Cue stick joint

Abstract

A joint for a cue stick where the cue stick has first and second cue stick portions. The joint can include a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can have a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be included for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

Description

BACKGROUND

Cue sticks for playing pool can have two or more tapered stick portions which can be assembled together for use and disassembled for storage. Typically, the mating ends of the stick portions that become joined together include joint members which engage each other for securing the stick portions together. Manufacturers can have great difficulty accurately installing joint members in the stick portions. Current inspection techniques and equipment are typically insufficient for assuring proper positioning of the joint members in tapering stick portions. Concentricity and/or run out and perpendicularity are difficult dimensions to maintain with processes and procedures known in the art. Misalignment of the joint members in their respective stick portions can cause misalignment of the stick portions when assembled. Misalignment of the stick portions can adversely affect the performance of the cue stick during use.

SUMMARY

The present invention can provide a joint for a cue stick which can secure stick portions of a cue stick together in alignment with each other when there is misalignment of joint members in the stick portions. The joint can have adequate concentricity and can allow the faces of the stick portions to come together without requiring strict tolerances of perpendicularity of the joint members in the stick portions.

The present invention can provide a joint for a cue stick where the cue stick has at least first and second cue stick portions. The joint can include a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can have a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be included for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the pivot structure of the locating tip can have a close fit with the bore. The bore can have a constant diameter portion for receiving and engaging the pivot structure of the locating tip. The pivot structure can have a pivot surface that is shaped for pivoting within the constant diameter portion of the bore. The pivot structure can have a narrow annular region of engagement with the bore within the constant diameter portion. The locating tip can include a generally curved portion.

In one embodiment, the locating tip can include a generally spherical portion at the end. In another embodiment, the locating tip can include a generally bullet shaped portion. In yet another embodiment, the locating tip can include a generally rounded portion that extends from a constant diameter portion.

In other embodiments, the locating tip can include a generally tapered portion. In one embodiment, the generally tapered portion of the locating tip can include a flat end. In another embodiment, the generally tapered portion of the locating tip can include a pointed end. In a different embodiment, the locating tip can include a generally disc shaped portion.

The first and second joint members can be capable of engaging together within about four turns relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second joint members can be capable of engaging together within about one turn relative to each other. The first joint member can further include a collar encircling the male threaded region. The first and second joint members can include secondary male threaded regions for securing the first and second joint members to respective first and second stick portions. The first and second joint members can each include a smooth outer diameter region adjacent to the secondary male threaded region.

The present invention can also provide a cue stick including a first cue stick portion and a first joint member secured to the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. The cue stick can include a second cue stick portion and a second joint member secured to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously discussed above.

The present invention can also provide a joint for a sports stick, where the sports stick can have first and second sports stick portions. The joint can include a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be included for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously described above.

The present invention can also provide a sports stick including a first sports stick portion and a first joint member secured to the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. The sports stick can include a second sports stick portion and a second joint member secured to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The locating tip can have a pivot structure that is configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously described above.

The present invention can also provide a method of securing a joint for a cue stick, where the cue stick can have first and second cue stick portions. A first joint member can be provided for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be provided for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore and a joint securing female threaded region. The locating tip of the first joint member can be engaged with the bore of the second joint member. The joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member can be engaged with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. A pivot structure of the locating tip can be engaged with the bore. The pivot structure can be configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously described above.

The present invention can also provide a method of securing a cue stick together, where the cue stick can have first and second cue stick portions. A first joint member can be provided with the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be provided with the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore and a joint securing female threaded region. The locating tip of the first joint member can be engaged with the bore of the second joint member. The joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member can be engaged with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. The pivot structure of the locating tip can be engaged with the bore. The pivot structure can be configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously described above.

The present invention can also provide a method of securing a joint for a sports stick, where the sports stick can have first and second sports stick portions. A first joint member can be provided for securing to the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be provided for securing to the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore and a joint securing female threaded region. The locating tip of the first joint member can be engaged with the bore of the second joint member. The joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member can be engaged with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling and first and second joint members together. A pivot structure of the locating tip can be engaged with the bore. The pivot structure can be configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously discussed above.

The present invention can also provide a method of securing a sports stick together, where the sports stick can have first and second sports stick portions. A first joint member can be provided with the first stick portion. The first joint member can include a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end. A second joint member can be provided with the second stick portion. The second joint member can have a bore and a joint securing female threaded region. The locating tip of the first joint member can be engaged with the bore of the second joint member. The joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member can be engaged with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together. A pivot structure of the locating tip can be engaged with the bore. The pivot structure can be configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

In particular embodiments, the first and second joint members can include features such as previously discussed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of two stick portions incorporating an embodiment of a joint in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a first joint member or coupling rod.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a second joint member or sleeve.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a joint engaged in a manner that can compensate for misalignment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a coupling rod surrounded by a collar in a coupling rod/collar assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the coupling rod of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8-12 are side views of other embodiments of coupling rods.

FIG. 13 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a coupling rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict two stick portions 12 and 14 of a sports stick, for example, a cue stick 10, which can be coupled together by a joint 16. The cue stick 10 can extend along a longitudinal axis X and include a first stick portion 12 that can form the butt, and a second stick portion 14 that can form the shaft or tip, or vice versa. A coupling rod, pin or first joint member 20 having a longitudinal axis A (FIG. 3), can be secured to the first stick portion 12, and an insert sleeve or second joint member 18 having a longitudinal axis B (FIG. 4), can be secured to the second stick portion 14. The coupling rod 20 can include a centering or locating pin or tip 26 at the distal end, and a joint securing male threaded portion or region 28. The coupling rod 20 can be secured within a hole 12a at the end of the stick portion 12 with a secondary male threaded portion or region 29. The locating tip 26 can include a pivot structure 26a having pivot surfaces. A generally cylindrical collar 30 can be positioned at the end 12b of stick portion 12 and encircle the male threaded region 28 for protecting the male threaded region 28. The collar 30 can be centered and positioned relative to the coupling rod 20 by a bushing 15 therebetween. The sleeve 18 can include a receiving cavity having a joint securing female threaded portion or region 22 and a bore 24. The sleeve 18 can be secured to stick portion 14 within a hole 13 by a secondary male threaded portion or region 23.

The male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20 can engage the female threaded region 22 of the sleeve 18 for securing stick portion 12 to stick portion 14. The locating tip 26 of the coupling rod 20 can closely engage the bore 24 for aligning the coupling rod 20 and stick portion 12 with the sleeve 18 and stick portion 14. The pivot structure 26a on the locating tip 26 of the coupling rod 20 can allow pivoting of the locating tip 26 within the bore 24 of the sleeve 18 when the coupling rod 20 and sleeve 18 are being secured together so that the coupling rod 20 and the sleeve 18 can be secured together in slight axial misalignment. This can allow the stick portions 12 and 14 to be assembled together in axial alignment along the longitudinal axis X of cue stick 10 when one or both of the coupling rod 20 and sleeve 18 are mounted in axial misalignment with their respective stick portions 12 and 14.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the locating tip 26 of the coupling rod 20 can be located at the distal end of coupling rod 20 and extend along the longitudinal axis A of the coupling rod 20. The locating tip 26 can have a generally spherical portion 26b that extends from the male threaded region 28 and can be connected to the male threaded region 28 by a neck 25. As a result, the generally spherical portion 26b can be a partial sphere, for example, about ¾ of a sphere, depending upon the diameter of the neck 25.

The pivot structure 26a can include the rounded or curved surfaces of the generally spherical portion 26b which allow the locating tip 26 and the coupling rod 20 to pivot about a pivot point center P. These rounded or curved surfaces can be on and near the lateral axis C of coupling rod 20 which passes through the pivot point P perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling rod 20. The spherical portion 26b can have a radius R extending or centered from pivot point P. Since the generally spherical portion 26b can have a constant radius R at regions on and near the lateral axis C, the engagement diameter of the pivot structure 26a with the bore 24 of the sleeve 18 can remain constant with pivoting of the locating tip 26. The engagement of the pivot structure 26a with the bore 24 can be a narrow annular band or line of contact or engagement. The actual location of the annular contact or engagement on the generally spherical portion 26b can change with pivoting. The curved surface of the generally spherical portion 26b at the pivot structure 26a can promote and allow pivoting or rotation of the locating tip 26 within and against the bore 24.

The male threaded region 28 can have a thread pitch and length sufficient to provide engagement with the female threaded region 22 of the sleeve 18 in about one turn or revolution. In some embodiments, engagement can occur in multiple revolutions, for example, about 7 revolutions. A typical number of multiple turns can be about 2-4 turns. Although 4 or less turns is desirable, various numbers of turns can be used, depending upon the situation at hand.

A smooth outer diameter portion or region 27 with a constant diameter can be connected and adjacent to male threaded region 28 for centering the coupling rod 20 within bushing 15. A secondary male threaded region 29 can extend from the smooth outer diameter region 27 and can be separated from the smooth outer diameter region 27 by a neck 27a. The smooth outer diameter region 27 can have spiraling glue groove on the outer surface.

In one embodiment, the coupling rod 20 can be formed of metal, such as steel, but can be formed of other suitable methods, such as polymers and composites. The coupling rod can be about 1.5 inches long. The generally spherical portion 26b of the locating tip 26 can have a diameter of about 0.32 inches (radius R of 0.16 inches) and can extend about 0.32 inches from the male threaded region 28. The male threaded region 28 can have a ⅜-11 thread, with truncated threads about 0.18 to 0.22 inches long. The smooth outer diameter portion 27, and can be about 0.31 inches in diameter and about 0.5 inches long. The secondary threaded region 29 can be a 5/16-14 thread and extend from the smooth outer diameter region 27 about 0.5 inches.

In order to position the collar 30 about coupling rod 20, the smooth outer diameter region 27 of coupling rod 20 can be first inserted into a hole 15c within bushing 15 until the shoulder 28a of male threaded region 28 engages the outer face of the bushing 15 and is secured therein (FIG. 2). The bushing 15 can then be inserted and secured within cavity 9 in the collar 30 for concentrically and axially positioning the collar 30 around the male threaded region 28. The bushing 15 can have a first portion 15a for engaging bore portion 9a of the cavity 9, and a flange 15b for engaging shoulder 9b. This can position collar 30 relative to coupling rod 20 to form an annular recess 32 surrounding the male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20. The coupling rod 20, bushing 15 and collar 30 can be preassembled as a coupling rod/collar assembly. When the secondary male threaded region 29 of the coupling rod 20 is engaged within hole 12a of the stick portion 12, the shoulder 28a can tighten the bushing 15 and collar 30 against the end 12b of stick portion 12. Consequently, when the stick portions 12 and 14 of cue stick 10 are assembled during use, the face 30a of the collar 30 can engage and become tightened against the face 14a of stick portion 14. In some embodiments, the smooth outer diameter region 27 can be mounted within a hole in the stick portion 12. In some instances, the collar 30 can be omitted.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, the sleeve 18 can have a female threaded region 22 having a length extending along the longitudinal axis B of the sleeve 18 which generally corresponds to the length of the male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20. The major, minor, and/or pitch diameters of the female threaded region 22 can be formed with enough clearance relative to the male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20 so that the male threaded region 28 can move slightly laterally or perpendicular to relative to the longitudinal axis B of the sleeve 18. The bore 24 can have a tapered entrance 24a transitioning from the female threaded region 22. The bore 24 can have a smooth constant inner diameter portion and can be sized to have a close fit with the locating tip 26 of the coupling rod 20. A smooth outer diameter portion or region 21 can engage hole 13 for centering the sleeve 18 within stick portion 14. The secondary male threaded portion or region 23 can extend from the smooth outer diameter region 21 for engaging the bottom portion or region 11 of the hole 13 to secure the sleeve 18 within hole 13. The sleeve 18 can have a head 19 with a shoulder 19a which can engage the face 14a of stick portion 14 so that the head 19 can protrude from the face 14a. The female threaded region 22 can be positioned within the head 19. As a result, the head 19 can be inserted into the recess 32 between collar 30 and the male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20 so that the threaded regions 28 and 22 can engage each other.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 18 can be made of a metal, such as brass or bronze. Alternatively, the sleeve can be made of other suitable materials, such as polymers, composites, etc. The female threaded region 22 can have a ⅜-11 thread, with truncated threads, and can be about 0.16 inches long. The bore 24 can have a diameter of about 0.3215 inches, so that there can be about 0.0015 inches clearance between the locating tip 26 and pivot structure 26a of the coupling rod 20 and the bore 24. The secondary male threaded region 23 can have a 7/16-14 thread and can be about 0.25 inches long. The smooth outer diameter portion 21 can have a diameter of about 0.4460 inches, and can include a spiraling glue groove. The head 19 can have an outer diameter of about 0.5 inches.

Typically, when assembled for use, the stick portions 12 and 14 of cue stick 10 are in alignment with each other along the longitudinal axis X. Preferably, the coupling rod 20 and the sleeve 18 are secured to stick portions 12 and 14 in a manner where the axis A of the coupling rod 20 and the axis B of the sleeve 18 are aligned along axis X. However, due to manufacturing methods and tolerances, sometimes the coupling rod 20 and sleeve 18 are secured to stick portions 12 and 14 in a manner where one or both of the axes A and B are misaligned with the axis X of cue stick 10. FIG. 5 depicts an example where the axis A of coupling rod 20 is misaligned with respect to axis X of cue stick 10 and the axis B of sleeve 18 by an angle θ, with the stick portions 12 and 14 being omitted for clarity. Note that the axis B of sleeve 18 is shown to be positioned in alignment with axis Y for simplicity.

The joint 16 can compensate for such misalignment as follows. During assembly of the stick portions 12 and 14, the locating tip 26 and the male threaded region 28 of the coupling rod 20 are inserted into and engage the bore 24 and female threaded region 22 of the sleeve 18. The stick portions 12 and 14 are rotated to tighten the male threaded region 28 within the female threaded region 22. Due to the misalignment, the face 30a of the collar on stick portion 12 can be tilted relative to the face 14a of the second stick portion 14. As the stick portions 12 and 14 come together, the face 30a of the collar 30 on stick portion 12 and the face 14a of stick portion 14, can move relative to each other to attempt to have full or flat contact between the faces 30a and 14a. This can move or push the coupling rod 22 and the sleeve 18 into misalignment to the angle θ as shown in FIG. 5. As the misalignment occurs, the pivot structure 26a of the locating tip 26 can pivot or rotate within the bore 24 about pivot point P on the rounded or curved surfaces of pivot structure 26a by an amount equal to the angle θ.

The spherical shape of the spherical portion 26b at the pivot structure 26a can allow the locating tip 26 to pivot or rotate while maintaining annular engagement with the bore 24 along the lateral axis D of sleeve 18. Axis D is shown in FIG. 5 to coincide with lateral axis Y of cue stick 10 which is perpendicular to longitudinal axis X. The spherical portion 26b can rotate or roll in place so that the spherical portion 26b can simultaneously roll and slide within bore 24, and can form a ball-type joint. In addition, the spherical portion 26b can roll as the spherical portion 26b moves or slides deeper into the bore 24. As the pivoting occurs, the lateral axis C of the coupling rod 20 that extends through the pivot point P becomes misaligned with the lateral axis D of sleeve 18 by an amount shown by the angle θ. Pivoting of the locating tip 26 within bore 24 can allow pivoting of the coupling rod 20 and sleeve 18 relative to each other such that the axis A of the coupling rod 20 can move to the angle θ relative to the axis B of sleeve 18. The threaded regions 28 and 22 can be provided with sufficient clearance relative to each other to allow such pivoting when engaged. In this manner, the stick portions 12 and 14 of the cue stick 10 can be secured together in axial alignment along axis X in cases where the coupling rod 20 and/or the sleeve 18 are misaligned relative to the axis X of the stick portions 12 and 14.

The compensation for misalignment by joint 16 can allow the stick portions 12 and 14 to be made separately and at different manufacturing locations since tolerances can be increased. As a result, stick portions 12 and 14 can be interchangeable with other stick portions 12 and 14. For example, a user can have one stick portion 12 or 14, and several different stick portions 12 or 14, having different properties, that can be selectively chosen for assembly together, depending upon the situation at hand. Such different properties can include different lengths, stiffness, etc. In addition, if a user damages one stick portion 12 or 14, a replacement stick portion can be purchased without concern that there will be a problem of misalignment of the stick portions when assembled for use.

FIGS. 6-12 depict other suitable coupling rods which can be substituted for the coupling rod 20 in joint 16 of the sports stick or cue stick 10. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, coupling rod 32 differs from coupling rod 20 in that coupling rod 32 can have a locating tip 34 which has a rounded bullet shaped distal end or tip 34b. The locating tip 34 can have a pivot structure 34a formed by the curved surfaces in the region on and near axis C. The locating tip 34 and the pivot structure 34a can be shaped to provide annular engagement with the bore 24 of sleeve 18 and pivoting, rotating or rolling therein about pivot point P. The locating tip 34 can have a diameter or width at axis C of about 0.32 inches, and the longitudinally curving surfaces of the locating tip 34 can have a radius of about 0.5 inches. The locating tip 34 can extend from the male threaded region about 0.49 inches.

Referring to FIG. 8, coupling rod 36 differs from coupling rod 20 in that the locating tip 38 can have a tapered or angled conical portion 38b which terminates in a flat distal end 38c. A rounded portion 38d can curve into the neck 25. The pivot structure 38a can be formed by the narrow transition region between the tapered portion 38b and the rounded portion 38d. This transition region can be a rounded ridge which can provide annular engagement with the bore 24 of sleeve 18 and pivoting, rotating or rolling therein about pivot point P. The locating tip 38 can have a diameter or width along axis C of about 0.32 inches. The tapered portion 38b can be tapered at about a 28° angle and the rounded portion 38d can have about a 0.16 inch radius. The locating tip 38 can extend from the male threaded region about 0.28 inches.

Referring to FIG. 9, coupling rod 40 differs from coupling rod 20 in that the locating tip 42 has a rounded distal end 42b which has a larger radius than the radius that is at the pivot structure 42a and axis C. The diameter at axis C can be about 0.32 inches (radius of 0.16 inches). The radius of the rounded distal end 42b can be about 0.2 inches. There can be a rounded transition portion between the pivot structure 42a and the neck 25 which can have a radius of about 0.09 inches. The pivot structure 42a can be formed by a narrow rounded ridge region formed by portions 42b and 42c which can provide annular engagement with the bore 24 of sleeve 18 and pivoting, rotating or rolling therein about pivot point P. The pivot structure 42a can have a diameter along axis C of about 0.32 inches (a radius of about 0.16 inches) which can be, for example, about 0.02 inches long. The locating tip 42 can extend from the male threaded region 28 about 0.28 inches.

Referring to FIG. 10, coupling rod 44 differs from couple rod 20 in that locating tip 46 can have a rounded distal end portion 46b which can be extended from, connected to or transition to a constant diameter portion 46c at axis C. The pivot structure 46a can be located at the transition point of the curved surface which can provide annular engagement with the bore 24 of sleeve 18 and pivoting, rotating or rolling therein about pivot point P. The rounded distal end portion 46b can have a radius of about 0.16 inches (diameter of about 0.32 inches) at axis C so that the constant diameter portion 46c also can have a diameter of about 0.32 inches. The length of the constant diameter portion 46c can be sized so that the pivot structure 46a engages the bore 24 of sleeve 18 just beyond the tapered entrance 24a, thereby allowing pivoting. The constant diameter portion 46c can be about 0.1 inches long.

Referring to FIG. 11, coupling rod 48 differs from coupling rod 36 in that locating tip 50 can have a distal end 50b that tapers or angles to a conical point. The pivot structure 50a can be at the beginning or outer diameter of the taper and can be on a ridge centered about axis C. The ridge of the pivot structure 50a can be rounded which can provide annular engagement with the bore 24 of sleeve 18 and pivoting, rotating or rolling therein about pivot point P. The diameter of the pivot structure 50a at axis C can be about 0.32 inches and can have about a 0.02 inch radius curve on the edges of the ridge. The locating tip 50 can extend from the male threaded region 28 about 0.21 inches.

Referring to FIG. 12, coupling rod 52 differs from coupling rod 48 in that locating tip 54 can have a flat distal end 54b. As a result, locating tip 54 can be considered a narrow disc that extends from and can be connected to the male threaded region 28 by neck 25. The disc can form the pivot structure 54a and can have a rounded ridge with rounded edge surfaces to promote or allow pivoting, rotating or rolling within the bore 24 of sleeve 18 about pivot point P while providing annular engagement. The pivot structure 54a can be about 0.32 inches in diameter at axis C for a length of about 0.01 inches, and can have thickness of about 0.04 inches.

FIG. 13 depicts a coupling rod 56 which differs from coupling rod 20 in that there is no locating tip. The male threaded region 28 can engage the female threaded region 22 of sleeve 18 and the threaded regions 28 and 22 can be formed with enough clearance between the threads to allow slight lateral movement of the male threaded region 28 within the female threaded region 22 so that the stick portions 12 and 14 can tighten together in alignment if there is misalignment of the coupling rod 56 and sleeve 18.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

For example, it is understood that although particular examples of dimensions have been described, it is understood that dimensions can vary depending upon the situation at hand. In addition, the locating tips can be made to be resilient, so that bending or deflection of the locating tip can compensate for misalignment. Various features can be combined or omitted. The joint in the present invention can be used in other sports sticks that can be assembled from multiple pieces including golf clubs. Other embodiments of the joint in the present invention can include applications such as tent poles, sticks for paint rollers, etc. It is understood that a stick in the present invention can have more than two stick portions that can be assembled together.

Claims

1. A joint for a cue stick, the cue stick having first and second cue stick portions, the joint comprising: a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; and a second joint member for securing to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together, the locating tip having a pivot structure configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

2. The joint of claim 1 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a close fit with the bore.

3. The joint of claim 2 in which the bore in the second joint member has a constant diameter portion for receiving and engaging the pivot structure of the locating tip.

4. The joint of claim 3 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a pivot surface that is shaped for pivoting within the constant diameter portion of the bore.

5. The joint of claim 4 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a narrow annular region of engagement with the bore within the constant diameter portion.

6. The joint of claim 5 in which the locating tip includes a generally curved portion.

7. The joint of claim 6 in which the locating tip includes a generally spherical portion at the end.

8. The joint of claim 6 in which the locating tip includes a generally bullet shaped portion.

9. The joint of claim 6 in which the locating tip includes a generally rounded portion that extends from a constant diameter portion.

10. The joint of claim 5 in which the locating tip includes a generally tapered portion.

11. The joint of claim 10 in which the locating tip includes a flat end.

12. The joint of claim 10 in which the locating tip includes a pointed end.

13. The joint of claim 5 in which the locating tip includes a generally disc shaped portion.

14. The joint of claim 1 in which the first and second joint members are capable of engaging together within about four turns relative to each other.

15. The joint of claim 14 in which the first and second joint members are capable of engaging together within about one turn relative to each other.

16. The joint of claim 1 in which the first joint member further includes a collar encircling the male threaded region.

17. The joint of claim 1 in which the first and second joint members include secondary male threaded regions for securing the first and second joint members to respective first and second stick portions.

18. The joint of claim 17 in which the first and second joint members each include a smooth outer diameter region adjacent to the secondary male threaded region.

19. A cue stick comprising: a first cue stick portion; a first joint member secured to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; a second cue stick portion; and a second joint member secured to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together, the locating tip having a pivot structure configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

20. The cue stick of claim 19 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a close fit with the bore.

21. The cue stick of claim 20 in which the bore in the second joint member has a constant diameter portion for receiving and engaging the pivot structure of the locating tip.

22. The cue stick of claim 21 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a pivot surface that is shaped for pivoting within the constant diameter portion of the bore.

23. The cue stick of claim 22 in which the pivot structure of the locating tip has a narrow annular region of engagement with the bore within the constant diameter portion.

24. The cue stick of claim 23 in which the locating tip includes a generally curved portion.

25. The cue stick of claim 24 in which the locating tip includes a generally spherical portion at the end.

26. The cue stick of claim 24 in which the locating tip includes a generally bullet shaped portion.

27. The cue stick of claim 24 in which the locating tip includes a generally rounded portion that extends from a constant diameter portion.

28. The cue stick of claim 23 in which the locating tip includes a generally tapered portion.

29. The cue stick of claim 28 in which the locating tip includes a flat end.

30. The cue stick of claim 28 in which the locating tip includes a pointed end.

31. The cue stick of claim 23 in which the locating tip includes a generally disc shaped portion.

32. The cue stick of claim 19 in which the first and second stick portions are capable of engaging together within about four turns relative to each other.

33. The cue stick of claim 32 in which the first and second stick portions are capable of engaging together within about one turn relative to each other.

34. The cue stick of claim 19 in which the first joint member further includes a collar encircling the male threaded region.

35. The cue stick of claim 19 in which the first and second joint members include secondary male threaded regions for securing the first and second joint members to respective first and second stick portions.

36. The cue stick of claim 35 in which the first and second joint members each include a smooth outer diameter region adjacent to the secondary male threaded region.

37. A joint for a sports stick, the sports stick having first and second sports stick portions, the joint comprising: a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; and a second joint member for securing to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together, the locating tip having a pivot structure configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members

38. A sports stick comprising; a first sports stick portion; a first joint member secured to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; a second sports stick portion; and a second joint member secured to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together, the locating tip having a pivot structure configured to engage the bore and pivot against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

39. A method of securing a joint for a cue stick, the cue stick having first and second cue stick portions, the method comprising: providing a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; providing a second joint member for securing to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore, and a joint securing female threaded region; engaging the locating tip of the first joint member with the bore of the second joint member; engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together; and engaging the bore with a pivot structure of the locating tip that is configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

40. The method of claim 39 further comprising providing the pivot structure of the locating tip with a close fit with the bore.

41. The method of claim 40 further comprising providing the bore in the second joint member with a constant diameter portion for receiving and engaging the pivot structure of the locating tip.

42. The method of claim 41 further comprising providing the pivot structure of the locating tip with a pivot surface that is shaped for pivoting within the constant diameter portion of the bore.

43. The method of claim 42 further comprising engaging the pivot structure of the locating tip with the bore within the constant diameter portion along a narrow annular region of engagement.

44. The method of claim 43 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally curved portion.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally spherical portion at the end.

46. The method of claim 44 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally bullet shaped portion.

47. The method of claim 44 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally rounded portion that extends from a constant diameter portion.

48. The method of claim 43 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally tapered portion.

49. The method of claim 48 further comprising providing the locating tip with a flat end.

50. The method of claim 48 further comprising providing the locating tip with a pointed end.

51. The method of claim 43 further comprising providing the locating tip with a generally disc shaped portion.

52. The method of claim 39 further comprising engaging the first and second joint members together within about four turns relative to each other.

53. The method of claim 52 further comprising engaging the first and second joint members together within about one turn relative to each other.

54. The method of claim 39 further comprising providing the first joint member with a collar encircling the male threaded region.

55. A method of securing a cue stick together, the cue stick having first and second cue stick portions, the method comprising: providing a first joint member with the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; providing a second joint member with the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore, and a joint securing female threaded region; engaging the locating tip of the first joint member with the bore of the second joint member; engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together; and engaging the bore with a pivot structure of the locating tip that is configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

56. A method of securing a joint for a sports stick, the sports stick having first and second sports stick portions, the method comprising: providing a first joint member for securing to the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; providing a second joint member for securing to the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore, and a joint securing female threaded region; engaging the locating tip of the first joint member with the bore of the second joint member; engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together; and engaging the bore with a pivot structure of the locating tip that is configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

57. A method of securing a sports stick together, the sports stick having first and second sports stick portions, the method comprising: providing a first joint member with the first stick portion, the first joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; providing a second joint member with the second stick portion, the second joint member having a bore, and a joint securing female threaded region; engaging the locating tip of the first joint member with the bore of the second joint member; engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member with the joint securing female threaded region of the second joint member for coupling the first and second joint members together; and engaging the bore with a pivot structure of the locating tip that is configured for pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint members.

58. A joint for a cue stick portion comprising: a male joint member for securing to the stick portion, the joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distant end, for engaging a mating female threaded region and constant diameter bore of a female joint member on a mating stick portion, the locating tip having a generally bullet shaped portion with longitudinally curved surfaces shaped to provide an annular engagement pivoting structure for engagement within said constant diameter bore.

59. A joint for a cue stick portion comprising: male joint member means for securing to the stick portion, the joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and locating tip at a distant end, for engaging mating a female threaded region and constant diameter bore of a female joint member on a mating stick portion, the locating tip means having a generally bullet shaped portion with longitudinally curved surfaces shaped for providing an annular engagement pivoting structure for engagement within said constant diameter bore.

60. A butt for a cue stick comprising: a butt stick portion; and a male joint member secured to the stick portion, the joint member including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end, for engaging a mating female threaded region and constant diameter bore of a female joint member on a mating stick portion, the locating tip having a generally bullet shaped portion with longitudinally curved surfaces shaped to provide an annular engagement pivoting structure for engagement within said constant diameter bore.

61. A joint for a cue stick, the cue stick having first and second cue stick portions, the joint comprising: first joint member means for securing to the first stick portion, the first joint member means including a joint securing male threaded region and a locating tip at a distal end; and second joint member means for securing to the second stick portion, the second joint member means having a bore for receiving the locating tip, and a joint securing female threaded region for engaging the joint securing male threaded region of the first joint member means for coupling the first and second joint member means together, the locating tip having pivot structure means for engaging the bore and pivoting against the bore such that the first joint member means is capable of pivoting about the pivot structure to compensate for misalignment of the first and second joint member means.