Bowling apparatus

Abstract

A spin bowling apparatus comprising a ball 10 with a body and a ridge 14 which extends partially around the body on a plane offset from the centre of the body and a launching device 30 with means to g

Description

FIELD This relates to a bowling apparatus, and a ball. In particular, for use as cricket training aids to replicate spin bowling. BACKGROUND Bowling in cricket can be broken down into two basic categories, pace bowling and spin bowling. Pace bowling involves a bowler bowling the cricket ball as fast as possible, usually at speeds of somewhere between 70 and 90mph. Spin bowling involves a bowler bowling the cricket ball at a slower speed, e.g. between 40 and 50mph, and imparting spin on the ball in order to make the ball cut to the left or right by a small angle, e.g. up to 6 degrees or so, after bouncing on the pitch. Imparting spin on the ball requires a bowler to make a complex movement of their fingers and wrist. It is a skilled task that can take years to master. Even then the majority of spin bowlers can only turn the ball one way. An off break bowler causes the ball to turn into the right handed batter, e.g. cut to the bowlers right after bouncing on the pitch, and a leg break bowler causes the ball to turn away from a right handed batter, e.g. cut to the bowlers left after bouncing on the pitch. Training aids are available to replicate the technique of pace bowling, so that a batter may practice batting the ball. For example, UK patent no 2475396 describes a ball throwing device which is capable of replicating pace bowling. The device allows a user, who might otherwise not be able to bowl the ball at conventional pace bowling speeds, to feed balls to a practising batter at those conventional pace bowling speeds and without tiring as quickly. The device comprises a shaft, a handle, and a gripping means adapted to receive, grip and release a cricket ball. The gripping means includes a channel to accommodate the seam of the cricket ball. The gripping means take the form of a cup defining a partial sphere and an opening, and having internal dimensions similar to the external dimensions of a cricket ball. Due to the complexity of the technique, spin bowling is difficult to replicate. For training against spin bowling a batter generally has three options. The first and most common option is to train with an accomplished spin bowler. However such are in short supply, they get tired and, unless they have an unusual skill level, generally they can only turn the ball one way. The second option is a spin mat which is an approximately one metre square rubber mat that has ridges in its upper surface to knock the ball sideways as it bounces and thereby replicate the motion of a ball in spin bowling. These mats are heavy, cumbersome and only cover a small area of the pitch so it is difficult for the ball feeder to hit them consistently. The third option is a bowling machine designed to spin the ball. These machines can be expensive and therefore not generally available to the majority of cricketers. The object of the present invention is to provide a simple training aid intended to consistently replicate spin bowling. SUMMARY In a first aspect there is provided a bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling. The apparatus comprises a ball and a launching device. The ball comprises a body and a ridge. The ridge is arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body. The launching device comprises a ball engaging arrangement. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to receive the ball therein. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to impart a retaining force on the ball, e.g. a frictional force and / or a gripping force, when the ball is mounted in the launching device. The ball engaging arrangement is configured to release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. In use, the ball is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement of the launching device. The launching device with the ball mounted therein is moved, e.g. swung, through the air by a user. The ball is released from the launching device during the movement when the inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force imparted on the ball by the ball engaging arrangement. When the released ball bounces on the ground, the ridge around the ball will knock the ball sideways, thus imitating spin bowling. An off break or leg break spin bowl can be achieved depending on the orientation in which the ball is mounted in the launching device. By providing the ridge on the ball to cause the ball to cut on bouncing, spin bowling can be imitated regardless of where on the ground the ball bounces. The ridge may at least partially surround the body. The ridge may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions arranged circumferentially around the body. Alternatively, the ridge may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. Preferably, the ridge may encircle the body. This may ensure that predictable and repeatable imitation spin bowling can be easily achieved. The body may be spherical. The body may comprise or be formed of a ball bearing. The body may comprise or be formed of steel. The ball may further comprise a grip portion. The grip portion may be arranged at least partially around the body adjacent the ridge. The grip portion may at least partially surround the body. The grip portion may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. The grip portion may encircle the body. The grip portion may be arranged around a middle portion of the body, e.g. the grip portion may be arranged around the body on a plane through the centre of the body. The grip portion may comprise or be formed of hard rubber, e.g. Shore 90 A. The ridge may comprise or be formed of soft rubber, e.g. Shore 75 A. The ball may comprise a first layer rubber around the body. The first layer of rubber may form the grip portion. The first layer of rubber may be formed of hard rubber. The ball may further comprise a second layer of rubber around the first layer of rubber. The second layer of rubber may at least partially form the ridge. The second layer of rubber may be formed of soft rubber, e.g. rubber softer than the rubber of the first layer. The grip portion may be configured to be received by the ball engaging portion of the launching device. When the ball is mounted in the launching device, the grip portion may be mounted in the ball engaging portion. The ball engaging arrangement may comprise a receiving member. The receiving member may be configured to receive the ball, e.g. the grip portion, therein. The grip portion and the receiving member may be complimentarily formed, e.g. be of complimentary shape and size, such that the grip portion may be received in the receiving member. The grip portion may be generally cylindrical. An axis of the grip portion may extend transverse to the plane of the ridge. The axis of the grip portion may extend through the centre of the body. The receiving member may have a generally ‘C’ shape form. The receiving member may be a partial cylinder. The receiving member may be at least semi-cylindrical, e.g. the circumferential extent of the receiving member may be at least 180°. The diameter of the receiving member may be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion. The receiving member may define an opening through which the ball is received and released. The width of the opening may be the same or less than the diameter of the grip portion. The receiving member may be a resilient member, e.g. the receiving member may be elastically deformable, to permit the ball to be received in the receiving member. Where the width of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the grip portion and the receiving member is a resilient member, the receiving member may impart the gripping force on the grip portion. The break of the ball upon bouncing on the ground, e.g. leg break or off break, may be determined by the position of the ridge relative to the receiving member when the ball is mounted in the launching device. If the ridge is positioned on the left of the receiving member when looking at the opening then leg break spin will be achieve, e.g. the ball will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge is positioned on the right of the receiving member when looking at the opening then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. Put another way, if the ridge is positioned on the right of the receiving member when looking at the direction of release of the ball from the launching device then leg break spin will be achieve, e.g. the ball will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge is positioned on the left of the receiving member when looking at the direction of release of the ball from the launching device then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. The grip portion and the receiving member may comprise complimentary engaging surfaces, e.g. surfaces having complimentary contours, such that when the ball is mounted in the launching device the receiving member is in engagement with the grip portion. The frictional force may form between the complimentary engaging surfaces. The grip portion may comprise a grip surface. The grip surface may be an external surface of the grip portion. The grip surface may be a convex surface. The grip surface may be generally cylindrical. The grip surface may extend transverse to the plane of the ridge. The receiving member may comprise a ball engaging surface. The ball engaging surface may be an internal surface of the receiving member. The ball engaging surface may be a concave surface. The ball engaging surface may be a partial cylinder. The ball engaging surface may be at least semi-cylindrical, e.g. the circumferential extent of the ball engaging surface may be at least 180°. The ball engaging surface and the grip surface may be the complementary engaging surfaces. The frictional force may form between the ball engaging surface and the grip surface. The diameter of the ball engaging surface may be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip surface such that the ball engaging surface imparts the gripping force onto the grip surface. The grip portion may comprise one or more slots. Each slot may extend across the grip surface to form a break in the grip surface. Each slot may extend generally transverse to the plane of the ridge. Each slot may extend generally axially of the grip portion. Each slot may be small relative to the size of the ridge in order to prevent the slot impacting the bounce of the ball. The ball engaging arrangement may comprise a hook. The hook may be at a first end of the receiving member. The first end of the receiving member may be the end distal a user of the bowling apparatus. The hook and the receiving member may be integrally formed. The hook may be configured to be located in the / a slot when the ball is mounted in the launching device. When the ball is released from the launching device the hook may impart backspin on the ball, helping to keep the ball stable in the air, e.g. to retain the orientation of the ball, as it travels towards the batter. The launching device is configured to ensure that the inertia of the ball will overcome the retaining force of the launching device at an appropriate velocity to ensure a stable trajectory of the ball, as may be envisioned by a person of skill in the art, thus ensuring consistent bowling using the device. The launching device may be configured to be retrofitted to a ball throwing device. Alternatively, the launching device may comprise a handle. The handle may be connected to the ball engaging arrangement. The handle may be connected to the receiving member. The handle may be connected to the receiving member proximal the opening. The handle may be connected to the receiving member proximal a second end of the receiving member. The handle may be connected to the receiving member at a location distal the hook. The first end of the receiving member may be an end of the receiving member distal the handle. The handle may be attached to the receiving member, e.g. via one or more fastenings, adhesive, etc. Alternatively the handle may be integrally formed with the receiving member. The handle may be on a plane with the receiving member. The handle may extend radially from the receiving member. The launching device may be configured such that when the ball is mounted in the launching device the ridge is on a plane generally parallel to the handle. In use, a user may hold the handle at an end distal the ball engaging arrangement with the opening facing the intended direction of travel of the ball, and swing the launching device, e.g. preferably overarm, to release the ball from the launching device. The arrangement of the launching device, e.g. the relative position of the handle and the ball engaging arrangement, may ensure that the ball is released from the launching device with the ridge in the upright position. The handle may comprise a grip portion. The grip portion may be a portion of the handle distal the ball engaging arrangement. The grip portion may surround the handle to permit a user to rotate the launching device in the hand to find their preferred, e.g. most comfortable or most effective, throwing position. The grip portion may be contoured, e.g. ridged, for ergonomic gripping by a user. The grip portion comprise a high friction surface, e.g. a surface of higher friction than the rest of the handle, to reduce the risk of dropping or releasing the launching device from the grip of a user. The handle may comprise a shaft portion. The shaft portion of the handle may extend between the ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion of the handle. The shaft portion may have a length between 100mm and 500mm, preferably between 200mm and 400mm. The shaft portion may have a length of around 300mm. The shaft may be resilient, e.g. elastically deformable or flexible. The shaft may be configured with regard to length and flexibility to provide optimal assistance to a user in achieving a desirable velocity and trajectory of the ball, as may be envisioned by a person of skill in the art. In a second aspect there is provided a ball for use in replicating spin bowling. The ball comprises a body and a ridge. The ridge is arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body. In use, the ridge around the ball will knock the ball sideways when it bounces on the ground, thus imitating spin bowling provided that the ball is thrown with enough power and released in the correct position by the ball feeder. Beneficially, by providing a ridge on the ball to cause the ball to cut on bouncing, spin bowling can be imitated regardless of where on the ground the ball bounces. The ridge may at least partially surround the body. The ridge may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions arranged circumferentially around the body. Alternatively, the ridge may surround, e.g. wholly surround, the body. The ridge may encircle the body. The body may be spherical. The body may comprise or be formed of a ball bearing. The body may comprise or be formed of steel. The ridge may comprise or be formed of a layer of rubber. In a third aspect there is provided a launching device configured to receive therein a ball according to the second aspect, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein. The launching device may comprise a ball engaging arrangement. The ball engaging arrangement may be configured to be attached, e.g. retrofitted, to a handle. Alternatively, the launching device may further comprise a handle. The handle may be integrally formed with the ball engaging arrangement. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect or below relating to any embodiment may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ball; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the ball; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view through the centre of the ball; Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a launching device; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the launching device; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a bowling apparatus comprising the ball of Figures 1 to 3 mounted in the launching device of Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the bowling apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 3 show a ball 10 for use in replicating spin bowling. The ball 10 comprises a body 12. The body 12 is generally spherical. The ball 10 further comprises a ridge 14. The ridge 14 encircles the body 12 on a plane R that is offset from the centre C of the body 12. The ridge 14 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the body 12. In other embodiments, the ridge may extend only partially around the body. The ridge may be castellated, e.g. comprise a plurality of ridge portions arranged circumferentially around the body. The ball 10 further comprises a grip portion 16. The grip portion 16 encircles a middle portion of the body 12 adjacent the ridge 14, e.g. the grip portion 16 encircles the body 12 on a broad plane through the centre C of the body 12. The majority of the body 12 is encircled by the grip portion 16. The grip portion 16 comprises a grip surface 18. The grip surface 18 is an external surface of the grip portion 16. The grip surface 18 is generally cylindrical, having an axis A extending transverse to the plane R of the ridge 16 through the centre C of the body 12. The grip surface 18 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the body 12 and smaller than the diameter of the ridge 14. The grip portion 16 comprises slots 20. The illustrated ball 10 comprises three slots 20. In other embodiments a ball may comprise 1,2, 4 or more slots. The slots 20 extend axially across the grip surface 18 to form a break in the grip surface 18. The depth of the slots 20 is small relative to the height of the ridge 14 in order to minimise the impact of the slots 20 on the bounce of the ball 10. As shown in Figure 3, the body 14 of the ball 12 comprises a steel ball bearing 12a. The ball 10 comprises a first layer of rubber 22 around, e.g. surrounding, the steel ball bearing 12a. The first layer of rubber 22 is shaped to form the grip portion 16. The first layer of rubber 22 is hard rubber, e.g. Shore 90 A. The ball 10 further comprises a second layer of rubber 24 around, e.g. encircling, the first layer of rubber 22. The second layer of rubber 24 forms the ridge 14. The second layer of rubber 24 is soft rubber, e.g. Shore 75 A. Figures 4 and 5 show a launching device 30. The launching device 30 comprises a ball engaging arrangement 32. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to receive the ball 10 therein. In particular, the ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to receiving the grip portion 16 of the ball 10 therein. The ball engaging arrangement 32 comprise a receiving member 34. The receiving member 34 is configured to receive the ball 10 of the ball 10, therein. In particular, the receiving member 34 of the launching device 30 and the grip portion 22 of the ball 10 are complimentarily formed such that the grip potion 22 of the ball 10 can be received in the receiving member 34 of the launching device 30. The receiving member 34 has a generally ‘C’ shaped form. The receiving member 34 defines an opening 36 through which the ball 10 can be received. The width of the opening 36 is less than the diameter of the grip portion 22 of the ball 10. In order to permit the ball 10 to be received in the receiving member 34 through the opening 36, the receiving member 34 is a resilient member, e.g. the receiving member 34 is elastically deformable. The receiving member 34 comprises a ball engaging surface 38. The ball engaging surface 38 is an internal surface of the receiving member 34. The ball engaging surface 38 is a partial cylinder. The ball engaging surface 38 and the grip surface 18 are complimentarily formed. The ball engaging arrangement 32 further comprises a hook 40. The hook 40 is located at a first end 42 of the receiving member 34, e.g. adjacent the opening 36. The hook 40 extends radially inward from the receiving member 34. The hook 40 and the receiving member 34 are integrally formed. The hook 40 is configured to be received in one of the slots 20 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. The provision of multiple slots 20 allows for ease and efficiency of mounting the ball 10 in the launching device 30. The launching device 30 further comprises a handle 44. The handle 44 is integrally formed with the ball engaging arrangement 32 via the receiving member 34. In alternative launching devices, the handle may be formed separately from the ball engaging arrangement and attached to, e.g. releasably attached to, the ball engaging arrangement via fastenings, adhesive or the like. The handle is connected to the receiving member 34 proximal a second end 46 of the receiving member 34 and distal the hook 40. The handle 44 extends radially outward from the receiving member 34. The handle 44 comprises a grip portion 48. The grip portion 48 is a portion, e.g. and end portion, of the handle 44 distal the ball engaging arrangement 32. The grip portion 48 is contoured, e.g. ridged, for ergonomic gripping by a user. The grip portion 48 comprise a high friction surface, e.g. a surface of higher friction than the rest of the handle 44, to reduce the risk of a user dropping or releasing the launching device 30 from their grip. The grip portion 48 extends fully around the handle 44 to permit a user to rotate the launching device 30 in the hand to find their preferred, e.g. most comfortable or most effective, throwing position. The handle 44 further comprises a shaft portion 50. The shaft portion 50 of the handle 44 extends between the ball engaging arrangement 32 and the grip portion 48 of the handle 44. The shaft portion 50 has a length of around 300mm. The shaft portion 50 is resilient, e.g. elastically deformable or flexible. The shaft portion 50 provides optimal assistance to a user in achieving a desirable velocity and trajectory of the ball 10. Collectively, the ball 10 and the launching device 30 form a bowling apparatus 60, as shown in Figures 6and 7. When the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30, the grip portion 16 of the ball 10 is mounted in the ball engaging arrangement 32 of the launching device 30. The grip portion 16 is partially surrounded by the receiving member 34. The ball engaging surface 38 and the grip surface 18 are complementary engaging surfaces. The hook 40 is located in one of the slots 20 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to impart a retaining force on the ball 10, e.g. a frictional force and a gripping force, when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. In particular, the receiving member 34 being resilient and having an opening 36 smaller than the diameter of the grip portion 48 results in the receiving member 34 imparting the gripping force on the grip portion 48 of the ball 10. The frictional force is formed between the complimentary engaging ball engaging surface 38 and grip surface 18. The launching device 30 is configured such that when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30 the handle 44 is generally parallel to the plane R of the ridge 14. In use, a user holds the grip portion 48 of the handle with the opening 36 facing the intended direction of travel of the ball 10, indicated by the arrow T in Figure 6. The ball engaging arrangement 32 is configured to release the ball 10, e.g. in the direction T, when an inertial force of the ball 10 exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device 30 with the ball 10 mounted therein, e.g. when the launching device 30 is swung through the air, preferably overarm, by a user in a manner analogous to bowling a ball. In use, when the released ball 10 bounces on the ground, the ridge 14 around the ball 10 will knock the ball 10 sideways, thus imitating spin bowling. An off break or leg break spin bowl can be achieved depending on the orientation in which the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30, in particular the position of the ridge 14 relative to the receiving member 34 when the ball 10 is mounted in the launching device 30. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the left of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking into the receiving member 34 through the opening 36 (as shown in Figures 6 and 7) then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the right of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking into the receiving member 34 through the opening 36 then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. Put another way, if the ridge 14 is positioned on the right of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking in the direction of release of the ball 10 from the launching device 30 (as shown in Figures 6 and 7) then leg break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the left after bouncing on the ground. If the ridge 14 is positioned on the left of the receiving member 34 from the viewing position looking in the direction of release of the ball 10 from the launching device 30 then off break spin will be achieved, e.g. the ball 10 will cut to the right after bouncing on the ground. The arrangement of the launching device 30, e.g. the relative position of the handle 44 and the ball engaging arrangement 32, and the relation between the ball engaging arrangement 32 and the ball 10, ensures that the ball 10 is mounted in and released from the launching device 30 with the ridge 14 in the upright position. When the ball 10 is released from the launching device 30, the hook 40 imparts backspin on the ball 10, helping to retain the orientation of the ball 10 with the ridge 14 in the upright position as the ball 10 travels through the air. The above description is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. The disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect or embodiment may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment.

Claims

1. A bowling apparatus for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising:a ball comprising a body and a ridge, the ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body; anda launching device comprising a ball engaging arrangement configured to receive the ball therein, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein.

2. The bowling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball further comprises a grip portion encircling the body adjacent the ridge.

3. The bowling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the grip portion is generally cylindrical and defines an axis which extends transverse to the plane of the ridge and through the centre of the body.

4. The bowling apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the ball engaging arrangement comprises a receiving member configured to receive the grip portion therein.

5. The bowling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the grip portion and the receiving member comprise complimentary engaging surfaces.

6. The bowling apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the receiving member has the shape of a partial cylinder.

7. The bowling apparatus of claim 6, when dependent on claim 3, wherein a diameter of the receiving member is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the grip portion.

8. The bowling apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the receiving member defines an opening configured for the ball to be received and released therethrough.

9. The bowling apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the receiving member is configured to impart the retaining force on the grip portion.

10. The bowling apparatus of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the grip portion comprises a slot extending axially across the grip portion.

11. The bowling apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ball engaging arrangement comprises a hook configured to be located in the slot when the ball is mounted in the launching device.

12. The bowling apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a handle connected to the ball engaging arrangement.

13. The bowling apparatus of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a grip portion and a shaft between the ball engaging arrangement and the grip portion.

14. A ball for use in replicating spin bowling, comprising a body and a ridge arranged at least partially around the body on a plane that is offset from the centre of the body.

15. The ball of claim 14, wherein the body comprises a steel ball and the ridge is formed of a layer of rubber around the steel ball.

16. A launching device configured to receive therein a ball according to claim 14 or 15, impart a retaining force on the ball when the ball is mounted in the launching device and release the ball when an inertial force of the ball exceeds the retaining force during movement of the launching device with the ball mounted therein.

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