US2799943A

US2799943A - Bowling grip ball

Info

Publication number: US2799943A
Application number: US396579A
Authority: US
Inventors: William A Shetler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1953-12-07
Filing date: 1953-12-07
Publication date: 1957-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1974-07-23

Description

July 23, 1957 w. A. SHETLER aowuuc GRIP BALL 2 Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 7, 1953 v...l M} x 3 M 3 mi L 3 INVENTOR. h /L L/AM ASHETLE BY MM,MCZL

A 7'7'0RNE vs.

July 23, 1957 w. A. SHETLER BCWLING GRIP BALL 2' Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 7. 1953 Jig). 3

. INVENTOR. lV/L L IAMA. SHETL ER,

I :E I a 2 7 7 'I lllllllll 'lY IHH I I I F ATTOR/VE Y5.

United Sttes My invention relates generally to the measuring art, and more particularly to a new and useful grip ball by means of which the prospective purchaser of a bowling ball can readily determine with extreme accuracy the size, shape and relative position of the thumb and finger holes for his natural grip.

It has been my experience over the past several years during which I have been closely associated with this field that prior art grip balls are not entirely satisfactory for a number of reasons. For example, even those prior art balls which have a relatively large number of differently positioned finger and thumb holes, and even those which have means for relatively displacing the finger and thumb hole members, provide only a limited number of different positions whereby they can only approximate many natural grips and the purchaser utilizing such grip balls must often settle for the grip measurement which comes closest to his natural grip. Also, some prior art grip balls do not have replaceable thumb and finger hole members whereby to provide thumb and finger holes of difierent size and shape,,and some of them are relatively complicated, expensive and otherwise generally impractical and unsatisfactory. Accordingly, there is a very real problem in accurately measuring a bowlers natural grip, and the significance of this problem is readily apparent from the popularity of the sport of bowling.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a grip ball which will accurately measure any natural grip, right or left handed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a grip ball as aforesaid and wherein the thumb and finger hole members are readily detachable and replaceable to provide holes of the correct size and shape.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a grip ball wherein the thumb and finger hole defining members are readily moved to and secured in the indicated relative position.

A further object of this invention is to provide a practical grip ball having the aforesaid characteristics and which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction, extremely durable, and of the utmost utility in all respects.

A bowling grip ball acording to my invention is broadly characterized by the provision of thumb and finger hole members displaceable to any selected relative position within a predetermined range of relative positions selected to accommodate any natural right or left handed grip.

In a presently preferred embodiment thereof a grip ball according to my invention is characterized by the provision of separate first and second members carrying in quick detachable relation thereon finger hole blocks, a third member carrying in quick detachable relation thereon a thumb hole block, said members being displaceable each relative to the other in a first direction and said third member enabling displacement of the thumb hole block relative to said first and second mematnt bers in a second direction transverse to said first direction.

The foregoing and other objects will become readily apparent and a clear understanding of my invention had upon a perusal of the ensuing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of my invention, taken together with the accompanying drawings illustrating the same and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through a grip ball according to my invention, being taken about on line II of Fig. 2, and illustrates in full lines one relative position of the thumb and finger hole members and in broken lines a second relative position thereof;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the grip ball of Fig. 1 illustrating by means of arrows movement of the thumb hole block relative to the finger hole members;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken about on line IIl-III of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a grip measuring mechanism according to my invention illustrating the relative displacement of the finger hole members; and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic View of one of the thumb and finger hole blocks and its carrying member indicating schematically the quick detachable fastening arrangement thereof.

Referring now more in detail to the accompanying drawings, 1 designates a bowling ball body of spherical form and of a suitable material so as to approximate, when combined with my novel grip measuring apparatus, the weight of a standard bowling ball. Ball 1 is provided with a segmental opening 2 therein, opening 2 terminating short of the center of ball 1 in a flat bottom arrangement and constituting a socket for the grip measuring mechanism.

A liner having inwardly converging opposed end walls 3 and parallel opposed side Walls 4 is inserted in opening 2. in closely fitting relation with the end and side walls thereof and is secured therein as by means of screws 5 extending through tabs at the lower ends of the end walls 3. The liner side walls 4 are provided along their upper edges with slightly curved lateral flanges 6 conforming to the spherical form of body 1 and fitting on slightly recessed ledges 7 of ball 1, being secured thereto as by screws 3. Thus, the flanges 6 have their outer surfaces on a level with the outer surface of ball 1 to continue the spherical form thereof. Ball 1 is provided with vertically extending recessed grooves 9 at approximately the midpoint of the opposite side walls of opening 2, and the liner side walls 4 have cut-out guide-ways 10 in alignment with grooves 9 for a purpose which will become apparent.

A hinge pin 12 extends between and through the opposed side walls 4 of the liner and is secured thereto as for example by flattening the ends thereof over the remote sides of walls 4, said hinge pin being positioned at the longitudinal mid-point of said side walls below guide-ways 10 whereby its outer ends are readily accommodated by grooves 9. A first hinge part 13 comprising a thumb block carrying member extends transversely substantially the entire distance between side walls 4 and is provided at its lower end with spaced apart aligned bearing portions 14 embracing pin 12 for pivot ing about the axis thereof. Separate second and third hinge parts 15 and 16 comprising finger block carrying members are arranged in side-by-side relation to span substantially the entire distance between side walls 4 and are formed at their lower ends with

hearing portions

17 and 18, respectively, embracing pin 12 for independent pivoting about the axis thereof. It will be noted from Fig. 3 that bearing

portions

17 and 18 are positioned in 15 and 16 is mounted to be independently pivotal back and forth about pin 12 in a first direction.

Means are'provided for selectively adjusting the distance measured in said first direction between part 13 and parts 15 and 16, and for retainingthe sarnein adjusted position, and these means are as follows in the herein dis- .closed preferred embodiment. A bracket Z O of inverted substantially U-shape has its depending legparts secured to pin 12 between bearing portions 14 and the side walls 4, andis formed with a center opening therethrough. A primary adjusting member in the form of a bolt 21 is providedat its upper end with a turning knob 22 and is rotat- ,ably secured at its lower end to bracket 20 by extending :therein by locking rings 23fbearingagainstiopposite sides of bracket 20' whereby bolt 21 ;is in; efiect -jou'rnaled. for rotation within bracketfZt}. -Bolt21; carries in'threaded engagement therewith asprea'ding plate'24 and a guide plate 25 secured to the underside of'plate 24 as'by Welding. Asillustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, guide plate 25.is pro vided at its opposite ends' with projections 26 which extend through the cut-out guide-waysiltland into grooves -9. Therefore, rotation of bolt 21 in opposite

directions willcause plates

24 and 25 to move in a verticaldirection along bolt 21.

U Coil springs 27 and 28 are positioned around hinge pin 12 between bearing

portions

14 and 17 andbearing por- ,tions14 and 18respectively, one

end

27, 28 of each of said springs engaging against hinge part 13 to bias the same toward plate 24 withthe

opposite ends

27 and 28" of saidsprings bearing against hinge pa rts 15 and '16, re spectively. Thus,

springs

27 and 23 resiliently urge the thumb and finger block carrying members toward plate ,24whereby movement of plate 24 in a vertical direction 'varies the spacing between palt 13 and parts 15 and 16, as will be more fully described hereinafter. If desired, other spring arrangements accomplishing this result can be used. i

. As-previously indicated,

parts

13, 15 and 16 comprise thumb and finger block carrying members. To this end,

part 13 is provided along its upper surface with a depending lip or flange 30 adapted to engage in a grooved recess 31 in a thumb block 32. Thumb block 32 is provided -with a-cylindrical bore 33 therein to form an opening or hole for a thumb. Block 32 is resilientlyurged against part 13 with its groove 31 engaging flange 30 as by means of aseries of spring'fingers 34 each having a lower end 7 secured to part '13, as by Welding and/ or a strap 34 embracing the same and welded to part 13. Springs 34 also have *anupwardly and outwardly inclined intermediate portion 35 adapted to; extend. beneath'block 32 and an upright'portion' 36 adapted to bear against the side of the block. It will be appreciated that by reason of the incli- .nation ofits intermediate portion 35 spring 34 will resiliently bias block 32 into engaged position on' part 13 ,to retain the same in assembled relationr A number of 2,799,94a H 7 a .rthroughthe center opening thereingrbeingpositioned 4 The arrangement of spring fingers 34 for

holding blocks

32, 37 and 38 in proper position is extremely advantageous because the blocks can be readily detached for replace.- ment by blocks having thumb and finger holes of a different size and/or shape. Thus, as illustrated in Fig. 5, to

detach any of the blocks the block is pressed down, as"

indicated by the arrow a, against the action of spring 34 to the illustrated full line position. The upper portion of the block is then swung away from the block carrying part, as indicated by the arrow b, to the illustrated broken line position wherein the block is clear of the depending flange and the block is then lifted outwardly as indicated by the arrow 0. The blocks are replaced by reversing the above procedure.

I With the arrangement thus far described, finger blocks 37 and 3S and thumb block :32 are readily displaced toward and away from each other to any desired relative position within a predetermined range of positions, by simply turning bolt 21. Thus, plate 24 is shown in full lines in Fig. 1 as being in approximately its uppermost position along bolt 21and'springs 27 and 28 bearing against the

block carrying parts

13, 15 and 16 urge the same against plate 24, whereby in the full line showing the thumb and finger blocks are the closest together that 7 can be accomplished with the illustrated mechanism. The mechanism is arranged so that no closer spacing will be required by any grip normally expected to be encountered. By turning knob 22 to rotate bolt 21 plate 24 will be moved downwardly along bolt 21, as for example toithe broken line position illustrated in Fig. 1, and as plate 24 is moved downwardly the thumb and finger

block carrying members

13, 15 and 16 are spread further apart as indicated by the broken line showing in Fig. 1. Thus, it

will be appreciated that by simply rotating bolt 21 by means of the readily accessible knob 22 the relative displacement between thumb block 32 and finger blocks 37,

38 about the hinge axis can be selectively varied.

Also thumb block 32 can readily be moved in a dlrection parallel to pin 12 to occupy any selected position "across finger blocks 37 and; 38 Within a relatively wide range of positions. properly positioned with reference to the median line be- In'this way, the thumb block can be tween thefinger holes to accurately accommodate both left and right handed grips. V

In addition to the above-described adjustments proyided by a grip ball according to my invention, I provide springs 34 are provided on the thumb block carrying part 7 p13 to permit said block 32 to be moved along part 13 in whereby block32 can be moved to any selected position along part 13 ina direction transverse to the direction of .pivoting thereof, and will be resiliently retained in its selected position. Three spring fingers 34 are shown on part 13 in the preferred embodiment, but it will be under- :stood that a larger or smaller number could be used and that oneor more spring fingers of difierfent width could be used. "similarlygparts 15 and 16 are provided with finger blocks '37 and38 bored as at 37' and 38 to provide finger holes and having grooved recesses 40 and 40' adapted'to engage depending flanges41 and 41' onthe parts 15 and a further adjustment'wherein the finger blocks can be moved relative to each other toward and away from the thumb block. To this end, secondary .spreading

plates

44 and 45 are mounted on plate 24.

Plates

44 and 45 have longitudinal slots 46 and 47 therethrough and

bolts

48 and 49 extend through said slots into threaded engagement with plate 24, whereby said plates can be moved along plate 24 by loosening

bolts

48 and 49, and can be secured in adjusted position bytightening said bolts.

Plates

44 and 45 can be retracted along plate 24 to the position illustrated in Fig. 1, whereupon the finger block carrying members 15 and" 16 will bear'ag ainst plate 24. However,

should it be desiredto secure relative displacement be-.

tween finger blocks 37 and 38, the appropriate

secondary plates

44, 45 are readily adjusted to extend beyond plate '24 to engage the associated hinge parts 15, 16. Thus, as

illustrated for example in Fig. 4, plate 44 is readily adjusted to extend slightly beyond plate 24 and plate 45 is readily adjusted to extend considerably therebeyond, caus-.

ing relative displacement of finger blocks 37 and 38.

In this way, a grip measuring device accordingto my invention is adapted to accurately measure any natural grip, right or left handed, and it is particularly noted that the various different adjustments encompass every relative position within a predetermined range of relative positions, as distinguished, for example, from a limited number of predetermined relative positions. Therefore, it will be seen that my invention fully accomplishes the aforesaid object s. While but a preferred embodiment has been disclosed herein my invention is not necessarily limited to the details thereof, and I intend that my invention be defined by the appended claims.

Having fully disclosed and completely described my invention, together with its mode of operation, what I claim as new is:

1. A grip ball comprising a generally spherically shaped body having a recessed sector therein, hinge pin means mounted in said recessed sector, thumb block holder means hinged to said hinge pin means for movement about the axis thereof, finger block holder means hinged to said hinge pin means for movement about said axis, and means for moving said thumb block holder means and said finger block holder means simultaneous ly and in opposite directions about said axis whereby to selectively vary the relative displacement thereof about said axis.

2. A grip ball as set forth in claim 1, wherein said finger block holder means comprise independently movable members, together with means for selectively varying the relative displacement of said members about said axis.

3. A grip ball comprising a body corresponding to a bowling ball and having recess means therein, a thumb block holder mounted in said recess means for movement back and forth in a first direction, separate finger block holders mounted in said recess means for independent movement back and forth in said first direction, first means for moving said thumb block holder and said finger block holders simultaneously in said first direction to selectively vary the relative displacement thereof, second means for moving said finger block holders in said first direction independently of said thumb block holder and relative to each other whereby to selectively vary the relative displacement of said finger block holders, and means carried by said thumb block holder for selectively positionally adjusting a thumb hole block thereon in a second direction transverse to said first direction.

4. A grip ball comprising a body of generally spherical form having a segment shaped recess therein, hinge pin means secured within said recess, separate thumb and finger block holder means hinged to said hinge pin means for movement back and forth about the axis thereof, an exteriorly threaded member mounted in said recess between said thumb and finger block holder means for rotation about an axis transverse to said hinge pin axis, plate means threadedly engaging said member and extending between said thumb and finger block holder means, means holding said thumb and finger block holder means against said plate means whereby the latter determines the relative displacement of the former, and means confining said plate means for movement along said member as the latter is rotated, whereby the relative displacement of said holder means about said axis can be selectively varied by rotating said member.

5. A grip ball as set forth in claim 4, wherein said holder means include means for detachably securing thumb and finger hole blocks thereto.

6. A grip ball as set forth in claim 4, wherein said finger block holder means comprise independently movable parts each adapted to carry a finger block, together with means carried by said plate means for selectively displacing said finger block holder parts relative to each other.

7. A grip ball as set forth in claim 6, wherein said thumb block holder means includes means for detachably securing a thumb hole block thereto for selective positional adjustment in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of said hinge pin means.

8. In a grip ball measuring device, a finger block assembly comprising holder plate means for detachably carrying a finger block having a recess therein, said holder plate means having a projecting part adapted for engagement with the recess in the finger hole block, and leaf spring means carried by said holder plate means and extending outwardly therefrom and thence therealong to define with said holder plate means a pocket for re leasably receiving the finger hole block, said leaf spring means being adapted to resiliently urge the finger hole block against said holder plate means with the recess interlocking with said projecting part.

9. In a gripball, a finger block assembly comprising, holder plate means having an overhanging lip, a finger hole block having a recess in the upper portion thereof for receiving said lip when said block is held against said plate means, and means for resiliently urging said finger hole block against said holder plate means with said lip engaging said recess including a leaf spring member secured to said holder plate means below said. lip and inclining upwardly toward said lip and outwardly from said plate means along the bottom surface of said block and then extending upwardly along the side of said block remote from said holder plate means.

10. In a grip ball measuring device, a thumb hole block having a recess therein and a holder member therefor having an overhanging and depending lip for engaging within said recess, and spring means carried by said holder member below said lip and inclining upwardly and outwardly therefrom beneath said thumb hole block to resiliently urge the same upwardly against said lip, said spring means then extending upwardly to resiliently bear against the side of said thumb hole block to urge the same against said holder member, whereby said thumb hole block will be secured to said holder member in quick detachable relation therewith, said holder member and said spring means being of a width sufiiciently greater than the width of said thumb hole block to enable selective displacement of said thumb hole block along said holder member.

11. The combination set forth in claim 10, together with hinge means mounting said holder member for movement about a predetermined axis, and means for selectively displacing said holder member about said axis, said thumb hole block being selectively displaceable along said holder member in a direction substantially parallel to said axis.

12. A grip ball comprising a generally spherical body having a recessed sector, a liner having opposed side walls secured in said recessed sector, said side walls having ali ned vertical cut out portions, hinge pin means carried by said side walls beneath said cut out portions, a thumb block holder and separate finger block holders hin ed to said hinge pin means for movement about the axis thereof, an elongated externally threaded primary adjusting member supported within said liner for selective rotation about an axis substantially normal to the axis of said hinge pin means, spreading plate means threadedly engaging said primary adjusting member and having projections engaging in said out out portions whereby said plate means will move along said primary adjusting member as the latter is rotated, means biasing said thumb block holder against one side of said plate means and means biasing said finger block holders against the other side thereof, whereby movement of said spread ing plate means along said primary adjusting member will vary the relative displacement of said thumb and finger block holders, and secondary adjusting means carried by said spreading plate means for movement therewith and being selectively independently adjustable to extend therebeyond into engagement with said finger block holders for selective relative displacement thereof.

13. A grip ball as set forth in claim 12, wherein said secondary adjusting means comprise separate plate members carried by said spreading plate means, said plate members having cut out portions therein, and pin means extending into said plate member cut out portions and engaging said spreading plate means for releasably securing said plate members in adjusted position thereon.

,,14.7 A grip ball comprising a body corresponding to a jbowling 'ball' and having arecess"therein, thumb block holdergmejarisfind finger blockholder means'Yeach mounted saidjreciess for back and forth'movementina first direetion' relative to the other, said fingertblock holder means being adapted to detachablyr carry 7 replaceable jfinger' hole block means,said jthumb block holder means being adapted to detachably carry alreplaceable thumb hole block ,fonpositional adjustment thereon in a second fdirectipn transverse tot said .first direction, and means fOrj simultaneously moving .lsaidt thumb block holder 7 V 1 hinged' to said hinge pin means for movement back and f orthtabout the'axis thereoffiifinger block holder means hinged to said hinge pin means for movement back and forth about said axis, spreader'plate'means interposed between said thumb blo ck holder means and'said finger block holder means, means holding said thumb block holder means and said fingenblock'holder means against the .relative' displacement of said thumb block holder ,means and saidfinger block holder means about said axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent V UNITED STATES PATENTS" 2,207,404 'Hinkley July 9, 1940 2,314,811 Akin MEI. 23, 1943 2,503,324 Collins Apr. 11, 1950 2,709,353

Rassner June 7, 1955