Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SPORTS CUE TRAINING AID
The present invention relates to a sports cue for combined training and
improved play, more particularly to a cue that is adapted to improve the
consistency
of a player's shots.
Conventional cues comprise tapered sticks that are generally made from wood
having a wider butt connected to a smaller shaft that terminates in a tip for
contacting
a ball in play. The cue normally has a uniform taper. The butt and shaft may
be made
of different types of wood and be connected together by means of a joint. The
bulk of
the weight of the cue is usually distributed in the butt, generally within its
core. The
tip is normally of leather and is held in place by a ferrule, comprising a
cuff at the end
of the shaft. The ferrule may be made of ivory, carbon fibre, plastic or
brass.
Numerous training aids for cue sports (snooker, billiards, pool and the like)
have been developed but most, if not all, relate to separate pieces of
equipment that
may be used in conjunction with the cue to assist a player in achieving a
straight shot
in a desired direction. Whilst these types of aids are useful in improving the
technique of the player, they are somewhat artificial in that the player is
practising
using additional tools that cannot be used legally in competitions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sports cue for
improving the technique of a player that may be used legally in competitions
and the
like.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a sports cue comprising a tapered
rod having a longitudinal axis therethrough characterised in that total weight
of the
rod above the longitudinal axis is less than the total weight of the rod below
the
longitudinal axis.
In this manner, the snooker cue of the present invention is "bottom heavy",
that is, has a weight bias in the intended lower half of the snooker cue.
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In accordance with the present invention the weight of the cue may be biased
by the provision of weights in the lower half of the cue. For example, at
least a part
of the cue may be hollowed out to form a cavity, into which is placed a
heavier
material, such that the heavier material is placed below the longitudinal axis
of the
cue relative to the weight of the material that is placed above the
longitudinal axis. A
suitable heavy material employed for this purpose may be, for example, but not
limited to, lead. Foam or other suitable filling material may be inserted into
the cavity
above the longitudinal axis if so required.
Preferably, the weighted part of the cue is substantially provided in half of
the
cue, preferably at the wider end thereof (or "butt" of the cue).
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sports cue comprises a
tapered length of material having a longitudinal axis therethrough
characterised in that
the total relative density of the material above the longitudinal axis is less
than the
total relative density of the material below the longitudinal axis.
A cue according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention is
preferably made from materials having at least two different relative
densities, with
the material of greater density forming at least a portion of the bottom or
lower side of
the cue when in use,, that is, below the longitudinal axis of the cue. This
creates a
weight bias in the cue to make it "bottom heavy" which has been found to
enable a
player to make improved shots with the cue.
Preferably, the greater density material comprises substantially half of the
cue
at the wider end thereof (or "butt" of the cue) but tapers off towards the
pointed end
(or "tip") of the cue to provide a narrow end that is comprised entirely of
the lighter
material. More preferably, only 50% to 75% of the total length of the cue is
comprised of the heavier material. Most especially, 60 to 70% of the total
length of
the cue is comprised of the heavier material.
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The relative densities of the two materials that comprise the cue are
preferably
in the range 1.2: 1 to 1.8: 1, more preferably 1.5:1 to 1.7:1 and especially
around
1.6:1.
In the sports cue of the present invention it is preferred that with respect
to the
weight distribution within the gravity cue, it is preferred that 55 to 95% of
the total
weight of the cue is located below the longitudinal axis of the cue. More
preferably,
70 to 90% of the total weight of the cue is located below the longitudinal
axis of the
cue. Most preferably however, 75 to 85%, especially around 80% of the total
weight
of the cue is located below the longitudinal axis of the cue. This weight
distribution
results in a cue with a strong longitudinal bias. (Figures 1, 2, 3).
This strong longitudinal bias and preferred weight distribution is achieved
through the use of materials with different relative densities and the
positioning of
additional weights within the lower, greater density portion of the cue.
The additional weights maybe comprised of for example but not limited to
lead, brass or other similar alloys or metals (with a relative density greater
even than
that of the higher density material used to form the cue) or mixtures thereof,
and are
ideally positioned below the longitudinal axis of the cue.
The additional weights are preferably between 0.5 to 10 ounces (14.2g to
283.3g), more preferably 2 to 5 ounces (56.7g to 141.7g).
The cross section of the additional weights may be for example but not limited
to circular, square, rectangular or triangular. (Figure 4a to 4d).
The total weight of a sports cue according to the present invention is
preferably between 15 - 25 ounces (425 grams to 567 grams).
Heavier cues of weight 30 to 50 ounces (425g to 567g) according to the
present invention may also be manufactured for use as training cues. This
further
encourages a correct cue action and positioning of the wrist, arm and body
during
training.
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The actual length of the sport cue of the preset invention will vary in line
with
the sports regulations and depending upon whether or not the cue is for use in
play by
junior or adult players. However, in any sport involving a cue according to
the
present invention the cue length will preferably be greater than 3 feet
(914cm).
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cue is comprised of
two types of wood each being of different densities in accordance with the
ratios
given above. For example, the lighter wood may comprise for example, ash or
maple
and the greater density wood may comprise for example a hardwood such as ebony
or
rosewood. The relative densities of the light and heavy woods may be, for
example,
in the region of 670 kg/m3 and 1120 kg/m3 respectively.
Preferably, the heavier wood comprises more than 60% of the total weight of
the cue. More preferably, the heavier wood comprises between 65 and 75% of the
total weight of the cue. If required, an additional weight may be provided at
least
partially within the section of heavier wood to increase the total weight
thereof. For
example, the weight may be in the form of a piece of lead, thereby providing a
cue of
a particular required overall weight. More preferably, the additional weight
is
provided entirely within the heavier material that is below the longitudinal
axis of the
cue.
It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the other suitable
materials
may be employed to form the additional weight required in the heavier piece of
wood.
In the sports cues of the present invention, it is preferable for the lighter
wood
to have a wedge `spliced off, to which is then adhered a wedge of a heavier
wood to
form a cue that corresponds in shape to a normal cue but which is still
"bottom
heavy". Preferably, a weight is added to the heavier wedge to form a cue of
the
required total set weight (normally being in the range 15 to 20 oz, or 425
grams to 567
grams) and having the correct balance. The cue is normally around 1.5m in
length,
although smaller or larger cues maybe custom made as required by the end user,
for
example children.
It is to be appreciated that the material of choice for the sports cue of the
present invention is likely to be wood as this is the material conventionally
used for
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sports cues. However, other suitable materials of different relative densities
may be
used, such as carbon fibre, plastic, graphite or mixtures thereof. Moreover,
the cue
may be provided in two or more parts, wherein the parts are provided with
appropriate
connectors, such as male and female threads, for mating the two together. For
example, the butt and shaft may comprise separate pieces that may be connected
together. However, it is important to maintain the greater relative density
through one
side of the butt and part of the corresponding side of the shaft to form a cue
that, in
the assembled state, is "bottom heavy" in accordance with the present
invention.
In addition, sports cues may also be provided with attachments of different
sizes that may be fitted to the larger end of the cue (that is, the butt),
generally by
means of a threaded screw mechanism, to extend the length of the cue. It is
preferable
for such attachments to also be comprised of materials of different relative
densities,
wherein the material of each particular density `lines up' with the
corresponding
material in the end of the cue to which the extension is attached.
To this end, a second aspect of the present invention provides an extension
for
a sports cue, the extension comprising means for attachment to a cue, the
extension
having a longitudinal axis therethrough characterised in that total weight of
the
extension above the longitudinal axis is less than the total weight of the
extension
below the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the total relative density of the material of the extension above
the
longitudinal axis is less than the total relative density of the material
below the
longitudinal axis.
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly
how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of
example only
to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through an extension for a cue
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
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Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
third embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a to 4d illustrate cross-sectional views taken along line a-a for cue
in
for example Figure 1 depicting the different types of weight that can be
employed in a
snooker cue of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
eighth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through a cue according to a
ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a snooker cue 1
according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The cue
comprises a rounded, tapered length of wood having a ferrule 6 surrounding a
tip 3
attached to the pointed end thereof which, in play, contacts the ball. The
overall
shape and profile of cue is the same as a conventional cue enabling it to be
used
legally in tournaments. However, the cue is weight-biased to be bottom heavy
by
providing a wedge 4 of heavier wood in the lower half of the cue that is
adhered to a
lighter wood 2 that makes up the rest of the cue. In this manner, the total
relative
density of the cue is greater below its longitudinal axis x - x than above.
As illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in this first embodiment of the
present invention, the heavier wood 4, only extends approximately two-thirds
(2y)
along the length of the cue, thereby having around one third (y) of the length
of the
narrower end of the cue comprised entirely of lighter wood. Additionally, a
weight 8
is secured within the heavier wood to provide a cue having its overall weight
and
balance maintained.
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Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates how the invention may also
be applied to an extension 10 for a cue 1. The extension comprises a threaded
region
12 for attachment to the end of a cue, the extension being comprised of two
materials
14, 16 of different relative densities that correspond to the two materials of
the cue to
which the extension is to be attached. The materials are arranged in the
extension
such that the heavier material 14 lines up exactly with the heavier material
of the cue
and the lighter material 161ines up exactly with the lighter material of the
cue when
the extension is fully secured onto the cue.
Whilst one preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cue
made from wood of differing densities, it is to be appreciated that the same
effect
could be achieved by hollowing out at least part of the core of the cue and
providing
weights, such as lead, below the longitudinal axis of the cue with a lighter
material,
such as foam, being provided above. This would again produce a bottom heavy
cue
having a "keel" effect.
This keel effect is further explained below by way of the accompanying
drawings.
Referring to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings there is provided a two
piece sports cue 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
The cue
again comprises a tapered length of material, preferably wood, to which a
ferrule and
tip (not shown) can be applied to one end of the cue. The two pieces of cue,
22 and
24 are secured by a suitable attachment mechanism, such as but not limited to
for
example a screw thread attachment. The portion 24, which comprises the butt
end of
the cue 30, comprises a first material 26, and a second materia128, both of
which are
made of for example wood. However, the first material 26 is comprised of for
example wood of greater density than the second material 28. Inside the
greater
density material 26 there is located a weight 8. The weight can be made of any
suitable material, such as for example lead. The weight 8 is secured in place
in for
example a cavity created in the first material 26. If required, the weight may
be
secured in place using for example an adhesive suitable for use with the
material of
the weight and the material of the first material.
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The second piece of the cue 22 to which may be applied a tip is preferably
also
comprised of a material such as for example wood. In this third embodiment of
the
present invention, the second piece of the cue 22 also comprises wedges that
are
spliced from the original material of the tapered cue and then replaced by a
suitable
attachment means with a wedge of greater density material 26, and a wedge of
lighter
density material as in the first portion of the cue.
When the first and second portions 22 and 24 are attached, the wedges of the
first piece 26, 28 align with the materials 26 and 28 in the second piece of
the cue,
such that the materials appear to flow continuously from one piece of the cue
to the
other.
The presence of the weight 8 in the heavier density material of the second
piece of the cue ensures that the cue is again bottom heavy having the effect
of a keel.
Referring to Figures 4a to 4d there is illustrated a series of cross-sectional
views taken along line a-a from the cue in for example Figure 1. Figures 4a to
4d
illustrate examples of the different forms of weight 8 which can be employed
in the
sports cue of the present invention.
The weights 8 are preferably located in the lower portion of the sports cue
that
is comprised of the heavier density material 4. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in
the art that the weights may comprises a variety of shapes with varying cross-
sections.
It will also be appreciated that whilst the weight 8 is shown as a continuous
piece in
for example Figure 1, that multiple weights may be employed either separately
or
secured together to achieve the same weight balance as required by the present
invention.
In addition, it will also be appreciated that whilst the weights in Figures 4a
to
4d are shown to be located towards the bottom portion of the greater density
material
4 that the exact location of the weight 8 in the greater density material 4
can be varied
so long as the weights are located within the greater density material.
It is preferred however, that the weights 8 are located towards the bottom of
the greater density material 4 for the best `bottom heavy' keel effect of the
cue of the
present invention.
As mentioned previously, the sports cues of the present invention can be
prepared in a range of different models, as exemplified in but not limited to
the
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Figures enclosed herewith. For example, one two and even three-piece cues are
known. Two and three piece cues comprise of a number of cue sections wherein
the
sections are joined together using a variety of different mechanisms. Examples
of the
types of connector that are available include for example: a screw type
connector, a
clip / push on connector, an offset joint connector, wherein the joint is
situated below
the longitudinal axis of cue.
It will be appreciated however, that other forms of connector may be
employed at that this list of connectors is not exhaustive.
The sports cue of the present invention may also be manufactured as a single,
twin or four-spliced model. An example of a single spliced cue can be seen in
Figures
8 and 9, an example of a twin-spliced model in Figure 7 and an example of a
four-
splice model in Figure 6.
In single spliced cues as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 the majority of the
cue is
comprised of a single piece of material 2, for example wood, to which is
secured by a
suitable attachment means a single splice of material 4 that is of greater
density than
the material 2 to which it is secured. The splice of denser material is again
located
below the longitudinal axis of the cue in accordance with the present
invention.
In Figure 8, the splice of denser material 4 preferably extends for up to two
thirds of the length of the cue, whilst in Figure 9 the splice of denser
material 4
extends along the cue for only around one third of the length of the cue.
In addition, when the splice is elongated, it provides a form of spine or
backbone to the cue that provides additional strength and support for the cue.
It is also possible for a single splice cue to be a formed as a one-piece cue
or a
two or more piece cue by incorporation of the appropriate connections
In Figure 7 there is illustrated a two-piece or twin splice cue 60 in which
the
cue is manufactured from a piece of material 2 with a splice of more dense
material 4
below the longitudinal axis of the cue which is in turn mirrored by a splice
of lighter
weight or less dense material 62 above the longitudinal axis of the cue. In an
alternative example of the two-piece or twin splice cue the splice comprised
of the
heavier or greater density material 4 may be elongated along the length of the
cue
below the longitudinal axis of the cue as illustrated in Figure 5.
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In Figure 6 there is illustrated a four splice cue 60, in which the cue is
manufactured such that it is comprised of two splices of heavier or more dense
material 4 located below the longitudinal axis of the cue, mirrored by two
splices of
lightweight or less dense materia164 located above the longitudinal axis of
the cue
Finally, in Figure 10 there is illustrated a two-piece pool cue 90 wherein the
two pieces 92 -and 94 are attached by a suitable mechanism at point 96.
The rear portion of the pool cue 94 is also comprised of two parts, a first
lower
portion 4, located below the longitudinal axis of the cue and within which is
located a
weight 8 and a second upper portion 98, which is located above the
longitudinal axis
of the cue.
In the example of the pool cue illustrated in Figure 10, it can be seen that
the
weight 8 extends along a substantial length of the lower portion of the cue,
for
example by up to 50% of the length of the lower portion of the cue.
The weight 8 in Figure 10 and all of Figures 1 to 9 therefore provides a
suitable weight bias and keel effect to provide a cue which is bottom heavy in
accordance with present invention.
The "bottom heavy" cue according to the present invention has been found to
improve the shot of a player in a variety of ways. The cue sits on the palm of
the
hand more effectively, encouraging a consistent preparation pattern before the
shot is
taken. The bias in the cue ensures the heavier side is pulled downwards to
facilitate
this. Due to the bias, the cue will also sit on the player's bridge hand more
satisfactorily. Furthermore, the cueing up stage of the shot is encouraged to
be
straighter as a result of the weight bias discouraging any unwanted sideways
movements. Similarly, the bias discourages unwanted lateral movement to result
in a
straighter final back-swing and delivery.
The weight bias also reduces twisting of the cue during a shot, thus assisting
in
preventing the cue and cueing arm from moving off-line. This encourages the
arm
and hand to move more effectively, thereby creating a natural correct stroke
through
habit. Due to the way in which the biased cue sits in the player's hand,
accuracy is
encouraged as the player is able to fine-tune their technique and remember
desired
movements through "muscle memory".
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Moreover, the cue of the present invention encourages a player to cue on a
more parallel plane, helping them to get through the ball more efficiently
when
striking. The player will also be less likely to miss-cue. Playing of rest
shots should
also be improved using the cue of the invention. Any sideways movement or
"whip"
is reduced as the heavier wood also acts as a stiffener.
Therefore, in summary, the distribution of weight within the sports cue of the
present invention, forces a player to align their wrist arm and stance and
hence
develop a higher degree of accuracy.
Furthermore, the weight distribution also prevents rotation of the wrist and
arm during use of the cue.
Experimental.
The resistance to rotation of the sports cue according to the present
invention was
analysed in comparison to that of a traditional snooker cue
Both of the cues tested were one-piece cues of the same overall weight and
length. The resistance to rotation of the cues was determined by measuring the
weight required to turn the cue through an angle of 90 .
Identical weights were attached to both cues in the same position on the cues
and then the action of both cues was tested on identical surfaces.
The results of the tests showed that the sports cue of the present invention
demonstrated a resistance to rotation of over 100 times greater than that
shown by a
traditional sports cue.
That is, for a traditional sports cue, a weight of 1 g was sufficient to force
the
cue to rotate through an angle of 90 . In contrast, the sports cue of the
present
invention required 105g to rotate the cue through an angle of 90 , thereby
demonstrating the effect of the `bottom heavy' keel effect of the cue of the
present
invention.
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Further tests were also carried out to demonstrate the improvement in
performance of a cue according to the present invention compared with a
traditional
sports cue.
To this end, the performance of 25 players was tested using a traditional cue
and a cue according to the present invention wherein both cues were of equal
weight
and length. It was found that the performance of all 25 players showed
significant
improvement in the following areas when a cue of the present invention was
used
such that the players demonstrated:
straighter cue action,
improved parallel cue action,
increased cue power,
improved body position, and
a reduction in hand and wrist twisting due play.
The present invention therefore provides a cue of conventional size, weight
and shape but having a weight bias which serves to improve the technique of
the
player. Furthermore, the end of the cue which contacts the hand of the player
during a
stroke is still of softwood which has a preferable feel to hardwood, thereby
maintaining the comfortable feel of the cue during play.
It is to be appreciated that the cue according to the present invention may be
provided in two or more parts to provide a cue that may be dissembled for
transport
and storage purposes.
