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 method for playing a game on a pocket billiards table with a plurality of consecutively numbered billiards balls and a cue ball by at least two players is shown and described. The object of the game is for a single player to sink all of the billiards balls into the pockets of the billiards table in the fewest shots or strokes. The first ball each player attempts to sink in a pocket is the lowest consecutively numbers ball on the table. Each time the lowest consecutively numbered ball is pocketed, the player moves to the next higher consecutively numbered ball which has become the lowest consecutively numbered ball remaining on the table after the previous ball was pocketed.

Abstract: A billiards ball rack includes a frame having a plurality of side walls forming an opening. A plate is attached to a top surface of the frame, and includes inwardly and downwardly directed inclined surfaces for engaging an outer periphery of a group of billiards balls to compact the billiards balls into a desired configuration. The inclined surfaces define a cut-out portion of the plate, typically a triangle or diamond. The rack includes lifting levers pivotally attached to two side walls of the triangular frame. When a handle segment of the lever is grasped and pulled upward, a lower foot segment pivots and extends below a base of the frame to lift the frame from the playing surface, leaving the compacted billiards balls in the desired configuration on the billiard table.

Abstract: A method for playing a game on a pocket billiards table with a plurality of consecutively numbered billiards balls and a cue ball by at least two players is shown and described. The object of the game is for a single player to sink all of the billiards balls into the pockets of the billiards table in the fewest shots or strokes. The first ball each player attempts to sink in a pocket is the lowest consecutively numbers ball on the table. Each time the lowest consecutively numbered ball is pocketed, the player moves to the next higher consecutively numbered ball which has become the lowest consecutively numbered ball remaining on the table after the previous ball was pocketed.

Abstract: A device for shaping and reconditioning a cue stick tip includes a hand-held housing defining a bore having an open end configured to receive the tip of the cue stick. A cutter includes a shaft extending outward of an aperture of the housing opposite the open end, and two blades. Each blade is curved upwardly from a center line thereof to form a concave cutting edge. A handle is removably connected to the cutter for manually rotating the cutter. The cutter forms a convex shape to the tip of the cue stick when the tip is placed into contact with the cutter and the cutter is rotated.

Abstract: A billiards chalk assembly includes a clip, a billiards chalk holder releasably attached to the clip, and billiards chalk insertable insertable into the holder. The clip includes a base having a retention slot formed thereon for securing the billiard chalk holder. A plate is pivotally attached to the base opposite the chalk holder. A spring is interposed between the base and the plate to maintain the plate in a biased closed position. The retention slot is defined by a lip extending inwardly from a lower edge of the base and forming a groove and an open-faced slot. The chalk holder includes an extension having a post which is insertable into the open-faced slot, and an outwardly extending ridge which is insertable into the groove of the retention slot. A locking mechanism is engageable with the chalk holder and releasably locks the chalk holder in place.

Abstract: A billiards chalk assembly includes a clip, a billiards chalk holder releasably attached to the clip, and billiards chalk insertable insertable into the holder. The clip includes a base having a retention slot formed thereon for securing the billiard chalk holder. A plate is pivotally attached to the base opposite the chalk holder. A spring is interposed between the base and the plate to maintain the plate in a biased closed position. The retention slot is defined by a lip extending inwardly from a lower edge of the base and forming a groove and an open-faced slot. The chalk holder includes an extension having a post which is insertable into the open-faced slot, and an outwardly extending ridge which is insertable into the groove of the retention slot. A locking mechanism is engageable with the chalk holder and releasably locks the chalk holder in place.

Abstract: A billiards ball rack includes a frame having a plurality of side walls forming an opening. A plate is attached to a top surface of the frame, and includes inwardly and downwardly directed inclined surfaces for engaging an outer periphery of a group of billiards balls to compact the billiards balls into a desired configuration. The inclined surfaces define a cut-out portion of the plate, typically a triangle or diamond. The rack includes lifting levers pivotally attached to two side walls of the triangular frame. When a handle segment of the lever is grasped and pulled upward, a lower foot segment pivots and extends below a base of the frame to lift the frame from the playing surface, leaving the compacted billiards balls in the desired configuration on the billiard table.

Abstract: A machine for engraving using a stylus-guided cutting head is disclosed in the present invention. The cutter's motion along three, mutually perpendicular axes is transmitted by air-supported bearings so that play and frictional losses are greatly reduced. This promotes ease of use and accuracy which is of importance when engraving small areas such as billiard cue stick handles and the like.

Abstract: A compact trimming and shaping tool for preparing cemented-on leather tips on billiard cue sticks is described. Because blades are used for trimming and shaping instead of the usual files and sanding surfaces, the tool can be more rapid and suitable for retipping sticks in a short time.

Abstract: A cleaning and waxing machine for billiard balls utilizing a horizontal,rotating disk. A plurality of circular apertures in the disk holds the balls. Rotation of the disk causes a constantly varying spin to be imparted to the billiard balls and also makes them contact stationary carpeting layers mounted above and below as they spin. As detergent,water and wax are successively added to the balls, they will be efficiently cleaned, uniformly waxed and polished to a bright finish.

Abstract: A motor driven turning device in which a one piece pool stick may be inserted for the purpose of cutting away an old ferrule and tip, adding a new ferrule and tip, machining the latter to a smooth finish and refurbishing the body of the stick.

Abstract: A multipurpose cue tip preparation tool containing a number of openings for the insertion of a pool cue end. Access is provided for cleaning and flattening the ferrule end of a cue stick prior to the cementing on of a new tip. After the cement has dried, the invention may be used for trimming the excess tip material, rounding the playing end, comparing the rounding to an established contour and burnishing the tip sides to prepare the tip for play. A process is described for preparing flat and concave files to be used in the invention.