Abstract: A method for removing plasticizers, oils and other liquids concentrated in areas contiguous to the outer surface of a coverstock of a bowling ball. The method includes the steps of formulating a plasticizer absorbent material; applying the formulated plasticizer absorbing material to the outer surface of the coverstock; allowing the applied plasticizer absorbing material to remain in contact with the outer surface of the coverstock for a defined time period and removing the plasticizer absorbing material and the extracted plasticizer from the coverstock. The plasticizer absorbing material is formulated of one or more of fine soft pine wood dust, silica gel and sphagnum peat moss and or synthetic or natural microfiber material.

Abstract: An impact illuminated bowling ball including a light transmitting core, a pair of LEDs embedded in the core, a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the core and electrically connected to the LEDs. A shock amplifying mechanism in the form of a steel ball is located in operative engagement with the piezoelectric transducer. A rechargeable electric battery in the core is electrically connected to a solar electric collector for recharging. An integrated timing circuit is used to continue illumination during start or stop times when the transducer is actuated by an impact of the bowling ball.

Abstract: A method for adapting a relatively small number of bowling balls for use in testing by a relatively large number of bowlers having different hand sizes. The method includes the steps of predrilling a pair of finger holes of a standard size in each of a relatively small number of bowling balls, which finger holes are shaped to receive removable finger inserts of varying sizes. The next step is the predrilling of a thumb hole in each of a relatively small number of bowling balls with the thumb hole in each bowling ball being located at a different, predetermined distance from a pair of finger holes so that each of the thumb holes of the bowling balls are at a different distance from a pair of finger holes. The following step is the installation of a removable insert in each of the thumb holes. Finally, the removable thumb insert is sized to accommodate the thumb of a particular bowler.

Abstract: A bowling ball has a heavy core of given density; the core has an asymmetrical shape that affords no planes of symmetry. The core is encompassed by a spherical shell of lower density; the shell may include two layers, a relatively hard outer layer of an acrylated resin or urethane resin and a more resilient, softer inner layer, usually of urethane or filled polyester resin. A balancing weight, to compensate for finger holes to be drilled into the shell, is preferably an integral part of the bowling ball core. The density of the balancing weight is usually greater than the density of the rest of the core.

Abstract: A wrist positioner for a bowler comprised of hand, forearm and finger backup members. Fastening means secure the positioner to the back of the bowler's forearm and hand. The hand and backup members are rotatably connected by two aligned pivotal connections located at opposited sides of the wrist of the bowler. The position of a pin extending through the intersection of slots in the hand and backup members may be adjusted to set the angular orientation of the backup members, relative to each other within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A balanced bowling ball having a core and a shell, and including a counterweight nugget positioned intermediate the bowling ball thumb and finger grip holes. The counterweight nugget comprises a non-metallic material, including refractory tungsten carbide suspended in a matrix of thermoplastic binder, having a density at least an order or magnitude greater than the density of the shell and core materials. The counterweight nugget is disposed within a depression on the core in one embodiment and in a depression in the shell in another embodiment. Alternative methods of manufacturing each embodiment and the material forming the counterweight nugget are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bowling ball, rather than being engraved with a decoration, is printed with the decoration, relying on graft polymerization chemistry by which the printing fluid, offset to the ball in decoration form, is effectively bonded to the ball which may be rubber or other polymer capable of participating in graft polymerization.

Abstract: An integral, solid bowling ball, devoid of any significant hollow portion, with inherent hooking characteristics has an elongated rod-like core that is symmetrical about the finger hole axis of the ball. The core is much denser than the encompassing body of the ball, preferably by a factor exceeding 2:1, has an axial length exceeding six-tenths of the ball diameter, and has an average diameter of about one-third of the ball diameter, with the core providing about one-fourth of the total ball weight. A frusto-conical core shape is preferred.

Abstract: The outer shell of a bowling ball, vulcanized in situ onto a spherical core, is formed of a mixture of sulfur-vulcanizable rubber, preferably SBR rubber, inert particulate filler such as rubber dust, sulfur, process oil, and polyurethane, with suitable accelerators and pigment. The polyurethane, comprising about two to about ten percent by weight of the shell, is preferably of a kind that is retarded in curing by the presence of the sulfur and is generally incompatible for polymerization with the rubber; the ball exhibits superior hooking and hitting characteristics and has high oil resistance.