CUE STICK SUPPORT

Abstract

A cue holder for use in the games of billiards, pool and the like includes a cue holder having a billiard-size ball with an opening extending therethrough and sized to receive a tip-end portion of a cue stick. The ball can support the cue stick in spaced apart relation to a billiard table surface, and the ball can slide on the billiard table surface in unison movement with the cue stick. The cue holder can include a compressible foam layer positioned within the bore for frictionally engaging the cue stick to releasably retain the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a training device for use in the games of billiards, pool and the like. The invention is particularly useful for aiding children and other inexperienced players in the development of billiard skills. The invention assists players in learning billiards while also protecting billiard tables from damage commonly caused by inexperienced players.

Billiards is a popular activity that generally encompasses a variety of games played on an oblong table with a plurality of small balls. Players can score by causing a cue ball to strike in succession two object balls, or by driving balls into one of six pockets. Billiard tables generally have a size of 44 inches by 88 inches or larger. As such, it can be particularly difficult for children when beginning to play billiards. Often a child attempting to strike the cue ball with a cue stick is unable to properly stabilize the stick resulting in the front end of the cue stick being driven into the surface of the table when the child attempts a shot. This causes damage to the billiard table, which can be an expensive item. Accordingly, there is a need for a device to overcome the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cue holder that can assist a billiard player by stabilizing the cue stick.

It is another object of the invention to provide a cue holder that helps prevent damage to the billiard table by preventing players from accidentally striking the surface of the table with the tip-end of the cue stick.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a cue holder that can slide on the surface of a billiard table without damaging the table.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a cue holder having the general appearance of a billiard ball.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a cue holder including a billiard-size ball having an opening extending therethrough and sized to receive a tip-end portion of a cue stick. The ball supports the cue stick in spaced apart relation to a billiard table surface, and the ball can slide on the billiard table surface in unison movement with the cue stick. The cue holder helps prevent damage to the billiard table surface.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening is a bore, and retention means cooperate with the ball and cue stick to retain the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ball has a diameter in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 centimeters.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening is a bore defined by an interior surface of the ball, and retention means cooperate with the ball and cue stick to releasably retain the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick. The retention means include a lining covering the interior surface of the ball.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lining includes an elastomeric material.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lining includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of foam rubber and foam plastic.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lining includes molded rubber.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bore is tapered to conform to the tapered shape of the cue stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bore has an entrance end and an exit end, and the diameter at each of the ends is less than the diameter at a point between each of the ends such that the lining is not in complete frictional engagement with the stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cue holder includes first and second attachment members positioned at opposite ends of the ball for maintaining the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second attachment members include a pair of washers.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the opening includes a bore defined by an interior surface of the ball, and a compressible foam layer is positioned on the interior surface for frictionally engaging the cue stick such that the ball is releasably maintained at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for equipping a billiard cue stick for training play includes the steps of providing a billiard size ball, and forming a bore in the ball defined by an inner surface of the ball. A cue stick is positioned within the bore such that the ball is positioned at a desired location on the cue stick, and supports the cue stick in spaced-apart relation to a billiard table surface. The ball is retained at the desired location on the cue stick so that the ball can slide on the billiard table surface in unison movement with the cue stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the ball defining the bore is covered with a compressible foam layer.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a first compressible foam washer is positioned in the entrance end of the opening and a second compressible foam washer is positioned in the exit end. Each of the washers has a hole for receiving the cue stick so that the first and second foam washers frictionally engage the cue stick.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of making a cue holder includes the steps of providing a billiard sized ball, and forming an opening in the ball. A compressible foam layer is positioned within the opening, and a hole is formed within the compressible foam layer sized to receive a cue stick so that the ball can support the cue stick in spaced apart relation to billiard table surface.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of forming a hole within the compressible foam layer includes forming a tapered hole shaped to receive a tapered cue stick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective environmental view of a cue holder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the cue holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a cue holder according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a cue holder according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a cue holder according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a compressible foam member used in the cue holder of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a cue holder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The cue holder 10 generally comprises a ball 12 having an opening such as a bore 14 that is sized to receive a standard sized cue stick 20. The cue holder 10 is particularly suited for use as a training aid for children and inexperienced players in the games of billiards. “Billiard” or “billiards” as used throughout this application, refers generally to the various games of billiards, pool and the like that are typically played on an oblong table with a plurality of small balls, in which players can score by causing a cue ball to strike in succession two object balls, or by driving a ball into a pocket in the table.

The ball 12 preferably has the dimensions of a standard billiard ball, such as a diameter of about 4.5 to 5.5 centimeters. The ball 12 can be a standard white cue ball, however, other suitable balls can be used. The ball 12 should have a smooth surface that can slide on the felt surface of a billiard table 24. In addition, the fact that the ball 12 has the appearance and feel of a real billiard ball, rather than merely a training aid, makes it more appealing for children to use.

It should be noted that while the cue holder 10 preferably has a bore 14 extending completely through the ball 12 to receive the cue stick 20, other openings can be utilized in place of the bore 14. For example, the ball 12 can have a U-shaped cavity or similar opening that is not completely enclosed by the ball 12 for receiving the cue stick 20.

The bore 14 in the ball 12 can be tapered to conform to the tapered shape of the cue stick 20. The ball 12 includes a retention means for retaining the cue stick within the bore 14 of the ball 12. A variety of features can be utilized as the retention means. For example, the retention means can be a lining covering the inner surface of the ball 12, such as a compressible foam layer 16, shown in FIG. 2. The foam layer 16 can be made of any suitable foam material, such as rubber foam and/or plastic foam, including polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam. The foam layer 16 is preferably made by positioning foam material within the bore 14, and attaching the foam to the ball 12 with an adhesive. A hole is then made in the foam to accommodate the size and shape of the cue stick 20 thereby forming the foam layer 16.

The cue holder 10 is positioned on the cue stick 20 at the player's desired location by inserting the tip-end portion of the cue stick 20 into one end of the bore 14 in the ball 12 and out through the other end of the bore 14. The ball 12 is moved up the cue stick until its at a desired position on the cue stick 20. The foam layer 16 within the bore 14 frictionally engages the cue stick 20 and maintains the ball 12 at the desired location on the cue stick 20. The foam layer 16 does not damage or mark-up the cue stick 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ball 12 rests on the felt surface of the billiard table 24, and can slide smoothly thereon. As such, the cue holder 10 aids the user in stabilizing the cue stick 20 and helps the user in aligning the cue stick 20 with other billiard balls 22 on the billiard table 24 when attempting a shot. In addition, the cue holder 10 helps prevent the tip-end of the cue stick 20 from striking the surface of the billiard table 24 when the user attempts to make a shot. Furthermore, the added weight of the cue holder 10 helps keep the cue stick 20 on the table 24, and adds momentum when the user is taking a shot thereby resulting in a stronger shot to the billiard ball 22. This makes the cue holder 10 ideal for use by children lacking the strength of adult players. The frictional engagement of the foam layer 16 with the cue stick 20 maintains the cue holder 10 on the cue stick 20 firmly, but not permanently. The cue holder 10 can be moved to a different position on the cue stick 20, or removed from the cue stick 20 altogether. As such, the cue holder 10 is particularly suited for children whose reliance on the cue holder 10 is likely to change substantially as their skills develop.

A cue holder according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3, and shown generally at reference numeral 30. The cue holder 30 generally comprises a ball 32 having an opening such as a bore 34 that is sized to receive the standard sized cue stick 20. Cue holder 30 has retention means that include a lining of molded rubber 36 on the inner surface of the ball 32 defining the bore 34. The bore 34 has a concave shape, in which the entrance end 34a and the exit end 34b of the bore 34 has a diameter smaller than the center 34c of the bore. As such, the rubber lining 36 in the bore 34 is not in complete engagement with the cue stick 20, as shown in FIG. 3. This reduces the likelihood of the rubber lining 36 being displaced when the ball 32 is moved along the stick 20.

The cue holder 30 can be made by drilling the bore 34 into the ball 32, and placing the ball 32 on a jig that maintains the bore 34 in a vertical position. The jig has a cue stick sized dowel protruding through the center of the ball 32. Liquid rubber is poured into the drilled bore 34, and forms around the dowel. The rubber cures, and the ball is removed from the jig.

A cue holder according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4, and shown generally at reference numeral 40. The cue holder 40 generally comprises a ball 42 having an opening such as a bore 44 that is sized to receive the standard sized cue stick 20. Cue holder 40 has retention means that include mechanical attachment members such as a pair of washers 46, 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the cue stick 20 is positioned within the bore 44, and washers 46, 48 are positioned on the stick 20 at opposite ends of the ball 42. The washers 46, 48 maintain the ball 42 at the desired position on the cue stick 20.

Yet another preferred embodiment of a cue holder according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5, and shown generally at reference numeral 50. The cue holder 50 generally comprises a ball 42 having an entrance opening 54a and an exit opening 54b. In between the entrance opening 54a and the exit opening 54b is a center section 54c having a diameter smaller than the entrance and exit openings 54a, 54b. The diameter of the center section 54c is such that it can receive the cue stick 20, as shown in FIG. 5. The larger diameter entrance and exit openings 54a, 54b provide an area in which to receive compressible foam members such as foam washers 56, 58, respectively.

Foam washer 56, which is identical to the other foam washer 58, is shown in detail in FIG. 6. The foam washer 56 is preferably cylindrical with a circular hole 64 formed therein. The hole 64 is sized to receive the cue stick 20.

When positioning the cue holder 50 on a cue stick 20, cue stick 20 is inserted through the hole 64 of the first foam washer 56 positioned in the entrance end 54a of the ball 52 and the cue holder 50 is slid up the cue stick 20 to the desired position on the stick 20. The foam washers 56, 58 engage the cue stick 20 and maintain the ball 52 securely at the desired location on the stick 20.

A cue holder and methods of making and using same are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A cue holder comprising a billiard-size ball having an opening extending therethrough and sized to receive a tip-end portion of a cue stick for supporting the cue stick in spaced apart relation to a billiard table surface, and wherein the ball can slide on the billiard table surface in unison movement with the cue stick whereby the cue holder helps prevent damage to the billiard table surface.

2. A cue holder according to claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a bore extending through the ball, and further comprising retention means for cooperating with the ball and cue stick to retain the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

3. A cue holder according to claim 1, wherein the ball has a diameter in the range of 4.5 to 5.5 centimeters.

4. A cue holder according to claim 1, wherein the opening comprises a bore defined by an interior surface of the ball, and further comprising retention means for cooperating with the ball and cue stick to releasably retain the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick, the retention means comprising a lining on the interior surface of the ball.

5. A cue holder according to claim 4, wherein the lining comprises an elastomeric material.

6. A cue holder according to claim 4, wherein the lining comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of foam rubber and foam plastic.

7. A cue holder according to claim 4, wherein the lining comprises molded rubber.

8. A cue holder according to claim 4, wherein the bore is tapered to conform to the tapered shape of the cue stick.

9. A cue holder according to claim 4, wherein the bore has an entrance end and an exit end, and the diameter at each of the ends is less than the diameter at a point between each of the ends whereby the lining is not in complete frictional engagement with the stick.

10. A cue holder according to claim 1, further comprising first and second attachment members positioned at opposite ends of the ball for maintaining the ball at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

11. A cue holder according to claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment members comprise a pair of washers.

12. A cue holder according to claim 1, in combination with the cue stick.

13. A cue holder according to claim 1, wherein the opening is defined by an interior surface of the ball, and further comprising a compressible foam layer positioned on the interior surface for frictionally engaging the cue stick whereby the ball is releasably maintained at a predetermined position on the cue stick.

14. A cue holder according to claim 13, wherein the opening has an entrance end, an exit end, and a center section therebetween, and further wherein the diameter at each of the ends is greater than the diameter of the center section and the compressible foam layer is removably positioned in the entrance end and the exit end.

15. A cue holder according to claim 14, further comprising a first compressible foam member for positioning in the entrance end of the opening and a second compressible foam member for positioning in the exit end, each of the foam members having a hole therein for receiving the cue stick whereby the first and second foam members frictionally engage the cue stick.

16. A method for equipping a billiard cue stick for training play comprising the steps of: (a) providing a billiard size ball having an opening defined by an inner surface of the ball; (b) positioning a cue stick within the bore such that the ball is positioned at a desired location on the cue stick for supporting the cue stick in spaced apart relation to a billiard table surface; and (c) retaining the ball at the desired location on the cue stick, wherein the ball can slide on the billiard table surface in unison movement with the cue stick.

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of covering the inner surface of the ball defining the bore with a compressible foam layer.

18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of providing at least one compressible foam washer positioning in the opening and having a hole to receive the cue stick whereby foam washer frictionally engages the cue stick.

19. A method of making a cue holder comprising the steps of: (a) providing a billiard sized ball; (b) forming an opening in the ball; (c) positioning a compressible foam layer within the opening; and (d) forming a hole within the compressible foam layer sized to receive a cue stick for supporting the cue stick in spaced apart relation to a billiard table surface.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of forming a hole within the compressible foam layer comprises forming a tapered bore shaped to receive a tapered cue stick.