Covered Sporting Instrument Priority Claim

[0001 ] This application claims priority from Australian provisional application number 2017904463 filed on 2 November 2017, the entire contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by way of this reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to ornamental and protective covers for sporting instruments, whereby the covers can be easily applied and removed. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of shrinkable covers, and methods for covering sporting instruments.

Background of Invention

[0003] Sporting instruments such as bats, sticks, oars, paddles and the like, often include insignia and other ornamentation. Typically, this ornamentation is applied at the point of production to indicate branding, provide decoration and in some instances provide functional markings.

[0004] However, in specific situations it is desirable to modify, cover up or remove this ornamentation. For example, it may be desirable for an individual to apply ornamentation to the sporting instrument to display sponsorship (or cover up non- sponsor logos) or to decorate the instrument in a manner that is reflective of a sporting organisation or team. However, traditional means of applying ornamentation make this difficult.

[0005] Traditionally, ornamentation is applied either directly to the sporting instrument, or to decals that are subsequently adhered to the sporting instrument. One means for directly applying ornamentation to a sporting instrument is to use silk- screening. This method can be used to apply ornamentation, such as wording or graphics, to sporting instruments, such as ball bats, hockey shafts, oars etc. but requires an operator to separately apply each colour of ink or paint used to label the instrument. Many products may include multiple colours, and therefore aligning the various aspects of an image is difficult, and can increase production cost.

[0006] Furthermore, it can be difficult to appropriately conform the ornamentation to changes in the surface of the sporting instrument, particularly when the instrument comprises a complex shape, for example the rear side of a cricket bat or the curved surface of a baseball bat.

[0007] An alternative to applying the ornamentation directly to the sporting instrument is to print decals that are subsequently adhered to the sporting instrument. Decals have several advantages such as being lower in cost, allowing greater numbers of colour to be used, and greater ease of production as the image(s) can be printed (e.g., flexo, gravure or digital printing) such that separate colour layers do not need to be aligned. However, decals have some disadvantages.

[0008] As decals are typically provided as two dimensional sheets, they may not sufficiently conform to the surface of some contoured sporting instruments. As such, some decals include cut-outs to provide points of flexion so they can be applied to a contoured object, which increases complexity and increases the chance of the decal becoming at least partially detached from the sporting instrument. Furthermore, these decals are typically adhered to the sporting instrument by way of an adhesive intermediate. This adhesive needs to be of sufficient strength that the decal does not come off the sporting instrument during use. This can be problematic when a user wants to remove the decals in order to change the ornamentation of the sporting instrument (for example to reflect a new sponsor or team logo).

[0009] Finally, decals are typically only applied to a small portion of a sporting instrument as they can compromise the functionality of the instrument, which consequently limits the possible ornamentation of the instrument and leaves the remaining portion of the sporting instrument exposed to the external environment.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide ornamentation and coverings to a sporting instrument which is easy to remove, and can be quickly reapplied, without compromising the utility of the sporting instrument. [001 1 ] Before turning to a summary of the present invention, it must be appreciated that the above description of the prior art has been provided merely as background to explain the context of the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published or known, or was a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of Invention

[0012] The present invention provides a sporting instrument having a terminal end and an active portion, the sporting instrument including a covering, covering the terminal end of the sporting instrument and substantially covering the active portion of the sporting instrument, the covering including ornamentation and being at least partially formed of a shrinkable material. Preferably, the covering is non-adhesive.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ornamentation is not provided on the exterior surface of the non-adhesive covering.

[0014] Providing ornamentation in this way, which is not adhered to the sporting instrument, enables assorted colours, team logos, sponsors or other insignia to be applied to sporting instruments in a removable manner. This permits the removal of ornamentation when desired, or when required.

[0015] It will thus be appreciated that the non-adhesive nature of the ornamentation and covering of the sports instrument will permit the covering to be quickly and easily removed, which permits a user to change the ornamentation on the sporting instrument. Additionally, the shrinkable material, being at least a portion of the covering of the present invention, allows a new covering to be fitted by a user and then shrunk such that it forms a tight covering and conforms to the majority of the surface of the sporting item. In some embodiments, the cover consists essentially of, or entirely of, shrinkable material. In one form, the shrinkable material may be selectively shrinkable.

[0016] Sporting instruments are known in the art and can include a range of items operated by a user during a sporting event. These include, but are not limited to, ball bats, sticks, racquets, paddles, clubs, oars, mallets and the like. Typically, these sporting instruments also include a handle end that is gripped by the user to manipulate the sporting instrument. Therefore, in some embodiments the sporting instrument includes a handle end, an active portion and a terminal end. In some embodiments, the terminal end is the end furthest from the handle end.

[0017] An example of a sporting instrument in accordance with the present invention is a cricket bat. As would be understood to a person skilled in the art, a cricket bat includes a handle, which is fixed at a splice to a blade for striking a ball, with the blade having a toe which is the terminal end of the cricket bat.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover will not encompass the entire sporting instrument, and will have a single open end. In some embodiments, the open end will be toward the handle end of the sporting instrument.

[0019] The active portion of the sporting instrument is the portion adapted for effecting, or assisting in effecting, the function of the sporting instrument. For example, the active portion of a ball bat is the portion adapted to impact a ball such as the barrel of a baseball bat, or the blade of a cricket bat. Additional examples of the active portion of a sporting instrument include the head of a hockey stick or mallet.

[0020] Further sporting instruments can include items used in sport, but might not be actively operated by a user, for example cricket stumps, wherein the length of the stump provides an active portion which can be impacted by a ball, while a terminal end can either constitute the portion adapted to penetrate the ground, or the portion adapted to support a bail.

[0021 ] Some sporting instruments, such as cricket bats, have terminal ends that are repeatedly impacted into the ground. Further, many sporting instruments, specifically instruments designed for striking a ball, are subject to being hit on, or near, the terminal end of the instrument. Therefore, by covering the terminal end, and substantially covering the active portion, of the sporting instrument, the covering envelopes the portions of the sporting instrument which are likely to be damaged in use and may provide additional protection to the sporting instrument compared to a cover which covers the active portion only, or does not completely cover the terminal end. [0022] Sporting instruments made from wood, such as cricket bats and baseball bats (amongst others), are made such that the grain extends along the length of the bat from the handle to the terminal end. This improves the strength of the instrument and helps reduce the incidence of breakage during use. However, such an arrangement of grain results in the terminal end consisting of end grain. As would be understood, end grain is particularly susceptible to damage by impact and by exposure to moisture, which can lead to swelling of the end grain. As such, it is advantageous to encompass the terminal end of such sporting instruments with the cover of the present invention.

[0023] Further, in applications where the sporting instrument may be subject to damage by exposure to the environment, the covering may assist in preventing this damage. For example, while cricket is not played during periods of substantial rain, play can take place on wet or damp grounds. In these instances, cricket bats (especially the toe of the bat) can be exposed to moisture which may be absorbed into the bat and result in damage or weakening of the toe of the bat.

[0024] As would be understood, providing a barrier between a sporting instrument and the environment may assist in protecting the instrument between uses. For example, the covering assists in preventing exposure of the sporting instrument to moisture which can penetrate and damage the instrument. Some sporting instruments, especially those made of unvarnished wood, have protective oils applied that assist in maintaining the integrity of the wood. During periods of non-use, the wood may lose the oils, dry out and be permanently damaged. A sporting instrument according to the present invention may have oils applied prior to fitting the covering, with the covering assisting in increasing the penetration of the oils into the sporting instrument and preventing loss of the oils from the sporting instrument. This protection is further assisted by enclosing the terminal end of the instrument.

[0025] The sporting instrument of the present invention can be composed of any suitable material. Examples of such materials include aluminium, alloys of metals, plastics and composite materials such as carbon fibre. In some embodiments, the active portion of the sporting instrument is composed of wood. In some embodiments, the sporting instrument consists essentially of, or entirely of, wood. [0026] Sporting instruments composed of wood can break in use, especially when the instrument is an impact instrument, such as ball bats. In the event of breakage of the sporting instrument, the cover may assist in preventing fragmentation of the sporting instrument, which may provide a degree of protection to players and/or spectators.

[0027] By not providing the ornamentation on the exterior surface of the covering, the cover provides a barrier between the ornamentation and the environment and protects the ornamentation preventing contact with other items in play. In some sports, sporting instruments are not permitted if they mark or discolour other items in play. In the case of cricket, any material that will mark the ball is illegal and will not be permitted in sanctioned competitive matches.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ornamentation is provided on the interior surface of the non-adhesive covering. By providing the ornamentation on the interior surface of the covering, removal of the covering will also remove the ornamentation, allowing quick removal of ornamentation from the sporting instrument. As such, the covering provides a surface that can be decorated and designed with ornamentation without damaging the surface of the sporting instrument or damaging any other object that may come into contact with the surface (for example a ball impacting a bat).

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the covering includes a frangible portion, which assists in separation of the cover and removal of the cover from the sporting instrument. By applying force to the covering at, or near, the frangible portion, the integrity of the covering can be disrupted and the covering can be separated to allow easier removal of the covering from the sporting instrument. In some embodiments having a frangible portion, the frangible portion is not provided on an area of the sporting instrument where impact is expected. For example, the frangible portion would be provided on the back of the blade of a cricket bat, such as along the spine of the bat, or may be provided on an edge of the bat.

[0030] A frangible portion can be any suitable portion which assists in separating the covering. The frangible portion may extend at least partially along the length of the covering, for example in instances where the covering has a length greater than its width. In embodiments wherein the covering has an open end, the frangible portion may extend from, or to, the open end. In some embodiments, a grip tab is provided in association with the frangible portion to assist in breaking the frangible portion.

[0031 ] In some embodiments, the frangible portion is provided by a row of perforations. In some embodiments, the frangible portion is provided by two spaced apart rows of perforations. This provides an interspaced strip, which can be pulled away to allow the covering to be more easily removed. In some embodiments, the frangible portion is provided by a strip that, when manually pulled, breaks the cover. For example, a metal strip, or a strip composed of another material having strength sufficient to resist breakage when manually pulled. In this embodiment, the strip should have a tensile strength greater than that of the cover such that the strip can break the cover when pulled, without itself breaking.

[0032] Means are known in the art to shrink shrinkable material. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material shrinks in response to heat. Means are known in the art to apply heat to shrink heat-shrinkable material. Examples include, but are not limited to, radiant heat sources, hot air, steam or hot liquids. In a preferred embodiment, the preferred heat source is heated water or steam. By covering the terminal end of the sporting instrument, in addition to the active portion, the sporting instrument is substantially protected during heating of the covering to cause shrinkage. This may be particularly advantageous when heat and moisture are applied (e.g. hot liquids or steam).

[0033] In some embodiments, the sporting instrument includes an intermediate layer between the sporting instrument and the non-adhesive covering. The intermediate layer can be any suitable layer. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer may itself have, or provide, the ornamentation. In such embodiments, the covering can be at least partially transparent to allow visibility of the intermediate layer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer may be a varnish, wax, oil, paint or other suitable treatment, or covering, for the sporting instrument.

[0034] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is functional. For example the intermediate layer may act to assist in restricting movement of the covering on the sporting instrument. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer may reinforce the sporting instrument, and may assist in preventing damage such as breakage, cracking or splintering of the instrument when used, or may limit such damage. Further, the intermediate layer may assist in preventing fragmentation of the sporting instrument, which may provide a degree of protection to players and/or spectators.

[0035] In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is a mesh. Meshes, and materials for forming such meshes, are known in the art. One example is fibreglass mesh which is typically encompassed in an adhesive membrane to form a tape or sticker, which can be applied to the sporting instrument. In some forms of the present invention, the mesh may act to reduce movement of the covering relative to the sporting instrument, and/or reduce damage to the sporting instrument, such a cracking, splintering or breakage.

[0036] The present invention further provides a method of covering a sporting instrument having a terminal end and an active portion, the method including the steps of: providing a sleeve which is at least partially composed of a shrinkable, non- adhesive, material and formed to provide a closed end and an open end, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve is provided with ornamentation; providing a sporting instrument within the sleeve; and shrinking the sleeve to form a covering for the sporting instrument, wherein the covering covers the terminal end and substantially covers the active portion of the sporting instrument.

[0037] The method of the present invention can be used to fit a covering to a sporting instrument to change the ornamentation of the sporting instrument.

[0038] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, the sleeve is formed by sealing two sheets of material (including at least a portion of shrinkable material), then sealing them along three sides to form a covering having a closed end and an open end. In some embodiments, the sleeve is formed from a sheet of material (including at least a portion of shrinkable material) which is looped upon itself to form a sleeve and then sealably fixed together, followed by sealing the sleeve at one end to form a closed end. In some embodiments, the sleeve is integrally formed to form a tube and then sealed at one end, to form a closed end and provide an open end. The sleeve can be formed before providing the sporting instrument, or can be formed around the sporting instrument. In some embodiments, the sleeve consists of a selectively shrinkable material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sleeve is formed and the sporting instrument is positioned in the sleeve before shrinking the sleeve to form a covering for the sporting instrument. In some embodiments, the ornamentation is provided to the material that forms the sleeve prior to formation of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the ornamentation is provided on the shrinkable, non-adhesive, material prior to formation of the sleeve.

[0040] Methods are known in the art to shrink selectively shrinkable materials. In some embodiments, the sleeve is shrunk by exposure to a heat source. Hence, in some embodiments, the method further includes the step of exposing the sleeve to heat.

[0041 ] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of providing an intermediate layer between the sporting instrument and the sleeve, prior to shrinking the sleeve. The intermediate layer can consist of, or include, any appropriate material. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer is a mesh.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method includes a step of providing the sleeve with a frangible portion. The frangible portion can assist in removal of the covering from the sporting instrument. Means are known in the art to provide a frangible portion to material such as that used for forming the present sleeve. In some embodiments, providing a frangible portion includes a step of providing a row of perforations. In some embodiments, providing a frangible portion includes a step of providing two parallel rows of perforations. In some embodiments, the frangible portion is provided by providing a channel of relative thinness in the surface of the material of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the frangible portion is provided by a strip that, when manually pulled, breaks the cover. For example, a metal strip, or a strip composed of another material having strength sufficient to resist breakage when manually pulled. In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the material forming the strip is greater than that of the material forming the sleeve. This strip can be provided alone, or in combination with perforations or other weakness in the cover. The frangible portion can be provided to the material forming the sleeve prior to the sleeve being formed. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the frangible portions can be provided after the sleeve has been formed.

[0043] The present invention also provides a sleeve for a sporting instrument including a terminal end and an active portion, the sleeve composed of at least a portion of shrinkable material, the sleeve formed to cover the terminal end and substantially cover the active potion of the sporting instrument, the sleeve providing a single open end for positioning of the sporting instrument and including ornamentation, wherein the ornamentation is not on the exterior surface of the sleeve.

[0044] The sleeve of the present invention can be provided with a sporting instrument by inserting the instrument in the open end. The sleeve is then shrunk to form a covering on the sporting instrument, thereby changing the ornamentation of the sporting instrument. Thus, the sleeve allows for the ornamentation of the sporting instrument to be quickly changed as desired by the user.

[0045] In some embodiments of the sleeve, the shrinkable material is heat- shrinkable material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sleeve includes a frangible portion. As described above, the frangible portion assists in removing the covering when desired. In some embodiments, the frangible portion extends from, or near, an open end of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the frangible portion extends along at least a portion of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the frangible portion extends substantially along the length of the sleeve. In some embodiments of the sleeve, the frangible portion is provided by a row of perforations. In some embodiments of the sleeve, the frangible portion is provided by two parallel rows of perforations. In some embodiments, the sleeve includes a grip tab to assist in separating the sleeve. In embodiments including a frangible portion, the frangible portion may include a grip tab, or is associated with a grip tab.

[0047] It is to be understood, the particular features have been described in relation to one or some embodiments, it is to be understood that the features are not limited to any particularly embodiment and can be used interchangeably and in combination with each other. Brief Description of Drawings

[0048] The invention is further illustrated in the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to the above description.

[0049] Figure 1 a illustrates a front view of a cricket bat, which can be provided with a covering in accordance with the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1 b illustrates a side view of a cricket bat, which can be provided with a covering in accordance with the present invention.

[0051 ] Figure 1 c illustrates a rear view of a cricket bat, which can be provided with a covering in accordance with the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2a illustrates a front view of a cricket bat having a removable covering with ornamentation.

[0053] Figure 2b illustrates a side view of cricket bat having a removable covering with ornamentation.

[0054] Figure 2c illustrates a rear view of a cricket bat having a removable covering with ornamentation.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates a sporting instrument in accordance with the present invention having an intermediate layer between the cricket bat and a covering having ornamentation.

[0056] Figure 4a illustrates a sleeve having two vertical seamed edges, an open end and a closed end.

[0057] Figure 4b illustrates a sleeve having one vertical seamed edges, an open end and a closed end

[0058] Figure 4c illustrates a sleeve having no vertical seamed edges, an open end and a closed end. [0059] Figure 5a illustrates a sleeve having two vertical seamed edges, an open end and a closed end, where the closed end is convex.

[0060] Figure 5b illustrates a sleeve having a frangible portion and a grip tab.

[0061 ] Figure 6 illustrates the rear side of a cricket bat having a removable cover. The cover having a frangible portion provided on the spine of the bat.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates a method of providing a covering for a cricket bat.

Detailed Description

[0063] Illustrated in Figures 1 a to 1 c is a sporting instrument, which can be provided with a covering to form an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a cricket bat (1 ) formed essentially of wood and having an active portion provided by the blade (2) of the bat, and a terminal end is provided by the toe (3) of the bat. The bat (1 ) also includes a handle (4) at the opposing end to the terminal end (3). The handle (4) is fixed to the blade (2) at the splice (5).

[0064] Figure 1 b illustrates the side view of the cricket bat (1 ) and demonstrates the edge (6) of the bat. Further illustrated in Figure 1 c is the rear, non-striking, side of the blade (2) which includes the spine (7) of the bat.

[0065] Figures 2a to 2c illustrate a cricket bat having ornamentation (21 ) ("team logo") and a covering (22), in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The covering (22) is composed of shrinkable material, preferably non-adhesive, and covers the toe (3) or the cricket bat (being the terminal end of the cricket bat) and the blade (2) of the cricket bat (being the active portion of the cricket bat).

[0066] The covering (22) encloses the entirety of the toe (3) end of the bat, thereby helping to protect the toe (3) during use of the bat, and protecting the toe (3) from the environment. As would be understood, in some sports, such as cricket, the terminal end of a sporting instrument (e.g. the toe (3) of a cricket bat) may be impacted during use. For example, in cricket, a batter may repeatedly tap the toe (3) of the bat on the ground as they take strike, slide the toe (4) along the ground, or the ball may hit the toe (3), or close to the toe (3), during a miss-timed shot. [0067] As described, the covering (22) further substantially encloses the blade (2) of the cricket bat and terminates at an open end (23) on the shoulder (24) of the blade (2) near the handle (4). While the covering (22) of the illustrated embodiment terminates at an opening (23) on the shoulder (24) of the blade (2), the covering may extend above this point. The covering (22) may terminate part way up the handle (4) with the opening (23) of the covering (22) being hidden under the grip of the handle (4). Further, the covering (22) may extend above the handle (4).

[0068] The ornamentation (21 ) on the covering (22) is not provided on the external surface of the cover (22), the material of the covering (22) thus acting as a barrier between the ornamentation (21 ) and the external environment. This prevents any objects directly contacting the ornamentation (21 ) and stops the transfer of colour from the ornamentation (21 ) to any object. Preferably, the ornamentation (21 ) is provided to the interior surface of the covering (22), prior to the covering being applied to the sporting instrument. Alternatively, the ornamentation (21 ) may be provided by a separate layer, or covering, positioned underneath the covering (22), with the covering (22) provided over the top for protection. However, to facilitate the changing of the ornamentation (21 ), it is desirable that the ornamentation (21 ) is removable, preferably non-adhered.

[0069] The ornamentation (21 ), which may include letters, numbers, colours, or other graphics, can include one or more inks, dyes, paints, or other suitable substances and may be applied to an inner surface of the covering (22).

[0070] The ornamentation (21 ) can be provided on material that forms the covering (22) prior to formation of the covering (22). For example, the ornamentation

(21 ) may be printed on the material forming the covering (22) prior to formation of the covering. The process for provision of ornamentation (21 ) can take advantage of high- volume printing methods, similar to those used for printing decals. Additionally, low cost printing methods may be used to apply the ornamentation (21 ) to the covering

(22) material when the material is a flat film. This may lead to higher quality images. The shrinkable material's ability to shrink and generally conforms to the contours of the sporting instrument facilitates easy application of the ornamentation (21 ), particularly to irregularly shaped instruments. [0071 ] The covering (22) is composed of a shrinkable material which can be fitted over and around the blade (2) of the cricket bat (1 ) prior to shrinking the covering (22) to conform to the blade (2) of the cricket bat (see Figure 6). Varying shrinkable materials are known in the art.

[0072] The selectively shrinkable material comprising part of the covering, or sleeve, of the present invention can be any known material in the art, so long as the resultant covering provides sufficient durability to be used during a sporting event. Further, the material needs to be compatible with the instrument being wrapped, and needs to be able to be applied to the object or device within the parameters used to shrink the material without damaging the sporting instrument. Films useful in this invention are those commercially available including, but not limited to, low density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polystyrene, orientated polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. It is beyond the scope of this specification to explain all of the various types of shrinkable materials available, which may be used to form at least a portion of the cover, or sleeve, of the present invention.

[0073] Various shrinkable materials vary in a range of parameters such a tensile strength, printability, surface feel, clarity, parameters to induce shrinkage, chemical and environmental exposure (e.g. resistance to oils, UV light etc.), and the like. The specific material utilised will be determined by the conditions of use, rules governing the use and approval of such materials by any sports regulating body, the properties and material of the sporting instrument to be covered and other parameters such as the desired ornamentation or method of shrinking. Suitable film compositions are described in the pending Australian application AU2017272263.

[0074] To ensure that the bat covering (22) can withstand the stresses and impacts of an entire innings, the material forming the covering needs to be sufficient to withstand mechanical test conditions of at least 120 impacts from a cricket ball travelling at greater than 120km/hr. Other means of ensuring metrics such as the integrity and longevity of the cover are known in the art for other sports, such as baseball. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 500 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 1000 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 2000 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 3000 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 4000 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping. In some embodiments, the covering, once applied to a sporting instrument, is capable of withstanding at least 5000 direct hits at 120 km/hr, without cracking, tearing or ripping.

[0075] In a preferred form, the shrinkable material is polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G or G-PET). Providers of PET-G include Sleever International, Klockner Pentaplast, Bonset America Corporation, Mitsubishi and Fuji. PET-G provides the required strength to withstand the impact during use and has a sufficient texture to permit paint or print application.

[0076] The thickness of the shrinkable material will depend of the desired parameters, and requirements, of the specific sporting instrument. However, in some embodiments, shrinkable material will be between 25 microns and 100 microns thick. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material will be between 50 microns thick and 85 microns thick, in some embodiments the shrinkable material will be 50 microns thick or 85 microns thick, for example G-PET TH 050 or G-PET TH 085. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material will be 50 microns thick. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material will be 85 microns thick.

[0077] The films employed in this invention may shrink up to about 600%, or may shrink up to 500%, or may shrink up to 400%, or may shrink up to 300%, or may shrink up to 200% or may shrink up to 150%, or may shrink up to 100%, or may shrink up to 80%. Preferably, the film will shrink at least 400%. Additionally, the films generally have a shrink tension, as expressed in psi of between about 10Opsi to about 2000psi and preferably from about 200psi to about 1500 psi.

[0078] Techniques are known in the art for shrinking shrinkable material. In some instances the material may be a "cold shrink" material. Cold shrink materials come stretched over a core. When the core is removed, the material contracts and conforms to the shape of the sporting instrument. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, the material is shrinkable by exposure to heat. Heat can be applied in any suitable manner such as an infra-red source, exposure to radiant heat, exposure to steam or exposure to hot liquid. The technique used, and source of heat, will be dependent on the properties of the sporting instrument and its tolerance to heat. Examples of suitable heat sources include heat guns, hair dryers, steamers, or hot liquids such as heated water. In a preferred embodiment the source of heat is hot water or steam. In some embodiments, the material shrinks in response to heat. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material may have a shrink temperature above 50°C, or above 70°C, or above 80°C, or above 90°C, or above 95°C or above 100°C. In some embodiments, the shrinkable material may have a shrink temperature ranging between about 50°C to about 150°C, or about 70°C to about 120°C, or about 90°C to about 1 10°C, or about 95°C to about 1 05°C or about 100°C.

[0079] Specific methods and techniques for applying heat are known in the art, such as when using boiling water. The sporting instrument should be positioned so that any prominent or striking face (if there is one) is facing up. The hot water is then poured from the closed terminal end (42) to the open end (44) in a smooth and steady manner. The sporting instrument is then turned over and any areas that have not shrunk smoothly can be removed by the further application of hot water. This method can also be utilised with a heat gun or hair dryer. Alternatively, the sporting instrument (1 ) and covering (22) can be immersed into heated water starting at the terminal end (42) and moving to the open end (44). If a radiant heat tunnel is to be used, the material is shrunk by moving the sporting instrument and cover in and out of the tunnel in a steady manner.

[0080] As the covering (22) of the present invention may consist entirely of shrinkable material, in embodiments where the ornamentation (21 ) is printed on the covering, the ornamentation (21 ) needs to be printed (prior to shrinkage) in a manner that compensates for the shrinkage. Further, as the sporting item of the present invention is likely to be three-dimensional, the design of the ornamentation (21 ) needs to keep the final three-dimensional shape in mind. This process is known as anamorphosis, and makes it possible to print on the sleeve (41 ) and ensure that the printing remains readable. [0081 ] Methods are known in the art for designing graphics, labels and other ornamentation for three-dimensional structures. For example, US7555157B2 and US20070083383A1 provide systems and methods for designing and/or transforming graphical images for application to three-dimensional products. The transformed graphical images are adapted to be applied to a three-dimensional topography of a sporting instrument to which the image is to be applied. After the image is applied to the material comprising the covering, and then shrunk to form a covering of the sporting instrument, the image conforms to the topography of the sporting instrument and conforms to the general dimensions of the ornamentation as intended.

[0082] A further embodiment of the sporting instrument of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 3, including an intermediate layer (31 ), between the blade (2) of the bat, and the covering (22). The intermediate layer (31 ) can be any suitable layer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer (31 ) may provide, or assist in providing, the ornamentation. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3, the intermediate layer (31 ) is a mesh that sits between the blade of the bat (2) and the covering (22). The mesh may assist in preventing movement of the covering (22) relative to the blade (2) of the bat (1 ). The mesh of the intermediate layer (31 ) may also provide some structural support to the bat (1 ) and in some embodiments may be adhered to the bat

(1 )-

[0083] Reinforcing mesh is known in the art and is already in use in competition. Examples of reinforcing mesh include fibreglass tape, such as Grey Nicolls™ Fibreglass Tape. Other meshes are commonly referred to as scuff sheets, which comprise a wide strip of adhesive material with includes an integral mesh of fibreglass, and are fitted to the face of the blade to help prevent damage to the bat. These meshes typically include an adhesive provided on one surface to secure the sheet to the sporting instrument. In many instances, these adhesives may not be readily removed from the sporting instrument, or may dry out making the mesh difficult to remove, or damaging the surface of the sporting instrument. However, meshes in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may be provided in the form of a non-adhesive wrap, sheet, sleeve or sock, which can be fitted to the bat, prior to covering the bat. The covering (22) can subsequently be fitted to secure the mesh in position. [0084] Figures 4a to 4b also provides the illustration of a sleeve (41 ), composed of at least a portion of shrinkable material, for a sporting instrument. The sleeve (41 ) includes a terminal end (42) configured to (when shrunk) cover the toe (3) of a cricket bat and a body portion (43), with the body portion (43) configured to (when shrunk) substantially cover the blade (2) of a cricket bat (as illustrated in Figure 7).

[0085] The sleeve (41 ) is formed to provide a single open end (44) for positioning of the cricket bat (1 ). The sleeve (41 ) can be formed in any suitable way. Figure 4a illustrates an embodiment formed of two sheets of shrinkable material which has been seamed (indicated by grey lines) along two lateral sides to provide two longitudinal seams (45), with a third seam at the terminal end (42). Figure 4b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sleeve (41 ) of the present invention, wherein a single sheet of shrinkable material is folded to form a tube with the ends of the sheet seamed together to form a single longitudinal seam (45).

[0086] This single longitudinal seam (45) can be positioned on any part of the cricket bat, however preferably it is positioned on the non-striking surface of the bat, such as on, or near, the spine (7) of a cricket bat (1 ). A second seam is provided on the terminal end (42) of the sleeve, to thereby enclose the toe (3) of the cricket bat (as illustrated in Figure 7).

[0087] A third embodiment of the sleeve (41 ) is illustrated in Figure 4c. The sleeve (41 ) is formed of a continuous tube of shrinkable material, thereby having no longitudinal seam(s). The tube is cut to length, and seamed at the terminal end (42).

[0088] The shape of the sleeve can be configured such that it more easily conforms to the shape of the sporting instrument, such as a cricket bat. Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve (41 ) of the present invention, with the terminal end (42) configured to conform to the convex shape of the toe (3) of a cricket bat.

[0089] In some embodiments of the sleeve (41 ) of the present invention, the sleeve (41 ) includes a frangible portion (51 ), which assists in separating the covering (22) and removing the covering (22) when fitted to a sporting instrument. As illustrated in Figure 5b, the frangible portion is provided by two rows of perforations (52) that extend from the open end of the sleeve (44), to the terminal end (42). The frangible portion (51 ) is also provided with a grip tab (53). Figure 6, provides a sleeve as describe above, applied to a cricket bat (1 ), to cover the bat and form a sporting instrument in accordance with the present invention. The frangible portion (51 ), illustrated in Figure 5b and 6, can be activated by gripping the grip tab (53) and pulling the tab away from the cricket bat. The perforations (52) allow the frangible portion (51 ) to be separated from the covering (22), thereby allowing the cover to be easily removed from the bat when the covering (22) is no longer required or desired.

[0090] The present invention further provides a method of covering a sporting instrument. An embodiment of a method, in accordance with the present invention, is illustrated in Figure 7. The method includes providing a sleeve (41 ) composed, at least in part, of a heat shrinkable material. The sleeve (41 ) is formed to provide a closed end (42) and an open end (44), wherein at least a portion of the interior surface of the sleeve is provided with ornamentation (21 ). A cricket bat (1 ), having a blade (2) and a toe (3), is positioned within the sleeve (41 ) through the open end (44). Exposure of the sleeve to heat shrinks the sleeve (41 ) to form a covering (22) for the cricket bat (1 ), where the covering covers the entirety of the toe (3) and substantially covers the blade (2) of the cricket bat (1 ) up to the open end (44). Consequently, the covering (22) provides ornamentation (21 ) to the cricket bat when desired, and can be easily removed, by separating the cover, when desired.

[0091 ] To prevent the covering (22) moving down the blade (2) during shrinking of the sleeve (41 ), or during use, stickers, tape or other non-permanent adhesive and fasteners, may be placed at the opening (44) of the sleeve (41 ) to temporarily affix the sleeve to the bat (1 ). These adhesives or fasteners assist in retaining the sleeve (41 ) in position relative to the cricket bat (1 ). Therefore, in some embodiments, the method of the present invention includes the step of applying a fastening object to the open end (44) of the sleeve (41 ) to reduce movement of the sleeve (41 ) relative to the bat (1 ) during shrinking or during use. Following shrinking of the sleeve (4) the fasteners can be removed as the sleeve will remain in place by itself.

[0092] While the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1 to 7 demonstrate a cricket bat in accordance with the present invention, it is envisaged that a range of sporting instruments can be used in accordance with the present invention. These include, but are not limited to, baseball bats, ping pong paddles, rowing oars, cricket stumps, goal posts, hockey sticks, croquet mallets, gold clubs and the like. [0093] It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the ambit of the present invention, and that, in the light of the above teachings, the present invention may be implemented in a variety of manners as would be understood by the skilled person.

[0094] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.