Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Mar:, 1886.
Complete Left, 28th Dec., 1886
Complete Accepted, 18th Feb., 1887.
ALFRED JOHNSON ASPINALL 32 Compton Street Liverpool Mechanical Draughts-
man do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
An improved Billiard cue so that the player can strike the ball with the tip of the
cue with any degree of force he may consider requisite, and with accuracy, without
moving the cue at all from the position he points it against the ball, thereby ensuring
a more correct stroke, according to his calculation, as to the position or placing of
the balls. Also to give a greater variety and novelty in playing the game of billiards
and similar games.
The cue is constructed or altered as follows.
Taking an ordinary billiard cue, a hole is drilled or made down the centre from the
butt to the point of sufficient diameter as to allow a thin rod or wire of steel-or other
suitable material-to move freely in it. This rod or wire is attached at one end to a
point or piece of wood or ivory, similar to the end of a billiard cue-may be slightly
thinner, and about 2 inches long. This is enclosed to fit tight in a thin tube. This
tube is fitted to move smoothly in another tube-say about 6 inches long, which is
firmly fixed on the point end of the cue, and about the same diameter as that part of
the cue to which it is attached, so that the cue shall be of the uniform shape and
length, several inches may be cut of the cue and then attaching the tube. At the
butt of the cue is fitted a tube say about 4 inches long-more or less as required.
This tube passes through the butt end of the cue and has a handle or ring attached to
it. The tube noves freely through the butt of the cue, working through a collar or
similar contrivance. About 6 inches, or any other convenient distance down from
the butt end of the cue, a small pawl or catch is fixed, in the cue which presses
against a ratch, that is fixed on the rod or wire. This pawl has a stud which comes
through the cue so as to enable the player to press the lever and bring the pawl from
the teeth of the ratch. A spiral spring is fitted on the tube at the butt of the cue,
pressing against the butt and also against the end of the tube by having a collar or
stop fixed on the tube. A spring is set in the fixed tube at the point end of the

page_text: cue which presses against the moveable tube containing the point or tip and forces
it out.
By pulling the handle attached to the tube at the butt of the cue the rod is drawn
up and with it the moveable tube containing the point or piece. This is done by
fastening a button or forming a shoulder on the end of the rod or wire which comes
in the tube at the butt of the cue, so that the rod is moved or drawn up when pulling
the handle and it also prevents the rod from coming entirely out of the tube. The
pawl or catch is kept pressed against the ratch by a spring which prevents the rod or
wire from flying back and forcing out the tip.
It is worked as follows. The player takes the cue in one hand and with the other
pulls the handle attached to the tube at the butt of the cue, which draws up the rod
or wire and brings the moveable tube containing the point or tip with it, so far as
he thinks requisite as to the force required to strike the ball. He then lets go the
handle which flys back to its place against the butt, and the tube to which the handle
is attached, also goes back by the action of the spring, but the rod-or wire-and the
moveable point is prevented from going back by the pawl catching in the teeth of the
ratch attached to the rod.
The player then places the point or tip of his cue against the ball and keeping it in
that position, he then presses with his finger or thumb the stud attached to the pawl
or lever, this releases the rod and the point or tip is sent out with force against
the ball.
It is obvious that the cue may be of any length or shape as desired, altho' by
preference the ordinary size and shape would be used.
This cue can also be used as an ordinary cue, by a simple locking arrangement
which will also prevent the moveable point or tip from being worked or damaged
when not in legitamate use.
I do not confine myself to a moveable point or tip, as the cue may be made or
divided into several parts fitting and moving into each other by a metal casing or
tubes or other contrivance similar to a collapsing telescope, and a spring set between
cach part with a pawl and ratch to work the parts when in use.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Spring Billiard Cue.
ALFRED JOHNSON ASPINALL, 60 Upper Stanhope Street Liverpool, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
An improved billiard cue so that the player can strike the ball with the tip of his
cue, with any degree of force he may consider requisite, and with accuracy without
moving the cue at all from the position he places it against the ball, thereby ensuring
a more correct stroke according to his calculation as to the position or placing of the
balls. Also to give a greater variety and novelty in playing the game of billiards
and similar games. The cue is constructed or altered as follows. Taking an ordinary
billiard cue, a hole is drilled or made down the centre from the butt to the point of
sufficient diameter as to allow a thin rod or wire of steel or other suitable material
to move freely in it. This rod or wire is attached at one end to a point or piece of
wood or ivory similar to the end of a billiard cue may be slightly thinner and about
two inches long. This is enclosed to fit tight in a thin metal tube. This tube is
fitted to move smoothly in another tube say about 6 inches long which is firmly fixed
on the point end of the cue and about the same diameter as that part of the cue to
which it is attached so that the cue shall be of the uniform shape and length, several
inches may be cut off the point of the cue and then attaching the tube. At the butt
of the cue is fitted a tube about 4 inches long-more or less as required. This tube
passes through the butt end of the cue and has a handle or ring attached to it. The
tube moyes freely through the butt of the cue working through a collar or similar
contrivance. About 6 inches or any other convenient distance down from the butt
end of the cue, a small pawl or catch is fixed in the cue, which presses against a
ratch that is fixed on the rod or wire. This pawl has a stud which comes through the
cue, so as to enable the player to press a lever and bring the pawl from the teeth of
the ratch. A spiral spring is fitted on the tube at the butt of the cue pressing against
the butt and also against the end of the tube by having a collar or stop fixed on the
tube. A spring is set in the fixed tube at the point end of the cue, which presses
against the moveable tube containing the point or tip and forces it out. By pulling
the handle attached to the tube at the butt of the cue the rod is drawn up, and with it
the tube containing the moveable point or piece. This is done by fastening a button
or forming a shoulder on the end of the rod or wire which comes in the tube at the
butt of the cue so that the rod is moved or drawn up when pulling the handle and it
also prevents the rod from coming entirely out of the tube. The pawl or catch is
kept pressed against the ratch by a spring which prevents the rod or wire from flying
back and forcing out the tip.
It is worked as follows. The player takes the cue in one hand and with the other
pulls the handle attached to the tube at the butt of the cue which draws up the rod or
wire and brings the moveable tube containing the point or tip with it, so far as he

page_text: thinks requisite as to the force required to strike the ball. He then lets go the handle
which flies back to its place against the butt, and the tube to which the handle is
attached also goes back by the action of the spring. But the rod or wire and the
moveable point is prevented from going back by the pawl catching in the teeth of the
ratch attached to the rod. The player then places the point or tip of his cue against
the ball and keeping it in that position he then presses with his finger or thumb the
stud attached to the pawl or lever. This releases the rod and the point or tip is sent
out with force against the ball.
It is obvious that the cue may be of any length or shape as desired, altho' by
preference the ordinary size and shape would be used. This cue can also be used as
an ordinary cue by a simple locking arrangement which would also prevent the
moveable point or tip from being worked or damaged when not in legitimate use.
I do not confine myself to a moveable point or tip as the cue may be made or
divided into several parts fitting and moving into each other by a metal casing or
tubes or any other similar contrivance and a spring set between each part with a pawl
and ratch to work the parts when in use.
The before going being the nature object and purposes of my invention I will now
proceed to describe more in detail how the same may be constructed and put into
operation, reference being had to the accompanying sheets of Drawings which are
marked, with letters and figures of reference, like letters and figures being used to
denote the same or corresponding parts throughout the various views and figures.
Figure 1 is a section through A A Figure 14.
Figure 2 is a section through B B Figure 15.
Figure 3 represents the butt end of the cue showing the tube T with the handle
attached, the spiral spring U and the end of the connecting rod L.
Figure 4. is a face view of the ratch as N Figure 2.
Figure 5. shows the end of the rod L as it is secured in the tube T.
Figure 6. is a section through H. H Fig. 17.
Figure 7. is a section through J. J Fig. 17 and showing the spring U1 set in the
hole S1 at the butt.
Figure 8, is a face view of the ratch n, showing part of the spring U1 compressed.
Figure 9. is a section through J 1 looking towards the butt.
Fig. 10 is a section through J 2 looking down the cue.
Figure 11 shows the guide plate or slide N 1, with the ratch N partly moved.
Figure 12 shows the plate Z covering the groove O.
Figure 13 is a side view of the plate Z.
Figure 14 is a full length view (about one fifth size) of a cue with the tube C
extended or thrust out.
Figure 15 represents a similar cue as Figure 14 with the tube C drawn in.
Figure 16 is a full length view (about one fifth size) of a cue with the part d 1.
extended.
Figure 17 represents a cue as Figure 16 with the parts d 1 and G 1 brought together.
The tube C Figure 1. has a piece of wood or ivory d fixed tightly in it. The
tube C, is made straight and smooth so as to move true in the tube F. About one
third of the length of the tube C, is always retained, in the tube F. At the end of
the cue G, tube F is attached by a screw or rivets, and to give uniformity to the cue
the tuoe is made to taper but the inside as far as the tube C. is inserted is made
straight and smooth. The tube F. is of sufficient length to allow the full movement
of the tube C, when drawn up, and also the working of the spring K. The spring K,
presses against the end of the cue G, and against the end of the tube C, or piece d,
keeping the tube C and piece d extended or thrust out. A rod or wire L. is attached
to the iube C. or piece d and passes up through the hole M. made down the centre of
the cue. The rod L is attached to the ratch or rack N Figure 2. A groove O is cut
in the cue G Figure 2 in which is fixed a guide or slide N 1, for the ratch N to move
in. A pawl P is set in the groove O pressing against the teeth of the ratch N by the
action of the spring Q. At one end of the groove O is fitted a bush or ring R through
which the rod or wire L moves and is kept steady. At the end of the groove O

page_text: towards the butt the hole is enlarged a sufficient distance to allow the ratch to
move up. At the butt of the cue a hole S is made sufficiently large as to allow a
tube T and a spiral spring U to move freely. The end of the tube T has a flange or
collar V for the spring U to press against. The other end of the spring U presses
against a cap W. A hole is made in the cap W for the tube T to move through.
Between the cap W and the butt is set an india rubber ring or cushion X. The
handle may be screwed into the tube T or otherwise attached. The end of the wire
or rod L passes through a bush or ring Y set in the tube T The rod or wire L may
be secured by a nut or plate Y 1. screwed on to it. On this plate is an india ring or
cushion Y 2 and fastened down by the washer Y 3 and nut Y4. A metal plate or
cover Z Figure 12. 13. of any ornamental design is made to the shape of the cue and
fastened on the cue with rivets or screws so as to cover the groove O. A hole is made
through the plate Z for a stud to move in, the stud pressing against the tail of the
pawl P. The tube C1 Figure 6 is firmly fixed on the end of the part d 1 which fits
into the tube F 1. The tube F 1 being attached to the stationary part G 1.
A rod or
wire L1 is attached to the part d 1 and passes through a hole M 1 made down the
centre of the cue part G 1. and is attached to the ratch n. Figure 6. A groove is cut
in the cue at 01 similar to Figure 2. A guide or slide n 1 is set in the bottom of
the groove 01 in which the ratch a moves, having a pawl P 1 with a spring Q1 the
same as described in Figure 2. A hole S1 is made in the butt in which is set the
spring U 1. One end of this spring presses against the cover W 1 or against a cross
bar set in the hole S 1. The other end of the spring U 1 presses against the plate or
nut V. 1 fixed on the end of the rod L1. The end of the rod Li is fastened in a
similar manner as described in Figure 5. Y, 1. 2. 3. 4. A hole is made in the side of
the cue Figure 9, and through the guide plate or slide a 1. and a small tube, fis
inserted and held in its place by a flange g attached to it which is fastened to the cue
by rivets or screws. The tube f. is tapped to take a screw h. which has a round end.
The top or outer end of the screw has a notch or hole in it to insert a key. The
ratch n has a hole or indent at each end of one side which should come true with the
hole in the guide n 1, so that when it is desireable to lock the moveable part either
when extended or drawn in it is only requisite to insert the key into the notch and
turn the screw down into the hole or indent in the ratch. By reversing the movement
of the screw the parts are unlocked. When using the cue Figure 14. 15. the player
takes the cue in hand and by pulling the handle draws out the tube T attached to it.
This brings up the rod L which draws in the tube C containing the wood or ivory
piece, to which the tip is attached, as far as the player considers requisite.
handle being released flys back to its place against the butt and the tube T also goes
back, but the rod L, is prevented from going back-as shown by the dotted lines
Figure 3.―by the pawl P catching into one of the teeth of the ratch. To prevent
concussion through the handle striking against the butt an india rubber ring or
cushion X is inserted. Placing the tip of the cue against the ball, the player presses
the stud with his finger or thumb and releases the pawl from the ratch N, which
flys back and with it the rod L forcing out the movable tube C with the piece d. The
cue Figures 16. 17. details of which are given in Figure 6. 7. 8. 9 requires no handle
to draw up the part d 1, altho' a handle could be adapted to it. The part 1 is
taken in one hand and the part G 1 in the other hand, and are compressed together in
the tube F1. The rod L1 carrying the ratch beyond the pawl P 1 the distance the
player considers requisite, where it is retained by the pawl catching into one of the
teeth of the ratch. The player then adjusts the cue as an ordinary cue with the tip
against the ball and pressing the stud 1 the part d 1 passes through or over the hand
with the same motion as if the cue had been moved in the regular manner with the
other hand.
The
Having now fully described the nature of this my said invention and how the same
may be carried into practical effect. I wish it to be understood that I do not confine

page_text: described and set forth as it will be readily seen that the same may be varied without
departing from the Invention. I declare that what I claim is―
First. The construction combination and arrangement of parts to form a billiard
cue having a movable part or end such as d or d 1.
Second. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of
a tube such as For F1 for the part or end as d or d 1 to move in.
Third. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of a
rod or wire such as L or L 1 for connecting the part or end d or d 1 with a rack, or
ratch such as N or .
Fourth. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of a
rack or ratch as N. or n. and a pawl as P or P 1.
Fifth. In a billiard eue having a movable part or end the use and application of a
spring such as K set at the point end of the cue G, for the purpose of extending or
thrusting out the part d.
Sixth. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of a
spring such as U 1 set in the butt of the cue for the purpose of extending or thrusting
out the part d 1.
Seventh. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and and application
of a spring such as U set in the butt of the cue for the purpose of bringing back the
tube T after being drawn out.
Eight. In a billiard eue having a movable part or end the use and application of a
rod, wire, chain, tube or cord for connecting the moveable part or end as d or d 1. with
any other part as and for the purposes set forth.
Ninth. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of
an india rubber ring or cushion such as X set between the plate W and the end of the
butt or placed in any other suitable or convenient position to prevent concussion of
the handle against the butt end of the cue.
Tenth. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end an india ring or cushion
as Y 2 fitted on to the end of the rod L or L1 at the butt of the cue or in any
other suitable position to prevent the rod or wire from being forced or jerked out of
the nut or plate Y 1.
Eleventh. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of
a metal tube as C or C1 for covering and retaining the the end or piece as d or the
end of the part as d 1.
Eleventh. In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of
a hole made longitudinally in or near the centre of the cue for inserting a rod, wire,
chain, tube or cord to connect the movable part or end as d or d 1 with any other
part, for the purposes set forth.
Twelth In a billiard cue having a movable part or end the use and application of
a locking device such as f. g. h. Figure 9 for the purpose specified.
ALFRED J. ASPINALL.