GB2607869A

GB2607869A - Cricket bat

Info

Publication number: GB2607869A
Application number: GB2108109.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jenkins Paul; Savage Ian; Veres Janos
Original assignee: Grays Of Cambridge Int Ltd
Current assignee: Grays Of Cambridge Int Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-07
Filing date: 2021-06-07
Publication date: 2022-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-07
Also published as: AU2022203712A1; GB202108109D0; GB2607869B

Abstract

A cricket bat comprising a handle 3 and a blade 2. The blade comprises an opening 7 at a first end with a cavity 5, formed inside and enclosed by the blade, which extends a predetermined length along the blade from the opening. The handle comprises a first portion 9 configured to be held by a user and a second portion 10 configured to be received in the opening and extend at least partially along the cavity. An outer surface of the second portion of the handle is fully surrounded by an inner surface of the cavity. The handle may be substantially cylindrical with the first portion having a first circumference and the second portion having a second circumference which is smaller than the first circumference. The blade may be formed from a single piece of material. A method of manufacturing the cricket bat is disclosed.

Description

CRICKET BAT

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a novel design for a cricket bat and a method of manufacture of the cricket bat.

100021 Innovation within the field of cricket bat design presents a unique set of challenges. Like the game, the equipment is rooted in tradition and the laws that govern both the production processes and material composition of the bat are, as a consequence, strict. These rules are largely set by the Marylebone Cricket Club, MCC. The task therefore is to work within the confines of these rules and yet continue to drive progress in the bat development.

100031 An additional challenge comes from the main material component of the bat, the 'Sax alba var. caerulea' willow wood, which forms the 'blade'. This is the part of the bat used to hit the ball. As the game becomes ever more lucrative, the competition to grow this material in a rapid and sustainable way can result in a detrimental outcome to the final structure of the wood. In this instance the willow becomes denser and therefore much heavier, which is not suitable for cricketers who require a lightweight 'performance' product. Given that it takes approximately 15-20 years for a tree to reach maturity before it is felled, the timescales involved in refining the growing practice mean that insights into improving the process are slow to manifest. As such, it is incumbent on the bat manufacturer to work with the material as-is in order for it to deliver peak performance.

100041 Conventional cricket bats are often found to be too heavy. Thus there is a desire to reduce the weight of the bats without altering the overall look and feel of the bat for the cricketers. The challenge therefore is to take the dense base material, and turn it into a lightweight performance product that can be produced for both elite, and mass market players alike. In order to stay within the confines of the MCC rules, it is necessary for the blade to be formed of a single piece of willow.

[0005] Additionally, the existing cricket bat design with has a 'v' shaped cut in the blade for receiving the handle. This results in the blade being weakened due to material being removed from the blade too close to the shoulders of the blade. There is therefore also a desire to strengthen the joint between the handle and blade of the bat.

[0006] The inventors have developed a novel cricket bat in order to overcome these problems.

The solution developed by the inventors counterintuitively reduces the weight of the bat whilst maintaining the standard size and shape of the blade and increasing the strength of the interaction between the handle and the blade of the bat.

SUMMARY

[00071 Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

[0008] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a cricket bat. The cricket bat comprises a handle and a blade. The blade comprises an opening at a first end and a cavity formed inside and enclosed within the blade and extending a predetermined length along the blade from the opening. The handle comprises a first portion configured to be held by a user and a second portion configured to be received in the opening and configured to extend at least partially along the cavity, wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the handle is fully surrounded by an inner surface of the cavity.

[0009] The blade of the bat is the part used to hit in the ball when the bat is in use. The blade may have a flat front face which is typically used to hit the ball and an angled back face. The cavity is essentially a hollowed out portion of the blade. This is formed by some of the material from inside the blade being extracted.

[0010] The wording 'enclosed within' is used to mean that the cavity is surrounded from all sides by the blade. The only entrance into the cavity is through the opening. Thus, if the opening were to be covered, the cavity would form a sealed space within the blade.

[0011] In this way, when the second portion of the handle is inserted into the cavity, the inner surface of the cavity provides support to the outer surface of the second portion of the handle along its entire length. Thus, the joint between the blade and the handle is stronger than in existing cricket bats. This reduces the likelihood of the bat breaking.

100121 Additionally, by having the cavity for receiving the handle fully enclosed within the blade, the strength of the bat's shoulders are increased. This is because less material is extracted near the shoulders of the bat than in existing cricket bats. Furthermore, the stiffness off the blade is able to be more easily controlled with this configuration, thus enabling a more bespoke bat to be provided to players. The angle of the handle with respect to the blade can also be altered by having the first and second portions of the handle angled with respect to one another. This provides a greater 'bow' or bend in the bat which suits some players.

[0013] In some examples, adhesive may be added between the second portion of the handle and the cavity to increase the strength of the connection between the two. In some examples, the second portion of the handle may extend to the end of the cavity.

[0014] The second portion of the cavity may be configured to extend along the cavity to a length less than the length of the cavity. By having this unfilled part of the cavity, the weight of the blade is significantly reduced without altering the shape of the blade. Thus a more lightweight bat is produced without affecting the performance of the bat.

100151 The blade may be formed of a single piece of material. Specifically, the blade may be made of a single piece of wood such as willow which is formed into the desired shape.

100161 The handle may be cylindrical and wherein the first portion of the handle may have a diameter larger than the second portion of the handle. In this way, the cavity can be sized to receive the second portion of the handle but not the first portion. Therefore, the second portion of the handle can be inserted into the cavity until the end of the first portion of the handle abuts the opening. Thus, the manufacturer is aware when the handle has been inserted into the blade to the desired extent. The cylindrical handle is a comfortable shape for holding by a player when the bat is in use.

100171 The cavity may be cylindrical and may be sized to receive the second portion of the handle. The cylindrical cavity, i.e. the use of a cavity without corners, provides an even distribution of forces around the cavity inside the bat thus reducing the amount of stress raisers within the bat. Furthermore, the cylindrical cavity can be more easily and efficiently manufactured by drilling into the bat.

[0018] In other examples, the cavity may be a different shape. For example, the cavity may have a square cross section. Alternatively, the cavity may comprise slots or runners for interaction with corresponding slots or runners on the handle to ensure the handle is inserted into the cavity at the correct orientation.

[0019] The cavity may have a larger diameter than the second portion of the handle. Before being inserted in the cavity, the second portion of the handle may be coated with adhesive. In this way, when the handle is inserted in the cavity, air inside in the cavity is able to escape down the sides of the handle past the adhesive. Thus when the handle is inserted in the cavity, the gap between the handle and the cavity is filled with adhesive. By allowing air to escape from the cavity down the sides of the handle as the handle is inserted, air is prevented from being trapped in the cavity and providing a force on the handle to push it out of the cavity. The interaction of the cylindrical handle and the cylindrical cavity results in an even distribution of force around the joint. This therefore strengthens the join between the handle and blade.

100201 The first and second portions of the handle may have the same cross-sectional width in a first direction and a different cross-sectional width to one another in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Specifically, the first portion of the handle may be elliptical and the second portion of the handle may be circular. Thus, an overhang or lip is formed between the elliptical first portion and the circular second portion at the intersection between the two.

100211 By having a constant width handle in the first direction, and consequently a larger cavity in the bat, the weight of the bat can be further reduced. This is because extra material can be removed from the shoulders of the bat. The use of the lip of the handle allows the manufacturer to know when the handle has been inserted in the cavity to the desired amount as the lip contacts the opening of the cavity and is not able to be inserted into the cavity. The lip also prevents the cavity approaching too close to the front face of the blade within the blade. This prevents the face of the blade being weakened.

100221 The cavity may have a tapered end. In this way, the cavity may be extended further into the blade without the cavity coming too close to the back face of the blade. Thus, the weight can be further reduced whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the bat. Furthermore, the use of the taper prevents a sharp edge being formed at the end of the cavity (for example if the cavity had a flat end) which would create shock or sheer points and potentially weaken the bat. The shape of the cavity can be used to mirror the external tapering of the back surface of the blade.

100231 In other examples, instead of a tapered end, the cavity may have a smooth curved end.

This shape is quicker and easier to manufacture by drilling than the cavity with the tapered end.

100241 The cavity may extend over half of the length of the blade. The further the cavity extends along the blade, the more the weight of the blade is reduced.

[0025] The cavity may extend at most to within approximately 15 mm of the end of the blade.

Specifically, the cavity may be formed along the length of the blade but may stop approximately 15 mm from the end of the blade. Thus the cavity is prevented from coming too close to the end of the blade and thus the strength of the end of the blade is maintained whilst removing the maximum amount of material from the inside of the blade.

100261 The cavity may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the cavity may have a first diameter and the second portion of the cavity may have a second diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter and wherein the first portion of the cavity may be sized to receive the second portion of the handle.

[0027] By having a larger second portion of the cavity, the weight of the bat can be further reduced by removing more material from the inside of the blade at a point of greater thickness and therefore strength of the blade.

[0028] The first diameter may be larger than the second diameter and wherein the first portion of the cavity may be sized to receive the second portion of the handle.

100291 The second portion of the cavity may be formed of a pair of adjacent cavities extending along and within the blade. The pair of cavities may be symmetrical about the central axis of the blade. In this way the weight can be evenly reduced across the width of the blade. Furthermore, by having two narrower cavities, additional material can be removed from the interior of the blade without the cavity needing to be formed too close to the flat hitting surface of the blade. Thus the cavities formed in this way may result in a more robust bat compared to one formed with a single larger cavity.

100301 The second portion of the cavity may be asymmetric. Specifically, the second portion of the cavity may extend sideways from the central axis of the blade and towards the back of the blade and the part of the cavity facing the flat face of the blade may be aligned and continuous with the first portion of the cavity. This configuration is quicker to manufacture than some other configurations as the initial hole can be drilled and then a burr cutter or mill cutter or router inserted into the cavity and pushed to the sides and back to channel out the necessary material. Furthermore, by extending the cavity to the back and sides but not forwards, this avoids excessive material being removed near the face of the blade which is used for striking the ball. Instead, the weight is reduced by removing material in the body of the blade away from the hitting area. Thus the structural integrity of the hitting face is maintained.

[0031] The handle may be formed of a first material and may comprise inserts formed of a second material. The first material may be a natural material and the second material may be a synthetic material. The term natural material is used to mean a naturally occurring substance such as wood. The inserts may be a synthetic material such a rubber. These help absorb vibrations when the bat is in use making it more comfortable for the user to hit the ball. The term inserts are intended to mean additional components which are added to the main body of the handle which is formed of the first material and which are located largely within the main body.

[0032] The inserts formed of a second material may be formed in a cross shape within the handle when the handle is viewed in cross section. The use of the cross shape provides a dampening effect across two axes in the handle. The synthetic insert may also be formed as an elongate core or as a plurality of flattened portions extending across the width of the handle and at least partially along its length.

[0033] An elongate axis of the first portion of the handle may be angled with respect to an elongate axis of the second portion of the handle. In this way, the angle mirrors the bow in the blade.

This appeals to some players as the angle of the handle exaggerates the bow of the bat which enables the players to hit more air-borne shots.

100341 Viewed from a further aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing a cricket bat.

The method comprises forming the blade, forming the cavity with a predetermined diameter inside the blade, forming the handle, and inserting the handle inside the blade such that the second portion of the handle is fully received by the blade.

100351 The cavity may be formed inside the blade by drilling. The second portion of the handle may be coated in adhesive before inserting it in the cavity. The use of the adhesive between the handle and the wall of the cavity provides a strong connection between the two. In some examples, a latex glue may be used as the adhesive. This also helps dampen shock when the bat is in use.

100361 The forming of the handle may additionally comprise assembling a plurality of strips made of a first material, forming an insert made of a second material, attaching the plurality of strips to the insert, and shaping the assembled plurality of strips and insert to the predetermined shape and diameter.

[0037] The insert may have a cross shape when viewed in cross section. The insert may comprise an elongate member extending at least partially along the length of the handle.

[0038] The assembled plurality of strips and insert may be shaped using a lathe. Thus the handle can be quickly assembled. The use of the lathe provides a smooth finish to the handle which provides a comfortable surface for a player to hold.

100391 Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and Claims sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

100401 Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0041] Figures 1A to 1G show a cricket bat according to the prior art; [0042] Figures 2A to 2G show a cricket bat according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0043] Figures 3A to 3H show a cricket bat according to a second embodiment of the invention; [0044] Figures 4A to 4H show a cricket bat according to a third embodiment of the invention; 100451 Figures 5A to 5G show a cricket bat according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; [0046] Figures 6A to 6G show a cricket bat according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; [0047] Figures 7A to 7G show an alternative shaped cavity in the cricket bat of the first embodiment of the invention; 100481 Figures 8A to 8G show the alternative shaped cavity in the cricket bat of the second embodiment of the invention; [0049] Figures 9A to 9G show the alternative shaped cavity in the cricket bat of the third embodiment of the invention; 100501 Figures 10A to 10G show the alternative shaped cavity in the cricket bat of the fourth embodiment of the invention; [0051] Figures 11A to HG show the alternative shaped cavity in the cricket bat of the fifth embodiment of the invention; [0052] Figures 12A to 12C show a handle for a cricket bat according to the present invention.

100531 Figures 13A to 13C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; [0054] Figures 14A to 14C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; [0055] Figures 15A to 15C show the handle according to the second embodiment; 100561 Figures 16A to 16C show an alternative design for the handle for a cricket bat according to the present invention; [0057] Figures 17A to 17C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; 100581 Figures 18A to 18C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; [0059] Figures 19A to 19C show the handle according to the second embodiment; 100601 Figures 20A to 20C show an alternative design for the handle for a cricket bat according to the present invention; 100611 Figures 21A to 21C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; [0062] Figures 22A to 22C show the handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments; and 100631 Figures 23A to 23C show the handle according to the second embodiment.

[0064] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example approaches are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but rather the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0065] As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

[0066] It will be recognised that the features of the above-described examples of the disclosure can conveniently and interchangeably be used in any suitable combination. It will also be recognised that the invention covers not only individual embodiments but also combinations of the embodiments that have been discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

100671 The present teaching relates to a cricket bat with reduced weight.

100681 Figure 1 shows a cricket bat 1 according to the prior art. The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2 comprising shoulders 4 between which the handle 3 is inserted into the blade 2.

[0069] As is shown in figures 1A, 1C and 1E, the blade has a 'v' shaped cut in one end. When the bat is constructed, the blade is formed out of a solid piece of willow with this 'v' shaped cut formed between the shoulders 4 of the blade 2. The handle 3 has a 'v' shaped portion and a straight portion. The 'v' shaped portion of the handle 3 is inserted into the 'v' shaped cut in the blade. An adhesive is coated on the handle 3 before insertion into the 'V shaped cut.

[0070] Figures 1B and 1D show cross sectional views of the bat 1 according to the prior art in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figures 1A and 1C respectively. As can be seen from these, the bat has a front face which is used for striking the ball and an angled back face. Figure 1B shows the handle 2 and blade 3 in exploded view whilst figure 1D shows the handle 2 and blade 3 in their assembled form. Figures 1E and 1F show front and side views respectively of the bat when assembled. Figure 1G shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure 1A.

[0071] When constructed, the handle 3 of the prior art bat 1 extends approximately 125 mm into the bat. The maximum extension of the handle into the blade is restricted by the MCC rules.

[0072] There are a number of problems with the existing cricket bat design. Due to the material removed from the blade at the top of the 'V shaped cut approaching the shoulders 4 of the blade, the shoulders are significantly weakened. Furthermore, the 'v' shaped cut in the blade add a stress point down the centre of the entire length of the blade. Additionally, as can be seen from figure 1C and 1E, when the handle is inserted in the blade, the only part of the handle in contact with and joined to the blade are the sides of the 'v'. This can result in the handle coming detached from the blade.

[0073] Figure 2 shows a cricket bat 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2.

[0074] Figure 2A shows a cross sectional front on view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view. Figure 2B shows a cross sectional side view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figure 2A. As can be seen from these figures, the external shape of the blade is the same as that of the bat in figure 1 according to the prior art. Figure 2C shows a cross sectional front on view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 2D shows a cross sectional side view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 in the direction shown in the arrows in figure 2C. Figures 2E and 2F show front on and side views of the bat 1 respectively with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 2G shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure 2A.

100751 As can be seen from figures 2A to 2D, the bat of the present invention has a cavity or hollowed section Stormed in the blade 2. The blade 2 has a neck 6 extending from the shoulders 4 with an opening 7 for receiving the handle 3. In the present example, the opening of the cavity is circular. In other examples, the cavity may have a square or alternatively shaped cross section. The cavity S extends from the opening] down the length of the blade 2. In the present example, the blade 2 of the bat 1 has a length of approximately 690 mm from the neck 6 to the end of the bat. In other examples, the blade of the bat may have a length of about 400 mm.

100761 In the present example, the cavity 5 extends approximately 545 mm along the length of the blade. In other examples, the cavity 5 may be longer or shorter than this. For example, the cavity 5 could extend along the length of the blade to within approximately 15 mm of the end of the blade. The diameter of the cavity 5 in the present example is approximately 25 mm. However, the diameter may be more or less than this.

100771 The distal end of the cavity 5 from the opening 7 is tapered into a point 8. In other examples, the end of the cavity may be flat or may have a different shape. For example, the distal end of the cavity 5 may taper into a flat end with a diameter smaller than that of the cavity 5 or a pointed end.

[0078] In the present example, the cavity extends past the thickest part of the blade (see figures 2B and 2D), the 'swell', and then tapers to a point. In some examples, the angle of the taper may mirror the shape of the back of the blade as it extends from the maximum thickness at the 'swell' to the end of the blade. Thus, in high swell blades where the thickest part of the blade is formed further up the blade, the angle at which the cavity tapers would be much shallower and the taper section of the cavity much longer than in low swell bats where the thickest part of the blade is formed further down the blade.

100791 In the present example and as can be seen from figures 2B and 2D, the cavity extends straight from the opening 7 down the length of the blade. In other examples, the cavity may be curved to mirror the curve of the back of the blade 2.

[0080] The blade 2 is made of a single piece of material. In the present example, the blade is made of wood, for example willow.

100811 The handle 3 has a first portion 9 and a second portion 10. The first and second portions according to this embodiment of the invention are cylindrical and the second portion 10 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first portion 9.

[0082] In order to be received by the cavity 5 the second portion 10 of the handle 3 also has a diameter similar to that of the diameter of the cavity. In the present example, and as discussed above, the diameter of the cavity is approximately 25 mm. The second portion 10 of the handle is sized to have a diameter approximately 1 mm smaller than the diameter of the cavity. As discussed below, adhesive is used between the handle and the cavity to join them together and to fill the space between the two. When a handle with a non-cylindrical second portion is used, the cross section of the cavity is shaped to match this. In other examples, the diameter of the second portion of the handle may be the same as that of the cavity.

[0083] The first portion 9 of the handle has a diameter of approximately 32 mm thus is too large to be received by the cavity 5. In other examples, the first portion of the handle may have a diameter larger or smaller than this. For example, the diameter could be between 25 mm and about 32 mm. When the second portion of the handle is fully inserted into the cavity 5, therefore, the first portion 9 contacts the neck of the blade and is not able to be received by the cavity due to its larger diameter. The second portion 10 of the handle is coated with adhesive before inserting it into the cavity. In some examples, the adhesive is a Latex glue. In other examples, the adhesive is a Polyvinyl acetate, PVA, or a Pearl glue.

[0084] In the present example, the first portion 9 of the handle has a length of approximately 260 mm. The length of the second portion 10 of the handle is approximately 167 mm. However, the length of the second portion of the handle may be larger or smaller than this, for example between 160 mm and 175 mm. The rules set by the MCC require that the total length of the handle extending into the blade is not more than 52% of the total length of the bat.

100851 As can be seen from figures 2B and 2C, when the handle 3 is inserted in the blade 2, the second portion 10 of the handle 3 is fully received by the cavity Sand only partially fills the length of the cavity 5. Thus, the cavity 5 extends beyond the distal end of the second portion 10 handle 3. In other examples, the second portion of the handle may reach the end of the cavity. For example, when the length of the second portion of the handle is approximately 167 mm as above, the cavity may have a similar length.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a cricket bat 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2.

100871 Figure 3A shows a cross sectional front on view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view. Figure 3B shows a cross sectional side view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figure 3A. Figure 3C shows a cross sectional front on view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 3D shows a cross sectional side view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 in the direction shown in the arrows in figure 3C. Figures 3E and 3F show front on and side views of the bat 1 respectively with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 Figure 3G shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure 3A.

[0088] In the bat of the second embodiment of the invention, the first and second portions of the handle have the same cross-sectional width in a first direction and a different cross-sectional width to one another when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This can be seen in figures 3A to 3D. Figures 3A and 3C show the handle having a constant width along its length whereas figures 3B and 3D show the second portion of the handle having a reduced width. In some examples, the first portion of the handle is elliptical and the second portion of the handle is circular. In the present example, the larger diameter of the elliptical first portion of the handle is approximately 32 mm. However, the width could be larger or smaller than this, for example between about 29 mm and 35 mm. The smaller diameter of the elliptical portion (and thus the diameter of the second portion of the handle) is between 25 mm and 30 mm.

[0089] The handle 3 of this embodiment comprises a lip 15 on one side of the handle at the intersection between the first and second portions of the handle, as is shown in figures 3B and 3D. This is caused by the first portion of the handle 3 having a larger width (the larger diameter of the elliptical portion) than the second portion in the second direction. Thus, the handle 3 is inserted into the cavity 5 until the lip 15 contacts the neck 6 of the blade 2. The handle is inserted into the blade with the lip facing towards the flat face of the blade.

[0090] As with the first embodiment, the cavity 5 formed within the blade of the second embodiment has a diameter slightly larger than that of the handle 3 in order to receive it. For example, the cavity may have a diameter 1 mm more than the diameter of the handle.

100911 The cavity is formed such that a minimum distance between the cavity and the flat face of the bat is 15 mm. As with the first embodiment, the handle is inserted such that the second portion 10 of the handle is fully received inside the cavity 5.

[0092] The cavity 5 according to the second embodiment extends approximately 543 mm along the length of the blade. In other examples, the cavity may extend between more or less that this along the length of the blade up to within 15 mm of the end of the blade.

100931 The same variations discussed above regarding the first embodiment, for example with respect to the taper, are also applicable for the second embodiment.

[0094] In an alternative example, the handle and cavity may be formed as in figures 3A to 3G but without the lip 15. In this way, the handle has a constant diameter along its length.

[0095] Figure 3H shows a slightly altered design of the handle of the second embodiment. In this aspect, the first portion of the handle is angled with respect to the second portion of the handle.

100961 Figure 4 shows a cricket bat 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention. The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2.

[0097] Figure 4A shows a cross sectional front on view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view. Figure 45 shows a cross sectional side view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figure 4A. Figure 4C shows a cross sectional front on view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 4D shows a cross sectional side view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 in the direction shown in the arrows in figure 4C. Figures 4E and 4F show front on and side views of the bat 1 respectively with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 4G shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure 4A.

[0098] The handle 3 of the third embodiment of the invention corresponds to the handle of the first embodiment of the invention in that it has a stepped diameter. The cavity 5 formed inside the blade 2 differs from that in the first and second embodiments of the invention in that it has a non-constant, stepped diameter between the opening 7 and the tapered end 8.

[0099] As can be seen from figures 4A to 4D, the cavity 5 has a first portion 11 with a first diameter and a second portion 12 with a second diameter larger than the first diameter. In the present example, the first portion has a diameter of approximately 25 mm and the second portion has a diameter of approximately 32 mm. However, in other examples, the diameters of the first and second portions of the cavity may be smaller than or larger than this. For example, the diameter of the first portion may be from 25 mm to 32 mm and the diameter of the second portion may be up to about 35 mm. The diameter of the first portion of the cavity and the diameter of the second portion of the handle are sized such that the handle is receivable inside the cavity.

[00100] When the second portion 10 of the handle is inserted into the blade, it is received by and extends at least partially along the length of the first portion 11 of the cavity 5.

100101] The same variations discussed above regarding the first and second embodiments are also applicable for the second embodiment.

[00102] Figure 4H shows a slightly altered design of the handle of the third embodiment. In this aspect, the first portion of the handle is angled with respect to the second portion of the handle. This handle design could also be used in the bat of the first, fourth and fifth embodiments.

[00103] Figure 5 shows a cricket bat 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2.

100104] Figure SA shows a cross sectional front on view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view. Figure 5B shows a cross sectional side view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figure SA. Figure SC shows a cross sectional front on view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure SD shows a cross sectional side view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 in the direction shown in the arrows in figure Sc. Figures SE and SF show front on and side views of the bat 1 respectively with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure SG shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure SA.

100105] The handle 3 of the fourth embodiment of the invention corresponds to the handle of the first and third embodiment of the invention.

[00106] The cavity 5 of the fourth embodiment of the invention has a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The first portion 11 of the cavity corresponds to that of the third embodiment of the invention.

[00107] The second portion 12 of the cavity comprises two individual cavities 13, 14 extending away from the first portion 11 of the cavity along the length of the blade. This is shown in figures SA and SC. As can be seen from figures 5B and 5D, the diameter of each of these cavities is less than the diameter of first portion 11 of the cavity. In the present example, the diameter of each of the cavities of the second portion 12 is about 16 mm. The diameter of these cavities may be smaller or larger than this, for example the diameter may be up to about 20 mm. As with the earlier embodiments, the ends of each of the cavities is tapered. In the present example, the two split cavities extend substantially parallel to the front of the bat and away from each other towards the sides of the bat. This can be seen in figures SC and 5D. The ends of each of the individual cavities extend up to 15 mm from the respective edges of the bat.

[00108] Figure 6 shows a cricket bat 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. The cricket bat 1 comprises a handle 3 and a blade 2.

100109] Figure 6A shows a cross sectional front on view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view. Figure 6B shows a cross sectional side view of the handle 3 and blade 2 in exploded view in the direction shown in the left facing arrows in figure 6A. Figure 6C shows a cross sectional front on view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 6D shows a cross sectional side view of the bat 1 with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2 in the direction shown in the arrows in figure 6C. Figures 6E and 6F show front on and side views of the bat 1 respectively with the handle 3 inserted in the blade 2. Figure 6G shows an end on view of the blade in the direction of the downward arrows in figure 6A.

100110] The handle 3 of the fifth embodiment of the invention corresponds to the handle of the first, third and fourth embodiments of the invention.

[00111] The cavity 5 of the fifth embodiment of the invention has a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The first portion 11 of the cavity corresponds to that of the third and fourth embodiments of the invention.

[00112] As can be seen from figures 6B and 6D, the part of the second portion of the cavity facing the flat face of the bat is substantially aligned with the part of the first portion of the cavity facing the flat face of the bat. As can be seen from figures 6A and 6C, the second portion of the cavity is extended further to the sides and back of the blade. The cross sectional shape of the second portion of the cavity can be seen in figure 6G. Thus, the second portion of cavity in this embodiment provides an asymmetric bore hole.

100113] Figures 7 to 11 show the cricket bat of the first to fifth embodiments with an alternative cavity shape.

100114] As can be seen from each of figures 7A to 7D, 8A to 8D, 9A to 9D, 10A to 10D and 11A to 11D, the cavity 5, rather than having a tapered end 8 as shown in figures 2 to 6, has a rounded end. Apart from the alternative shape for the end of the cavity, the cricket bat of figures 7 toll correspond to those of figures 2 to 6. The above description regarding figures 2 to 6, apart from that relating to the taper 8, is equally applicable to the cricket bat of figures] to 11.

100115] The handle 3 of present invention will now be described in more detail with respect to figures 12 to 23.

[00116] As well as controlling the length of the handle 3, the MCC rules also restrict the composition of the handle. Specifically, the handle must be made of at least 90% natural materials such as cane with a maximum of 10% formed of synthetic materials such as rubber.

100117] In the present example, the handle is made of a first material and a second material. In some examples, cane is used as the first material in combination with rubber as the second material. In other examples, alternative woods such as beech or cork may be used. Additionally, alternative synthetic materials may be used in place of rubber. In some examples, however, the handle of the cricket bat according to the present invention may have more than 10% synthetic materials and less than 90 % natural materials 100118] Each handle of the present invention is formed of eight pieces made of the first material joined together. For example, eight pieces of cane may be used. The use of eight pieces creates dampening between each piece. The first and second materials of the handle may be arranged in a number of different ways. This is discussed with respect to figures 12 to 23. An adhesive is used between the first and second materials to join the two.

[00119] Figures 12 to 15 show a first arrangement of the synthetic portion 16 of the handle 3 with respect to the wooden part of the handle 17.

[00120] Figure 12A shows a cross sectional view of a bottom end of the handle which is inserted into the blade according to the present example. As can be seen from this figure, the handle 3 is formed of eight separate parts of wood 17. From this figure, the eight pieces can be seen as forming two rows of four. Figure 12B shows a cross sectional view of a top end of the handle. In this example, the synthetic core 16 is formed in a cross shape. The cross-shaped synthetic core 16 divides the eight pieces into four separate groups of two. Figure 12C shows the synthetic core 16 extending part of the way along the handle.

[00121] Figure 13 shows the same cross-shaped synthetic core 16 as in figure 12 but installed in a handle 3 according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments. Specifically, the handle 3 shown in figure 13 has a stepped diameter.

[00122] Figure 14 shows the same cross shaped synthetic core 16 as in figures 12 and 13 but installed in a handle 3 according to the third embodiment shown in figure 4H. Specifically, the handle 3 shown in figure 8 has a stepped diameter and an angled profile.

100123] Figure 15 shows the same cross shaped synthetic core 16 as in figures 12, 13 and 14 but installed in a handle 3 according to the second embodiment shown in figure 3. Specifically, the first and second portions of the handle 3 shown in figure 15 have different widths in one direction forming a lip 15 between the two. This can be seen in figure 15A and 15C.

100124] Figures 16 to 19 show a second arrangement of the synthetic portion 16 of the handle 4 with respect to the cane 17.

[00125] Figure 16A shows a cross sectional view of a bottom end of the handle according to the present example. As can be seen from this figure, the handle 3 is formed of nine separate parts of wood 17 including a central core 18. As with the arrangement shown in figures 7 to 10, eight pieces of wood are arranged in two rows of four. A hole is then drilled along the length of the handle. The hole is filled partly with the ninth piece of wood 18 such as cane and partly with the core 16 formed of synthetic material. This is shown in figure 16C. As can be seen from this view, the synthetic core comprises an elongate part extending within the handle along the length of the handle. There may be an additional synthetic insert 16 formed in the end of the handle which can also be seen in the end view in figure 16B. In other examples, the handle may not include this additional insert and instead the central core of cane 18 extends to the end of the handle.

[00126] The central synthetic core in this arrangement and the core formed of cane 18 has a diameter of approximately 15 mm. The synthetic part 16 has a length of about 165 mm for the elongate part and 10 mm for the part at the end of the handle, if included.

[00127] When the handle is inserted in the blade, at least part of the elongate synthetic core will be located within the blade. For example, half of the elongate part may be within the blade.

100128] Figure 17 shows the same elongate synthetic core as in figure 10 but installed in a handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments Specifically, the handle shown in figure 7 has a stepped diameter.

100129] Figure 18 shows the same elongate synthetic core 16 as in figures 16 and 17 but installed in a handle according to the third embodiment shown in figure 4H. Specifically, the handle shown in figure 18 has a stepped diameter and an angled profile.

100130] Figure 19 shows the same elongate synthetic core as in figures 16, 17 and 18 but installed in a handle according to the second embodiment shown in figure 3. Specifically, first and second portions of the handle shown in figure 18 have different widths in one direction forming a lip 15 between the two.

[00131] Figures 20 to 23 show a third arrangement of the synthetic portion 16 of the handle 4 with respect to the cane 17.

[00132] Figure 20A shows a cross sectional view of a bottom end of the handle according to the present example. As can be seen from this figure, the handle 3 is formed of eight separate parts of wood 17 as with figures 12 to 15. As with the arrangement shown in figures 12 to 15, eight pieces of wood are arranged in two rows of four.

100133] As can be seen from figures 208 and 20C, the synthetic portion 16 in this arrangement is comprised of three flattened elongate portions. The length these portions extend along the handle depends on the thickness of the inserts and the quantity of synthetic material allowed in the handle according to the MCC rules. For example, the inserts may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm and a length of approximately 340 mm. When assembled with the cane 17, each of the elongate portions is positioned between each row of two pieces of cane 17. The synthetic portion 16 extends across the width of the handle 3. This arrangement provides a dampening effect within the handle. When the handle is inserted in the blade, at least part of the synthetic inserts will be located within the blade. For example, half of the elongate part may be within the blade.

100134] Figure 21 shows the same synthetic inserts in the handle as in figure 20 but installed in a handle according to the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments shown in figures 2A-F, 4A-F, 5A-F and 6A-F. Specifically, the handle shown in figure 16 has a stepped diameter.

100135] Figure 22 shows the same synthetic inserts in the handle as in figures 20 and 21 but installed in a handle according to the third embodiment shown in figure 4H. Specifically, the handle shown in figure 13 has a stepped diameter and an angled profile.

[00136] Figure 23 shows the same elongate rubber core as in figures 20, 21 and 22 but installed in a handle according to the second embodiment shown in figure 3. Specifically, the handle shown in figure 23 has the lip.

[00137] Although figures 12 to 23 show the use of an eight piece handle (excluding the core), fewer pieces of wood may be used.

100138] A method of manufacture of the bat according to the present invention will now be described herein.

100139] The blade is formed from a solid piece of wood. For example, the blade is shaped from a solid piece of wood by hand using cutters, draw-knives, planes and spoke-shavers into the desired shape. The cavity 5 is then formed inside the blade to a predetermined depth. The range of possible depths is discussed above with respect to the first to fifth embodiments [00140] In the present example, the cavity 5 is formed with a drill bit, for example an under-reaming drill bit. Other types of drill bit may be used depending on whether the end of the cavity is tapered (as in figures 2 to 6) or curved (as in figures 7 to 11). Alternatively, when the second portion of the cavity is formed to be asymmetric as in figures 6 and 11, a burr cutter, mill cutter or router may inserted into the cavity and pushed to the sides and back in order to channel out the necessary material. When the cavity is formed by a drill bit, the blade may first be positioned in a jig in order to hold the blade securely in place. The cavity may also be formed by CNC machining.

[00141] The handle is formed of strips of cane or other wood which are glued together with rubber (or other synthetic material) inserts. This is discussed above. The combination of the cane and the rubber is then turned on a lathe to obtain the desired diameter and characteristics for the handle. The second portion 10 of the handle is then turned on a lathe in order to achieve the desired diameter and shape to be received by the cavity 5. When an elliptical portion of the handle is formed (as in figures 3 and 8), the handle is first turned on a lathe until it reaches the maximum diameter. The elliptical portion is then filed or sanded. The diameter of the second portion 10 of the handle is formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity, as is discussed above with reference to the first embodiment, in order to provide a secure connection between the two. For example, the difference between the diameters may be about 1 mm.

[00142] Before the handle is inserted into the cavity, the lower portion of the handle is coated with adhesive. The handle is then inserted in the handle so that the second portion of the handle is fully received by the blade.

[00143] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A cricket bat, the cricket bat comprising: a handle; and a blade, wherein the blade comprises an opening at a first end and a cavity formed inside and enclosed within the blade and extending a predetermined length along the blade from the opening, wherein the handle comprises a first portion configured to be held by a user and a second portion configured to be received in the opening and configured to extend at least partially along the cavity, wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the handle is fully surrounded by an inner surface of the cavity.
2. The cricket bat of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the handle is configured to extend along the cavity to a length less than the length of the cavity.
3. The cricket bat of claim 1 or 2, wherein the blade is formed of a single piece of material.
4. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the handle is cylindrical and wherein the first portion of the handle has a diameter larger than the second portion of the handle.
5. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity is cylindrical and is sized to receive the second portion of the handle.
6. The cricket bat of claim 5, wherein the cavity has a larger diameter than the second portion of the handle.
7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second portions of the handle have the same cross-sectional width in a first direction and a different cross-sectional width to one another in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
8. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity has a tapered end.
9. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity extends over half of the length of the blade.
10. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity extends at most to within approximately 15 mm of the end of the blade.
11. The cricket bat of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cavity has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the cavity has a first diameter and the second portion of the cavity has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter and wherein the first portion of the cavity is sized to receive the second portion of the handle.
12. The cricket bat of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cavity has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the cavity has a first diameter and the second portion of the cavity has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter and wherein the first portion of the cavity is sized to receive the second portion of the handle.
13. The cricket bat of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cavity has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion of the cavity is formed of a pair of adjacent cavities extending along and within the blade.
14. The cricket bat of claim 13, wherein the pair of cavities are symmetrical about the central axis of the blade.
15. The cricket bat of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second portion of the cavity is asymmetric about a central axis of the bat.
16. The cricket bat of any preceding claim, wherein the handle is formed of a first material and comprises inserts formed of a second material.
17. The cricket bat of claim 16, wherein the inserts formed of the second material are formed in a cross shape within the handle when the handle is viewed in cross section.
18. The cricket bat of claims 16 or 17, wherein the first material is a natural material and the second material is a synthetic material.
19. The cricket bat of any preceding claim wherein an elongate axis of the first portion of the handle is angled with respect to an elongate axis of the second portion of the handle.
20. A method of manufacturing the cricket bat of any of claims 1 to 19, the method comprising: forming the blade; forming the cavity with a predetermined diameter inside the blade; forming the handle; and inserting the handle inside the blade such that the second portion of the handle is fully received by the blade.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the cavity is formed inside the blade by drilling.
22. The method of claims 20 or 21, wherein the second portion of the handle is coated in adhesive before inserting it in the cavity.
23. The method of claim 20 to 22, wherein the forming of the handle additionally comprises: assembling a plurality of strips made of a first material; forming an insert made of a second material; attaching the plurality of strips to the insert; and shaping the assembled plurality of strips and insert to the predetermined diameter.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the insert comprises an elongate member extending at least partially along the length of the handle.
25. The method of claims 23 to 24, wherein the assembled plurality of strips and insert are shaped to the predetermined diameter using a lathe.