Adjustable Bridge Apparatus for Cue Stick Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with disabilities or missing hands face significant challenges in playing billiards and pool due to the requirement of two functioning hands to manipulate a cue, as traditional cue sports equipment is not adaptable for impaired users.
Innovation Solution
The development of an arm bridge apparatus and hand bridge apparatus, which include a bridge plate and arm support with straps and fasteners, allowing users to securely hold and aim a cue stick using one hand or no hands, featuring adjustable components and materials like nylon and leather for comfort and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cue sports equipment is used, then the game can be played effectively by able-bodied players, but players with disabilities or missing hands cannot participate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the bridge apparatus with arm support and strap system) that mediates between the player's body and the cue stick. This intermediary structure provides the necessary support and positioning for players with disabilities to manipulate the cue effectively, resolving the contradiction by enabling participation without requiring traditional hand dexterity
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge apparatus is designed to be universally applicable to players with varying levels of hand impairment. The adjustable strap system and arm support structure can accommodate different body types and impairment levels, making the equipment versatile for inclusive play while maintaining ease of operation across different user capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bridge apparatus is added to support the cue, then players with disabilities can hold and aim the cue, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the bridge plate for cue support, the arm support structure for positioning, and the strap system for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide adaptability for players with disabilities, managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The arm support incorporates adjustable elements that can be dynamically configured to fit different players and playing situations. The strap system can be adjusted to accommodate various arm sizes and positions, providing adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through dynamic rather than fixed design
3Ease of operation
If the bridge is placed on the game table, then the cue can be supported at desired angles, but players with missing or disabled hands cannot hold or position the bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system acts as an intermediary that transfers the positioning function from manual hand operation to body-mounted attachment. This allows players with missing or disabled hands to still position and aim the cue effectively by using the strap to secure the bridge apparatus to their body, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability to disabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are bridge support apparatuses and cue stick supporting apparatuses to aid a person with a disabled hand or hands, or to aid a person with a missing hand or two missing hands, to allow a person to effectively play games that require a cue stick or another game related stick that requires supporting, aiming and carrying, including the games of billiards and pool. The cue stick supporting apparatuses are adjustable to grip onto and hold a cue stick to be used and to be carried.