ADJUSTABLE FORWARD WEIGHTED POOL CUE

Abstract

Implementations of an adjustable forward weighted pool cue are provided. In some implementations, the balance point of the pool cue is closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue. In some implementations, a forward weighted pool cue comprises a shaft having one or more weighted bolts removably housed in a threaded hollow portion of the shaft.

Claims

1. An adjustable forward weighted pool cue comprising: a butt having an elongated tapered shape with a joint pin extending from its distal end; and an adjustable weight shaft having an elongated tapered shape such that the diameter of the pool cue decreases from the proximal end of the butt to the distal end of the shaft wherein the adjustable weight shaft comprises at its proximal end a hollow portion bound by threads configured to receive the joint pin of the butt and wherein the length of the hollow portion is longer the joint pin and configured to removably receive one or more weighted bolts.

2. The adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 1 wherein the butt is a reduced weight butt.

3. The adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 2 wherein the reduced weight butt is solid except in a cored area.

4. The adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 2 wherein the reduced weight butt is made from a hollow carbon fiber tube.

5. The adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 2 wherein the reduced weight butt weighs about 11 ounces or less.

6. The adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 2 wherein the reduced weight butt weighs about 10 ounces or less.

7. A method of using the adjustable forward weighted pool cue of claim 1, the method comprising: selecting from a group of weighted bolts having varying weights and inserting one or more weighted bolts into the hollow portion of the adjustable weight shaft or removing one or more weighted bolts from the hollow portion of the adjustable weight shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical pool cue.

[0007] FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate implementations of example reduced weight butts according to the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B illustrate implementations of example forward weighted pool cues according to the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates implementations of example increased weight shafts according to the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates an implementation of an example adjustable weight shaft according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Implementations of a forward weighted pool cue are provided. In some implementations, the balance point of the pool cue is closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100. In some implementations, a forward weighted pool cue is achieved by reducing the weight of the traditional butt 110. In other implementations, a forward weighted pool cue is achieved by reducing the weight of the traditional butt 110 and increasing the weight of the traditional shaft 120. Thus, a forward weighted pool cue can be produced in multiple ways.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of an example reduced weight butt 210 that can be used to make a forward weighted pool cue according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the butt 210 comprises a hollow portion 230 to reduce its weight.

[0013] In some implementations, the butt 210 is configured to weigh 10 ounces or more. In some implementations, the butt 210 is configured to weigh about 10 ounce or less. In some implementations, the butt 210 is configured to weigh about 11 ounces or less. The term about or thereabout means the indicated measurement or specification or as close to the indicated measurement or specification as possible or practical allowing for any tolerable variances due manufacturing deviations due to, for example, material variability, tool wear, thermal expansion/contraction, machine precision limits, human factor, measuring devices, and/or assembly or alignment.

[0014] In some implementations, the butt 210 is configured to achieve a desired weight. In some implementations, the material and size of the hollow portion 230 of the butt 210 are selected to achieve the above weight specifications or a weight less than a traditional 210 butt.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates implementations of example forward weighted pool cues 300a, 300b, 300c (referred to individually as example forward weighted pool cue 300) according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the forward weighted pool cue 300a, 300b, 300c can be formed by attaching the reduced weight butt 210 having a hollow portion 230 to a shaft 320a, 320b, or 320c (referred to collectively or individually at shaft 320), respectively.

[0016] In some implementations, the shaft 320a is a traditional shaft 120. In some implementations, the butt 210 (except the hollow portion 230) is solid and the shaft 320a is solid. In some implementations, the shaft 320b is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 below. In some implementations, the shaft 320c is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube where at least a portion of the hollow tube is filled with a weighted material 320c1 as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 below.

[0017] In some implementations, the butt 210 and shaft 320 are made from the same material. In some implementations, the butt 210 and shaft 320 are made from different materials. In some implementations, the butt 210 and/or shaft 320 can be made from wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, graphite, or any other suitable materials. In this way, a pool cue 300 having a balance point closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100 is achieved.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates other implementations of example reduced weight butts 410a, 410b (referred to individually as butt 410) that can be used to make forward weighted pool cues according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the butt 410 is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube configured to achieve a desired weight. In some implementations, at least a portion of the hollow tube 410b is filled with a weighted material 410b1.

[0019] In some implementations, the butt 410 is made using a hollow tube made from any other suitable material. In some implementations, the tube material, the thickness 415 of the tube wall, and/or the weighted material 410b1 may be varied to achieve a desired weight or weight distribution.

[0020] In some implementations, the desired weight of the butt 410 is 9 ounces or thereabout. In some implementations, the desired weight of the butt 410 is less than 9 ounces. In some implementations, the desired weight of the butt 410 is greater than 9 ounces.

[0021] In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 410 is about 2 mm or greater. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 410 is about 3 mm or less. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 410 is less than 2 mm. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 410 is greater than 3 mm.

[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates other implementations of example forward weighted pool cues 500a, 500b, 500c (referred to individually as example forward weighted pool cue 500) according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the forward weighted pool cue 500a, 500b, 500c can be formed by attaching the reduced weight butt 410a made using a hollow carbon fiber tube to a shaft 520a, 520b, or 520c (referred to individually at shaft 520), respectively.

[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates other implementations of example forward weighted pool cues 500d, 500e, 500f (referred to individually as example forward weighted pool cue 500) according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the forward weighted pool cue 500d, 500e, 500f can be formed by attaching the reduced weight butt 410b made using a hollow carbon fiber tube with weighted material 410b1 to the shaft 520a, 520b, or 520c, respectively. In some implementations, the weighted material 410b1 is located in the butt 410b near or adjacent to the joint area 540 of the pool cue. In some implementations, the weighted material 410b1 is located anywhere along the butt 410b. In some implementations, the weighted material 410b1 is located along the butt 410b to help achieve the desired balance point. In some implementations, the weighted material 410b1 is located along the butt 410b such that the resulting balance point of the forward weighted pool cue 500 is closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100.

[0024] In some implementations, the shaft 520a is a traditional shaft 120. In some implementations, the shaft 520a is solid. In some implementations, the shaft 520b is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 below. In some implementations, the shaft 520c is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube where at least a portion of the hollow tube is filled with a weighted material 520c1 as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 6 below.

[0025] In some implementations, the butt 410 and shaft 520 are made from the same material. In some implementations, the butt 410 and shaft 520 are made from different materials. In some implementations, butt 410 and/or shaft 520 can be made from wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, graphite, or any other suitable materials. In this way, a pool cue 500 having a balance point closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100 is achieved.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates implementations of example increased weight shafts 620a, 620b (referred to individually as shaft 620) that can be used to make forward weighted pool cues according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the shaft 620 is made using a hollow carbon fiber tube configured to achieve a desired weight. In some implementations, at least a portion of the hollow tube 620b is filled with a weighted material 620b1. In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 is a heavier material than the material from which the shaft 620 is made.

[0027] In some implementations, the shaft 620 is made using a hollow tube made from any other suitable material. For example, a material with equally as strong a weight to stiffness ratio as carbon fiber may be used to form the hollow tube. In some implementations, the shaft material, the thickness 615 of the tube wall, and/or the weighted material 620b1 may be varied to achieve a desired weight.

[0028] In some implementations, the desired weight of the shaft 620 is about 5 ounces or greater. In some implementations, the desired weight of the shaft 620 is about 10 ounces or less. In some implementations, the desired weight of the shaft 620 is less than 5 ounces. In some implementations, the desired weight of the shaft 620 is greater than 10 ounces.

[0029] In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 620 is about 1 mm or greater. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 620 is about 2 mm or less. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 620 is less than 1 mm. In some implementations, the thickness of the walls of the hollow carbon fiber tube 620 is greater than 2 mm.

[0030] In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 may be a metal, rubber, or other material that is heavier than the material from which the shaft 620 is made. In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 may be stainless steel bars, stainless steel ball bearings, solid steel rods, or any other suitable material.

[0031] In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 may further comprise an epoxy or liquid rubber. For example, in some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 may be stainless steel sand mixed with epoxy.

[0032] In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 is located in the shaft 620b near or adjacent to the joint area 640 of the pool cue. In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 is installed anywhere along the shaft 620b. In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 is located along the butt 410b to help achieved the desired balance point. In some implementations, the weighted material 620b1 is located along the shaft 620b such that the resulting balance point of the forward weighted pool cue 500 is closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an implementation of an example adjustable weight shaft 720 that can be used to make a forward weighted pool cue 700 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the shaft 720 comprises at its proximal end a hollow portion 730 bound by threads having the same thread profile as the joint pin 740a of the butt 710 desired for the pool cue or a compatible thread profile.

[0034] In some implementation, the length of the hollow portion 730 is longer than the typical thread portion 140b so as to receive one or more weighted bolts (or set screws) 720c to adjust the weight of the shaft 720. In some implementations, the length of the hollow portion 730 is 10 inches or more. In some implementations, the length of the hollow portion 730 is less than 10 inches.

[0035] In some implementations, the one or more weighted bolts 720c include threads so that the weighted bolts can be screwed into the threaded hollow portion 730. In some implementations, the thread profile of the one or more weighted bolts are the same as or compatible with the thread profile of the joint pin of the butt desired for the pool cue.

[0036] In some implementations, the weighted bolts 720c may be brass, stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material.

[0037] In some implementations, a method of adjusting the weight of the shaft 720 comprises selecting from a group of weighted bolts having varying weights and inserting one or more weighted bolts into the hollow portion 730 or removing one or more weighted bolts from the hollow portion 730. In some implementations, a weighted bolt is inserted into or removed from the hollow portion 730 by screwing or unscrewing the weighted bolt inside the hollow portion 730. In some implementations, the group of weighted bolts comprises weighted bolts of different lengths.

[0038] In some implementations, a method of adjusting the balance point of a pool cue comprises adjusting the location of a weighted bolt inside the hollow portion 730. In some implementations, the location of a weighted bolt is adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the weighted bolt inside the hollow portion 730.

[0039] A forward weighted pool cue can be formed by attaching a butt (e.g., butt 110, 210, 410a, 410b, 710) to the shaft 730 having one or more weighted bolts 720c housed inside the hollow portion 730 by screwing the joint pin 740a into the hollow portion 730.

[0040] Thus, a forward weighted pool cue can be formed by adjusting the weight of an adjustable weight shaft or attaching an increased weight shaft to a reduced weight butt. In this way, a pool cue having a balance point closer to the shaft end than the balance point for a traditional cue 100 is achieved. Thus, when the pool cue of the present disclosure is in use, the mass of the cue is closer to the cue ball and therefore there is more weight on the bridge hand thereby increasing stability, control, and the feeling of power.

[0041] The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of a forward weighted pool cue.

[0042] Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Reference throughout this specification to an embodiment or implementation or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase in some implementations or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0044] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

[0045] The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

[0046] While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the description in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.