SNOOKER CUE MAINTENANCE DEVICE

Abstract

A snooker cue maintenance device, comprises housing 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a pair of motorized rollers 2 via a pair of telescopically operated rods for accommodating a snooker cue, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 for detecting exact location of tip of the cue, a blade 4 installed with the frame via a telescopically operated link for removing the tip from the cue, an electronic nozzle 5 for dispensing the adhesive solution on the end of cue, a telescopically operated gripper 6 for fetching a new tip from a container 7 attached within the housing 1 and affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution, a telescopically operated shaft installed with the frame and attached with a sand paper 8 to eliminate unevenness from the junction and tip, and a speaker mounted on the housing 1 for notifying the user to collect the cue.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a snooker cue maintenance device maintenance that assists a user in maintenance of snooker cue in accordance to the dimensions of the cue, thereby enhancing performance of the cue.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Users typically perform maintenance on snooker cues to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their game. Maintenance activities help identify and address issues such as warping, damage, or wear that can affect the performance of the cue. By regularly inspecting and maintaining snooker cues, users prevent potential disruptions during gameplay, reducing the risk of inaccurate shots and associated frustrations. Additionally, proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of snooker cues, optimizing their performance and minimizing the need for costly replacements in the long run. Overall, snooker cue maintenance is crucial for ensuring an enjoyable and consistent playing experience, which is essential for players striving for precision and success in the game.

[0003] Conventionally, the maintenance of snooker cues is often performed manually, requiring significant effort and sometimes resulting in inconsistencies in the cue's performance. Nowadays, various tools and methods are used for snooker cue maintenance such as cue tip trimmers, cue wax, and cue cleaners. While these tools and methods are user-friendly and require minimal labor, they may not fully address all maintenance needs and may still require human intervention for certain tasks.

[0004] US7568978B1 discloses about an invention that is a kind of a cue tip tool is a cylindrical jig having a longitudinal bore forming its body into a tube that accepts a cue being tipped. The jig body has three equally positioned slots cut through the tubular wall, and the outer surface of the jig has a collar that squeezes the jig against the cue ensuring that the axis of the cue is aligned with the jig. The end of the jig is a cylindrical surface stepped to a larger diameter, and the stepped cylinder is coaxial with the axis of the jig and the axis of the cue. Three auxiliary units configured to separately engage the jig provide for burnishing the end of the cue's ferrule, positioning the cue tip being installed during gluing, and cleaning the cue tip of accumulated chalk debris, while maintaining accurate alignment of the cue tip with the cue's axis.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for maintaining snooker cues. However, these devices often lack to assist users in cue maintenance according to the specific dimensions of the cue, thereby limiting their ability to enhance cue performance. In addition, these existing device fails to detect the pressure applied on the tip of the cue during maintenance and therefore do not apply an optimum force on the cue tip to perform maintenance effectively, thus they are unable to minimize the chances of damage to the cue.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that assists users in maintaining snooker cues according to the specific dimensions of the cue, thereby enhancing cue's performance. Additionally, the device detects the pressure applied on the cue tip during maintenance and apply an optimal force to perform maintenance effectively, thereby reducing the chances of damage to the cue.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in maintenance of snooker cue in accordance to the dimensions of the cue, thereby enhancing performance of the cue.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting pressure applied on tip of cue during maintenance and accordingly provide means for applying an optimum force on tip of the cue in vie of performing maintenance of the cue, thereby reducing chances of damage to the cue.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a snooker cue maintenance device that is capable of assisting the users in maintaining snooker cues according to the specific dimensions of the cue, thereby enhancing cue performance. Additionally, the device detect the pressure applied on the cue tip during maintenance and apply an optimal force to perform maintenance effectively, thereby reducing the chances of damage to the cue.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a snooker cue maintenance device comprises of a housing positioned on a ground surface and installed with a pair of motorized rollers via a pair of telescopically operated rods for accommodating a snooker cue to rotate for translating the cue in view of positioning the cue in a circular frame arranged within the housing, a touch interactive display panel is installed in the housing for enabling a user to give input commands for changing tip of the cue, a microcontroller linked with the screen that processes the input commands and activates a laser sensor positioned on one of the members for detecting thickness of the cue, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted within the housing for detecting exact location of tip of the cue, a blade installed with the frame via a telescopically operated link to extend for positioning the blade in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue and a motorized circular sliding unit installed within the frame and link for translating the link in view of removing the tip from the cue for rotating the shaft in view of scrubbing the junction and tip via the sand paper to eliminate unevenness from the junction and tip.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an electronic nozzle installed with side wall of the housing via a telescopically operated bar and connected with a chamber stored with a chamber stored with an adhesive solution to extend for positioning the nozzle in proximity to the end of cue, followed by actuation of the nozzle to open for dispensing the adhesive solution on the end of cue, a telescopically operated gripper installed within the housing for fetching a new tip from a container attached within the housing and affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution, a telescopically operated shaft installed with the frame and attached with a sand paper to extend and position in contact with junction of the tip and end of the cue, a speaker mounted on the housing for notifying the user to collect the cue, a pressure sensor is positioned with the sand paper for detecting pressure applied by the sand paper on the tip, a level sensor is embedded within the chamber for detecting level of the adhesive solution, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a snooker cue maintenance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to a snooker cue maintenance device that is capable of assisting the users in maintaining snooker cues according to the specific dimensions of the cue, thereby enhancing cue performance. Additionally, the device detect the pressure applied on the cue tip during maintenance and apply an optimal force to perform maintenance effectively, thereby reducing the chances of damage to the cue.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a snooker cue maintenance device is illustrated, comprising a housing 1 positioned on a ground surface installed with a pair of motorized rollers 2 via a pair of telescopically operated rods, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted within the housing 1 , a blade 4 installed with the frame via a telescopically operated link, an electronic nozzle 5 installed with side wall of the housing 1 via a telescopically operated bar and connected with a chamber, a telescopically operated gripper 6 installed within the housing 1 , a container 7 attached within the housing 1 , and a telescopically operated shaft installed with the frame and attached with a sand paper 8.

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 1 that is developed positioned on a ground surface. The housing 1 is rectangular in shape, made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. The housing 1 is installed with a pair of motorized rollers 2 via a pair of telescopically operated rods for accommodating a snooker cue.

[0023] Upon positioning of the housing 1 on the ground surface, a touch interactive display panel installed in the housing 1 enables a user to give input commands for changing tip of the cue. The touch interactive display panel as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding changing tip of the cue. A touch controller is typically connected to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the housing 1 through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0024] Based on the input command from the user, the microcontroller activates a laser sensor positioned on one of the members for detecting thickness of the cue. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the cue and back. The sensor emits a light towards the cue and when the laser beam hits the cue, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the cue. The sensor calculates the thickness of the cue and the calculated thickness of the cue is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller processes the signal to determine thickness of the cue.

[0025] Based on the determined thickness of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the rods to extend for securely gripping the cue between the rollers 2. The telescopically operated rods is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rods and due to applied pressure the rods extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated rods by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rods in order to secure the cue between the rollers 2.

[0026] Upon secure gripping the cue between the rollers 2 , an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted within the housing 1 detects exact location of tip of the cue. The imaging unit 3 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings around the cue, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 3 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 3 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines exact location of tip of the cue.

[0027] Based on the determined location of tip of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the rollers 2 to rotate for translating the cue in view of positioning the cue in a circular frame arranged within the housing 1 . The motorized rollers 2 comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the disc via the shaft. The rollers 2 thus rotate for translating the cue in view of positioning the cue in the circular frame.

[0028] Upon positioning the cue in the circular frame, a blade 4 installed with the frame via a telescopically operated link is actuated by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the blade 4 in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue. The extension/retraction of the telescopically operated link is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopically operated rods for positioning the blade 4 in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue.

[0029] Upon positioning of the blade 4 in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue, the microcontroller actuates a motorized circular sliding unit installed within the frame and link for translating the link in view of removing the tip from the cue. The circular sliding unit consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the circular sliding unit results in the translation of the link in view of removing the tip from the cue.

[0030] Upon removing of tip from the cue, an electronic nozzle 5 installed with side wall of the housing 1 via a telescopically operated bar and connected with a chamber stored with a chamber stored with an adhesive solution is actuated the by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the nozzle 5 in proximity to the end of cue. The extension/retraction of the telescopically operated bar is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopically operated rods for positioning the nozzle 5 in proximity to the end of cue.

[0031] Upon positioning of the nozzle 5 in proximity to the end of cue, the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 5 to open for dispensing the adhesive solution on the end of cue. The electronic nozzle 5 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed. Upon actuation of nozzle 5 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the adhesive solution, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to get dispensed out with a high force on the end of cue.

[0032] Upon dispensing adhesive solution on the end of cue, a telescopically operated gripper 6 installed within the housing 1 is actuated by the microcontroller for fetching a new tip from a container 7 attached within the housing 1 and affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution. The extension/retraction of the telescopically operated gripper 6 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopically operated rods for fetching new tip from the container 7 and affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution.

[0033] A level sensor embedded within the chamber detects level of the adhesive solution. The level senor used herein is a pressure-based level sensor which works on the principle that the pressure exerted by a liquid at a specific depth is directly proportional to the height of the liquid column in the sensor. The pressure-based level sensor comprises of a piezoelectric sensing element. When the sensing element is exposed to the liquid within the sensor, some hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the element by the liquid and which varies in accordance to the height of the liquid. A pressure transducer converts the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid into an electrical pulse. Further the microcontroller analyses the electrical signal and based on which determine the level of the adhesive solution remaining in the chamber. The determined level is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold level stored within a database linked to the microcontroller. As soon as the detected level recedes the threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber.

[0034] The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber.

[0035] Upon affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution, a telescopically operated shaft installed with the frame and attached with a sand paper 8 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend and position in contact with junction of the tip and end of the cue. The extension/retraction of the telescopically operated shaft is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopically operated rods for positioning the sand paper 8 in contact with junction of the tip and end of the cue. Upon positioning of the sand paper 8 in contact with junction of the tip and end of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the sliding for rotating the shaft in view of scrubbing the junction and tip via the sand paper 8 to eliminate unevenness from the junction and tip.

[0036] A pressure sensor positioned with the sand paper 8 detects pressure applied by the sand paper 8 on the tip. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force pressure applied by the sand paper 8 on the tip. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for detecting the pressure applied by the sand paper 8 on the tip. The determined pressure is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold value stored within the database. In case the detected pressure recedes the threshold value, the microcontroller regulates extension of the shaft to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of damage to the tip.

[0037] Further, a speaker mounted on the housing 1 is activated by the microcontroller for notifying the user to collect the cue. The speaker works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user to collect the cue.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 1 that is developed positioned on the ground surface. Upon positioning of the housing 1 on the ground surface, the touch interactive display panel installed in the housing 1 enables the user to give input commands for changing tip of the cue. Based on the input command from the user, the microcontroller activates the laser sensor positioned on one of the members for detecting thickness of the cue. Based on the determined thickness of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the rods to extend for securely gripping the cue between the rollers 2. Upon secure gripping the cue between the rollers 2 , the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted within the housing 1 detects exact location of tip of the cue. Based on the determined location of tip of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the rollers 2 to rotate for translating the cue in view of positioning the cue in the circular frame arranged within the housing 1 . Upon positioning the cue in the circular frame, the blade 4 installed with the frame via the telescopically operated link is actuated by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the blade 4 in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue. Upon positioning of the blade 4 in contact with junction of the tip and at end of the cue, the microcontroller actuates the motorized circular sliding unit installed within the frame and link for translating the link in view of removing the tip from the cue. Upon removing of tip from the cue, the electronic nozzle 5 installed with side wall of the housing 1 via the telescopically operated bar and connected with the chamber stored with the chamber stored with the adhesive solution is actuated the by the microcontroller to extend for positioning the nozzle 5 in proximity to the end of cue. Upon positioning of the nozzle 5 in proximity to the end of cue, the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 5 to open for dispensing the adhesive solution on the end of cue. Upon dispensing adhesive solution on the end of cue, the telescopically operated gripper 6 installed within the housing 1 is actuated by the microcontroller for fetching the new tip from the container 7 attached within the housing 1 and affixing the tip with the end of cue via the adhesive solution.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A snooker cue maintenance device, comprising:

i) a housing 1 positioned on a ground surface and installed with a pair of motorized rollers 2 via a pair of telescopically operated rods for accommodating a snooker cue, wherein a touch interactive display panel is installed in said housing 1 for enabling a user to give input commands for changing tip of said cue;
ii) a microcontroller linked with said screen that processes said input commands and activates a laser sensor positioned on one of said members for detecting thickness of said cue, wherein based on said detected thickness, said microcontroller actuates said rods to extend for securely gripping said cue between said rollers 2;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted within said housing 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said cue, respectively, for detecting exact location of tip of said cue, wherein said microcontroller actuates said rollers 2 to rotate for translating said cue in view of positioning said cue in a circular frame arranged within said housing 1 ;
iv) a blade 4 installed with said frame via a telescopically operated link that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend for positioning said blade 4 in contact with junction of said tip and at end of said cue, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized circular sliding unit installed within said frame and link for translating said link in view of removing said tip from said cue;
v) an electronic nozzle 5 installed with side wall of said housing 1 via a telescopically operated bar and connected with a chamber stored with a chamber stored with an adhesive solution, wherein said microcontroller actuates said bar to extend for positioning said nozzle 5 in proximity to said end of cue, followed by actuation of said nozzle 5 to open for dispensing said adhesive solution on said end of cue;
vi) a telescopically operated gripper 6 installed within said housing 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller for fetching a new tip from a container 7 attached within said housing 1 and affixing said tip with said end of cue via said adhesive solution; and
vii) a telescopically operated shaft installed with said frame and attached with a sand paper 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend and position in contact with junction of said tip and end of said cue, wherein said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit for rotating said shaft in view of scrubbing said junction and tip via said sand paper 8 to eliminate unevenness from said junction and tip, followed by activation of a speaker mounted on said housing 1 for notifying said user to collect said cue.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is positioned with said sand paper 8 for detecting pressure applied by said sand paper 8 on said tip, and in case said detected pressure recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller regulates extension of said shaft to reduce said pressure, thus preventing any chances of damage to said tip.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within said chamber for detecting level of said adhesive solution, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on a computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chamber.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated rods, telescopically operated link, telescopically operated gripper 6 , telescopically operated bar, and telescopically operated shaft are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rods, link, gripper 6 , bar, and shaft.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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