DESIGN NAME: Corner Pocket
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Billiards Chalk Holder
INSPIRATION: This project was born from the desire to create an alternative, intuitive way to keep cue chalk within reach during a billiards match. Traditional chalk holders typically clip to the waist or pocket, which isn’t always convenient, especially when moving around the table or leaning over for a shot. Chalk often gets left behind, misplaced, or disrupts the rhythm of play. Corner Pocket offers a new alternative by relocating the chalk to the wrist, where it's always visible, always accessible, and never in the way. The design draws inspiration from the convenience and wearability of wristwatches, as well as the structural form of a pool table’s corner pocket.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Corner Pocket is an intuitive, wrist-worn magnetic billiard chalk holder designed to transform how players access and carry their chalk during a game. It accommodates various chalk shapes and offers a wide range of customization options in colors, materials, and finishes. Two strong neodymium magnets securely attach the holder to the housing, ensuring stability while allowing effortless removal by sliding the chalk holder sideways. The chalk is held in place by friction and can be easily replaced by pushing it out through a bottom opening using a cue stick. The housing is compatible with any 20 mm watch strap and features interchangeable holders to fit different chalk shapes and brands.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Worn like a watch, the holder secures the chalk by friction. Simply push it in to lock it in place. To use, the player slides the holder to the side, effortlessly disengaging it from the magnetic pull. After chalking, place it back in the housing where the magnet attracts it to its position. Chalk can be replaced by pushing it out through the bottom opening with a cue stick. Interchangeable holders allow compatibility with different chalk sizes and shapes.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in March 2023 in Rotterdam and finished in January 2024 in Rotterdam
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design blends the aesthetics of wristwatches and pool tables, with a shape reminiscent of a watch housing and the corner pocket of a billiard table. 3D printing was chosen to allow cost-effective production without expensive tooling. Prototyping began with watch parts and magnets to refine functionality before aesthetic development. After testing various 3D printing methods, an optimal solution was chosen for cost efficiency and various color and finishing options, enabling scalable production.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Housing Dimensions: 46 x 51 x 13 mm
Chalk Holder Dimensions: 33 x 33 x 19 mm
Assembled Unit Without Straps: 46 x 51 x 28 mm
Strap Compatibility: Standard 20 mm watch strap
TAGS: Magnetic billiard chalk holder, wrist chalk holder, 3D-printed chalk holder, pool chalk accessory, billiard equipment, cue sports gear, magnetic pool accessory, ergonomic chalk holder, billiard accessory, watch-style chalk holder
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: User-centered research revealed that players chalk less due to inaccessibility, affecting shot accuracy. Common waist-level holders had multiple flaws, including staining clothing and being knocked off during play. Observations and feedback highlighted the need for a wearable solution. Prototyping confirmed wrist placement as non-disruptive. SLS 3D printing was chosen for cost-efficiency, durability, and customization, enabling future product expansion and bridging sports gear with wearables.
CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge was designing an assembly that securely locked strong magnets in place without screws or glue while ensuring easy assembly. Extensive trial and error led to a three-part interlocking system. The second challenge was cost-effective manufacturing, requiring an in-depth exploration of CNC machining and 3D printing. The goal was to find a method that allowed multiple finishing and coloring options, enabling the creation of different product ranges, including higher-end models.
ADDED DATE: 2025-02-25 18:06:21
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Tamás Fekete
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: 3D Visualization by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
Image #2: 3D Visualization by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
Image #3: 3D Visualization by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
Image #4: 3D Visualization by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
Image #5: 3D Visualization by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
Video Credits: Animation by Tamás Fekete, Corner Pocket, 2024.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patented. US12186650B2. Randy William Carville. 2022. United States.
Copyright belongs to Chalk Tyme Billiard Accessories, 2024-2025
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