BILLIARD CUE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to billiard cues and particularly pertains to billiard cues incorporating composite fiber tubes for decreasing cue deflection and increasing player feedback.

BACKGROUND

Billiards, including pool and snooker, is a precision sport that demands a high degree of skill and control from players. A fundamental aspect of achieving accurate shots involves understanding and managing cue deflection and cue ball deflection. Cue deflection is the amount of flex that occurs in the shaft of a cue when the cue ball is struck. Whereas, cue ball deflection is the phenomenon where the cue ball is hit to the left or right of the cue ball vertical centerline causing the ball to move in the opposite direction on which it was hit. For example, when the cue ball is hit on the left of the centerline, the ball will deflect off course to the right.

The amount of cue ball deflection depends on a variety of factors including tip placement, speed of the stroke, and the type of cue used. Players seeking to enhance their performance often resort to specific techniques to compensate for this deflection, such as adjusting their aim or altering their stroke mechanics. Cues with lower deflection tend to require less compensation, which means more accuracy and faster skill progression.

Another factor in improving game play is the feedback that the cue delivers to a player after striking a cue ball. When the cue strikes the cue ball, this feedback reverberates through the shaft, providing players with a distinct sensory experience that helps players control the precision of their shot. However, excessive vibration at the tip can undermine a player's performance and feel for the game. When the cue generates too much vibration during the stroke, it can hinder accuracy and make it challenging to control the shot effectively. Striking the right balance in feedback can help in maintaining confidence and consistency in every play.

Existing solutions, such as specialized cues or modifications to cue design, have been introduced to address this issue. While some of these solutions offer improvements, they often come with trade-offs in terms of weight, balance, or overall feel.

Thus, there is need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a billiard cue with composite fiber tubes. A preferred embodiment of the billiard cue generally comprises a butt portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion has a central axis that extends along the length of the shaft portion. The shaft portion generally includes a joint end and a tip end at opposing ends along the central axis. The joint end generally includes a socket that is couplable to the butt portion. The shaft portion generally has a joint side bore that extends into the shaft portion along the central axis from the socket. Further, the shaft portion generally has a tip side bore that extends into the shaft portion along the central axis from the tip end. A solid shaft section separates the joint side bore and the tip side bore. A joint side cylinder made of carbon fiber material is arranged in the joint side bore. The joint side cylinder has a length and two ends. The joint side cylinder is arranged inside the joint side bore along the central axis. The outer diameter of the joint side cylinder may be equal to the inner diameter of the joint side bore. The tip side bore generally includes A tip side cylinder made of composite carbon fiber material is arranged in the tip side bore. The tip side cylinder has a length and two ends. The tip side cylinder is arranged inside the tip side bore along the central axis. The outer diameter of the tip side cylinder may be substantially equal or slightly less than the inner diameter of the tip side bore, allowing the cylinder to be placed into the bore

In another embodiment, the billiard cue may generally comprise a butt portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion has a central axis that extends along the length of the shaft portion. The shaft portion generally includes a joint end and a tip end at opposing ends along the central axis. The shaft portion defines a first bore that extends into the shaft portion along the central axis from the joint end or the tip end. A cylinder made of carbon fiber that has a length and two opposing ends is arranged inside the first bore. The cylinder may be filled with foam.

In another embodiment, the billiard cue may generally comprise a butt portion and a shat portion. The shaft portion has a central axis that extends along treelength of the shaft portion. The shaft portion has a joint end and a tip end along the central axis. The portion has at least one bore that extends into the shaft portion along the central axis. A cylinder made of carbon fiber material that as a length and two opposing ends is arranged inside the at least one bore. The outer diameter of the cylinder generally matches the inner diameter of the at least one bore, allowing the cylinder to be placed into the bore. A first and second plug are inserted at opposing ends of the cylinder.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a two-piece billiard cue.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the two-piece billiard cue shaft of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional cut-off view of the two-piece billiard cue shaft of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a tip side cylinder in the two-piece billiard cue shaft of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The present invention provides an improved billiard cue with decreased cue deflection and cue ball deflection to require less compensation by billiard players and increased player feedback, improving their accuracy and game play. Cue deflection refers to the bending that occurs in the cue's shaft when the cue ball is struck by the cue. In contrast, cue ball deflection is the result of hitting the cue ball off its vertical centerline, causing it to veer in the opposite direction. For instance, striking the cue ball to the left of the centerline will result in it deflecting to the right. The greater the distance from the vertical centerline at which the cue ball is struck, the more pronounced the deflection will be. Cue deflection and cue ball deflection are interrelated, minimizing both significantly enhances accuracy allowing players to have more precise shots.

Low deflection cues are designed with a focus on minimizing the amount of flex or deflection that occurs in the shaft upon striking the cue ball. This is achieved by reducing the mass at the lower end of the shaft. Cue deflection refers specifically to how much the shaft bends when it makes contact with the cue ball, affecting the trajectory of the shot. Stiffness can control deflection; a stiffer shaft will generally exhibit less cue deflection, enabling players to achieve greater accuracy and increase player feedback. In contrast, cues with a lower end mass tend to flex more, leading to increased cue deflection and potentially affecting the player's ability to execute precise shots. By optimizing the balance of stiffness and mass, low deflection cues offer players enhanced performance and consistency, making them a popular choice among serious billiards enthusiasts.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. A two-piece billiard cue 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Other embodiments can include a one-piece billiard cue. The two-piece billiard cue 10 is comprised of a butt portion 12 and a shaft portion 14. The butt portion 12 and shaft portion 14 can be made from a variety of constructions including a solid construction or a spliced construction. A solid construction includes a solid body for the butt portion 12 and shaft portion 14 of the cue. A spliced construction is multiple pieces bonded together in a radial manner to form the body of the butt portion 12 and shaft portion 14. The spliced construction provides for more consistent shots by eliminating inconsistencies that may be found in natural wood. In one example, the spliced form can be comprised of ten pieces bonded together. Other examples can include spliced forms with two, four, six, or eight pieces. In one embodiment the butt portion 12 and shaft portion 14 are made of wood. The type of wood can include but is not limited to hard maple, ash, sycamore, rosewood, or ebony. In other examples, the billiard cue can be made from materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, and graphite.

The butt portion 12 is the rearward, thicker part of the billiard cue 10 designed for grip and balance. The butt portion 12 includes a bumper end 20 and a butt joint end 21. The butt portion 12 has a butt body 22, the butt body 22 typically has a cylindrical profile which is tapered from the bumper end 20 toward the butt joint end 21. A bumper 23 is coupled to the bumper end 20 of the butt portion 12 to prevent damage and absorb shock. In one example, the bumper 23 can be made of rubber. The butt body 22 includes a butt sleeve 24. The butt sleeve 24 provides balance to the two-piece billiard cue 10. The butt body 22 further includes a wrap 25. The wrap 25 provides the user of the cue with increased grip.

A forearm 26 is a portion of the butt body 22 that extends from the wrap 25. The forearm 26 adds length to the billiard cue 10 and is typically used to add aesthetic designs. A ring 27 is coupled between the forearm 26 and a butt collar 28. The ring 27 acts as a reinforcement for a joint 30. The butt collar 28 transfers force from the butt portion 12 to the shaft portion 14 when a shot is taken. The joint 30 sits at the butt joint end 21 of the butt portion 12 and includes a joint connector 31 to couple the butt portion 12 to the shaft portion 14. The joint connector 31 extends out of the butt joint end 21 along the central axis of the butt portion 12. In this embodiment, the joint connector 31 is a screw. Other embodiments can include but are not limited to a pin and quick release mechanism.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the shaft portion 14. The shaft portion 14 is an elongated forward section of the billiard cue 10 designed for precision and control during game play. The shaft portion 14 includes a shaft joint end 40 and a tip end 41. The shaft portion 14 has a shaft body 42, the shaft body 42 typically has a cylindrical profile that tapers from the shaft joint end 40 to the tip end 41. The shaft joint end 40 includes a socket 43 that is situated along the central axis of the length of the shaft portion 14. The socket 43 is configured to couple with the joint connector 31. In this embodiment the butt portion 12 couples to the shaft portion 14 by rotating the joint connector 31 into the socket 43. A shaft collar 44 sits at the shaft joint end 40. The shaft collar 44 is a cylindrical shell with an inner diameter 45 equal to an outer diameter 46 of the socket 43. An outer diameter 47 of the shaft collar 44 is equal to the outer diameter 48 of the shaft portion 14. The shaft collar 44 provides strength to the joint 30 and transfers energy from the butt portion 12 to the shaft portion 14.

The tip end 41 of the shaft portion 14 includes a ferrule 50. The ferrule 50 is a cylindrical shell that extends along the central axis of the shaft portion 14. The ferrule 50 is defined by an inner diameter 52 and an outer diameter 54. The outer diameter 54 of the ferrule 50 is equal to the outer diameter 48 of the shaft portion 14. The ferrule 50 reinforces a tip 56 and reduces vibrations when the tip 56 comes in contact with a cue ball. The tip 56 is coupled to the ferrule 50 at the tip end of the shaft. In one example the tip 56 is glued to the ferrule 50.

FIG. 3 shows a horizontal cross section and cutaway view of the shaft portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft portion 14 defines a pair of bores, including a joint side bore 58 and a tip side bore 59. The joint side bore 58 extends forward along the central axis of the shaft portion 14 from the shaft joint end 40. In one example, the joint side bore 58 is made by drilling the joint side bore 58 into the shaft joint end 40 of the shaft portion 14. In another example, the joint side bore 58 can be pre-formed for a spliced construction shaft. Each spliced piece of the shaft can be pre-cut in a manner such that the joint side bore 58 is formed after the pieces are bonded together. The joint side bore 58 reduces the mass of the shaft portion 14.

The shaft portion 14 further includes a pair of cylinders, including a joint side cylinder 60 and a tip side cylinder 61 arranged inside the pair of bores. One of the cylinders is filled with foam. The joint side cylinder 60 is arranged inside the joint side bore 58. In one example, the joint side cylinder 60 is placed inside the joint side bore 58 by pushing the joint side cylinder 60 into the joint side bore 58 from the shaft joint end 40. In another example, the joint side bore 58 can be formed around the joint side cylinder 60 for a spliced construction cue. The joint side cylinder 60 can be secured to the inside of the joint side bore 58 through a friction fit, adhesives, fasteners, or other methods. The joint side cylinder 60 has an inner diameter 62 and outer diameter 63 that define a cylindrical shell. The outer diameter 63 of the joint side cylinder 60 is substantially equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter 64 of the joint side bore 58, allowing the cylinder to be placed within the bore. The joint side cylinder 60 has a length 65 and two opposing ends 66. In one example, the inside of the joint side cylinder is empty.

In this embodiment the joint side cylinder 60 is made of a composite carbon fiber material. Different types of carbon fiber materials, including continuous fiber, short carbon fiber, carbon fiber fabrics, and prepreg carbon fiber sheets, can be utilized to form the joint side cylinder 60. The advantages of using carbon fiber material for the joint side cylinder 60 include, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for lightweight designs without compromising structural integrity and inherent stiffness for performance and durability. In one example, the joint side cylinder can be formed with carbon fiber material using filament winding, where continuous carbon fibers are wound around a mandrel to achieve a precise and uniform thickness. In another example, a layering method can be used, where sheets of carbon fiber fabric are arranged in a desired pattern and then consolidated using a resin infusion process or compression molding to form a cylinder.

The joint side cylinder 60 provides integrity to the joint side bore 58 while keeping the mass of the shaft portion 14 lower than a solid version of the shaft portion 14 without a joint side bore 58. The stiffness of the joint side cylinder 60 further allows for energy transfer to provide optimal force from the shaft portion 14 to the cue ball. The joint side cylinder 60 acts to absorb vibrations from the shaft portion 14 when the shaft portion 14 comes into contact with the cue ball. For example, carbon fiber material exhibits viscoelastic behavior, meaning that the carbon fiber's resin matrix can deform and recover under vibration, generating heat and dissipating vibration energy. Reduced vibrations provide better feedback to players increasing their performance and precision.

In one example, the shaft portion 14 has a length of twenty-nine inches. In other examples, the length of the shaft portion 14 can be greater or lower than twenty-nine inches. The shaft portion 14 further includes a solid shaft section 67 that extends past the joint side bore 58. The solid shaft section 67 provides for better energy transfer through the shaft to prevent decrease in power from the joint side bore 58. To further prevent deflection, the solid shaft section 67 provides support between the joint side bore 58 and the tip side bore 59. The solid shaft section 67 separates the joint side cylinder 60 from the tip side cylinder 61. The stiffness of the solid shaft section 67 reduces the amount of flex that occurs in the shaft portion 14 and gives weight to the billiard cue 10, preventing the user from losing the feel of a traditional pool cue. The reduced flex gives players more control to have increased precision over their shots.

A length 68 of the joint side bore 58 exceeds the length 65 of the joint side cylinder 60. An empty joint side bore section 69 separates the socket 43 from the joint side cylinder 60. A set of joint side cylinder plugs 70 are coupled to the two opposing ends 66 of the joint side cylinder 60. In one example the joint side cylinder plugs 70 are made of wood. The joint side cylinder plugs 70 have a joint side plug section 72 and a joint side cap section 74. The joint side cap section 74 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter equal to the outer diameter 63 of the joint side cylinder 60. The joint side plug section 72 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter equal to the inner diameter 62 of the joint side cylinder 60. In one example, the joint side cylinder plugs 70 are coupled to the two opposing ends 66 of the joint side cylinder 60 using glue. In another example, the joint side cylinder plugs 70 can be coupled to the two opposing ends 66 of the joint side cylinder 60 with a friction fit. In one example, the joint side cylinder plugs 70 are coupled to the joint side cylinder 60 before the joint side cylinder 60is inserted into the joint side bore 58. In another example, one of the joint side cylinder plugs 70 is inserted into the joint side bore 58 followed by the joint side cylinder 60 and then followed by another one of the joint side cylinder plugs 70.

The joint side cylinder plugs 70 seal the ends of the joint side cylinder 60 to provide structural support by holding the shape and preventing collapse of the joint side cylinder 60. The joint side cylinder plugs 70 further provide increased surface area in contact with the joint side bore 58 to allow for better energy transfer through the shaft portion 14. The joint side cylinder plugs 70 distribute loads more evenly across the length 65 of the joint side cylinder 60. Additionally, the joint side cylinder plugs 70 prevent movement of the joint side cylinder 60 within the joint side bore 58. This protects the joint side cylinder 60 from rattling or undesired movement that may affect the integrity of the joint side cylinder 60 or the accuracy of the shot taken with the billiard cue 10.

The tip side bore 59 is defined along the central axis of the shaft portion 14 extending rearward from the tip end 41. In one example, the tip side bore 59 is made by drilling the tip side bore 59 at the tip end 41 of the shaft portion 14. In another example, the tip side bore 59 can be pre-formed for a spliced construction shaft. Each spliced piece of the shaft can be pre-cut in a manner such that the tip side bore 59 is formed after the pieces are bonded together. The tip side bore 59 has an inner diameter 82 equal to the inner diameter 52 of the ferrule 50.

The tip side cylinder 61 is arranged inside the tip side bore 59. In one example, the tip side cylinder 61 is placed inside the tip side bore 59 by pushing the tip side cylinder 61 into the tip side bore 59 from the tip end 41. In another example, the tip side bore 59 can be formed around the tip side cylinder 61 for a spliced construction cue. The tip side cylinder 61 can be secured to the inside of the tip side bore 59 through a friction fit, adhesives, fasteners, or other methods. The tip side cylinder 61 has an inner diameter 86 and an outer diameter 88 that define a cylindrical shell. The outer diameter 88 of the tip side cylinder is substantially equal to the inner diameter 82 of the tip side bore 59, allowing the cylinder to be placed within the bore. The tip side cylinder 61 extends into the ferrule 50. The outer diameter 88 of the tip side cylinder 61 is in contact with the inner diameter 52 of the ferrule 50. The tip side bore 59 and tip side cylinder 61 have the same advantages and characteristics as the joint side bore 58 and joint side cylinder 60 in addition to any features listed hereafter. The tip side cylinder 61 can be placed in the tip side bore 59 using the same manner as placing the joint side cylinder 60 in the joint side bore 58.

In one embodiment the joint side cylinder 60 is 230 mm and the tip side cylinder 61 is 137 mm. The length 65 of the joint side cylinder 60 and the length of the tip side cylinder 61 can be changed to optimize the deflection and feedback of the shaft portion 14 for best performance. The deflection and feedback may vary depending on the type of material and construction of the shaft portion 14.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged cut off view of the tip side cylinder 61. The tip side cylinder 61 has a length 90 with a ferrule end 92 and a shaft end 94. In this embodiment the tip side cylinder 61 is made of a carbon fiber material. Different types of carbon fiber materials, including continuous fiber, short carbon fiber, carbon fiber fabrics, and prepreg carbon fiber sheets, can be utilized to form the tip side cylinder 61.

In the illustrated embodiment, a foam 96 fills the volume of the tip side cylinder 61. In alternate embodiments, either, both or neither of the tip side cylinder and the joint side cylinder may be filled with foam. In this embodiment, the foam is a polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is particularly effective for absorbing vibration due to its unique properties. Its high viscoelastic characteristic allows it to dampen vibrations by absorbing and dissipating energy. The flexibility of polyurethane foam allows it to conform to various shapes, creating a snug fit that minimizes gaps and enhances contact, which improves vibration absorption. Polyurethan foam is lightweight and can be produced in a variety of densities allowing for a wider range of customization based on player preference. The foam 96 further assists the tip side cylinder 61 in absorbing shock and reducing the vibrations caused by the shaft portion 14 coming into contact with the cue ball to further improve the feedback a player receives after taking a shot. The tip end 41 is the narrowest portion of the shaft portion 14. The foam 96 provides structural support to the tip end 41 by preventing buckling or deformation of the tip side cylinder 61 under load. This in turn reduces flex of the shaft portion 14 to increase player precision and feedback.

Two opposing tip side cylinder plugs 100 are coupled to the ferrule end 92 and the shaft end 94 of the tip side cylinder 61. In one example, the tip side cylinder plugs 100 are made of wood. The tips side cylinder plugs 100 have a tip side plug section 104 and a tip side cap section 106. The tip side plug section 104 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter equal to the inner diameter 86 of the tip side cylinder 61. The tip side cap section 106 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter equal to the outer diameter 88 of the tip side cylinder 61. In one example, the tip side cylinder plugs 100 are coupled to the ferrule end 92 and the shaft end 94 of the tip side cylinder 61 using glue. In another example, the tip side cylinder plugs 100 can be coupled to the ferrule end 92 and the shaft end 94 of the tip side cylinder 61 with a friction fit. The tip side cylinder plugs 100 in relation to the tip side cylinder 61 have the same advantages and characteristics as the joint side cylinder plugs 70 in relation to the joint side cylinder 60, in addition to any additional features stated. The tip side cylinder plugs 100 seal the tip side cylinder 61 to retain the foam 96 within the tip side cylinder 61.

The ferrule 50 absorbs force from the tip 56 when the tip 56 comes in contact with the cue ball. One of the two tip side cap sections 106 of the tip side cylinder plugs 100 along with a portion of the length 90 of the tip side cylinder 61 is in contact with the inner diameter 52 of the ferrule 50. The contact between the ferrule 50 with the tip side cylinder 61 and one of the tip side cylinder plugs 100 transfer energy from the ferrule 50 to the tip side cylinder 61 and one of the tip side cylinder plugs 100. The energy can then be absorbed by the foam 96. This further reduces vibrations in the shaft portion 14 caused by the contact of the tip 56 with the cue ball, minimizing deflection and maximizing player feedback.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.