Bat and ball game

Abstract

A bat and ball game apparatus comprises: bat 1 to which a ball 2 is operatively coupled via an elastic tethering line 3; and means 5 for adjusting the tethering line to a required play length. The means 5 is mounted to the bat and can be manipulated to provide the required play length of the tethering line, which is then effective in repetitive striking of the ball with the bat.

The claims defining the invention are as follows:  
     
         1 . A bat and ball game apparatus comprising: 
 a bat to which a ball is operatively coupled via an elastic tethering line; and    means for adjusting the tethering line to a required play length, said means being mounted to the bat whereby said means can be manipulated to provide the required play length of the tethering line which is then effective in repetitive striking of the ball with the bat.    
     
     
         2 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 1    wherein said means for adjusting the tethering line includes a spool assembly about which a retained portion of the elastic tethering line is wound.  
     
     
         3 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 2    wherein the spool assembly is mounted substantially internally of the bat.  
     
     
         4 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for adjusting the tethering line includes a plug having an aperture through which the elastic tethering line passes, the plug being configured to removably insert within an opening provided in a striking face of the bat.  
     
     
         5 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 4    wherein the plug is constructed of a resiliently flexible material wherein wear of the tethering line about the aperture is substantially minimised.  
     
     
         6 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 4    or    5    wherein the plug when inserted in the hole is configured to engage the elastic tethering line whereby the plug serves, during repetitive striking of the ball, to maintain the required length of the tethering line.  
     
     
         7 . A bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 6    wherein the plug is designed to jam the tethering line against the bat wherein the tethering line is maintained at the required length.  
     
     
         8 . A plug for removably fitting to a bat of a bat and ball game apparatus, said plug comprising an aperture being adapted to receive an elastic tethering line which operatively couples a ball to the bat, the plug being adapted to engage the tethering line whereby in play the plug serves, during repetitive striking of the ball, to maintain a required length of the tethering line.  
     
     
         9 . A plug for removably fitting to a bat of bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 8    wherein the plug is constructed of a resiliently flexible material wherein wear of the tethering line about the aperture is substantially minimised.  
     
     
         10 . A plug for removably fitting to a bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 9    wherein the plug is configured to removably insert in a hole provided in a face of the bat.  
     
     
         11 . A plug for removably fitting to a bat and ball game apparatus as defined in any one of    claims 8    to    10    wherein the plug is configured to removably insert in a hole provided in a face of the bat.  
     
     
         12 . A plug for removably fitting to a bat and ball game apparatus as defined in    claim 11    wherein the plug is configured to removably insert in a hole provided in a face of the bat.  
     
     
         13 . A bat and ball game apparatus or a plug as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tethering line is of a sufficient length wherein breakage of the line can be remedied by manipulation of the means for adjusting the tethering line which can be extended to the required length for play.