Cue Stick Alignment and Stroke Training Device

Abstract

A training device for cue sports provides hands-free guidance for improving cue stick alignment and stroke consistency. The device includes a base configured to attach to a stable non-playing surface, such as a shelf or rail of a billiards table, and a stabilizing structure with two opposing arms that form an opening for receiving and guiding a cue stick. The arms constrain lateral movement of the cue stick during stroking action, particularly near the back gripping hand, which is a common source of misalignment. The stabilizing structure may be pivotable, adjustable, and detachable, with optional low-friction surfaces and modular support pads to enhance stroke fluidity and usability. The device enables both alignment and stroke training, helping players build visual accuracy and muscle memory. It is compact, portable, and may be assembled or disassembled without tools. The invention offers a significant improvement over existing aids by ensuring repeatable, precise cue alignment without interfering with natural player movement.

Claims

1. A training device for cue sports comprising: a base configured to be secured to a stable non-playing surface; a stabilizing structure extending from the base and forming an opening adapted to receive a cue stick; wherein the stabilizing structure comprises two opposing arms shaped to guide the cue stick along a straight stroke path, and wherein the base and stabilizing structure are arranged to constrain lateral movement of the cue stick during stroking action without manual handling by the user.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a suction cup configured to removably attach the device to a surface.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing structure comprises a stabilizing frame and two removable support pads attached to the inner surfaces of the opposing arms.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the support pads include low-friction material on the inner surfaces to reduce resistance against the cue stick during use.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the opposing arms are flexible and contoured to accommodate a tapered cue stick.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing structure is pivotally connected to the base to allow adjustment of the angle of the cue stick relative to the base.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the base includes foot pieces made of high-friction material to increase stability during use.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is dimensioned to be mounted such that it supports the cue stick near its rear end, away from the tip.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing structure is detachable from the base and comprises components that can be disassembled for transport.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the stable non-playing surface comprises a shelf or rail of a billiards table.

11. A cue sports training device comprising modular components manufactured to allow tool-free assembly, the device comprising: a base configured to be secured to a stable non-playing surface; a stabilizing structure formed of a flexible frame and clip-on support pads; wherein the support pads comprise low-friction inner surfaces, and wherein the components are fabricated from plastic or polymer materials suitable for 3D printing.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the stabilizing structure is connected to the base via an articulation post with a threaded connector and is rotatable about a vertical axis.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the cue stick is guided through a V-shaped opening formed by the support pads to facilitate accurate placement.

14. A method of training a cue sports player, comprising: attaching a training device to a stable non-playing surface; inserting a cue stick into a stabilizing structure of the device; aligning the cue stick with an intended shot line; and executing repeated strokes while the device constrains lateral movement of the cue stick without manual intervention.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of rotating the stabilizing structure relative to the base to align with a desired shot line angle before inserting the cue stick.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of verifying the alignment of the cue stick visually from a standing position and a shooting position before stroking.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the cue stick is guided through a V-shaped opening formed by support pads that are lined with a low-friction material.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of assessing the equidistance between the cue stick and inner walls of the stabilizing structure during forward and backward motion to detect off-line strokes.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the training device is disassembled after use into its component parts for transport.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the stable non-playing surface comprises a shelf or rail of a billiards table.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1: Exploded view rendering of the device components, showing the individual parts of the preferred embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2: Front and side view of the assembled device with dimensions.

[0023] FIG. 3 Top and bottom view of the assembled device with dimensions.

[0024] FIG. 4: Perspective views of the assembled device, providing three-dimensional representations of the design and highlighting the base, the stabilizing assembly, the articulating post and the suction cup once assembled.

[0025] FIGS. 5-7: These drawings provide visual context representations of the device in example use cases, further detailed below . . .

PRIOR ART

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,959: Split sleeve guide for cue sticks [0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,842: Hand-held guide with ball bearings [0028] U.S. Pat. No. 7,429,217: Laser aiming guide for cue sticks [0029] US20210599550: Laser aiming module for cue sports [0030] U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,416 B1: Cue stick apparatus and method [0031] US20090186712: Harness and post system for cue training [0032] U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,876: Training aid-guide device for pool cue [0033] U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,110: Hand-held cue guide with adjustable handle [0034] U.S. patent application No. 20210316205: Hand-held cue guide with adjustable handle [0035] U.S. Pat. No. 10,821,349: Training and aiming device for cue sports [0036] U.S. patent application No. 20080125233: Billiards aiming and shot training device [0037] U.S. patent application No. 20120149481: Pool stroke training tool [0038] U.S. patent application No. 20060189397: Billiards stroke training device [0039] U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,685: Billiards cue stroke guidance aid

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, a new billiards stroke guidance training aid embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 provides an exploded view of the components of the preferred embodiment of the training device, illustrating the detailed components and their assembly, while FIG. 2 provides a frontal and side view of the assembled device of FIG. 1 with dimensions. FIG. 3 provides top and bottom views of the device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 provides a 3D perspective of it.

[0041] The training device 10 comprises several components designed to provide a solid and reliable guide for use with a cue stick, and to be easily manufactured through known techniques and assembled or disassembled quickly. Base 11 serves as the foundation of the device and is fabricated from a durable material, such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol, ensuring stability and longevity. It measures 78.5 mm in width and 13 mm in height and features a central aperture 12 designed to fit the articulation post 21. The base 11 is shaped to fit securely on the rail shelf of a billiards table, matching various surface profiles for a snug fit.

[0042] Base 11 also includes three protrusions 11a, 11b and 11c equidistant from each other around the circumference of the base, each with slots to accommodate separately manufactured foot pieces 13a, 13b and 13c. These foot pieces (13a-c) are affixed to the designated slots with any suitable adhesive. The foot pieces (13a-c) may be made of a material different than that of the base, such as rubber, that tends to increase friction with a surface and thereby reduce slippage. The protrusions 13 together with foot pieces (13a-c) thereby provide additional support and stability to the device when placed on the rail shelf of the billiards table.

[0043] A stabilizing frame 14 is produced from a continuous thin and flat piece of polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and is shaped to form stabilizing arms 14a and 14b, which create equal lateral flexibility, and to form a thicker, shorter, and thus less flexible base portion 14c which is connected to the main base 11 through by an articulation post 21. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of base portion 14c is 1 mm more than that of the stabilizing arms, which are 3 mm thick. The stabilizing arms 14a and 14b extend vertically to a total height of 108 mm and width of 50 mm near the base. The inner sides of the stabilizing arms 14a and 14b have attachment features designed to hold additional support pads 16a and 16b, which together provide a designated space to guide a cue stick.

[0044] These support pads 16a and 16b, shown in FIG. 1 on the outside of the arms for illustration, attach to the inner sides of the arms by means of clip systems. These attachment features consist of clips 17 formed on the stabilizer arms 14a and 14b that snap into receiver sockets 18 formed inside the support pads 16a and 16b. These clip-in features allow the support pads 16a and 16b to be manufactured independently, and thus shaped or contoured and made from a material such as polylactic acid or any number of other materials comporting with the manufacturer's preferences for the portion of the device that forms the opening between the arms in which the cue stick is to be placed during use. Each of these features can be designed through a 3D CAD system by a person skilled in the art.

[0045] Easy disassembly of the stabilizing assembly 15, including the stabilizing frame 14 and support pads 16a and 16b, (together shown in FIG. 4) is achieved through inserting a flat device such as a flat-head screwdriver into small gap openings 19 that are available between the stabilizer arms and the support pads 16a and 16b. To form these small gap openings 19, support pads 16a and 16b are shaped with curved cutouts 19a and 19b on at least one side of the support pads. When assembled, the surface of the stabilizing arms and the curved cutouts together form gap openings 19. These cut outs need only be wide enough and extend deep enough to allow for the insertion of a tool into the gap opening, such as a flat-head screwdriver or the blade of a pocketknife, to split apart the pads and arms from each other for quick and simple disassembly. Such workable example dimensions of the curved cut outs 19a and 19b are 20 mm in length, 2 mm wide, and 4 mm in depth.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the inner support pads 16a and 16b are specifically shaped to accommodate the easy entry, movement and removal of a cue stick. The two support pads, when attached to the stabilizing frame14, create a V shape at the top of the device, designed to guide the cue stick into between the two slightly curved central surfaces of the support pads 16a and 16b. The mild curvature of these surfaces reduces the contact area with the cue stick. This feature further reduces friction, as the cue stick, which is typically tapered from the back end of the cue stick to the tip, moves back and forth during stroking practice.

[0047] Two pieces of low friction material 20a and 20b made of a material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tape are attached to the support pads' 16a and 16b inner surfaces. Any such low-friction material may be used and attached by any of several known means, such as through any number of adhesives. This low-friction material further promotes a smooth stroke and minimizes wear and tear on the cue stick surface.

[0048] The stabilizing frame 14 of the preferred embodiment is fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate glycol that provides both rigidity and a degree of flexibility, particularly at the curved portions 14d near the stiffer and thicker bottom portion 14c of the stabilizing frame. This material and shaping ensures that the arms 14a and 14b are stiff enough to hold the cue stick securely in place, maintaining its alignment during stroking, but also flexible enough to adapt to the rounded and tapered shape of the cue stick. This flexibility allows the cue stick to move through the opening formed by the stabilizing assembly 15 without excessive resistance, ensuring a smooth and consistent stroke.

[0049] The stabilizing frame 14 is connected to the base 11 by an articulation post 22. The articulation post 22 is a small, round pole-like component fabricated from polyethylene terephthalate glycol, that is fitted with a threaded insert 24 in order to be affixed to the suction cup 23 using a threaded connector 21, which is an attachment component that is included in commercially-available suction cups, allowing for straightforward assembly and disassembly. The suction cup 23 measures 40 mm in diameter and 15 mm in height excluding the threaded connector 21 which is permanently attached to the suction cup 23 and measures 8 mm in length and 4 mm in diameter. Other known securing options could be used, such as a snap-fit system. This modular design allows the device to be easily assembled and disassembled by the user, allowing each part to be easily customized and replaced.

[0050] Although the articulation post 22 can be attached in known ways so as to secure the stabilizing assembly 15, base 11, and suction cup 23 all together in a single, fixed position, in the preferred embodiment, articulation post 22 acts as a central axis allowing the stabilizing assembly 15 to freely spin around laterally relative to the base and thereby enabling the stabilizing structure assembly 15 to be adjusted to various shooting angles. This pivoting system allows users to instantly change the stabilizing assembly 15 position according to their training needs once the device is attached to the surface, either by turning the device manually prior to inserting the cue stick or using the cue stick to turn the device to the desired direction after such insertion. A person of skill in the art might also choose to design the articulation post and pivoting system such that they are locked into place once the desired orientation of the stabilizing structure assembly 15 is chosen.

[0051] The articulation post 22, when attached to the suction cup 23, also functions as an assembly module 21 for the device, connecting the base 11 to the stabilizing assembly 15. The suction cup 23, can be commercially obtained and is made from a high-friction material such as polyvinyl chloride, adheres firmly to the table surface, ensuring the likelihood that the device remains in place during use. It may be transparent or colored according to the manufacturer's preferences. The articulation post 22 is fitted through the central aperture 12 of the base 11 as well as the central aperture 25 on the stabilizing frame 14. The suction cup 23 is attached to the articulation post 22 fitted with a threaded insert 24 using the threaded connector 21. This threaded connection ensures a secure fit while allowing for easy installation and removal of the suction cup 23 and disassembly of the device 10. The design accommodates differing suction cups or suction cup arrangements or other non-permanent attachment options, offering versatility for different table types, surfaces and user preferences.

[0052] The protrusions 13 and foot pieces (13a-c), described above, and suction cup 23 work together to provide reliable attachment and support for the base of the device so that the device stays in place during use. Protrusions 13 and foot pieces (13a-c) are designed to distribute the pressure created by the suction cup 23 evenly and ensure that the device remains securely positioned during use. The protrusions 13 and foot pieces (13a-c) enhance the stability of the base and help minimize unwanted movement during the stroking action.

[0053] As can be seen most vividly in FIG. 3, the base of the preferred embodiment contains three rounded holes 26a, 26b, and 26c measuring 10 mm in diameter, equidistant and oriented near protrusions 11a-c. Especially when a transparent suction cup 23 is used, these holes allow the player to place the device in reference to specific indicators on the surface to which the device may be attached. For example, one may choose to attach the device on a specific and repeatable location on the billiards table's shelf, such as on one of several so-called diamond markings that are typically incorporated in the table shelf of billiards tables. As one of skill could appreciate, many other optional and alternative shapes and quantities of such holes 26 might be used for such precision orientation of the device on specific portions of the table, as well as lines or other markings that might be incorporated until the surface of the base 11 to accomplish such purposes.

[0054] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the dimensions of the device, including the stabilizing assembly with the total height of 108 mm and a width of 50 mm, and the base 11 width of 78.5 mm and height of 13 mm. The suction cup diameter is 40 mm. These dimensions are one set of dimensions that fit most common billiards table rail shelves and allow for a stable and effective guide for most players and most cue sticks. Manufacturers may optionally modify the depicted dimensions easily by specifying them in the 3D CAD stage, allowing for various configurations that fall within the scope of the present invention. It should be observed that while the particular stabilizing structure in the preferred embodiment involves a stabilizing assembly that includes a stabilizing frame and inner support pads, various designs might be used by one of skill to form a stabilizing structure that fall within the scope of the invention.

[0055] The simplicity and efficiency of the device's design is suitable for production methods such as 3D printing. Each component is engineered for tool-free assembly, utilizing well-known attachment mechanisms, such as snap-fit or threaded connections that allow for quick setup and disassembly. This assembly method ensures that the device is both easy to manufacture and customizable.

[0056] Once each component is obtained or manufactured, the device can be assembled by first attaching the foot pieces 13a-c to protrusions 11a-c on the base 11 via adhesives. Then, the threaded insert 24 will be attached to the articulation post 22 by heating it to 250 degrees celsius, using well-known tools such as a welding iron, and pressing it in place. Thereafter, the articulation post is fitted through the central aperture 25 of the stabilizing frame 14, and through the central aperture 12 of the base 11. The suction cup 23 is then fastened to the articulation post 22 using the threaded connector 21. The two pieces of low-friction material 20a and 20b are to be attached along the contoured surfaces of the support pads 16a, 16b and following this, the support pads are affixed to the stabilizing frame 14 via the clip 17 and socket 18 connection. The device 10 is shown in three-dimensional perspective in FIG. 4 just prior to final assembly (left) and then final assembly (right).

[0057] Many problems with stroke alignment and movement are due to the portion of the cue stick near the gripping hand being initially positioned by the player such that it is offset from the intended shot line from the outset, or due to the gripping hand unintentionally moving the cue stick off the intended shot line laterally during stroking action. By contrast, the player's front hand forms a bridge for the front of the cue stick near its tip to glide easily back and forth, usually placed firmly on the playing surface of the table, and thus is less likely to move during the stroking action and cause errors. By stabilizing the cue stick closer to the back hand, the device minimizes the most common alignment and stroking issues.

[0058] Using the training device 10, and with regard to FIGS. 5-7 with further reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, a player can significantly improve their cue stick alignment and stroke consistency. To begin, the player places the device 10 on the rail shelf of the billiards table. Ensuring that the base 11 is positioned along any chosen shot line as further described below, the player engages the suction cup 23 by pressing it firmly onto the table surface, creating a vacuum that holds the device in place. The stabilizing structure assembly 15 of the preferred embodiment should be oriented to ensure they are aligned with the intended shot line 27, which is an imaginary, straight line extending from the back of the cue stick to the tip of the cue stick, to the cue ball 28 to the target ball 29. The shot line may optionally be chosen with reference to markings on the table shelf, such as those typically referred to as diamonds which are integrated by the table manufacturer, or markings made using stickers or the like placed on the table by the player. In such a case, the player may choose to place the device in reference to these markings using any of the holes 26 in base 11 of the preferred embodiment.

[0059] For alignment practice, and more specifically with reference to FIG. 5, the player starts by positioning the device and cue stick 30 along the shot line 27. Standing behind the cue ball 28, the player places the cue stick through the top of the device and into the area formed by the stabilizing structure assembly 15 of the preferred embodiment, ensuring that the cue stick is aligned with the shot line. The cue stick may be placed such that the tip addresses, for example, the vertical center of the cue ball, positioning it quite near the cue ball surface as if setting up for an actual shot in which the cue ball is intended to be struck. The support pads' 16a and 16b inner curved surfaces, lined with low-friction material 20a and 20b, gently contact the cue stick and provide a stable guide that holds the cue stick in place.

[0060] The player then examines the alignment from a standing position, ensuring the cue stick is placed accurately along the shot line. Following this, the player moves into the shooting position, bending at the waist and positioning their head to look directly down the cue stick, taking note and memorizing the visual image of the alignment of the cue stick in relation to the cue ball and object ball. After verifying the correct alignment, the player stands up again and repeats the process to train themselves to recognize the correct alignment of their cue stick with the intended shot line from both standing and shooting positions, enhancing their accuracy and precision. Additionally, the player may also form the bridge hand 31 near the front of the cue stick and grip the back end with the rear hand and perform aiming strokes, carefully observing and memorizing the visual picture of the cue stick moving accurately along the intended shooting line, 27 to further reinforce the correct alignment.

[0061] A second method for alignment practice involves setting up the device and shot as before, but this time the player practices lining up the shot and going down into shooting position as if the device were not present. The player approaches the table, visualizes the shot line, and assumes the shooting position by lowering the cue onto the intended shooting line which corresponds with the V shape formed by the support pads at the top of the stabilizing assembly 15. Once in position, the player assesses how well they naturally and instinctively placed the cue stick into the device. If the cue stick is lowered and dropped perfectly into the stabilizing assembly 15, good alignment skill is thereby indicated. If the cue stick does not slot into the stabilizing assembly 15 of the preferred embodiment accurately, it indicates the cue is not on the intended shot line and the player needs to adjust how they lower the cue stick during positioning to achieve more accurate alignment. The player may then stand up and repeat the process. Practicing this alignment method over and over develops the memory and habit of lowering the back end of the cue along the correct line while the player focuses on visually placing the cue tip in the desired location by visual reference to the cue ball and shot line.

[0062] For stroke practice, the player again places the cue stick 30 into the stabilizing assembly 15 of the preferred embodiment of the device 10, ensuring it is aligned with the shot line 27. The player positions their bridge hand 31 near the front of the cue stick, forming a stable bridge on the table surface, while the rear gripping hand 32 holds the back end of the cue stick. The player begins to move the cue stick back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the cue stick within the stabilizing arms, practicing the stroking motion. The low-friction material 20a and 20b reduces resistance, allowing the player to glide the cue stick through the device effortlessly while the stabilizing assembly 15 creates equal lateral pressure on the cue stick, not allowing the gripping hand to move the butt of the cue stick off the shooting line and maintaining a straight moving stroke. The cue ball 28 can be removed to allow the player to work on repetitive stroking without the cue ball, or, if preferred during training, the player can practice by making contact with the cue ball.

[0063] During stroke practice, with regard to FIG. 6 with reference to FIG. 1, the player focuses on making smooth and controlled movements, while the device ensures that the cue stick remains aligned with the shot line 27 throughout the stroke. The stabilizing assembly 15 of the preferred embodiment provides support, preventing any lateral movement that could cause misalignment. The player pulls the cue stick back smoothly and then accelerates it forward, maintaining the straight path until it contacts the cue ball 28, if present. Repeated practice helps the player develop the muscle memory necessary to perform a straight and consistent stroke.

[0064] With regard to FIG. 7, another way in which the device may be used for stroking practice is to place it on the rail shelf but direct it and, thus the cue stick within it, along the length of the rail. This setup provides a more level cue stick orientation that mimics some shot positions on the playing surface in which the cue stick is largely positioned over the playing surface of the table and with little or no orientation over the rail shelf. In this setup, the device may be oriented, at the player's preference, closer to the tip of the cue stick. When performing practice strokes in this orientation, a player can visually observe whether the tapered and thus narrower front portion of the cue stick is moving back and forth through the opening of the device such that each arm is equidistant from the outer edge of the circumference of the cue stick. Equidistance implies a straight stroke, while movement towards one arm or the other implies that the stroking has a tendency to veer off line in one lateral direction or the other. In the particular embodiment described above, the width of the space between the surface of support pads' inner portions of the stabilizing assembly is 20 mm. A typical cue stick will have a front end near the cue tip of approximately 12-13 mm, allowing for the cue to move through the device without touching the support pads, and providing enough space on each side of the cue stick for the player to observe whether the cue stick is veering off line with reference to the device.

[0065] By alternating between alignment practice and stroke practice, the player can comprehensively improve their technique. Alignment practice helps the player develop the visual skills necessary to accurately position the cue stick along the shot line, while stroke practice reinforces the muscle memory needed to maintain a straight and consistent stroke.

[0066] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.