ADJUSTABLE BILLIARD CUE STICK

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel adjustable billiard cue stick that is capable of being adjusted to multiple different lengths and configurations. In one embodiment, the pool cue stick includes a spring-loaded mechanism having a tension rod with fixed metal pegs. The metal pegs are locked into corresponding receiver holes for locking the pool cue stick into a desired length. A button releases pressure from a spring of the pool cue stick enabling the length of the cue to be adjusted. In another embodiment, the pool cue stick includes a segmented screw drive system in the center of the cue that can be manually or electrically cranked for adjusting the length of the pool cue stick.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of billiard or pool cue sticks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel billiard or pool cue stick that is adjustable in length to allow users to expand and contract the pool cue stick to various length options while maintaining playability, use, and functions at multiple stages and multiple positions. In one embodiment, the pool cue stick includes multiple preset locking points with spring-loaded locking and release mechanisms. In another embodiment, the pool cue stick includes a threaded screw drive mechanism aligned through the center of the cue. The pool cue stick can be manually or electrically adjusted as per preferences of a user and manufacturing options of the pool cue stick. The pool cue stick can include a button near the handle/base for adjusting the length of the pool cue stick. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, billiard is a sport in which a billiard ball is hit by a billiard cue stick on a billiard table. Generally, a bridge is formed by one hand to fix the cue, and the other hand is used to move the pool cue stick to hit a ball by applying force to the pool cue stick. A billiard cue stick is a long wooden pole that a billiard player uses to hit a billiard ball. Typical billiard or pool cues are two piece cues comprising a tip, a ferrule, a collar, a joint, a pin, a ring, a forearm, a wrap, a sleeve, and a bumper. The pool cue shaft comprises the top section and includes the section extending from the tip to the joint. The pool cue butt comprises the base section and includes the section extending from the pin to the bumper. The tip is the only part of the pool cue that touches the cue balls.

Conventional billiard cue sticks are generally long and sufficient open square footage space around a billiard or pool table is required for effective movement of the pool cue stick for hitting a ball. However, in crowded pool halls where pool or billiard tables are placed relatively near to each other, players may lack sufficient space for extending and manipulating conventional pool cues while playing. Furnishings, walls, and other obstacles can be in the way when using a standard length billiard cue stick. This leads to inefficient practice and missed shots, and players may become disappointed with their current skill level and/or become frustrated with the present layout of the billiard table.

Another disadvantage of present billiard cues is that they are manufactured at a limited number of lengths and weights due to potentially high manufacturing and inventory costs. It is therefore desirable to provide billiard cues that can be customized in length, particularly for play in crowded halls and small rooms thereby enabling shooters to play at competitive levels. The selectively adjusted cue length is also desirable to accommodate different sized players (i.e. from adult to child).

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that can expand and retract to various length options. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that enables users or shooters to play in crowded pool halls, or in limited room spaces, at a competitive level. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that is lightweight and has prolonged durability. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be used in minimal space while providing functionality of a conventional cue stick. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be manually adjusted in length. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be selectively or electrically adjusted in length. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that offers a way to use the pool cue stick in virtually any situation or space for a variety of shooter sizes by adjusting a length of the pool cue stick.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an expandable billiard cue stick. The pool cue stick features a spring-loaded mechanism including an extendable tension rod with fixed metal pegs, a button positioned on the pool cue stick, the button when pressed is configured to release pressure from a spring enabling the pool cue stick to expand or retract. The metal pegs have corresponding receiver holes wherein the metal pegs are locked in the corresponding receiver holes to lock the pool cue stick to a desired length. Alternatively, the pool cue stick can have a cranking mechanism using a segmented screwdriver system that can be manually or automatically cranked for adjusting the length of the pool cue stick.

In this manner, the adjustable or expandable billiard cue stick of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a multipurpose adjustable and lightweight cue stick that enables players to expand and retract the length of the pool cue stick as per their preferences. Further, the pool cue stick can includes a spring-loaded mechanism to lock the pool cue stick to a desired length or a cranking mechanism to adjust the length of the pool cue stick. The pool cue stick can be used in various length options while maintaining the pool cue stick's playability and functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adjustable billiard cue stick. The pool cue stick comprising a spring-loaded mechanism including an extendable tension rod with fixed metal pegs, a button positioned on the pool cue stick, the button when pressed is configured to release pressure from a spring enabling the pool cue stick to expand or retract. The metal pegs have corresponding receiver holes wherein the metal pegs are locked in the corresponding receiver holes to lock the pool cue stick to a desired length.

In yet another embodiment, the pool cue stick includes multiple preset locking points with spring-loaded locking and release functions.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an extendable and retractable billiard cue is disclosed. The billiard cue enables users to expand and contract the pool cue stick to various length options while maintaining playability, use, and functions of the cue. The cue includes an electronic adjusting mechanism of the cue having an electric motor which is activated using an extend button or a contract button positioned on a bumper surface of the cue, a rechargeable battery for providing power to the electric motor, the electric motor is configured to rotate a central segmented screw drive in a clockwise direction when the extend button is pressed and also to rotate the central segmented screw drive in a counterclockwise direction when the contract button is pressed, the central segmented screw drive is coupled with a central threaded shaft wherein the central threaded shaft slides linearly along a longitudinal axis of the cue to extend or retract the screw drive based on clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the central segmented screw drive.

In yet another embodiment, the electric motor is a servomotor and is coupled to the central segmented screw drive through a coupler and thrust bearings.

In yet another embodiment, the pool cue stick is made from lightweight metal, alloy, and/or wood.

In yet another embodiment, the pool cue stick includes a threaded screw drive mechanism aligned through the center of the cue.

In yet another embodiment, a method for extending or retracting a length of a pool cue is disclosed. The pool cue includes threaded screw drive mechanism aligned through the center of the cue, the threaded screw drive mechanism can be cranked manually by rotating the fixed length part and the telescoping slot of the pool cue stick in opposite directions, thereby enabling the length of the pool cue stick to extend or retract and lock at a desired length.

In yet another embodiment, the multipurpose pool cue is capable of being adjusted to multiple lengths and configurations.

In yet another embodiment, the length of each telescoping slot is up to about 6.5 inches.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior body of one potential embodiment of the adjustable billiard cue stick of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an extending and retracting mechanism of another embodiment of the adjustable billiard cue in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing yet still another embodiment of an adjustable cue stick of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps for manually cranking, rotating, or screwing the pool cue (i.e. mating cue shafts) in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that can expand and retract to various length options. There is also a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that enables users or shooters to play in crowded pool halls, or in limited room spaces, at a competitive level. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that is lightweight and has prolonged durability. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be used in minimal space while providing functionality of a conventional cue stick. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be manually adjusted in length. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a cue stick that can be selectively or electrically adjusted in length. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a billiard cue stick that offers a way to use the pool cue stick in virtually any situation or space for a variety of shooter sizes (i.e. a variety of height and reach of the shooter) by adjusting a length of the pool cue stick.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel billiard cue stick. The cue includes an electronic adjusting mechanism of the cue having an electric motor which is activated using an extend button or a contract button positioned on a bumper surface of the cue, a rechargeable battery for providing power to the electric motor, the electric motor is configured to rotate a central segmented screw drive in a clockwise direction when the extend button is pressed and to rotate the central segmented screw drive in a counterclockwise direction when the contract button is pressed, the central segmented screw drive is coupled with a central threaded shaft wherein the central threaded shaft slides linearly along a longitudinal axis of the cue to extend or retract based on the clockwise or the counterclockwise rotation of the central segmented screw drive.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exterior body of one potential embodiment of the adjustable billiard cue stick of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The adjustable billiard cue stick 100 of the present invention is designed as a multipurpose billiard cue stick capable of being adjusted to multiple different lengths and configurations. More specifically, the pool cue stick 100 includes a bumper 102, butt sleeve section 104, a wrap section 106, a plurality of telescoping sections 112,114,116, a forearm section 108, and a tip 110. The forearm 108, in one exemplary embodiment, extends from the telescoping section 116 to the tip 110 of the pool cue stick 100. The pool cue stick 100 can be constructed from polycarbonate (plastic) material or a lightweight metal alloy (or hybrid).

The pool cue stick 100 includes the plurality of telescoping tubes or sections 112,114,116 that enables the length of the pool cue stick 100 to extend or retract. The telescoping tubes include a bottom telescoping tube 112, a middle telescoping tube 114, and a top telescoping tube 116, wherein each telescoping tube including an extendible length of about 6.5 inches. Thus, the total extendable length of the telescoping sections 112,114,116 of the pool cue is about 19.5 inches. Further, in one potential embodiment, the length of the wrap section 106 together with the bumper 102 and the butt sleeve section 104 can be about 19.5 inches. The length of the forearm section 108 can also be about 19.5 inches in the present embodiment, thus making a maximum length of about 58.5 inches of the pool cue stick 100 in extended form. The telescoping tubes 112,114,116 each include a contracted exterior length of about 1.5 inches. Thus, the total contracted length of the telescoping sections 112,114,116 of the pool cue is about 4.5 inches. Therefore, the pool cue 100 includes a minimum length of about 43.5 inches in a fully retracted form. The wrap section 106, the butt sleeve section 104, and the forearm section 108 can be fixed in length and thus enables a player to conveniently and comfortably grip the pool cue 100 at opposing ends in order to align the pool cue 100 to play the game of pool or billiards.

The telescoping tubes 112,114 are connected to each other at the first telescoping slot 118, the telescoping tubes 114,116 are connected to each other at the second telescoping slot 120. The respective telescoping tubes are locked at the telescoping slots 118,120 to adjust the pool cue 100 at a desired length.

FIG. 2 illustrates another extending and retracting mechanism of an adjustable billiard cue 200 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In one potential embodiment, the adjustable billiard cue 200 includes a spring-loaded mechanism comprising a flat and narrow extendable tension rod 202 having a plurality of internal fixed metal pegs 204,206. The metal pegs 204,206 are fixed and lock into receiver holes. In one exemplary embodiment, it is shown that the metal peg 204 is inserted into the receiving slot 208. In the present embodiment, a push button 210 is disposed on the pool cue stick 200, proximal to the bumper, that is coupled with a spring 212 and is used for biasing the pressure from the tension rod 202 and metal pegs 204,206 that enables the pool cue stick 200, and the telescoping shafts 214,216 to be extended or contracted to a desired length.

The spring-loaded mechanism of the tension rod 202 includes the outer shaft 214 and the inner shaft 216. The inner shaft 216 is slidably received by the outer shaft 214 along the axis of the pool cue stick 200 such that the tension rod 202 is adjustable in length. The shafts 214, 216 can be made from metal, alloy, or steel. As shown, a tensioned stabilizing alignment collar 218 is positioned that engages with a threaded shaft 220 of the tension rod 202 for rotation and movement along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue stick 200. The collar 218 is preferably made from polymeric material such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC, or the like.

In use, a user adjusts a length of the tension rod 202, the inner shaft 216 moves within the outer shaft 214 and the relative motion of the shafts moves the collar 218 along the threaded shaft 220. Further, when the button 210 is released, pressure from the spring 212 is released thereby enabling the pool cue stick 200 to be extended or contracted to a desired length.

It should be noted that the metal pegs 204,206 (and others not illustrated) can be positioned and aligned with receiving slot 208 of the pool cue stick 200 such that the metal pegs 204,206 being locked into the receiving slot 208 locks the telescoping shafts at the desired lengths.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of an adjustable pool cue stick of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The present embodiment discloses the electrically operated cranking mechanism for extension and retraction of the pool cue stick 300. More specifically, in this embodiment, the extension and contraction mechanism 300 includes an extend button 302 that can be pressed by a user for extending the pool cue stick 300. Similarly, the pool cue stick 300 includes a contract button 304 that is used for contracting the pool cue stick 300. The extend button 302 and the contract button 304 are preferably disposed on the bumper surface 306. The pool cue stick 300 includes a tiny electric motor 308 preferably a servomotor that is activated when one of the buttons 302,304 is pushed by the user. The electric motor 308 is powered by a rechargeable battery 310 that provides DC power to the electric motor 308. The rechargeable battery 310 can be recharged by an external power supply through a charging port 312 positioned on the bumper surface 306. The electric motor 308 is used for rotating the central segmented screw drive 314 in one particular direction, for example, clockwise direction for producing extension in the telescopic element 316 (analogous to telescopic slot of FIG. 1 or inner shaft of FIG. 2). Similarly, the electric motor 308 can rotate a centrally segmented screw drive 314 in an opposite direction, i.e. counterclockwise for contracting the pool cue stick 300. The electric motor 308 is coupled to the central segmented screw drive 314 through a coupler 318 and thrust bearings 320. The central segmented screw drive 314 runs through an upper shaft or wrap portion 328 of the pool cue stick 300. It is to be appreciated that the motor 308 can be manually disengaged thereby enabling manual manipulation of the pool cue stick 300 such that the central segmented screw drive 314 can be manually rotated in one particular direction, for example, clockwise direction for producing extension in the telescopic element 316. Similarly, the central segmented screw drive 314 can be manually rotated in an opposite direction, i.e. counterclockwise for contracting the pool cue stick 300.

The rotating central segmented screw drive 314 is connected to a central threaded shaft 322 through a screw-nut interface 324 and the rotation of the central segmented screw drive 314 produces a linear motion in the central threaded shaft 322. The central threaded shaft 322 extends and retracts from within screw drive 314 for adjusting the usable length of the pool cue stick 300.

The present embodiment also includes at least one tensioned stabilizing alignment collar 326 for providing assistance and stability in extension and contraction of the pool cue stick 300. The collar 326 is preferably made from polymeric material such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC, or the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram showing exemplary steps for manually cranking the pool cue stick 300 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As an alternative to electronic cranking as discussed in FIG. 3, the pool cue stick 300 can be cranked manually by a user. It should be noted that for manual cranking, electronic components such as electric motor and rechargeable battery are not required. Initially, the base (wrap) of the pool cue stick is held by a player with one hand while holding one of the telescoping part with the other hand (Step 402). Thereafter, rotating the wrap and the telescoping part in opposite directions to extend or retract the pool cue stick 300 (Step 404). Finally, locking the pool cue stick 300 at a desired length by using the locks positioned at the telescoping slots (Step 406).

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

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the adjustable billiard cue 100,200,300 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the adjustable billiard cue 100,200,300 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the adjustable billiard cue 100,200,300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the adjustable billiard cue 100,200,300 are important design parameters for user convenience, the adjustable billiard cue 100,200,300 can be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

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

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

Claims

1. An adjustable pool cue comprising: a pool cue having a tip end, a forearm section, a plurality of telescoping shaft sections, a wrap section, a butt sleeve section, and a bumper end;wherein said forearm section, said wrap section, and said butt sleeve section are each of a fixed length;wherein each one of said plurality of telescoping shaft sections is independently extendable and retractable for varying a length of said pool cue;wherein each one of said plurality of telescoping shaft sections is extendable from about 1.5 inches in length to about 6.5 inches in length; andfurther wherein said pool cue is adjustable in length from about 43.5 inches to about 58.5 inches.

2. The adjustable pool cue of claim 1, wherein a first pair of telescoping shaft sections are connected to each other at a first telescoping slot.

3. The adjustable pool cue of claim 2, wherein a second pair of telescoping shaft sections are connected to each other at a second telescoping slot.

4. The adjustable pool cue of claim 3, wherein said first pair of telescoping shaft sections is extendable from about 3 inches to about 13 inches.

5. The adjustable pool cue of claim 4, wherein said second pair of telescoping shaft sections is extendable from about 3 inches to about 13 inches.

6. An adjustable pool cue comprising: a pool cue having a tip end, a plurality of telescoping shaft sections, and a bumper end;wherein said plurality of telescoping shaft sections includes at least two telescoping shaft sections;wherein said plurality of telescoping shaft sections is extendable and retractable for varying a length of said pool cue;a tension rod including a plurality of internal fixed pegs for fixing relative positions of an inner shaft to an outer shaft;said plurality of internal fixed pegs each selectively retainable in at least one receiving slot;wherein said tension rod is actuated with a button and a spring for biasing said tension rod and said fixed pegs; andfurther wherein said biasing said tension rod enables said fixing relative positions of said inner shaft to said outer shaft.

7. The adjustable pool cue of claim 6, wherein said inner shaft is slidably received by said outer shaft.

8. The adjustable pool cue of claim 7, wherein said inner shaft and said outer shaft include a material selected from a group consisting of a metal and an alloy.

9. The adjustable pool cue of claim 6 further including a stabilizing alignment collar threadingly engaged to an internal shaft of said pool cue for stabilizing said inner shaft within said outer shaft.

10. The adjustable pool cue of claim 9, wherein said alignment collar is comprised of a material selected from a group consisting of a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polypropylene, a polyurethane, and a PVC.

11. The adjustable pool cue of claim 10, wherein said plurality of internal fixed pegs are metal pegs.

12. The adjustable pool cue of claim 11, wherein said button and said spring are proximal to said bumper end.

13. An adjustable billiard cue comprising: a billiard cue having a tip end, a plurality of telescoping shaft sections, and a bumper end;wherein said plurality of telescoping shaft sections includes at least two telescoping shaft sections;a centrally segmented screw drive for threading engagement with a central threaded shaft including a screw-nut interface;wherein a rotation of said centrally segmented screw drive in a first direction extends said threaded shaft and extends a length of said billiard cue; andfurther wherein a rotation of said centrally segmented screw drive in a second direction retracts said threaded shaft and retracts said length of said billiard cue.

14. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 13 further comprising an electric motor for operating a cranking mechanism for said rotation of said centrally segmented screw drive and extension and retraction of at least one of said two telescoping shaft sections.

15. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 14 further comprising a battery for powering said electric motor.

16. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 15 further comprising an extend button for actuating said motor and said screw drive in said first direction to extend said threaded shaft and said length of said billiard cue, and further wherein a retract button for actuating said motor and said screw drive in said second direction to retract said threaded shaft and said length of said billiard cue.

17. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 15, wherein said battery is rechargeable.

18. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 15, wherein said electric motor drives said centrally segmented screw drive through a coupler and thrust bearings.

19. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 15 further comprising a stabilizing alignment collar threadingly engaged to an inner shaft of said billiard cue for stabilizing said inner shaft within an outer shaft.

20. The adjustable billiard cue of claim 19, wherein said alignment collar is comprised of a material selected from a group consisting of a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polypropylene, a polyurethane, and a PVC.