US20080197090A1

US20080197090A1 - Telescoping cue holder

Info

Publication number: US20080197090A1
Application number: US11/706,889
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas E. Goff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-15
Filing date: 2007-02-15
Publication date: 2008-08-21

Abstract

A telescopic pool stick holder includes upper and lower blocks which may be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance purposes. A telescopic member is arranged between the blocks such that either block or the telescopic member may be easily replaced. Each end of the telescopic member is detachable from a respective block and replaceable.

Description

There are no related patent applications.
The present application did not receive any federal research and development funding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an accessory item for securing a pool stick or billiard cue. More specifically, the invention is a telescopic stick or cue holder for detachably securing the stick or cue to a stationary item such as a table or chair. The device includes an upper block having at least one pair of biased arms on one side for receiving a tip end of the pool or billiard stick. An adjustable position clamp is attached to an opposite side of the upper block for allowing the device to be coupled to the stationary item and oriented at an angle relative to the stationary item such that the stick may be oriented in a desired manner causing the stick to be easily recognizable across a crowded room. A telescopic coupler attaches at one end to a lower end of the upper block to couple it to a lower block. The lower block includes at least one indentation for accepting a back end of stick. In this manner, the tip end of the stick is forced between the biased arms while the back end of the stick rests within the indentation. In another embodiment, additional pairs of biased arms are provided on the upper block and an equal number of complementary indentations are provided on the lower block for securing other sticks.
Pool or and billiard games are played with sticks or cues typically having a tip end that includes a tip. A player takes a turn by holding a stick in a desire manner such that the tip end is oriented nearer a cue ball than the back end of the stick. The player then aims the cue ball at another ball and attempts to propel the cue ball into the other ball to cause it to be deposited into an opening. This is commonly referred to as taking a “shot.”
In between shots or games, a player sometimes sets the stick aside. The player may lean the stick against a wall by first placing the back end of the stick on the floor and thereafter leaning the tip end of the stick against the wall. Alternatively, the tip end of the stick may be rested against a chair or other stationary object or rested in a corner of the room where the game of pool is being played.
Leaning or resting the tip of the stick against a wall or other stationary object may cause damage to the tip. Moreover, leaning the stick may cause the stick to become crooked. Using a crooked stick causes shots to be missed and detracts from the playing of the game.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an expandable pool stick holder that prevents a tip on the pool stick from being damaged. Moreover, the instant invention advantageously prevents the stick from becoming crooked.
In one embodiment, a telescopic stick holder comprises an upper block having stick securing means that preferably comprises a pair of biased arms extending from one side thereof. The biased arms are arranged a distance apart from one another to accommodate a tip end of a pool stick. Each biased arm includes a base end, a free end, and a curved region. The distance between the free ends of the biased arms is shorter than the distance between the base ends.
The telescopic stick holder comprises a lower block having an upper surface or face. The upper surface includes at least one indentation for receiving a back end of the stick for playing pool or billiards. It should be noted that the upper surface area of the lower block may be expanded to include multiple indentations for accommodating bases from a plurality of pool sticks.
A telescopic member detachably fastens between the upper block and the lower block. The telescopic member includes a plurality of spring biased fasteners that couple each end of the telescopic member to one of either the upper block or the lower block.
A fastening device is provided on one side of the upper block for coupling the expandable pool stick holder to a stationary object such as a lip or ledge of a pool or billiard table. The fastening device is-preferably a screw actuated clamp that includes an angle adjustment means for orienting the pool stick holder relative to the stationary object at an angle. That is, the stick may be tilted in a particular angle that is readily apparent from across the room. Alternatively, the pool stick holder may be fastened to a side or arm of a chair.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a pool stick holder that will allow a player to take special care of unique individualized pools sticks by allowing the sticks to be placed in an individualized pool stick holder.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a pool stick holder having a clamp that includes an angle orientating device that may hold a pool stick at a desired angle relative to the object to which the pool stick holder is attached.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a pool stick holder that informs others that the stick is being used by another while ensuring a more enjoyable pool or billiards game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pool stick holder securing a pool stick to a lip of a pool table.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the pool stick holder in a collapsed state. FIG. 2B is a front view of the pool stick holder taken from a side. FIG. 2C is a cross section view of the pool stick holder in a collapsed state and taken from line F-F of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the pool stick holder in an expanded state. FIG. 3B is a front view of the pool stick holder shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a side view of the pool stick holder. FIG. 3D is a cross section view of the pool stick holder.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an upper block of the pool stick holder. FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the upper block taken from a rear side. FIG. 4C is a back view of the upper block in a disassembled state. FIG. 4D is an overhead view of the top block with the insert removed. FIG. 4E is an overhead view of the insert of the top block. FIG. 4F is a front view of the upper block. FIG. 4G is a back view of the upper block. FIG. 4H is a side view of the upper block. FIG. 4I is an overhead view of the upper block. FIG. 4J is a bottom view of the upper block. FIG. 4K is a cross section view of the upper block taken from line A-A of FIG. 4H. FIG. 4L is a cross section view of the upper block taken from line C-C of FIG. 4H.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the bottom block in a disassembled state such that the bottom insert is removed. FIG. 5B is a top view of the bottom block with the bottom insert removed. FIG. 5C is an overhead view of the bottom insert. FIG. 5D is a front view of the bottom block. FIG. 5E is a back view of the bottom block. FIG. 5F is a side view of the bottom block. FIG. 5G is a cross section view taken from line B-B of FIG. 5F. FIG. 5H is a cross section view taken from line D-D of FIG. 5F. FIG. 5I is a bottom view of the bottom block. FIG. 5J is an overhead view of the bottom block in an assembled state.

FIG. 6A is side view of the upper end of the telescoping member. FIG. 6B is a side view of the lower end of the telescoping member. FIG. 6C is an overhead view of the upper end of the telescoping member. FIG. 6D is perspective view of the upper end of the telescoping member. FIG. 6E is a bottom view of the lower end of the telescoping member.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a preferred fastening device for fastening the pool stick holder to a stationary object. FIG. 7B is a front view of the clamp and showing a clip attachment. An extended member is fastened or formed as part of the upper block and includes a fastening flange having indentations for rotating the fastening device and securing it at an angle to the pool stick holder. FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the fastening device and clip. FIG. 7D is a cross section view of the clip and showing its adjustable relationship to the upper block.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of pool stick holder securing a plurality of pool sticks to a chair.

FIG. 9A is a first holder attached to the upper block for securing the pool stick. FIG. 9B is a second holder attached to the upper block for securing the pool stick. FIG. 9C is a third holder attached to the upper block for securing the pool stick.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are more fully explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and set forth in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the features of one embodiment may be employed with the other embodiments as the skilled artisan recognizes, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and techniques may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments set forth herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the telescoping stick holder 1 attached to a lip of pool table 100 and holding stick 76 in a vertical orientation. The stick holder includes an upper block 3 having a front face and a rear face. A stick securing means or holder 5 is provided on the front face 7 of the upper block 3, as more clearly shown in FIG. 2A. The various holders 5 are shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. A clamping mechanism 61 is arranged on a back face 8 of the upper block 5, as more clearly shown in FIG. 3C. The clamping mechanism 61 is more clearly shown in FIG. 7A and 7C and affixes the upper block 3 to a fixed object such as the pool table 100 of FIG. 1 or the chair 101 of FIG. 8. A telescoping member 51 extends from a bottom face of upper block 3 and downward to a back half of an upper face of lower block 33. The upper face of the lower block 33 includes an indentation 35 as more clearly shown in FIG. 2A. In this manner, the back end 79 of the pool stick 76 rests against this indentation 35. As shown in FIG. 1, the front end 77 of pool stick 76 is arranged at a higher elevation than back end 79.
Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the stick holder 1 is shown in a collapsed state. In a collapsed state, the upper block 3 is stacked onto the lower block 33 in a stepwise manner as shown in FIG. 2A. As clearly recognized by the skilled artisan, the length between the front face and the back face of the upper block 3 is shorter than the length between the front face and the back face of the lower block 33. In this manner, the surface area of a side defined between the front face and the back face of the lower block is greater than that of the upper block. Each block includes a cavity, denoted as 4 and 34 in FIG. 2C. Respective ends 25, 55 of telescoping member 51 are retained within the respective cavities. The entire telescoping member 51 is stored within these cavities 4, 34 when the stick holder 1 is in a collapsed state such that individual segments in the telescoping member are nested within one another as shown. Openings 19A, 19B open into cavities 4, 34 and include respective lips that form a square cavity arranged at respective ends of cavities 4, 34.
The stick holder 1 is shown in an expanded state in FIGS. 3A-3D. The clamping mechanism 60 includes an upper jaw interior surface area 77A and a lower jaw interior surface area 77B that are coupled together view a threaded stud 68 that extends from the upper jaw 63. A wing nut 67 is threaded onto the threaded stud 68 to cause the distance between the interior surface areas of the jaws 77A, 77B to vary as desired. Preferably, each jaw includes an end region distal from the upper block that is flattened as shown in FIG. 3C. A region of each jaw nearer the upper block includes a curved portion as shown. In this manner, the clamping mechanism may be secured to a variety of fixed objects having different shapes. After a fixed surface is arranged between the interior surface area of the jaws 77A, 77B, the wing nut 67 is tightened to secure the stick holder 1 to the fixed surface.
FIGS. 4A-4L show the various views of the upper block 3 and its respective parts in assembled and disassembled states. As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper block 3 includes a block insert 15 that comprises a circular cutout region that contributes to defining circular opening 19A. A lip 11 is provided along this opening 19 to retain an upper end 25 of the telescoping member 51 within cavity 4 to form a square cavity into which opening 19A opens. A cavity that is substantially a complementary shape of block insert 15 less cavity 4 is provided in the upper block 3 such that when the block insert 15 is deposited therein, a clean exterior shape is created. A nameplate or other identifying indicia may be provided on an exterior surface of either the upper or lower blocks. Moreover, it should be noted that the exterior shape of either the upper block 3 or the lower block 33 may be formed in various geometric shapes other than the square or rectangular shape shown in the drawings.
The block insert 15 is fastened within the upper block by a pair of fasteners such as screws 23 and includes a clip insert 17. The fasteners extend through respective openings 13A in the block insert 15 and into complementary threaded openings 13B in the block 3 to fasten the block insert 15 into the block 3. The clip insert 17 extends from the insert 15 and includes a plurality of indentations 18 arranged on its face as shown. The indentations 18 accommodate a spherical knob 74 that is shown in FIG. 7C to allow the clamping mechanism 60 to be rotated relative to upper block 3. A ledge 11, clearly shown in FIG. 4C and represented as broken lines in FIGS. 4D and 4E, is provided along opening 19 to secure the upper end 25 within the upper block 3 when the block insert 15 is fixed within the block 3. An upper face of the block insert 15 is arranged against upper wall 21 of upper block 3. As shown by FIG. 4J, when fully assembled, the upper block 3 includes opening 19 which is preferably circular in shape.
FIGS. 5A-5J show various views of the lower block 33 in disassembled and assembled states. As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower block 33 includes an insert includes a block insert 45 that comprises a circular cutout region that contributes to defining a second circular opening 19B in the lower block 33. A lip 41 is provided along this opening 19B to retain a lower end 55 of the telescoping member 51 within cavity 34. A cavity 44 that is substantially a complementary shape of block insert 45 less cavity 34 is provided in the lower block 33 such that when the block insert 45 is deposited therein, a clean exterior shape is created in the lower block 33.
The block insert 45 is fastened within the lower block by a pair of fasteners such as screws 23. The fasteners extend through respective openings 13A in the block insert 45 and into complementary threaded openings 13B in the lower block 33 to fasten the block insert 45 into the block 33. The ledge 41, shown in FIG. 5A and represented as broken lines in FIGS. 5B and 5C, is provided along lower opening 19B to secure the lower end 55 within the lower block 33 when the block insert 45 is fixed within the block 33. An upper face of the block insert 45 is arranged against upper wall 43 of lower block 33. The broken lines in FIG. 5D represent the indentation 35 into which the base of the stick is deposited. As shown by FIG. 5J, when fully assembled, the lower block 33 includes opening 19B which is preferably circular in shape. One of the segments that form the telescoping member 51 passes through the circular opening. A cavity formed by the lip 41 is preferably in a square shape as represented by the broken lines in FIG. 5J. In the preferred embodiment, this square cavity is substantially the same shape as the lower end 55 of the telescoping member such that it is seated within the square cavity when the telescoping member is extended.
FIGS. 6A, 6C and 6D represent the upper end 25 of the telescoping member 51; whilst FIGS. 6B and 6E represent the lower end 55 of the telescoping member 51. The upper end 25 and the lower end 55 each include spring tensioned fasteners 27 which aid in preventing the ends from spinning within their respective cavity 4, 34. The spring tensioned fasteners 27 are forced into their respective end when the telescoping member is extended. When retracted, the spring tensioned fasteners 27 extend from the sides of their respective end. Each end 25, 55 is fastened to the telescoping member 51 via a fastener such as screw 23.
FIGS. 7A-7D depict the clamping mechanism 60 which includes a pair of jaws 63, 65 that are coupled together via a threaded stud 67 and wing nut 68. Each jaw 63, 65 includes an inner surface 77A and 77B that is shaped as mentioned above.
An adjustment means 69 includes a catch 73 and a solid semi-spherical button 74. A thumb or finger actuated release 70 is included on the adjustment means 69. When depressed, the release 70 causes the catch 73 to be retracted. The catch 73 is extended when the release is unconfined. In this manner, the clip insert 17 is slid into the adjustment means 69 through an open end and into the keyhole opening 90. When the button 74 mates with a particular detent 18, it is seated therein by the catch 73. The release 70 must be depressed to withdraw the clip insert 17 from within the keyhole opening 90. FIG. 7D shows the clip insert 17 arranged within the adjustment means 69. This operates in a similar fashion to some cellular telephone holsters that couples the phone to the belt or waistband of a user.
FIG. 8 shows an additional embodiment of the invention wherein a plurality of sticks are arranged and secured with a telescoping stick holder. In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism couples the upper block to a back of a chair 101. The upper block includes a plurality of stick securing means. A telescoping member is arranged between the upper and lower blocks as discussed above. The lower block is equipped with a plurality of indentations in which the base or butt end of the sticks rest.
FIGS. 9A-9C show the various types of stick securing means that may be attached to the upper block for retaining the stick. In a first instance as shown in FIG. 9A, the stick securing means or holder 5 comprises two biased arms that each includes an end that opens away from the opposite end on the opposite arm. A left arm is formed in substantially an S-shape as shown. A right arm is formed in substantially a backwards S-shape as shown. Each arm includes two curves. In FIG. 9B, a hoop of material 80 is provided. In this instance, an end of the pool stick is passed through the hoop and the back end of the stick rests within an indentation on the lower block. In FIG. 9C, the stick securing means includes a hinge 83 arranged between a fixed curved member 81 and a rotating curved member 82 such that the stick securing means may be opened and the stick deposited therein and thereafter closed. The stick may be removed from the stick securing means by simply opening the device and retrieving the stick.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in limiting sense. From the above disclosure of the general principles of the present invention and the preceding detailed description, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the various modifications to which the present invention is susceptible. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A telescopic stick holder comprising:

an upper block having a front side, a back side and a bottom side, said front side including a securing means for coupling a pool stick to the upper block;

a lower block having an upper surface that includes at least one indentation for receiving a back end of the stick for playing pool or billiards;

a telescopic member detachably fastened between the upper block and the lower block, said telescopic member includes a plurality of extensions that couple an end of the telescopic member to one of either the upper block or the lower block; and,

a clamping means attached to the back side of the upper block for securing the telescopic stick holder to a fixed object.

2. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 further comprising an upper block having a pair of biased arms extending from the front side thereof, the biased arms being arranged a distance apart to accommodate a tip end of a stick for playing pool or billiards, each biased arm having a base end and a free end and including a curved region such that the free ends of biased arms are closer to one another than the base ends.

3. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 wherein the upper block includes a hoop of material arranged on a front side that secures a stick to the upper block.

4. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 includes securing means that comprises a hinge arranged between a fixed curved member and a rotating curved member such that the securing means may be opened and a stick deposited therein and thereafter closed to couple the stick to the upper block.

5. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 wherein said upper block includes an a circular opening that opens into a cavity arranged within the upper block, said circular opening arranged within the bottom side for receiving an upper end of the telescoping member, said circular opening being partially formed by an upper block insert having a lip provided along the circular opening to retain the upper end of the telescoping member within the cavity, said upper block insert being fastened within the upper block by a pair of fasteners that extend through openings in the upper block insert and into complementary threaded openings arranged within the upper block.

6. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 wherein said lower block includes an a circular opening that opens into a cavity arranged within the lower block, said circular opening arranged within the upper surface for receiving a lower end of the telescoping member, said circular opening being partially formed by a lower block insert having a lip provided along the circular opening to retain the lower end of the telescoping member within the cavity, said lower block insert being fastened within the lower block by a pair of fasteners that extend through openings in the lower block insert and into complementary threaded openings arranged within the lower block.

7. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 further including an adjustment means for fixing the upper block at different angles relative to the clamping means.

8. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 wherein said upper block further includes a circular clip having a face, said circular clip extending from the back side of the upper block and including a plurality of indentations arranged on its face; and,

the clamping means further includes an actuated release that comprises a catch and a button, when depressed the actuated release causes the catch to be retracted;

wherein when the circular clip is mated with the actuated release, the button mates with a particular indentation to be seated therein by the catch.

9. The telescopic stick holder of claim 1 wherein the clamping mechanism includes a pair of jaws that are coupled together via a threaded stud and wing nut, each jaw includes an inner surface for contacting a fixed surface.

10. A telescopic stick holder comprising:

an upper block having a front side, a back side and a bottom side, said front side including a securing means for coupling a pool stick to the upper block, said upper block includes an a circular opening that opens into a cavity arranged within the upper block, said circular opening being partially formed by an upper block insert having a lip provided along the circular opening, said upper block insert being fastened within the upper block by a pair of fasteners that extend through openings in the upper block insert and into complementary threaded openings arranged within the upper block;

a lower block having an upper surface that includes at least one indentation for receiving a back end of the stick for playing pool or billiards, said lower block includes an a circular opening that opens into a cavity arranged within the lower block, said circular opening arranged within the upper surface and being partially formed by a lower block insert having a lip provided along the circular opening, said lower block insert being fastened within the lower block by a pair of fasteners that extend through openings in the lower block insert and into complementary threaded openings arranged within the lower block;

11. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 further comprising an upper block having a pair of biased arms extending from the front side thereof, the biased arms being arranged a distance apart to accommodate a tip end of a stick for playing pool or billiards, each biased arm having a base end and a free end and including a curved region such that the free ends of biased arms are closer to one another than the base ends.

12. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 wherein the upper block includes a hoop of material arranged on a front side that secures a stick to the upper block.

13. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 includes securing means that comprises a hinge arranged between a fixed curved member and a rotating curved member such that the securing means may be opened and a stick deposited therein and thereafter closed to couple the stick to the upper block.

14. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 further including an adjustment means for fixing the upper block at different angles relative to the clamping means.

15. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 wherein said upper block further includes a circular clip having a face, said circular clip extending from the back side of the upper block and including a plurality of indentations arranged on its face; and,

wherein when the circular clip is mated with the actuated release, the button mates with a particular indentation to be seated therein.

16. The telescopic stick holder of claim 10 wherein the clamping mechanism includes a pair of jaws that are coupled together via a threaded stud and wing nut, each jaw includes an inner surface for contacting a fixed surface.

17. A telescopic stick holder comprising:

a telescopic member detachably fastened between the upper block and the lower block, said telescopic member includes a plurality of extensions that couple an end of the telescopic member to one of either the upper block or the lower block;

a clamping means attached to the back side of the upper block for securing the telescopic stick holder to a fixed object; and,

an adjustment means for fixing the upper block at different angles relative to the clamping means.

18. The telescopic stick holder of claim 17 further comprising an upper block having a pair of biased arms extending from the front side thereof, the biased arms being arranged a distance apart to accommodate a tip end of a stick for playing pool or billiards, each biased arm having a base end and a free end and including a curved region such that the free ends of biased arms are closer to one another than the base ends.

19. The telescopic stick holder of claim 17 wherein the upper block includes a hoop of material arranged on a front side that secures a stick to the upper block.

20. The telescopic stick holder of claim 17 includes securing means that comprises a hinge arranged between a fixed curved member and a rotating curved member such that the securing means may be opened and a stick deposited therein and thereafter closed to couple the stick to the upper block.