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Pool cue grip

Pool cue grip description/claims

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/871,278 filed Dec. 21, 2006 entitled “Soft Grip Pool Cue” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This invention generally relates to a pool cue and, more particularly, to a pool cue having a pliant or soft grip.

Pool cues are often made of a rigid material such as wood and typically have a smooth surface to allow for the pool cue to easily slide through a supporting hand. In order to prevent the stroke hand from slipping, the butt of the pool cue is given a textured surface. However, the butt of the pool cue remains rigid.

Grips or wraps have been used for pool cues to provide a specific feel or secure grip for a pool player. The grips are typically constructed of a thread material, which is wrapped around a butt or a handle portion of the cue. However, the grips or wraps are typically secured to the pool cue after the cue has been manufactured and as a result, the grips extend outwardly from the outer surface of the cue, creating a discontinuity at the front and rear of the grip, resulting in a undesirable appearance and feel.

What is therefore needed, but not provided in the prior art, is a pool cue with a groove in the handle area that accepts a soft or gel-like material to enhance the feel and grip of the pool cue for the billiard player and is generally smooth and continuous with the outer surface of the cue.

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a pool cue that includes a butt that has a butt sleeve and a groove. A shaft extends from the butt and includes a tip. A grip is positioned within the groove. The grip is formed of a generally soft, elastomeric material. The grip is positioned in the groove such that a smooth continuous surface is defined with an outer surface of the butt. The grip is constructed of a material that is elastic enough to roll or slide over the butt sleeve and into the groove during assembly

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a pool cue that includes a butt that has a forearm and a butt sleeve. A groove extends between the forearm and the butt sleeve. A shaft extends from the butt and includes a tip. A deformable grip is positioned within the groove. The grip forming a continuous outer surface with the forearm and the butt sleeve.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool cue in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pool cue shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged cross sectional view of a grip of the pool cue shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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