Interchangeable foosball-table rod-handles and adapters

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 a diameter and length providing for a snug fit;    a standardized interlock disposed on a distal end of the adaptor and providing for anti-rotation keying and a one-at-a-time docking of a plurality of interchangeable handle shells; and    a simple fastener for retaining one of said handle shells on the adaptor.    wherein, when assembled, a handle shell and the adapter are securely fixed to said player-figure rod and do not allow relative movement amongst them during use.    
   
   
       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 a distal end of said player-figure rod.    
   
   
       3 . The accessory of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the adaptor is in the general form of a cylindrical plug and includes a press-in roll-pin for fastening it inside a distal end of said player-figure rod.    
   
   
       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.