Pool cue gel grip

Abstract

A pool cue having a deformable grip for the handle that does not transmit vibration to the user, the grip having a hydrogel member incorporated therein.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/936,442, filed Jun. 20, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the field of pool cues, and more particularly to pool cue grips, and even more particularly to grips that are structured to maximize comfort by providing a cushioned grip.

The game of pool often requires that the player use the pool cue to deliver a sharp blow to the cue ball. This impact causes a strong vibration in the pool cue. Prior art grips on handles of pool cues are often very rigid, and such grips are susceptible to transmitting vibration from the pool cue to the user's hand. These vibrations often cause an undesirable stinging sensation in the user's hand. As a result, many players experience difficulty in achieving a comfortable grip during regular play.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a grip that conforms to the shape and pressure of fingers and hands for users with any hand size. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pool cue with a shock-absorbing grip that will insulate the user's fingers and hand from undesirable vibrations occurring in the pool cue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The pool cue comprises a handle and an elongated, encircling grip, said grip comprising a hydrogel member, and if necessary a retainer member in the form of a layer or envelope. The retainer member in the form of a sheet or layer may be secured to the handle of the pool cue with the hydrogel disposed between the handle and retainer member, or alternatively the hydrogel may be retained within a retainer envelope, with the envelop then secured to the handle of the pool cue. The retainer member must be sufficiently durable, pliable, elastic, and impervious to liquids.

An optional base layer may be placed between the handle of the pool cue and the hydrogel, thereby preventing the hydrogel from contacting the handle of the pool cue at any time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pool cue at a location through the grip and handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described with regard for the best mode and the preferred embodiment. In general, the invention is an improved pool cue having a grip that provides added comfort to the user. Specifically, the pool cue incorporates a comfortable grip that insulates the user's fingers and hand from the vibration resulting from the pool cue impacting the cue ball.

In a first embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention generally comprises a pool cue 99 having a handle 10 and a grip 15, wherein the grip 15 comprises a hydrogel member 20 and a retainer member 30 comprising a layer or sheet member. The hydrogel member 20 is positioned on the handle 10, typically within an annular recess, to form a layer of any desired thickness. The retainer member 30 is attached to the handle 10 of the pool cue 99 in any known manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 in the desired location, such as for example by adhesive bonding or heat-sealing. For example, the sheet retainer member 30 may be secured to the handle 10 at one end, the hydrogel member 20 then inserted between the handle 10 and the sheet retainer member 30, and the remaining end of the sheet retainer member 30 secured to the handle 10. Collar members, not shown, may be placed around the ends of the retainer member 30.

The hydrogel member 20 is a member exhibiting solid-like or elastic solid properties due to crosslinking. The hydrogel member 20 may be any synthetic or natural colloidal system wherein a porous network of interconnected, water-insoluble polymer chains is dispersed throughout a liquid medium, typically water. The hydrogel member 20 is mostly liquid, typically comprising greater than 80% water and has a viscous, jelly-like body. As a representative example, a suitable composition for the hydrogel member 20 may be 85% (Me₂SiO)₄, 5% SiO₂, and 20% HO(Me₂SiO)_nH. The retainer member 30 should be impervious to liquids, thus preventing the hydrogel 20 from penetrating or escaping through the retainer member 30. In addition, the retainer member 30 should be durable, pliable, and elastic in nature. Suitable materials with these properties include many types of rubber, polyurethane, silicone or elastomers.

In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the invention further comprises a base layer 50 disposed between the hydrogel member 20 and the handle 10. The base layer 50 serves the function of separating the hydrogel member 20 from the handle 10 material. This function may be desired where the liquid properties of the hydrogel member 20 may cause decomposition or corrosion of the handle 10 material. Thus, the base layer 50 should be impervious to liquids, and it may be attached to the handle 10 by any suitable adhesive, chemical bond, heat-sealing method or the like. In this embodiment, the retaining member 30 may be attached to the base layer 50 in any manner forming a seal suitable for retaining the hydrogel member 20 there within. The base layer 50 may be made of any suitable rubber, polymer, polyurethane, elastomer, or the like.

In a third embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the retainer member 30 comprises a one-piece, tubular bladder or envelope. The hydrogel member 20 may be injected into the envelope retainer member 30 to form the grip 15, or the envelope retainer member 30 may be formed around the hydrogel member 20. The envelope retainer member 30 is sized to snugly fit over the handle 10 and is properly positioned by slipping it over one end of the pool cue handle 10. In this configuration the envelope retainer member 30 may be held in place by friction. Alternately, the envelope retainer member may be attached to the handle 10 by suitable adhesives, chemical bonds, heat-sealing or other methods.

The hydrogel member 20 uniformly distributes shock and displaces energy resulting from impact with the cue ball, thereby minimizing or eliminating undesirable vibration. The grip 15 conforms to the contours of the fingers when the pool cue 99 is in use. Preferably, the retainer member 30 is provided with a surface matrix of interconnecting bands or lines, such as in a hexagonal pattern, to further stabilize the hydrogel member 20.

It is contemplated that equivalents and substitutions to certain elements set forth above may be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pool cue comprising a handle and a grip mounted on said handle, said grip comprising a hydrogel member.

2. The cue of claim 1, wherein said hydrogel member is in the form of a sheet.

3. The cue of claim 1, wherein said hydrogel member is in the form of a sleeve.

4. The cue of claim 1, said grip further comprising a retainer member, whereby said hydrogel member is retained on said handle by said retainer member.

5. The cue of claim 4, wherein said retainer member is in the form of a sheet.

6. The cue of claim 4, wherein said retainer member comprises an outer layer and a base layer, wherein said hydrogel member is positioned between said outer layer and said base layer.

7. The cue of claim 4, wherein said retainer member comprises an envelope, wherein said hydrogel member is retained within said envelope.

8. The cue of claim 4, wherein said hydrogel member is positioned within an annular recess formed in said handle.

9. The cue of claim 4, wherein said retainer member is provided with a stabilizing surface matrix of interconnected lines.

10. The cue of claim 9, wherein said surface matrix of interconnected lines is in the form of a hexagonal pattern.