Patent Publication Number: US-2009233725-A1

Title: Jump Buddy

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     #30538746, Provisional Application U.S. 61/063,846, Filed Feb. 7, 2008 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a device for use in the play of billiards. In the game, it is legal to cause the cue ball to jump over an object ball. Such a shot must be done with a sharp, downward stroke, with the cue elevated at about 45 degrees from the table surface. A similar position is used for a masse&#39; shot, which imparts a spin causing the cue ball to travel on a curved path. Such shots are difficult for anyone, but especially so for players with smaller hands, or who are learning the shots for the first time. 
     The tripod-shaped invention described here makes it easier to achieve the stable, elevated position required for the bridge hand, in order to make the shot. The device can be used in play, or as a training aid. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a tripod structure for supporting the bridge hand during the play of billiards. By supporting the hand in an elevated position, the user can make difficult masse&#39; and jump shots, and can better make shots where the normal bridge hand position is blocked by an object ball. Disassembly of the invention makes transporting it in a standard cue case easier. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The drawing illustrates the following elements of the claim: 
       1. A spherical hand support as described in claim  1 (a), with attachment holes for the legs, as described in claim  2  and claim  3 . 
       2. Threaded joints to connect the legs to the sphere, as described in claim  7 . 
       3. The rigid legs as defined in claim  4 , machined smooth on the bottom as described in claim  5 . 
       4. Space beneath the legs is sufficient for a billiard ball to fit without touching the legs, as described in claim  1 (b). 
       5. Legs may be capped with soft plastic to avoid marring the table felt, as described in claim  6 . 
       6. An extra, short leg is included to allow the invention to rest one leg on the rail, while remaining stable and fitting an object ball beneath, as described in claim  1 (c). 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a tripod structure composed of a sphere and three removable, equal-length legs, along with a fourth short leg to support the tripod on the rail of the billiard table. The space beneath the tripod is sufficient for a standard billiard ball to fit without touching the legs. The ball has threaded holes, while the legs have threaded ends to allow easy assembly and disassembly. 
     Usefulness of the invention is enhanced by designing it to be placed over a billiard ball without interference. Frequently, the ideal position for the bridge hand in a shot will be blocked by another object ball, making the shot more difficult. By placing the invention over the ball and using it to support the bridge hand, the shot is made easier. Also, by exchanging one of the tripod legs for a shorter leg, placement of the invention partially on the rail of the table is still stable. Feet on the tripod are machined smooth, or capped with soft plastic, to avoid damage to the felt surface of the table. The legs are made to be easily removed to ease transport of the invention in a standard pool cue carrying case, or in a small bag. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function ,and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.