GB2202153A

GB2202153A - Handle for sporting instruments

Info

Publication number: GB2202153A
Application number: GB08706261A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Curtis; Bernard Facer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-03-17
Filing date: 1987-03-17
Publication date: 1988-09-21
Also published as: GB8706261D0

Abstract

A handle, for example for a cricket bat, has along one side a series of indentations 18 defined between ridges 16, the indentations 18 receiving respective fingers of the two hands of the batsman. Preferably, the handle comprises an inner core 12 over which is fitted an elastomeric tubular grip bearing the ridges 16 and indentations 18. The opposite side of the grip 14 may be provided with V-shaped markings (22, Fig. 3) or indentations which are aligned with the joints between the thumb and finger of each hand. The handle is intended primarily for coaching purposes. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Title: "Handle" THIS INVENTION relates to a handle for a sports instrument such as a cricket bat intended to be held in a two-handed grip.

In order that the technique of batting and cricket can be mastered, it is necessary for the batsman to have a correct grip on the bat handle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a handle for a cricket bat or the like which is intended to facilitate the acquiring of the correct grip on the cricket bat or the like. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention is of particular utility in the coaching of cricket, its use is not confined thereto.

According to the present invention there is provided a handle for a cricket bat or other sport instrument held in a similar manner in a twohanded grip, wherein the handle has along one side a series of transversely extending alternate peripheral grooves and ridges, affording respective locating indentations for the four fingers of each hand.

An embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 is a partial plan view of a cricket bat embodying the invention, showing the handle thereof, FIGURE 2 is a partial view, looking along the arrow 2 in Figure 1, of the bat handle, FIGURE 3 is a partial side view of the bat handle from the opposite side, i.e. looking in the direction of the arrow 3 in Figure 1, and FIGURE 4 is an end view of the bat and handle of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, the bat shown comprises a conventional blade with a conventional wooden handle, indicated at 12, fitted thereto. The handle is provided with a generally tubular rubber grip 14, fitted over said wooden handle 12. The bat shown is substantially conventional except for the configuration of this grip 14, described in more detail below.

More particularly, the grip 14 is provided, along one lateral side thereof, with a series of nine transversely extending peripheral ridges 16, defining therebetween respective transversely extending peripheral grooves or indentations 18. When the bat is appropriately held, a respective one of the four fingers of each hand of the batsman is received in each of the indentations 18. The surfaces of the grip 14 facing to the front and to the rear are substantially of smooth, cylindrical form and the opposite side of the grip 14 from the indentations 18 may likewise be of generally cylindrical form, but is provided with a guide strip 20 (Figure 3) provided with V-shaped markings 22 therealong. When the bat is properly held the V-shaped markings 22 are aligned with the joints between the thumb and forefinger of each hand of the batsman.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the above references to the surface of the grip as being substantially smooth are intended to include textured surfaces and surfaces provided with low-relief features (i.e. low in relation to the ridges 16) which may be used to improve grip, provide decoration or provide the markings such as the strip 20 and markings 22 referred to above.

In a variant, the rnarkings 22 may be replaced by correspondingly shaped projections extending in high relief from the surface of the grip to provide suitable location for the thumb joints of the batsman.

It will be appreciated that analogous, appropriately configured grips may be provided for other sporting instruments such as bats for other games, golf clubs, or the like.

Claims

1. A handle for a cricket bat or other sport instrument held in a similar manner in a two-handed grip, wherein the handle has along one side a series of transversely extending alternate peripheral grooves and ridges, affording respective locating indentations for the four fingers of each hand.

2. A handle according to claim 1 wherein the opposite side of the handle is provided with V-shaped markings or indentations to assist in positioning the joints between the thumbs and forefingers of both hands.

3. A handle according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said grooves and ridges, and said V-shaped markings, are provided on a separately formed tubular grip which is fitted over an inner core part of said handle.

4. A handle according to claim 3 wherein said tubular grip is of rubber or other elastomeric material.

5. A tubular grip for a handle in accordance with claim 3 or claim 4.

6. A cricket bat or the like instrument having a handle according to any of claims 1 to 4.

7. A cricket bat substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

8. A grip for a cricket bat handle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

9. Any novel feature or combination of features described herein.