used. In some embodiments, the hole cards include eighteen (18) cards numbers 1 to 18. A number of hole cards, corresponding to the number of players, are shuffled and each player selects a card to determine starting position.

110 In some embodiments, for starting the play of the golf-style game, the first player places the cue ball within the tee box, defined as anywhere between and behind the tee markers placed on the billiards or pool table. The player then performs a break or tee shot.

1200 In one or more embodiments, each shot is counted, including the initial tee shot, until all required balls (for the hole) are pocketed or the player reaches a maximum score for the hole. In one example, the maximum score for a hole is three strokes over par. The player's score is then recorded on the score sheet.

Each player completes the hole in turn. After all players have completed the hole, the next hole is set up according to the course diagram, and play continues in the same order. Once all holes are completed, the player with the lowest total score is declared the winner.

In some embodiments, playoffs may occur. In the event of a tie, one or more additional holes may be played until a winner is determined.

4 5 FIGS.B andA 150 In some embodiments, for ball placement, all ball setups should be made as close to the hole diagram as possible. Consistency and fairness dictates that each player is provided the same setup. Certain holes, for example, the hole diagram shown in, need a little more care. The best way to set these up is by placing a ball on the foot spotand then place the rail ball (these are always lined up with the diamond on the billiard or pool table). Now place the last ball in line and at an equal distance from each ball. Once the position is set, it is recommended to use a sticker to mark that spot. This simply makes it easier to set up the hole for the next player.

120 120 150 140 140 140 140 In one or more embodiments, during a player's turn, a one (1) stroke is added when the cue ball is pocketed or knocked off the table. The cue ball is then placed in the “Kitchen” (area behind the head string) and can be shot from anywhere behind the head stringas in a regular pool table game. A one (1) stroke is also added when any ball is knocked off the table. The ball is then returned to the table and spotted on the foot spot, as in a regular pool table game. If more than one ball is knocked off the table, a player receives a one (1) stroke penalty for each ball. Further, a one (1) stroke is added when a penalty teeis knocked over. The cue ball is played from where it stops, and the penalty teeis reset. If any ball has stopped where it is blocking the placement of the penalty tee, a player must wait until that ball has been moved before resetting the penalty tee.

Assume the players do not want to play the same holes in the same order (which would be impossible in regular golf). In some embodiments, the player(s) simply determines how many holes they want to play, they select a course and then randomly pick a hole card(s) from the hole cards to select the holes to play and in what order. For this type of play variation, a player does not automatically receive a one (1) stroke penalty. Instead, a player must take one card from the hole cards. Each card has a different value according to the following: for hole card 1, −2 strokes; for hole cards 2 and 3, −1 stroke; for hole cards 4 and 5, 0 strokes; hole cards 6 to 14, +1 stroke; hole cards 15 to 17, +2 strokes; and for hole card 18, +3 strokes.

In golf, a handicap system is used to help level the playing field between good players and intermediate players. The same is true in the golf-style billiards game. The better a player is at pool or cue sports, the better they will be at the golf-style billiards or pool game. Therefore, some strokes may be given to the players in a group that can use it.

140 130 160 140 130 In some embodiments, the golf-style billiards or pool game allows players to change the level of difficulty to better match up to the players participating. For beginner to intermediate players, the penalty teesand pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)can be set aside. Players can also make the DDBoptional. For high intermediate players to excellent shooters, the players can alter the game to a “Call Shot” game (intentional pocketing called before taking a shot) instead of playing a “slop” game (unintentional pocketing). Players can also add a penalty teeand/or a pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)to any hole.

2 11 FIGS.A- 2 FIG.A 200 210 150 110 120 illustrate example 18 hole table layouts of a first game course, according to some embodiments.shows an exampleof a hole 1 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table in a row with a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

2 FIG.B 201 220 150 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 2 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table with a first ball placed over a foot spotwhere the balls are placed in a compact cluster. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

3 FIG.A 300 310 150 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 3 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table with two next to one another against the rear rail, and a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

3 FIG.B 301 320 150 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 4 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table with two separated and placed against the rear rail, and a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

4 FIG.A 400 410 150 110 120 140 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 5 of 18 that is a par 5. Four object ballsare arranged near one end of the table in a cluster with a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed near an end diamond outside the tee boxbehind the head string.

4 FIG.B 401 420 150 110 120 130 shows an exampleof a hole 6 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table distributed diagonally, and a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)is positioned within a side pocket.

5 FIG.A 500 510 150 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 7 of 18 that is a par 3. Two object ballsare arranged near one end of the table next to one another with a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

5 FIG.B 501 520 150 110 120 140 120 shows an exampleof a hole 8 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table in a distributed row with a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed near the head stringnear a side rail.

6 FIG. 600 610 150 110 120 140 shows an exampleof a hole 9 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged with two near one end of the table horizontally next to one another with both balls placed over a portion of a foot spot, and a third ball is positioned against the end rail adjacent a center diamond behind where the cue ball is placed within the tee boxand behind the head string. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed in a row with the other two balls near an end of the table next to the side rail.

7 FIG.A 700 710 150 160 110 120 shows an exampleof a hole 10 of 18 that is a par 4. Two object ballsare arranged near the center of the table horizontally with each touching the opposite rail behind its side pocket. The foot spotdoes not have a ball placed on it for this hole. A DDBis positioned against an end rail adjacent a center diamond. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string.

7 FIG.B 701 720 150 120 110 120 140 120 shows an exampleof a hole 11 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged with two spaced apart in a row with one ball placed over a foot spot. The third ball is placed behind the head stringagainst the side rail adjacent a diamond. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed in front of the head stringaway from the side rail (behind a side pocket) and in line with a diamond.

8 FIG.A 800 810 150 110 120 130 shows an exampleof a hole 12 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table distributed diagonally, and a first ball placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)is positioned within a corner pocket.

8 FIG.B 801 820 150 160 820 110 120 140 160 shows an exampleof a hole 13 of 18 that is a par 4. Two object ballsare arranged near an end the table horizontally with each touching the opposite rail half way between an end pocket and a side pocket. The foot spotis hidden as a DDBis positioned over it and is in the same row as the object balls. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed in a row with the DDBnear an end of the table.

9 FIG.A 900 910 150 110 120 140 shows an exampleof a hole 14 of 18 that is a par 3. Two object ballsare arranged near one end of the table horizontally next to one another with both balls placed over a portion of a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxand behind the head string. A hazard element(or penalty tee) is placed in a row with the other two balls near an end of the table next to the side rail.

9 FIG.B 901 920 150 920 110 120 130 shows an exampleof a hole 15 of 18 that is a par 5. Four object ballsare arranged near one end of the table where two are adjacent one another with a first ball of the two placed over a foot spot, and the other two object ballsare horizontally placed against the end rail adjacent the end diamonds (of the end rail). The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. Two pocket obstruction devices (or balloon blocker)are positioned with one in a corner pocket and the other positioned in a side pocket.

10 FIG.A 1000 1010 150 160 110 120 140 shows an exampleof a hole 16 of 18 that is a par 4. Two object ballsare arranged with one against the end rail adjacent the center diamond and the other near a side pocket against the side rail. The foot spotis hidden as a DDBis positioned over it. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A hazard element(or penalty tee) is placed behind a side pocket away from the rail adjacent a diamond.

10 FIG.B 1001 1020 1020 1020 150 110 120 130 140 120 shows an exampleof a hole 17 of 18 that is a par 4. Three object ballsare arranged near one end of the table. Two of the object ballsare placed against the end rail with one adjacent a center diamond and the other adjacent a diamond near the corner pocket. The third object ballis placed over a foot spot. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)is positioned within a side pocket. A hazard elements(or penalty tee) is placed behind a side pocket, in front of the head stringand away from the rail adjacent a diamond.

11 FIG. 1100 1110 120 120 150 160 110 120 130 140 120 shows an exampleof a hole 18 of 18 that is a par 4. Two object ballsare arranged near against a side rail of the table with one behind the head stringadjacent a first side rail diamond and the other in front of the head stringand past the side pocket adjacent another diamond. The foot spotis hidden as a DDBis positioned over it. The cue ball is placed within the tee boxbehind the head string. A pocket obstruction device (or balloon blocker)is positioned within a corner pocket. A hazard element(or penalty tee) is placed behind of the head string, away from the side and end rails and in line with the first diamond of the side rail.

2 11 FIGS.A- 140 110 130 160 The illustrated course of 18 holes shown inrepresents one example of a set of hole configurations. Additional courses may be designed, each including any number of holes and any arrangement of object balls, hazard elements(or penalty tees), tee boxlocations, pocket obstruction devices (or balloon blockers)and DDBs. The embodiments are not limited to the specific hole layouts shown in the figures.

12 FIG. 1200 1200 1200 illustrates an example score sheet (or card), according to some embodiments. The score sheetincludes scoring columns for 9 holes for several players (e.g., 4), a row for par value, a row for the strokes, a row for under/over par values and a column for totals. For an 18 hole course/game, two score sheetsare used for scoring.

13 FIG. 2 11 FIGS.A- 1 FIG. 1300 1310 1320 110 120 140 130 160 1330 110 1340 1350 1320 1350 illustrates a flow diagramfor a method of playing a golf-style billiards game, according to some embodiments. In one or more embodiments, in blocka tabletop golf course is provided with pockets and rails, such as a billiards table, a pool table, etc., along with a golf course layout provided with diagrams, for example the diagrams shown in, etc. In block, tee markers are placed (for the tee box,) that designate the starting positions for a cue ball placement (typically behind a head string). Additionally, any hazard elements(or penalty tees), obstruction devices (or balloon blockers)and DDBsare placed as indicated in the golf course layout per hole. In block, the cue ball is aimed (from the tee box) to strike an object ball toward a target pocket. In block, penalties are applied as defined per hole based on the play of a player. In block, the player's score is recorded and the game proceeds to the next hole where blocks-are repeated until the course is completed for all players partaking in the course.

In some embodiments, a method for converting a cue sport table into a golf-style game, includes providing multiple course diagrams, each course diagram defining a distinct hole by specifying at least (i) placement locations for one or more object balls and (ii) a tee box location on the cue sport table. For a selected hole, the method includes placing one or more object balls on the playing surface at the locations specified by the corresponding course diagram. Multiple tee markers are positioned on the playing surface to define a tee box at the tee-box location shown on the course diagram. Any hazard elements indicated by the course diagram are placed on the playing surface at the locations shown by the course diagram. Any pocket obstruction devices indicated by the course diagram are inserted into pockets of the cue sport table at the locations shown by the course diagram.

In one or more embodiments, the method further includes the feature that after the table is configured for a hole, having each player in turn place a cue ball anywhere within the tee box and execute successive shots until all object balls for that hole are pocketed.

In some embodiments, the method additionally includes counting every shot, including the initial shot from the tee box, as one stroke.

In one or more embodiments, the method still further includes assessing a one-stroke penalty when the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, when any object ball is driven off the table, or when a hazard element is displaced.

In some embodiments, the method additionally includes for any hole whose course diagram includes a designated driving ball indicator, requiring the player to contact the designated driving ball first on the initial shot and assessing a two-stroke penalty if the cue ball contacts any other ball before the designated driving ball.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes a random-hole-selection in which, before configuring a hole, a player draws one of a set of hole-selection cards, each card bearing a predetermined stroke-modifier value that is immediately applied to the player's score for that hole.

While certain exemplary embodiments of an equipment and system for playing 8-ball golf billiards have been described and shown in the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive, and that the embodiments are not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. The description and figures are provided solely as examples to aid the reader in understanding the embodiments. The description and figures are not intended, and are not to be construed, as limiting the scope of the embodiments in any manner. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures herein that changes in the embodiments and examples shown may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

References in the claims to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described exemplary embodiment that are currently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or “step for.”

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Though the embodiments have been described with reference to certain versions thereof; however, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.