WO2008156799A1 - Pool cue gel grip - Google Patents

Pool cue gel grip Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008156799A1
WO2008156799A1 PCT/US2008/007618 US2008007618W WO2008156799A1 WO 2008156799 A1 WO2008156799 A1 WO 2008156799A1 US 2008007618 W US2008007618 W US 2008007618W WO 2008156799 A1 WO2008156799 A1 WO 2008156799A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cue
handle
hydrogel
grip
pool cue
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/007618
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jamie Lucas Wynn
Original Assignee
Jamie Lucas Wynn
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jamie Lucas Wynn filed Critical Jamie Lucas Wynn
Publication of WO2008156799A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008156799A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63D—BOWLING GAMES, e.g. SKITTLES, BOCCE OR BOWLS; INSTALLATIONS THEREFOR; BAGATELLE OR SIMILAR GAMES; BILLIARDS
    • A63D15/00—Billiards, e.g. carom billiards or pocket billiards; Billiard tables
    • A63D15/08—Cues

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to the field of pool cues, and more particularly to pool cue grips, and even more particularly to grips that are structured to maximize comfort by providing a cushioned grip.
  • the game of pool often requires that the player use the pool cue to deliver a sharp blow to the cue ball. This impact causes a strong vibration in the pool cue.
  • Prior art grips on handles of pool cues are often very rigid, and such grips are susceptible to transmitting vibration from the pool cue to the user's hand. These vibrations often cause an undesirable stinging sensation in the user's hand.
  • many players experience difficulty in achieving a comfortable grip during regular play. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a grip that conforms to the shape and pressure of fingers and hands for users with any hand size. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a shock-absorbing grip that will insulate the user's fingers and hand from undesirable vibrations occurring in the pool cue.
  • the pool cue comprises a handle and an elongated, encircling grip, said grip comprising a hydrogel member, and if necessary a retainer member in the form of a layer or envelope.
  • the retainer member in the form of a sheet or layer may be secured to the handle of the pool cue with the hydrogel disposed between the handle and retainer member, or alternatively the hydrogel may be retained within a retainer envelope, with the envelop then secured to the handle of the pool cue.
  • the retainer member must be sufficiently durable, pliable, elastic, and impervious to liquids.
  • An optional base layer may be placed between the handle of the pool cue and the hydrogel, thereby preventing the hydrogel from contacting the handle of the pool cue at any time.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 3 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.
  • the invention is an improved pool cue having a grip that provides added comfort to the user.
  • the pool cue incorporates a comfortable grip that insulates the user's fingers and hand from the vibration resulting from the pool cue impacting the cue ball.
  • the invention generally comprises a pool cue 99 having a handle 10 and a grip 15, wherein the grip 15 comprises a hydrogel member 20 and a retainer member 30 comprising a layer or sheet member.
  • the hydrogel member 20 is positioned on the handle 10, typically within an annular recess, to form a layer of any desired thickness.
  • the retainer member 30 is attached to the handle 10 of the pool cue 99 in any known manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 in the desired location, such as for example by adhesive bonding or heat-sealing.
  • the sheet retainer member 30 may be secured to the handle 10 at one end, the hydrogel member 20 then inserted between the handle 10 and the sheet retainer member 30, and the remaining end of the sheet retainer member 30 secured to the handle 10.
  • Collar members may be placed around the ends of the retainer member 30.
  • the hydrogel member 20 is a member exhibiting solid-like or elastic solid properties due to crosslinking.
  • the hydrogel member 20 may be any synthetic or natural colloidal system wherein a porous network of interconnected, water-insoluble polymer chains is dispersed throughout a liquid medium, typically water.
  • the hydrogel member 20 is mostly liquid, typically comprising greater than 80% water and has a viscous, jelly-like body.
  • a suitable composition for the hydrogel member 20 may be 85% (Me 2 SiO) 4 , 5% SiO 2 , and 20% HO(Me 2 SiO) n H.
  • the retainer member 30 should be impervious to liquids, thus preventing the hydrogel 20 from penetrating or escaping through the retainer member 30.
  • the retainer member 30 should be durable, pliable, and elastic in nature. Suitable materials with these properties include many types- of rubber, polyurethane, silicone or elastomers.
  • the invention further comprises a base layer 50 disposed between the hydrogel member 20 and the handle 10.
  • the base layer 50 serves the function of separating the hydrogel member 20 from the handle 10 material. This function may be desired where the liquid properties of the hydrogel member 20 may cause decomposition or corrosion of the handle 10 material.
  • the base layer 50 should be impervious to liquids, and it may be attached to the handle 10 by any suitable adhesive, chemical bond, heat-sealing method or the like.
  • the retaining member 30 may be attached to the base layer 50 in any manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 there within.
  • the base layer 50 may be made of any suitable rubber, polymer, polyurethane, elastomer, or the like.
  • the retainer member 30 comprises a one- piece, tubular bladder or envelope.
  • the hydrogel member 20 may be injected into the envelope retainer member 30 to form the grip 15, or the envelope retainer member 30 may be formed around the hydrogel member 20.
  • the envelope retainer member 30 is sized to snugly fit over the handle 10 and is properly positioned by slipping it over one end of the pool cue handle 10. In this configuration the envelope retainer member 30 may be held in place by friction.
  • the envelope retainer member may be attached to the handle 10 by suitable adhesives, chemical bonds, heat-sealing or other methods.
  • the hydrogel member 20 uniformly distributes shock and displaces energy resulting from impact with the cue ball, thereby minimizing or eliminating undesirable vibration.
  • the grip 15 conforms to the contours of the fingers when the pool cue 99 is in use.
  • the retainer member 30 is provided with a surface matrix of interconnecting bands or lines, such as in a hexagonal pattern, to further stabilize the hydrogel member 20.

Abstract

A pool cue (99) having a deformable grip (15) for the handle (10) that does not transmit vibration to the user, the grip(15) having a hydrogel member (20) incorporated therein.

Description

POOL CUE GEL GRIP
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the field of pool cues, and more particularly to pool cue grips, and even more particularly to grips that are structured to maximize comfort by providing a cushioned grip.
The game of pool often requires that the player use the pool cue to deliver a sharp blow to the cue ball. This impact causes a strong vibration in the pool cue. Prior art grips on handles of pool cues are often very rigid, and such grips are susceptible to transmitting vibration from the pool cue to the user's hand. These vibrations often cause an undesirable stinging sensation in the user's hand. As a result, many players experience difficulty in achieving a comfortable grip during regular play. It is an object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a grip that conforms to the shape and pressure of fingers and hands for users with any hand size. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a shock-absorbing grip that will insulate the user's fingers and hand from undesirable vibrations occurring in the pool cue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The pool cue comprises a handle and an elongated, encircling grip, said grip comprising a hydrogel member, and if necessary a retainer member in the form of a layer or envelope. The retainer member in the form of a sheet or layer may be secured to the handle of the pool cue with the hydrogel disposed between the handle and retainer member, or alternatively the hydrogel may be retained within a retainer envelope, with the envelop then secured to the handle of the pool cue. The retainer member must be sufficiently durable, pliable, elastic, and impervious to liquids. An optional base layer may be placed between the handle of the pool cue and the hydrogel, thereby preventing the hydrogel from contacting the handle of the pool cue at any time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 3 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described with regard for the best mode and the preferred embodiment. In general, the invention is an improved pool cue having a grip that provides added comfort to the user. Specifically, the pool cue incorporates a comfortable grip that insulates the user's fingers and hand from the vibration resulting from the pool cue impacting the cue ball.
In a first embodiment, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the invention generally comprises a pool cue 99 having a handle 10 and a grip 15, wherein the grip 15 comprises a hydrogel member 20 and a retainer member 30 comprising a layer or sheet member. The hydrogel member 20 is positioned on the handle 10, typically within an annular recess, to form a layer of any desired thickness. The retainer member 30 is attached to the handle 10 of the pool cue 99 in any known manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 in the desired location, such as for example by adhesive bonding or heat-sealing. For example, the sheet retainer member 30 may be secured to the handle 10 at one end, the hydrogel member 20 then inserted between the handle 10 and the sheet retainer member 30, and the remaining end of the sheet retainer member 30 secured to the handle 10. Collar members, not shown, may be placed around the ends of the retainer member 30.
The hydrogel member 20 is a member exhibiting solid-like or elastic solid properties due to crosslinking. The hydrogel member 20 may be any synthetic or natural colloidal system wherein a porous network of interconnected, water-insoluble polymer chains is dispersed throughout a liquid medium, typically water. The hydrogel member 20 is mostly liquid, typically comprising greater than 80% water and has a viscous, jelly-like body. As a representative example, a suitable composition for the hydrogel member 20 may be 85% (Me2SiO)4, 5% SiO2, and 20% HO(Me2SiO)nH. The retainer member 30 should be impervious to liquids, thus preventing the hydrogel 20 from penetrating or escaping through the retainer member 30. In addition, the retainer member 30 should be durable, pliable, and elastic in nature. Suitable materials with these properties include many types- of rubber, polyurethane, silicone or elastomers.
In a second embodiment, shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the invention further comprises a base layer 50 disposed between the hydrogel member 20 and the handle 10. The base layer 50 serves the function of separating the hydrogel member 20 from the handle 10 material. This function may be desired where the liquid properties of the hydrogel member 20 may cause decomposition or corrosion of the handle 10 material. Thus, the base layer 50 should be impervious to liquids, and it may be attached to the handle 10 by any suitable adhesive, chemical bond, heat-sealing method or the like. In this embodiment, the retaining member 30 may be attached to the base layer 50 in any manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 there within. The base layer 50 may be made of any suitable rubber, polymer, polyurethane, elastomer, or the like.
In a third embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, the retainer member 30 comprises a one- piece, tubular bladder or envelope. The hydrogel member 20 may be injected into the envelope retainer member 30 to form the grip 15, or the envelope retainer member 30 may be formed around the hydrogel member 20. The envelope retainer member 30 is sized to snugly fit over the handle 10 and is properly positioned by slipping it over one end of the pool cue handle 10. In this configuration the envelope retainer member 30 may be held in place by friction. Alternately, the envelope retainer member may be attached to the handle 10 by suitable adhesives, chemical bonds, heat-sealing or other methods. The hydrogel member 20 uniformly distributes shock and displaces energy resulting from impact with the cue ball, thereby minimizing or eliminating undesirable vibration. The grip 15 conforms to the contours of the fingers when the pool cue 99 is in use. Preferably, the retainer member 30 is provided with a surface matrix of interconnecting bands or lines, such as in a hexagonal pattern, to further stabilize the hydrogel member 20.
It is contemplated that equivalents and substitutions to certain elements set forth above may be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:
1. A pool cue (99) comprising a handle (10) and a grip (15) mounted on said handle (10), said grip (15) comprising a hydrogel member (20).
2. The cue (99) of claim 1, wherein said hydrogel member (20) is in the form of a sheet.
3. The cue (99) of claim 1, wherein said hydrogel member (20) is in the form of a sleeve.
4. The cue (99) of claim 1, said grip (15) further comprising a retainer member (30), whereby said hydrogel member (20) is retained on said handle (10) by said retainer member (30).
5. The cue (99) of claim 4, wherein said retainer member (30) is in the form of a sheet.
6. The cue (99) of claim 4, further comprising a base layer (50) positioned between said hydrogel member (20) and said handle (10).
7. The cue (99) of claim 4, wherein said retainer member (30) comprises an envelope, wherein said hydrogel member (20) is retained within said envelope.
8. The cue (99) of claim 4, wherein said hydrogel member (20) is positioned within an annular recess formed in said handle (10).
9. The cue (99) of claim 4, wherein said retainer member (30) is provided with a stabilizing surface matrix of interconnected lines.
10. The cue (99) of claim 9, wherein said surface matrix of interconnected lines is in the form of a hexagonal pattern.
PCT/US2008/007618 2007-06-20 2008-06-19 Pool cue gel grip WO2008156799A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US93644207P 2007-06-20 2007-06-20
US60/936,442 2007-06-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008156799A1 true WO2008156799A1 (en) 2008-12-24

Family

ID=40137061

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2008/007618 WO2008156799A1 (en) 2007-06-20 2008-06-19 Pool cue gel grip

Country Status (2)

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US (1) US20080318699A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008156799A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2730772C1 (en) * 2020-02-25 2020-08-25 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "АС и ПП" Billiard cue added handle

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5555584A (en) * 1992-11-05 1996-09-17 Polymer Innovations, Inc. Method of producing custom-fitting articles and composition for the use therewith
US6112618A (en) * 1998-02-25 2000-09-05 Yates; Paul M. Bicycle Handgrip
US6869370B2 (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-03-22 Yeghia Davtyan Laminated cue with central elongated member
US20070017540A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2007-01-25 Goody Products, Inc. Handle Having a Ribbed Gel Grip

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2257326A (en) * 1940-12-26 1941-09-30 Jacques R Blum Billiard cue
US3692609A (en) * 1970-06-12 1972-09-19 Hubert G Eckes Method of producing billiard cue
US5123929A (en) * 1989-11-24 1992-06-23 Allen Kenneth W Specialized pool cue covering
US5570884A (en) * 1995-04-10 1996-11-05 Carps; Dan Ergonomic underlay for hand grips
US6689370B1 (en) * 1995-04-20 2004-02-10 Societe D'exploitation De Produits Pour Les Industries Chimiques (S.E.P.P.I.C.) Therapeutic composition comprising an antigen or an in vivo generator of a compound comprising an amino acid sequence
US7097570B2 (en) * 2002-01-07 2006-08-29 Michael Gulyassy Pool cue
US20040126556A1 (en) * 2002-12-27 2004-07-01 Nowak Michael T. Grip element
US7044861B1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2006-05-16 Sportcraft, Ltd. Reinforced cue stick
US7297068B2 (en) * 2004-10-22 2007-11-20 Costain Paul D Vibration damping for a cue stick
US7485050B2 (en) * 2005-10-12 2009-02-03 Grip Surface Technologies, Inc. Micropattern grip surface
US20080153612A1 (en) * 2006-12-21 2008-06-26 Dmi Sports, Inc. Pool cue grip

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5555584A (en) * 1992-11-05 1996-09-17 Polymer Innovations, Inc. Method of producing custom-fitting articles and composition for the use therewith
US6112618A (en) * 1998-02-25 2000-09-05 Yates; Paul M. Bicycle Handgrip
US6869370B2 (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-03-22 Yeghia Davtyan Laminated cue with central elongated member
US20070017540A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2007-01-25 Goody Products, Inc. Handle Having a Ribbed Gel Grip

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2730772C1 (en) * 2020-02-25 2020-08-25 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "АС и ПП" Billiard cue added handle

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