GB2193645A - Device for playing a ball game - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for playing a ball game consists of a captive ball 1 featuring a protrusion 2 to which there is affixed one end of a cord 6. To the opposite end of the cord is affixed a handle 4 by which the device is held and swung. The means of affixing the cord permits its length to be adjusted for individual players. The captive ball can be inflated through a valve 3. The device is used to strike a free ball of the same or of different size to the captive ball of the device. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Device for playing a ball game This invention relates to a device for playing a ball game.

Ball games constitute the majority of popular games and are generally played with rackets, bats or various forms of stick.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for playing a ball game consisting of a captive ball on a length of cord with, at the end opposite, a handle. The device is held by the player and swung so that the captive ball strikes a free ball. The free ball may be of the same or of different size to the captive ball of the device.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the device; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the device; Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view through the handle of the device.

Referring to the drawing the device comprises an air filled ball 1 of preferably a resilient plastic material featuring a protrusion 2 through which there is a hole for passing an inextensible cord 6. The term "inextensible" is intended to mean that the property is present under the forces of the order encounted in playing such a game as hereinbefore referred to. The air filled ball 1 incorporates an inflation valve 3 via which the internal pressure can be varied. There is a handle 4 preferably also of a resilient plastic material, through which there is a hole for passing the cord 6.

Fig. 3 indicates the form of the handle 4 and grip profile 5. The cord 6 has sufficient torsional stiffness such that during normal play it will significantly reduce twisting and entanglement of the same. The cord 6 is affixed by means of elasticated sleeves 7 which permit simple cord length adjustments to be made.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. A device for playing a ball game consisting of a captive ball on a length of cord with, at the end opposite, a handle. The device is held by the player and swung so that the captive ball strikes a free ball.

2. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the captive ball is air filled and incorporates an inflation valve via which the internal pressure can be varied.

3. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the captive ball features a protrusion through which there is a hole for passing the cord.

4. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the captive ball is of a resilient plastic material.

5. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the handle incorporates a hole for passing the cord.

6. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the handle has a comfortable grip profile and is of a resilient plastic material.

7. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cord is inextensible under normal playing conditions.

8. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the cord is of sufficient torsional stiffness such that during normal play it will significantly reduce twisting and entanglement of the same.

9. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the cord is affixed by means of sleeves which permit cord length adjustments to be made.

10. A device for playing a ball game, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying rawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (10)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Device for playing a ball game This invention relates to a device for playing a ball game. Ball games constitute the majority of popular games and are generally played with rackets, bats or various forms of stick. According to the present invention there is provided a device for playing a ball game consisting of a captive ball on a length of cord with, at the end opposite, a handle. The device is held by the player and swung so that the captive ball strikes a free ball. The free ball may be of the same or of different size to the captive ball of the device. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the device; Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the device; Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view through the handle of the device. Referring to the drawing the device comprises an air filled ball 1 of preferably a resilient plastic material featuring a protrusion 2 through which there is a hole for passing an inextensible cord 6. The term "inextensible" is intended to mean that the property is present under the forces of the order encounted in playing such a game as hereinbefore referred to. The air filled ball 1 incorporates an inflation valve 3 via which the internal pressure can be varied. There is a handle 4 preferably also of a resilient plastic material, through which there is a hole for passing the cord 6. Fig. 3 indicates the form of the handle 4 and grip profile 5. The cord 6 has sufficient torsional stiffness such that during normal play it will significantly reduce twisting and entanglement of the same. The cord 6 is affixed by means of elasticated sleeves 7 which permit simple cord length adjustments to be made. Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. CLAIMS

1. A device for playing a ball game consisting of a captive ball on a length of cord with, at the end opposite, a handle. The device is held by the player and swung so that the captive ball strikes a free ball.

2. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the captive ball is air filled and incorporates an inflation valve via which the internal pressure can be varied.

3. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the captive ball features a protrusion through which there is a hole for passing the cord.

4. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the captive ball is of a resilient plastic material.

5. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the handle incorporates a hole for passing the cord.

6. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the handle has a comfortable grip profile and is of a resilient plastic material.

7. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cord is inextensible under normal playing conditions.

8. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the cord is of sufficient torsional stiffness such that during normal play it will significantly reduce twisting and entanglement of the same.

9. A device for playing a ball game as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the cord is affixed by means of sleeves which permit cord length adjustments to be made.

10. A device for playing a ball game, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying rawings.