Want to know about a powder applicator

[Subsonic2u]

Hi. During my buying and selling of pool Qs I found something I have never seen or heard of before. It is a powder applicator for placing a small amount of powder directly to the area needed. Just where the shaft slides on your fingers/thumb. It is 2 inches hi and 1/2 inch across. It resembles a miniture tube of lip stick. There is a soft plastic top that slips on when not in use. The tube itself is maroon in color and has a brass screw cap on the end. When u remove the rubber cover there is a ball such as u would find in a roll on deoderant. U push the ball against wherever u want the powder and it gives a small amount of powder which u then use the ball to roll around and apply. When u remove the brass screw cap on the bottom end. There is a hollow tube (which u fill with powder) with a spring that applies pressure to the ball from the inside and prevents the powder from coming out when not in use. It looks very old and has the name HoFFritz in gold letters near the brass cover cap. It works really well and applies only a small amount of powder precisely where needed. No slop, no mess, no powder everywhere.

When any of my friends ask for powder I let them use it and everyone, and I do mean everyone says how great it is and say they have never seen one before. I have asked many life long pool shooters, the "old timers" about it and none have seen one before. It is so small and easy to carry in my Q case pocket. Everyone wants to know where they can get one and offer to buy mine. I have looked at many billiard supply sites and have never found one. Has anyone seen one of these before and, where can they b purchased? Sorry, until I borrow my daughter's camera, no pics. Thanx for any info. Charlie

 

[MikeH]

Never saw one...

Inventor Edward G. Slacum
Address: Odenton, MD
No. of patents: 1
Last patent issue date: 2003-09-09

Billiard accessory with powder dispensing and cue tip shaping/scuffing capability

Document: United States Patent 6616540
Abstract: An improved means for dispensing powder and shaping/scuffing the tip of a billiard cue, for use during a game of billiards, is herein disclosed. The design of the compact, substantially cylindrical device incorporates the combination of portability, functionality, user discretion, and neatness/convenience of use lacking in the prior art. The device provides a simple, yet reliable means of dispensing small, easily controlled amounts of powder onto the hands of billiard players via the use of a ball and spring assembly. The device allows the user to dispense/apply the powder by (1) compressing the assembly and "rolling" the powder, or (2) "tapping" the ball and spring assembly on the appropriate area of the hand(s). The present invention is a device that also includes a shaping/scuffing tool, on the end opposite the ball and spring assembly, that allows an individual to manicure the tip of a billiard cue. The shaping/scuffing tool consists of an abrasive element positioned in a concave recess at the end of the device. The abrasive element is replaceable/interchangeable.

Maybe look him up and ask if he ever got it manufactured, perhaps you have a proto-type?

-Mike

 

[Subsonic2u]

Sounds like it

Hey, that really sounds like the thing I have. Except the brass screw cap on mine is not concave, but flat. However, according to the patent date of 9-9-03 this thing would b very new. The one I have would seem to b far older. Perhaps 30 or 40 years older. Checking out this guy would seem like a great place to start. I will b curious to c if any AZers have seen one of these things.

U really found that info quickly. Don't know how u did it soooo fast.