Abstract: A hollow billiard cue having an elongate shaft, a (ferrule) tip portion at the end of the shaft, and a (joint) butt portion at the opposite end. The cue consisting of a number of graphite fibers longitudinally oriented along the shaft; a number of graphite fibers biased to the longitudinally oriented graphite fibers; and a binder holding the fibers together. The fibers may consist of a woven carbon or fiberglass impregnated with resin. The billiard cue is constructed with a vibration dampening material that will absorb the vibration or shock that occurs when the cue strikes the ball. The billiard cue also may have an internal (ferrule) tip that fits inside the shaft.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a vibration damping shaft of a cue stick comprises a shaft that is configured to form an axially rigid ensemble by mating with another segment of a cue stick. The shaft includes damping material that reduces the vibration of the shaft when a ball strikes the shaft. The damping material may have a density greater than wood. The damping material may be configured as an annular region in the shaft, or in any other configuration that reduces shaft vibration. Damping materials include composites, such as piezoelectric materials, with fibers that are generally aligned to reduce shaft vibration. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes a universal shaft insert, allowing the shaft to fit another segment of a cue stick having a particular joint pin configuration. Features of the a vibration damping shaft may also be incorporated into a cue stick that is not collapsible.

Abstract: A billiard cue less bendable than a standard wood cue, which is manufactured by dividing a square lumber (20), sawed from a wood material (10), into a central member (21), having a cross-shaped section in which longitudinal sides thereof are perpendicular to transverse sides lines thereof and end terminals thereof contact edges of the square lumber (20), and peripheral members (22, 23, 24, and 25) cut off from the central member, and the peripheral members (22, 23, 24, and 25) are then bonded to the central member (21) so that the direction of the annual rings of the peripheral members (22, 23, 24, and 25) is opposite to the direction of the annual rings of the central member (21), thereby offsetting stress applied to the central member (21) due to the orientation of the annual rings of the original square lumber (20), and applied to the peripheral members (22, 23, 24, and 25), and allowing maintaining its straight state without deformation.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a universal shaft fitting for a cue stick comprises a universal adapter with an extension having external threads, adapted to be bonded into the butt end of a shaft of a cue stick, and an insert adapted to be bonded to internal threads of the universal adapter. The insert also includes internal threads for detachably mating a pin attached to another segment of a cue stick. Other embodiments include universal shaft fittings with various pin configurations and universal shaft fittings that do not utilize an insert. The universal shaft fittings may be utilized as components of a kit for adapting shafts to receive segments of cue sticks with various pin configurations. The universal shaft fittings may also be utilized in a method of supplying shafts to fit segments of cue sticks.

Abstract: A handle section combination for a billiard cue, which includes a handle section, an elongated strip and at least a binding ring. The handle section has an adjoining end to adjoin to the other section of the billiard cue. The strip is made of resilient materials and wrapped about the surface of the handle section. The strip has a front end with a first inserting portion. The binding ring is made of rigid materials and has an inner surface with a first receiving portion. The binding ring is put around the adjoining end of the handle section in such a way that the first inserting portion of the strip can be received tightly in the first receiving portion of the binding ring when the strip is wrapped about the handle section.

Abstract: A pool cue foldable between storage and use configurations includes first and second tapered rods each having first and second ends which are disposed adjacent to one another in the storage configuration. The second end of the first tapered rod is disposed adjacent the first end of the second tapered rod in the use configuration. A hinge pivotally connects the first and second tapered rods.

Abstract: A cue stick of the type used for playing billiards. A deflection resistant strengthening wrap is located adjacent a terminal end of the cue stick, and/or at other points on the cue stick that may experience deflection during a ball strike. A first strengthening wrap substantially prevents deflection of the tip piece upon impact with a billiard ball. Other strengthening wraps may be provided to prevent deflection at other locations on the cue stick. The strengthening wraps are composites formed of a screen, a sheet of material, and a resin. The screen is preferably metallic. The sheet of material is a plurality of fibers that form a fiber wrap of graphite, fiberglass, kevlar, or other material.

Abstract: A light up pool cue has control circuitry operatively coupled to a sensor and a light source. The sensor is adapted to detect impact of the pool cue with another object. Upon detection of the impact, the sensor generates an electrical signal to the control circuitry, causing the control circuitry to illuminate the light source.

Abstract: A pool cue having attachable weight includes a pool cue, at least one weight, and a weight retainer. A threaded hole is formed in a butt end of the pool cue. A weight retainer preferably includes a bumper cap and a threaded rod. The threaded rod extends from one end of the bumper cap. The threaded hole is sized to threadably receive the threaded rod. A hole or a slotted opening is formed through the weight to receive the threaded rod. A location projection is preferably formed on one end of the weight and a location cavity is preferably formed on the other end of the weight. The location cavity is sized to receive the location projection. The location projection and cavity ensure that a plurality of weights will be concentric to each other.

Abstract: A billiards indicator system and method for providing a convenient reminder of whether a person is to shoot at solid colored or striped balls. The billiards indicator system and method includes a first conical member which is substantially hollow, and designed for being slideably received by an external surface of a lower portion of a pool cue. The first conical member has at least a pair of indicia positioned on a surface. Similarly, a second conical member is substantially hollow. The second conical member is rotatably coupleable with the first conical member. The first conical member is nested inside the second conical member. The second conical member has an aperture extending therethrough. The second conical member is rotatable to expose a selected one of the pair of indicia through the aperture.

Abstract: A cue for table games includes a laminated shaft. The shaft includes a central elongated member of square cross-section and a plurality of surrounding elongated members. The elongated members are joined one another by adhesive. The laminated fabrication effectively eliminates warping while the central elongated member preserves the feel of a non-laminated shaft.

Abstract: A billiard cue tip includes a generally cylindrical base made of bakelite. The base has a top surface with a receiving room at the center portion thereof and a bottom surface for attaching to one end of a billiard cue. The cue tip further comprises a core made of leather. The configuration of the core is adapted to be tightly filled in the receiving room of the base in such a way that the top surface of said core is at the same level with the top surface of said base. Thereby, the base made of bakelite and the core made of leather combined together can provide the needed property to the cue tip for easily causing a cue ball to jump and controlling the running path of the cue ball in a jump shot.

Abstract: This new high tech state of the art pool cue refers to the game of pool and snooker and the like. This invention includes a hollowed out aluminum embodiment that is machined to specific specifications and has the standard shape appearance, length, taper, and looks of standard pool cues made in the years past with a lot of serious changes. The hollowed out embodiment houses a series of machined moving parts. When the stick is assembled it breaks down into a three piece collapsible stick that screws together. The rear part of the stick housed the barrel spring and tension mechanism, and one half of the impact rod, that controls, or adjusts by the user. The amount of impact or kinetic energy that will be released when the user presses the trigger by the turn of a coupler at the rear of the stick.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a billiards cue stick having light-generating elements 40 within the body of the cue stick. The multi-sectioned cue stick 20, 22 has a throughbore 36 for receiving a light-generating circuit 38. Positioned behind the tip 34 is a translucent ferrule 26 having a light-generating element 40 in close proximity to the translucent ferrule. When the light-generating element is energized the light rays will cause the translucent ferrule to glow. Also positioned within the body of the cue stick is a power source 30, 32 for energizing the light-generating elements 40. Positioned within the butt of the handle 20 is another translucent element having a light-generating element able to cause the translucent end piece 28 to glow. The fastening mechanism 24 forms the switch of the light circuit wherein when the stick is assembled the light elements are energized.

Abstract: A cue for table games includes a laminated shaft. The shaft includes a central elongated member of square cross-section and a plurality of surrounding elongated members. The elongated members are joined one another by adhesive. The laminated fabrication effectively eliminates warping while the central elongated member preserves the feel of a non-laminated shaft.

Abstract: A joint for a sports stick having first and second stick portions includes a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member includes a coupling rod having a joint securing male threaded region and a centering pin. A second joint member is included for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member has a cavity for receiving the coupling rod. The receiving cavity includes a joint securing male threaded region, a loose fit inner diameter, and a close fit inner diameter region positioned between the female threaded region and the loose fit inner diameter region. The male threaded region of the coupling rod engages with the female threaded region of the receiving cavity for securing the first and second joint members together and the centering pin closely engages the close fit inner diameter region.

Abstract: The invention is a weighting system for a pool cue and methods of using the weighting system. The weighting system includes a first internal cavity in a handle portion of the pool cue. A plurality of weights are provided within the internal cavity. By removing the externally threaded rods from the internal cavity, a user may tailor the weight characteristics of the pool cue in accordance with the user's preferences.

Abstract: A light up pool cue has control circuitry operatively coupled to a sensor and a light source. The sensor is adapted to detect impact of the pool cue with another object. Upon detection of the impact, the sensor generates an electrical signal to the control circuitry, causing the control circuitry to illuminate the light source.

Abstract: A Billiard, Pool or Snooker Cue shaft section, characterized by the small tapered end to which a leather cue tip is affixed. The leather tipped shaft section is stiffened and held from warping by incorporating multiple opposing inlays. A major benefit as a result of the opposing inlays is the Cue assembly can be held in any manner with no concern to the rotation position of the shaft, for consistent striking action. The integrity of the solid wood core is enhanced.

Abstract: An pool cue aiming apparatus for billiards games includes a cue provided with a source for a narrow collimated beam of light emerging from the playing tip along the longitudinal axis of the cue. An electrical communication system is located within the cue, having a pressure sensitive handle housing batteries, thereby transmitting electricity when the handle is depressed and closes an electrical circuit. Electricity generated from the batteries is transmitted to a light source in the tip portion of the cue and the light therefrom moves through a longitudinal bore along the length of the cue to emerge from an orifice located at the striking tip. The collimated light allows a user to learn proper striking technique in the game of billiards.

Abstract: A billiard cue has a main body formed of one or more segments which are connected end to end. At least one segment consists of an outer casing which is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material and is covered with a wooden sheath and a protective layer. The billiard cue is not prone to deformation and is provided with appearance of a wood texture.

Abstract: A cue stick is provided such that a handicapped person can play pool/billiards using one arm/hand from a wheelchair if desired. The spring-loaded 2 section cue stick can be cocked and made to propel the cue ball into the object ball or rail by means of a tensioning and trigger release system that allows the player to cock, position and shoot in one connected motion with one arm/hand. The stick is also equipped with variable tension positions, or settings, affording the player the ability to select the amount of force with which the cue tip strikes the cue ball; thus producing a hard or soft shot. A variable height foot is provided near the cue tip end of the stick to allow the player to raise or lower the impact point of the cue tip on the cue ball. The foot also provides a means for the player to bridge over top of a ball close to the cue ball.

Abstract: Billiard cue with aiming effect, including a slender cue body and a tip adhered to a small diameter end of the cue body. At least one group of aiming marks are disposed on the circumference of the small diameter end of the cue body. When using the cue to shoot a cue ball, the group of aiming marks serve as aiming points aimed at the cue ball, whereby the cue ball can be rotated to different extents. Therefore, a player can more precisely shoot and control the cue ball.

Abstract: A billiard cue is provided comprising an elongate rod having a ball striking tip at a first end thereof, and a haft portion extending along one-third of the length of the rod from the second end thereof. The haft portion is wider than the tip and has a first tapered section narrowing toward the second end. In use in striking a ball, the cue may be held at a position along the haft portion closer to the second end than an associated widest part of the first tapered section.

Abstract: A billiard cue includes a shaft having a hollow bore extending for a predetermined distance from a first end of the shaft to reduce the tip end weight of the shaft. In one aspect, where the shaft is formed of a composite material consisting of fibers in a binder, such as carbon fibers in an epoxy resin, the bore forms an outer wall in the tip end of the shaft having a thickness between about 0.005 and about 0.05 inches The shaft material has a modulus of elasticity of at least 4.3×106 psi. The bore extending from the first end of the shaft, the thin wall thickness of the tip end of the shaft and the material forming the shaft combine to decrease the mass of the tip end of the shaft while maintaining substantially all of the stiffness of a conventional solid wood shaft formed of a hard maple to minimize buckling of the tip end of the shaft and thereby substantially decrease deflection of the cue ball from its intended path of movement along a path parallel to the stroke axis of the shaft.

Abstract: Billiard cue with aiming effect, including a slender cue body and a tip adhered to a small diameter end of the cue body. At least one group of aiming marks are disposed on the circumference of the small diameter end of the cue body. When using the cue to shoot a cue ball, the group of aiming marks serve as aiming points aimed at the cue ball, whereby the cue ball can be rotated to different extents. Therefore, a player can more precisely shoot and control the cue ball.

Abstract: A tubular sport item includes a tubular reinforcement layer which includes fiber strips and a veneer lamination is wrapped around the reinforcement layer so that the billiard cue has the same feeling as the billiard cue made of wood.

Abstract: A cue stick for use in the game of billiards having a one-piece ferrule-tip. The cue stick does not employ a conventional wood cue tip but rather has a modified ferrule-tip which serves as a resilient tip for striking a cue ball. The cue stick of the present invention has one embodiment for causing a struck cue ball to be jumped over an obstructing ball by elevating the handle of the cue stick to an appropriate height, which is lower than if a conventional cue stick were used, and striking the cue ball at an appropriate angle with an appropriate amount of force, which is less than if a conventional cue stick were used. The cue stick having a ferrule-tip of the present invention thus enables the player to strike a cue ball with a lower elevated angle and less force than with a conventional cue stick having a conventional tip, thereby facilitating the ball-jumping effect.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a billiard cue having an improved shaft. The shaft includes a wooden main shaft, an interior shaft, and an exterior coating. The wooden main shaft has a hollow core with a predetermined length extending along the direction of a longitudinal axis of the main shaft. The interior shaft is made of a material harder than the wooden main shaft and is tightly received in the hollow core of the main shaft. The exterior coating is made of a fiber composite material and is coated on the exterior periphery of the main shaft. Accordingly, the main shaft takes advantages of the wooden material and can prevent curvature and/or deformation by means of the interior shaft and the exterior coating.

Abstract: The present invention is a joint assembly that enables the rapid and precise self-alignment of two portions of a pool cue. The joint assembly comprises a bushing and a pin, one coupled to each of the two cue portions, the bushing and the pin coupling in the normal male-female fashion to connect the pool cue portions. The bushing has a closed base to prevent glue from leaking into the bushing when the bushing is fastened to a portion of the pool cue. The interior of the bushing comprises a threaded region proximate to the closed base with a tapered portion where the threaded region meets a smooth bore region, and an angled entrance region between the bore region and the opening of the bushing. The pin is fastened to another portion of the pool cue and comprises a threaded head portion to engage the threaded region of the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention is a joint assembly that enables the rapid and precise self-alignment of two portions of a pool cue. The joint assembly comprises a bushing and a pin, one coupled to each of the two cue portions, the bushing and the pin coupling in the normal male-female fashion to connect the pool cue portions. The bushing has a closed base to prevent glue from leaking into the bushing when the bushing is fastened to a portion of the pool cue. The interior of the bushing comprises a threaded region proximate to the closed base with a tapered portion where the threaded region meets a smooth bore region, and an angled entrance region between the bore region and the opening of the bushing.

Abstract: A billiard cue includes a shaft section, a bumper, and an assembly of a butt section and an extender segment connected to the butt section and formed as a transparent hollow shaft. The assembly is disposed between and is connected threadedly to the shaft section and the bumper. The extender segment includes a first end wall, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall in a longitudinal direction, and a tubular surrounding wall that extends between and that is connected to the first and second end walls so as to confine a compartment.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a wooden stick sport device especially for a billiard cue. It comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a wooden stick step, (2) covering with an elastic fiber net step, (3) applying an epoxy coating step, (4) winding a covering stripe step, (5) hardening under room temperature step, (6) taking off the covering stripe step, and (7) completing the final product step. This invention can be manufactured under a room temperature environment. So, the wooden portion will not deform. The defective fraction is low. Its cutting procedure is easy. The final product has no longitudinal seam. It is suitable for any wooden stick with irregular diameter or with special pattern portion. Therefore, it application scope is wider.

Abstract: The invention provides a system associated with the games of pool and billiards for the recovery of a chalk cube from a position of repose on any of the rails that define a pool-playing surface or other surfaces in the playing environment. The system or combination broadly comprises a chalk cube fabricated with a material of a first kind such as a paramagnetic material that is subject to engagement and retention with a material of a second kind such as a permanent magnet material incorporated near the tip end of a cue. The player using the cue of this invention can reach a chalk cube constructed in accordance with this invention and engage and retain the cube against a portion of the cue in the proximity of the tip end for recovery and use in the course of play.

Abstract: A cushion for a billiard table is disclosed. The cushion includes an extruded member having a substantially triangular or L-shaped cross-section and a layer of tape on one surface thereof for affixing the cushion to a billiard table. Also disclosed is an improved cue for billiards wherein a substantial portion of the weight of the cue is disposed in a distal portion of the cue located near the tip of the cue, which is used to strike a ball. The cue is preferably modular to allow substitution of various portions of the cue to permit it to be customized to a specific player. Also disclosed is a device for metering the speed of the surface of a billiard table. Also disclosed is a quick-change tip for a cue which includes an elastomeric material that is sized to snugly fit over the distal end of a cue to releasably secure the quick-change tip to the cue.

Abstract: A billiard cue comprises a wood shaft and an inner rod. The shaft has a hollow portion and a solid portion. The hollow portion has a bore. The inner rod is made of material with a stiffness higher than woods. The length and outer diameter of the inner rod correspond to the bore for being tightly received in the bore. Thereby, the cue has the advantage of a wood material but without deformation due to the affect of the environment and a preferred control to the billiards.

Abstract: A billiard cue includes a core made of foam material and a mediate layer wrapped around the core. The mediate layer includes fiber strips and wooden plates soaked with epoxide resin. A wooden layer is wrapped around the mediate layer. The cue is heated and pressurized by suitable molds to let the fiber strips and wooden plates be securely combined with each other. The foam core absorbs shocks and the wooden plates remain features of wooden billiard cues.

Abstract: A billiard cue has a main body formed of one or more segments which are connected end to end. At least one segment consists of an outer casing which is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material and is covered with a wooden sheath and a protective layer. The billiard cue is not prone to deformation and is provided with appearance of a wood texture.

Abstract: A billiard cue stick which is typically constructed of aluminum or other lightweight metal and can be fitted with removable weights for imparting a selected weight and balance to the cue stick. In a preferred embodiment, the billiard cue stick is characterized by a shaft segment which is removably attached to a hollow butt segment. The extending front end of the shaft segment is terminated by a removable shaft cue tip for striking a cue ball in a game of billiards or pool. The butt segment includes a handle fitted with an elongated weight slot or multiple weight openings for removably receiving a selected number of spherical weights. The butt segment is further characterized by multiple, adjacent, longitudinal splines typically fitted with rubber or plastic strips. The front end of the butt segment, removably attached to the rear end of the shaft segment, is fitted with a removable extra cue tip to facilitate replacing the removable shaft cue tip with the extra cue tip on the shaft segment, as needed.

Abstract: A cue for the four basic shots of billiards: soft, medium, hard, and break shot. In use, the present invention allows the player to shoot the cue on a straight line four to six inches through the cue ball by enhancing the player's physical feel and mental visualization of said straight line by aligning the player's index and thumb fingers of the stroking hand, into the groove corresponding to the desired basic soot of pool, the next two fingers are aligned on the flat surface between the above mentioned groove and the adjacent groove nearer the free end of the butt end portion of the cue, which aligns the pinky finger, to give the sensation of a straight line. The groove furthest from the free end of the butt end portion, corresponds to a soft shot, the adjacent groove, corresponds to a medium shot, the next adjacent groove, corresponds to a hard shot, and the next adjacent groove, corresponds to a break shot.

Abstract: A male/female billiard cue connector provides multi-directional vibration damping as well as accurate alignment of the cue's handle and shaft. The strike of the cue against the cue ball causes a longitudinal shock wave to traverse the length of the cue generating strong transient forces within the cue. Due to the rigidity of the cue, this longitudinal wave also excites lateral vibrations in the structure which cause the cue to bend and flex, and the resultant forces wear and abrade the connector elements. The connector provides protection against these forces, as well as assuring true axial alignment of the cue. The male section of the connector, fitting into a cavity in the female section, has two circumferential rubber “O” rings that are in contact with the walls of the female connector when the male and female sections are joined. These “O” rings absorb and dissipate the energy of the lateral vibrations induced in the cue.

Abstract: A multiple piece cue stick includes multiple stick portions which are coupled together by a sleeve bushing secured to one stick portion and a coupling rod secured to another stick portion. The coupling rod has a elongate shaft which fits within a smooth bore of the sleeve bushing and is coupled to the sleeve bushing by engaging male threads of the coupling rod with female threads of the sleeve bushing.

Abstract: A cue tip mounting system. A system for releasably securing a leather cue tip to a cue stick is provided. The system provides a tip mount for permanent mounting in the distal end of a cue stick. The tip mount has a threaded shaft extending outward along central axis for releasable threaded engagement with interior threads provided in a detachable mounting ferrule. The mounting ferrule has, at the tip end thereof, a centrally located nipple with flat distal surface for providing a centering force on a leather tip which is adhesively bonded to the tip end of the mounting ferrule. The tip is provided with a nipple accepting cup adapted to receiving the centering nipple protruding from the in the mounting ferrule. Preferably, the tip mount is provided in brass, and the ferrule in brass or aluminum, for absorbing shock.

Abstract: A billiard cue comprises of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. Both the shaft portion and/or the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a space is formed. The space is formed along a longitude of the bar body and has a cylindrical shape. The space may have a truncated cone shape. In addition, the space may be partially formed in the bar body. Furthermore, the space may have plural cylindrical space sections which are arranged along the longitude of the bar body. The cylindrical space sections have diameters which are different from one another. Bumps are positioned between the cylindrical space sections, respectively. Inasmuch as the shaft portion and/or the bat portion have the spaces, respectively, it is possible to make the billiard cue lighter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip section for a cue stick for use in billiards, snooker and pool. The tip section may be connected to either a butt section of a two piece cue, or to the shortened shaft end of an existing cue stick butt section. The tip section is composed of a hollow tube into which stiffening members and weights may be introduced to alter the weight, balance, flex and kick of the tip section. The tip section can be retrofitted to an existing butt section, used to repair a cue stick with a damaged tip segment, or be part of a new cue.

Abstract: A pool stick for training billiards players to not rotate the pool stick during a pool stroke. The pool stick comprises an elongate body and an endmost shooting tip. A guide portion of the body adjacent the shooting tip is laterally offset from the shooting tip and from the remainder of the body. When the pool stick is slidingly supported by a frontmost hand of the pool player on the guide portion and by a rearmost hand gripping the body opposite the guide portion, any rotation of the pool stick during a pool stroke occurs along an actual axis which extends from a pair of movable points, one in the rear body portion at the rearmost hand and one in the guide portion at the frontmost hand, which actual axis does not pass through the shooting tip. This allows a pool player to visually detect any rotational movement by observing lateral rotational movement of the shooting tip about such actual axis relative to the guide portion and to other references such as a billiard ball.

Abstract: A jump tip apparatus for pool cues having a ferrule end for releasable securement to the tip end of a pool cue in longitudinal alignment with the pool cue, and a resilient striking end in longitudinal alignement with the ferrule end. The resilient striking end having an annular ring on the striking end, with a concave depression extending within the annular ring. The striking end of the jump tip apparatus having a tapered angular profile extending exteriorily from the annular ring towards the ferrule end. The ferrule end of the jump tip apparatus may have external or internal threads sized to threadably engage existing threads on the tip end of the pool cue. Alternately, the ferrule end may be rigid or resilient, with an internal aperture sized to receive the tip end of the pool cue therein.

Abstract: A cue tip mounting system. A system for releasably securing a leather cue tip to a cue stick is provided. The system provides a tip mount for permanent mounting in the distal end of a cue stick. The tip mount has a threaded shaft extending outward along central axis for releasable threaded engagement with interior threads provided in a detachable mounting ferrule. The mounting ferrule has, at the tip end thereof, a centrally located nipple with flat distal surface for providing a centering force on a leather tip which is adhesively bonded to the tip end of the mounting ferrule. The tip is provided with a nipple accepting cup adapted to receiving the centering nipple protruding from the in the mounting ferrule. Preferably, the tip mount is provided in brass, and the ferrule in brass or aluminum, for absorbing shock.

Abstract: An illuminated pool cue (10) includes a shaft (11) having an internal light source (24) and at least one transparent section (32) along its length. Activating the internal light source (24) illuminates the transparent section (32) and thereby provides an illuminated pool cue (10) having a novel appearance. More than one internal light source (24, 44) and associated transparent section (34, 50) may be employed as desired, and the light sources (24, 44) may be manually operated by switches (30, 48). When a common two-piece pool cue is used to practice the present invention, the light sources (218, 318) may be designed in such a manner as to light up upon joining the two pieces of the cue. To help maintain proper balancing of the pool cue, the light sources (218, 318) are preferably provided in the mid-section of the cue.

Abstract: A ferrule mounted on one end of a billiard/pool cue shaft has greater compressibility than the compressibility of the shaft to compress on impact of a tip mounted on the ferrule with a ball to absorb a portion of impact forces and to provide easy outward flexure with minimal buckling of the end of the shaft during impact. A bore extends a predetermined distance from the one end of the shaft toward a butt end of the shaft. The bore in the shaft communicates with a bore in the ferrule when the ferrule is mounted on the shaft. The ferrule is mounted on the shaft by means of a tenon formed on one end of the shaft or on the ferrule, which tenon tightly engages the other of the ferrule or shaft. The tip has a smaller than conventional radius to centralize impact forces toward the line of stroke extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.