A Mechanical Cue.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Jan., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Mar.. 1896-Accepted, 16th May, 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A Mechanical Cue.
THOMAS WALTON VIPOND, 253 Stanhope Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Watch-
maker and Jeweller, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
A small apparatus designed to take the place of a cue for the purpose of playing
the games of billiards, bagatelle, and allied games. The position of what is described
as the extension cue of the apparatus is controlled by the left-hand, and the impetus
given to the cue is regulated by the right-hand, as in the game proper. The cue,
or tipped rod used for the purpose, is raised, or lowered, or given any direction, at
the will of the player. It is claimed that with a small table of any dimensions
(preferably not less than 2 ft. 6 in. by 1 ft. 3 in.) employing balls in proportion
(or larger) of any heavy material (moulded say of hard cement or composition for
cheapness or made of the usual material where expense is not objected to) there is
the same scope for the play of unlimited skill on the part of the players as in the
original games by the use of the apparatus.
'The
The apparatus takes the shape of a cylinder or tube containing a rod projecting
in both directions, one end of the rod being tipped the same as a billiard cue.
impetus given to the blow (or force of the blow) is brought about by a spring
within the cylinder or tube, and is in proportion to the power exerted by the player
in drawing the other end of the rod towards him.
7th January 1896.
T. W. VIPOND.
THOMAS WALTON VIPOND, 253 Stanhope Street, Newcastle-ou-Tyne, Watch-
maker and Jeweller, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to a small apparatus intended to take the place of au
ordinary cue for the purpose of playing billiards, bagatelle and similar games.
The cue consists essentially of two parts, one of them held in the left hand of
the player for the purpose of steadying and directing the aim of the stroke, and the
other, by which the stroke is given, held and operated by the right hand of the
player. The part held by the player's left hand, consists of a tube or cylinder
made of any suitable metal or material. Through this tube is passed a metal or
other rod of lesser diameter than the inside of the tube. This rod is kept central
in the tube by passing through a screw cap at one end of the tube, and through a
perforated disc or cap at the other end. At one extremity of the rod, is a knob
and towards the other end is a collar. The collar is within the tube and at the disc
end thereof, and between this collar and the screw cap end of the tube is a spiral
spring encircling the rod.

page_text: The cue is operated in the following manner.
The tube is held by the left hand of the player and the rod drawn towards the
operator by the knob at one end of it, and then released, whereupon the spiral
spring will return the rod to its normal position. The amount of impulse desired
to be given to the stroke is regulated by the extent to which the rod is drawn
back. To reduce concussion by the collar on the rod striking against the inside
of the disc or cap at one end of the cylinder, I place a washer of rubber or other
suitable material over the collar. A tip of leather, rubber, or the like is also
affixed to the striking end of the rod.
In order that my invention may be the more readily understood, I make reference
to the accompanying sheet of drawings in which, Fig. 1 shews a longitudinal
section of the cue when in its normal position, and Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of
it when the rod is drawn back preliminary to releasing it and making a stroke.
Similar letters refer to the same parts in both figures.
a is the tube closed by the disc or cap bat one end and by the screw cap c at the
other end. d is the rod sliding within the tube and passing through and c.
e collar on the rod d. f rubber or other washer, y tip at one end, and h knob at the
other end by which the rod d can be drawn back. the spiral spring encircling d.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.
1. A cue for use in playing billiards, bagatelle, and similar games, and consisting
essentially of a tube within and through the ends of which, slides a rod, the said
rod being provided with a collar between which and one end of the tube is a spiral
spring encircling the said rod, and by which the said rod will be returned to its
normal position after being drawn back and released, the whole substantially as
described in the above Specification, and exemplified in the accompanying
drawings.
2. A cue for use in playing billiards, bagatelle, and similar games provided for,
and operating substantially as described in the above Specification, and exemplified
in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 29th day of February 1896.
HUGHES & YOUNG,
23, Coleman Street, London, E.C., Agents for the Applicant.