Apparatus for evaluating restitution of an item of sports equipment

Abstract

An apparatus for evaluating restitution of an item of sports equipment comprises a base and a support member for holding a sports projectile associated with the sports equipment at a release point relative to the base. A clamp assembly is provided on the base for securing the sports equipment in a clamped position relative to the release point such that, in use, when the sports projectile is released from the release point and travels toward the sports equipment, the sports projectile collides with an impact point on a striking surface of the sports equipment. A gauge is positioned relative to the base for measuring a rebound travel distance or rebound velocity of the sports projectile when the sports projectile rebounds from the impact point. The apparatus is configured such that a relative lateral alignment between the clamped position and the release point is adjustable for adjusting the impact point.

Description

APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING RESTITUTIONOF AN ITEM OF SPORTS EQUIPMENTField

[0001] The present invention relates to the testing of sports equipment used for striking projectiles in sport, such as cricket bats, baseball bats and hockey sticks. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for evaluating the restitution of sports equipment for determining performance characteristics of the equipment.Background

[0002] A variety of different sports involve equipment that is used to strike airborne projectiles. For example, bats made of willow are used to strike leather balls in cricket. When a cricket ball comes into contact with the blade of a cricket bat, the impact causes both the blade and the ball to deform and their subsequent elastic recovery contributes to the ball’s velocity when rebounding off the bat. The restitution of a cricket bat is a measure of how efficiently the bat transfers energy to the ball on impact. The magnitude of the restitution quantifies how elastic the collision is. A higher restitution value indicates a more "springy" or energetic interaction which is desirable in a cricket bat.

[0003] Cricket bats typically retail at a wide range of prices. Generally speaking, more expensive bats are made from better materials, and have improved build quality and workmanship, compared to cheaper models. However, the restitution of a cricket bat does not necessarily improve with increasing price. Even cheaper bats can perform better in practice than more expensive models due to the numerous factors that influence a bat’s restitution level. These factors include the density and seasoning of the willow that is used to make the blade, and the consistency of the grain throughout the blade. The profile of the blade and the overall weight balance and distribution of the bat can also affect restitution. It is, therefore, difficult for consumers to evaluate the performance characteristics of a cricket bat when selecting a new bat for purchase at a point of sale. A cricket player will only find out how effective a cricket bat is after they have purchased the bat and tested it in practice.

[0004] The unpredictability of cricket bat restitution levels also presents problems for bat retailers. When deciding the sale price of a cricket bat, a retailer will generally rely on theinformation that is provided to them by the relevant bat manufacturer, including in regard to the bat’s performance characteristics, build quality and recommended retail price. A retailer may carry out their own tests of a bat in an effort to assist in deciding the appropriate sale price. However, these tests do not allow bat restitution levels to be evaluated in a consistent and accurate manner.

[0005] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the present application.Summary

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for evaluating restitution of an item of sports equipment, the apparatus comprising:a base, wherein the base comprises a support member for holding a sports projectile associated with the sports equipment at a release point relative to the base; a clamp assembly provided on the base for securing the sports equipment in a clamped position relative to the release point such that, in use, when the sports projectile is released from the release point and travels toward the sports equipment, the sports projectile collides with an impact point on a striking surface of the sports equipment; anda gauge positioned relative to the base for measuring a rebound travel distance or rebound velocity of the sports projectile when the sports projectile rebounds from the impact point, wherein a magnitude of the rebound travel distance or rebound velocity corresponds to the restitution of the sports equipment.

[0007] The apparatus may be configured such that a relative lateral alignment between the clamped position and the release point is adjustable for adjusting the impact point.

[0008] In an embodiment, the clamp assembly may be configured such that it is laterally moveable into a plurality of positions relative to the base for adjusting the relative lateral alignment.

[0009] The clamp assembly may be slidably movable into the positions along a frame member of the base. In an example, the clamp assembly comprises an elongate basethat is slidably received into a cooperating elongate channel extending longitudinally through the frame member.

[0010] The apparatus may comprise a locking mechanism for releasably locking the clamp assembly in each of the positions along the frame member.

[0011] The locking mechanism may comprise a hand bolt that comprises a knob connected to a threaded shank, wherein the threaded shank is rotatably secured in the frame member to bear against the clamp assembly when the knob is turned.

[0012] The clamp assembly may be slidably moveable into a plurality of fixed positions on the frame member.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise a latch mechanism for releasably securing the clamp assembly in each of the fixed positions.

[0014] The latch mechanism may comprise an indexing knob slidably secured to the frame member by a locating pin, wherein the locating pin is operatively receivable into a plurality of holes provided in the clamp assembly that correspond to the fixed positions.

[0015] The locating pin may be spring loaded such that it is biased against the clamp assembly.

[0016] In another embodiment, the support member may be configured such that it is laterally moveable into a plurality of positions relative to the base to adjust the relative lateral alignment.

[0017] The clamp assembly may be configured to secure the sports equipment such that a longitudinal axis of the striking surface is orientated at an angle relative to a gravitational vertical, wherein the angle is adjustable.

[0018] The clamp assembly may be further configured to secure the sports equipment in an axial orientation about a longitudinal axis of the sports equipment, wherein the axial orientation is adjustable.

[0019] The clamp assembly may be configured to hold the sports equipment in an axial orientation that causes the sports projectile to rebound in a lateral trajectory from the impact point. In such examples, the gauge may be positioned such that it is laterally offset from the clamp assembly for measuring a lateral travel distance (or rebound velocity) of the sports projectile when the sports projectile rebounds in the lateral trajectory in use.

[0020] The gauge may comprise an array of parallel fingers that are pivotably attached to a frame, wherein the fingers pivot relative to the frame when hit by the sports projectile for marking the lateral travel distance.

[0021] The clamp assembly may comprise a cradle for holding the sports equipment, wherein the cradle is rotatably connected to a support frame of the clamp assembly such that the axial orientation of the sports equipment is adjustable by rotating the cradle relative to the support frame.

[0022] The cradle may be rotatable relative to the support frame between first and second orientations, wherein:in the first of the orientations, the axial orientation provides that the striking surface lies in a horizontal plane relative to a gravitational vertical; andin the second of the orientations, the axial orientation provides that the striking surface is at a tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0023] The tilt angle may be in a range of values that is more than 0 degrees and equal to, or less than, 45 degrees. Preferably, the tilt angle is equal to, or less than, 20 degrees. For example, the tilt angle may be 15 degrees in an embodiment.

[0024] The clamp assembly may comprise a pair of indexing tabs configured to constrain rotation of the cradle relative to the support frame such that the cradle is only rotatable between the first and second orientations inclusively.

[0025] The indexing tabs may protrude from the cradle to bear against respective portions of the clamp assembly for constraining the rotation of the cradle.

[0026] The cradle may comprise a disc that rotates with the cradle in use, wherein the disc is interposed between a pair of plates of the support frame.

[0027] The clamp assembly may comprise a bearing assembly for facilitating rotation of the disc relative to the plates. In one example, the bearing assembly may comprise a set of ball bearings located about a perimeter of the disc such that the disc and plates operate as races of the bearing assembly.

[0028] The indexing tabs may protrude from the disc such that they bear against parts of the bearing assembly to constrain the rotation of the cradle.

[0029] The clamp assembly may comprise a fastener mechanism for releasably fastening the cradle in each of the first and second orientations.

[0030] The fastener mechanism may comprise a hand bolt extending through the plates of the support frame such that, when tightened in use, the hand bolt urges the plates together to apply a frictional braking force on the disc.

[0031] The cradle may comprise a jaw assembly that includes a pair of jaws for gripping the sports equipment. The jaws may be relatively movable between locked and release conditions, wherein the jaws apply clamping forces against respective sides (preferably, upper and lower sides) of a handle of the sports equipment in the locked condition. The jaw assembly may be configured such that the clamping forces are adjustable in magnitude.

[0032] The jaw assembly may comprise a pair of handles that urge the jaws into the locked condition when the handles are pulled together. The jaw assembly may comprise a threaded rod that, when turned in use, adjusts a relative spacing between the jaws to adjust the magnitude of the clamping forces.

[0033] The jaw assembly may be adjustable in orientation relative to a base of the cradle for adjusting a relative angle between a longitudinal axis of the striking surface and a gravitational vertical.

[0034] The jaw assembly may be pivotable relative to the base of the cradle for adjusting the relative angle.

[0035] A screw wheel may be rotatably secured to the base of the cradle by a threaded stud, wherein the threaded stud is configured to raise or lower the jaw assembly pivotably relative to the base of the cradle when the screw wheel is turned for adjusting the relative angle.

[0036] The cradle may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the jaw assembly in orientation relative to the base of the cradle.

[0037] The locking mechanism of the cradle may comprise a hand bolt that, when tightened in use, applies a clamping force that locks the jaw assembly in orientation relative to the base of the cradle. For example, the hand bolt may apply the clamping force to a clevis plate that is located between a head of the hand bolt and the jaw assembly.

[0038] The support member may comprise a collar for holding the sports projectile at the release point, wherein the collar comprises a release mechanism for releasing the sports projectile from the collar.

[0039] The release mechanism may comprise a release pin slidably supported by the collar to slide between hold and release positions, wherein the release pin holds the sports projectile in the collar in the hold position, and wherein the release pin allows the sports projectile to fall through the collar in the release position.

[0040] One or more support pins may be arranged around the collar relative to the release pin, wherein the support pins radially extend toward a centre of the collar for holding the sports projectile in the collar.

[0041] The apparatus may comprise a tray for catching the sports projectile when the sports projectile rebounds from the impact point. The tray may comprise a landingsurface having a trough arranged at one end, wherein the landing surface is inclined such that the sports projectile rolls along the landing surface into the trough in use.Brief Description of Drawings

[0042] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus for evaluating restitution of a cricket bat, or other item of sports equipment, according to an example embodiment of the invention;Figure 2 is a further isometric view of an apparatus;Figure 3A is an isometric view of a clamp assembly of the apparatus, wherein a cricket bat is held in a first axial orientation by the clamp assembly;Figure 3B is a further isometric view of the clamp assembly, wherein the cricket bat is held in a second axial orientation by the clamp assembly;Figure 4 is a plan view of the clamp assembly;Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the clamp assembly;Figure 6A is a cross sectional axial view of the clamp assembly taken through a plane labelled G-G in Figure 5, wherein the cricket bat is held in the first axial orientation by the clamp assembly;Figure 6B is a further cross sectional axial view of the clamp assembly taken through a plane labelled G-G in Figure 5, wherein the cricket bat is held in the second axial orientation by the clamp assembly;Figure 7 is a further cross sectional axial view of the clamp assembly taken through a plane labelled H-H in Figure 5;Figure 8 is a further cross sectional axial view of the clamp assembly taken through a plane labelled J-J in Figure 5;Figure 9 is an end view of the clamp assembly;Figure 10A is an isometric view of a support frame of the clamp assembly;Figure 10B is an isometric view of a cradle of the clamp assembly;Figure 10C is an isometric view of a pair of jaws of the clamp assembly;Figure 11 A is an isometric top view of a gauge provided with the apparatus for measuring a rebound travel distance of a sports projectile associated with the sport equipment;Figure 11 B is an isometric bottom view of the gauge;Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the gauge;Figure 13 is a plan view of the gauge;Figure 14A is a cross sectional side elevation view of the gauge taken through a plane labelled E-E in Figure 13; andFigure 14B is a cross sectional side elevation view of the gauge taken through a plane labelled F-F in Figure 13.Description of Embodiments

[0043] Referring to the Figures, an example embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus 10 for evaluating restitution of an item of sports equipment. The apparatus 10 can be used to evaluate sports equipment of the type used to strike balls or other projectiles in sport. In the example depicted, the sports equipment is a cricket bat 12. However, other types of sports equipment may be tested in other examples, such as baseball bats, table tennis bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 comprises a base 14 that has a support member 16 for holding a sports projectile associated with the sports equipment, which in the example depicted is a ball 18, at a release point 20 relative to the base 14. The apparatus 10 further comprises a clamp assembly 22 provided on the base 14 for securing the cricket bat 12 in a clamped position relative to the release point 20. In the clamped position, when the ball 18 is released from the release point 20 and travels toward the cricket bat 12 in use, the ball 18 collides with an impact point 24 on a striking surface of the cricket bat 12. The apparatus 10 further comprises a gauge 26 positioned relative to the base 14 for measuring a rebound travel distance (or rebound velocity) of the ball 18 when the ball 18 rebounds from the impact point 24. A magnitude of the measured rebound travel distance, or rebound velocity, corresponds to the restitution of the cricket bat 12.

[0045] In the example depicted, the support member 16 and clamp assembly 22 secure the ball 18 and cricket bat 12 respectively such that the release point 20 is positioned above the impact point 24. The ball 18, therefore, falls from the release point 20 onto the impact point 24 when the ball 18 is dropped from the release point 20. The apparatus 10 is configured such that a relative lateral alignment between the release point 20 and the position at which the cricket bat 12 is held by the clamp assembly 22 is adjustable. This advantageously enables the user to adjust the relative location of the impact point 24 onthe bat 12. This also allows a range of different sized bats to be tested using the apparatus 10. For each bat that is tested, the user can adjust the clamped position to ensure that the relative impact point on the bat is consistent across all bats. More particularly, the clamp assembly 22 is configured such that it is laterally moveable into a plurality of different positions relative to the base 14 for adjusting the relative lateral alignment between the bat 12 and release point 20. The base 14 comprises a frame 28 that includes an elongate frame member 30 that extends horizontally along an upper edge of the frame 28 adjacent to the gauge 26. The support member 16 that holds the ball 18 at the release point 20 extends vertically from the horizontal frame member 30. The support member 16 and frame member 30 are, therefore, generally perpendicular to each other.

[0046] The clamp assembly 22 is configured such that it can slide linearly back and forth along the frame member 30 to adjust the relative lateral alignment between the clamped position of the bat 12 and the release point 20. To facilitate this sliding movement, the clamp assembly 22 comprises an elongate base 32 that is slidably received into a cooperating elongate channel 34 provided in the frame member 30. The channel 34 extends longitudinally end to end through the frame member 30 between first and second opposed ends of the frame member 30. The elongate base 32 extends through the entire length of the channel 34 such that respective portions of the base 32 outwardly protrude from the opposed ends of the frame member 30. The channel 34 and base 32 each have a square cross sectional shape. The channel 34 guides the sliding linear motion of the base 32 relative to the frame member 30. The base 32 comprises a stop 35 that is provided in the form of an upright wall located at a distal end of the base 32. The stop 35 serves two purposes. Firstly, the stop 35 prevents the base 32 from sliding out of the channel 34. Secondly, the stop 35 prevents the toe of the bat 12 from being positioned too far along the longitudinal axis of the base 22 of the clamp assembly 22. The stop 35, therefore, advantageously assists in positioning the bat 12 correctly in the clamp assembly 22 when the apparatus 10 is being set up to perform a test of the bat 12.

[0047] In the example depicted, the clamp assembly 22 can be moved into one of several fixed positions on the frame member 30. To this end, a set of holes 36 is arranged in a row along an upper surface of the base 32 of the clamp assembly 22. The holes 36 are spaced at a regular interval along the upper surface. Each of the holes 36corresponds to one of the fixed positions. The apparatus 10 comprises a latch mechanism for securing the clamp assembly 22 in place once it has been moved into one of the fixed positions. In the example depicted, the latch mechanism consists of an indexing knob 38 that is slidably secured to the frame member 30 by a locating pin that extends downward from the indexing knob 38. The locating pin is spring loaded such that it is held biased against the upper surface of the base 32 and is operatively receivable into the holes 36. When the clamp assembly 22 needs to be moved, the indexing knob 38 is pulled axially in an upward direction away from the frame member 30 to withdraw the locating pin from the relevant hole 36. The clamp assembly 22 can then be freely moved along the frame member 30. Once the clamp assembly 22 has been moved into the relevant new fixed position, the indexing knob 38 is released causing its spring-loaded locating pin to drop into the relevant hole 36 to anchor the clamp assembly 22 in place.

[0048] The apparatus 10 also comprises a locking mechanism for releasably locking the clamp assembly 22 in position relative to the frame member 30, which operates in conjunction with the latch mechanism. In the example depicted, the locking mechanism comprises a hand bolt 40 provided on the frame member 30. The hand bolt 40 comprises a knob fixed onto a threaded shank. The shank is disposed in a diagonally extending threaded hole provided in an uppermost corner of the frame member 30. The threaded hole is dimensioned such that the shank is diagonally oriented relative to the frame member 30 and base 32. In this configuration, turning the knob of the hand bolt 40 causes a peripheral end of the shank to bear against an uppermost corner of the base 32 inside the channel 34. The shank end, therefore, applies a diagonal clamping force on the base 32. The hand bolt 40 supplements the indexing knob 38. Once the clamp assembly 22 has been moved into a fixed position and secured in the relevant position by the indexing knob 38, the hand bolt 40 is tightened to prevent any rotational or translational movement of the base 32 inside the channel 34.

[0049] The clamp assembly 22 holds the cricket bat 12 orientated such that the longitudinal axis of the blade of the cricket bat 12 is positioned above, and parallel with, the elongate frame member 30. In Figures 1 and 2, the cricket bat 12 is held orientated such that the striking surface of the blade, which is commonly referred to as the face 42 of the bat 12, is positioned such that the face 42 faces generally upward toward the ball 20. In this arrangement, moving the clamp assembly 22 between the various fixedpositions along the frame member 30 results in the cricket bat 12 being longitudinally moved relative to the frame member 30. Moving the bat 12 in this manner, therefore, adjusts the relative lateral alignment between the bat 12 and the release point 20 and, in turn, the position of the impact point 24 on the face 42 of the bat 12. In Figure 1, the bat 12 is depicted as being held such that the impact point 24 is located toward the toe of the bat 12 in the area that is commonly referred to as the sweet spot in cricket terminology. If the clamp assembly 22 is moved such that the bat 12 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow labelled 44, doing so will result in the impact point 24 being moved away from the toe and toward the shoulder of the bat 12.

[0050] The clamp assembly 22 is adapted to hold the bat 12 in an axial orientation that causes the ball 18 to rebound in a lateral trajectory from the face 42 of the bat 12 when the ball 18 lands on the impact point 24. The gauge 26 is, therefore, positioned laterally offset from the clamp assembly 22 such that the gauge 26 can measure a lateral travel distance of the ball 18 when the ball 18 rebounds in this manner. More particularly, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the clamp assembly 22 comprises a cradle 50 and a support frame 52. The cradle 50 holds the bat 12 and is rotatably connected to the support frame 52. Rotating the cradle 50 relative to the support frame 52, therefore, adjusts the axial orientation of the bat 12 about its longitudinal axis.

[0051] Figures 3A and 3B depict the cradle 50 in first and second rotational orientations (respectively) relative to the support frame 52. Figures 6A and 6B also depict the cradle 50 in the same first and second orientations respectively. In the first orientation, the bat 12 is held axially oriented by the cradle 50 such that the face 42 of the bat 12 lies in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the gravitational vertical. The gravitational vertical is labelled gV. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the face 42 is, therefore, directly facing the gravitational vertical gV such that dropping the ball 18 on the bat 12 will result in the ball 18 rebounding vertically upward from the face 42. In the second orientation, the bat 12 is held axially oriented such that its face 42 is arranged at a tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane. The face 42 is, therefore, facing away from the gravitational vertical gV by the same tilt angle. The tilt angle is labelled a in Figure 6B. In this orientation, the ball 18 is caused to rebound laterally from the face 42 when the ball 18 is dropped onto the bat 12. In the example depicted, the tilt angle a of the cricket bat 12 as depicted in Figure 3B and Figure 6B is fifteen degrees.

[0052] Referring to Figures 10A-10C, the support frame 52 comprises a pair of plates 54 that are fixed to an upper side of the base 32 of the clamping assembly 22. The plates 54 are in parallel alignment and spaced apart from each other by a small distance. Each plate 54 is generally horseshoe shaped and, therefore, includes a central opening to accommodate the handle of the bat 12. The cradle 50 comprises a disc 56 that is affixed to a first longitudinal end of an elongate spine 58 of the cradle 50 such that the disc 56 rotates with the cradle 50. The disc 56 is interposed (i.e. , sandwiched) between the two plates 54 and is also horseshoe shaped to accommodate the handle of the bat 12. As best shown in Figure 10B, an upright arm 60 is affixed to a second longitudinal end of the spine 58. The spine 58, therefore, operates as a base of the cradle 50 that supports the horseshoe shaped disc 56 and arm 60 at its two opposed ends.

[0053] The support frame 52 further comprises an upright support 62. The upright support 62 vertically extends from a peripheral end of the base 32 of the clamping assembly 22. The arm 60 is pivotably attached by a pin to the upright support 62 at a pivot point 64 located at an upper end of the support 62. In this configuration, the spine 58 hangs from the support 62 and is, therefore, able to pivot back and forth in a rocking motion about the pivot point 64. The pivoting of the spine 58 causes the cradle 50 to rotate about the pivot point 64. The horseshoe shaped disc 56 is positioned relative to the support 62 such that the disc 56 is axially aligned with the pivot point 64. The disc 56, therefore, rotates about the pivot point 64 between the plates 54 when the spine 58 pivots about the pivot point 64. The plates 54 and disc 56 are relatively arranged such that their respective central openings remain axially aligned with the handle of the cricket bat 12 when the disc 56 rotates with the cradle 50. The clamp assembly 22 further comprises a bearing assembly for facilitating smooth rotation of the disc 56 between the plates 54. For example, the bearing assembly may comprise a set of ball bearings (not shown) arranged about a perimeter of the disc 56. The ball bearings are disposed between the perimeter and the plates 54 such that they govern the relative rotation between these parts. In this arrangement, the disc 56 and plates 54 effectively operate as races of the bearing assembly.

[0054] The cradle 50 is preferably configured such that it is rotatable about the pivot point 64 only between the first and second rotational orientations as depicted in Figures 3A and 3B respectively (and in Figures 6A and 6B respectively). To this end, the clamp assembly 22 further comprises a pair of indexing tabs (not shown). The tabs protrudefrom the cradle 50 such that they bear against respective portions of the clamp assembly 22 to constrain the rotational freedom of the cradle 50 between the two orientations. For example, the tabs may protrude from the disc 56 such that they bear against parts of the bearing assembly to constrain the rotation of the cradle 50 in this manner.

[0055] The clamp assembly 22 further comprises a fastener mechanism for releasably fastening the orientation of the cradle 50 once it has been rotated, including in each of the first and second orientations. In the example depicted, the fastener mechanism comprises a hand bolt 66 which operatively extends through the two plates 54 of the support frame 52. A threaded shank of the hand bolt 66 threadedly engages with a threaded through hole that is provided in the plate 54 located away from the head of the hand bolt 66. In this arrangement, the hand bolt 66 is configured such that the shank and head of the hand bolt 66 operate to push the two plates 54 together when the hand bolt 66 is tightened. In turn, the plates 54 apply corresponding frictional braking forces on the sides of the disc 56 sandwiched between the plates 54. When the cradle 50 needs to to be rotated into a new orientation, the hand bolt 66 may be loosened to remove the braking force applied by the plates 54 on the disc 56.

[0056] The cradle 50 comprises a jaw assembly for gripping the bat 12 securely in position. As depicted in Figure 10C, the jaw assembly comprises a pair of jaws 68 that are relatively movable between locked and release conditions. In their locked condition, the jaws 68 press toward each other to apply corresponding clamping forces against respective upper and lower sides of the handle of the bat 12. When the jaws 68 move into their release condition, the jaws 68 pull apart from each to remove the clamping forces, thus allowing the bat 12 to be withdrawn from the jaws 68. The jaw assembly may be configured such that the clamping forces applied by the jaws 68 are adjustable in magnitude. Referring to Figure 7, the jaw assembly comprises a pair of locking handles 70 that are configured to operate as per the handles of locking pliers. The lowermost of the handles 70 is fixed and the uppermost of the handles 70 is moveable. When the two handles 70 are squeezed together, the handles 70 operate as levers that urge the jaws 68 together. The lever action of the handles 70 multiplies the clamping forces applied by the jaws 68. The handles 70 operate by an over-centre cam action such that they lock in place when the required clamping forces are applied. This allows the jaws 68 to remain clamped to the handle of the bat 12 without needing continuouspressure on the handles 70. The handles 70 are pulled open to release the jaws 68. A release lever 72 on the uppermost (moveable) handle 70 may be gripped and raised to aid the release. The jaw assembly comprises a threaded adjustment rod 74 extending along the lowermost (fixed) handle 70. The adjustment rod 74 is provided with a handle that, when turned, adjusts a relative spacing between the jaws 68. Adjusting the jaw spacing adjusts the magnitude of the clamping forces that are exerted by the jaws 68 when the handles 70 are locked.

[0057] It is important to ensure that when the bat 12 is held by the clamp assembly 22, the bat 12 is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the face 42 of the bat 12, which is labelled 75 in Figures 3A and 3B, is perpendicular to the gravitational vertical gV. This ensures that the vertical distance between the release point 18 and the impact point 24 (i.e., the drop height of the ball 12) stays the same regardless of how the bat 12 is laterally positioned relative to the release point 18. The jaws 68 are, therefore, adjustable in orientation relative to the spine 58 of the cradle 50 for aligning the longitudinal axis 75 of the face 42. In the example depicted, the jaws 68 can be pivoted relative to the spine 58 to make such adjustments. More particularly, referring to Figure 5 a screw wheel 76 is rotatably secured to the spine 58 by a threaded stud 78 for pivoting the jaws 68 in use. The screw wheel 76 is located within a rectangular slot 80 in the spine 58. As best shown in Figure 10C, the lower of the two jaws 68 comprises a flat base plate 81 on its underside. The base plate 81 is oriented upright and extends longitudinally along the underside of the lower jaw 68. Referring to Figure 5, the base plate 81 is pivotably attached to the spine 58 by a pin 82 that extends laterally through the spine 58 at a pivot point. The threaded stud 78 extends vertically through the spine 58 to engage with a clevis plate 86 adjacent to the base plate 81, as illustrated in Figure 8. The two jaws 68 are connected to each other by the locking handles 70. When the screw wheel 76 is turned, the stud 78 operatively raises or lowers the base plate 81 pivotably about the pin 82, thus causing the jaws 68 to pivot together relative to the pin 82. Once the jaws 68 have been pivoted using the screw wheel 76 to orientate the bat 12 correctly, the cradle 50 comprises a locking mechanism for locking the jaws 68 in orientation relative to the spine 58. Referring to Figure 8, the locking mechanism comprises a hand bolt 88 that, when tightened, applies a clamping force that locks the jaws 68 in orientation. The hand bolt 88 applies the clamping force between the clevis plate 86 and the base plate 81 of the jaws 68.

[0058] Referring to Figure 1, an annular collar 90 is located at an upper end of the support member 16 for holding the ball 18 at the release point 20. The collar 90 comprises a plurality of inwardly projecting support pins 92. The pins 92 are regularly spaced around the collar 90 and extend radially toward a centre of the collar 90 for supporting the ball 18. The collar 90 further comprises a release mechanism for releasing the ball 18. In the example depicted, the release mechanism comprises a release pin 94 that is slidably supported by the collar 90 relative to the support pins 92. The release pin 94 slides through the collar 90 between release and hold positions. In the hold position, the release pin 94 projects inwardly into the centre of the collar 90 such that the release pin 94 and support pins 92 together hold the ball 18 in the centre. When the pin 94 is moved into its release position, the pin 94 retracts from the centre allowing the ball 18 to fall therethrough. The release pin 94 is preferably spring loaded such that it is biased toward its release position. In this configuration, when a user wishes to secure the ball 18 at the release point 20, they will push and hold the release pin 94 into its hold position and place the ball 18 into the centre of the collar 90. When the user is ready to release the ball 18, they will let go of the release pin 94 causing the pin 94 to move automatically into its release position to allow the ball 18 to drop through the collar 90. In the embodiment depicted, the position of the collar 90 on the support member 16 is fixed. In other examples, the position of the collar 90 may be adjustable along the support member 16 for adjusting the drop height of the ball 18. A distance measuring device, which in the example depicted is a laser telemeter 95, is attached to the upper end of the support member 16. The laser telemeter 95 is used to measure and / or verify the distance between the release point 20 and the impact point 24, which corresponds to the drop height.

[0059] The gauge 26 comprises an array of parallel fingers 96 that are pivotably attached to a frame 98. More particularly, the frame 98 comprises a rectangular upper frame section made of metal. The fingers 96 are arranged in row and laterally extend between a first lateral side 100 and a second lateral side 102 of the rectangular frame section. Each finger 96 is made of plastic, or another suitably rigid material, and comprises first and second opposed ends. The first ends of the fingers 96 are pivotably attached along a spine 104 that extends along the first lateral side 100 of the upper frame section. The second ends of the fingers 96 comprise magnets 105 (see Figure 13) that releaseably secure the second ends to the second lateral side 102 of the rectangular frame section. When one or more of the fingers 96 are hit by the moving ball18, the impact force exerted by the ball 18 on each relevant finger 96 overcomes the magnetic forces keeping the fingers 96 in position and causes the fingers 96 to pivot downward about the spine 104. The fingers 96 that are moved by the ball 18, therefore, mark the lateral distance travelled by the ball 18 from the bat 12. A tray 106 for catching the ball 18 is disposed underneath the fingers 96. The base of the tray 106 comprises a sloped landing surface 108 that has a trough 110 arranged at one end. When the ball 18 falls though the fingers 96 and lands onto the landing surface 108, the ball 18 rolls down the incline into the trough 110 from where it can be conveniently retrieved. A scale (not shown) may be displayed on the frame 98 adjacent to the fingers 96. The scale may include a set of numbers in a suitable unit for measuring distance, such as centimetres, that are aligned next to the fingers 96. The scale conveniently allows a user of the apparatus 10 to note the measured travel distance of the ball 18 so that they can record this information in a written or digital record.

[0060] In use, to test the cricket bat 12 a user will initially mount the bat 12 onto the clamp assembly 22 such that the handle of the bat 12 is positioned between the pair of jaws 68 and such that the toe of the bat 12 is adjacent to the stop 35. The user will then clamp the bat handle between the jaws 68 using the jaw handles 70. If necessary, the user can advantageously adjust the clamping forces applied by the jaws 68 using the adjustment rod 74 to ensure that the bat handle is firmly held. At this point in time, the cradle 50 will be hanging vertically from the support frame 52 of the clamp assembly 22 such that the cradle 50 will be rotatably oriented as illustrated in Figures 3A and 6A. The cradle 50 will be fastened in this orientation by the hand bolt 66. To prepare the bat 12 for an accurate test, the bat 12 needs to be axially oriented such that its face 42 is initially level - i.e., such that the face 42 lies in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the gravitational vertical. The bat 12 is depicted in this initial axial orientation in Figure 3A. The user will, therefore, measure the axial orientation of the face 42 relative to gravity using a suitable measuring instrument, such as a spirit level or similar inclinometer. If the face 42 is not orientated correctly, then the user may advantageously loosen the grip of the jaws 68, adjust the axial rotation of the bat 12 relative to the jaws 68 and then close the jaws 68 and re-measure the orientation. The user will repeat this process until the face 42 of the bat 12 is level. The bat 12 also needs to be held by the jaws 68 such that the longitudinal axis 75 of the face 42 is perpendicular to the gravitational vertical. If necessary, the user may, therefore, advantageously adjust the angle between the longitudinal axis 75 of the face 42 and the gravitational vertical usingthe screw wheel 76 and hand bolt 88. Again, the user will use the measuring instrument to perform this adjustment process.

[0061] Once the bat 12 is oriented correctly, the user will release the hand bolt 66 and rotate the cradle 50 about the pivot axis 64. The user will rotate the cradle 50 in this manner so that it is rotatably oriented at the desired tilt angle, as illustrated in Figure 6B. Rotating the cradle 50 this way advantageously causes the bat 12 to be axially oriented by the same tilt angle, as illustrated in Figure 3B. The user will then use the hand bolt 66 to fasten the cradle 50 and bat 12 at this tilt angle. If required, the user may then advantageously adjust the position of the clamp assembly 22 along the frame member 30 in order to adjust the desired impact point 24 of the ball 18. To do this, the user will loosen the hand bolt 40, pull out the indexing knob 38 and then slide the clamp assembly 22 along the frame member 30 until the clamp assembly 22 is in the required fixed position. The user will then let go of the indexing knob 38 causing the spring-loaded locating pin of the knob 38 to drop into the relevant hole 36 on the frame member 30 to anchor the clamp assembly 22 in place. The user will then tighten the hand bolt 40.

[0062] To prepare the gauge 26 for the test, the user will check to ensure that the fingers 96 are all oriented level with their respective ends magnetically secured to the metal frame 98. If any fingers 96 are not level, the user will manually pivot the relevant fingers 96 about the spine 104 until the magnets 105 of the fingers 96 engage with the frame 98. The user will then push in the release pin 94 and place the ball 18 into the collar 90. It is important to ensure that the ball 18 is in the same rotational orientation for each test because differences in ball orientation can affect the restitution that is measured for each test. Therefore, if necessary, the user will rotate the ball 18 within the collar 90 so that the ball 18 is in the correct position. The collar 18 may advantageously comprise one or more visual markings (not shown) that the user can refer to and compare with corresponding markings on the ball 18 to orientate the ball 18 correctly.

[0063] To perform the test, the user will let go of the release pin 94 to release the ball 18 from the collar 90. The ball 18 will then fall from the release point 20 onto the impact point 24 on the face 42 of the bat 12. Because the bat 12 is axially oriented at the desired tilt angle, when the ball 18 rebounds from the impact point 24 the ball 18 is caused to travel in a lateral trajectory toward the gauge 26. The ball 18 will fall through one or more of the fingers 96 causing the relevant fingers 96 to pivot downward. Theuser will then measure the lateral distance travelled by the ball 18 by observing the relevant pivoted fingers 96. The user may refer to the scale displayed on the frame 98 of the gauge 26 and note the relevant scale markings corresponding to the pivoted fingers 96. The user may then use the information read from the scale to make a documented record of the lateral travel distance. The magnitude of the ball’s travel distance corresponds to the restitution of the cricket bat 12 - i.e., the longer the distance, the higher the restitution. The user may repeat the test process for various different impact points 24 on the bat 12 by adjusting the lateral orientation of the clamp assembly 22 relative to the base 14 for each test.

[0064] In the embodiment depicted, the gauge 26 comprises a set of pivotable fingers 96 for measuring a rebound travel distance of the ball 18. In other examples, the gauge 26 may feature other types of mechanisms and methods for measuring the travel distance. For example, the gauge 26 may comprise a sandpit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the clamp assembly 22, wherein the sandpit is provided with a calibrated measuring scale. The scale is used to measure the distance between the impact point 24 and the position in the sandpit at which the ball 18 lands for each test. In other examples, the gauge 26 may comprise a pressure sensor mat or light array for determining the impact position of the ball 18 on a landing surface of the gauge 26, thus allowing the travel distance to be measured. In other embodiments, the gauge 26 may comprise a device for measuring a rebound velocity of the ball 18, rather than the rebound travel distance. The device will also measure the incoming velocity of the ball 18 immediately before the ball 18 collides with the bat 12. The difference between the two measured velocities will correspond to the restitution of the cricket bat 12. For example, the gauge 26 may comprise a radar gun, a laser-based velocity sensor or a video camera connected to a computer that performs image processing of video feed data to calculate the velocity measurements algorithmically. In the embodiment depicted, the ball 18 is dropped from the release point 20 such that the ball 18 falls vertically toward the impact point 24 under gravity. In other examples, the ball 18 may be propelled from its release point 20 by a firing device, such as a cannon, and travel in a non-vertical path from the release point 20 to the impact point 24. In the embodiment depicted, the clamp assembly 22 is laterally moveable relative to the base 14 to adjust the relative lateral alignment between the clamped position of the bat 12 and the release point 20. In other examples, the clamp assembly 22 may be statically secured to the base 14 and the support member 16 may be configured such that the support member16 is laterally moveable into a plurality of positions relative to the base 14 to adjust the relative lateral alignment. In the embodiment depicted, a human user manually adjusts and operates the clamp assembly 22 and the release pin 94. In other examples, these mechanisms may be autonomously controlled by a robotic control system deployed on the apparatus 10.

[0065] For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

[0066] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus for evaluating restitution of an item of sports equipment, the apparatus comprising:a base, wherein the base comprises a support member for holding a sports projectile associated with the sports equipment at a release point relative to the base;a clamp assembly provided on the base for securing the sports equipment in a clamped position relative to the release point such that, in use, when the sports projectile is released from the release point and travels toward the sports equipment, the sports projectile collides with an impact point on a striking surface of the sports equipment; anda gauge positioned relative to the base for measuring a rebound travel distance or rebound velocity of the sports projectile when the sports projectile rebounds from the impact point, wherein a magnitude of the rebound travel distance or rebound velocity corresponds to the restitution of the sports equipment,wherein the apparatus is configured such that a relative lateral alignment between the clamped position and the release point is adjustable for adjusting the impact point.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamp assembly is laterally moveable into a plurality of positions relative to the base for adjusting the relative lateral alignment.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the clamp assembly is slidably movable into the positions along a frame member of the base.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a locking mechanism for releasably locking the clamp assembly in each of the positions.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a hand bolt rotatably secured in the frame member to bear against the clamp assembly when the hand bolt is turned.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the clamp assembly is slidably moveable into a plurality of fixed positions on the frame member.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a latch mechanism for releasably securing the clamp assembly in each of the fixed positions.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the latch mechanism comprises an indexing knob slidably secured to the frame member by a locating pin, wherein the locating pin is operatively receivable into a plurality of holes in the clamp assembly corresponding to the fixed positions.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the locating pin is spring loaded such that it is biased against the clamp assembly.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is laterally moveable into a plurality of positions relative to the base to adjust the relative lateral alignment.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to secure the sports equipment such that a longitudinal axis of the striking surface is orientated at an angle relative to a gravitational vertical, wherein the angle is adjustable.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to secure the sports equipment in an axial orientation about a longitudinal axis of the sports equipment, wherein the axial orientation is adjustable.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the axial orientation causes the sports projectile to rebound in a lateral trajectory from the impact point.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the gauge is positioned laterally offset from the clamp assembly for measuring a lateral travel distance of the sports projectile when rebounding in the lateral trajectory.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the gauge comprises an array of parallel fingers pivotably attached to a frame, wherein the fingers pivot relative to the frame when hit by the sports projectile for marking the lateral travel distance.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a cradle for holding the sports equipment, wherein the cradle is rotatably connected to a support frame of the clamp assembly such that the axial orientation is adjustable by rotating the cradle relative to the support frame.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the cradle is rotatable relative to the support frame between first and second orientations, wherein:in the first of the orientations, the axial orientation provides that the striking surface lies in a horizontal plane relative to a gravitational vertical; andin the second of the orientations, the axial orientation provides that the striking surface is at a tilt angle relative to the horizontal plane.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the tilt angle is equal to or less than 20 degrees.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the cradle comprises a pair of jaws for gripping the sports equipment.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the jaws are adjustable in orientation relative to a base of the cradle for adjusting a relative angle between a longitudinal axis of the striking surface and a gravitational vertical.

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