Billiard ball made with concentric semi-transparent/translucent spheres and method

11583735 · 2023-02-21

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    A cue ball used for practice and play in pool or billiards. The cue ball is made with a plurality of concentric sphere layers or shells starting with a centermost opaque ball, followed by two or three spheres of differently colored semi-transparent polymer resins; then an outermost clear layer of polymer.

    Claims

    1. A billiard ball for use in practicing and playing pool or billiards, said billiard ball comprising: a centermost spherical ball made of an opaque material; and at least two spherical layers surrounding the centermost spherical ball, a first interior layer closest to the centermost spherical ball, said first interior layer being made from a semi-transparent polymer of a first tinted color and fully encasing the centermost spherical ball, an outermost exterior layer that fully encases the first interior layer and is made from a fully transparent polymer, at least one intermediate shell layer between the first interior layer and the fully transparent outermost exterior layer, said at least one intermediate shell layer being made from a semi-transparent polymer of a second tinted color visually distinguishable from the first tinted color of said first interior layer and fully encasing said first interior layer, said billiard ball being of regulation size and weight.

    2. The billiard ball of claim 1, which is about 56 to 57 mm in diameter.

    3. The billiard ball of claim 1, which is suitable for use as a cue ball and weighs about 0.17 kg.

    4. The billiard ball of claim 1, which is suitable for use as one of a plurality of object balls against which a cue ball is aimed for striking, each of said plurality of object balls weighing about 0.16 kg.

    5. The billiard ball of claim 1 wherein the centermost spherical ball has a diameter measuring between about 10 and 13 mm across.

    6. The billiard ball of claim 1, which further includes: a second intermediate shell layer adjacent and fully encasing the first intermediate shell layer, said second intermediate shell layer being made from a semi-transparent polymer of a third tinted color visually distinguishable from the first tinted color of said first interior layer and the second tinted color of the first intermediate shell layer.

    7. The billiard ball of claim 1 wherein the opaque material for the centermost ball consists essentially of lead.

    8. The billiard ball of claim 1 wherein the opaque material is black, brown, dark blue or purple.

    9. The billiard ball of claim 6 wherein the first tinted color for the first interior layer is selected from the group consisting of red, and blue, the second tinted color for the first intermediate shell layer is selected from the group consisting of green and orange; and the third tinted color for the second intermediate shell layer is selected from the group consisting of yellow and gray.

    10. The billiard ball of claim 6, which includes a colored ball number indicator consistent with acceptable billiard standards of yellow for ball numbers 1 and 9, blue for ball numbers 2 and 10, red for ball numbers 3 and 11, purple for ball numbers 4 and 12, orange for ball numbers 5 and 13, green for ball numbers 6 and 14, maroon for ball numbers 7 and 15, and black for a ball numbered 8.

    11. The billiard ball of claim 10 wherein balls numbered 9 through 15 further include at least one striped color region.

    12. A cue ball for use in practicing and playing pool or billiards, said cue ball weighing about 0.17 kg and comprising: a centermost black spherical ball having a diameter between about 11 to 16 mm; a first interior shell layer made from a semi-transparent polymer of a first tinted color and fully encasing the centermost ball, said first interior shell layer being from about 11 to 13 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the centermost ball and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball and said first interior shell layer having a total diameter between about 22 to 29 mm; a second shell layer made from a semi-transparent polymer of a second tinted color and fully encasing the first interior shell layer, said second shell layer being from about 11 to 13 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the first interior shell layer and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball, said first interior shell layer and said second shell layer having a total diameter between about 33 to 42 mm; and an outermost shell layer made from a fully transparent polymer and fully encasing the second shell layer, said outermost shell layer being from about 11 to 15 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the second shell layer and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball, said first interior shell layer, said second shell layer and said outermost shell layer having a total diameter between about 44 to 57 mm.

    13. The cue ball of claim 12 wherein the first tinted color for the first interior shell layer is selected from the group consisting of red and blue.

    14. The cue ball of claim 12 wherein the second tinted color for the second shell layer is selected from the group consisting of green and orange.

    15. A method for aligning, aiming and shooting in the practice and playing of pool or billiards on a billiard table, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a cue ball having: (i) a centermost black spherical ball having a diameter between about 11 to 16 mm; (ii) a first interior shell layer made from a semi-transparent polymer of a first tinted color and fully encasing the centermost ball, said first interior shell layer being from about 11 to 13 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the centermost ball and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball and said first interior shell layer having a total diameter between about 22 to 29 mm; (iii) a second shell layer made from a semi-transparent polymer of a second tinted color and fully encasing the first interior shell layer, said second shell layer being from about 11 to 13 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the first interior shell layer and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball, said first interior shell layer and said second shell layer having a total diameter between about 33 to 42 mm; and (iv) an outermost shell layer made from a fully transparent polymer and fully encasing the second shell layer, said outermost shell layer being from about 11 to 15 mm thick between its innermost spherical surface adjacent the second shell layer and its outermost spherical surface, a combination of said centermost ball, said first interior shell layer, said second shell layer and said outermost shell layer having a total diameter between about 44 to 57 mm; (b) orienting said cue ball in line with at least one of a plurality of object balls so as to have said cue ball strike a contact point on said one of a plurality of object balls at a desired speed, spin and angle; and (c) impacting said cue ball with a tip of a cue stick for moving said cue ball toward said contact point of said object ball along a playing surface of said billiard table.

    16. The method of claim 15 wherein the cue ball can be used to align for practicing spin, stun, follow, and draw strikes against the object ball.

    17. The method of claim 15 wherein the first tinted color for the first interior shell layer is selected from the group consisting of red and blue.

    18. The method of claim 15 wherein the second tinted color for the second shell layer is selected from the group consisting of green and orange.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    (1) Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

    (2) FIG. 1A is a front plan view showing a prior art, Jim Rempe pool training ball, in its packaging, said practice ball having a less complicated beginner's side hemisphere;

    (3) FIG. 1B is a front plan view showing the opposite to the beginner's hemisphere in FIG. 1A, this side showing a more complicated, advanced player's hemisphere;

    (4) FIG. 2 is a front plan view showing a prior art, 57 mm (2.25 inch) diameter practice cue ball as made and sold online by Shangup and/or Injoyo;

    (5) FIG. 3 is a front plan view showing a prior art, practice cue ball, similar to that of FIG. 2 but with a pattern of solid (filled in) dots, as made and sold online by Cuesoul;

    (6) FIG. 4 is a front plan view of yet another prior art, practice cue ball made and sold online by Aramith under the name Pool Champion;

    (7) FIG. 5 is a front plan view of yet another prior art, practice cue ball made and sold online by Aramith under the name Q-Tru Training Cue Ball;

    (8) FIG. 6 is a front plan view of one embodiment of semi-transparent/translucent cue ball per the present invention, said cue ball having four representative spherical layers; and

    (9) FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the cue ball from FIG. 6 taken as if a north-to-south wedge of orange slice was removed therefrom.

    (10) FIG. 8 is a first variation to the billiard ball shown in FIG. 6 but with only center area and two outer spheres (rather than the 3 full spheres of FIG. 6;

    (11) FIG. 9 is a second variation of billiard ball but with FOUR outer layers around a darkened center sphere, one more than the version depicted in FIG. 6;

    (12) FIG. 10A is a front view of a third variation of billiard ball having a ball number added thereto, said ball number being a representative No. 2 ball in blue; and

    (13) FIG. 10B is a front view of the third variation of billiard ball as per FIG. 10A, this variation including a representative No. 10 ball in white with a horizontal blue stripe through its center section CS.

    DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

    (14) One of the most misunderstood and difficult aspects of the game of pool is to discern the geometric linear relationship between the cue ball and the object ball. It is well known that an object ball will travel along a straight line originating at the point where the cue ball contacts the object ball and extending through the center of the object ball. There is also a relationship of physics to the geometry of the game of pool. Accordingly, the game of pool is a game of both physics and geometry. Since the object ball travels in a straight line, players of pockets billiards typically picture an imaginary line from the center of a pocket on the billiard table through the center of the object ball. The termination of this imaginary line establishes a point where the cue ball should contact the object ball to propel the object ball into the pocket on the billiard table. This is commonly referred to as the “contact point.” It makes no difference where the balls are located on the billiard table, as long as the cue ball makes good contact at the “contact point” on the object ball, the object ball will travel along the imaginary line. In reaching the “contact point” on the object ball, however, the cue ball does not necessarily travel in a straight line, nor does it have to roll naturally. The cue ball may be rolling naturally when it travels the length of its circumference with each revolution of the ball. The physics of may be applied to the cue ball as a result of a given stroke and tip placement with the cue stick. The physics of spin complicates the game of pool and contributes to the complexity of predicting and understanding the effects on the cue ball of any given shot.

    (15) Aiming the cue ball so it strikes the termination point of the imaginary line, which is the contact point of the imaginary line that bisects the object ball and the pocket of choice, is difficult because the shooter cannot easily discern the point of contact on the object ball. It is also difficult for the shooter to discern the point on the cue ball commonly referred to as the “aiming point,” which should normally be used for both aligning the aim and impacting the contact point, when the shooter is positioned behind the cue ball.

    (16) In the past, cue balls were made from a variety of materials including elephant ivory. Most standard sized, solid white cue balls today are made from a phenolic resin that is cast, hardened, sanded and then polished. When finished, it should weigh about 0.17 kg (6 oz.) as compared to the smaller object balls, often numbered 1 to 15, with solids or stripes, weighing 0.16 kg (or 5.5 oz) each.

    (17) Relationship between the components—There is only one major component to the apparatus of this invention. It is the cue ball itself, a regulation size cue ball made from different concentric layers—of transparent or semi-transparent colored plastic(s) all of which surround an innermost opaque, cue ball center.

    (18) How the invention works—each of the concentric colored layers indicates a certain degree of offset form the center of the ball to let the pool shooter know where to hit the ball in order to get the right spin on the ball, i.e., english, draw or follow.

    (19) How to make the invention—Make a sphere out of clear plastic or resin. That centermost sphere is then cast it into the center of a larger, intermediate sphere made from a first different color of translucent plastic/resin. Do this a third time to make three (or more) colored layers. Then the final layer will be made of a clear resin/plastic for emulating the size/shape of a standard cue ball.

    (20) The relative size and number of colored layers may vary.

    (21) Ideally, these semi-transparent color layers can be customized AND alternated.

    (22) How to use the invention—Use this new multi-layered, concentric ball for getting a consistent draw, follow or english on the shot.

    (23) In accompanying FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown one preferred embodiment of this invention. Therein, billiard ball, generally 10, consists of a first innermost spherical layer 12. It should be made to be opaque so as to be visible THROUGH all subsequent cue ball layers surrounding it. Considering the relative weights of all surrounding layers, this centermost sphere 12 may be the preferred means for providing the billiard ball with most of its necessary regulation “weight”. As such, one version of centermost layer 12 is made from lead or another similar “heavy”, opaque material. Preferably, the opaque material is black though other dark colors including brown, dark blue and purple may be optional alternatives.

    (24) Immediately surrounding centermost sphere 12 of billiard ball 10 is a first semi-transparent ball or sphere 14. Made from a polymer so as to be clearly visible therethrough, one version of first inner sphere 14 is supplied with a slightly red tint (though it is to be understood that still other semi-transparent color layers may be substituted therefor). In one sense, this innermost red sphere provides the shooter with a target aim equivalent to one tip (or “click”) away from the center point (or black sphere 12) of this new, improved billiard ball configuration.

    (25) In one preferred embodiment of billiard ball 10, the width of innermost red band 14 is 10 to 13 mm, preferably about 11 millimeters in diameter (or roughly 0.043 inches across).

    (26) Next, after the center sphere 12 and inner red sphere 14, there is provided a fully surrounding second intermediate sphere 16. In one version, this translucent layer is made with a slight green tint so that the adjacent red inner layer 14, AND the innermost central black layer 12 can be easily discerned therethrough. Also made from a polymer, second green sphere layer 16 ideally measures about 12 mm across.

    (27) Ideally, the various layers of this billiard ball (either cue ball or object ball) should be kept fairly consistent in overall thicknesses meaning that a center ball with two intermediate layers might have preferred thickness layers t.sub.1, t.sub.2 and t.sub.3, of about 12-13 mm each—or roughly the approximate equivalent of a cue stick tip (also about 12 mm across). For the lesser layered version of billiard ball at FIG. 8, layers 3t.sub.1 and 3t.sub.3, would be correspondingly “thicker”, maybe as much as 16-18 mm each. Conversely, the more layered version of FIG. 9 would have to be slightly smaller to accommodate another intermediate layer of yet another semi-transparent material (possibly yellow-tinted or the like). In that 5 tiered variation (counting the center ball as the first “tier”), these supplemental layers 5t.sub.1, 5t.sub.2, 5t.sub.3 and 5t.sub.4, preferably commonly sized, might be closer to about 9-12 mm thick each (depending on the overall size of center ball diameter used). In one embodiment, there would be included a centermost spherical ball between 11 to 16 mm in diameter; followed by a first interior shell layer between 11 to 13 mm thick (total diameter between 22 to 29 mm); a second shell layer between 11 to 13 mm thick (total diameter between 33 to 42 mm); and an outermost shell layer between 11 to 15 mm thick (for a total diameter between 44 to 57 mm).

    (28) Also note that with respect to the various, aforesaid shell layer dimensions, the thicknesses described refer to the “visualized thickness”. Because the balls are each made from a plurality of transparent (or semi-transparent) sphere shells, there is magnification of each layer by each successive shell layer. The “visualized thickness” is that which can be measured if one took a life size picture of this ball so that the diameter of the ball in the picture is the same as the diameter of an actual cue ball. The thicknesses of each layer can then be acquired from this picture by simply measuring with a ruler.

    (29) When lesser layers are preferred/needed, a billiard ball can be made and sold, as either a cue ball, an object ball or both, with just a central spherical ball surrounded by just one interior layer of semi-transparent material followed by an outermost clear polymer exterior layer as per accompanying FIG. 8, described below. When still greater distinct layering is desired, second green sphere may be optionally surrounded with a third spherical surround, preferably yellow in tint as per FIG. 9, described below.

    (30) Lastly, the outermost layer, or true exterior to cue ball 10 is provided in a totally clear surround of polymer. This outermost exterior sphere (or shell 18) should be the balance of the shell body to cue ball 10. It should measure about 57 mm across if split directly in half.

    (31) In the alternate variations of the main embodiment, common elements are commonly numbered though in the next hundred series.

    (32) Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a first variation of billiard ball 110 comprised on one centermost sphere 112 about which a first layer 114 of tinted polymer is provided/installed followed by just one other layer, the outermost clear polymer layer 118. Because this variation is only 3 “spheres” deep, the varying layer thicknesses are greater than would be the case with a four or greater “sphere” thickness model.

    (33) In FIG. 9, there is shown a second variation of billiard ball 210 comprised on one centermost sphere 212 about which a first layer 214 of tinted polymer is provided/installed followed by a first intermediate, differently tinted layer 216, then a second, differently tinted intermediate layer 220 before the whole is encased in its outermost clear polymer layer 218. Because this variation is 5 “spheres” deep, the varying layer thicknesses are smaller than would be the case with a three or four “sphere” thickness model.

    (34) When one has more than four spherical layers, it is conceivable though not preferred to possibly repeat tint colors so that a red-green-red set of shells around the centermost black sphere could be made and sold hereunder.

    (35) FIGS. 10A and B show representative examples of billiard balls that can be provided with ball numbers, item N.sub.1 in FIG. 10A and N.sub.2 in FIG. 10B. Note that the number 10 ball of FIG. 10B also included a representative central stripe section CS as many billiard ball sets follow industry guidelines in dividing the “colored” balls into solids, numbered 1 through 8, and stripes, numbered 9 through 15.

    (36) There is also a well understood/accepted practice of common numbered ball coloring. Specifically, there are 3 primary-colored balls in each number “set”, i.e. the lower numbered balls 1 through 7, and the higher numbered balls 9 through 15. Balls 1 and 9 are colored yellow; balls 2 and 10, blue with balls 3 and 11, in red. Next, there are three sets of secondary colored balls: 4 and 12 being purple (a combination of red and blue); balls 5 and 13 being orange (a combination of red and yellow) and balls 6 and 14 being green (a combination of yellow and blue). There is also one established tertiary color selection: balls 7 and 15 are maroon colored (sometimes mistaken for brown). That color is a combination of purple with red. Lastly, there is the consistently black, no. 8 ball and the usually white cue ball . . . until THIS invention!

    (37) The examples that follow are illustrative of exercises that may be included in training regime designed to exploit the capabilities of the present invention. By following such a regime, a player may improve his or her aiming techniques, and also learn how to stroke the cue ball to achieve such effects as spin, stun, follow, and draw. These examples, however, are only illustrative of the precepts of the present invention, and therefore should not be construed in any limiting sense.

    (38) In addition to its use as a cue ball, this invention can be used to make a plurality of billiard balls for use as object balls. An object ball is the initially ball struck by the cue ball. There are various aiming methods to choose a target point on the object ball to strike with the cue ball. All aiming methods rely on identification of the edge of the object ball. Because the object ball is a solid sphere, this is the only site on an object ball that can be clearly identified. All other points can only be estimated. If one is able to aim and hit the edge of the object ball with the cue ball, that is called a “half ball” hit. Half ball refers to the amount of the object ball that is covered, or hidden by the cue ball, when viewing the object ball from the cue ball. The physics of this type of hit, in terms of cue ball and object ball io reactions, have been well worked out. It is very helpful to be able to execute a half ball hit knowing how the balls will react.

    (39) An aiming method called “fractional aiming” takes this one step further. This method attempts to identify other points on the objects ball, and thus take advantage of the known reactions of the balls for these types of hits. For example, in a “three-quarter ball” hit, one attempts to strike the object ball with the cue ball at a point half way between the center and the edge of the object ball. Clearly, this point can only be estimated/approximated because there is no marking on the object ball to delineate any such point. With the present invention, however, using a ball with multiple concentric spheres, both the center of the ball and the point half way between the center and the edge can be clearly delineated. Object balls according to this invention would be ideally used for training the eye to recognize this optimum point to successfully execute a three-quarter ball hit.

    (40) Depending on the number of concentric spheres used, any fraction between 1 (known as a full ball hit) and ½ (half ball hit) can theoretically be reached. At times, it may be necessary to aim the center of the cue ball at a target beyond the edge of the cue ball. These are described as “thin” cuts, as opposed to “thick” cuts where the shooter attempts to hit more of the object ball. For example, in a quarter ball hit, one attempts to aim the cue ball at a point outside the edge of the object ball that is equidistant to the distance from the point half way between the center of the object ball and the edge of the object ball. Because this is a point in space, this point can only be estimated. But, by using a ball made from concentric spheres, it will be easier to estimate this point since the ball's “halfway” point will be better delineated with a concentric sphere. And one only needs to transpose that distance to the other side of the ball edge. As before, any other fraction from ½ to 0 can theoretically be io reached using this method.

    (41) Another aiming method is called “Center to Edge” or CTE. Using this method, one targets the edge of the object ball, but places the tip of the cue one or two tips to the right or left of the cue ball center ball. The physics of this aiming method are beyond the scope of this disclosure, but since one only need accurately offset the tip of his/her cue from the center of the cue ball, this type of ball—made with concentric spheres—would lend itself well to this aiming method.

    EXAMPLES

    (42) Each of the following exercises are designed to teach the player a particular technique or shot. The cue ball and object ball should be carefully aimed and aligned, in practice, such that the player may more easily differentiate between stroke effects and aiming inconsistencies. It is suggested that the player spend equal time mastering both the aiming and stroking techniques to follow. If the aim is straight and true, the system of the present invention will reveal any problems or variations in the stroke. Conversely, if the stroke is straight and true, the system will reveal any problems or variations in the aim. Stroking and aiming techniques therefore are alternated hereinafter to encourage the player to do the same while at the table.

    (43) In the following exercises, cue strokes are characterized as “soft,” “medium,” “hard,” or “power.” In this regard, the common industry standards regarding stroke power or speed relative to ball travel have been adopted as is shown in the table which follows:

    (44) Exercise—Effect of Spin on Position

    (45) Although squirt and curve are generally to be considered as necessary evils, spin can be a great ally in position play. To demonstrate the effect of spin on position, cue ball 10 may be set up and executed with a marker placed at where the ball 10 stops or hits the rail. The exercise may be repeated for at varying cue speeds, and from both the right and left side of cue ball 10. If the same spot on the cue ball is hit and the aim is proper, it will rebound off the rail at a consistent rebound angle for a given cue speed. In this way, the player may understand how just a little spin effects the rebound angle, especially with a soft cue stroke.

    (46) Exercise—Transfer of English

    (47) To understand the effects of what happens to an object ball when struck by a spinning cue ball, the latter may be positioned for striking with a cue stick so as to purposefully create a left OR right spinning cue and thereby transfer an intentional spin or english from the cue to the object ball the same as a thrown ball. This exercise may be repeated with varying degrees/levels of spin and power.

    (48) The transfer of spin has practical applications for bank shots in increasing the possible ways to make a shot by opening or shortening angles off the rail. The throw effect allows the player to increase or decrease the cut angle on a shot, while still pocketing the object ball, and thereby provides alternatives in position play. This “cheating” of the ball also affords the player a capability to make “close-but-impossible” shots such as when another object ball is slightly blocking what would be a “natural” center ball aiming. The spin can sometimes throw the ball far enough for it to be pocketed regardless.

    (49) Exercise—Follow and Draw

    (50) Before proceeding with the next two exercises, both follow and draw, it should be noted that mastery of two elements is essential for proper execution. Firstly, the cue ball must be struck at the proper location—upper for follow and lower for draw. Secondly, cue tip speed and a level cue are critical.

    (51) For practicing a follow shot, cue ball 10 should be placed with an object ball about 2 feet (61 cm) therefrom. The player begins by hitting medium speed shots just above the spot equivalent to two tips higher than center (or at about the intersection of the red and green spheres). Striking distances above center are then increased and the results noted for both harder and softer strokes. The distances between cue ball and object ball are increased, and the exercise is repeated. As before, the objective is for the player to learn how softly and how close to the center aiming point the cue ball may be struck while still achieving the desired follow effect.

    (52) For draw practicing, the balls are once more aligned for the shooter to aim and strike below the center point (rather than above it). The player may be amazed at the effect which may be achieved with only a relatively small degree of off-center hit but a relatively good stroke.

    (53) In summary, the practice ball system of the present invention as described in the preceding description and exercises will improve aiming techniques and the detail the effects of achieving spin, stun, follow, and draw. The system, advantageously, functions well in combining these effects, and the player is encouraged to practice them in combination such as high right or low left aiming points on the cue ball. With a little practice, the player will notice both an improved confidence and increased knowledge of the game. The practice cue ball of the present invention also may be utilized in conjunction with the playing of familiar pool games such as eight ball, nine ball, or straight or target pool.

    (54) It is anticipated that certain changes may be made in the apparatus and method described hereinbefore without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved. For example, the dimensions referred to herein relate to the standard size of American balls and cues. Other pool games, such as snooker, employ smaller balls and smaller cue tips such that measurement of all indicia would change proportionately for practice cue and object balls of the present invention intended for those games. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description of the invention or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

    (55) Accordingly, although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, it is apparent to those having a level of ordinary skill in the relevant art that other variations and modifications in a pocket billiard practice ball system and method of aiming in the playing of pool and pocket billiards in accordance with the present invention, as described and shown herein, could be readily made using the teachings of the present invention. It is anticipated that certain embodiments may be made in other specific forms without departing from the spirit, essential characteristics or scope herein involved of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein is considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of the equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. Accordingly, the scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only by the terms of the appended claims.

    (56) Having described the best modes currently known for practicing this axle replacement system and method, it is to be understood that the scope of this invention may be further described by the attached claims.

    SEQUENCE LISTING

    (57) Not applicable.