Quick-change foosball table rod handles

Abstract

A table soccer game includes quick-change handles attached to one end of each of the player-figure rods. Each rod is drilled near one end to retain a roll-pin that secures a handle core or adaptor. A variety of standardized, interchangeable handle shells can be quickly docked onto any of the handle cores. The outside diameters, materials, firmness, and profiles of the handle shells vary and are chosen to suit individual players preferences. The shells are secured to the adaptors with a fastener or quick-release locking device.

1 . A foosball table accessory, comprising: 
 an adaptor with a fastener for permanent mounting on one end of a player-figure rod of a table soccer game, and having an internal diameter and length providing for a snug fit;    a standardized interlock disposed on the outside surfaces of the adaptor and providing for anti-rotation keying and the one-at-a-time docking of a plurality of handle shells; and    a single fastener for retaining one of said handle shells on the adaptor.    
   
   
       2 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the adaptor is in the general form of a tubular sleeve and includes a roll-pin for fastening it to said rod.    
   
   
       3 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the interlock is in the general form of a hex nut that engages a matching hex socket in any of said plurality of handle shells.    
   
   
       4 . A table soccer handle system, comprising: 
 an adaptor with a fastener for permanent mounting on one end of a player-figure rod of a table soccer game, and having an internal diameter and length providing for a snug fit;    a plurality of interchangeable handle shells with a variety of external diameters, profiles, textures, and materials that all can be docked and locked onto the adaptor;    a standardized interlock disposed on the outside surfaces of the adaptor and providing for anti-rotation keying and the one-at-a-time docking of any of the plurality of handle shells; and    a single fastener for retaining one of said handle shells on the adaptor.    
   
   
       5 . A table soccer game, comprising: 
 a floor-standing cabinet with a playing field and a plurality of player figures supported on eight horizontal parallel control rods above the playing field;    a plurality of identical adaptors each with a fastener for permanent mounting on one end of each of the player-figure rods, and having an internal diameter and length providing for a snug fit;    a plurality of interchangeable handle shells with a variety of external diameters, profiles, textures, and materials that all can be docked and locked onto the adaptor; and    a standardized interlock disposed on the outside surfaces of all adaptors and providing for anti-rotation keying and the one-at-a-time docking of any of the plurality of handle shells on each of the rods.    
   
   
       6 . A method of competitive foosball play with a floor-standing cabinet having a playing field and a plurality of player figures supported on eight horizontal parallel control rods above the playing field, comprising: 
 fitting a plurality of identical adaptors each with a fastener for permanent mounting on one end of each player-figure rods, and having an internal diameter and length providing for a snug fit;    using a plurality of interchangeable handle shells with a variety of external diameters, profiles, textures, and materials that all can be docked and locked onto said adaptors; and    having a standardized interlock disposed on the outside surfaces of all adaptors and providing for anti-rotation keying and the one-at-a-time docking of any of said plurality of handle shells on each of said rods.