Abstract:
A thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball including a barrel having a thumb or finger hole for insertion of either a human thumb or finger and capable of facilitating a properly timed release of a bowling ball and of adapting to digit swelling during play. The barrel has a complete annular portion and a partial annular portion, the latter forming a gap into which a flexible tab is disposed. The flexible tab is connected to the partial annular portion with one or more flexible members and includes an underside that engages the dorsal side of a user&#39;s thumb or finger, wherein the flexible members will flex so as to allow said flexible tab to flex outwardly when pressure is exerted against the underside of the flexible tab.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/777,684, filed Mar. 12, 2013 (Mar. 12, 2013). 
     
    
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0005]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0007]    The present invention relates generally to bowling balls, and more particularly to inserts for bowling ball finger holes, and still more particularly to a thumb insert having a flexible element that depresses at an optimal and consistent release point for a user. 
         [0008]    2. Background Discussion 
         [0009]    Recreational ten-pin bowling is physically and psychosocially beneficial. Over 95 million people worldwide now play the game, and its popularity is growing. While generally classified as an anaerobic activity involving little sustained physical exertion, it calls for a highly coordinated upper and lower body movements that result in a kind of underhand swinging throw of the ball down the lane. The movement recruits large muscles in the legs, back, and upper torso to propel the arm forward, where the action is finished with fine motor movements of the arm and hand. At the higher league and recreational levels, and certainly at the professional level, it requires exquisitely fine control of pace and length in the approach (or run up) and in the arm swing and release. As many skilled bowlers will attest, it is control, repeatability, and intentional variations in the arm swing and release that becomes the focus for play at the highest level, especially for those who finger spin the bowling ball. A universal feature of all good releases is that the fingers leaver their holes last, after the thumb has exited its hole. 
         [0010]    Additionally, it is well known that the thumb and fingers of a bowler almost invariably swell during play. This occurs because the powerful swing motion of the arms induces a centrifugal force that drives blood and interstitial fluids into the tissues of the hand and fingers. As a result, a hole sized perfectly for a finger or thumb before play begins may well be too small or at least uncomfortable as the game progresses. 
         [0011]    Professional bowlers have addressed this problem by sizing holes too large and then adding multiple layers of tape before play commences. As the game progresses, the bowlers systematically peel off layers as their thumbs and fingers swell. In the alternative, swelling is reduced using cold water, ice, compresses, and holding the hand overhead. All of these solutions work to varying degrees; however, all involve a substantial compromise in circulation, nerve conduction, and therefore sensation and feel. This is far less than ideal. 
         [0012]    Numerous attempts have been made to improve the fit and comfort of the finger and thumb holes in bowling balls. Exemplary patents include: 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,903, to Bernhardt, which teaches a bowling ball thumb insert with two sleeves. The second (outer) sleeve is retained in the first (inner) sleeve and selectively and lockably couples to it with a coupling mechanism. The second sleeve can be swapped out to tailor the fit of the hole to the user. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,297, Tillton discloses a bowling ball thumb sleeve with a cylindrical wall thickness composed of a yieldable material. The sleeve includes a pad or wedge-shaped thickened portion at the entrance and may be oval, round or elliptical, or a combination thereof. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,061, also to Bernhardt, describes a finger insert for a bowling ball having a resilient tubular body with an oblong cylindrical inner wall surface. The finger openings have thickened parallel planar finger pads therein adapted for cushioning the bowler&#39;s finger. The finger openings also have opposed arcuate finger pads for augmenting the spin and lift applied during delivery of the bowling ball. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,520, to Yamane, discloses a thumb insert for a bowling ball that includes a substantially cylindrical member formed from a non-metallic, flexible material and which has a base portion. The cylindrical member has an external cylindrical sidewall coupled to the internal cylindrical sidewall of the thumb-hole of the bowling ball, as well as a flexible member which has an external semi-cylindrical surface and an internal semi-cylindrical sidewall. The thumb insert is oriented such that the bowler places the back of his thumb against the internal semi-cylindrical sidewall of the flexible portion so that the bowler can resiliently and snugly insert his thumb into the thumb-hole of the bowling ball. 
         [0017]    The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventors are aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicants&#39; acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention is a thumb and finger insert for a bowling ball that includes structure to facilitate a well-timed release at an optimal release point as well as to accommodate and adapt to the natural swelling of the thumb and/or fingers during play. The inventive design eliminates the need to wrap a thumb or fingers in tape in anticipation of swelling induced by centrifugal force during play or the need to place layers of tape inside the thumb or finger holes in anticipation of the same. It does so by adapting to and accommodating size changes caused by such swelling. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view showing a bowler using the thumb and finger insert of the present invention (shown in a selective cutout in the bowling ball depicted); 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an upper right end view showing the thumb and finger insert of the present invention installed in a bowling ball; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an upper right front perspective view of the thumb and finger insert removed from a bowling ball; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of the present invention installed in a bowling ball; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5A  is a partial cross-sectional side view in elevation showing the inventive thumb and finger insert with a bowler&#39;s thumb inserted; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5B  is the same view showing the flexible element depressed upwardly so as to facilitate a release of the thumb from the insert; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an upper front end cross-sectional perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the thumb and finger insert of the present invention, which includes a taper in the thumb hole; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view in elevation thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A  is an upper front end perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the inventive thumb and finder insert showing an alternative way of coupling the flexible tab to the complete and partial annular portions of the insert barrel; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B  is the same view showing flexion of the flexible tab; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9A  is an upper front perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment having a side-connected flexible tab; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9B  is the same view showing flexion of the flexible tab; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10A  is an upper front perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment showing yet another alternative to connecting the flexible tab to the insert barrel; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10B  is a front view in elevation thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  shows still another embodiment of the inventive thumb and finger insert; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12A  is a side view in elevation showing the general principle of operation for those embodiments having a connection between the inboard end of the flexible tab and the complete annular portion of the insert barrel; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 12B  is a side view in elevation showing flexion with the player&#39;s digit eliminated for clarity. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5B , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved bowling ball thumb and finger hole insert, generally denominated  10  herein. The inventive apparatus comprises a cylindrical barrel  12  with an interior end  14  and an exterior end  16 . The barrel has a complete annular portion  18  proximate and extending to its interior end, and a partial annular portion  20  extending from the complete annular portion  18  to the exterior end  16 . In a preferred embodiment, when looked at on end (from the surface of the bowling ball B), the partial annular portion defines a shape redolent of the letter “C”, with the letter tipped onto the stress of its bowl portion  22  so as to form an uppermost gap. An aperture  26  extends longitudinally down the barrel to form an elongate slot  28 . 
         [0038]    Interposed between and spaced apart from the terminal walls  24  of the partial annular portion is a flexible tab  30 , which is cantilevered from the distal end  32  of the complete annular portion  18 , where it is preferably integrally connected at a hinge or flex line, in the manner of a living hinge. Accordingly, the flexible tab is preferably machined from an originally solid barrel. (However, it will be appreciated that it may be manufactured using a number of suitable methods, including molding, 3D printing, machining, etc.) The upper surface  34  of the flexible tab is recessed slightly from the upper edges  36  of the terminal walls  24 . The connection  38  of the flexible tab to the complete annular portion is sufficiently thin for the flexible tab to bend slightly under reasonably light pressures from inserting a thumb T and during use, yet robust enough to withstand thousands of insertions and removals. 
         [0039]    The interior surface  40  is configured with a concave shape which is substantially continuous with the curvature of the interior wall or surface  42  of the barrel. This feature, along with the side slots  44  spacing the flexible tab  30  from the terminal walls  24 , which are relatively narrow, provide the user with the feel of an unbroken surface in the opening  46 . It should be noted, moreover, that insertion of the thumb brings the dorsal side of the thumb into engagement with the interior surface  40  of the flexible tab  30 . It should also be noted that the opening may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, but it may also be slightly elliptical or slightly oblong. 
         [0040]    As will be appreciated, the inventive thumb and finger insert having the recessed flexible tab  30 , when inserted into the thumb or finger bore of a bowling ball B, creates a gap or space  48  sufficient for the flexible tab to flex upwardly, thereby increasing the size of opening  46 . When a thumb or finger is inserted into the thumb or finger hole, the flexible tab helps to accommodate the thumb or finger, particular as it swells during use. And when in actual use, the flexible tab facilitates release of the thumb at an optimal point in the forward motion of the bowler.  FIGS. 1 ,  5 A and  5 B best show this release. There it will be seen that when a bowler reaches the release point in his forward motion, the hand is ideally positioned such that it is in essentially a handshake position, with the dorsal side of the thumb in generally an upwardly facing orientation. (Similar release forces will operate on any finger inserted into the insert used in a finger hole.) However, the hand does not get into the optimal position until essentially the release point, and the pressures on the flexible tab are thus insufficient to bend the flexible tab any more than it is bent by the mere insertion of the thumb into the insert. However, when used as a thumb insert, whenever the thumb reaches a position where sufficient pressure is imposed on the flexible tab, the flexible tab will flex or bend rapidly and significantly, thereby providing a smooth release of the thumb. For instance, this occurs during the upswing of the arm shortly after reaching the nadir in the arc of the forward arm swing motion. This mechanical characteristic of the insert enables the user to fine tune a release point based on follow through motions. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show a second preferred embodiment  60  that constitutes a small variation on the first preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5B . In this iteration, essentially all of the operative and structural elements are identical to those of the first preferred embodiment, but there is included a slightly increasing taper along the interior wall  42  of the thumb hole  50  that commences at a truncation line  52 , such that the thumb hole includes an expanding interior portion  54  interior relative to the truncation line that increases slightly in size as it extends inwardly. The expanding interior portion wall  56  again conforms to provide a felt continuity with the tapered ceiling  58  of flexible tab  30 . 
         [0042]      FIGS. 8A through 12B  all show variations on the means of connecting the flexible tab to the terminal walls so as to promote comfort and a controlled release. Each embodiment may include a tapered opening, though the regularly sized and tapered opening are contemplated for use with each of the preferred embodiments. 
         [0043]    Referring first to  FIGS. 8A-8B  there is shown a third preferred embodiment  80  of the present invention. In this variation, the inventive apparatus again includes a cylindrical barrel  82  with an interior end  84  and an exterior end  86 . The barrel has a complete annular portion  88  proximate and extending to its interior end, and a partial annular portion  90  extending from the complete annular portion  88  to the exterior end  86 . Again, the partial annular portion includes a bowl portion  92  and two terminal walls  94 . An aperture  96  extends longitudinally down the barrel to form an elongate slot  98 . 
         [0044]    Interposed between and spaced apart from the terminal ends  94  of the partial annular portion is a flexible tab  100 , which is cantilevered from the distal end  102  of the complete annular portion  88 , where it is preferably integrally connected. The upper surface  104  of the flexible tab is recessed slightly from the upper edges  36  of the terminal walls  94 . The connection  108  of the flexible tab to the complete annular portion is sufficiently thin for the flexible tab to bend slightly under reasonably light pressures when inserting a thumb and during use. 
         [0045]    Still again, the interior surface  110  is configured with a concave shape which is substantially continuous with the curvature of the interior surface  112  of the barrel. Side slots  114  spacing the flexible tab  100  from the terminal walls  94  provide a substantially unbroken cylindrical or substantially cylindrical opening  116 . Inserting the thumb brings the dorsal side of the thumb into engagement with the interior surface  110  of the flexible tab  100 . 
         [0046]    This embodiment departs from the first preferred embodiment in providing a flexible tab  100  connected to terminal walls  94  with first and second flexible elongate Z-bars (Z-shaped bars)  120 , each having a tab connecting stem  122  and a terminal wall connecting stem  124 . In addition to the Z-bars, smaller first and second flexible L-bars may be provided, also connecting the flexible tab  100  to the terminal walls  94 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9B , in yet another embodiment  130 , the inventive thumb and finger insert includes three spaced apart flexible L-bars  132  connecting the flexible tab  134  with a shelf  136  contiguous with terminal wall  138 . The inboard edge  140  of the flexible tab is not connected to the complete annular portion  142  of the barrel, and the other side proximate the opposite terminal wall of the flexible tab remains unconnected to the partial annular portion  144  of the barrel, such that the flexible tab translates radially (see  FIG. 9B ) under upward pressure. These views also show the use of an indexing mark or line  146 , which can be employed to orient the insert properly before insertion into a bowling ball by matching it with a corresponding mark on the ball itself. It should be understood that such a mark may be employed in any of the preferred embodiments described herein. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 10A-10B  show yet another, fourth, preferred embodiment, wherein flexible L-bars  132  are provided on both sides of flexible tab  134  and connecting it to either or both terminal walls  138  and shelf  136 . In every other respect, this embodiment is identical to that of the third preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  shows a fifth preferred embodiment  160 , wherein the flexible tab  162  is spaced apart from the partial and complete annular portions  164 ,  166 , respectively, of the barrel and is connected on its inboard end  168  with a single flexible bar  170  and on its sides by a plurality of straight or shaped bars  172 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show how, in those embodiments having a connection between the flexible tab and the complete annular portion, the flexible tab moves upwardly in response to pressure so as to facilitate a clean release or to accommodate swelling during use. 
         [0051]    The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
         [0052]    As an example, the outer or distal end (i.e., the front face) of the flexible tab may be recessed slightly relative to the distal portion of the barrel. This would provide an installer the ability to trim the insert to customize fit or to provide a slight forward or reverse pitch to the outer face so as to make it complete flush with the ball surface. It also provides a margin of error for an installer in the event that the insertion hole is drilled slightly too shallow, making full insertion impossible—extraction after setting in epoxy can be difficult and would effectively ruin a new insert. 
         [0053]    Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.