US20090253540A1 - Bat With Flexible Handle - Google Patents
Bat With Flexible Handle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090253540A1 US20090253540A1 US12/435,518 US43551809A US2009253540A1 US 20090253540 A1 US20090253540 A1 US 20090253540A1 US 43551809 A US43551809 A US 43551809A US 2009253540 A1 US2009253540 A1 US 2009253540A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bat
- handle
- planes
- axis
- longitudinal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/08—Handles characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/48—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with corrugated cross-section
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/0081—Substantially flexible shafts; Hinged shafts
Definitions
- the current invention relates long handled sports equipment, such as softball or baseball bats, for striking balls. More particularly, the current invention pertains to designs for bats that yield a particular cross-sectional shape to improve the hitting characteristics thereof.
- the performance of a bat is generally based upon the weight of the bat, length of the bat, and the impact response of the bat at and during impact with a ball.
- the weight and length characteristics of bats have practical, as well as batter preference, limitations.
- most prior art attempts to improve bat technology have been focused on the impact response of the bat at and during impact with a ball.
- COR coefficient of restitution
- the speed of the bat, and more particularly the speed of the hitting area of the bat, through the hitting zone can be affected by the relative flexibility between the handle and the barrel, or flexibility in the attachment between the handle and barrel depending on the overall swing speed of the bat.
- An important location for the actual measurement of overall bat swing speed is in the hitting zone—roughly defined by the strike zone for each individual batter.
- This improved bat preferably has a design that alters flexibility characteristics such that it has an improved batted ball performance. This needed bat is lacking in the art.
- the bat for striking a ball.
- the bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion.
- the handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis.
- the bat further includes a cross piece which is perpendicular to the plurality to the planes that intersects the axis.
- the cross piece further includes a thickness and a length wherein the thickness is substantially uniform along the length.
- Each aperture further includes a proximate end. In one embodiment, the proximate ends are aligned. In an alternate embodiment, at least two of the proximate ends are off set.
- Each plane can further include a distal end with each end substantially round in shape.
- the handle can include a circumference wherein the distal ends conform to the shape of the circumference.
- a layer of material can be positioned around the handle to enclose the apertures and planes.
- the handle can further include a deflection characteristic responsive to a force positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the deflection characteristic is increased by the apertures defined in the handle such that the apertures increase the deflection characteristic in the handle during operation of the bat when it strikes a ball.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bat having a handle portion that includes a plurality of planes positioned substantially parallel to the axis of a handle.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bat with an improved deflection characteristic in the handle of the bat.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art bat taken generally along line AA as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 shows an example of a handle with three types of flexibility depending on the orientation of the impact between the ball and bat in view of the orientation of the planes of the handle.
- FIG. 12 is graph showing the comparison of swing speed and performance for three types of flexibility in handles.
- FIG. 13A is a partial side view of a handle made in accordance with the current disclosure.
- FIG. 13A shows an example of a handle have external supports varying flexibility of the handle.
- FIG. 13B is a partial side view of a handle made in accordance with the current disclosure.
- FIG. 13B shows an example of a handle have alternate external supports varying flexibility of the handle.
- a bat is shown generally designated by the numeral 10 .
- the bat 10 is for striking a ball 12 and comprises a barrel portion 14 , a transition portion 16 , and a handle portion 18 .
- the transition portion 16 which can also be described as a taper 16
- the barrel portion 14 which can also be described as a barrel 14
- the handle portion 18 which can also be described as a handle 18
- the bat also includes a knob 20 and a cap end 22 .
- the handle portion 18 includes a longitudinal axis 24 , which can also be described as a central axis 24 , and a plurality of planes 26 , which can be described as a plurality of second planes 26 , positioned substantially parallel to the axis 24 .
- the plurality of planes 26 are positioned such that adjacent planes define apertures 28 wherein the apertures 28 are substantially parallel to the axis 24 .
- Each aperture 28 includes a proximate end 30
- each plane 26 includes a distal end 32 .
- each proximate end 30 is aligned with one of the adjacent proximate ends 30 , while in another embodiment at least two of the proximate ends 30 are offset.
- each distal end 32 is rounded. These rounded distal ends 32 can be generally described as tapering to a curved point. In another embodiment, the distal ends 32 conform to the shape of the circumference 34 of the handle 18 .
- the handle 18 can also include a cross piece 36 , which can also be described as a first plane of material 36 , that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the planes 26 and substantially intersecting the axis 24 .
- the cross piece 36 can further include a thickness 38 and a length 40 .
- the thickness 38 which can be described as a width 38 , is substantially uniform along the length 40 .
- the width 38 varies along the length 40 .
- the bat 10 can further include a layer of material 42 that surrounds the handle 18 .
- the layer of material 42 can be used to enclose the handle 18 and protect the handle 18 without altering the characteristics of the bat 10 .
- the handle 18 further includes a deflection characteristic which is responsive to a force 44 applied substantially perpendicular to the axis 24 .
- the deflection characteristic of the handle 18 is increased by the apertures 28 defined in the handle 14 by the planes 26 and cross piece 36 . Part of this increased deflection characteristic is due to the fact that the apertures 28 open to the circumference 34 of the handle 18 . This allows deflection between the planes 26 when the force 44 is applied to the bat 10 . As such, due to the positioning of the planes 26 to create the apertures 28 , the planes 26 have additional room in which to deflect during the application of the force 24 . This additional deflection allows for an increased overall elasticity of the bat 10 and a return of energy to the ball 12 .
- the performance of various embodiments of the current invention can vary depending on the orientation of the handle 14 in relation to the impact direction of the ball and the bat.
- impact of ball in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planes 26 and substantially planer to the cross piece 36 provides a stiff response from the handle 14 .
- Impact of ball in a direction substantially parallel to the planes 26 and substantially perpendicular to the cross piece 36 provides a flexible response from the handle 14 .
- impact of ball in a direction obtuse to both to the planes 26 and cross piece 36 provides an intermediate response from the handle 14 .
- FIG. 12 provides test data of the various responses charted against swing speed of the bat and performance of the bat.
- a layer 42 can substantially cover the handle 18 such that a user of the bat 10 would not necessarily know of the unique design feature of the handle 18 .
- the handle 18 includes externally positioned supports 50 positioned on the handle 18 to regulate the flexibility of the handle 18 .
- the supports 50 or ribs 50 , can be positioned in several configurations including substantially parallel to the axis of the handle and circumferentially positioned on the circumference of the handle 18 .
- the ribs 50 can be spirally shaped along the length of the bat.
- the supports 50 are preferably positioned to regulate the flexibility, or define the stiffness characteristics, of the handle 18 . This can be accomplished by connecting adjacent planes 26 to inhibit independent movement there between.
- the ribs 50 can run longitudinally (parallel to the main axis of the bat 10 ) and be used to efficiently increase stiffness. Alternately, the ribs 50 can spiral or angle down the handle 18 to provide varying degrees of stiffness in the handle 18 . Adding the ribs 50 to the outside of the handle 18 facilitates the controlled stiffness of the handle 18 due to the fact that the reinforcement characteristics of the ribs 50 are space from the neutral axis of bending of the bat 10 .
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/107,452 entitled “Bat With Flexible Handle” filed Apr. 22, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/549,776, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,868, entitled “Bat With Flexible Handle” filed Oct. 16, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/745,309 entitled “Bat With Flexible Handle” filed Apr. 21, 2006.
- All applications and patents previously or subsequently mentioned are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- We, Matthew V. Vacek, a citizen of the United States, residing at 1515 Cass Street, La Crosse, Wis. 54601; Biju Mathew, a citizen of India, residing at 4128 Stonecroft Drive, St. Charles, Mo. 63304; have invented a new and useful “Bat With Flexible Handle.”
- The current invention relates long handled sports equipment, such as softball or baseball bats, for striking balls. More particularly, the current invention pertains to designs for bats that yield a particular cross-sectional shape to improve the hitting characteristics thereof.
- It can be appreciated that numerous attempts have been made to improve the performance of a bat. These prior attempts have included the addition of various shells, inserts, materials, and shapes of the bat in order to improve its performance or usage. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,761,653, 6,733,404, 6,497,631, 6,425,836, 6,176,795, 6,022,282, 4,930,772, 4,331,330, and 3,990,699, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0016230, and Japanese Patent No. JP5023407 disclose various attempts to improve the performance or use of a bat.
- The performance of a bat is generally based upon the weight of the bat, length of the bat, and the impact response of the bat at and during impact with a ball. The weight and length characteristics of bats have practical, as well as batter preference, limitations. As such, most prior art attempts to improve bat technology have been focused on the impact response of the bat at and during impact with a ball.
- For example, studies have been made to measure the coefficient of restitution (COR) between a ball and a bat. The research has shown that the COR was dependent on both the flexural stiffness, with reference to the axis of a bat, and the circumferential stiffness, or elasticity, of the bat. The research found that the COR rose with increasing bending stiffness and decreasing circumferential stiffness.
- Other research has shown that the elasticity of the bat is a greater factor in determining the COR of the bat. For example, research has shown that when the contact time between the ball and the bat match the time required for the bat to deflect and return to its original position, the COR increases because some of the vibrational energy in the bat was returned to the ball. This has been referred to an isoharmonic impact.
- It is known that as the weight of a bat is reduced, the batter can swing the bat with additional speed thereby parting more force on the ball during impact. Bat performance therefore varies with the individual player's swing speed. Additionally, other research has shown that the performance factors of a bat can be increased when the bending momentum in the bat is increased.
- It is theorized that the speed of the bat, and more particularly the speed of the hitting area of the bat, through the hitting zone can be affected by the relative flexibility between the handle and the barrel, or flexibility in the attachment between the handle and barrel depending on the overall swing speed of the bat. An important location for the actual measurement of overall bat swing speed is in the hitting zone—roughly defined by the strike zone for each individual batter. In essence, it is theorized that handle flexibility and can affect the relative speed of the barrel through the hitting zone even if the overall speed of the bat is substantially consistent. For example, it is theorized that a player with high swing speed can get a better performance with a stiff handle bat, where as a player with lower swing speed will perform better with a flexible handle bat provided all the parameters remains the same. For example, a professional player should perform better with a stiff handle bat compared to a high school player, who should perform better with a flexible handle bat
- What is needed is an improved bat that provides increased performance. This improved bat preferably has a design that alters flexibility characteristics such that it has an improved batted ball performance. This needed bat is lacking in the art.
- Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis.
- The bat further includes a cross piece which is perpendicular to the plurality to the planes that intersects the axis. The cross piece further includes a thickness and a length wherein the thickness is substantially uniform along the length. Each aperture further includes a proximate end. In one embodiment, the proximate ends are aligned. In an alternate embodiment, at least two of the proximate ends are off set.
- Each plane can further include a distal end with each end substantially round in shape. Additionally, the handle can include a circumference wherein the distal ends conform to the shape of the circumference. A layer of material can be positioned around the handle to enclose the apertures and planes.
- The handle can further include a deflection characteristic responsive to a force positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The deflection characteristic is increased by the apertures defined in the handle such that the apertures increase the deflection characteristic in the handle during operation of the bat when it strikes a ball.
- It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an improved bat for striking a ball.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bat having a handle portion that includes a plurality of planes positioned substantially parallel to the axis of a handle.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bat with an improved deflection characteristic in the handle of the bat.
- Other further objects and features of the current invention will be readily apparent upon a reading of the detailed disclosure and a view of the figures included herein.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art bat taken generally along line AA as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bat made in accordance with the current disclosure taken generally along AA ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 11 shows an example of a handle with three types of flexibility depending on the orientation of the impact between the ball and bat in view of the orientation of the planes of the handle. -
FIG. 12 is graph showing the comparison of swing speed and performance for three types of flexibility in handles. -
FIG. 13A is a partial side view of a handle made in accordance with the current disclosure.FIG. 13A shows an example of a handle have external supports varying flexibility of the handle. -
FIG. 13B is a partial side view of a handle made in accordance with the current disclosure.FIG. 13B shows an example of a handle have alternate external supports varying flexibility of the handle. - Referring generally now to
FIGS. 1-13B , a bat is shown generally designated by the numeral 10. Thebat 10 is for striking aball 12 and comprises abarrel portion 14, atransition portion 16, and ahandle portion 18. Thetransition portion 16, which can also be described as ataper 16, is attached to thebarrel portion 14, which can also be described as abarrel 14, while thehandle portion 18, which can also be described as ahandle 18, is attached to thetransition portion 16. The bat also includes aknob 20 and acap end 22. - The
handle portion 18 includes alongitudinal axis 24, which can also be described as acentral axis 24, and a plurality ofplanes 26, which can be described as a plurality ofsecond planes 26, positioned substantially parallel to theaxis 24. The plurality ofplanes 26 are positioned such that adjacent planes defineapertures 28 wherein theapertures 28 are substantially parallel to theaxis 24. Eachaperture 28 includes aproximate end 30, while eachplane 26 includes adistal end 32. - In one embodiment, each
proximate end 30 is aligned with one of the adjacent proximate ends 30, while in another embodiment at least two of the proximate ends 30 are offset. In another embodiment, eachdistal end 32 is rounded. These rounded distal ends 32 can be generally described as tapering to a curved point. In another embodiment, the distal ends 32 conform to the shape of thecircumference 34 of thehandle 18. - The
handle 18 can also include across piece 36, which can also be described as a first plane ofmaterial 36, that is positioned substantially perpendicular to theplanes 26 and substantially intersecting theaxis 24. Thecross piece 36 can further include athickness 38 and alength 40. In one embodiment, thethickness 38, which can be described as awidth 38, is substantially uniform along thelength 40. In an alternate embodiment, thewidth 38 varies along thelength 40. - The
bat 10 can further include a layer ofmaterial 42 that surrounds thehandle 18. The layer ofmaterial 42 can be used to enclose thehandle 18 and protect thehandle 18 without altering the characteristics of thebat 10. - The
handle 18 further includes a deflection characteristic which is responsive to aforce 44 applied substantially perpendicular to theaxis 24. The deflection characteristic of thehandle 18 is increased by theapertures 28 defined in thehandle 14 by theplanes 26 and crosspiece 36. Part of this increased deflection characteristic is due to the fact that theapertures 28 open to thecircumference 34 of thehandle 18. This allows deflection between theplanes 26 when theforce 44 is applied to thebat 10. As such, due to the positioning of theplanes 26 to create theapertures 28, theplanes 26 have additional room in which to deflect during the application of theforce 24. This additional deflection allows for an increased overall elasticity of thebat 10 and a return of energy to theball 12. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12 , the performance of various embodiments of the current invention can vary depending on the orientation of thehandle 14 in relation to the impact direction of the ball and the bat. For example impact of ball in a direction substantially perpendicular to theplanes 26 and substantially planer to thecross piece 36 provides a stiff response from thehandle 14. Impact of ball in a direction substantially parallel to theplanes 26 and substantially perpendicular to thecross piece 36 provides a flexible response from thehandle 14. Additionally, impact of ball in a direction obtuse to both to theplanes 26 and crosspiece 36 provides an intermediate response from thehandle 14.FIG. 12 provides test data of the various responses charted against swing speed of the bat and performance of the bat. - Additionally, the cylindrical nature of the
handle 18 further facilitates the same integration of the currentinventive bat 10 into the market. Alayer 42 can substantially cover thehandle 18 such that a user of thebat 10 would not necessarily know of the unique design feature of thehandle 18. - As exampled in
FIGS. 13A-B , in an alternate embodiment of thebat 10 thehandle 18 includes externally positioned supports 50 positioned on thehandle 18 to regulate the flexibility of thehandle 18. The supports 50, orribs 50, can be positioned in several configurations including substantially parallel to the axis of the handle and circumferentially positioned on the circumference of thehandle 18. Alternately, theribs 50 can be spirally shaped along the length of the bat. - The supports 50 are preferably positioned to regulate the flexibility, or define the stiffness characteristics, of the
handle 18. This can be accomplished by connectingadjacent planes 26 to inhibit independent movement there between. Theribs 50 can run longitudinally (parallel to the main axis of the bat 10) and be used to efficiently increase stiffness. Alternately, theribs 50 can spiral or angle down thehandle 18 to provide varying degrees of stiffness in thehandle 18. Adding theribs 50 to the outside of thehandle 18 facilitates the controlled stiffness of thehandle 18 due to the fact that the reinforcement characteristics of theribs 50 are space from the neutral axis of bending of thebat 10. - Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Bat With Flexible Handle, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (15)
1. A bat for striking a ball, the bat comprising:
a circumferential barrel portion shape to accept a force;
a transition portion attached to the barrel portion; and
a handle portion attached to the transition portion, the handle portion including:
a circumference;
a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis, each plane including a distal end, and adjacent planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis with each aperture including a proximate end;
a cross piece positioned substantially perpendicular to the plurality of planes and intersecting the axis, the cross-piece including a thickness and a length; and
wherein the apertures, planes, and cross piece in the handle are positioned to provide a response to a force substantially parallel to the planes and substantially perpendicular to the cross piece that is flexible relative to a stiffer response to a force substantially perpendicular to the planes and substantially planer to the cross piece.
2. The bat of claim 1 , wherein the thickness is substantially uniform along the length.
3. The bat of claim 1 , wherein the proximate ends are aligned.
4. The bat of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the proximate ends are offset.
5. The bat of claim 1 , wherein the distal ends are rounded.
6. The bat of claim 1 , wherein the distal ends conform to the shape of the circumference.
7. The bat of claim 1 , the handle including a deflection characteristic responsive to a force substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the deflection characteristic is increased by the apertures defined in the handle.
8. The bat of claim 1 , further including at least one externally positioned support positioned on the handle to regulate the flexibility of the handle.
9. The bat of claim 8 , wherein the externally positioned support is positioned substantially parallel to the axis of the handle.
10. The bat of claim 8 , wherein the externally positioned support is spirally shaped.
11. A bat for striking a ball, the bat comprising:
a circumferential barrel shape to accept a force;
a taper attached to the barrel; and
a handle attached to the taper, the handle including:
a circumference;
a central axis;
a plurality of longitudinal planes of material substantially parallel to the axis with adjacent longitudinal planes positioned to define longitudinal apertures substantially parallel to the axis, each longitudinal plane including a distal end, each longitudinal aperture including a proximate end and at least two of the proximate ends are offset;
a connecting piece substantially perpendicular to the plurality of longitudinal planes and intersecting the axis and including a width and a length.
12. The bat of claim 11 , wherein the handle further includes a deflection characteristic responsive to a force substantially perpendicular to the central axis, the deflection characteristic increased by the apertures defined in the handle.
13. The bat of claim 11 , wherein the width is substantially uniform along the length.
14. The bat of claim 11 , wherein the distal ends are rounded.
15. The bat of claim 11 , wherein the distal ends conform to the shape of the circumference.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/435,518 US20090253540A1 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2009-05-05 | Bat With Flexible Handle |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US74530906P | 2006-04-21 | 2006-04-21 | |
US11/549,776 US7377868B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2006-10-16 | Bat with flexible handle |
US12/107,452 US7611428B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2008-04-22 | Bat with flexible handle |
US12/435,518 US20090253540A1 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2009-05-05 | Bat With Flexible Handle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/107,452 Continuation US7611428B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2008-04-22 | Bat with flexible handle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090253540A1 true US20090253540A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
Family
ID=38620142
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/549,776 Active US7377868B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2006-10-16 | Bat with flexible handle |
US12/107,452 Active US7611428B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2008-04-22 | Bat with flexible handle |
US12/435,518 Abandoned US20090253540A1 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2009-05-05 | Bat With Flexible Handle |
US12/563,630 Abandoned US20100009787A1 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2009-09-21 | Bat With Flexible Handle |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/549,776 Active US7377868B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2006-10-16 | Bat with flexible handle |
US12/107,452 Active US7611428B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2008-04-22 | Bat with flexible handle |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/563,630 Abandoned US20100009787A1 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2009-09-21 | Bat With Flexible Handle |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US7377868B2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120231904A1 (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2012-09-13 | Matthew Fonte | Controlling the stiffness of a hollow metal bat by providing helical internal ribs |
US9101810B2 (en) | 2010-11-29 | 2015-08-11 | Baden Sports, Inc. | Bat having variable properties relative to a swing axis |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7377868B2 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2008-05-27 | Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. | Bat with flexible handle |
US20100317469A1 (en) * | 2009-03-05 | 2010-12-16 | Comello Jr Carlo J | Bat with patterned handle |
US20130217523A1 (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2013-08-22 | Lanny L. Johnson | Sports equipment handle having tactile biofeedback reference feature |
US10371481B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2019-08-06 | Lanny L. Johnson | Tactile biofeedback reference attachment |
US9982963B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2018-05-29 | Lanny L. Johnson | Firearm having tactile biofeedback reference feature |
FR2996462B1 (en) | 2012-10-04 | 2014-12-19 | Babolat Vs | BADMINTON RACKET |
US8932158B2 (en) * | 2012-11-16 | 2015-01-13 | Michael J. Caligure | Grip device |
USD821662S1 (en) * | 2016-02-29 | 2018-06-26 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Pet toy |
US10265595B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 | 2019-04-23 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball bat including ball launch angle boosters |
Citations (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US729639A (en) * | 1902-07-08 | 1903-06-02 | John Francis Mccoy | Base-ball bat. |
US838257A (en) * | 1906-06-30 | 1906-12-11 | Emile Kinst | Base-ball bat. |
US1025478A (en) * | 1911-10-03 | 1912-05-07 | James A Murphy | Base-ball bat. |
US2340156A (en) * | 1941-12-19 | 1944-01-25 | Thomas M Taylor | Ball bat |
US2983512A (en) * | 1958-08-20 | 1961-05-09 | Olin Mathieson | Ball bat |
US3990699A (en) * | 1975-03-28 | 1976-11-09 | Urmston Robert E | Game bat |
US4331330A (en) * | 1979-05-14 | 1982-05-25 | Worst Joseph C | Baseball bat with improved hitting surface and less mass |
US4572508A (en) * | 1984-11-14 | 1986-02-25 | You Chin San | Composite laminated baseball bat |
US4930772A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1990-06-05 | Michael Maloney | Baseball bat |
US5088733A (en) * | 1988-04-01 | 1992-02-18 | Barnea Jeffrey M | Baseball bat with oval handle |
US5122405A (en) * | 1990-12-11 | 1992-06-16 | Supracor Systems, Inc. | Shock absorbing means for sporting equipment handles |
US5131651A (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1992-07-21 | You Chin San | Ball bat |
US5150897A (en) * | 1990-12-04 | 1992-09-29 | Alex Wortman | Sport striking articles |
US5348296A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1994-09-20 | Torben Frederiksen | Polyurethane club with cylindrical core |
US5766104A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1998-06-16 | Amloid Corporation | Toy striking implements |
US6022282A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 2000-02-08 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Ball bat with tailored flexibility |
US6048283A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2000-04-11 | Amloid Corporation | Toy game implements |
US6176795B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-01-23 | Kevin A. Schullstrom | Aluminum bat with improved core insert |
US20020016230A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-02-07 | Masaaki Okuyama | Baseball or softball bat |
US6425836B1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2002-07-30 | Mizuno Corporation | Baseball or softball bat |
US6485382B1 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2002-11-26 | Sam Chen | Bat having fiber/resin handle and metal hitting member and method of making |
US6497631B1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2002-12-24 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball bat |
USD482749S1 (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2003-11-25 | Julian Gumpel | Baseball bat |
US6669584B1 (en) * | 2002-09-03 | 2003-12-30 | Arthur Miller | Baseball bat with simulated spiral hand grip |
US6761653B1 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2004-07-13 | Worth, Llc | Composite wrap bat with alternative designs |
US20060128508A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2006-06-15 | Casasanta Jr Joseph G | Grip for a hockey stick with a hollow-ended shaft |
US20060293130A1 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2006-12-28 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Bat handle with optimal damping |
US7207907B2 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2007-04-24 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball bat having windows |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2067079A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1981-07-22 | Gpg Int Ltd | Bat |
JPH0767493B2 (en) | 1991-07-23 | 1995-07-26 | 住友軽金属工業株式会社 | Metal bat and method of manufacturing the same |
US7377868B2 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2008-05-27 | Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. | Bat with flexible handle |
-
2006
- 2006-10-16 US US11/549,776 patent/US7377868B2/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-04-22 US US12/107,452 patent/US7611428B2/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-05-05 US US12/435,518 patent/US20090253540A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-09-21 US US12/563,630 patent/US20100009787A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US729639A (en) * | 1902-07-08 | 1903-06-02 | John Francis Mccoy | Base-ball bat. |
US838257A (en) * | 1906-06-30 | 1906-12-11 | Emile Kinst | Base-ball bat. |
US1025478A (en) * | 1911-10-03 | 1912-05-07 | James A Murphy | Base-ball bat. |
US2340156A (en) * | 1941-12-19 | 1944-01-25 | Thomas M Taylor | Ball bat |
US2983512A (en) * | 1958-08-20 | 1961-05-09 | Olin Mathieson | Ball bat |
US3990699A (en) * | 1975-03-28 | 1976-11-09 | Urmston Robert E | Game bat |
US4331330A (en) * | 1979-05-14 | 1982-05-25 | Worst Joseph C | Baseball bat with improved hitting surface and less mass |
US4572508A (en) * | 1984-11-14 | 1986-02-25 | You Chin San | Composite laminated baseball bat |
US5088733A (en) * | 1988-04-01 | 1992-02-18 | Barnea Jeffrey M | Baseball bat with oval handle |
US4930772A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1990-06-05 | Michael Maloney | Baseball bat |
US5150897A (en) * | 1990-12-04 | 1992-09-29 | Alex Wortman | Sport striking articles |
US5122405A (en) * | 1990-12-11 | 1992-06-16 | Supracor Systems, Inc. | Shock absorbing means for sporting equipment handles |
US5131651A (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1992-07-21 | You Chin San | Ball bat |
US5348296A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1994-09-20 | Torben Frederiksen | Polyurethane club with cylindrical core |
US6022282A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 2000-02-08 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Ball bat with tailored flexibility |
US5766104A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1998-06-16 | Amloid Corporation | Toy striking implements |
US6048283A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 2000-04-11 | Amloid Corporation | Toy game implements |
US6176795B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-01-23 | Kevin A. Schullstrom | Aluminum bat with improved core insert |
US6425836B1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2002-07-30 | Mizuno Corporation | Baseball or softball bat |
US6497631B1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2002-12-24 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball bat |
US6733404B2 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2004-05-11 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Insert for a bat having an improved seam orientation |
US6761653B1 (en) * | 2000-05-15 | 2004-07-13 | Worth, Llc | Composite wrap bat with alternative designs |
US20020016230A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-02-07 | Masaaki Okuyama | Baseball or softball bat |
US6485382B1 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2002-11-26 | Sam Chen | Bat having fiber/resin handle and metal hitting member and method of making |
US20060293130A1 (en) * | 2002-04-02 | 2006-12-28 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Bat handle with optimal damping |
US6669584B1 (en) * | 2002-09-03 | 2003-12-30 | Arthur Miller | Baseball bat with simulated spiral hand grip |
USD482749S1 (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2003-11-25 | Julian Gumpel | Baseball bat |
US20060128508A1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2006-06-15 | Casasanta Jr Joseph G | Grip for a hockey stick with a hollow-ended shaft |
US7207907B2 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2007-04-24 | Wilson Sporting Goods Co. | Ball bat having windows |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9101810B2 (en) | 2010-11-29 | 2015-08-11 | Baden Sports, Inc. | Bat having variable properties relative to a swing axis |
US20120231904A1 (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2012-09-13 | Matthew Fonte | Controlling the stiffness of a hollow metal bat by providing helical internal ribs |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080214338A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
US7611428B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 |
US20100009787A1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
US7377868B2 (en) | 2008-05-27 |
US20070249438A1 (en) | 2007-10-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7611428B2 (en) | Bat with flexible handle | |
US7955200B1 (en) | Bat with circumferentially aligned and axially segmented barrel section | |
US7044871B2 (en) | Tubular baseball bats with full length core shafts | |
US8062154B2 (en) | Apparatus for deterring modification of sports equipment | |
US8197366B2 (en) | Ball bat including integral barrel features for reducing BBCOR | |
US6042485A (en) | Vibration damping device | |
US20060211511A1 (en) | Shaft for use in golf clubs and other shaft-based instruments and method of making the same | |
US20040005940A1 (en) | Training bat system | |
US20060025252A1 (en) | Ball bat including a focused flexure region | |
US20080009363A1 (en) | Weighted grip assembly for a golf club | |
US12042705B2 (en) | Baseball bat | |
JP2002011131A (en) | Bat for baseball or softball | |
US7806789B2 (en) | Sports racket | |
US20130267358A1 (en) | Baseball bat with body and modified training grip | |
US5913740A (en) | Flat beam aerodynamic tennis racquet | |
US20020165070A1 (en) | Sports training and conditioning device | |
JP2007068971A (en) | Reinforcing member for badminton racket | |
US8178200B2 (en) | String for sport rackets | |
US20100004077A1 (en) | Bat for striking ball | |
US8814731B2 (en) | Flexible racquet handle | |
US20190329109A1 (en) | Bat having reduced weight and improved batting effect | |
US20230218963A1 (en) | Ball bats with inner barrel structures | |
US20040163215A1 (en) | Handle of golf club shaft | |
JP4055835B2 (en) | Golf club classification method | |
US20160279492A1 (en) | Ball bat including a slatted barrel |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MIKEN SPORTS, LLC, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MATHEW, BIJU, MR.;VACEK, MATTHEW V, MR.;REEL/FRAME:023278/0583;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070108 TO 20070117 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |