US20240075362A1

US20240075362A1 - Athletic handle for decreasing hand injuries, improving swing and improving performance

Info

Publication number: US20240075362A1
Application number: US18/462,301
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Re; Lou Ledoux
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-06
Filing date: 2023-09-06
Publication date: 2024-03-07
Also published as: WO2024054869A1

Abstract

Handles for athletic equipment, such as baseball bats. The handles include two different portions, or sides, each configured to achieve different results. A first portion has a flared shape and no knob, and is configured to interface with the hypothenar side of a batter/user's hand in a way that it promotes the gliding of the handle/knob over his or her hypothenar area, hamate bone and other anatomic areas included in such. A second portion has a least a partial knob and is configured to interface with the user's little finger with a protuberance that engages the little finger, wherein the engagement of the little finger facilitates better grip, a pivot point for proximal part to glide across hypothenar eminence of hand and better performance of the bat (or other athletic equipment) being used.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/374,721, filed Sep. 6, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to athletic equipment, and more particularly, to swinging implements (i.e., baseball bats, tennis rackets, golf clubs, etc.) and ergonomically-designed handles that improve grip, decrease injuries and improve performance for users of such equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball bats are very well known and well represented in patents. According to Major League Baseball (“MLB”) rules, the baseball bat is limited by Rule 1.10 (a) The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2¾ inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length. Nevertheless, many changes have been made to the knob and handle end of baseball bats over time.
Two of these changes include the ProXR bat handle, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,497, and the Axe bat handle, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,930.
These changes have been allowed in the MLB under Rule 1.10 (c) The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches from its end, may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip.
Classic baseball bat handle and knob had the appearance of the rounded shaft, being capped with a traditional knob without any transition (see FIG. 1 ).
Over the years, slight flaring has been added based upon batters' comfort needs (see FIG. 2 ).
In specific regard to the ProXR handle described in their patents, such handles are essentially a standard handle angled to fit more ergonomically in the hand (see FIG. 23 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,497).
In regard to the ‘axe handle,’ the handle is very specifically akin the handle of an axe, with flattened sides and a rounded butt end (see FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,930).
The foregoing changes have been added to improve grip, make the handle more ergonomic and help in swing path.
However, a particular problem with the knob/handle of baseball bats relates to injury of the user's hamate bone and soft tissue and muscles of the user's hypothenar eminence (the abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis and the opponens digii minimi). This occurs due to the impact of the knob and handle on these anatomical areas/structures.
There is therefore a need for a handle for baseball bats, and other swinging athletic equipment, that provides improved grip and performance while decreasing the risk/incidence of injury to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are handles for sports equipment, such as baseball bats and the like. In various embodiments, the handle includes a first portion having a flared shape and no knob, a second portion having at least a partial knob, and an axis extending along a vertical axis of the handle and separating the first and second portions.
In various embodiments, the first portion of the handle is configured to interface with the hypothenar side of a user's hand. In various embodiments, the first portion has a flared shape and no knob, and is configured to interface with the hypothenar side of the user's hand in a way that decreases pinpoint loading or overloading of one anatomic structure. In various embodiments, the anatomic structure is either the user's hypothenar area or the user's hamate bone. In various embodiments, the first portion includes a groove configured to unload the user's hypothenar area and the user's hamate bone.
In various embodiments, the second portion of the handle has at least a partial knob, and is configured to interface with the little finger of a user's hand. In various embodiments, the at least partial knob of the second portion includes a protuberance that is configured to engage the user's little finger. In various embodiments, the protuberance is configured to facilitates better grip, a pivot point for proximal part to glide across hypothenar eminence of the user's hand and better performance of the athletic equipment with which the handle is used. In various embodiments, the at least partial knob of the second portion of the handle includes an added weight, whereby balance, feel, swing path, pivot and hypothenar glide of the athletic equipment is improved.
In various embodiments, the athletic equipment with which the handle is used includes baseball bats, tennis rackets and golf clubs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention are in no way limited by the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows a traditional handle/knob with little to no taper or flare as the handle meets the knob;

FIG. 2 shows a traditional handle/knob with slight taper or flare as the handle meets the knob;

FIG. 3 shows a traditional handle/knob with more significant taper or flare as the handle meets the knob;

FIG. 4 shows a knob-less handle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a traditional knob-handle being gripped by a user's hand;

FIG. 10 shows a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention being gripped by a user's hand;

FIG. 11 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is another view of the handle of FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 is a little finger side view of the handle of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a little finger side view of the handle of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is another view of the handle of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is another side view of the handle of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 a rear/palm view of the handle of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 24 shows the handle of FIG. 21 in a user's hand;

FIG. 25 also shows the handle of FIG. 21 in a user's hand;

FIG. 26 is a schematic image showing the unloading action of the handle of FIGS. 21-25 ;

FIG. 27 is another schematic image showing how the user's hamate bone is unloaded by the handle of FIGS. 21-25 ;

FIG. 28 shows a standard knob-handle;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 show a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31A shows a handle according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 shows a traditional knob handle (left) and handle according to an embodiment of the present invention (right) which underwent comparative studies;

FIG. 33 shows a glove worn during the comparative studies, designed for detecting pressure distribution and magnitude between contact surfaces;

FIG. 34 shows a schematic diagram of the Fujifirm prescale system used to detect the amount of increased pressure exerted during the comparative studies;

FIG. 35 shows a graph of color intensity on the developing film as it correlates to the number of microcapsules broken and amount of increased pressure exerted during the comparative studies;

FIG. 36 shows color intensity film samples of Extreme Low pressure from the comparative studies;

FIG. 37 shows color intensity film samples of Super Low pressure from the comparative studies; and

FIG. 38 shows color intensity film samples of Low pressure 350-1400 psi from the comparative studies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are gripped handles for baseball bats and other athletic swinging equipment. Use of the term “distal” herein is understood to designate a direction away from a user of the bat (e.g., the non-handle end of the bat that is farther from the user's body), and use of the term “proximal” herein is understood to designate a direction towards to the user (e.g., the handle end of the bat that is held by the user, closer to the user's body).
The novel and inventive features of the handles of the invention include those numbered and discussed below:

1. Knob-Less Flared Side

As further discussed below, the gripped handles of the present invention have a knob-less flared side. This side has no protuberance to impact on the hypothenar eminence, nor specific structures within it. Being a broad, smooth surface, it can distribute any forces over a larger surface thereby decreasing potential injury.
This smooth, flared, knob-less side also allows for a unique motion in the hand that is known as ‘hypothenar glide.’ During the swinging of the bat or any handled instrument, instead of digging in and impacting into the hypothenar area of the batter/user's hand, the broad, smooth, knob-less flared side, allows the handle to glide across the hypothenar eminence of the hand. This decreases injury as well as improves bath swing path, release and whip of the bat. These all also improve batting performance.

2. Unique Finger Side

The gripped handles of the present invention also have a unique ‘finger side.’ Whereas the grip of a standard knob includes a knob protuberance just below the hypothenar eminence of the user's hand (see FIGS. 1-3 ), the finger side of the handles of the present invention are, in various embodiments, at least a centimeter above hypothenar eminence. The protuberance is thereby located just below the user's little finger. This does a couple of things. First it allows for better grip. It also creates a pivot point for the ‘hypothenar glide.’ In addition, this placement of the protuberance allows for either a flared side or a non-flared profile (lack of any flare) that is more ergonomic. This also improves ergonomic grip and function.
3. Hybrid Knob/Handle with Two Unique Halves
The gripped handles of the present invention include a flared, knob-less surface on the hypothenar side. This flare can be formed flat to any angle that the batter/user feels comfortable with and allows for force distribution over a larger area of the hypothenar area, and encourages the ‘hypothenar gliding action.’
On the finger side, the raised knob protuberance allows for direct little finger engagement to improve grip and act as pivot point of hypothenar gliding. This side can take many forms, including, but not limited to:

- A. a standard handle/knob;
- B. a flared handle/knob; or
- C. a standard handle/tapered protuberance akin to upside-down bow of boat.

4. Flat Handle Bottom

Unlike the angled ProXR and Axe handles, the bottom of the handles of the present invention are flat (i.e., not angled). This structure extends the finger side to the length of the hypothenar side, and adds some weight to the knob. This added weight provides benefits that include: providing a more balance bat feel due to more weight below the hands, allowing batters to swing a heavier bat, facilitating hypothenar gliding action of the handle due to weight distribution below the pivot point. Further, with better weight distribution and balance, batters can swing an ‘uncupped’ distal end of the bat which allows for more mass at the contact end of the bat.
In various embodiments, the handles of the present invention are formed from the same materials as the piece of athletic equipment with which they are being used, when either formed monolithically with the athletic equipment or as a separate component to be secured to the athletic equipment. Non-limiting examples of materials for handles to be used with a baseball bat include wood, aluminum, other metals and composites thereof.
Specific embodiments of the handles of the present invention will now be discussed in connection with the figures depicting the features of same.
A handle 10 with no knob according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 . The handle includes a continuous flare or bell-shaped end 12.
A handle 110 having a flared handle-knob 114 superimposed on top of a continuous flare or bell-shaped end 112 is shown in FIG. 5 .
Embodiments of handles having a “hybrid” construction are shown in FIGS. 6-8 .
As shown in FIG. 6 , a handle 210 has a first portion (i.e., half) 211 that includes a flared handle-knob 214, and a second portion (i.e., half) 213 that includes a continuous flare or bell-shaped end 212.
As shown in FIG. 7 , a handle 310 includes a flared handle-knob 314 that is superimposed on top of a continuous flare or bell-shaped end 312. The flared handle-knob 314 extends to have a proximal end 315, shown as a dark portion. The shaded area 316 represents an added handle portion on the bottom of the flared handle-knob 314. This added handle portion 316 may be formed from the same material as the rest of the handle 310. For handles to be used with baseball bats, non-limiting examples of this material include wood, aluminum, other metals and composites thereof.
The shaded area/handle portion 316 provides added mass/weight, which helps in bat balance, feel, swing path, pivot and hypothenar glide.
As shown in FIG. 8 , another embodiment of a handle 410 includes a continuous flare or bell shape 412 on its hypothenar side/portion and a conventional knob 418 on its finger side/portion 419 with a protuberance 420 positioned more distally than on traditional knob/handles. This configuration allows for engagement of a user's little finger (i.e., fifth digit), which facilitates better grip and pivoting to encourage the hypothenar glide discussed above.
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show the progression of how a handle is formed according to the present invention as a hybrid handle having two different sides. FIG. 5 shows a flared knob handle 114 superimposed on a knob-less bell handle 112 with the long axis defined by a dotted vertical line L. FIG. 6 shows the knob-less hypothenar side (i.e., knob-less bell-shaped handle) 212 and the knobbed little finger side (i.e., flared knob handle) 214 with the long axis defined by dotted line L. FIG. 7 shows a flared knob handle 314 superimposed on a knob-less bell handle 312 with the long axis defined by dotted line L; the knob-less hypothenar side and the knobbed little finger side. In addition, it shows the added mass 316 under the little finger side. FIG. 8 shows the resulting handle 410, which constitutes a true hybrid design with unique features to each side. It is not a simple grinding down of the knob 418 or its protuberance 420.
FIG. 9 shows a traditional knob-handle 500 being gripped in the user's hand H. The star (*) shows where the knob of the handle 500 impacts and puts point pressure on the hamate bone and hypothenar area of the user's hand H. Arrow A shows the gap between the knob protuberance of handle 500 and the user's little finger.
FIG. 10 shows a hybrid handle 610 according to another embodiment the present invention being gripped in the user's hand H. The continuous flare bell-shaped end 612 does not have pinpoint contact pressure at hamate bone or hypothenar area. The broader surface area distributes forces more evenly. In addition, with a protuberance 620 of the flared knob handle 614, the flared knob handle 614 does not get stuck and glides across this area. Arrow B shows that the protuberance 620 engages the user's little finger LF.
Another embodiment of the knob handle 710 is shown in FIG. 11 . This handle has a first portion (i.e., half) 711 that includes a more traditional handle-knob 717, with no flare before the handle meets the knob. This allows for better and/or batter-specific ergonomics. The handle-knob 717 portion can be flat or flared to player-specific ergonomics and/or preference. The other, second portion (i.e., half) 713 of the handle 710 has a continuous flare or bell-shaped end 712. This flare/bell-shaped end 712 can be flat to any flare angle based upon player-specific ergonomics and/or preference. A long (i.e., vertical) axis defined by dotted line L separates the first and second portions/halves.
FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the handle 810 that includes a continuous flare or bell-shaped portion on its hypothenar side as well as a more traditional knob 818 on its finger side with no flare before its knob/protuberance 820, which is more distally located than on traditional handles. Such a configuration allows for engagement of the user's little finger (i.e., at or proximate Arrow C), which facilitates a better grip and pivoting to encourage hypothenar glide.
In various embodiments, the little finger side of the handle 810 could be flared, not flared or varied to user preference.
The progressions of FIGS. 11 and 12 show how this unique handle/knob was formed. It is a true hybrid design with unique features on each side of the handle 710, 810. It is not a simple grinding down of the knob or protuberance 820. This hybrid design provides added mass/weight on the little finger side of the handles 710, 810, which helps in bat balance, feel, swing path, pivot and hypothenar glide.
A continuously flared, knob-less, bell-shaped handle 910 according to another embodiment is shown in FIG. 13 as having the shape within the original continuous flare/bell shape. The flare bell handle 910 has a cut out to form the knob on its little finger side 919 (FIG. 13 shows the flare bell with the area to be removed to form the cut out by Arrow D). In other words, the handle 910 extends without a flare on the little finger side 919, which allows for better and/or batter-specific ergonomics. This side of the handle 910 can be flat or slightly flared to player-specific ergonomics or preference. There is a protuberance 920 for engagement of the little finger that extends circumferentially for a portion of the handle's circumference (e.g., about half of the handle's circumference). FIG. 14 shows the resulting handle 910 as being continuous flare/knob-less bell-shaped. On the little finger side 919, the handle is extended without a flare, which allows for better and/or batter-specific ergonomics. This little finger side 919 can be flat or slightly flared to player-specific ergonomics or preference. The protuberance 920 for engagement of the little finger extends circumferentially for a portion of the handle's circumference (e.g., about half of the handle's circumference).
FIG. 15 is a side view of the little finger side 919 of the handle 910 of FIG. 14 and shows the protuberance 920 for engagement of the little finger.
FIG. 16 shows a continuous flare/knob-less bell-shaped handle 1010 according to another embodiment. The handle 1010 is similar to the handle 910 shown in FIG. 14 , except the little finger protuberance 1020 on the little finger side 1019 is less pronounced and does not extend as far as the protuberance 920 (e.g., less than half of the handle's circumference). In this embodiment, the protuberance 1020 is shaped like an upside-down bow of a boat. The protuberance 1020 may have other shapes in alternate embodiments.
FIG. 17 is a side view of the little finger side 1019 of the handle 1010 of FIG. 16 and shows the protuberance 1020 for engagement of the little finger.
FIG. 18 shows a handle 1110 according to another embodiment that includes a knob 1114 with a protuberance 1120 that extends proximally. This configuration is commonly known as a “puck knob”, which is a traditional knob with the wide portion extended (e.g., by about an inch) to add mass/weight below the user's hands and balance the bat (or other athletic equipment being used with the handle 1110). As shown by the darkened and shaded areas 315, 316 in FIG. 7 , the knob 1114 also includes added mass/weight. The bracket and star (*) show the added mass as compared to a traditional knob. The protuberance 1120 extends circumferentially, and has a height (i.e., the dimension along the length of the handle 1110) ranging anywhere from a few millimeters to over an inch. In an alternate embodiment, FIG. 18 shows a little finger side view of the added mass/weight described above.
Extending the protuberance 1120 provides the following advantages:

- A. point impact pressure on the hypothenar area is decreased;
- B. hypothenar glide is encouraged; and
- C. more weight is added to the handle proximally. This added weight results in many factors including: providing a more balance bat feel due to more weight below the hands, allowing batters to swing a heavier bat, encouraging the hypothenar gliding action of the handle due to weight distribution below the pivot point, and with better weight distribution and balance, batters can swing an ‘uncupped’ distal end of the bat which allows for more mass at the contact end of the bat.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a handle 1210 according to another embodiment having a flared portion (e.g., half) 1212 and a traditional knob portion (e.g., half) 1218 that end at the same location (i.e., at dotted horizontal line HL). More knob mass is added on top of the traditional knob 1218 while keeping its same flared shape. The darkened area 1216 (FIG. 19 ) represents an added handle portion on the top of the traditional knob 1218. The shaded area/handle portion 1216 provides added mass/weight, which helps in bat balance, feel, swing path, pivot and hypothenar glide. The arrows in FIG. 19 show that the little finger side can be a various heights based on the user's preference. The arrows in FIG. 20 show pivot and grasping area for the user's little finger.
FIGS. 5-8, 11 and 19 show the evolution of how the respective handles are formed as a hybrid of two distinct portions/halves. Generally, the flared portion and knob portion are coupled, and the knob portion is moved up about (e.g., by about an inch). The area under the traditional knob is then filled in/provided with added mass/weight (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 19 ).
FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 show a handle 1310 according to another embodiment of having a traditional knob side 1318 and a relief/groove 1322 cut into a flared hypothenar side 1312 of the handle 1310. The groove 1322 (shown by Arrow G in FIG. 22 ) functions to unload the hypothenar side 1312 and thereby unload the user's hamate bone. The darked area 1321 (see FIG. 21 ) shows what is removed during the formation of the handle 1310 and the groove 1322 thereof.
FIGS. 24 and 25 show the grooved handle 1310 of FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 in a user's hand H. The traditional knob side 1318 allows for engagement of the user's little finger LF. The groove 1322 formed in the flared side 1312 unloads the hypothenar side and hamate bone, which is shown as unloaded by Arrow H′ in FIG. 25 .
FIG. 26 is a schematic image showing the unloading action of the handle 1310 of FIGS. 21-25 . An object with underlying mass (square), is suspended and unloaded by two distal points (triangles).
FIG. 27 is another schematic image showing how the user's hamate bone is unloaded by the unique shape of the handle of FIGS. 21-25 .
FIG. 28 shows a standard knob-handle.
FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 show an alternate embodiment of a knob-handle 1410, i.e., a double-shifted knob-handle. FIG. 29 shows a traditional handle that has been cut/split along its longitudinal axis L and shifted so that the little finger side 1419 is shifted distally (i.e., one half of the handle 1410 is shifted down). The remaining space is filled in with more mass 1421 added under the little finger side 1419 (see FIG. 30 ), which facilitates better bat balance by adding weight to the knob area. This added mass 1421 may be formed from the same material as the rest of the handle 1410. For handles to be used with baseball bats, non-limiting examples of this material include wood, aluminum, other metals and composites thereof. This space also allows for finger wrap around the handle 1410. The resulting, completed knob-handle has an asymmetrical double knob, as shown in FIG. 31 .
FIG. 31A shows another embodiment of a handle 1510 having a continuous flare or bell shape 1512 on its hypothenar portion/half/side 1513 that is configured to provide relief for the user's hamate bone, and a conventional knob 1518 on its little finger portion/half/side 1519 that enables the user's little finger to grab and pivot the handle 1510, and may include added mass/weight to help balance the bat (or other athletic equipment), as discussed in connection with other embodiments described above.
The handle 1510 includes a transition zone 1530 formed between the hypothenar portion 1513 and the little finger portion 1519 discussed above.
The handle 1510 also includes a metacarpal ridge 1532 on a distal end of the transition zone 1530, where the flexion crease of the user's metacarpal joint engages the handle 1510. This allows for increased/improved grip, decreased slippage and increased power transfer.
The handle 1510 further includes a ramp/power slide 1534 on a proximal end of the transition zone 1530. During the bat swing, the user's hypothenar eminence area and hamate bone slide across the ramp/power slide 1534 of the transition zone 1530. This allows for increased whip action of the bat and decreases the load to the user's hypothenar area.
The handles of the present invention are not like the axe handle discussed above, or like the ProXR handle which is essentially an angled knob. The knob-handles disclosed herein is a unique hybrid knob of two distinct halves. In addition, it is a very important point that the knob portion of the handles of the present invention is perpendicular to the long axis thereof—it is not angled. This provides a traditional feel and is different than the axe handle and ProXR handle.

EXAMPLES

Objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention.
A comparative study was conducted to decrease impact pressure on the hamate bone utilizing a hybrid baseball bat handle according to the present invention (i.e., an Axis/Phantom Bat Works Hybrid Handle) compared to the traditional bat handle knob.
Utilizing Fujifilm Prescale pressure film, we measured and recorded the impact pressure upon the hamate bone during ball impact while hitting. We compared a traditional knob turn model 243 handle (FIG. 32 , left) to a hybrid handle according to the present invention, as described in the above disclosure (FIG. 32 , right).
We had the same batter take 8 swings with each handle and recorded it utilizing 3 different pressure film ranges, for a total of 48 total swings documented.
Fujifilm prescale reveals pressure distribution and magnitude between contact surfaces (see FIGS. 33-35 ), in this case between the bat knob and the batter's hamate bone. The microcapsules in the color-forming layer are broken by pressure, and the colorless dye is absorbed into the developer, causing a chemical reaction to produce a red color.
The intensity of red color on the developing film correlates to the number of microcapsules broken and amount of increased pressure enacted on the hamate bone.
FIG. 36 shows color intensity film samples of Extreme Low pressure (7-28 psi) for the traditional knob (left) and for the inventive hybrid knob (right).
FIG. 37 shows color intensity film samples of Super Low pressure (70-350 psi) for the traditional knob (left) and for the inventive hybrid knob (right).
FIG. 38 shows color intensity film samples of Low pressure 350-1400 psi for traditional knob (left) and for the inventive hybrid knob (right).
In each of these studies, the batter's hamate bone experienced significantly less peak and total load pressure with the inventive hybrid handle when compared to that with the traditional handle knob, as indicated by red color intensity on film.
These results illustrate that the unique design of the inventive hybrid handle significantly decreases impact peak and total load experienced by the batter's hamate bone during batting.
While the handles have been discussed in connection with baseball bats, the invention also includes handles for other sports equipment involving a user swinging, including, but not limited to, tennis rackets and golf clubs.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described, which may be varied in their construction, dimensions and other structural and material details.
Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. It is intended that the embodiments described above be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the appended claims. Moreover, none of the features disclosed in this specification should be construed as essential elements, and therefore, no disclosed features should be construed as being part of the claimed invention unless the features are specifically recited in the claims. In addition, it should be understood that any of the features disclosed on any particular embodiment may be incorporated in whole or in part on any of the other disclosed embodiments.
In any interpretation of the claims appended hereto, it is noted that no claims or claim elements are intended to invoke or be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.
In general, any combination of disclosed features, components and methods described herein is possible. Steps of a method can be performed in any order that is physically possible.
All cited references are incorporated by reference herein.
Although embodiments have been disclosed, it is not desired to be limited thereby. Rather, the scope should be determined only by the appended claims.
While various embodiment of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims.
The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

We claim:

1. A handle for sports equipment comprising:

a first portion having a flared shape and no knob;

a second portion having at least a partial knob; and

an axis extending along a vertical axis of the handle and separating the first and second portions.

2. The handle of claim 1, wherein the first portion is configured to interface with the hypothenar side of a user's hand.

3. The handle of claim 2, wherein the first portion is configured to interface with the hypothenar side of the user's hand in a way that decreases pinpoint loading or overloading of one anatomic structure.

4. The handle of claim 3, wherein the anatomic structure is selected from the group consisting of the user's hypothenar area and the user's hamate bone.

5. The handle of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a groove configured to unload the user's hypothenar area and the user's hamate bone.

6. The handle of claim 1, wherein the second portion is configured to interface with the little finger of a user's hand.

7. The handle of claim 6, wherein the at least partial knob of the second portion includes a protuberance that is configured to engage the user's little finger.

8. The handle of claim 7, wherein the protuberance is configured to facilitates better grip, a pivot point for proximal part to glide across hypothenar eminence of the user's hand and better performance of the athletic equipment with which the handle is used.

9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the at least partial knob of the second portion includes an added weight, whereby balance, feel, swing path, pivot and hypothenar glide of the athletic equipment is improved.

10. The handle of claim 1, wherein the athletic equipment is selected from the group consisting of baseball bats, tennis rackets and golf clubs.