GB2465165A

GB2465165A - Cue support

Info

Publication number: GB2465165A
Application number: GB0820306A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Maitland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-06
Filing date: 2008-11-06
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-06
Also published as: GB2465165B; GB0820306D0

Abstract

A cue support 10 comprises a cue support arm 12 and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 mounted to a cross member 18 and rest means for placing on a snooker or pool table 15. Preferably, the rest means includes a pair of legs 20, 22 disposed at the ends of the cross member 18. The cue support (30, Figure 2) may have four legs (34, 36, Figure 2) and the cue support arm (12, Figure 2) and first and second cue guidance means (14, 16, Figure 2) can be pivotally mounted to a cross member (32, Figure 2) of the rest means. The cue support (40, Figure 3) may have a base structure for resting on the edge of a snooker table and the cue support arm (12, Figure 2) and first and second cue guidance means (14, 16, Figure3) can be pivotally mounted to a cross member (42, Figure 3) of the base structure.

Description

Title: Cue Support The present invention relates to a cue support and particularly but not exclusively to a cue support for supporting the end of a cue.

Baekgound to the Invention In the games of pooi, snooker and similar related games, it is known to provide a cue support, known as a rest or spider, for supporting a cue to assist a player in making a difficult shot. Typically a rest or spider is used when the cue ball has to played at a distance which is too far from the edge of the table for the player to be able to use his or her hand as a cue support. The player may also play with an extended cue in order to be able to play the shot.

A typical spider comprises two members, approximately 80mm long, disposed perpendicularly to one-another through their mid-points to form a cross. The spider is attached to a cane, disposed perpendicular to the plane of the spider at its centre enabling the spider to be positioned close to the cue ball. In well known manner, the cue is supported above the centre of the spider and between two adjacent members of the cross. The spider may also take the form of a substantially flat member having guide slots provided in an upper edge thereof, on which the cue can be supported.

A spider of the type described is suitable for use by able-bodied players and requires that the cane to which the spider is attached he carefully held or positioned close to the cue ball, whilst the shot be taken using the cue in usual manner.

It is an object of the invention to provide a cue support suitable for use by less able-bodied or disabled players.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a cue support comprising a cue support arm, first and second cue guidance means and rest means for placing on a snooker or pool table.

The invention is advantageous because a cue can be supported in two positions by the first and second guidance means. Furthermore the cue can rest on the cue support arm.

Preferably the cue support arm is a substantially straight member, which is curved and concave in cross-section and provides an open channel for guiding a cue.

Preferably the first and second cue guidance means each comprises a body having a substantially circular aperture therethrough for receiving a cue.

Preferably the first and second cue guidance means comprise first and second circular hoops disposed at respective ends of the cue support arm. This is advantageous because when a cue is positioned through both hoops, the cue support can be lifted on the cue, and positioned on a table, for example, a pool or snooker table, for making a shot. Furthermore the cue support can be lifted on the cue and placed, as desired, with only one hand.

Preferably one end of the cue support arm is attached to a cross member, disposed substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the cue support arm.

Preferably first and second legs are provided at the respective distal ends of the cross member and extend substantially perpendicularly thereto.

The distal ends of the legs may be coated with a plastics or rubber coating to prevent the legs from damaging the felt surface of a snooker or pool table.

The legs, cross member and at least one of the hoops may be integrally formed.

In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends of the cross member are mounted to respective foot structures, each foot structure including a pair of legs disposed at opposite ends of a central support member.

This embodiment is advantageous because the cue support is substantially self-supporting on its four legs.

Preferably the cue support arm and first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis parallel with the central axis of the cross member. The pivotal axis may be aligned with the central axis of the cross member.

Preferably the legs and central support member are integrally formed.

In a third preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross member is mounted to a base structure, the base structure having a base portion for resting on a table and a location portion extending substantially perpendicularly downwards from the base portion for resting against the edge of the table.

This embodiment is advantageous because the cue support can be positioned on the edge of a snooker or pool table and a cue ball can be struck, from a position resting against the snooker table cushion. Furthermore, the location portion rests against the outer edge of the table and ensures that the cue support does not move inwardly on to the table, when playing a shot.

Preferably the base portion includes first and second spaced members. The first and second spaced members may be parallel.

Preferably the location portion includes at least one member for resting against the edge of the table. The member may be a substantially flat plate.

Preferably the cue support arm and first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis parallel with the central axis of the cross member.

Preferably the cue support arm, and the first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cross member.

At least part of the base structure may be coated with a plastics or rubber coating.

Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of cue support resting on a snooker table and guiding a cue; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of cue support resting on a snooker table and guiding a cue; and Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of cue support resting on a side edge of a snooker table and guiding a cue.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of cue support is indicated generally at 10. The cue support 10 includes a cue support arm 12, and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 disposed at respective ends of the cue support arm 12. The cue support arm 12 is a substantially straight member, which is curved in cross-section and provides an open concave channel for guiding a cue 11. The first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 are formed as loops, through which the cue 11 can pass. The first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 also serve as lifting means, by which the cue support 10 can be lifted as described further below.

The first cue guidance means 14 is connected to a rest means for placing on a snooker table 15. The term "snooker table" is intended to include within its scope any snooker, pooi or billiards table on which balls are struck by means of a cue. The rest means includes a cross member 18, disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cue support arm 12. First and second legs 20, 22 are provided at the respective distal ends of the cross member and extend substantially perpendicularly thereto. The first and second legs 20, 22 are formed integrally with the cross member 18 to form an inverted U-shape. The sides and ends of the legs 20,22 are coated with a plastics or rubber coating 24 to prevent the legs from damaging the felt surface of the snooker table 15.

In use, the snooker cue 11 is passed through the second and then the first cue guidance means 16, 14. With the cue 11 held substantially horizontal, the cue support 10 can then be lifted and placed on the snooker table 15 in a desired position, for example, close to a cue ball 26. The cue support 10 is supported by the first and second cue guidance means 14, 16, when lifted. The bottoms of the legs 20,22 rest on the surface of the snooker table, and the cue 11 holds the cue support at a desired angle by virtue of the cue guidance means. A player can easily alter the angle of the cue to impact higher or lower on the cue ball, by simply raising or lowering the rear end of the cue 11. The cue support 10 turns on its legs as the cue is moved. This cue support 10 is particularly useful for making shots where it is necessary to reach over one or more other balls to reach the cue ball, as shown in Figure 1.

The movement of the cue support 10 onto the table 15 can be carried out by a player using only one hand and can also be carried out from a seated position, such as in a wheel chair. The invention is therefore highly advantageous for people with injuries, or disabilities, because it enables them to play snooker or another cued game, which otherwise they may not be able to play.

Referring now to Figure 2, a second preferred embodiment of a cue support is indicated generally at 30. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts in common with the first embodiment. The cue support 30 comprises a cue support arm 12, and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 disposed at respective ends of the cue support arm 12. As in the first embodiment, the cue guidance means 14 is mounted to a cross member 32. save that the cue support arm 12 and first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member 32 about an axis parallel with the central axis of the cross member. The angular movement of the cue support arm 12 relative to the cross member 32 is indicated by arrow A. The cross member 32 is mounted to foot structures disposed at the distal ends of the cross member. Each foot structure is formed from an integral piece of tubular bar and is formed with two substantially vertical legs 34, 36 separated by a central part 38 in the manner of an inverted U-shape. As in the first embodiment the sides and ends of the legs 32, 34 are coated with a plastics or rubber coating 24 to prevent the legs from damaging the felt surface of the snooker table 15.

In use, the second embodiment of cue support 30 is used in the same way as the first embodiment of cue support 10. The cue support 30 can be lifted on the cue 11 and placed on the snooker table 15, in a desired position. Movement of the cue 11 from side to side causes the legs to be moved on the table 15, but as the cue is angled up and down, the cue support arm 12, and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 rotate relative to the foot structures as shown by arrow A. This cue support 30 is most suitable for making shots where the cue ball is unobstructed by other balls as shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 3, a third preferred embodiment of a cue support is indicated generally at 40. The same reference numerals are used to designate parts in common with the first and second embodiments. As in the first two embodiments of cue support 10, 30, the cue support 40 includes a cue support arm 12, and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 disposed at respective ends of the cue support arm 12. As in the previous embodiments, this assembly is also mounted to a cross member 42, but the assembly is able to rotate relative to the cross member 42 about an axis aligned with the central axis of the cross member 42, as indicated by arrow A, and about an axis perpendicular to the central axis of the cross member 42, as indicated by arrow B. The cross member 42 is mounted on a base structure including two substantially parallel members 44, 46 forming a base portion. The members are adapted to lie flat on the upper surface 48 of the upstand provided around the periphery of the snooker table 15. A location portion, indicated at 50, extends perpendicularly downward from the distal ends of the parallel members 44, 46 and loops between them. A fiat plate 52 is mounted to the inside edges of the location portion 50 and is arranged to engage against the outer peripheral edge of the table 15, as viewed in use.

The cue support can be lifted on a cue 11 in exactly the same manner as the first and second embodiments of cue support 10, 30, and can be placed on the side of a table for the purpose of hitting a cue ball positioned adjacent a cushion 54 of the table 15.

The plate 52 of the location portion 50 rests against the edge of the table, as explained above, and prevents forward movement of the cue support 40 when the cue is moved forwards to play a shot. The position of the end of the cue 11 striking the cue ball is changed by moving the other end of the cue. The cue support arm 12, and first and second cue guidance means 14, 16 are capable of rotation about two perpendicular axes relative to the cross member 42. This freedom of movement combined with the ability to place the cue support 40 anywhere along the length of the side or end cushions enables the end of the cue to be accurately positioned to hit a cue ball in any position adjacent a cushion.

The three embodiments of cue support 10, 30, 40 are made from metal or metal alloy and are partially coated with plastics or rubber as described above. The cue supports may be made from other materials, but metallic materials are preferable because this gives the cue supports weight, which adds to their stability in use.

The combination of the three cue supports 10, 30,40 enables a disabled player to play all of the possible shots encountered in a game of pool or snooker or other similar game. The game can be played either from a standing position or from a wheelchair, and can also be played one handed. In particular, soldiers returning from combat zones often have debilitating injuries such as loss of limbs, which prevent them from enjoying simple pleasures, such as playing snooker and pooi. The cue supports 10, 30, 40 enable many injured soldiers to enjoy these games in spite of their injuries.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cue support comprising a cue support arm, first and second cue guidance means and rest means for placing on a snooker or pool table.
2. A cue support as claimed in claim 1, in which the cue support arm is a substantially straight member.
3. A cue support as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the cue support arm is curved in cross-section and provides an open channel for guiding a cue.
4. A cue support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second cue guidance means each comprises a body having a substantially circular aperture therethrough for receiving a cue.
5. A cue support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second cue guidance means comprise first and second circular hoops disposed at respective ends of the cue support arm.
6. A cue support as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one end of the cue support arm is attached to a cross member, disposed substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the cue support arm.
7. A cue support as claimed in claim 6, in which first and second legs are provided at the respective distal ends of the cross member and extend substantially perpendicularly thereto.
8. A cue support as claimed in claim 7, in which the distal ends of the legs are coated with a plastics or rubber coating.
9. A cue support as claimed in claim 7 or 8, in which the legs, cross member and at least one of the hoops are integrally formed.
10. A cue support as claimed in claim 6, in which the ends of the cross member are mounted to respective foot structures, each foot structure including a pair of legs disposed at opposite ends of a central support member.
11. A cue support as claimed in claim 10, in which the cue support arm and first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis parallel with the central axis of the cross member.
12. A cue support as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which the legs and central support member are integrally formed.
13. A cue support as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the distal ends of the legs are coated with a plastics or rubber coating.
14. A cue support as claimed in claim 6, in which the cross member is mounted to a base structure, the base structure having a base portion for resting on a table and a location portion extending substantially perpendicularly downwards from the base portion for resting against the edge of the table.
15. A cue support as claimed in claim 14, in which the base portion includes first and second spaced members.
16. A cue support as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which the location portion includes at least one member for resting against the edge of the table.
17. A cue support as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, in which the cue support arm and first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis parallel with the central axis of the cross member.
18. A cue support as claimed in claim 17, in which in which the cue support arm, and the first and second cue guidance means are pivotally mounted to the cross member about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cross member.
19. A cue support as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, in which at least part of the base structure is coated with a plastics or rubber coating.
20. A cue support substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.