Kids Pool Stick Adapter

Abstract

Most pool table owners don't want young children playing on their pool table. They can mark or damage the felt top or fabric by using a smaller stick or by only using 1 hand which does not support the far end of the pool stick. Normal pool players require two hands to properly shoot a cue ball and due to this, it is almost impossible to scratch or scar the felt surface of a pool table. Young children have not mastered this 2-hand technique due to their lacking the dexterity or height to lean over the table and create that proper stance. This product also can assist people in wheel chairs that may suffer from that same lack of 2-hand shots across the middle of the table. The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy” will allow children to play pool but make it impossible to scratch the table.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] Many owners do not want children playing on their pool tables for fear of the children ripping, tearing or scratching the pool table fabric with the adult pool sticks. Children can use smaller pool sticks but that does not alleviate the worry of a torn pool table fabric or scratches on the felt top. A pool bridge is way too complex for a small child to use and there is no product out there that will attach to the end of a normal pool stick that will allow children without the 2-hand dexterity needed for normal play or a person in a wheelchair that cannot reach across the table for middle shots, to actually play pool without any fear of scratching the surface. I came up with an easily added adapter for any younger person that can be attached to both normal or shorter pool sticks (where obstacle walls or poles are restricting a normal pool stick unusable), so a child can actually start to learn pool shots by using this device to properly aim the cue ball at the target pool ball, making them much better players once they mature and learn the standard 2-hand technique. Players simply push the stick with the “Kids Pool Stick Adapter” (with its rolling bottom) into the cue ball for very easy and safe play.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The idea for this product came to me many years ago when I was around 9 or 10 years old. My uncle had a beautiful gold felt pool table and he would not allow any of us to use a pool stick on the table since we did not have the dexterity or hand coordination to use the required 2-hand holding method to properly play pool. The left hand (if right-handed) would be used to form a bridge or entry point for the pool stick to slide, that would only hit the pool cue ball and not scratch or scar the felt top of the table. Years later when watching young children play over my father's pool table, they could not handle the pool stick properly and did scratch and scar the tabletop. Since they did not have the skills at a young age to properly hold and aim the stick, I decided to move forward with my invention. The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter”.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0003] FIG. 1: This is a drawn image of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy.

[0004] FIG. 2: This is a front view cross section showing the outer frame of the device.

[0005] FIG. 3: This is a see-through 3D view of the device.

[0006] FIG. 4: This is a similar view of FIG. 3 that shows more detail.

[0007] FIG. 5: This shows the side view of the device.

[0008] FIG. 6: This image shows a similar view of FIG. 5.

[0009] FIG. 7: This is a front view of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy”.

[0010] FIG. 8: This is another front view of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy”.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1: This is a drawn image of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy” installed on a regular pool stick

[0012] FIG. 2: This is a front view cross section showing the outer frame of the device. It also shows the threaded holes on each side of the device that will hold the tightening thumb screws.

[0013] FIG. 3: This is a see-through 3D view of the device. It also shows the pre-drilled holes on the very bottom of each leg that will contain the rod for the roller wheels.

[0014] FIG. 4: This is a similar view of FIG. 3 that shows more detail. It shows the tightening thumb screws, the roller wheels at the bottom and the push-lock-nut at the ends of the rod.

[0015] FIG. 5: This shows the side view of the device with the threaded hole at the top and the hole for the roller rod at the bottom.

[0016] FIG. 6: This image shows a similar view of FIG. 5, but shows the simulated pool stick through the unit, plus a little more detail on the push-lock-nut at the ends of the rod.

[0017] FIG. 7: This is a front view of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy” showing the two separate nylon thumb-screws or tighteners on each side of the “Cue Buddy” that allow the product to work on all different sized pool sticks with different widths near the end. It also shows plastic stoppers at the end of each thumb screw that touches the actual pool stick. These ends would not make any indents or damage to the pool stick for normal use. The position from the end of the pool stick is flexible but generally about 1½-2 inches is normal. The total height of the center of the pool stick, once inserted into the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” should be about 1 / ⅛ to 1¼ inches high that will position the tip of the pool stick dead enter of a normal cue ball, which is about 2¼ inches in diameter. It also shows the roller wheels on the support rod.

[0018] This original prototype drawing shows rollers on the bottom of the device to prevent scratching, scaring or tearing of any pool table surface because physical contact is virtually impossible.

[0019] FIG. 8: This is another front view of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” or “Cue Buddy” showing more details of the thumb screws. Roller rod, rollers and push-lock-nut at the ends of the rod.

Claims

1. The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” is a designed product that will solve a very common problem with children and pool tables, bumper pool tables and snooker tables. Many owners do not want children playing on their pool tables for fear of the children ripping or scarring the pool table fabric with the adult pool sticks. They can use smaller pool sticks but that does not alleviate the worry of a torn or streaked pool table fabric. Children can never adequately hold onto the pool stick (with two hands) as normal because the front hand must be positioned in an awkward fashion that children cannot master. A pool bridge is way too complex for a small child to use and I came up with an easily added adapter that would fit on any pool stick and allow any normal child to enjoy the game of pool and never do any physical damage to the table, and yet allow them to hit the cue ball with comfort and accuracy.

2. The design will fit over the existing end of any normal pool stick (which has a normal diameter near the end—of about 13 mm). The opening of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” will be slightly larger than 13 mm. This will allow the 1 or 2 plastic tightening screws to firmly attach it to the pool stick about 3 inches from the end of the pool stick and be able to accommodate slight variations in pool stick widths near the end.

3. The rollers on the bottom can consist of 1 rolling-pin type wheel or numerous individual wheels (as shown above) and also in the Design Form.

4. The height of the device—where the pool stick normal cue tip is located and sticking through—should be approximately 1⅛ inches from the table top when level.

5. The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” can be easily attached and detached when done.

6. The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” allows children to play on any pool table surface using only one hand, line up the cue ball with the pool stick add-on device, and play without learning the complex two-hand positions. This adapter (pool stick add-on) will always be lined up at the correct height of the cue ball and the user simply needs to push the stick forward to hit the cue ball.Summary of Benefits of the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter”1. Accessible Gameplay: By providing children with the means to reach all areas of the pool table comfortably, without requiring the required 2-hand dexterity that they learn as adults, a pool stick adapter ensures that they can fully participate in the game and enjoy a level playing field with other players. The one-hand rolling shot is now a real possibility.

2. Improved Reach: Children may struggle to reach certain shots on a standard pool table due to their height. A pool stick adapter can allow them to reach shots that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

3. Enhanced Control: By providing a stable rolling platform for the cue, a pool stick adapter can help children maintain better control over their shots. This can lead to improved accuracy and consistency as they develop their skills.

4. Increased Confidence: Being able to reach and control shots more effectively can boost a child's confidence on the pool table. This confidence can translate into a greater enjoyment of the game and a willingness to practice and improve.

5. Safety: Without a pool stick adapter, children may be tempted to lean over the table or use awkward body positions to reach shots, or even accidentally move other balls on the table. This product can eliminate the risk of pool table tears or scarring of the felt surface.

6. Learning Aid: The “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter” can also serve as valuable teaching tool for parents / instructors working with young players. They can demonstrate proper cueing technique that will eliminate the awkward 2-hand hold, yet teach the children the mechanics of a good shot by understanding angles.

7. Adaptability: As children grow and their skills develop, they may eventually outgrow the need for the “Kid's Pool Stick Adapter”. However, having one available can still be useful for certain shots or situations where extra reach or stability is required.Overall, a pool stick adapter can help children overcome physical limitations, improve their skills, and enhance their overall experience with the game of pool, bumper pool or billiards.

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