Abstract:
A pocket billiards break shot training apparatus for improving the execution of a break shot. The training apparatus permits a user to make continuously repeated break shots without the time consuming necessity of gathering and re-racking the objective balls after each shot. Moreover, the training apparatus permits a user to increase skill in controlling post break, cue ball positioning. The apparatus employs a head ball, rear ball, and two side balls oriented around cross-shaped frame to simulate a racked set of balls. Furthermore, the apparatus utilizes the compression of a spring element to sufficiently simulate the actual reaction of a set of racked balls to the impact of a cue ball. A bow restraint assembly interacts with a set of elastic cords to moor the frame in a desirable position on the table and reposition the frame after each shot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a training apparatus for use in connection with enhancing skill at pocket billiards. The training apparatus has particular utility in connection with simulating a racked set of balls on a pocket billiards table. More specifically, the training apparatus is used in a practice session to enhance the skill level of players wishing to improve their break shot.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    Pocket billiards training apparatuses are desirable for enhancing the skill level of pocket billiards players. In fact, a variety of aids are available to help a player improve a variety of shots encountered in a pocket billiards game. However, the available aids do not allow a player to efficiently practice a break shot.  
           [0005]    A break shot is the opening shot of a pocket billiards game, involving a cue ball and a plurality of objective balls. To set up a break shot, the objective balls are racked in a frame in the center of the table and arranged in a geometric angular pattern as called for in the rules of the game. During the break shot, the game commences with the cue ball being struck by the first contestant. The cue ball is directed toward the head objective ball in such a manner that the impact of the cue ball causes the objective balls to scatter over the area of the table. If one or more objective balls enter a pocket during the break shot, the first contestant proceeds to attempt to shoot the remaining balls into the pocket under the rules of the game.  
           [0006]    It has been universally agreed upon and demonstrated in the past that the break shot is of prime importance to the first contestant. If the break shot is executed with sufficient skill, the objective balls will be efficiently scattered and the cue ball will be left in a favorable position. Frequently, a highly skilled contestant left with efficiently scattered objective balls and a favorably positioned cue ball may win the game by shooting the entire range of objective balls into the pockets. Thus, the faculty of making an excellent break shot is emphatic. Furthermore, there is a need for a pocket billiards training apparatus that enhances the skill level of players wishing to improve their break shot.  
           [0007]    The use of pocket billiards training devices is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,647 to Robert W. Ringeisen discloses a training device that assists the user in focusing upon the correct strike points on both the cue ball and the object ball. However, the Ringeisen &#39;647 patent does not simulate a racked set of balls used during a break shot. The Ringeisen &#39;647 patent has a further drawback of requiring the user to reposition the balls after each practice shot. In other words, the Ringeisen &#39;647 device is inefficient because practice time is wasted setting up each shot.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,783 to Jack V. Kellogg discloses a practice billiard aiming system that is useful in teaching and practicing pocket billiards. However, the Kellogg &#39;783 patent does not permit effective simulation of a break shot. Additionally, the Kellogg &#39;783 invention utilizes balls with aiming line markings. This is a drawback because the marked balls prohibit training under regulation game conditions.  
           [0009]    While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a pocket billiards training apparatus that simulates a racked set of balls for use in a practice session to enhance the skill level of players wishing to improve their break shot. Neither the Ringeisen &#39;647 nor the Kellogg &#39;783 patent makes a provision for simulating the break shot setup. Moreover, neither patent discloses an invention that promotes efficient practice by automatically repositioning itself after each practice shot.  
           [0010]    Therefore, a need exists for a new pocket billiards training apparatus that simulates a racked set of balls for use in a practice session to enhance the skill level of players wishing to improve their break shot. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of enhancing a players break shot.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of billiards training aids now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a pocket billiards training aid that is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
           [0012]    To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a cross-shaped frame, an energy absorbing assembly, a plurality of balls, a bow restraint assembly, and a set of elastic restraint cords. The cross-shaped frame simulates a rack of pocket billiards balls that would be used in an actual game. Furthermore, the cross-shaped frame is moored in the center of the table to achieve the function of a training apparatus that can be used to enhance a player&#39;s break shot through repetitive practice.  
           [0013]    To facilitate simulation of a break shot, the apparatus incorporates a head ball in the equivalent position to that of an actual rack of balls. The head ball is situated toward the player and carries a numeral “1” on the front view. Thus, in the same manner as in an actual pocket billiards game, the head ball becomes the player&#39;s aiming point In conjunction with the head ball, a set of side balls and a rear ball form the four ends of the cross-shaped frame. A center ball is positioned in the center of the frame for decorative purposes. Each ball is similar to a regulation billiards ball. Moreover, the side balls and rear ball are black.  
           [0014]    In order to simulate a cue ball striking the head ball in an actual game of pocket billiards, the frame incorporates an energy absorbing assembly. The energy absorbing assembly comprises a bolt, an alignment cartridge, a spacer, and a cylindrical spring. The head ball is screwed to the metal bolt, which has a tapered socket head protruding to the rear. Furthermore, the metal bolt passes through a bronze alignment cartridge that has a tapered bore to allow the bolt to sag or deflect laterally when the head ball is struck off center. The bolt&#39;s tapered socket head mates with a corresponding seat in the alignment cartridge that realigns the bolt and the head ball to a central alignment after the impact of each shot.  
           [0015]    The alignment cartridge has an external thread which mates with a corresponding internal thread in the cross-shaped frame&#39;s main shaft. Between the alignment cartridge and the head ball, the bolt passes through the cylindrical spring that may be constructed of metal or a solid elastomeric material. Furthermore, the bolt is threaded through a round metal spacer. After passing through the alignment cartridge and spacer, the bolt is threaded into the head ball. The bolt is tightened to a specific, preload torque setting, which compresses the spring between the alignment cartridge and the spacer. The alignment cartridge is then threaded into the main shaft.  
           [0016]    In addition to the head ball energy absorbing assembly, the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus includes a bow restraint assembly. The bow restraint assembly is constructed of two fiberglass rods that are connected to a plastic joining rod by insertion into a set of hole sockets. The fiberglass rods are then bent to form an arc and positioned in the cavity below each side rail cushion and the end rail cushion of a pocket billiards table. This provides a point on each side of the pocket billiards table to anchor the elastic restraint cords. By adjusting the lengths of the fiberglass rods, the bow restraint assembly may be adapted to fit billiards tables of varying lengths and widths. Furthermore, by adjusting the tension of the restraint cords the training apparatus is moored into the center of the table. Thus, the entire assembly can be quickly installed for practice and conveniently removed to restore playing availability to the table.  
           [0017]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.  
           [0018]    Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.  
           [0019]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
           [0020]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that has all of the advantages of the prior art pocket billiards training aids and none of the disadvantages.  
           [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
           [0022]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that simulates a racked set of balls on a pocket billiards table. This allows a player to participate in a practice session to enhance his or her break shot skill level.  
           [0023]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that permits a user to increase skill in controlling post break, cue ball positioning.  
           [0024]    Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus that repositions itself after each shot. This permits a player to practice his or her break shot efficiently without continually gathering and re-racking the objective balls.  
           [0025]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view (from above) of the training apparatus&#39; cross-shaped frame.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the training apparatus&#39; cross-shaped frame.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a right side and front elevational view of the training apparatus&#39; front, rear, and side balls.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the training apparatus&#39; cross-shaped frame.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus of the present invention. The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0033]    Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS.  1 - 6 , a preferred embodiment of the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . In FIG. 1, a new pocket billiards break shot training apparatus  10  of the present invention for use in a practice session to simulate a break shot is illustrated and will be described. More particularly, the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus  10  has a cross-shaped frame  12 , a plurality of balls, an energy absorbing assembly  13 , a bow restraint assembly  14 , a first restraint cord  16 , and a second restraint cord  18 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 further illustrates the apparatus&#39; cross-shaped frame  12 . As shown in FIG. 2, the cross-shaped frame comprises a main shaft  20  and a lateral shaft  94 . FIG. 3 better illustrates the intricacies of the main shaft  20 . The main shaft  20  is an elongated rod with a first end  30  and a second end  32 . The main shaft&#39;s first end  30  defines a first threaded receptacle  34  therein. Furthermore, the main shaft&#39;s second end  32  defines a second threaded receptacle  36  therein. Each bolt receptacle  34 ,  36  is a bore in the end of the main shaft designed for threadable reception of a piece having external threads. A lateral bore  38  extends perpendicularly through the main shaft  20 . Moreover, the lateral bore  38  is located between the first threaded receptacle  34  and the second threaded receptacle  36 . The lateral shaft  94  is a threaded stud that has a first end  100  and a second end  102 . More specifically, the lateral shaft  94  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable insertion through the main shaft&#39;s lateral bore  38 .  
         [0035]    In addition to the cross-shaped frame  12 , the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of balls. The preferred embodiment has a head ball  22 , a rear ball  24 , a first side ball  26 , a second side ball  28 , and a center ball  120 . As illustrated in FIG. 4, the head ball  22  has a generally spherical outer surface and defines a threaded bolt receptacle  40  therein. Similarly, the rear ball  24  has a generally spherical outer surface and defines a threaded stud receptacle  78 . Each bolt receptacle  40 ,  78  is a bore in the ball designed for threadable reception of a piece having external threads.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 shows the first  26  and second  28  side balls. Each ball  26 ,  28  has a generally spherical outer surface. The first side ball  26  defines a spacer receptacle  86  therein. Additionally, the first side ball  26  defines a bore  88  therethrough, extending from the spacer receptacle  86  to the outer surface at a point opposite the spacer receptacle  86 . Similarly, the second side ball  28  defines a spacer receptacle  90  therein. Moreover, the second side ball defines a bore  92  therethrough, extending from the spacer receptacle  90  to the outer surface at point opposite the spacer receptacle  90 . Each bolt receptacle  86 ,  90  is a bore in the ball designed for threadable reception of a piece having external threads.  
         [0037]    The center ball  120  has a generally spherical outer surface and defines a first bore  122  therethrough. Additionally, the center ball  120  defines a second bore  124  extending therethrough and aligned perpendicular to the first bore  122 . The first bore  122  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the main shaft  20 . On the other hand, the second bore  124  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the lateral shaft  94 .  
         [0038]    In order to simulate a cue ball striking the head ball  22  in an actual game of pocket billiards, an energy absorbing assembly  13  is positioned between the cross-shaped frame  12  and the head ball  22 . FIG. 3 better illustrates the energy absorbing assembly  13  that connects the head ball  22  to the main shaft&#39;s first end  30 . The energy absorbing assembly  13  comprises a bolt  42 , an alignment cartridge  44 , a cylindrical spring  46 , and a spacer  48 . More specifically, the bolt  42  has a first end  50  and a second end  52 . The bolt&#39;s first end  50  is shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the head ball&#39;s threaded bolt receptacle  40 . The bolt&#39;s second end  52  defines a tapered socket head  54 .  
         [0039]    In addition to the bolt  42 , the alignment cartridge  44  is an integral part of the energy absorbing assembly  13 . The alignment cartridge  44  has a first end  56  and a second end  58 . As show in FIG. 5, the alignment cartridge defines a tapered bore  60  that extends from a first diameter  62  located at the first end  56  to a second diameter  64  located at the second end  58 . Moreover, the tapered bore  60  defines a third diameter  74  between the first  62  and second  64  diameters. The first diameter  62  is smaller than the second diameter  64  and the third diameter  74  is smaller than the first diameter  62 . Furthermore, the alignment cartridge&#39;s tapered bore  60  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the bolt&#39;s first end  50 . The alignment cartridge&#39;s second end  58  defines a set of external threads  66 . Moreover, the external threads  66  are shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the main shaft&#39;s first threaded receptacle  34 .  
         [0040]    The cylindrical spring  46  and spacer  48  interact with the bolt  42  and alignment cartridge  44  to form the energy absorbing assembly  13 . The cylindrical spring  46  defines a bore  66  extending therethrough. The cylindrical spring&#39;s bore  66  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the bolt&#39;s first end  50 . The spacer  48  has an exterior surface  70  and defines a threaded bore  72  therethrough. The spacer&#39;s threaded bore  72  is shaped and dimensioned for threadable reception of the bolt&#39;s first end  50 .  
         [0041]    The head ball  22  connects to the bolt  42  by traversing the bolt&#39;s first end  50  through the alignment cartridge&#39;s tapered bore  60  from the cartridge&#39;s second end  58  to the cartridge&#39;s first end  56 , traversing the bolt&#39;s first end  50  through the cylindrical spring&#39;s bore  66 , threading the bolt&#39;s first end  50  through the spacer&#39;s threaded bore  72 , and threading the bolt&#39;s first end  50  into the head ball&#39;s threaded bolt receptacle  40 . After connecting the bolt  42  to the head ball  22 , the alignment cartridge&#39;s external threads  66  are threaded into the main shaft&#39;s first threaded receptacle  34 , securing the energy absorbing assembly  13  to the main shaft&#39;s first end  30 .  
         [0042]    The rear ball is integrally attached to the main shaft  12 . FIG. 5 best illustrates the connection between the rear ball  24  and the main shaft&#39;s second end  32 . Generally, a threaded stud  80  connects the rear ball  24  to the main shaft&#39;s second end  32 . More specifically, the threaded stud  80  has a first end  82  that is shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the rear ball&#39;s threaded stud receptacle  78 . Moreover, the threaded stud  80  has a second end  84  that is shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the main shaft&#39;s second threaded receptacle  36 . Thus, the rear ball  24  and the main shaft&#39;s second end  32  are connected by threading the stud&#39;s first end  82  into the rear ball  24  and threading the stud&#39;s second end  84  into the main shaft&#39;s second end  32 .  
         [0043]    The first  26  and second  28  side balls are attached to the lateral shaft  94 . FIG. 5 best illustrates the connection between the first  26  and the second  28  side balls and the lateral shaft  94 . The connection comprises a first spacer nut  96 , and a second spacer nut  98 . The first spacer nut  96  has a first end and a second end. Furthermore, the first spacer nut  96  defines a threaded shaft receptacle  108  therein. The first spacer nut&#39;s shaft receptacle  108  is shaped and dimensioned for threadable reception of the lateral shaft&#39;s first end  100 . The first spacer nut&#39;s second end defines a set of external threads  110  that are shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the first side ball&#39;s spacer receptacle  86 . Thus, the first side ball  26  is attached to the lateral shaft&#39;s first end  100  by threading the first spacer nut&#39;s external threads  110  into the first side ball&#39;s spacer receptacle  86  and threading the lateral shaft&#39;s first end  100  into the first spacer nut&#39;s shaft receptacle  108 .  
         [0044]    Similarly, the second spacer nut  98  has a first end  112  and a second end  114 . The second spacer nut  98  defines a threaded shaft receptacle  116 . The second spacer nut&#39;s shaft receptacle  116  is shaped and dimensioned for threadable reception of the lateral shaft&#39;s second end  102 . The second spacer nut&#39;s second end  114  defines a set of external threads  118  that are shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the second side ball&#39;s spacer receptacle  90 . Thus, the second side ball  28  is attached to the lateral shaft&#39;s second end  102  by threading the second spacer nut&#39;s external threads  118  into the second side ball&#39;s spacer receptacle  90  and threading the lateral shaft&#39;s second end  102  into the second spacer nut&#39;s shaft receptacle  116 .  
         [0045]    In the preferred embodiment, a center ball  120  is positioned between the first spacer nut  96  and the second spacer nut  98 . More particularly, the main shaft  20  passes through the center ball&#39;s first bore  122 . Additionally, the lateral shaft  94  passes through center ball&#39;s second bore  124 .  
         [0046]    In addition to the cross-shaped frame  12  and energy absorbing assembly  13 , the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus  10  comprises a bow restraint assembly  14 . FIG. 1 best illustrates the bow restraint assembly  14 . The bow restraint assembly  14  further comprises a first rod  126 , a second rod  128 , and a joining rod  130 . Each rod  126 ,  128 , and  130  is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the cavity between the rail cushion and surface of a pocket billiards table. Furthermore, the first rod  126  defines a bore therethrough. Similarly, the second rod  128  defines a bore therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the first  126  and second rods  128  are constructed of a flexible, fiberglass-blended polymer.  
         [0047]    The joining rod  130  has a first end  132  and a second end  134 . Moreover, the first end  132  defines a first rod receptacle  136  that is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the first rod  126 . Similarly, the second end  134  defines a second rod receptacle  138  that is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the second rod  128 . In the preferred embodiment, the joining rod is constructed of a durable, rigid plastic. Moreover the joining rod  130  may be constructed in different lengths to facilitate use on various table sizes. More particularly, use on seven foot, eight foot, or nine foot tables.  
         [0048]    A flexible, fiberglass stabilizing tube  76  may be used to strengthen the stress points on the first  126  and second  128  rods. Each stabilizing tube  76  defines a bore therethrough that is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of either the first  126  or second  128  rod. In use, the first rod  126  is slid into a stabilizing tube  76  and then slid into the joining rod&#39;s first rod receptacle  136 . Similarly, the second rod  128  is slid into a stabilizing tube  76  and then slid into the joining rod&#39;s second receptacle  138 .  
         [0049]    To facilitate use on different sized tables, the first  126  and second  128  rods are equipped with an adjustable extension assembly  206 . Each extension assembly  206  permits the length of either the first  126  or second  128  rod to be adjusted to fit any billiards table. The extension assembly  206  comprises an extension rod  208  and a fastening member  210 . The extension rod  208  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable insertion into and out of either the first  126  or second  128  rod&#39;s bore. When the fastening member  210  is loosened, the extension rod  208  may be repositioned by sliding it to a desired length. Tightening the fastening member  210  locks the extension rod  208  at the desired length.  
         [0050]    The pocket billiards break shot training apparatus  10  further comprises a first restraint cord  16  and a second restraint cord  18 . The first restraint cord  16  has a first end  140  and a second end  142 . The first end  140  is removably attached to the first rod  126  opposite the joining rod  130 . As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second end  142  extends through the first side ball&#39;s bore  88  and attaches to a lag bolt anchor  148 . Similarly, the second restraint cord  18  has a first end  144  and a second end  146 . The first end  144  is removably attached to the second rod  128  opposite the joining rod  130 . The second end  146  extends through the second side ball&#39;s bore  92  and attaches to a lag bolt anchor  150 .  
         [0051]    While a preferred embodiment of the pocket billiards break shot training apparatus has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0052]    For example, FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cross-shaped frame  12 . Rather than attaching the balls by threading them to an adjacent piece, the alternative embodiment employs adhesive to connect the front  22  and rear  24  balls to the cross-shaped frame  12 . As shown in FIG. 6, the alternative embodiment has a head nose piece  152  that connects to the head ball  22 . The head nose piece  152  has a first end  154  and a second end  156 . The first end  154  defines a barrel receptacle  158  therein. The barrel receptacle  158  is a bore in the head nose piece&#39;s first end  154  that is designed for slidable reception of a tube-shaped piece. Additionally, the head nose piece  152  defines a threaded bore  160  therethrough, extending from the first end  154  to the second end  156 . In order to receive the head nose piece  152 , the head ball  22  defines a nose piece receptacle  162  therein instead of a threaded bolt receptacle  40  as described in the previous embodiment. The nose piece receptacle  162  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable insertion of the head nose piece  152 . An adhesive  164  bonds the head nose piece  152  inside the nose piece receptacle  162 .  
         [0053]    In this embodiment, the main shaft&#39;s second end  32  defines a rear nose piece  166  rather than a second threaded receptacle  36 . Furthermore, the rear ball  24  defines a nose piece receptacle  168  rather than a threaded stud receptacle  78 . The nose piece receptacle  168  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the rear nose piece  166 . An adhesive  170  bonds the rear nose piece  166  inside the nose piece receptacle  168 .  
         [0054]    In addition to adhesively attaching the head  22  and rear  24  balls, the alternative embodiment utilizes tension to hold the first  26  and second  28  side balls in position. As shown in FIG. 6, the alternative embodiment&#39;s lateral shaft  94  is an elongated tube  172 . The elongated tube  172  defines a bore  174 .extending therethrough and is shaped and dimensioned for slidable insertion into the main shaft&#39;s lateral bore  38 . Furthermore, the elongated tube&#39;s bore  174  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of a restraint cord  16 . In this embodiment, the first spacer nut  96  and the second spacer nut  98  are each replaced with a ball spacer  176 . Each ball spacer  176  is a washer-shaped piece defining an aperture therein.  
         [0055]    To incorporate reception of the elongated tube  172 , the first side ball  26  defines a bore  178  therethrough rather than a spacer receptacle  86 . Similarly, the second side ball  28  defines a bore therethrough  180  rather than a spacer receptacle  90 . The side ball bores  178 ,  180  are shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the elongated tube  172 . More particularly, the elongated tube  172  transverses the first side ball&#39;s bore  178 , transverses a spacer  176 , transverses the main shaft&#39;s lateral bore  38 , transverses a second spacer  176 , and transverses the second side ball&#39;s bore  180 . In use a restraint cord  16  attaches to the bow restraint assembly&#39;s first rod  126 , transverses the elongated tube  172 , and attaches to the bow restraint assembly&#39;s second rod  128 . A lag bolt anchor  148  located in the first side ball  26  and a lag bolt anchor  150  located in the second side ball  28  place a desired amount of tension on the restraint cord  16  to hold the side balls  26 ,  28  and the spacers  176  in place.  
         [0056]    In addition to the use of an adhesive and tension to replace the threaded ball connections, the alternative embodiment utilizes a solid elastomeric material to absorb the head ball&#39;s  22  energy rather than the cylindrical spring  46 . In this embodiment, the energy absorbing assembly comprises a barrel cartridge  182 , the head nose piece  152 , a barrel  194 , a first washer  196 , a second washer  198 , a set of three o-rings  200 , and a set of four backup rings  204 . The barrel cartridge  182  replaces the alignment cartridge  44  and the head nose piece  152  acts as the spacer  48 . The barrel cartridge  182  has a first end  184  and a second end  186 . The first end  184  defines a set of external threads  188  that are shaped and dimensioned for threadable insertion into the main shaft&#39;s first threaded receptacle  34 . The barrel cartridge&#39;s second end  186  defines a barrel receptacle  190 . Additionally, the barrel cartridge  182  defines a tapered bore  192  therethrough, extending from the first end  184  to the second end  186 . More particularly, the barrel cartridge&#39;s tapered bore  192  extends from a first diameter at the first end  184  to a second diameter at the barrel receptacle  190 . The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. Furthermore, the barrel cartridge&#39;s tapered bore  192  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the bolt&#39;s first end  50 .  
         [0057]    The tube-shaped barrel  194  defines a bore extending therethrough. Moreover, the barrel  194  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable insertion into the head nose piece&#39;s barrel receptacle  158  and the barrel cartridge&#39;s barrel receptacle  190 . The first washer  196  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the bolt  42  and slidable insertion into the barrel cartridge&#39;s barrel receptacle  190 . Similarly, the second washer  198  is shaped and dimensioned for slidable reception of the bolt  42  and slidable insertion into the head nose piece&#39;s barrel receptacle  158 . The o-rings  200  are shaped and dimensioned to fit semi-loosely over the barrel  194 . Similarly, the backup rings  204  are shaped and dimensioned to fit semi-loosely over the barrel  194 . In use, the o-rings  200  and backup rings  204  are positioned on the barrel  194  in an alternating pattern. In other words, there is an o-ring  200  between each backup ring  204 .  
         [0058]    The alternative embodiment of the energy absorbing portion connects together by placing the second washer  198  in the head nose piece&#39;s barrel receptacle  158 , placing the barrel  194  into the head nose piece&#39;s barrel receptacle  158 , sliding the o-rings  200  and backup rings  204  over the barrel  194 , sliding the first washer  196  into the barrel cartridge&#39;s barrel receptacle  190 , and sliding the exposed end of the barrel  194  into the barrel cartridge&#39;s barrel receptacle  190 . After positioning the barrel cartridge  182 , the assembly is completed by sliding the bolt&#39;s first end  50  through the barrel cartridge&#39;s bore  192  from the first end  184  to the second end  186 , sliding the bolt  42  through the first washer  196 , sliding the bolt  42  through the barrel&#39;s bore, sliding the bolt  42  through the second washer  198 , and threading the bolt  42  into the head nose piece&#39;s threaded bore  160 . Next, the barrel cartridge  182  is connected to the main shaft  20  by threading the barrel cartridge&#39;s external threads  188  into the main shaft&#39;s first threaded receptacle  34 .  
         [0059]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.