CN110625551B

CN110625551B - Twist reverse assembly jig

Info

Publication number: CN110625551B
Application number: CN201810651725.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 施振华
Original assignee: Zephyros Inc
Current assignee: Zephyros Inc
Priority date: 2018-06-22
Filing date: 2018-06-22
Publication date: 2022-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-22
Also published as: WO2019246597A1; CN110625551A

Abstract

A method of installation comprising the steps of: (a) connecting the assembly jig to the insertion portion; (b) inserting the insertion portion into the hollow structure in an insertion direction substantially coaxial with an axis of the hollow structure; and (c) rotating the insertion portion about the axis of the hollow structure during insertion.

Description

Twist reverse assembly jig

Technical Field

The present teachings relate generally to inserting a vibration damping device into a cavity, and more particularly to a method of inserting a vibration damping device into a cavity of a hollow structure.

Background

Users of any item having a hollow structure (e.g., a transportation vehicle, a lawn care device, sports equipment, or a combination thereof) may experience repeated vibrations or shocks in their hands, feet, or both when using the item. Repeated vibration may cause discomfort to the user, including pain in the hands or feet, numbness in the hands or feet, or both, requiring the user to discontinue use of the article for a period of time. Various mechanisms have been designed around the vibration damping and shock absorption of various articles and vehicles. For example, the article may include a padded or cushioned grip on the article to absorb a portion of the impact (e.g., a rubber grip around a steel golf club shaft) before the impact reaches the user's hand or foot. Optionally, loose particles such as shot balls (balls) may be filled in the hollow rod to help dampen vibrations. However, these shock absorbing and shock absorbing designs require complex assembly processes, are difficult to contour or to form into the desired article, are expensive to manufacture, or a combination thereof.

An optional damping device may be used for insertion into the hollow structure. The vibration damping device may comprise a core adapted to be inserted into the hollow structure as a solid piece and one or more extensions extending from the core. The one or more extensions may be flexible to assist in inserting the vibration damping device into the hollow structure to help damp and absorb shock or both. Typically, the vibration damping device is inserted in a direction substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hollow structure such that, when inserted, the diameter of the vibration damping device may abut the inner diameter of the hollow structure. Once inserted, the damping device may be cured at an increased temperature to ensure a tight fit between the damping device and the hollow structure.

An example of a damping device for hollow structures can be found in international publication number WO2016/161350, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. It would be attractive to have a vibration damping device that can be inserted into the hollow structure, fitting closely along the inner surface profile of the hollow structure. There is a need for a flexible vibration damping device that can have a larger diameter than a hollow structure. It would be attractive to have a method of installing a vibration damping device into a hollow structure that can be free of secondary operations such as baking the article. There is a need for a mounting technique that allows for a tight fit immediately after the vibration damping device is inserted into the hollow structure. It would be attractive to have a mounting method that can removably secure the vibration damping device to the hollow structure. There is a need for an installation method that can in turn remove the vibration damping device from the hollow structure in a non-destructive manner.

Disclosure of Invention

The present teachings address one or more of the present needs by providing a method of installation comprising the steps of: (a) attaching an assembly fixture (assembly fixture) to the insertion portion; (b) inserting the insertion portion into the hollow structure in an insertion direction substantially coaxial with an axis of the hollow structure; and (c) rotating the insertion portion about the axis of the hollow structure during insertion.

The present teachings address one or more of the current needs by providing a method of installation in which rotation of the insertion portion is performed simultaneously with moving the insertion portion in the insertion direction; the rotation is clockwise rotation, anticlockwise rotation or both; the diameter of the insertion part is larger than the inner diameter of the hollow structure; the method avoids the step of firing or curing; after insertion, the insertion portion is flush with or recessed from the opening of the hollow structure; the hollow structure is one or more holes of the handle; the handle is a bat handle; after insertion, the insertion portion can be removed from the hollow structure in an undamaged manner; removing the insertion part from the hollow structure by pulling the insertion part in a direction directly opposite to the insertion direction using the assembly jig; rotating the insert clockwise, counter-clockwise, or both while pulling the insert in the opposite direction during removal; or a combination thereof.

The present teachings address one or more of the present needs by providing an insert that includes a core and a plurality of wings projecting axially away from the core, the wings being flexible, compressible, or both.

The present teachings provide an insert portion having a diameter greater than the diameter of the hollow structure into which the insert portion is to be inserted. The insert may be mounted free from secondary operations such as baking or curing. The present teachings provide a method of installation that allows an insert to fit tightly immediately after insertion into a hollow structure. The present teachings provide a method of installation that allows for removal of an insert after it is inserted into a hollow structure. The present teachings provide a method of removing an insert from a hollow structure in a non-destructive manner.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insert assembly prior to installation into a hollow structure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the insert assembly prior to installation into a hollow structure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the insert assembly prior to installation into a hollow structure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a hollow structure having a plurality of holes;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view V-V of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view VI-VI of FIG. 4, showing the insert assembly inserted into the bore of the hollow structure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view VI-VI of FIG. 5, showing an alternative insert assembly inserted into the bore of the hollow structure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the mounting clip secured to the insert; and

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the insert assembly removed from the bore of the hollow structure.

Detailed Description

The description and drawings presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, principles, and practical applications thereof. Those skilled in the art may modify and apply the teachings in their various forms as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the particular embodiments of the present teachings set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the description herein, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible, as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference into this written description.

The teachings herein are directed to devices and materials for making such devices that can be positioned in a hollow structure for vibration damping. These hollow structures may be made from a variety of rigid materials, including but not limited to metallic materials and polymeric materials. The hollow structure may be of any geometric shape or shape. For example, any hollow, generally tubular structure may be filled. Non-limiting examples include baseball bats, tennis/squash rackets, hockey and lacrosse bats, push-mower handles, riding mower zero-steer handles (e.g., heavy equipment with any handle-type steering), lawn mowers, portable generators, hunting stations/ladders, chainsaw handles, motorcycle/mopeds/bicycle handlebars and pedals, ultralight aircraft frames, karts and other miniframes, steering wheels, bicycle frames, exercise equipment, and cleaner handles.

The teachings herein are directed to an insert and a method of installing an insert into a hollow structure. The insert may be used to dampen vibration, provide impact absorption, or both. The insert may be within the hollow structure, externally along an outer surface of the object, between two objects, or a combination thereof, dampen vibration, provide impact absorption, or both. For example, the insert may be inserted into a hollow cavity (e.g., hole, bore, hole, etc.) of an object to absorb vibrations when the article impacts with an external object. Alternatively, the insert may be inserted into two objects, such as a sandwich deck or top and bottom decks of a treadmill, to absorb the impact during the user's impact. The insertion portion may maintain the shape of the hollow structure. For example, the insert portion may abut an inner surface of the hollow structure such that upon impact, the hollow structure retains its shape due to support from the insert portion. The insert may be structurally reinforced. The insert may be flexible. The insert may be compressible. The insert may be resilient or inelastic. The size and shape of the insert may vary based on the desired application. For example, the insert may be sufficiently round to fit within a round hole, or the insert may be square to fit within a substantially square cavity. The insert may be triangular, circular, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or a combination thereof. The insert may include a core and have one or more projections extending from the core. The insert may be substantially solid or may be hollow. A portion of the insert may be rigid while another portion of the insert may be flexible. For example, the core of the insert may be made of metal, while the one or more projections extending from the core may be compressible foam. The insert may be inserted along the entire length of the hollow structure or along a portion of the length of the hollow structure. A single insert may be inserted into the hollow structure or multiple inserts may be inserted into a single hollow structure.

The insert may be made of a single material or may comprise multiple materials. For example, the insert may be a single extruded polymeric material. Alternatively, the insert may comprise a metal core and comprise a polymeric projection extending from the core. The insert may be expandable, foamable, or both. The insert may comprise an adhesive layer which, when activated, adheres to the inner surface of the hollow structure. The adhesive layer may be curable at elevated temperatures above room temperature, with an activating material, or both. Alternatively, the insert may be free of foamable or curable materials that require secondary operations or curing or firing. The insert may not require a firing or curing step before, after, or during insertion of the insert into the hollow structure. The insert may be a continuous piece or may comprise a plurality of individual pieces bonded together to form the insert. The single piece may be bonded to the core.

The core may be used to support features of the insert, provide structural reinforcement to the insert, or both. The core may provide vibration damping, impact absorption, or both. The core may be of any shape, size, configuration or combination thereof suitable for the foregoing. The shape of the core may be similar or identical to the shape of the hollow cavity into which the core is inserted. Alternatively, the shape of the core may be dissimilar to the shape of the hollow structure into which the core is inserted. For example, the core may be generally square and include a plurality of protruding wings such that when the insert is inserted into a circular cavity, the wings are compressed to conform to the contours of the hollow structure. The core may be partially or completely solid or partially or completely hollow. The core may be rigid, flexible or have rigid and flexible portions. The core may be smaller in size than the hollow structure so that it can be inserted into the hollow structure. For example, the diameter of the core may be smaller than the diameter of the hollow structure. The core may comprise a metal, polymer or other material or a combination thereof. The core may be formed at least in part by extrusion. The core may be a polymeric material including a metal wire embedded therein. The metal wire may be co-extruded with the polymeric material. This may add one or more of weight and rigidity to the core. The core may include a high density or metal portion (e.g., insert) and this portion may be located at a desired location for increased attenuation. In one example, the portion may be located at an outermost segment of the hollow structure. The core may be one straight segment to match a segment of the hollow structure, or may comprise multiple segments to match multiple segments of the hollow structure. The core may comprise a profile matching the profile of the hollow structure such that the core may be inserted or continuously formed along a longer portion of the hollow structure. If the core is rigid, it may be designed in the shape of a hollow structure. If the core is flexible, it may be bent to match the profile of the hollow structure. The core may include a bending region, which may be a weakened region along the length of the core or a hinge to assist in bending of the core to match the profile of the hollow structure.

One or more wings may extend from the core of the insert. The one or more wings may be used to provide frictional engagement between the insert and the hollow structure. One or more wings may be used to conform to contours within the hollow structure after insertion. One or more wings may extend radially outward from the core. The one or more wings may create a space between the core and the inner surface of the hollow structure. For example, each wing may extend approximately 10mm from the core such that, upon insertion, the core is approximately centered along the axis of the hollow structure approximately 10mm away from the inner surface of the hollow structure. One or more wings may protrude from the core and extend the full length of the core. Alternatively, one or more wings may extend only a portion of the length of the core. The one or more wings can be of any shape, size, configuration, or combination thereof. There may be any number of said one or more wings. There may be about 4 or more wings, about 8 or more wings, about 12 or more wings, about 16 or more wings. There may be about 30 or less wings, about 25 or less wings, or about 20 or less wings. The number of wings may be selected to allow the diameter of the core to be as small as possible while still maintaining the configuration of the insert, which may still provide an appropriate amount of shock absorption, impact absorption, or a combination thereof. The one or more wings may be concentrated in one or more sections or portions of the core. One or more wings may have a desired height. The height may be measured as a distance from a location of the one or more wings adjacent the outer surface of the core to a peripheral edge of the one or more wings. The outer diameter of the insert may be measured as the diameter or cross-sectional height of the core plus the height of one or more wings at the cross-section of the insert. The outer diameter of the insert portion may be defined at a maximum cross-section between outer surfaces of the insert portion. For example, the outer diameter may be measured from the peripheral edges of two wings on opposite sides of the core. The one or more wings can have a height such that the overall diameter or height of the insert is about less than, equal to, or greater than the diameter or height of the hollow structure.

The one or more wings can be made of a polymeric material or any other material capable of any of the foregoing or following features. The one or more extensions may be extruded on the core, may be adhered or mechanically secured to the core, and/or may be molded with the core. For example, one or more wings can be co-extruded with the core to form a homogeneous insert. Optionally, one or more fasteners may be used to secure the one or more wings to the core. The one or more fasteners may include bolts, screws, nails, clips, loop and hook fasteners, rivets, or combinations thereof. The one or more wings can have various shapes. The one or more wings may be shaped as one or more continuous wings of a certain or varying length extending along all or part of the length of the core. The one or more wing portions may be shaped as thin planar members, pins, rods, tubes, rods, wings, radial wings, partial radial wings, or the like, or combinations thereof. The one or more wings may be spaced apart in a repeating pattern along the length of the core. The one or more wings may be radially spaced apart in an alternating pattern around the core. One or more extensions may surround the outer diameter of the core and be spaced apart along the length of the core.

One or more wings may be flexible. Its flexibility may facilitate the fitting of the insert into the hollow structure. For example, one or more wings may bend or collapse under pressure. The pressure may be a force exerted by an inner wall of the hollow structure when the insertion portion is inserted into the hollow structure. One or more wings may be positioned at an angle relative to the outer surface of the hollow structure. For example, the wings may be positioned at an acute angle relative to the outer surface of the core such that each wing first enters a hollow structure in which it abuts the outer surface of the core. The acute angle may provide less resistance in the insertion direction of the insertion portion while providing increased friction in the opposite direction of the insertion direction. One or more of the wings may be bent or collapsed in a direction opposite the insertion direction. For example, when the wing enters the hollow structure and the pressure of the hollow structure starts to act, the peripheral edge of the wing may be bent toward the core such that the peripheral edge of the wing is closer to the outer surface of the core. One or more wings may frictionally engage the assembly jig.

The assembly jig may be used to engage the insert and assist in installing the insert into the hollow structure. The assembly fixture may allow a user to push in an insertion direction, pull in a removal direction, rotate the insertion portion, or a combination thereof without directly contacting the insertion portion. For example, the mounting clip may include a base or handle such that once the mounting clip is engaged to the insert, a user may move the insert by simply contacting the base or handle. The mounting fixture may be rigid in construction. The assembly fixture may include one or more engagement features to connect to the insert. The mounting clip may be removably attached to the insert portion. The assembly fixture may include one or more locking mechanisms to secure the insert after connection. The mounting clip may be removably attached to the insert portion such that after insertion of the insert portion into the hollow structure, the mounting clip may be removed while leaving the insert portion in the hollow structure. The diameter of the assembly jig may be greater than, less than, or equal to the diameter of the insertion portion. The diameter of the assembly fixture may be greater than, less than, or equal to the diameter or height of the hollow structure. For example, the assembly jig may include a base portion having a larger diameter than the bore such that the base portion abuts the external opening of the hollow structure to ensure proper alignment of the insert portion within the hollow structure. Alternatively, the diameter of the entire assembly jig may be smaller than the diameter of the hollow structure, so that the assembly jig can be inserted into the hollow structure.

The mounting clip may include a base. The base may be used to provide a handle for a user to manipulate the mounting fixture, to manipulate an insert attached to the mounting fixture, or both. The base may serve as structural support for one or more features of the mounting clip. The base may include one or more attachment features for connecting to one or more features of the assembly fixture. For example, the base may include one or more holes, one or more hooks, one or more clips, or a combination thereof to connect one or more features to the base. The base may or may not be shaped to be substantially similar to the hollow structure. The diameter of the base may be greater than, less than, or equal to the diameter or height of the hollow structure. The base may be compressible. The base may be rigid in construction. The base may include one or more projections extending away from a surface of the base. For example, the base may include one or more fingers projecting away from the distal end of the base.

One or more fingers may be used to engage the insert. The one or more fingers may engage with the core of the insert, one or more wings of the insert, or both. For example, one or more fingers may be frictionally engaged with and spaced apart from the core of the insert such that the one or more fingers are located between one or more wings of the insert. The length of the one or more fingers may be less than, greater than, or equal to the length of the insert. The one or more fingers may be a plurality of fingers. For example, the assembly fixture may include about 2 or more fingers, about 4 or more fingers, or about 6 or more fingers. The assembly fixture may include about 12 or fewer fingers, about 10 or fewer fingers, or about 8 or fewer fingers. The one or more fingers may be rigid or may be flexible in structure. One or more of the fingers may include a friction surface to assist in frictional engagement with the insert. One or more fingers may be removably attached to the insert such that the assembly fixture may be connected to, disconnected from, or both without damaging the insert. One or more fingers may extend or protrude from any surface of the base. The one or more fingers may be uniform in size and shape or may be dissimilar. The one or more fingers may be integrally formed with the base or may be connected to the base.

The one or more fingers may be any desired shape and size based on the desired application. One or more fingers may be connected to the insert portion such that the insert portion and the assembly fixture form an insert assembly. The insert assembly is used to allow a user to insert the insert portion into the hollow structure with the assembly jig. The insert assembly may be formed prior to inserting the insert portion into the hollow structure. Alternatively, the insert assembly may be formed after the insert portion is located within the hollow structure. For example, the assembly jig may engage with an insert located within a bore of the hollow structure such that the insert may be removed from the bore.

The aperture may serve as a cavity for receiving the insert. The aperture may be used to form an inner contoured surface for the insert. The holes may be of any size, shape, depth, or combination thereof. The holes may extend through the entire length of the hollow structure or a portion of the length of the hollow structure. The hole may include one or more rounded or chamfered terminal edges to aid in insertion of the insert. The shape of the aperture may be substantially similar to the shape of the core of the insert, the shape of the core and the wings of the insert, or both. For example, the bore may be tubular to receive the tubular core of the insert. The plurality of holes may be located within a single hollow structure. For example, the hollow structure may be the handle of a baseball bat having a plurality of holes drilled into the handle. Each of the plurality of apertures may receive an insert, or only a portion of the apertures may receive an insert. Each aperture may receive a similar insert, or a portion of the apertures may receive differently shaped inserts. Each of the plurality of apertures may be similar or dissimilar in size and shape. The diameter of the hole may be greater than, less than, or equal to the diameter of the insert, the diameter of the assembly fixture, or both. For example, the diameter of the insert measured from the opposing wings may be greater than the diameter of the hole, and the diameter of the core of the insert may be less than the diameter of the hole, such that when inserted, the plurality of wings of the insert are compressed to match the diameter of the hole and generally follow the inner surface profile of the hole.

The insert may be mounted within the hollow structure or within the bore using an assembly jig. The assembly fixture may be secured to the insert by moving one or more fingers in an assembly direction toward the insert, thereby engaging the one or more fingers with one or more wings of the insert, a core of the insert, or both. After the assembly jig has been engaged with the insert portion and the insert assembly has been formed, the insert portion may be inserted into the hollow structure or bore in an insertion direction that is generally coaxial with the axis or center point of the hollow structure or bore. Alternatively, the direction of insertion may be at an angle other than coaxial with the axis or central point of the hollow structure or bore. For example, the insertion direction may form an angle of about 0 degrees or greater, about 15 degrees or greater, or about 30 degrees or greater with the axis or center point of the hollow structure or bore. The angle may be about 75 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less, or about 45 degrees or less. The angle may vary during installation of the insert. For example, the insertion direction may be about 15 degrees when insertion of the insertion portion is initiated, but gradually decreases to approximately 0 degrees (i.e., substantially coaxial) as the insertion portion continues to move in the insertion direction within the hollow structure or cavity.

The insertion part can also be rotated during insertion. The rotation of the insertion portion may be performed using an assembly jig. The rotation may be clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, or both. The rotation may be completely simultaneous when moving the insertion part in the insertion direction. For example, the insertion portion may be rotated and moved in the insertion direction simultaneously to assist in installing the insertion portion within the hollow structure or cavity. The rotation may be completely continued with respect to moving the insertion portion in the insertion direction. For example, the insert may be incrementally moved a desired distance in the insertion direction, stopped and rotated clockwise, rotated counterclockwise, or both to reduce friction between the insert and the hollow structure or bore. The rotation of the insert during assembly may be about the axis of rotation of the hollow structure or bore, the axis of rotation of the insert, and the axis of rotation of the assembly fixture, or a combination thereof. The rotation of the insertion portion may be accomplished at about any angle relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow structure or bore. For example, the rotational axis of the insert portion and the rotational axis of the hollow structure or bore may form an angle of about 0 degrees or greater, about 5 degrees or greater, or about 10 degrees or greater. The angle may be about 20 degrees or less, about 15 degrees or less, or about 12 degrees or less. The rotation of the insertion portion may be any angle of rotation about the axis of rotation. For example, the insert portion may be rotated about 45 degrees or greater, about 90 degrees or greater, about 135 degrees or greater, or about 180 degrees or greater. The insert may be rotated about 360 degrees or less, about 315 degrees or less, about 270 degrees or less, or about 225 degrees or less. The insertion portion may be rotated more than 360 degrees. For example, the insertion portion may be rotated one or more full turns upon insertion.

The rotation of the insertion part and the movement of the insertion part in the insertion direction may be done in a continuous manner or may be done incrementally. For example, the rotation and movement of the insert in the insertion direction may be accomplished in one single action from a machine that simultaneously rotates and moves the insert to reach the desired location within the hollow structure or bore. Alternatively, the rotation and movement in the insertion direction may be accomplished in incremental stages of desired distances within the hollow structure or bore, such that multiple movements may be accomplished before the insertion portion installation is completed.

The insert may be removed from the hollow structure or hole in a manner similar to the insertion. The assembly fixture may be secured to an insert already located within the hollow structure or bore. Once secured, the insert may be removed in a direction generally opposite the insertion direction. During removal, the insertion portion may be rotated in a direction substantially similar to or substantially opposite to the direction of rotation upon insertion. For example, the insert may be rotated clockwise during insertion and counterclockwise during removal. Alternatively, the insert may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise during both insertion and removal. During removal, the turning and the moving of the insert in the removal direction may be performed simultaneously or may be done incrementally. Removal of the insert may be accomplished in a non-destructive manner such that the insert may be removed from a hollow structure or cavity and inserted into a different hollow structure or cavity. In this manner, the insert may be made reusable or interchangeable between different articles. For example, the insertion portion may be removed from the first handle and inserted into the second handle. Insertion and removal may be done in the manufacturing plant, by the end user or the consumer, or both.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an insert assembly 10. The insert assembly 10 may be configured to be inserted into a hollow structure, such as into a bore of a hollow structure (see fig. 6 and 7). The insert assembly 10 includes an assembly fixture 20 connected to an insert portion 30. The mounting fixture 20 includes a plurality of fingers 24 projecting axially from the base 22. The plurality of fingers 24 are configured to extend around the core 32 of the insert 30 between a plurality of wings 34 that project radially away from the core 32. It should be noted that the mounting clip 20 may be removably secured to the insert portion 30 such that once the insert portion 30 is inserted into the hollow structure, the mounting clip 20 may be removed and the insert portion 30 may remain within the hollow structure (see fig. 8).

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the insert assembly 10. The insertion assembly 10 may be configured to be inserted into a hollow structure, such as into a bore of a handle (see fig. 6 and 7). The insert assembly 10 includes a mounting fixture 20 connected to an insert 30 via a plurality of fingers (not shown) extending from a base 22 of the mounting fixture 20. As shown, the diameter D of the insertion portion _I And diameter D of the assembly jig _F Substantially the same so that the insert 30 and the mounting clip 20 can extend into the hollow structure.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the insert assembly 10. The insertion assembly 10 may be configured to be inserted into a hollow structure, such as into a bore of a handle (see fig. 6 and 7). The insert assembly 10 includes a mounting fixture 20 connected to an insert portion 30 via a plurality of fingers (not shown) extending from a base portion 22 of the mounting fixture 20. As shown, the diameter D of the insertion portion _I Is larger than the diameter D of the assembly fixture _F Such that when the insert part 30 is inserted into the hollow structure, the insert part 30 is compressed to be substantially equal to the diameter D of the assembly jig _F Of (c) is measured.

Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the hollow structure 40. The hollow structure 40 includes a plurality of holes 42 positioned around and extending through the hollow structure.

Fig. 5 shows a V-V cross-section of fig. 1. As shown, the plurality of fingers 24 of the assembly fixture extend between a plurality of wings 34 that project radially from the base 32 of the insert 30, thereby securing the insert 30 to the assembly fixture (see fig. 1-3).

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view VI-VI of the hollow structure 40 of fig. 4. The insert assembly 10 is shown inserted into one of the plurality of holes 42 of the hollow structure 40. The insert assembly 10 includes a mounting fixture 20 connected to an insert 30 via a plurality of fingers (not shown) extending from a base 22 of the mounting fixture 20. The insertion portion 30 is inserted into the hole 42 in the direction I via the fitting jig 20. When the insertion portion 30 moves in the direction I, the insertion portion 30 simultaneously rotates in the direction R1 for easy insertion. It should be noted that instead of simultaneously rotating and moving in direction I, insert 30 may also rotate and move in direction I in an alternating manner.

Fig. 7 shows a section VI-VI of the hollow structure 40 of fig. 4. The insert assembly 10 is shown inserted into one of the plurality of holes 42 of the hollow structure 40. The insert assembly 20 includes a mounting fixture 20 connected to an insert portion 30 via a plurality of fingers (not shown) extending from a base portion 22 of the mounting fixture 20. The insertion portion 30 is inserted into the hole 42 in the direction I via the fitting jig 20. When the insertion portion 30 moves in the direction I, the insertion portion 30 simultaneously rotates in the direction R1 for easy insertion. During insertion, the insert 30 is compressed such that the insert 30 may generally follow the inner surface contour of the bore 42. It should be noted that, instead of simultaneously rotating and moving in direction I, insertion portion 30 may also rotate and move in direction I in an alternating manner.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the mounting clip 20 secured to the insert 30. A plurality of fingers 24 extending axially away from the base 22 are secured around the core of the insert 30 by moving the assembly fixture 20 in the assembly direction a. It should be noted that the mounting clip 20 may be removably secured to the insert portion 30 such that once the insert portion 30 is inserted into the hollow structure, the mounting clip 20 may be removed and the insert portion 30 may remain within the hollow structure.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the insert assembly 10 removed from the hole 42 of the hollow structure 40. The insert assembly 10 includes a mounting fixture 20 connected to an insert 30 via a plurality of fingers (not shown) extending from a base 22 of the mounting fixture 20. The insert 30 is removed from the hole 42 in the direction RE via the assembly jig 20. When the insert 30 moves in the direction RE, the insert 30 is simultaneously in the direction R _R Rotated for easy removal. It should be noted that instead of simultaneously rotating and moving in the direction RE, the insertion section 30 may also rotate and move in the direction RE in an alternating manner. It should be noted that the insert 30 may be removed in an undamaged manner so that the insert 30 may be used with another hollow structure.

The description and drawings presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the description herein, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the claims of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should the inventors be construed as such subject matter being part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Multiple elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step may be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

The disclosure of "a" or "an" to describe an element or step is not intended to exclude additional elements or steps.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, when terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms are used herein, no order or sequence is implied. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.

Spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "below … …," "below … …," "below," "above … …," "above," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below … …" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible, as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also incorporated by reference into this written description.

Description of the reference numerals

10 insert assembly

20 assembling jig

22 base

24 finger part

30 insertion part

32 core

34 wing part

40 hollow structure

42 holes

D _F Diameter of the assembly jig

D _I Diameter of the insertion part

I (of the insertion part) insertion direction

RE removal direction

A (assembling jig to insert part) assembling direction

R _I Direction of rotation for insertion

R _R Rotation direction for removal

Claims

1. A method of installation comprising the steps of:

a. connecting an assembly fixture to an insert, the insert including a solid core and a plurality of wings projecting axially away from the core, the wings positioned at an acute angle relative to an outer surface of the core and co-extruded with the core to uniformly form the insert, the wings being flexible, compressible, or both, and the wings and the core forming a star-shaped insert, and the wings tapering as they extend away from the core such that a distal end of the wings forms a point;

b. inserting the insertion portion into the hollow structure in an insertion direction substantially coaxial with an axis of the hollow structure; and

c. rotating the insertion portion about an axis of the hollow structure during insertion, wherein the rotation of the insertion portion is performed simultaneously with moving the insertion portion in the insertion direction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotation is clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, or both.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the insert is greater than the inner diameter of the hollow structure.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method is free of a firing or curing step.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after insertion, the insertion portion is flush with or recessed from the opening of the hollow structure.

6. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow structure is one or more holes of a handle.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the handle is a bat handle.

8. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that after insertion the insertion part can be removed from the hollow structure in an undamaged manner.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the insertion portion is removed from the hollow structure by pulling the insertion portion in a direction directly opposite the insertion direction with the assembly jig.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the insert is rotated clockwise, counterclockwise, or both while pulling the insert in the opposite direction during removal.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the mounting clip includes a plurality of fingers extending from a base, and the fingers are inserted between the wings of the insert to secure the insert to the mounting clip.

12. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion portion abuts an inner surface profile of the hollow structure after insertion.

13. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert is configured to reduce vibration of the hollow structure.

14. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insert provides impact absorption during an impact to the hollow structure.

15. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the insert is greater than the diameter of the assembly jig.

16. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it eliminates permanent deformation of the insert part during insertion and reduces the reject rate.

17. A baseball bat comprising a plurality of inserts that are inserted into a plurality of holes in a handle of the bat in accordance with the method of any one of claims 1-16.