EP1697011A2 - A rest for a snooker cue - Google Patents

Abstract

A rest (1) for a cue, for use in playing a game of snooker, billiards or pool on a playing table, wherein the cue rest comprises an elongated shaf (2) defining a central longitudinally extending shaft axis (4), a table engaging means (5), and an intermediate connecting means (7) connecting the table engaging means with the shaft, the intermediate connecting means being shaped for avoiding an obstruction on the table adjacent a location where the table engaging means is to engage the table. The intermediate connecting means may be of arcuate shape or of half bottle shape or any other shape suitable to avoid obstructions adjacent to a cue ball. There is further provided a means to restrain rotational movement of the intermediate connecting means about the shaft axis.

Description

Title

"A rest for a snooker cue"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rest for a cue, for example, a snooker cue, a billiard cue, or the like, for a game to be played on a playing table in which a cue ball is struck by a cue .

Background to the Invention

Rests for snooker and billiard cues are used in the game of snooker or billiards when the alignment of the cue ball with the ball to be next struck by the cue ball is in a position on the table which does not easily lend itself to cradling the cue on the hand of the player. In general, such cue rests comprise an elongated shaft which terminates in a table engaging member which is rested on the table, and a cue engaging member, typically extending upwardly from the table engaging member for cradling the cue. However, regularly the cue ball is obstructed by other balls which are in play on the table, and in such cases, the cue rest must be rested on the table with the table engaging member engaging the table some distance from the cue ball, or alternatively with the shaft of the cue rest extending from the surface of the table at a relatively large angle. This is disadvantageous, since the greater the angle the cue rest makes with the table, or the further the table engaging member, and in turn, the cue rest is displaced from the cue ball, the more difficult it is for a player to tightly control the striking action of the cue on the cue ball. There is therefore a need for a cue rest which overcomes this problem.

A common variety of cue rest is the cross rest. In use, the cue is supported by the cue-engaging portion of the cue rest. The cue-engaging portion takes the form of a crosspiece, set perpendicular to the shaft of the cue rest. In use, the cue rest is laid upon the playing table with the ends of two of the arms of the crosspiece in contact with the playing surface and the other two arms pointing diagonally upwards. The end of the cue shaft is then supported in the angle created between the two uppermost arms of the crosspiece.

However, the current designs of crosspieces have associated drawbacks . Most cue shafts taper from a relatively thick handle portion to a thinner portion ending in the striking point. In order to take a shot, particularly with the application of force, the cue shaft is progressively pushed through the uppermost arms of the crosspiece. In doing so, as the shaft is fed through the angle, the diameter of the portion of the shaft in contact with the rest crosspiece increases. This results in the axis of the cue elevating as the striking point is brought into contact with the ball, resulting in decreased accuracy of contact. There therefore exists a need to overcome this drawback of cue-rests. It will be appreciated that the invention is suitable for similar games, for example, pool.

Object of the Invention

The present invention is directed towards providing a cue rest that overcomes the above problems. Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a rest for a cue, the cue rest comprising an elongated shaft defining a central longitudinally extending shaft axis, a table engaging means, and an intermediate connecting means connecting the table engaging means with the shaft, the intermediate connecting means being shaped for avoiding an obstruction on the table adjacent a location where the table engaging means is to engage the table.

In one embodiment of the invention the intermediate connecting means extends between two spaced apart ends, one end being connected to the shaft, and the other end being connected to the table engaging means .

In another embodiment of the invention the two ends of the intermediate connecting means are aligned with each other and with the shaft axis.

In another embodiment of the invention the intermediate connecting means comprises an elongated intermediate connecting member extending between the shaft and the table engaging means .

Suitably, at least a portion of the intermediate connecting means is spaced apart from the shaft axis. Preferably, at least a portion of the intermediate connecting means is offset from the longitudinal axis by at least about the radius of a ball (of the game) to be struck by the cue, and preferably by at least about the diameter of such a ball.

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of shapes and combination of shapes may be employed to achieve the function of enabling the intermediate connecting means to avoid contact with a ball located on the playing table at or adjacent to the shaft axis. Certain embodiments may also be described as being generally hook shaped. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved while permitting a cue engaging means associated with the table engaging means to lie substantially along, or in close proximity to, the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment of the present invention the intermediate connecting member is of arcuate shape. In another embodiment the intermediate connecting member includes a longitudinally extending member extending parallel to the shaft axis but spaced apart therefrom.

The intermediate connecting member may be formed by two spaced apart transverse cross members extending transversely of the shaft axis, one of which extends from the shaft and the other from the table engaging member, and the respective transverse cross members joined by a longitudinally extending member which extends parallel to the shaft axis but spaced apart therefrom. At least one of the transverse cross members may be curved.

It will be appreciated that where both cross members are curved, and the longitudinally extending member is of minimal length, the intermediate connecting means may have an arcuate shape .

Where both cross members are substantially straight and the longitudinally extending member is absent, the resultant shape may be triangular, with the cross members forming two sides of the triangle and the shaft axis describing the third side of the triangle.

Where both cross members are substantially straight and substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis and are joined by a longitudinally extending member spaced apart from the shaft axis, the resultant shape may be quadrilateral, with the shaft axis describing the fourth side of the quadrilateral.

Where the first cross member is substantially straight and is set substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis and the longitudinally extending member is substantially parallel to the shaft axis and the second cross member is either substantially curved or makes angle less than 90° with the shaft axis, the resultant shape may be described as half- bottle shape .

In a further embodiment of the present invention the intermediate connecting member is of half-bottle shape.

By half-bottle shape we mean shapes such as those of a typical Bordeaux or Burgundy wine bottle silhouette, halved along its central longitudinal axis. In essence, the bottle has a body, which narrows in a shoulder into a thin neck.

The 'half-bottle shape' may be defined as a short horizontal line set substantially perpendicular to a longer vertical line, with the lines connected to each other at one end, with the vertical line extending into a curved line which terminates in a straight line which is set substantially parallel with the vertical line, and which lies along the axis of a perpendicular line at the other end of the horizontal line. This definition, which is non-limiting, refers to a bottle standing vertically on a horizontal base.

In its disposition on the cue rest, the half bottle shape may be described wherein the short horizontal line of the half bottle is represented by the transverse cross piece extending from the table engaging member substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis. The longer vertical line of the half bottle shape is described by the longitudinally extending member of the intermediate connecting means set substantially parallel to the shaft axis. The vertical line extending into the curved line that terminates in a straight line, (the shoulder and neck of the bottle) are described by the curved transverse cross piece extending from the shaft.

Another way of considering the shape is to liken it to a front silhouette of a human head and torso, which has a slim neck region tapering into a shoulder and a body of broader width than the neck.

In a further embodiment of the invention a cue engaging means for cradling the cue extends from the table engaging means .

Preferably, the table engaging means is adjustably mounted to the intermediate connecting means, and preferably, is pivotally connected to the intermediate connecting means, and ideally is pivoted about the shaft axis.

Suitably, a friction connection may be provided between the table engaging member and the intermediate connecting member for facilitating selective orientation of the table engaging member relative to the intermediate connecting member. Alternatively, a securing means may be provided which permits incremental pivoting of the table engaging member relative to the intermediate connecting member, and the table engaging member may be releasably secured by a quick release mechanism to the intermediate connecting member in each selected incremental position. Needless to say, any other suitable securing means may be provided.

In one embodiment, therefore, there is provided selective orientation means to restrain rotational (pivoting) movement of the table engaging member relative to the intermediate connecting means. The selective orientation means is also called restraining means herein.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a rotation restraining means to restrain the rotational movement of the intermediate connecting means relative to the table engaging means.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the intermediate connecting means is connectable to the table engaging means by an axial bolt which is adapted for engaging with the rotation restraining means .

The axial bolt may be integrally formed with the intermediate connecting member or the table engaging means or it may be independently formed.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the table engaging means comprising two legs and the cue engaging means comprising two arms are arranged to form a cruciform structure, the arms defining angles therebetween. In a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a cue rest further comprising a cue support.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the table engaging means comprising two legs and the cue engaging means comprising two arms are arranged to form a cruciform structure such that four angles are formed between the arms, and a cue support is locatable within at least one of the angles of the cruciform structure .

There is also provided a cue rest comprising an elongated shaft defining a central longitudinally extending shaft axis connected to a cruciform structure, wherein the cruciform structure comprises a table engaging means comprising two arms and a cue engaging means comprising two arms, wherein the two pairs of arms are arranged to form the cruciform structure, with four angles being formed between the arms, and a cue support is locatable within at least one of the angles of the cruciform structure.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the cue support is integrally formed with the cruciform structure.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the cue support is independently formed from the cruciform structure and is adapted to be mounted upon the cruciform structure.

There is also provided a cue supporting cradle for a cue adapted to be securably engagable within the angle of a cue rest comprising a cruciform structure such that the cradle supports the cue. Alternatively, the cue supporting cradle for a cue is detachably mountable upon the cue rest .

The intermediate connecting means may be detachable from the shaft, and a kit may be provided comprising a first cue rest of the invention and at least one item selected from the group consisting of; an intermediate connecting means, a cue engaging means, a table engaging means, a cruciform structure, a second shaft, a shaft extension, and a further snooker, pool or billiard cue or cue rest embodiment that may be attached to the shaft or the intermediate connecting member, wherein the at least one additional item is adapted to reversibly engage with at least one feature of the cue rest of the invention.

The intermediate connecting member may be fashioned from a flexible, bendable or deformable material to permit the user to shape the intermediate connecting member in the desired shape .

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cue rest according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the cue rest of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cue rest of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 4 is another perspective view of a portion of the cue rest of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of a portion of the cue rest of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 6 is another end elevational view of the cue rest of Fig. 1 in use,

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the cue rest of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cue rest according to the invention,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the cue rest of fig. 8,

Fig. 10 is a side on view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of a cue rest of the present invention,

Fig. 11 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of a further embodiment of the cue rest of the present invention showing rotation restraining means,

Fig. 12 is a side on exploded view of a portion of the embodiment of Fig. 11, showing rotation restraining means,

Fig. 13 is a rear view of the intermediate connecting means of the embodiment of the cue rest of Fig. 11 showing the first rotation restraining member,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the first rotation restraining member of the embodiment of the cue rest of Fig. 13, Fig. 15 is a front view of the cruciform structure of the embodiment of the cue rest of Fig. 11 showing the second rotation restraining member,

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the second rotation restraining member of the embodiment of the cue rest of Fig. 15,

Fig. 17 is a side on view of one embodiment of an axial bolt for use with various embodiments of the present invention,

Fig. 18 is a part-sectional side on exploded view of a portion of another embodiment of the cue rest of the present invention, showing rotation restraining means,

Fig. 19 (a) - (c) rear, side on and front view of one embodiment of an axial bolt for use with various embodiments of the present invention,

Fig. 20 is a side on view of the spring urging means of the embodiment of the cue rest of Fig. 18,

Fig. 21 is a front view of a portion of the cruciform structure of an alternative embodiment of the cue rest of the present invention,

Fig. 22 is a cross sectional side and front view of the cruciform structure of one embodiment of the cue rest,

Fig. 23 is a front perspective view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the cue rest of the present invention, and

Fig. 24 is a front perspective view of a portion of an another embodiment of the cue rest of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to the figures 1-7, there is illustrated a cue rest according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, for cradling a cue in a game of snooker, billiards, or indeed pool, or such other games in which a cue ball is struck by a cue.

The cue rest 1 comprises an elongated shaft 2, typically of wood, but may be of any other suitable material, for example, plastics material or the like. The shaft 2 defines a longitudinally extending central axis 4, and a table engaging means, namely, a pair of table engaging members 5 is coupled to the shaft 2 by an intermediate connecting means 7. Referring now to figures 1-7, one embodiment of the intermediate connecting means 7 is of an intermediate connecting member of arcuate shape.

The intermediate connecting member 7 is of brass, and at one end 3 extends into an axial bore 8 in the shaft 2, and is secured therein. The table engaging members 5 are also of brass, and a threaded spigot 9 extending from the table engaging members 5 pivotally engages the intermediate connecting member 7 at the other end 6 thereof, for facilitating pivoting of the table engaging members 5 relative to the intermediate connecting member 7. A wing nut

10 secures the table engaging members 5 to the intermediate connecting member 7 at a desired relative orientation.

A cue engaging means, namely, a pair of cue engaging members

11 is integrally formed also of brass with the table engaging members 5 in the form of a cruciform unit. In this embodiment of the invention the interconnecting member 7 is secured to the shaft 2 so that the respective ends 3 and 6 are in alignment with the shaft axis 4, and in particular, the threaded spigot 9 about which the table engaging members 5 and the cue engaging members 11 are pivotally connected to the intermediate connecting member 7 is axially aligned with the shaft axis 4, so that the table engaging members 5 and the cue engaging members 11 are pivotal about the shaft axis 2.

The intermediate connecting member 7 of figures 1-7 is of arcuate shape so that the cue rest 1 may be rested on the table with the table engaging members 5 adjacent the cue ball irrespective of whether the cue ball is obstructed by other balls in play on the table. For example, if one or more balls in play are located adjacent the cue ball to the rear thereof, when one considers the line of sight of the cue ball with the next ball on the table to be played, the table engaging members 5 can be rested on the table immediately behind the cue ball, and the arcuate shape of the intermediate connecting member 7 avoids the ball or balls to the rear of the cue ball. Accordingly, in this way, the cue rest can be rested on the table with the table engaging members 5 adjacent the cue ball, and with the shaft 2 extending substantially parallel to the table without interfering with any of the balls in play, see Figs. 2, 4, 5 and 7.

Alternatively, the cue rest 1 may be rested on the table with the table engaging members 5 adjacent the cue ball, but with the intermediate connecting member 7 angled relative to the table surface about the shaft axis as illustrated in Fig. 6, so that the connecting member 7 clears the top of an obstructing ball or balls, as illustrated in Fig. 6. To use the cue rest 1 with the intermediate connecting member 7 angled as illustrated in Fig. 6, the wing nut 10 is slackened and the spigot 9 is rotated in the intermediate connecting member 7 until the table engaging members 5 and the intermediate connecting member 7 are oriented relative to each other, so that when the table engaging members 5 are rested on the table, the intermediate connecting member 7 is angled about the shaft axis 4 relative to the table surface at the desired angle. When the table engaging members 5 and the intermediate connecting member 7 are oriented relative to each other at the desired angle, the wing nut 10 is tightened, thus securing the table engaging members 5 at the desired orientation relative to the intermediate connecting member 7.

Use of the cue rest of the embodiment illustrated in figures 1-7 thereafter is similar to a conventional cue rest, with the exception that the cue rest 1 can be located with the table engaging members 5 and the cue engaging members 11 located behind and adjacent the cue ball with the intermediate connecting member clearing any obstructing balls in play which are behind the cue ball.

While the intermediate connecting member 7 has been described as being of arcuate shape, the intermediate connecting member may be of any suitable shape, provided it is shaped to avoid obstructions adjacent the cue ball. For example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the intermediate connecting member 7 may be formed by a pair of spaced apart transverse cross-members extending transversely of the shaft axis, one of which would extend from the shaft, and the other from the table engaging member, and the respective transverse cross-members would be joined by a longitudinally extending member which would extend parallel to the shaft axis but spaced apart therefrom. With reference to figures 8 and 9, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is described. The intermediate connecting means is an intermediate connecting member 7a of half-bottle shape.

By half-bottle shape we mean the shape of a typical Bordeaux wine bottle silhouette, halved along its central longitudinal axis. The term 'half-bottle shape' as applied to the embodiment of figures 8 and 9 therefore defines a short horizontal line (6a) set substantially perpendicular to a longer vertical line (12) , with the vertical line extending into a curved line which terminates in a straight line set substantially parallel with the vertical line, that lies along the axis of a perpendicular line 4 at the other end of the horizontal line.

As shown in the drawings, this shape is formed by a short transverse cross-member (6a) extending transversely of the shaft axis from the table engaging member and connected at one end to a longitudinally extending member (12a) extending parallel to the shaft axis (4) and spaced apart therefrom, with the longitudinally extending member (12a) extending into a curved portion (12b) which curves towards the shaft axis and terminates in a straight end portion (3a) set substantially parallel with the longitudinal member (12a) and lying along the shaft axis which is at the free end of the transverse cross-member.

The intermediate connecting member 7a has one end 3a connected to the shaft 2 and the other end 6a connecting with the table engaging members 5 and a median portion 12 between them. From one end 3a, the curved median portion 12b is curved away from the axial bore and is formed continuously with the longitudinal median portion 12a, which is substantially straight and parallel to the axial bore 4. The other end 6a of the intermediate member 7a is perpendicular to the longitudinal median portion 12 and the axial bore 4.

This embodiment permits the user to lay the cue rest along the flat median portion 12a of the intermediate connecting member 7a, thereby raising the height of the cue engaging members 11 from the playing surface, providing a greater diversity of use for the invention during play, and therefore obviating the need for numerous cue rests in order to fulfil the player's requirements.

Figure 10 shows one embodiment of the intermediate connecting means (7) . The end (3) may be attached to the shaft (2) by means of a screw thread provided at the end (3) which is engagable with a threaded cavity in the axial bore (8) of the shaft.

As shown variously in figures 11-22, different embodiments of selective orientation or rotation restraining means (14) are provided. Figure 11 shows a further embodiment in which rotation restraining means are provided by a first member (15) on the intermediate connecting means (7) and a second member (16) located on the cruciform structure (22) , of which the table engaging means (5) is a part. As seen, particularly in figures 12 and 18, an axial bolt (13) (see figures 17 and 19) is threaded through the central aperture (24) of the cruciform structure (22) and connects to the threaded cavity (24) of the intermediate connecting means (7) ( not shown in figure 12, see figure 18) by means of the threaded portion (27) of the axial bolt (13) , and in doing so urges the first rotation restraining member (15) and the second rotation restraining member (16) together. The first and second rotating members are spring urged by a spring means (17) . In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the spring means (17) is a spring washer.

Figs. 13 and 14 show the first rotation restraining member

(15) fixed on the portion (6b) at the end of the intermediate connecting means (7) . Two engaging protrusions (18) are provided on the disc-shaped face of the first rotation restraining member (15) in diametrically opposing positions. While the protrusions (18) are shown in figs. 13 and 14 as substantially hemi-cylindrical, it will be appreciated that a number of alternative shapes and arrangements may be employed. Also, while two diametrically opposing protrusions are shown in figs. 13 and 14, it will be appreciated that a number of protrusions, including one, may be employed and these may be located about the face of the first rotation restraining member. A central aperture (23a) is provided to permit the axial bolt (13) to pass through the central aperture into the threaded cavity (23) to engage with the boss portion (25) of the intermediate connecting member (7) .

Figs. 15 and 16 show the second rotation restraining member

(16) fixed on the front of the table engaging means (5) , which is represented as forming the cruciform structure

(22) . In the embodiment of figure 18, the second rotation restraining member (16) is integrally formed with the cruciform structure. Eight indentations (21) are provided on the face of the second rotation restraining member (16) in a 'star' or 'fan' arrangement, i.e. the indentations (21) extend radially and are in diametrically opposing positions. Again, it will be appreciated that many other suitable arrangements and numbers of indentations may be used. In use, these indentations (21) are compatible with the protrusions (18) of the first rotation restraining member. A central aperture (24a) is provided on the second rotation restraining member to permit the axial bolt (13) passing through the central aperture (23) of the cruciform structure to pass through the second rotation restraining member. Figure 22 also shows vinyl caps (30) located at the ends of the table engaging members (5) and the cue engaging members (11) •

When the protrusions (18) of the first rotation restraining member come into contact with the indentations (21) of the second rotation restraining member, the relative position of the table engaging member (5) and the intermediate member (7, 7a) is releasably secured into place. Further rotation of table engaging member (5) about the shaft axis (4) allows the process to be repeated or reversed, permitting the user to select the desired configuration of the apparatus. This feature prevents the intermediate table engaging member (7a) slipping from its desired position during play and striking adjacent balls, (figure 6) .

In use, the incremental pivoting position of the intermediate connecting member relative to the table engaging means may be selected by a gentle pulling action of the table engaging means, generally in the direction away from the intermediate connecting member, to operate a quick release mechanism. This results in the first and second rotation restraining members becoming disengaged and the protrusions (18) emerging from the indentations (21) sufficiently clear of the indentations to permit rotation of the first rotation restraining member relative to the second rotation restraining member. Once the relative position of the table engaging means and intermediate connecting means has been selected, the table engaging means may be released and the spring washer (17) will urge the second rotation restraining means (16) against the first rotation restraining means (15) thereby locking the protrusions (18) into place in the indentations (21) This then releasably secures the position of the intermediate connecting member (7) relative to the table engaging means.

As shown in Figure 18, the transverse cross member (6a) of the intermediate connecting means (7) is provided with a boss (25) extending substantially along the shaft axis (4) and in the direction away from the first end (3) . The boss is provided with a threaded cavity (23) into which the axial bolt may be secured. The axial bolt (13) is shown in Figs. 17 and 19. The bolt comprises a threaded portion (27), adapted to engage with the threaded cavity (24) a median portion (28) which is substantially smooth and on which the internal surfaces of the central aperture (23) of the cruciform structure (22) is free to rotate, and a front cap (29) adapted to engage with the spring means (17) and permit the axial bolt be screwed into place.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the spring means (17) is a coiled spring, similar to the spring means shown in Fig. 22. This embodiment is further provided with a recess (26) in the surface of the cruciform structure to permit the top of the axial bolt to lie substantially flush with the front of the cruciform structure when the apparatus is assembled. Referring now to figures 23 and 24, further embodiments are described. The cruciform shape of the cue engaging members 11 and table engaging members 5 defines four angles 19. A curved cue support 20 is integrally formed within one of the angles 19. The cue support 20 prevents the cue being engaged by the cue engaging members 11 at the narrowest possible point of contact of the angle 19. It will be appreciated that while the embodiment of figure 13 shows a cue support that is detachably mounted by means of engaging between the table engaging means 5 and the intermediate connecting means 7a, other embodiments are possible, such as clip on cue supports, for example, wherein the cue support is provided with means to detachably clip onto the cue engaging members .

The present embodiment of cue support (20) is illustrated as integrally formed from brass with the cue engaging members 11 and table engaging members (5) , however, detachable varieties made of brass, metals, alloys, plastics or the like are also possible.

A further embodiment of cue support is shown in Figs. 21 and 22. The angles (19a, 19b) created by the cruciform structure (22) are not 90°; rather angles (19a) are greater than 90° and provide a curved cue support surface whereas angles

(19b) are less than 90°. This provides a further option to the user; use of the cue rest with angles (19a) aligned vertically over the horizontal table provides a low and broad cradle like cue support, whereas if the cruciform structure (22) is rotated about the shaft axis such that angles (19b) are aligned vertically, the player is provided with a cue support angle at a greater height above the playing surface. The height of the cue as it sits in the cue engaging support can be further increased by placing the intermediate connecting member of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-11 along the table surface, as previously described.

Furthermore, while various embodiments of the invention may comprise a separate axial bolt 13 to connect the table engaging means to the intermediate connecting member 7, 7a, such as by a threaded spigot 9, other variants are possible, for example, in which the axial bolt 13 is integrally formed from the end 6, 6a of the intermediate connecting member 7, 7a and also may be formed integrally with a cue support or one of the members of the rotational restraining means .

While the table and cue engaging members and the intermediate connecting member have been described as being of brass material, they may be of any other suitable material, for example, other metals, alloys, plastics material or the like.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, which may be varied in construction and detail.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words

"having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is intended to set forth the exemplifications of the invention which are not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims .

Claims

Claims

1. A cue rest comprising an elongated shaft defining a central longitudinally extending shaft axis, a table engaging means, and an intermediate connecting means connecting the table engaging means with the shaft, the intermediate connecting means being shaped for avoiding an obstruction on the table adjacent a location where the table engaging means is to engage the table.

2. A cue rest as claimed in claim 1 wherein the intermediate connecting means extends between two spaced apart ends, one end being connected to the shaft, and the other end being connected to the table engaging means .

3. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the two ends of the intermediate connecting means are aligned with each other and with the shaft axis .

. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the intermediate connecting means comprises an elongated intermediate connecting member extending between the shaft and the table engaging means .

5. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the intermediate connecting member is spaced apart from the shaft axis .

6. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the intermediate connecting member is formed by a pair of spaced apart transverse cross members, one of which extends from the shaft and the other extending from the table engaging member, and the respective transverse cross members are joined by a longitudinally extending member which extends parallel to the shaft axis but spaced apart therefrom.

7. A cue rest as claimed in any claim 6 wherein at least one of the cross members is curved.

8. A cue rest as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein at least one of the cross members is substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis.

9. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 1-7 wherein the intermediate connecting member is of arcuate shape.

10. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 1-8 wherein the intermediate connecting member and the shaft axis substantially define a quadrilateral shape.

11. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 1-8 wherein the intermediate connecting member and the shaft axis substantially define a triangle.

12. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 1-8 wherein the intermediate connecting member substantially is of half- bottle shape .

13. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a cue engaging means for cradling a cue extends from the table engaging means .

14. A cue rest as claimed any preceding claim wherein the table engaging means is adjustably mounted to the intermediate connecting means.

15. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the table engaging means is pivotally connected to the intermediate connecting means.

16. A cue rest as claimed in claim 15 wherein the table engaging means is pivotable about the shaft axis.

17. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 14-16 having means for securing the table engaging means to the intermediate connecting means at a desired relative orientation.

18. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 14-17 wherein a friction connection is provided between the table engaging means and the intermediate connecting member for facilitating selective orientation of the table engaging means relative to the intermediate connecting member.

19. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 14-18 wherein the means for securing the table engaging and the cue engaging members to the intermediate connecting member permits incremental pivoting of the table engaging members relative to the intermediate connecting member.

20. A cue rest as claimed in claim 19 wherein the table engaging member is releasably securable by a quick release mechanism to the intermediate connecting member in each selected incremental position.

21. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim provided with a rotation restraining means to restrain the rotational movement of the table engaging member relative to the intermediate connecting member.

22. A cue rest as claimed in claim 21 wherein the rotation restraining means comprises a first member and a second member, wherein at least a portion of the first member is adapted to releasably engage with at least a portion of the second member.

23. A cue rest as claimed in claim 22 wherein the first and second rotation restraining members are each located on one of the group consisting of the table engaging means, the cue engaging means, the intermediate connecting means or the axial bolt .

24. A cue rest as claimed in claim 23 wherein one of the members is fixed to the table engaging means and the other member is fixed to the intermediate connecting means.

25. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-24 wherein the rotation restraining means is spring urged, preferably by means of a compression spring.

26. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-25 wherein the compression spring is located on the axial bolt.

27. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-26 wherein the axial bolt is independently formed.

28. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-26 wherein the axial bolt is integrally formed with at least one of the group consisting of the intermediate connecting means, the table engaging means or the cue engaging means .

29. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-28 wherein the first rotation restraining member comprises at least one protrusion and the second rotation restraining member comprises a plurality of indentations adapted to receive the protrusion (s) .

30. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-29 wherein the rotation restraining means is spring urged by means of a spring washer located on the axial bolt urging the first and second rotation restraining members together.

31. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 21-29 wherein the rotation restraining means is spring urged by means of a coil spring located on the axial bolt urging the first and second rotation restraining members together.

32. A cue rest as claimed in any of claims 13 to 31 wherein the table engaging means comprises two arms and the cue engaging means comprises two arms and the arms are arranged in a cruciform structure, the arms defining angles therebetween.

33. A cue rest as claimed in Claim 32 wherein a cue support is locatable within at least one of the angles of the cruciform structure.

34. A cue rest comprising an elongated shaft defining a central longitudinally extending shaft axis connected to a cruciform structure, wherein the cruciform structure is composed of a table engaging means comprising two arms and a cue engaging means comprising two arms, and the arms define angles therebetween, and a cue support is locatable within at least one of the angles of the cruciform structure.

35. A cue rest as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 34 wherein the cue support is independently formed.

36. A cue rest as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 34 wherein the cue support is integrally formed with at least one of intermediate connecting means or the cruciform structure or the cue engaging means .

37. A cue rest as claimed in any of Claims 33 to 35 wherein the cue support is detachably mountable on the cue engaging means .

38. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the intermediate connecting means is bendable or is provided with articulated joints.

39. A cue rest as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the intermediate connecting means is reversibly detachable from the shaft.

40. A kit for a cue rest comprising a first cue rest as claimed in claim 39 and further comprising at least one item selected from the group consisting of a cue end, a second cue rest, a second shaft, an intermediate connecting means, a table engaging means or a cue engaging means, wherein the at least one additional item is adapted to reversibly engage with at least one feature of the first cue rest.

41. A cue support for a cue adapted to be adaptably mounted on the cue engaging means of a cue rest .

42. A cue rest substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of figures 1 to 24.

43. A cue support substantially as described herein with reference to any of figures 23 to 24.

TOMKINS & Co