Chalk-Holder for Billiard-Cues System

Abstract

A chalk-holder for billiard-cues system including a body having two opposing cavities. Each opposing cavity is configured with one or more frictional elements. The frictional elements of the first cavity configured to removably retain chalk. The frictional elements of the second cavity configured to removably retain a pool cue. The device may be used to store chalk between uses during billiards.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of receptacles and more specifically relates to a chalk holder.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Billiards games are mostly played with a stick known as a cue. A cue is usually either a one piece tapered stick or a two piece stick divided in the middle by a joint of metal or phenolic resin. High quality cues are generally two pieces and are made of a hardwood, generally maple for billiards and ash for snooker. The butt end of the cue is of larger circumference and is intended to be gripped by a player's hand. The shaft of the cue is of smaller circumference, usually tapering to an 0.4 to 0.55 inches terminus called a ferrule, where a rounded leather tip is affixed, flush with the ferrule, to make final contact with balls. The tip, in conjunction with chalk, can be used to impart spin to the cue ball when it is not hit in its center. It is customary for players after nearly every shot to go to a receptacle provided and take therefrom the chalk which it contains for the purpose of chalking the one tip and keeping it in proper condition to engage the ball without liability of slipping. Time is lost, and the attention is diverted from the game of the opposing player. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 939,156 to Carl Victor Norman relates to a chalk-holder. The described chalk-holder includes a simple, durable, and comparatively inexpensive chalk-holding attachment for cues, which is not only practicable, efficient, convenient, and compact, but prevents soiling the fingers with the chalk, something which heretofore it has not been easy to avoid; second, to provide such a device which can very readily be attached to the butt of any ordinary cue, and, third, to furnish a cue equipped with this holder with a cushion at the butt end, if desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known billiards accessories art, the present disclosure provides a novel chalk-holder for billiard-cues system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a convenient chalk storage solution.

A chalk-holder for billiard-cues system is disclosed herein. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system includes a chalk holder having a receptacle including an inner volume and a securing member. The receptacle is configured at a first-end of the chalk holder and the securing member is configured at a second-end of the chalk holder. The inner volume is configured to store chalk for removeable use. The securing member is configured to engage and be secured at a handle-end of a pool cue for providing ready access to the chalk. The securing member comprises threading. The handle-end comprises an aperture configured to mate with the threading of the securing member. The aperture comprises a substantially similar aperture-diameter to a securing-member-diameter. The aperture comprises a depth suitable to receive the chalk holder and provide a flush connection. The receptacle includes a cylindrical profile.

According to another embodiment, a method of using the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system is also disclosed herein. The method of using the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system includes a providing a chalk holder, adding chalk to a receptacle of the chalk holder, securing a securing member of the chalk holder to a handle-end of a pool cue, and removing the chalk holder.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to billiards accessories and more particularly to a chalk-holder for billiard-cues system as used to improve the storage and use of chalk during a game of billiards.

Generally, the present invention is a chalk holder for a pool cue stick having a threaded bottom that easily attaches and releases from the bottom handle portion of a cue. The device provides a convenient storage location and apparatus for chalk during billiards.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, various views of a chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100. FIG. 1 shows a chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include a chalk holder 110 having a receptacle 120 including an inner volume 122 and a securing member 130. The chalk holder 110 is configured to be secured to a handle-end 5 of a pool cue 10 for providing ready access to chalk 15.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include the chalk holder 110 having the receptacle 120 including the inner volume 122 and the securing member 130. The receptacle 120 is configured at a first-end 118 of the chalk holder 110 and the securing member 130 is configured at a second-end 128 of the chalk holder 110. The inner volume 122 is configured to store chalk 15 for removeable use. The securing member 130 is configured to engage and be secured at a handle-end 5 of a pool cue 10 for providing ready access to the chalk 15. The chalk holder 110 is attachable to a standard pool cue 10 and the chalk 15 may be removeable and replaceable.

Referring now to FIG. 3 showing a perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include the chalk holder 110 having the receptacle 120 including the inner volume 122 and the securing member 130. In a preferred embodiment, the securing member 130 comprises threading 132 at an opposing end to the inner volume 122 and receptacle 120. The threading 132 protrudes from securing member 130 and provides a screw-like fastener for securing to the handle-end 5 of a pool cue 10. The handle-end 5 comprises an aperture 20 configured to mate with the threading 132 of the securing member 130 (e.g., having corresponding threading). The aperture 20 comprises a substantially similar aperture-diameter to a securing-member-diameter. The aperture 20 comprises a depth suitable to receive the chalk holder 110 and provide a flush connection. The receptacle 120 includes a cylindrical profile.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include the chalk holder 110 having the receptacle 120 and the securing member 130. The receptacle 120 is preferably semi-rigid. The inner volume 122 of the receptacle 120 is configured to receive a cube of chalk 15. The cube of chalk 15 is friction-fit within the inner volume during use. Outer edges of the cube of chalk touch walls of the inner volume 122 during use keeping the cube of chalk 15 friction-fit within the inner volume 122. The receptacle 120 comprises a receptacle-depth to receive the cube of chalk 15, the cube of chalk 15 being flush with an outer rim of the receptacle 120 during use. The receptacle 120 comprises an open-end exposing the inner volume 122. The inner volume 122 comprises a cylindrical-shape or other suitable shape for receiving a cube of chalk 15 or other chalk insert.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a flow diagram illustrating a method for using 500 the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method of using 500 the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include one or more components or features of the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for using 500 the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 100 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a chalk holder 110; step two 502, adding chalk 15 to a receptacle 120 of the chalk holder 110; step three 503, securing a securing member 130 of the chalk holder 110 to a handle-end 5 of a pool cue 10; step four 504, removing the chalk holder 110.

It should be noted that step four 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using the chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, are taught herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates two ends of a pool cue 10, including a butt end 11 and a ferrule end 12. Though illustrated in an unassembled condition, butt end 11 and ferrule end 12 may be interconnected and/or formed integrally (e.g., in a one-piece construction). Ferrule end 12 may include a leather tip 13 configured to make contact with pool balls. A chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 600, and ferrule end 12 may be configured at opposing ends of butt end 11. Chalk holder for billiard-cues system 600 may be configured to interconnect with the larger circumference of pool cue 10.

Chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 600 may be configured to interconnect with a chalk 15 (though used in its singular form, “chalk” may refer to one or more pieces of chalk). Chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 600 may have a body 650 (e.g., such as a barrel shaped body) configured to interconnect with butt end 11 and/or chalk 15. A first cavity 651 may be formed in a first end of body 650, and a second cavity (e.g., cavity 855 of FIG. 8) may be formed in a second end of body 650. The first and second cavities may extend into body 650 from opposing ends of body 650. Body 650 may be barrel shaped, or may be formed in any shape that is capable of interconnection as herein described.

One or more frictional elements 652 may extend through the interior of cavity 651. Frictional elements 652 may be configured to facilitate retention of chalk 15 within cavity 651. Frictional elements 652 may be configured to enable chalk 15 to be removable and replaceable. Frictional elements 652 may be configured to retain chalk 15 such that at least one surface of chalk 15 is substantially coplanar with an exterior surface of body 650. Frictional elements 652 may be configured to retain chalk 15 such that chalk 15 is entirely within cavity 651. Frictional elements 652 may be configured to reduce the size of cavity 651 to a dimension suitable for chalk 15. FIG. 6 illustrates four frictional elements 652 extending through the interior of cavity 651, however, more or less frictional elements 652 are contemplated in this disclosure (e.g., one or more frictional elements). Each frictional element 652 serves to create a friction fit, such that chalk 15 may be frictionally retained within cavity 651.

Chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 600 may be formed of metal, plastic, rubber, or any composite material to facilitate the capabilities described herein. Body 650 and/or frictional elements 652 may be rigid, flexible, or both, to enable removal and replacement of chalk 15 easily (e.g., by hand without the need for tools or special equipment, such as by flexing component parts with the user's hand to loosen the article being held). Body 650 and/or frictional elements 652 may be formed integrally or assembled. Body 650 and/or frictional elements 652 may be formed of transparent, translucent, and/or opaque material (e.g., it may be useful to see whether there is chalk 15 within cavity 651 without moving or reorienting chalk-holder for billiard-cues system 600, such as in the upright position exemplified in FIG. 7).

FIG. 7 illustrates one or more chalk-holder for billiard-cues systems 700 configured on one or more pool cues 10. When configured as exemplified, the chalk-holder for billiard-cues systems 700 enable pool cues 10 to be placed in an upright position. The upright position may enable storage of pool cues 10 without the need for a cue rack, or temporary placement of pool cues 10 during normal use.

FIG. 8 illustrates a chalk-holder for billiard-cues systems 800 showing a second cavity 855 extending into body 850 (e.g., disposed oppositely of cavity 651 of FIG. 6). One or more frictional elements 856 may extend through the interior of cavity 855. Frictional elements 856 may be configured to facilitate retention of a pool cue (e.g., pool cue 10 of FIG. 6) within cavity 855. Frictional elements 856 may be configured to enable the pool cue to be removable and replaceable. Frictional elements 856 may be configured to reduce the size of cavity 855 to a dimension suitable for the pool cue. FIG. 8 illustrates six frictional elements 856 extending through the interior of cavity 855, however, more or less frictional elements 856 are contemplated in this disclosure (e.g., one or more frictional elements). Each frictional element 856 serves to create a friction fit, such that the pool cue may be frictionally retained within cavity 855 (e.g., a length of the pool cue may fit into cavity 855 and be frictionally engaged by frictional elements 856).

One or more support elements 857 may extend through the interior of cavity 855. Support elements 857 may be configured to facilitate retention of frictional elements 856 within cavity 855. Support elements 857 may be configured to enable application of a force along the full length of the pool cue extending into cavity 855. Support elements 857 may be configured to enable application of an even force along the full length of the pool cue extending into cavity 855.

Body 850, frictional elements 856 and/or support elements 857 may be rigid, flexible, or both, to enable removal and replacement of the pool cue easily (e.g., by hand without the need for tools or special equipment, such as by flexing component parts with the user's hand to loosen the article being held). Body 850, frictional elements 856 and/or support elements 857 may be formed integrally or assembled. In general, it is understood that pool cues are roughly circular in cross-section. Therefore, frictional elements 856 may be formed in a circular configuration within cavity 855, though other configurations may be possible (e.g., two-point contact, three-point contact, or more).

Support elements 857 may extend between frictional elements 856 and body 850 along a full length of frictional elements 856 and/or along a dimension less than the full length of frictional elements 856. Support elements 857 may extend away from frictional elements 856 in a normal direction and/or in a non-normal direction (e.g., between 1 degree and 50 degrees from the normal direction). Thus, the angle and length of each support element 857 may be adjusted to optimize retention of a pool cue within cavity 855. While the support elements 857 are exemplified in a 1:1 ratio with the number of frictional elements 856, more or less support elements 857 may be possible to optimize retention of the pool cue within cavity 855 (e.g., such as two support elements 857 for each frictional element 856, or one or more frictional elements 856 with no corresponding support element 857).

The configuration described herein may enable retention of pool cues having a wide range of sizing (e.g., various diameters, circumferences, perimeters, or corresponding dimensioning). For a relatively small sized pool cue, frictional elements 856 may deflect only a small amount (e.g., sufficient to retain the pool cue). For a relatively large sized pool cue, frictional elements 856 may deflect a large amount (e.g., outward toward body 850 to enable insertion of the large sized pool cue into cavity 855). Thus, the profile approximated by the frictional elements 856 (e.g., a cylindrical profile) may be widened to accommodate pool cues of any size. Inserting a pool cue into cavity 855 may cause frictional elements 856 to widen (e.g., forcing them outward toward body 850), and removing a pool cue from cavity 855 may enable frictional elements 856 to narrow (e.g., returning inward toward a center of cavity 855). Though this paragraph discusses deflection of frictional elements 856 upon insertion of a pool cue, it is understood that frictional elements 652 may be configured to deflect upon insertion of chalk into cavity 651, such that chalk may be frictionally retained therein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A chalk-holder for billiard-cues system comprising: a body having first and second ends;a first cavity extending into the first end, the first cavity including one or more frictional elements configured to retain chalk in a removable relationship; anda second cavity extending into the second end, the second cavity including one or more frictional elements configured to retain a pool cue in a removable relationship.

2. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 1, wherein the second cavity further includes one or more support elements extending between the one or more frictional elements and the body.

3. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 2, wherein the one or more support elements extend from corresponding frictional elements at a non-normal angle.

4. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 2, wherein each frictional element has a corresponding support element.

5. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 2, wherein the one or more support elements extend from the one or more frictional elements to the body along a length of the one or more frictional elements.

6. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 1, wherein the frictional elements of the second cavity form a cylindrical profile.

7. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 1, wherein a pool cue is removably retained in the second cavity.

8. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 7, wherein the pool cue is removable and replaceable by hand.

9. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 1, wherein chalk is retained in the first cavity.

10. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 9, wherein the chalk is removable and replaceable by hand.

11. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 9, wherein the chalk is friction-fit by one or more frictional elements.

12. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 1, wherein the body is semi-rigid.

13. A chalk-holder for billiard-cues system comprising: one or more first frictional elements configured to retain chalk in a removable relationship; andone or more second frictional elements configured to retain a pool cue in a removable relationship, wherein the one or more first frictional elements are secured to the one or more second frictional elements to retain the chalk and pool cue with respect to each other.

14. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 13, wherein the one or more first frictional elements deflect to retain chalk in the removable relationship.

15. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 13, wherein the one or more second frictional elements deflect to retain the pool cue in the removable relationship.

16. The chalk-holder for billiard-cues system of claim 13, wherein the one or more first and second frictional elements are secured within a body at opposing first and second ends, respectively.

17. A method of using a chalk-holder for billiard-cues system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a chalk holder for billiard-cues system including one or more first frictional elements configured to retain chalk in a removable relationship and one or more second frictional elements configured to retain a pool cue in a removable relationship;inserting chalk into frictional engagement with the one or more first frictional elements; andinserting a pool cue into frictional engagement with the one or more second frictional elements.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of removing the chalk.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of removing the pool cue.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of removing the pool cue and inserting a second pool cue into frictional engagement with the one or more second frictional elements; wherein the second pool cue differs in size from the pool cue.