Billiard Bridge Training Glove
An instructional billiard glove worn on a player's bridge hand provided with a first, second, third, fourth and fifth releasable securing means positioned on a thumb stall bottom side, thumb stall distal end, an index finger stall interstice, index finger stall distal end, and a middle finger stall interstice, respectively. Open bridge formation is instructed by releasably securing the first and third releasable securing means. Closed bridge formation is instructed by releasably securing the first and fifth releasable securing means while releasably securing the second and fourth releasable securing means. Releasable securing means are preferably mating hook and loop fasteners fixed to the finger stalls.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a billiard instructional device, specifically to an instructional billiard glove and method that instructs a person in proper formation of open and closed billiard bridge positions, respectively.
2. Description of the Related Art
In billiards, a player uses a cue stick to strike a cue ball causing the cue ball to roll in the direction of an object ball. When properly struck, the cue ball strikes the object ball and the object ball rolls into a pocket for scoring. While striking the cue ball, the player grips the cue stick in one hand and rests the striking end of the cue stick on the player's other hand. This hand supporting the striking end of the cue stick is called the “bridge” hand since it is formed into a bridge position. The open bridge and closed bridge are two most bridge positions.
Forming a proper bridge position is a key element of properly striking the cue ball. A properly formed bridge creates a steady and solid structure to control the cue stick. A proper bridge also enables the player to strike the cue ball with greater force and accuracy, improving play. An open bridge position generally consists of the palm of the bridge hand resting on the billiard's table playing surface, knuckles of the four fingers raised, the bottom of the thumb firmly abutting the inside of the index finger with the tips of the four fingers resting on the table playing surface. A closed bridge position generally consists of the palm of the bridge hand resting on the billiard's table playing surface, knuckles of the four fingers raised, the bottom of the thumb firmly abutting the inside of the middle finger, and the tip of the index finger firmly abutting the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle, ring and pinkie fingers resting on the table playing surface.
Players are usually instructed in formation of a billiard bridge position by verbal coaching and visually watching the coach form the bridge position. The player practices formation of the bridge position repetitively to learn how to form a bridge position. This method of instruction is difficult since properly formed bridge positions require restraint of the bridge hand in unnatural positions. Additionally, verbal instructions are difficult to follow. Coaching sessions are limited in duration, and the player does not have the advantage of assistance during individual play unless the coach is present.
Instructional training aids teaching formation of proper bridge position are limited. U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,153 to josenhans teaches a training device for billiards. However, such a training device is bulky, does not instruct in multiple bridge formations, and does not allow the cue stick to rest on the bridge hand. Additionally, such a device does not provide suitable “feel” to the player in striking the cue ball. The player must still transition from the use of the training device to learning to properly form bridge positions without the aid of the device.
There are many billiard gloves that enhance play. These devices are used to reduce friction of the cue stick at the points of connection with the bridge hand. Heretofore, no billiard glove device instructs the hand in bridge formation.
Accordingly, what is needed is an instructional training aid that teaches a player in proper formation of billiard bridge positions that facilitates play, is unobtrusive, can be used for self-instruction, and assists the player in restraining the hands in assuming proper bridge positions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn object of the present invention is to provide an instructional device to instruct a billiard player in proper formation of various billiard bridge positions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an instructional billiard glove that facilitates play while instructing a player in proper formation of various billiard bridge positions.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an instructional billiard glove that restrains the player's bridge hand in assuming a proper billiard bridge position to enable the player to maintain the formed bridge position during play.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an instructional training aid providing a smooth, friction-reducing covering for portions of the hand and fingers that contact the cue stick.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an instructional training aid that aids a player in controlling the cue stick thus enhancing the player's skill in billiards.
To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as broadly described herein, the present invention provides an instructional training aid and method of use that instructs a person's hand in formation of one or more billiard bridge positions.
In a first aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having the thumb releasably securable to at least one finger providing a player instruction in proper formation of an open billiard bridge position.
In a second aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having the thumb releasably securable to the index finger providing a player instruction in proper formation of a closed billiard position.
In a third aspect, the invention comprises an instructional training aid comprising a billiard glove having releasable securing means positioned on the thumb with mating releasable securing means positioned on the index finger and middle finger, providing a player instruction in proper formation of either an open or closed billiard bridge position, respectively.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a billiard glove is provided with hook and loop fasteners positioned on the bottom side of the thumb and the distal end of the thumb. The glove further comprises mating opposite hook and loop fasteners positioned on the inside of the index finger, distal end of the index finger, and inside of the middle finger, providing for restraint of the hand in assuming an open billiard bridge position when the hook and loop fastener positioned on the bottom side of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the side of the index finger. Alternatively, the glove provides for restraint of the hand in assuming a closed billiard bridge position when the hook and loop fastener positioned on the bottom side of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the inside of the middle finger, and the hook and loop fastener positioned on the distal end of the thumb is releasably secured to the opposite hook and loop fastener positioned on the distal end of the index finger.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numbers denote the same element throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In a preferred embodiment, the thumb stall 14 is provided with a first releasable securing means 48 positioned on the bottom side of the thumb stall 14 adjacent the thumb knuckle portion 14c. The embodiment further provides a second releasable securing means 50 positioned on the distal end of the thumb stall 14. The index finger stall 16 is provided with a third releasable securing means 52 positioned adjacent the index knuckle portion 16c on the interstice side of the index finger stall 16 that is adjacent the thumb stall 14. A fourth releasable securing means 54 is positioned adjacent the distal end of the index finger stall 16. A fifth releasable securing means 56 is positioned adjacent the middle knuckle portion 18c on the interstice side of the middle finger stall 18 that is adjacent the index finger stall 16. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second releasable securing means 48, 50 are made of a patch of hook and loop material. The third, fourth and fifth releasable securing means 52, 54, 56 are made of a patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material.
The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of hook and loop material are preferably the same size and shape. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 may be round, square, or of another shape. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 should large enough to firmly cooperate when releasably engaged and assist the player in restraining the bridge hand in the assumed bridge position. Patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 preferably have a diameter of 1/2″ or less, although larger sizes may be effectively used. The patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 are fixed to the glove 10 in their respective predetermined positions, preferably by the use of permanent, washable adhesives that permanently bond the patch to the fabric of the glove 10. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate other methods of fixing the patches 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 in place including sewing the patch in place. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any means of releasably securing the thumb stall 14 and finger stalls 16, 18 to their respective mate in a manner which restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of a chosen billiard bridge formation, such as a button or clip configuration, is suitable for use with the present invention.
It is preferred that the first patch 48, third patch 52, and fifth patch 56 are each dyed the same color. This color-coding scheme provides visual instruction to the player that the first patch 48 releasably secures to either the third patch 52, when forming an open bridge, or the fifth patch 56, when forming a closed bridge. Likewise, the second and fourth patches 50, 54 are dyed the same color, which is different from the color of the first, third, and fifth patches 48, 52, 56. This color-coding scheme provides visual instruction to the player that the second patch 50 releasably secures to the fourth patch 54 when forming a closed bridge. In those embodiments utilizing only two securing patches, both the first patch 48 and the second patch 50 should be the same color. Those skilled in the art will now appreciate that a shape scheme could also be used, in addition to or in lieu of a color scheme. With a shape scheme the first patch 48, third patch 52 and fifth patch 56 are shaped alike, and the second 50 and fourth patch 54 are shaped alike but shaped dissimilar from the first, third and fifth patches 48, 52, 56. The shapes could be round, square, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other shape in which the patch can be manufactured. A shape scheme visually assists the player in properly mating the patches to form a desired bridge position in a similar manner to the color scheme.
As has been demonstrated, the present invention provides a novel instructional device and method of use providing instruction in the proper formation of billiard bridge positions. The present invention could be used with a variety of billiard glove styles and materials. The prior art does not provide teachings in a billiard training aid having releasably securable finger stalls to instruct a player in formation of billiard bridge positions. Nor does the prior art teach the use of a billiard glove providing such instruction as disclosed herein. Furthermore, the prior art does not teach the use of a training aid that provides for restraint of the bridge hand in assuming a billiard bridge while retaining the natural freehand feel of the assumed position.
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, additional variations and modifications in that embodiment may occur to those skilled in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include both the preferred embodiment and all such variations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A billiard glove having a plurality of finger stalls adapted to receive a hand, at least a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material positioned on a first one of the plurality of finger stalls a second patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material positioned on a second one of the plurality of finger stalls and a third patch of an opposite one of hook and loop material positioned on a third one of the plurality of finger stalls, such that the first patch releasably secures to either the second patch or the third patch.
2. The billiard training aid of claim 1 wherein: the first finger stall is adapted to receive a thumb, the second finger stall is adapted to receive an index finger, whereby the person's bridge hand is instructed in forming an open bridge position when worn and the first finger stall is releasably secured to the second finger stall.
3-6. (canceled)
7. The billiard training aid of claim 1 wherein: the first finger stall is adapted to receive a thumb and further comprises a bottom side and a thumb knuckle portion, the first patch is fixed on the bottom side adjacent the thumb knuckle portion; the second finger stall is adapted to receive an index finger and further comprises an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall and an index knuckle portion, the second patch is fixed on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall and adjacent the index knuckle portion, whereby the bridge hand is instructed in formation of an open bridge position when worn.
8. The billiard training aid of claim 1, wherein the first patch is the same color as the second patch.
9. The billiard training aid of claim 1, wherein the first patch is the same shape as the second patch.
10. A billiard training aid for instructing a player's bridge hand in the formation of a billiard's bridge comprising:
- a billiard glove comprising a glove member having a first finger stall adapted to receive a thumb, the first finger stall further comprising a bottom side and thumb knuckle portion; a second finger stall adapted to receive an index finger, the second finger stall further comprising an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, and an index knuckle portion; a third finger stall adapted to receive a middle finger, the third finger stall further comprising an interstice side adjacent the second finger stall and a middle knuckle portion;
- a first releasable securing means positioned on the bottom side of the first finger stall adjacent the thumb knuckle portion, a second releasable securing means positioned on the first finger stall adjacent the distal end of the bottom side, a third releasable securing means positioned on the second finger stall adjacent the index knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, a fourth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the second finger stall, a fifth releasable securing means positioned on the third finger stall adjacent the middle knuckle portion on the interstice adjacent the second finger stall, wherein the first releasable securing means is adapted to releasably engage the third and fifth releasable securing means, and the second releasable securing means is adapted to releasably engage the fourth releasable securing means;
- the glove member being movable between a position that restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of an open bridge position, wherein the first releasable securing means releasably engages the third releasable securing means, and a position that restrains the bridge hand in assuming the shape of a closed bridge position, wherein the first releasable securing means releasably engages the fifth releasable securing means while the second releasable securing means releasably engages the fourth releasable securing means.
11. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first releasable securing means comprises a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the second releasable securing means comprises a second patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the third releasable securing means comprises a third patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, the fourth releasable securing means comprises a fourth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, and the fifth releasable securing means comprises a fifth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material.
12. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first, third and fifth releasable securing means are the same color, and the second and fourth releasable securing means are the same color while maintaining a dissimilar color to the first, third and fifth releasable securing means, providing a color scheme to visually assist the player in mating the releasable securing means.
13. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the first, third and fifth releasable securing means are the same shape, and the second and fourth releasable securing means are the same shape while maintaining a dissimilar shape to the first, third and fifth releasable securing means, providing a shape scheme to visually assist the player in mating the releasable securing means.
14. The billiard training aid of claim 10, wherein the glove is made of soft, elastic, low friction material.
15-16. (canceled)
17. A method of instructing a billiard player's bridge hand in the formation of a closed billiard bridge position comprising the steps of:
- providing an instructional billiard glove adapted to receive a bridge hand having knuckles, the glove having a first finger stall adapted for receiving a thumb, a second finger stall adapted for receiving an index finger, and a third finger stall adapted for receiving a middle finger, wherein the first finger stall further comprises a bottom side, thumb knuckle portion, and has a first releasable securing means positioned on the bottom side adjacent the thumb knuckle portion, and a second releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the first finger stall; the second finger stall further comprises an index knuckle portion, an interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, a third releasable securing means positioned adjacent the index knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the first finger stall, and a fourth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the distal end of the second finger stall; the third finger stall further comprises a middle knuckle portion, an interstice side adjacent the second finger stall, and a fifth releasable securing means positioned adjacent the middle knuckle portion on the interstice side adjacent the second finger stall;
- placing the glove on the bridge hand;
- releasably securing the first releasable securing means to the fifth securing means;
- releasably securing the second securing means to the fourth securing means;
- placing the bridge hand on a flat surface while raising the knuckles of the bridge hand;
- placing the distal ends of the third finger stall, ring finger and pinkie finger against the flat surface; and
- extending the ring finger and pinkie finger radially outwardly from the bridge hand.
18. The glove of claim 17, wherein the first releasable securing means comprises a first patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the second releasable securing means comprises a second patch of one of releasable hook and loop material, the third releasable securing means comprises a third patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, the fourth releasable securing means comprises a fourth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material, and the fifth releasable securing means comprises a fifth patch of an opposite one of releasable hook and loop material.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 12, 2007
Inventor: Mark Davis (Rocky Mount, NC)
Application Number: 11/163,232
International Classification: A41D 19/00 (20060101);