Gimbaled cue bridge

#1. Technical Field

#This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for playing billiard-type games, including all forms such as pool, billiards, snooker, etc., in which balls on a table are struck by cue sticks. More specifically, the invention is directed toward an improved bridge, which is used to hold a cue stick when the use of hand support is not feasible. These situations usually are caused by obstructions immediately adjacent to the ball which the player desires to strike, and/or by an inability to properly place their hand on the table.

#2. Background Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the gimbaled cue bridge of my invention being operationally used on a playing table with a cue stick downwardly striking a billiard ball.

#FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the gimbaled cue bridge of FIG. 1 with the bridge stick collar rotated to expose the set screws, and with the each elevated gimbal axis being in a common plane.

#FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the gimbaled cue bridge of FIG. 2 with the gimbals at a reduced elevation above the base.

#FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of my gimbaled cue bridge 10 being operationally used on playing table 1, with cue stick 2 downwardly striking billiard ball 3. Support for bridge 10 assembly is provided by base means 5 resting on table 1. As depicted in the drawing, base 5 is partially supported by two laterally extended legs 6 in contact with table 1, with additional support provided by bridge stick 7. It will be easily recognized however, that many free standing base embodiments exist, comprising any number of legs, or other table contacting means. Regardless of configuration, the preferred material for base construction is a clear plastic for improved cue tip viewing on deep draw shots such as that shown in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the gimbaled cue bridge of FIG. 1 with the bridge stick collar rotated to expose the set screws, and with elongated shaft 20 rotated to expose groove 21. Each elevated gimbal axis is depicted in a common plane. Bridgestick 7 is connected to base 5, through insertion into the rear end of a barrel shaped hollow collar 8. Securing means such as thumbscrew 9 maintains the collar on the bridge stick 7. In FIGS. 2-5, thumbscrew 7 has been rotated to a horizontal position for clarity, but in actual use it is rotated downward to minimize view occlusion.

#FIGS. 3 and 4 show front and side elevation views of the gimbaled cue bridge of FIG. 2 with the gimbals at a reduced elevation above the base.