Abstract:
A system and method for variably altering the dynamics of a bowling ball. The system includes a bowling ball, one or more weight holes arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, and one or more removable weight inserts configured to be inserted into and frictionally engage the respective weight holes during an operational use thereof such that the one or more removable weight inserts substantially cover and close the one or more weight holes. Each of the removable weight inserts have a positive or negative weight effect and include indicia designating the weight of the respective removable weight insert.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention is generally related to bowling ball dynamics, and more particularly to a system and method for variably altering the dynamics of a bowling ball on a bowling lane. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Background 
         [0004]    In the sport of bowling, aside from the technique of the bowler, numerous factors determine how a ball rolls and slides down a bowling lane. The ability of a bowler to compensate for these factors is important. These factors include without limitation: the lane conditions; the placement of the finger and thumb holes; the weight of the bowling ball; and the amount of positive and negative top, bottom and side weights on the bowling ball. Bowling lane conditions vary depending upon the lane surface, the amount of oil applied to the lane and other factors. 
         [0005]    Bowling ball regulations in the United States typically regulate that weight of a bowling ball not exceed 16 pounds and have an outside diameter of approximately 8.550 to 8.595 inches. The placement of the finger and thumb holes, and the amount of positive and negative top, bottom and side weights impacts the rolling dynamics of the bowling ball on a bowling lane. 
         [0006]    In the prior art, the amount of positive and negative top, bottom and side weights were permanently adjusted with respect to the bowling ball and could not be modified without additional permanent modifications to the bowling ball. As such, bowling users would typically utilize multiple bowling balls having differing positive and negative top, bottom and side weights in order to utilize the optimum bowling ball dynamics for a particular bowling lane. The use of multiple bowling balls is both costly and inefficient. 
         [0007]    Thus, there currently exist deficiencies associated with bowling ball dynamics, and, in particular, with altering the dynamics of a bowling ball on a bowling lane. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for variably altering the dynamics of a bowling ball. The system includes (i) a spherical bowling ball, (ii) one or more weight holes arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, and (iii) one or more removable weight inserts configured to be inserted into and engage the respective weight holes during an operational use thereof such that the one or more removable weight inserts substantially cover and close the one or more weight holes. Each of the removable weight inserts have a positive or negative weight effect and include indicia designating the weight of the respective removable weight insert. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for variably altering the dynamics of a bowling ball. The method includes (i) drilling one or more weight holes arranged on the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, (ii) selecting one or more removable weight inserts, and (iii) seating the selected one or more removable weight inserts into a corresponding one or more weight holes during an operational use thereof such that the one or more removable weight inserts substantially cover and close the one or more weight holes. Each of the removable weight inserts have a positive or negative weight effect and include indicia designating the weight of the respective removable weight insert. 
         [0010]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for variably altering the dynamics of a bowling ball. The system includes (i) a spherical bowling ball, (ii) a first and second set of finger and thumb holes arranged at different positions along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, (iii) one or more weight holes proximate to the first set of finger and thumb holes and arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, (iv) one or more weight holes proximate to the second set of finger and thumb holes and arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween, and (v) one or more removable weight inserts configured to be inserted into and engage the respective weight holes and second set of finger and thumb holes during an operational use thereof such that the one or more removable weight inserts substantially cover and close the one or more weight holes and second set of finger and thumb holes. Each of the removable weight inserts have a positive or negative weight effect and including indicia designating the weight of the respective removable weight insert. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a top plan view of an improved bowling ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a sectional view of an improved bowling ball in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  shows a sectional view of an improved bowling ball with one or more weight inserts in a non-operational position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  shows a sectional view of an improved bowling ball with one or more weight inserts in an operational position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  shows a sectional view of an improved bowling ball with an alternate weight insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  shows a sectional view of an improved bowling ball with an another alternate weight insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A-5D  show top plan views of weight inserts showing differing head types in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a top plan view of an improved bowling ball in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described. 
         [0021]    A bowling ball is typically comprised of urethane, plastic, reactive resin or a combination of these materials. The bowling ball consists of a hard outer shell with a weight block molded into the core of the bowling ball. Amongst other factors, the mass and shape of the weight block affects the spin of the bowling ball and how it curves as it rolls down the bowling lane. Bowling regulations typically allow for a maximum weight of 16 pounds and a maximum diameter of 8.6 inches. Bowling balls generally include two finger holes and one thumb hole for gripping the bowling ball. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a bowling ball positive axis point (PAP) is the initial axis of rotation of the bowling ball as soon as it begins traveling down the lane, where W 0  is the initial rotation speed of the bowling ball. The PAP and W 0  both depend on, amongst other factors, the bowler&#39;s release technique. Every bowler has their own release technique so the PAP is different for each bowler. For each bowler, the PAP is generally in a fixed location relative to the finger and thumb holes. As shown in  FIG. 2 , an imaginary line originates from the geometric center C of the bowling ball and passes through the center of mass G of the bowling ball. The intersection of this line with the surface of the bowling ball is called the center of gravity CG. 
         [0023]    The optimal trajectory of a bowling ball is a curved path where it strikes the pins on the bowling lane at an angle. Striking the pins at an angle improves the chances that there will be a strike in which all of the pins are knocked down. If the ball follows a curved path along the bowling lane, it will be able to strike the pins at a greater angle than a bowling ball that travels in a straight line. Therefore, controlling the curved path of the bowling ball along the bowling lane is essential to making the best possible shot. 
         [0024]    The length of a typical ten-pin bowling lane in the United States is 60 feet. The bowling lane is typically oiled to protect it from wear, especially during the initial sliding stage of the bowling ball before it begins pure rolling. The angular velocity vector typically changes direction as the ball travels down the lane due to friction between the ball and the lane. 
         [0025]    Typically, during the first part of the motion, the bowling ball slides along the lane since its rotational speed does not match the linear velocity of the ball. The lane friction and the bowler&#39;s release technique eventually stop the ball from sliding and pure rolling begins. The ball then continues rolling down the bowling lane until it hits the pins. The ball hits the pins at an angle (θ). Ideally, the front-most pins are hit first by the bowling ball at an oblique angle, since this will most likely result in a strike. The closer this angle is to the optimum angle, the greater the chance that all the pins will be knocked down. 
         [0026]    The amount of deflection (δ) that the bowling ball travels down the bowling lane is called the “hook” in the trajectory of the bowling ball. It is the sideways deflection of the ball from its original trajectory. 
         [0027]    The location of the PAP relative to the pins on the bowling ball determines how much the bowling ball precesses as it travels down the lane. Consequently, the level of precession is directly proportional to the level of friction between the lane and the bowling ball. The level of friction, in turn, has a large influence on δ and θ. More precession leads to more friction and results in more hook, and less precession leads to less friction and results in less hook. A principal influence on ball motion is friction between the bowling ball and the bowling lane, whether it&#39;s due to friction influenced by ball precession or lane conditions (e.g., oiled vs. non-oiled). 
         [0028]    The amount of positive and negative top, bottom and side weights on the bowling ball is also important in influencing the amount of hook δ, and impact angle θ. Therefore, these weights should be optimized for the bowling lane conditions and the bowler&#39;s technique, in order to get the best possible shot. Positive and negative side weights effect when and how much the ball will hook. A ball with positive side weight (i.e., finger weight) will hook later and hook more. A ball with negative side weight (i.e., thumb weight) will hook sooner and hook less. United States bowling regulations place a limit of up to one ounce of side weight, either positive or negative. Top weight effects how far the ball will go down the lane before it snaps on the backend of the bowling lane. Likewise, bottom weight makes the ball roll earlier and arc more. United States bowling regulations place a limit of up to three ounces of top weight and/or bottom weight, either positive or negative. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top plan view of an improved bowling ball  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bowling ball  10  includes a spherical outer shell  12 , a weighted inner core (not shown), and finger and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ) drilled into the outer shell of the bowling ball  10 . A bowler engages the finger and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ) and by means of a swinging motion, propels the bowling ball  10  toward a bowling pin arrangement at the end of a bowling lane. The bowling ball  10  assumes any one of a number of trajectories as it slides and rolls along the lane until it strikes the pins. 
         [0030]    The bowling ball  10  also includes one or more weight inserts  22  and corresponding weight holes  20  arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball  12  and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween. Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a sectional view of an improved bowling ball  10  with one or more weight inserts  22  and corresponding weight holes  20  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular,  FIG. 3B  shows the one or more weight inserts  22  in their operational inserted position in corresponding weight holes  20 . In their respective operational positions, the one or more weight inserts  22  substantially cover and close corresponding weight holes  20  such that in their operational positions, the perimeter surface of the bowling ball has substantially the same condition as if the weight holes  20  were not present. According to one embodiment, the one or more weight inserts  22  are configured and sized such that they are held in place by means of frictional engagement. According to an alternate embodiment, the one or more weight inserts  22  are configured and sized such that they are held in place by means of a locking mechanism such as the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4B . According to this arrangement, the locking mechanism consists of a locking portion  28  which extends from a bottom end of the one or more weight inserts  22  and a corresponding locking portion  26  which extends from a bottom end of the one or more weight holes  20 . The locking portion  28  is inserted into an appropriately sized opening of the corresponding locking portion  26  and twisted into a locked operational position. 
         [0031]    According to one embodiment, the one or more weight inserts  22  include weight increments of 0.5 ounces (i.e., −1.0, −0.5, 0.0, 0.5 and 1.0 ounces for side weight inserts, and −3.0, −2.5, −2.0, −1.5. −1.0, −0.5, 0,0, 0.5, 1,0, 1.5, 2,0, 2.5 and 3.0 ounces for top and bottom weight inserts). More commonly, and without limiting, a bowler would start at 0.0 ounces and add increments of 0.5 ounces up to the legal weight for the side or top weight. Obviously, other weight increments are possible within the scope of the present invention. The head of the one or more weight inserts  22  may include indicia for indicating the weight of the respective weight insert  22 . The indicia may include, without limitation, a unique color, a label, an image, or the like. It is envisioned that United States bowling regulations would be modified to specific regulated indicia so that it may be standardized for case of use and inspection. This would be particularly helpful during a sanctioned bowling tournament. The head of the one or more weight inserts  22  may also include a means for inserting and removing the respective weight inserts, such as, without limitation, one or more spanner holes for use with a corresponding spanner wrench. For example, the one or more weight inserts  22  may include one or more spanner holes ( 24   a  and  24   b ) as shown in  FIG. 5C . According to one embodiment, the one or more weight inserts  22  consists of the same material used in the bowling ball. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , a sectional view of an improved bowling ball with an alternate one or more weight inserts  22  and corresponding weight holes  20  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to this arrangement, one or more weight holes  20  are internally threaded and configured to receive the one or more weight inserts  22  which are also threaded and configured to substantially cover and close corresponding weight holes  20  when the weight inserts  22  are screwed into their respective operational positions. As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5D , the one or more weight inserts  22  may be configured, without limitation, with a slot head ( FIG. 5A ), a custom head such as a head having one or more spanner holes ( FIG. 5B ), a Phillips head ( FIG. 5C ), a hex socket head ( FIG. 5D ) or with any other similar configuration. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a top plan view of an improved bowling ball  10   a  in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to this alternate embodiment, the bowling ball  10   a  includes a spherical outer shell  12 , a weighted inner core (not shown), and a first set of finger and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ), a second set of finger and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ), and two or more weight holes ( 20  and  20   a ) drilled into the outer shell of the bowling ball  10   a . Each of the first set of finger and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ), second set of finger and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ), and weight holes ( 20  and  20   a ) are arranged along the outer perimeter of the bowling ball  12  and extending radially inward therein forming an open cavity therebetween. The bowling ball  10   a  includes one or more weight inserts  22  which plug corresponding weight holes  20  and are proximate to the first set of figure and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ). The bowling ball  10   a  also includes corresponding weight inserts  22  which plug the second set of figure and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ) and weight hole  20   a.    
         [0034]    Each of the weight inserts  22  substantially cover and close corresponding weight holes ( 20  and  20   a ) and second set of finger and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ) such that in their operational positions, the perimeter surface of the bowling ball has substantially the same condition as if the weight holes ( 20  and  20   a ) and second set of finger and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ) were not present. In operational use, the weight inserts  22  may be used to plug either the first set of finger and thumb holes ( 14 ,  16  and  18 ) and weight hole  20 , or the second set of finger and thumb holes ( 14   a ,  16   a  and  18   a ) and weight hole ( 20   a ), thereby producing alternate weighting options that may be adjusted to achieve optimum performance of the bowling ball  10   a . Obviously, other sets of plugged finger and thumb holes are possible within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0035]    In operation, one or more weight holes arranged on the outer perimeter  12  of the bowling ball  10  and extending radially inward therein are drilled forming an open cavity therebetween. One or more weight inserts  22  having an appropriate weight is selected and inserted into corresponding one or more weight holes  20  using, without limitation, a wrench, a screwdriver, a drill or the like. The one or more weight inserts  22  are seated into their respective operational positions such that they substantially cover and close the corresponding one or more weight holes  20 . The one or more weight inserts  22  are configured and sized such that they are held in place by means of frictional engagement. By inserting differently weighted positive or negative top, bottom and/or side weight inserts  22  into their operational positions, the top, bottom and/or side weight may be adjusted for the corresponding bowling ball. Thereby, when and how the ball will hook and/or the snap of the ball at the backend of the lane may be adjusted. 
         [0036]    While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 
         [0037]    Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the disclosed concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise then as specifically described.