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Anthony Cogswell invented the Equalizer, a mechanical bowling aid for those with physical disabilities and injuries.
SERVING ONE ALLEY AT A TIME ANTHONY COGSWELL HOPES TO BRING FORMER
“Equality, for them, is to use an Equalizer in former bowlers back to the lanes. His already established leagues with their family product has already helped hundreds and friends,” said Anthony. of individuals, including those who use wheelchairs or suffer from arthritis, carpel For the first time in seven years, the tunnel, and joint pain. Equalizer inventor hopes to join a league at Family Bowl in January. However, it’s Anthony is also working with Plant City already so popular that he was placed on the resident Sharon Flowers to establish an waiting list. Anthony believes others who Equalizer fundraiser at Family Bowl for can’t bowl traditionally but want to join the Wounded Warriors. The event would give league with an Equalizer are waiting as well. former military personnel the opportunity to participate in a challenging activity, build Because Plant City holds such as special camaraderie, and be social. Anthony also place in his heart, Anthony hopes Family hopes to form Wounded Warrior Equalizer Bowl will be home to the first Equalizer leagues that would allow participants to get league: “For something to come out of together on a weekly basis. It is apparent the Plant City this big, I wanted to share it with possibilities are endless with the Equalizer my hometown first—the first leagues, the and its ability to get people bowling again. first units. My hometown is the reason I’ve accomplished this. They all inspire me to do “You go out to do something great, and you this, always giving me the right words of end up doing something greater. I believe encouragement.” the Equalizer is bigger than just a bowling device,” said Anthony. As interest in a possible Equalizer league builds, Anthony is committed to bringing
BOWLERS BACK TO THE LANES WITH HIS UNIQUE INVENTION WRITTEN BY: AMANDA FURMAGE-DECK
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fter an unfortunate accident, Plant City resident Anthony Cogswell could no longer participate in his family’s favorite pastime—bowling. Holding the heavy ball and performing the complex motions forced too much pressure on his injured right arm.
the ramp serves a great purpose, allowing individuals with physical disabilities to bowl, it’s not accepted in leagues and tournaments. Realizing the need for an approved mechanical aid, the inventor took his product to the United States Bowling Congress where rulemakers granted bowlers with disabilities and inhibiting injuries permission to use Equalizers in leagues and tournaments. The USBC agreed Anthony’s device didn’t add to or take away from a bowler’s delivery.
However, Anthony refused to be defeated by his disability. With a “don’t tell me I can’t” attitude, he invented a solution— “the Equalizer,” a handcrafted device that allowed him to play the game he loved without pain. He immediately took this new gadget to the local bowling alley and Since its inception, Anthony has donated put it to the test. countless Equalizer products to area alleys and bowlers. The product is currently being “Initially, I made the Equalizer for myself,” offered at all three Pin Chaser locations and said Anthony, “but then other people started Plant City’s Family Bowl—like the ramp— coming up to me saying ‘I haven’t bowled for no rental fee. since my injury’ or ‘I haven’t bowled since my surgery.’” Anthony’s latest goal was to create an Equalizer league at Family Bowl. However, Anthony donated unit after unit to hopeful he had to reroute his approach to better bowlers until he finally faced his first real serve the demands of his customers. competition, the bowling ramp. Although
Anthony Cogswell takes a shot at the pins using his Equalizer.
FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY NOVEMBER 2012
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