Abstract: An apparatus for use in the game of pool. The apparatus comprises a substantially cubic block having at least one indented portion on at least one face of the substantially cubic block with pool chalk disposed in such indented portion. There is a gritted material used as a covering for at least one face of the substantially cubic block and a predetermined plurality of raised paper edges covering certain predetermined edge portions of the substantially cubic block for preventing scratching when setting the apparatus on a wooden surface.

Abstract: A friction welding process comprises providing a first workpiece (10) having a first weld surface (16), and a second workpiece (12) having a second weld surface (18). The first and second workpieces (10, 12) can be welded together at the first and second weld surfaces (16, 18). The workpieces (10, 12) are arranged in engagement with each other at the weld surfaces (16, 18). Relative oscillatory motion is affected to the workpieces (10, 12) such that at least one weld surface moves across the other, thereby raising the temperature at the weld surfaces (16, 18) to create a weld interface. The relative oscillatory motion is ceased and the weld surfaces (16, 18) are allowed to cool to weld the first and second workpieces (10, 12) together at the interface. The first workpiece (10) has an outwardly extending portion (15), and the first weld surface (16) is provided on the outwardly extending portion (15). The outwardly extending portion (15) includes an apex region (14), which engages the second weld surface (18).