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:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/936,442, filed Jun. 20, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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&#39;s hand. These vibrations often cause an undesirable stinging sensation in the user&#39;s hand. As a result, many players experience difficulty in achieving a comfortable grip during regular play. 
         [0004]    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&#39;s fingers and hand from undesirable vibrations occurring in the pool cue. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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 
         [0007]      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. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue. 
           [0009]      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. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  taken along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue. 
           [0011]      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 
       [0012]    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&#39;s fingers and hand from the vibration resulting from the pool cue impacting the cue ball. 
         [0013]    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 . 
         [0014]    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% (Me 2 SiO) 4 , 5% SiO 2 , and 20% HO(Me 2 SiO) n H. 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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    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 . 
         [0018]    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.