NZ779764A - A device for hitting a ball - Google Patents

Abstract

A strung bat for use in playing cricket is disclosed. The bat comprises an elongate handle for a user to hold the device and a blade elongated in the direction of the handle extending from the handle. The blade comprises a perimeter defining an internal space that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball. The perimeter frame has a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge, and the array of strings lies in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or is closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame. An apparatus including the device is also disclosed s for hitting a ball. The perimeter frame has a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge, and the array of strings lies in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or is closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame. An apparatus including the device is also disclosed

Description

A DEVICE FOR HITTING A BALL FIELD This invention relates generally to a device for hitting a ball. It also extends to an apparatus including the device.

It relates particularly, but not exclusively to, a device that is a bat strung with strings for use in playing cricket. It will be convenient to hereinafter be the invention with reference to this particular application. However, it is to be clearly understood that the device could also be used for playing other games.

DEFINITIONS In this specification, the term et bat” is to be given a broad interpretation. It shall be understood to mean any contrivance or device that is suitable for use in playing all types of cricket ing informal cricket or backyard cricket. In particular, it shall not be limited to a bat having a blade that is made out of solid wood.

Additionally, in this specification, the term “cricket” shall be interpreted broadly. It shall be interpreted to include informal games like cricket that are played with a cricket bat shaped device on an improvised field, such as a backyard, a street, a park, or on the beach. It shall not be limited to a game that meets the technical definition of the game of cricket as understood by cricketing authorities in the cricketing nations of the world.

In the specification and claims, the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning r to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of rs or steps. This tion also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

BACKGROUND Cricket is a team game played in many countries ing Australia, England, West Indies, India, New Zealand and South . It involves two teams that take it in turn to field and bat. When a team is batting, each one of their players gets an opportunity to bat. Batting in cricket involves facing a bowler of the opposition team who bowls a hard t ball and tries to dismiss them, e.g., by ng the wickets or having them caught, or run out. In turn, the object of the batsman is to hit the ball that is bowled at them and score runs which accrue to their team.

A batsman uses a cricket bat when they are batting, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 1. A traditional cricket bat ses an elongated blade having a face and a back which is used to strike the ball, and a handle extending up from the blade with which the batsman holds the bat and strikes the ball.

Standard cricket bats are made of wood, ionally willow, and have a considerable thickness to enable them to repeatedly strike a solid cricket ball and hit the ball with some power. Consequently, one limitation of a traditional cricket bat is that it is quite heavy.

This makes it ult for some people to use it effectively, e.g., young children with eveloped muscles and , and also some female players. In order to wield a cricket bat effectively and play competent and stylish shots, a considerable amount of forearm and wrist strength is required. Some people have difficulty in using a bat ively for this reason. This limitation has discouraged some people from taking up the game of cricket and led to lower participation levels, which in turn, has limited the growth and development of cricket.

Aside from this issue, there are other limitations with using a traditional solid wooden cricket bat. It is quite common for a group of people, e.g., for children, to play an informal version of cricket on a beach or on a suburban street. In this informal version, the cricket game is often played with a soft ball, such as a tennis ball, and a conventional wooden cricket bat. A soft ball is usually used for safety, and also to reduce the risk of causing damage to property when cricket is played on an al field, such as those described above.

However, when using a conventional wooden cricket bat with a soft ball, such as a tennis ball, considerable energy is dissipated when the wooden bat strikes the ball. This energy is lost without being transferred into kinetic energy of the ball. Put r way, the power with which a tennis ball can be struck with a wooden bat is significantly attenuated.

Reference to background art herein is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or concession that any aspect of such background art forms part of common general knowledge or is necessarily admissible prior art. ant recognises it would be beneficial if the limitations described in the background above could be at least ameliorated to some extent. It would enable a game of informal cricket to be played that more faithfully replicates real t played on a cricket oval with a hard cricket ball.

In one broad form, the invention provides a device for hitting a ball, comprising: an elongate handle for a user to hold the device; a blade extending from the handle, the blade comprising a perimeter frame defining an internal space that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball.

The blade may be elongated in the ion of the handle and may extend from a handle end to a base end, and the blade may have a substantially rectangular outline sized and configured to resemble a blade of a cricket bat, e.g., when viewed front on.

The device may be a cricket bat or a cricket racket for playing a game of cricket.

The perimeter frame may have a leading edge that leads when the device is used to hit a ball and an opposing trailing edge that trails when the device is used to hit a ball.

The array of s may extend in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or be closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame.

The g edge of the frame and the array of strings may form a face of the blade, and the trailing edge may form a back or rear of the blade.

This arrangement mimics the flat face uration of a traditional cricket bat and is different from a tennis racquet in which the string plane is set back from a leading edge of the frame forming the heads of the tennis racket.

The array of strings typically comprises a first plurality of spaced parallel strings extending longitudinally along the blade, and a second plurality of spaced el strings extending transversely to the first plurality across the face of the blade.

The second ity of strings may be interwoven with the first plurality of strings, to form a cross-hatched pattern similar to a string pattern of strings on a tennis racquet.

The strings may define an array of rectangular openings. In one particular embodiment, the openings may have a ion of about 15 mm in a longitudinal direction and a ion of about 10 mm in the transverse ion.

However, is should be understood that any particular string n may be used.

The head portion may be strung with strings made of natural material (e.g., a catgut) or synthetic material (e.g., nylon).

Further, the strings of the head portion may be strung to a suitable tension to e a suitable power when a tennis ball is struck with the bat.

The perimeter frame may have two sides extending between the handle end and the base end.

The perimeter frame may further include a plurality of ribs extending from one side to the other side that is spaced rearward from the leading edge of the frame, and the plane of the array of s whereby to stiffen the frame.

The plurality of ribs may be oned at or adjacent to the trailing edge of the frame.

The ribs may be integrally formed with the perimeter frame.

The spacing between the adjacent ribs may be a distance that is not less than 20% less than the width of the frame and not more than 20% more than the width of the frame.

Broadly, the ribs may be spaced a distance apart from each other that is comparable to the distance across the width of the blade from one side to the other. This provides a surface area between frame members that is suitable for stringing to a suitable tension across all strings.

Each rib may curve outward away from the face of the blade intermediate its ends, so the back of the blade has some similarity with the back of a cricket bat.

The blade may include an end cap removably mounted on the base end of the blade and forming a wear surface that engages with a support surface on which the device is used.

The end cap may be formed of a polymeric material that resists wear when it scuffs against a playing surface, e.g., the ground.

Further, by engineering the end cap from different plastics als, end caps having different weights can be provided.

The end cap may be mechanically connected to the blade, e.g., by a frictional or press fit connection or a mechanical er.

Optionally, the ical connection may comprise two fasteners passed through openings in the base end of the frame and then passing into the end cap to which they are fixed. The fasteners may have an external screw thread that is engaged with a screw threaded bore.

Instead, the mechanical connection may se two tions projecting out of the end cap that are received in complementary apertures formed in a bottom of the frame and engaged by means of a press fit.

This enables the end cap to be selectively detached from the frame and replaced with another end cap.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle and blade are formed integrally and are manufactured to be as light as possible.

The integral frame may be formed of a composite material, e.g., a carbon fibre, or a tough rigid cs material.

Instead, the handle and head may be formed of a light metal, such as aluminium.

In yet another embodiment, the handle and head portion are formed separately, but are rigidly connectable to each other.

Advantageously, the handle and head portion are made as light as possible.

According to r aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a strung bat for use in playing cricket, the bat comprising: an elongate handle for a user to hold the device; a blade elongated in the ion of the handle extending from the handle, the blade comprising a perimeter defining an internal space that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball, wherein the perimeter frame has a leading edge and an opposing ng edge, and the array of strings lies in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or is closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame.

The device may include any one or more of the optional features of a device in accordance with any ing aspect of the invention, and also any combination of these features.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an tus for playing a game including a device as defined in a preceding aspect of the invention and a ball for use with the device.

The apparatus may be used to play a game of cricket in an informal setting such as a street, a back garden or on a beach.

The device may be a cricket bat in accordance with a preceding aspect of the ion and the ball may be a tennis ball.

The apparatus may further a set of wickets that can be stood up on a support surface.

The device may include any one or more of the optional features of a device in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention, and also any ation of these features.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of g a game, using an apparatus as defined in a preceding aspect of the invention.

The method may include hitting a ball, e.g., a soft ball, with the .

The game may be cricket and the device may be a cricket bat that is used to strike the ball and score runs.

The apparatus may include any one or more of the optional features of a device in accordance with any ing aspect of the invention, and also any combination of these features.

According to yet another aspect of this invention, there is provided a device comprising a perimeter frame defining an internal space that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball.

The perimeter frame may have a leading edge that leads when the device is used to hit a ball and an opposing trailing edge that trails.

The array of strings may extend in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or be closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame.

The array of strings lly comprises a first plurality of spaced parallel strings extending udinally along the blade, and a second plurality of spaced parallel strings extending transversely to the first plurality across the face of the blade.

The strings may be passed through openings spaced from each other around the perimeter of the frame whereby to string the device.

The frame may include any one or more of the al features of the frame in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention, and also any combination of these features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A device that is a cricket bat in accordance with this ion may manifest itself in a y of forms. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe at least two ments of the disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the t matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. In the drawings: Figure 1 (prior art) illustrates a traditional or tional cricket bat and ball; Figure 2 (prior art) illustrates a player playing cricket with a traditional or conventional cricket bat; Figure 3 is an upper front perspective view of a device that is a cricket bat according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a lower front ctive view of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a rear view of the embodiment of Figure 3 (with some detail omitted for y of the ribs on the rear of the blade); Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a ter frame and array of strings of the embodiment of Figure 3 (not drawn to scale and with some detail omitted for clarity); Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an end cap that is removably mounted on a base of the blade; Figure 10 is a schematic g illustrating the bat of Figure 3 in use; Figure 11 is a schematic front perspective view of part of a device in accordance with another ment of the invention showing how the strings are wound onto the perimeter frame to string the device; Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of part of the device of Figure 11; Figure 13 is an exploded upper perspective view of a lower portion of the device of figure 11 showing how an end cap can be fitted to the blade of the device; and Figure 14 is a cross sectional view showing additional detail of the arrangement of strings and the end cap in the device of Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 2 illustrate prior art arrangements that have been discussed in the background section of the specification. As such, they will not be described further in the detailed description.

Figures 3 to 9 illustrate a cricket bat indicated generally by reference numeral 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the ion. The cricket bat may also be described as a cricket racquet because it has an array of strings that resemble in a small way the s of a tennis racquet.

The cricket bat 10 according to one embodiment of this invention comprises a handle 20 and a blade of the bat 10.

The handle 20 has a generally cylindrical shape and it is r to the handle of a conventional or traditional cricket bat in shape and dimension. The handle 20 will usually be solid but it could conceivably be hollow.

The blade 30 of the bat 10 ses an elongate gular frame 31 which defines a face which is similar to the face of a blade of a conventional or traditional cricket bat in shape and ion.

The blade 30 has an upper end or handle end adjacent the handle 20 and an opposed lower end which forms a base end of the blade 30. The blade 30 also has two sides extending between the upper end and the base end. Finally, the blade 30 also has a face of the blade and a back or rear surface opposed to the face.

The face of the blade 30 is strung with an array of strings 35. The array of strings 35 comprises longitudinal strings extending longitudinally along the face, and transverse parallel spaced strings extending ersely across the face. The longitudinal and transverse strings are interwoven to form a hatched pattern that resemble a string pattern on a tennis racquet. The longitudinal and transverse strings define an array of rectangular openings.

In one example ment, the openings may have a dimension of about 15 mm in a longitudinal direction and a dimension of about 10 mm in the erse direction.

However, it will be appreciated by s skilled in the art that any suitable string pattern and spacing may be used.

The frame 31 may be reinforced by a plurality of transverse cross members or ribs 32 at the rear of the blade 30, which are preferably arcuate in shape. The members 32 may be integral with the elongate rectangular frame 31. The function of the cross members 32 is to strengthen the longitudinal sides of the frame 31 to give it rigidity and limit its deformation when the strings 35 are tensioned.

The strings may be made of natural material (e.g., catgut) or synthetic material (e.g., nylon, polyamide, and other polymers). Further, the strings may be strung to a desired tension. Typically, the strings are strung to a tension that is able to the tension of s on a tennis racket, e.g., 50psi.

To enable the strings 35 to be strung onto the blade 30, through apertures 33 are formed in the frame 31 from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The strings 35 can then be threaded h the apertures on the frame 31 as shown more clearly in Figures 7 and The ter frame 31 is formed integrally with the handle 20 as a single piece as shown in the drawings. The device can be manufactured by injection moulding as a single pieces of carbon composite.

The frame 31 and/or the handle 20 are formed of a composite material, e.g., carbon fibre composites, or a tough rigid cs material. This provides a frame having a suitable strength and ty while still being of lightweight. Alternatively, the frame 31 and/or the handle 20 made be made of a light metal, such as aluminium.

The array of strings 35 defines a string plane which is aligned with or close to a front or g edge of the frame 31, which faces the ball in use. This feature is shown in Figure 7 (in exaggerated form for illustrative purposes), This arrangement mimics the flat face configuration of a traditional cricket bat e a tennis racquet in which the string plane is set back from the leading edge of the head frame). In this manner, the frame 31 does not interfere with contact between the strings and the ball thereby avoiding the edge effects which occur when the bat strikes the ball close to the frame of a tennis racket. This feature thus enables the bat 10 to be used in a similar manner to a conventional cricket bat. Additionally, a central portion of the ed area forms a ‘sweet spot’, which encourages players to hit the ball in the middle of the blade 30.

An optional feature of the described embodiment is a able or geable end cap 36, illustrated in Figure 9. This end cap 36 may be replaced, e.g., if worn from repeated striking of the playing surface, e.g., the ground. The end cap portion 36 can also be changed to another end cap having a different weight to vary the ‘feel’ of the bat 10, e.g., by changing the weight of the bat and in particular the weight distribution along the bat 10 and the position of its centre of mass.

Figures 11 to 14 illustrate a device that is a cricket bat in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 shows how the device is strung to obtain an array of longitudinal and transverse strings.

The strings pass from the face of the blade through passages to the rear of the blade.

The passages are formed by small passage ts that are cast ally with the perimeter frame when it is formed. The strings are then displaced along the frame a short distance and then passed through an nt passage back to the face of the blade. They then extend across the face of the blade forming a string of the array of strings.

In a similar manner, both the longitudinally extending and transverse strings are strung on the frame.

Figure 13 shows an end cap 36 that is mounted on the base end of the blade 30.

The end cap 36 is typically formed of a hard plastics material such as an engineering plastic by an injection moulding process. The end cap is formed with passages n that enable it to be replaceably mounted on the frame at the base end of the blade. The end cap is rigidly connected to the frame by means of two fasteners that are passed through the frame and then into receiving apertures formed in the end cap. In the illustrated ment, the fasteners are threaded and are engaged with a complementary threaded bore in each of the receiving res.

This way, the end cap can be removed at any time and replaced with another end cap.

This enables end caps with different weights to be provided for use on the bat which enable a user to tailor the weight distribution of the device to suit individual requirements.

Figure 12 shows the back of the frame which receives the strings passed through the passage from the face. The strings then extend across the back of the frame a short distance then through the next e back to the face.

As shown in the drawings, the rear of the frame has a shallow elongate channel formed therein along its length on each side. This channel extends continuously along each side of the frame and receives the strings on the rear of the blade therein, so they do not project out proud of the frame. The s are effectively received in the channel on the back of the frame.

Figure 14 illustrates a cross section through a lower region of the device of Figure 12 with the section extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blade. Figure 14 shows how the strings are arranged relative to each other on the leading edge and also shows how the end cap is d on the perimeter frame.

In use as shown in Figure 10, the bat 10 can be held and used in a similar manner to a conventional solid wood cricket bat. It can be used to play a full range of cricket shots with a correct batting technique.

The array of s can generate significant power when the bat 10 hits the tennis ball which enhances the game. The use of the stringed t bat in accordance with the invention s the feel of formal cricket played with a hard ball to be more faithfully reproduced than use of a solid wooden cricket bat with a tennis ball.

Further, the bat 10 with its strung head, is lighter than a conventional solid wood cricket bat and thus easier to use for young players. It is also more suitable for use with a soft ball such as a tennis ball rather than a hard cricket ball because it efficiently transfers kinetic energy to the ball with reduced energy losses.

Related to this, the bat 10 enables a competitive and interesting game of compact cricket to be played in an area, e.g., a street or garden, which area is not le for using a cricket ball. Further, this apparatus also minimises the risk of injury if a player is struck by the ball.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Although the invention has been described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment, it is intended that this application cover modifications or variations thereof as would be readily nt to those skilled in the art.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS :

1. A device for hitting a ball, comprising: an elongate handle for a user to hold the device; a blade extending from the handle, 5 the blade comprising a ter frame defining an internal space that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball.

2. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the blade is ted in the direction of the handle and has a substantially rectangular outline sized and configured to le a blade of a cricket bat. 10

3. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter frame has a g edge that leads when the device is used to hit a ball and an opposing trailing edge that trails when the device is used to hit a ball, and the array of strings extends in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or be y nt to the leading edge of the frame. 15

4. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the array of strings comprises a first plurality of spaced parallel strings ing longitudinally along the blade, and a second plurality of spaced parallel strings extending transversely to the first plurality across the face of the blade.

5. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter frame further 20 includes a plurality of ribs extending from one side to the other side that is integrally formed with the perimeter frame.

6. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs is positioned at or adjacent to the trailing edge of the frame and wherein each rib curves outward away from the face of the blade intermediate its ends to le the back of a 25 conventional cricket bat.

7. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, including an end cap removably mounted on a base end of the blade and forming a wear surface that engages with a support surface on which the device is used.

8. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the end cap is mechanically connected to the blade by at least one mechanical fastener passing through the frame and into the end cap.

9. A device for hitting a ball according to claim 1, wherein the handle and blade are 5 formed integrally of a composite material.

10. A strung bat for use in playing cricket, the bat comprising: an elongate handle for a user to hold the ; a blade elongated in the direction of the handle extending from the handle, the blade comprising a perimeter defining an internal space that is strung with an 10 array of strings for hitting a ball, wherein the perimeter frame has a leading edge and an opposing ng edge, and the array of strings lies in a plane that is substantially aligned with the g edge of the frame or is closely adjacent to the leading edge of the frame.

11. A strung bat for use in playing cricket according to claim 10, including an end cap 15 removably mounted on a base end of the blade and forming a wear surface that engages with a support surface on which the device is used.

12. A strung bat for use in playing cricket according to claim 10, including a plurality of ribs at spaced als along the blade, each rib extending across the blade and g a back of the blade. 20

13. An apparatus for playing a game ing a device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9. ABSTRACT: A strung bat for use in g cricket is disclosed. The bat comprises an elongate handle for a user to hold the device and a blade elongated in the direction of the handle extending from the handle. The blade comprises a perimeter defining an al space 5 that is strung with an array of strings for hitting a ball. The perimeter frame has a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge, and the array of strings lies in a plane that is substantially aligned with the leading edge of the frame or is closely adjacent to the g edge of the frame. An apparatus including the device is also disclosed.