Lawn bowl

Abstract

The invention provides a bowl. The bowl is provided with at least one grip ring, which grip ring is in the form of a first groove formed into the surface of the bowl and a second groove formed into the surface of the first groove, and a resiliently deformable or elastic band which fits into the second groove such the surface of the band is flush with or slightly proud of the surface of the first groove.

Claims

1. A solid lawn bowl provided with at least one grip ring, which grip ring is in the form of a first groove machined into the surface of the bowl and a second groove machined into the surface of the first groove; and a resiliently deformable or elastic band dimensioned to fit snugly into the second groove such the surface of the band is flush with or slightly proud of the surface of the first groove, while still being countersunk relative to the surface of the bowl.

2. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, which includes two parallel opposed grip rings.

3. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first groove's cross-sectional profile is concave.

4. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second groove is generally located in the apex of the first groove.

5. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface of the band includes an exposed portion and the exposed surface of the band is patterned.

6. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable or elastic band is selectable from different colours or colour coded to indicate bowls in a set.

7. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable or elastic band is manufactured to have a diameter which is less the diameter of the second groove such the band fits into the second groove under tension to provide a snug and non-slip fit.

8. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bowl is moulded and machined from hardened plastics or polymeric material.

9. A bowl as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable or elastic band is manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(1) The invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 shows an end exploded view of a bowl, in accordance with the invention; and

(4) FIG. 2 shows an end view of an assembled bowl, in accordance with the invention.

(5) Referring now to the drawings, the bowl, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

(6) The bowl 10 is provided with a pair of grip rings 12, which grip ring is in the form of a first groove 14, also known in the art as ZScoop, formed into the surface of the bowl and a novel second groove 16 formed 3 mm into the surface of the first groove 14. The bowl 10 further comprises a resiliently deformable elastic band 18 moulded from TPU. The band 18 is partly countersunk and fits snugly and under tension into the second groove 16 such the upper surface 20 of the band is slightly proud of the surface of the first groove 14. The first groove's 14 cross-sectional profile is generally concave to index or fit a person's finger to locate the bowl 10 in the bowler's hands. The second groove 16 is located near the apex of the first groove 14. The upper or exposed surface 20 of the band 18 is patterned with small stubs 22 to enhance grip and aesthetics. The resiliently deformable or elastic band 18 is available in a selection of different colours for aesthetics, customisation or colour coded to indicate bowls in a set. In an example, grip rings 12 are substantially parallel to one another.

(7) In this example, the bowl 10 is manufactured from MELAMINE. The bowls are cast then machined on a lathe and/or milling machine. The first groove is machined by a lathe while the second groove is machined by a milling machine.

(8) It shall be understood that the example is provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention. It is to be understood that there are numerous variations and designs possible within the scope of the invention.