Bowler's Equalizing Weight

Abstract

An equalizing weight of elongate arcuate configuration that substantially conforms to the exterior surface of the hand or wrist, and may be removably secured thereto to improve the performance of the bowler using the same.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A bowler's equalizing weight that conforms generally to the exterior surface of the hand or wrist of the user and means for removably attaching the same thereto.

2. Description of the Prior Art

During the past few years, the popularity of bowling as a source of amusement has increased tremendously. To achieve consistently high scoring a bowler's delivery of the balls must be smooth and uniform, and one conforming to his particular physique and muscle coordination.

Beginners, as well as many amateur bowlers who have played for a considerable length of time, have difficulty in attaining a smooth, uniform delivery, because of the fact that the bowling ball is relatively heavy and tends to prevent the bowler from walking straight to the foul line in a relaxed, balanced position.

When the present invention is worn on the bowler's arm or wrist opposite to that supporting the bowling ball, the bowler is in a more normal, balanced position than he would be if he were not wearing the weight, and, as a result, he more easily executes a smooth arm swing in delivering the bowling ball. Also, because the bowler is in a more balanced position, there is less tendency for him to drop his shoulders and deviate from a straight path as he approaches the foul line. The balanced condition achieved by a bowler wearing the present invention is one normally attained, only after practice for a prolonged period of time if the weight were not worn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An arcuate equalizing weight that may be worn on the hand or wrist of a bowler opposite to the hand supporting the ball to achieve a more balanced and relaxed position than if the weight were not so worn.

A major object of the invention is to provide a bowler's equalizing weight that imparts an improved balance to the bowler wearing the same, permits a smoother arm swing without dropping the shoulders, and encourages the bowler to walk straight in approaching the foul line, all to the end that the bowler will develop consistent form in ball delivery and improve his score as a result thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bowler in action, wearing the equalizing weight on the hand opposite to that which supports the ball;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device on a user's hand;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the device;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the device that includes an alternate form of band which is adjustable in length; and

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The bowler's equalizing weight A is shown in FIG. 1 in the position it normally occupies when worn by a bowler B. The device A is removably worn on the hand C or wrist D of the bowler B of the arm E opposite to the arm E' supporting the bowling ball F. When the arm E supporting the weight A is extended outwardly from the body F of the bowler B, as shown in FIG. 1, and the arm E' maintained relatively close to the body G of the bowler, the bowler is in a more balanced condition whereby it is possible for his arm E' to swing smoothly without dropping his shoulders, and also encourages the bowler to pursue a relatively straight path as he moves towards the foul line. Thus, by placing the bowler B IN A MORE BALANCED POSITION THE WEIGHT A automatically corrects or minimizes deficiencies in his form of delivery and the deficiencies so eliminated or minimized are those which cause the average bowler to bowl in an erratic manner.

The equalizing device A, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, includes an elongate arcuate weight 10 that has a longitudinal concave inner surface 10a which generally conforms to the back of the hand C, or a surface portion of the wrist D, should the bowler B desire to wear the device A on his wrist. Weight 10 is preferably formed from lead or a lead alloy due to the high density thereof, as well as the ease with which lead may be cast or formed into a desired shape.

A length of steel wire 12 is bent to define a hollow rectangle 14 that has ends 16 and sides 18. The rectangle is embedded in substantially the center of the weight 10, with portions 18a of the sides 18 projecting from the ends of the weight. The ends 16 and the projecting side portions 18a cooperatively define loops 20.

The weight 10 is covered with an envelope 22 of a fabric or other protective material to prevent the metal weight 10 from coming into contact with the hand C or wrist D of the bowler B.

An endless band H of a flexible resilient material is provided, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, that engages both of the loops 20. The reaches 24 and 24' of the band H may be laterally separated (FIG. 2) to extend across the palm of the hand C, with the thumb 26 of the bowler B extending between end portions of the spaced reaches as also shown in FIG. 2. The length of the band H is so selected as to maintain the weight 10 in pressure contact with the hand C or wrist D of the bowler B.

An alternate form of band G that may be used to support the weight 10 on the hand C of bowler B is illustrated in FIG. 4. Band G includes a first segment 28 provided with a first looped and stitched end portion 30 that engages one of the ends 16. First segment 28 also includes a second stitched end portion which defines a loop 32 that may be removably engaged by a flat angular hook 34.

A second band segment 35 is secured to the end 16 opposite that engaged by the first segment 28. A transverse slot 36 is formed in hook 34 through which a looped portion 38 of the second band segment 34 extends. The free end of looped portion 38 is secured to a buckle 40 that is slidably adjustable on the second band segment 34. By slidable movement of the buckle 40, the effective length of the second band segment 34 may be varied to the extent that the first and second band segments snugly engage the hand C or wrist D of bowler B. Weight 10 preferably has a longitudinal convex outer surface 10b that conforms to the palm (not shown) of hand C when the weight 10 is transversely disposed relative to the palm, and the hand C grips the weight 10.

The use and operation of the weight-equalizing device have been explained previously in detail and need not be repeated.

Claims

We claim:

1. A weight-equalizing device that may be worn by a bowler on the hand of the arm opposite the arm supporting the bowling ball to improve the bowler's balance, which device includes:

a. an elongate lead weight having a longitudinal concave inner face that conforms generally to said bowler's wrist and back of the hand, and a convex outer face that conforms generally to said bowler's palm;

b. a rectangular wire member of greater length than said weight, said member having the central portion thereof embedded in said weight and longitudinally oriented relative thereto, and said member having two end portions that project from opposite ends of said weight to define two loops;

c. a protective envelope that encompasses the major the lead of the exterior surface of said weight to prevent the leading defining said weight from coming in contact with the skin of the bowler to discolor said skin; and

d. a single continuous band that engages said loops, with said band including two reaches that may be disposed to cross over one another when said weight is positioned on the back of said bowler's hand to permit the thumb of said hand to be positioned between said reaches and prevent any substantial movement of said weight relative to said hand.