Pool Cue Bridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel and extendable pool cue bridge device designed to provide greater stability while shooting a ball in a pool or billiards game. The cue bridge device has a transparent bridge head, a telescoping shaft with extendable segments or tubes configured to extend and retract the overall length of the shaft, a band for securing the device to a wrist or arm of a user and a removably attached adjustable stabilizer configured to move along the telescoping shaft for improved support and stability. The transparent bridge head is removably attached to a distal end of the telescoping shaft and the band is attached a proximal end of the shaft via a pivot ball. The transparent nature of the bridge head enables a player to view the end of the cue tip while making a shot.

Claims

1. A pool cue bridge configured to provide a support to a pool cue shaft, the pool cue bridge comprising: a bridge head support having a mounting edge for selective placement of the pool cue shaft; a telescoping section for adjusting a length of the pool cue bridge, wherein the telescoping section comprises at least two tube sections; and an attachment mechanism for securement of said telescoping section to an arm of a user.

2. The pool cue bridge of claim 1, wherein said telescoping section comprises at least three tube sections.

3. The pool cue bridge of claim 2, wherein said pool cue bridge further comprises a stabilizer with a base portion for resting on a pool table surface and a mounting portion for supporting said telescoping section.

4. The pool cue bridge of claim 3, wherein said stabilizer further comprises a height adjuster.

5. The pool cue bridge of claim 4, wherein said stabilizer is slidable along said telescoping section for selective positioning of said stabilizer.

6. The pool cue bridge of claim 1, wherein said bridge head is comprised of a transparent LDPE material.

7. The pool cue bridge of claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a snap, a button and a hook and loop fastener.

8. A pool cue bridge configured to provide a support to a pool cue shaft, the pool cue bridge comprising: a bridge head support having a mounting edge for selective placement of the pool cue shaft; said mounting edge comprises at least three mounting areas; a telescoping section for adjusting a length of the pool cue bridge, wherein the telescoping section comprises at least two tube sections; and a stabilizer with a base portion for resting on a pool table surface and a mounting portion for supporting said telescoping section.

9. The pool cue bridge of claim 8, wherein said telescoping section comprises at least three tube sections.

10. The pool cue bridge of claim 8, wherein said pool cue bridge further comprises an attachment mechanism for securement of said telescoping section to an arm of a user.

11. The pool cue bridge of claim 8, wherein said stabilizer further comprises a height adjuster.

12. The pool cue bridge of claim 8, wherein said stabilizer is slidable along said telescoping section for selective positioning of said stabilizer.

13. The pool cue bridge of claim 8, wherein said bridge head is comprised of a transparent LDPE material.

14. The pool cue bridge of claim 10, wherein said attachment mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a snap, a button and a hook and loop fastener.

15. A method of using a pool cue bridge to address a cue ball with a pool cue shaft, said method comprising the steps of: providing said pool cue bridge with an attachment mechanism, an adjustment mechanism and a mounting mechanism; attaching a butt end of the pool cue bridge to an arm of a user; adjusting a length of the pool cue bridge; mounting the pool cue shaft onto a bridge head of the pool cue bridge; and aligning a tip of the pool cue shaft with a cue ball.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a stabilizer for adjusting a height of the pool cue bridge.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises a telescoping section for adjusting the length of the pool cue bridge, wherein the telescoping section comprises at least two tube sections positioned in series.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said attachment mechanism further comprises a strap for securement of said telescoping section to the arm of the user.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein said bridge head is comprised of a transparent LDPE material.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said stabilizer is slidable along said telescoping section for selective positioning of said stabilizer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the pool cue bridge device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device is meant to be used in a pool or billiards game;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the proximal end of the pool cue bridge device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the strap and pivot ball are prominently displayed;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective end view of one potential embodiment of the distal end of the pool cue bridge device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the bridge head is prominently displayed;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the stabilizer stand of the pool cue bridge device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the neck portion is telescoping; and

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the pool cue bridge device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device is being used by an individual to make a shot in a pool game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] 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.

[0023] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a pool cue bridge device that can be conveniently used by players for playing a game of pool or billiards. There is also a long felt need in the art for a pool cue bridge device that eliminates the need to manually create a bridge using the player's fingers and hand to provide a stable path while shooting the cue ball, and that is adjustable in overall length. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a pool cue bridge device that can be easily used by people with physical limitations, height or reach limitations and/or other impairments, and that does not require the user to separately set up the bridge head using a non-dominant hand before or during the shot. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a pool cue bridge device that does not block the player's view of the cue tip while preparing to strike or address the cue ball, and therefore improves the player's accuracy. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a pool cue bridge device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel pool cue bridge device configured to provide stability while shooting a ball in a pool or billiards game. The pool cue bridge device comprises a transparent bridge head having a plurality of body spurs and cue supporting surfaces, a telescoping shaft with extendable segments or tubes, a wrist band for securing the device to a wrist and/or arm of a player, and a removably attached adjustable stabilizer configured to move along the length of the telescoping shaft for improved support and stability thereof. The telescoping shaft has two ends, namely a distal or tip end to which the transparent bridge head is removably attached, and a proximal or butt end to which the wrist band is attached. The wrist band can be pivotally connected to one of the telescoping shaft sections, but is preferably positioned at the proximal end of the shaft. The transparent nature of the bridge head enables a player to view the pool cue tip of the cue during his or her shot, and the bridge head can be placed on the billiard surface in at least two orientations, namely a portrait or a landscape orientation.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device 100 is meant to be used in a pool or billiards game. The pool cue bridge device 100 is an improved pool cue bridge that can be easily worn on the wrist or arm of a player, and is used to help assist the player in moving a pool cue shaft fore and aft while aligning (i.e. addressing) the cue ball prior to striking the cue ball with the stick. The bridge device 100 preferably comprises a transparent bridge head 102 comprising a plurality of pool cue shaft supports or guides to support the pool cue shaft during a shot, wherein the bridge head 102 is removably connected 104 to a distal end of a telescoping bridge shaft assembly 120.

[0026] The telescoping bridge shaft assembly 120 is comprised of a distal end 121 (i.e., the end farthest from the player when the device 100 is in use), a proximal end 122 (i.e., the end closest to the player when the device 100 is in use), and a plurality of extendable tube segments 112, 114, 116, wherein each extendable tube segment is progressively tapered in shape and diameter so that a length of the shaft 120 can be shortened by collapsing one or more of the segments, or lengthened by fully extending one or more of the segments. More specifically, the diameter of the bottom extendable tube 112 is less than the diameter of the middle extendable tube 114 whose diameter is less than the diameter of the top extendable tube 116. Similarly, the length of the bottom extendable tube 112 is less than the length of middle extendable tube 114 whose length is less than the length of the top extendable tube 116. The telescoping mechanism of the telescoping tube assembly 120 enables the extendable tubes 112, 114, 116 to be easily extended and retracted. A butt tube or butt section 118 of the telescoping bridge shaft 120 is preferably fixed in length, and cannot be extended or contracted. In one embodiment, a push button 123 may be present on the surface of the butt tube 118 to actuate the tube segments 112, 114, 116 from a retracted orientation to an extended orientation and vice versa. In a fully compacted position, the device 100 may be approximately six to eight inches in length for easy storage and portability.

[0027] The bridge device 100 also comprises a stabilizer stand 110 that is removably attached to, and configured to be selectively moved along the length of, one or more of the extendable tubes 112, 114, 116 or segment 118 while addressing the cue ball. The stabilizer stand 110 provides additional support and stability for the pool cue 502 while aiming the same at the cue ball. The stand 110 can easily fit between the fingers of a player, as best shown in FIG. 5 and more fully described below.

[0028] The bridge device 100 also comprises a strap 106 and a pivot assembly 108 for attaching the device 100 to the arm of an individual. The pivot assembly 108 is preferably attached to the proximal end 122 of the telescoping shaft 120, which is also the proximal end of the butt segment 118, and is used to connect the strap 106 to the shaft 120. The strap assembly 106 is preferably a flexible length of material or strap with a plurality of hook and loop fasteners thereon, or any other suitable attachment means, that can be wrapped around a player's wrist or arm to provide an anchor to the butt section 118 of the bridge device 100. While in use, the wrist bridge 100 comprises a natural extension to the player's non-dominant hand. When not needed, the tube assembly 120 can be retracted and pivoted about the loop strap 106 and then secured to the player's arm in a ‘backward’ orientation via, for example, another strap secured around the player's arm (not illustrated).

[0029] The telescoping mechanism of the bridge device 100 assists in controlling the length of extension of the shaft 120 to provide sufficient reach for any variety of shots. The bridge device 100 also enables a player to address the cue ball with greater stability, precision and control. The tube segments 112, 114, 116 of the shaft extend and retract in the same longitudinal direction about a common axis. The butt section 118 of the shaft may further comprise a grip portion of a size, shape and material comparable to a conventional pool cue grip area for easy and secure handling of the device 100.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the proximal end 122 of the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the strap assembly 106 and pivot ball 108 are prominently displayed. More specifically, the terminal end 202 of the bridge device 100 comprises the pivot ball 108 to attach the hook and loop strap assembly 106. The hook and loop strap assembly 106 can have any other type of fastener such as, but not limited to, a magnetic fastener, a snap, a button, etc., to customize the size and mounting of the hook and loop strap assembly 106 around the arm of a player. The butt section 118 can also include a grip 1180 for ease of handling of the bridge device 100. The bridge device 100 provides a selectively extendable bridge support for a pool cue shaft that can be attached to the wrist or arm of the player using the hook and loop strap assembly 106.

[0031] In one embodiment, the strap assembly 106 can be heat sealed. The strap assembly 106 is constructed to provide strength and durability, and is further constructed to fit any size wrist or arm. It is to be appreciated that the strap assembly 106 can be adjusted to any diameter in order to fit wrist sizes ranging from a small child to a large adult. The hook and loop fastener provides an adjustable fit so that the butt section 118 remains secured to a player's wrist during use. The strap assembly 106 can be made up of Lycra, nylon, or any other fabric or materials that exhibits both flexibility and elastic-like properties. The hook and loop closure of the strap 106 enables easy on and off application and adjustability options to efficiently place or tighten the strap 106 around the player's wrist or arm.

[0032] The tension of the strap 106 can be adjusted to the player's desired comfort level, and the strap 106 can have a custom logo, embroidery, trademark or print on its outer surface (not shown). As described, the strap assembly 106 can be made from sturdy components to withstand repeated use, and can also be made available in many different colors and sizes. The strap assembly 106 loops around the wrist or arm of a player and prevents the bridge device 100 from being dropped even if an individual loses their grip of the shaft 120 of the bridge device 100. The telescoping bridge device 100 also assists players having a weak grip, small hands, or a short reach, and may also be used by a player having a prosthetic hand.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective end view of one potential embodiment of the distal end 121 of the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the bridge head 102 is prominently displayed. The bridge head 102 is configured to be removably attached at the tip end 104 of shaft section 112, and may be manufactured using a thermoplastic polymer such as Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is easy to process and mold into any desired shape, and can be bent or formed into any desired outline or geometric shape. Additionally, LDPE can be processed as transparent, due to its amorphous condition, to facilitate light transmittance and sight therethrough. The bridge head 102, in a transparent configuration, can also be made of a durable plastic. The transparent nature of the bridge head 102 enables the player to view the end of his or her cue tip while addressing and hitting the cue ball.

[0034] The bridge head 102 further comprises one or more body spurs 1020 and one or more cue shaft mounting surfaces 1022. The mounting surfaces 1022 provide selective mounting areas to mount the pool cue shaft 502 during a shot. In one illustrative example, the cue surfaces 1022 can be curvilinear in shape. The cue surfaces 1022 can also be in a V-shape, a C-shape, a concave semi-circular shape, or any other shape in order to provide support to the pool cue shaft resting thereon during a shot.

[0035] In one illustrative embodiment, the bridge head 102 has six body spurs 1020 and five pool cue shaft support areas or surfaces 1022. Three of the cue shaft support areas 1022 are usable when the bridge head is in the ‘landscape’ orientation as best shown in FIG. 3. Two of the cue shaft support areas are usable when the bridge head is in the ‘portrait’ orientation (not illustrated, but essentially rotated 90 degrees from the landscape orientation). At the center of the body of the bridge head 102, a threaded opening 304 is present with a central receiving portion 302. A terminal end of the tube portion 112 is received by the threaded opening 304 that is fastened to the bridge head 102 using a threaded fastener.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the stabilizer stand 110 of the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the neck portion 404 is telescoping. The adjustable stabilizer 110 can be repositioned along a length of one or more of the telescoping tube sections 112, 114, 116 and positioned to provide additional support to the shaft 120. The adjustable stabilizer 110 comprises a flat base 402, a telescoping neck 404 whose height can be adjusted by pulling up or pushing down on the same, a circular ring portion 406 that can be closed (as shown in FIG. 4) or alternatively can have a joint that can be opened to insert the bridge shaft 120 therethrough (not shown). The tube sections of the shaft 20 are received by an opening 408 in the adjustable stabilizer 110.

[0037] The inner surface of the circular portion 406 may have a rough surface that adheres to the outer surfaces of one or more of tube sections 112, 114, 116 or segment 118. In one preferred embodiment, a screw 410 is present that is inserted through a hole 412 in ring 406 and that extends into the opening 408. The screw 410 is kept loose (i.e., screwed out) when the tube sections 112, 114, 116 are initially being inserted into the opening 408. Once the stabilizer 110 is positioned in the desired location along the shaft 120, the screw 410 can be tightened (i.e., screwed in) into the hole 412 so that the stabilizer remains fixed at a desired location along the shaft 120.

[0038] Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that any other means of sizing the opening 408 as per the size of the telescopic tubes 112, 114, 116, 118 of the bridge device 100 can be used in the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The stabilizer stand 110 can be easily moved along the tubes 112, 114, 116, 118 of the bridge device 100 with the base 402 moving respectively on the billiard table surface to improve support and stability to the pool cue shaft supported thereby. The size of the adjustable stabilizer 110 is such that the neck 404 can be easily placed between any two fingers of a player with the base 402 under the palm and fingers of the player, as best shown in FIG. 5. Further, any type of threaded fastener, sealable tongue and groove fastener, snap fastener, clip type fastener, clasp type fastener, ratchet type fastener, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method can also be used to secure the adjustable stabilizer 110 to the shaft 120 of the bridge device 100.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the device 100 is being used by an individual to make a shot in a pool game. More specifically, a player wears the hook and loop strap assembly 106 around his or her non-dominant arm 500 and adjusts the strap 106 for a secure fit thereto. The stabilizer stand 110 is secured around the shaft 120 of the wrist bridge 100, and is placed between the fingers 510 of a player for a stable mount of the telescopic shaft assembly 120 on the billiard table surface 504. While addressing the cue ball, the player can place the pool cue shaft 502 on one of the cue shaft support surfaces 1022 of the bridge head 102. With the base of the bridge head 102 on the table surface 504, and with the adjustable stabilizer 110 between the player's fingers 510, and still further with the strap assembly 106 wrapped around the non-dominant arm 500 of the player, the player can freely address, aim, and shoot the cue ball with great balance and stability. The transparent bridge head 102 also enables the shooter to view the end of their pool cue 502, for example the cue tip 5020, while the pool cue shaft 502 approaches the cue ball and during impact of the cue tip 5020 hitting the cue ball.

[0040] The bridge head 102 can be positioned at a desired distance from a cue ball that the player intends to strike with the cue tip 5020 while the pool cue shaft 502 is supported by the bridge head 102. The pool cue shaft 502 can then be moved fore and aft with the dominant hand on the butt section of the pool cue. Once the cue ball is lined up, the player can strike the cue ball with the cue tip 5020 and direct the cue ball in the desired path towards an object ball. Contacting the object ball at the aligned angle will cause the object ball to be directed towards a pocket and deposited in same.

[0041] 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 “wrist bridge device”, “novel pool cue bridge device”, “telescoping pool cue bridge device”, “extendable bridge for a pool cue”, and “bridge device” are interchangeable and refer to the pool cue bridge device 100 of the present invention.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the pool cue bridge device 100 and its various components 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 pool cue bridge device 100 and its various components as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pool cue bridge device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pool cue bridge device 100 and its various components are important design parameters for user convenience, the pool cue bridge device 100 and its various components may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0043] 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

[0044] 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.