Billiards Training Tool

Abstract

A billiard training cue for increasing a player's breaking speed. The billiard training cue is weighted significantly heavier than regulation cues to build up muscle strength and improve a player's breaking speed with a regulation cue stick. The billiard training cue comprises a forward section, a cue tip, and a butt section attachable to the forward section. Both the forward and butt sections are significantly heavier than a regulation cue. The forward and butt sections may be solid core sections or comprise center bores for accepting weighted inserts. The billiard training cue may also be a single shaft that is weighted significantly heavier than regulation cues sticks.

Claims

1. A billiard training cue comprising: a forward section; a cue tip attachable to a tip end of the forward section; a butt section securable to a connecting end of the forward section along a common axis; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

2. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the forward and butt sections are tapered stainless steel rods.

3. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section is heavier than the forward section.

4. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the forward section is secured to the butt end via a threaded connection.

5. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the billiard training cue is at least four pounds in weight.

6. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight.

7. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section comprises a hand engaging portion.

8. The billiard training cue of claim 7, wherein the hand engaging portion is a hand grip.

9. The billiard training cue of claim 1, wherein the butt section is a fused chain link rod.

10. The billiard training cue of claim 9, wherein the butt section comprises a hand grip encapsulating a portion of the butt section.

11. A billiard training cue comprising: a forward section comprising a center bore; a forward section weighted insert positional within the center bore of the forward section; a cue tip attachable to a tip end of the forward section; a butt section comprising a center bore, the butt section securable to the forward section along a common axis; a butt section weighted insert positional within the center bore of the butt section; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

12. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein butt section weighted insert is heavier than the forward section weighted insert.

13. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the forward and butt section weighted inserts are threaded.

14. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the forward section weighted insert comprises a threaded hole for engaging a threaded connector extending from a connecting end of the butt section.

15. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the billiard training cue is at least four pounds in weight.

16. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight.

17. The billiard training cue of claim 11, wherein the butt section comprises a hand engaging portion.

18. A billiard training cue comprising: a shaft comprising a tip end and a butt end; and a cue tip attachable to the tip end; and wherein the billiard training cue is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

19. The billiard training cue of claim 18, wherein the butt end is heavier than the tip end.

20. The billiard training cue of claim 18, wherein the billiard training cue is at least ten pounds in weight.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of a forward section detached from a butt section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butt section engaging and connecting to the forward section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead view of the butt section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an overhead view of the billiard training cue of the present invention in a detached configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a butt section weighted insert separated from a butt section of a billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a forward section weighted insert separated from a forward section of the billiard training cue of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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 do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or 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.

[0029] The present invention provides users with a weighted pool or billiards stick functioning as a training mechanism to increase breaking speed. The cue stick may be constructed using stainless-steel materials. The weighted pool or billiards stick utilizes the relative principle to that of a weighted donut used with baseball bats to improve break speed and improve an overall pool game. The present invention may weigh up to 10.5 pounds or more to accommodate standard pool players and increases the potential of making more balls on the break during a billiards match. The invention may further include a heavy duty case as traditional cue cases are not sturdy enough to accommodate the weight of the weighted pool or billiards cue. Billiards players can utilize the tool as needed to work on their game and make more balls off the break. The term billiard training cue, as used herein, is intended to include any cue stick, billiards cue, pool cue, or snooker cue intended for the games of pool, billiards, or snooker.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a billiard training cue 100. The billiard training cue 100 is intended for use in training a player to improve breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue 100 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 100 is at least twenty five ounces in weight. As regulation cue sticks only weigh a maximum of twenty one ounces, the heavier billiard training cue 100 of the present invention is configured to increase muscle strength and memory when practicing breaking or striking a pool ball.

[0031] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the billiard training cue 100 comprises a forward section 110, a butt section 130, and a cue tip 120. The forward section 110 is generally tapered in shape and comprises a tip end 112 and a connecting end 114 situated opposite the tip end 112. The connecting end 114 comprises a threaded hole 116. The cue tip 120 is attachable to the tip end 112 of the forward section 110. The cue tip 120 may be detachable or permanently attached to the tip end 112.

[0032] The butt section 130 comprises a butt end 132 and a connecting end 136. The connecting end 136 of the butt section 130 comprises a threaded connector 138. The threaded connector 138 is typically a universal male joint screw comparable to those used to connect traditional two-part cue sticks. The threaded connector 138 is configured to engage the threaded hole 116 in the connecting end 114 of the forward section 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3. When engaged with the threaded hole 116, the threaded connector 138 connects and secures the forward section 110 and the butt section 130 along a common axis. The butt end 132 may comprise a butt end cap 134 for cushioning or protecting the butt end 132.

[0033] The butt section 130 is generally heavier than the forward section 110. The butt and forward sections 130 and 110 may be solid tapered rods. The butt and forward sections 130 and 110 constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, metals, plastics, and composite materials. The butt and forward sections 130 may be transparent or translucent to allow for a customized decorative appearance.

[0034] The billiard training cue 100 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 100 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 100 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 100 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired. Additional butt sections 130 of graduating weights may also be used. As such, the user may change out a lighter butt section for a heavier butt section as they improve.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the butt section 130 may further comprise a hand engaging portion 140. The hand engaging portion 140 is positioned around and encapsulated a portion of the butt section 130 adjacent to the butt end 132. The hand engaging portion 140 may be designated by coloring or other marking to indicate where to grip the billiard training cue 100. The hand engaging portion 140 may be a hand grip, such as padding, rubber, or a molded grip to help the user grasp the billiard training cue 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the butt section 132 may be alternatively shaped and constructed. For example, the butt section 132 may be configured as a fused chain link rod. The hand engaging portion 140 encapsulates the fused chain link rod adjacent to the butt end 132 allowing for a standard hand grip. The hand grip therefore encapsulates a portion of the butt section 130.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue 200. The billiard training cue 200 is intended for use in training a player to increase breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball with a traditional cue. The billiard training cue 200 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 200 is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

[0037] The billiard training cue 200 comprises a shaft 210 and a cue tip 220. The shaft 210 comprises a tip end 212 and a butt end 214. The cue tip 220 is attachable to the tip end 212 of the shaft 220. The butt end 214 is heavier than the tip end 212. The shaft 210 is a generally a solid tapered rod. The shaft 210 may be constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, and composite materials. The shaft 210 may also be transparent or translucent to allow for a customized decorative appearance. The shaft 210 may further comprise a hand engaging portion 216 positioned around the shaft 210 adjacent to the butt end 214. The hand engaging portion 216 may be a hand grip.

[0038] The billiard training cue 200 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 200 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 200 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 200 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodiment thereof, comprises a billiard training cue 300. The billiard training cue 300 is intended for use in training a player to increase breaking speed or cue stick speed when striking a billiard or pool ball. The billiard training cue 300 is a training tool and is not intended for use in a regulation game of billiards or pool. The billiard training cue 300 is at least twenty five ounces in weight.

[0040] The billiard training cue 300 comprises a forward section 310, a butt section 330, and a cue tip 320. The forward section 310 comprises a tip end 312, a connecting end 314, and a center bore 318. The center bore 318 extends inward from the connecting end 314 toward the tip end 312. The cue tip 320 is attachable to the tip end 312 of the forward section 310. The cue tip 320 may be detachable or permanently attached to the tip end 312. The butt section 330 comprises a butt end 332, a connecting end 336, and a center bore 342. The center bore 342 extends inward from the butt end 332 toward the connecting end 336.

[0041] The billiard training cue 300 further comprises a forward section weighted insert 350 and a butt section weighted insert 360. The forward section weighted insert 350 and the butt section weighted insert 360 are weighted rods designed to increase the weight of the billiard training cue 300. The forward section weighted insert 350 and the butt section weighted insert 360 may be threaded to engage and screw into the respective center bore 318 or 342 configured to receive a threaded insert, or alternatively be nonthreaded to frictionally engage the respective center bore 318 or 342.

[0042] The forward section weighted insert 350 comprises a threaded hole 352 in one end. The forward section weighted insert 350 is positional within the center bore 318 of the forward section 310 with the threaded hole 352 outwardly exposed. The butt section weighted insert 362 is positional within the center bore 342 of the butt section 330. The connecting end 336 of the butt section 330 comprises a threaded connector 338. The threaded connector 338 is typically a universal male joint screw comparable to those used to connect traditional two-part cue sticks. The threaded connector 338 is configured to engage the threaded hole 352 in the forward section weighted insert 350. When engaged with the threaded hole 352, the threaded connector 338 connects and secures the forward section 310 and the butt section 330 along a common axis

[0043] The butt section weighted insert 360 is heavier than the forward section weighted insert 350. The butt and forward sections 330 and 310 may be solid tapered rods with having center bores. The butt section 330 may further comprise a hand engaging portion (similar to 140). The hand engaging portion may be a hand grip.

[0044] The billiard training cue 300 may be up to twenty pounds in weight. In one embodiment, the billiard training cue 300 may weigh between four and six pounds. This weight is desirable as it allows a user to gradually improve muscle strength and breaking speed. In another embodiment, the billiard training cue 300 may weigh between nine and eleven pounds to further improve muscle strength and breaking speed. The billiard training cue 300 may weigh as much as fifteen pounds or more as desired. Additional forward section weighted inserts 350 and the butt section weighted inserts 360 of graduating weights may also be used. As such, the user may change out a lighter forward section weighted insert 350 or butt section weighted insert 360 for a heavier forward section weighted insert 350 or butt section weighted insert 360 as they improve.

[0045] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 can be any suitable size, shape, 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 shape and size of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 and the various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 can may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the billiard training cues 100, 200, and 300 are designed to be applied.

[0046] 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.