Weight holder attachable to athletic ball striker to be swung

Abstract

A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprising in combination: a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle; a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion; and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging, the retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during practice swinging.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to swinging of ball strikers, as for example baseball bats, tennis rackets, and racket ball rackets and more particularly concerns removably adding weight to a ball striker, for practice swinging purposes.

[0002] When athletes who handle ball strikers warm-up, or train, they commonly use two strikers, and swing them in unison a few times to loosen muscles. Holding and swinging two strikers is awkward, uncomfortable, and does not achieve the right feel, needed as by gripping and swinging only one striker but one striker does not achieve additional weight as can be provided by two strikers. There is need to overcome this dilemma, in a simple, effective and efficient manner, as is now provided by the present invention. In a similar manner, there is need to provide improvements as respects devices for adding weight to ball strikers such as baseball bats and tennis rackets, for example. Other strikers include racquet ball, squash and lacrosse rackets, cricket paddles, hockey and polo sticks, and table tennis paddles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is a major object of the invention to provide a simple and effective weighting device meeting the above need. Basically, the device comprises:

[0004] a) a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle,

[0005] b) a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion,

[0006] c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging,

[0007] d) the retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during said practice swinging.

[0008] As will be seen, the retainer may be carried to extend at least part way along or about the receptacle or a portion of the receptacle when the receptacle is closed on the ball striker, and hook and pile fastening material such as VELCRO may be provided to adhere the retainer in fastening position. The retainer may define a closure preferably at least partly covering the opening in the receptacle that passes the ball striking portion of the striker, to prevent release or separation of the weighted receptacle during swinging.

[0009] Another object includes provision of a receptacle having multiple wall portions, and the weighting structure is preferably located at or proximate at least one of such wall portions.

[0010] In addition, the weighting structure typically includes metallic material, solid or flowable; it is typically concealed by the receptacle, and it may include separate localized metallic zones or portions. It may be sewn or otherwise held in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle, and at the end or at a side or sides of a ball striking portion of the striker retained in the receptacle.

[0011] Yet another object includes location of the weighting material in a pocket provided by the receptacle, and in this regard the pocket or pockets may enable selective use of the material in one or more pockets, for adjustable weighting, as to positioning, or as to selected weighting, or both. The pocket or pockets may be sized to fit different strikers or all sizes of strikers.

[0012] A further object includes accommodation to any of the following type strikers:

[0013] i) a baseball bat

[0014] ii) a tennis racket

[0015] iii) a squash racket

[0016] iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flap carried to fold and bind to a surface of the receptacle

[0017] v) a cricket bat

[0018] vi) a polo head

[0019] vii) a hockey stick head.

[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0021] FIG. 1 is a front side elevation showing an elongated receptacle receiving the ball striking portion of a striker, such as a baseball bat, with a retainer wrapped along or over a side of the receptacle, and also a retainer strap wrapped about an end portion of the receptacle;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear side elevation of the receptacle of FIG. 1, and also showing weight positioning;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged section taken on lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a view like FIG. 1, but showing the retainer in open condition;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 1 or 4, but showing a modification with zipper closure of a lengthwise portion of the retainer;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 2, but showing a modified positioning of weights, and end protection;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 4, showing a modification, with use of slip resistant material in association with the retainer;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 9 but showing a stretchable fabric retainer;

[0029] FIG. 9 shows use of an indicator in association with weights;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a side elevation showing use of weight added at the knob end of a bat;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view showing use of a weight enclosure at the knob end of a bat;

[0032] FIG. 12 is a view like FIG. 7 showing a bat protector with a closure flap;

[0033] FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 12 but showing use of a closure zipper;

[0034] FIG. 14 is a view like FIG. 12, but showing use of a closure strap or tensioner;

[0035] FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 12, but showing the protector covering the end of the bat;

[0036] FIG. 16 shows suspension of the bat protector and bat as on a chain-link fence;

[0037] FIG. 17 illustrates use of a weight retainer, as on a tennis racket;

[0038] FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing positioning of weights, in the FIG. 17 retainer;

[0039] FIG. 19 is a view like FIG. 17, but showing a zipper closed retainer with weights sewn into the retainer;

[0040] FIG. 20 is a view of a modified tennis racket cover, with weights, and use of zipper and security strap;

[0041] FIG. 21 shows use of a security strap, for a weighted tennis racket protector;

[0042] FIG. 22 is a frontal view of a bag-type weighted protector, for a squash, racket ball or tennis racket;

[0043] FIG. 23 shows use of a weighted protector on a lacrosse device;

[0044] FIG. 24 shows a flap type weighted retainer on the lacrosse device;

[0045] FIG. 25 shows a flap type weighted protector on a cricket bat;

[0046] FIG. 26 is a section taken on lines 26-26 of FIG. 25;

[0047] FIG. 27 is a side view showing a weighted protector on a cricket paddle or bat, employing a retention tensioner, such as a strap or drawstring;

[0048] FIG. 28 is a view showing a weighted protector for use with a polo stick head;

[0049] FIG. 29 shows use of a flap-type weighted protector on a hockey stick head; and

[0050] FIG. 30 shows a weighted protector with a hard plastic portion, for striking purposes, as for striking ice, and also having a slot for exposure of the bottom of a hockey stick head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] It will be understood, as respects the following descriptions, that the contents of my copending application Ser. No. 10/159,826 are incorporated herein, by reference.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a weight holder device is shown at 10, for use on a ball striker such as a baseball bat 100 as during warm-up swinging of the bat. It includes a receptacle 11 having an elongated opening or slit 12 via which, or through which, a ball striking portion 13 of the striker is received. Portion 13 may also be referred to herein as a “head”. The receptacle has a front side 11a, a rear side 11b, a distal end 11c, and a proximal end at 11d. In this example, the opening 12 extends from the proximal end lid to a convergence 11e in the front side 11a, and may have a long dimension indicated at 14 in FIG. 2. That dimension is typically sufficient to allow entry of the head 13 endwise, sidewise through the opening, and endwise into the receptacle forward sleeve portion 11f, as well as easy removal from the receptacle. The receptacle typically consists of flexible fabric or other material which is tough and durable, as for example synthetic resinous (plastic) material.

[0053] The elongated receptacle preferably has wall portions, and typically at least two of the following:

[0054] i) an elongated front side or first wall portion 16 to extend adjacent, or proximate a side of the head 13 of the bat 100;

[0055] ii) a rear side or second wall portion 17 to extend adjacent or proximate the head rear side;

[0056] iii) a forward or third wall portion 19 to extend forwardly of or adjacent the distal end of the bat head;

[0057] iv) a rearward or fourth wall portion 20 at the proximal end of the receptacle, and at the narrowed end 10c of the bat, near handle 100a of the bat.

[0058] The receptacle further defines an interior cavity or slot 22 receiving the head, and wall 16 is slit as at 18, along part of the receptacle length, the slit intersecting proximal end 11d. Proximal end opening 100d of the receptacle intersects the slit 18 to form an enlarged opening 102, for ease of bat reception. The narrowed portion of the bat “lays into” opening 100d.

[0059] As will be seen, a retainer is carried on the receptacle to extend and to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in close fitting relation to the bat shank.

[0060] In the example, a retainer in the form of a strap 25 is shown in open position in FIG. 4; and in closed position in FIG. 1. The strap is or may be integral with the proximal end wall portion 11d of the receptacle. The receptacle extents 18a and 18b turned open in FIG. 4, define a flap or flaps, that have forward and rearward angled edges 25a and 25b, convergent and intersecting at 11e. When flap 18a is folded at fold zone 25d, edge 25a folds over edge 25b and over the side of the received bat, in close fitting relation. The flap 25a inner surface 25f may be retained to outer surface 25q of flap 18b, as by hook and pile attachment, after spiral winding of one flap over the other, enabling easy opening and closing of the flap 18a and its adjustable firm closing of the described enlarged opening 102, as well as tightening to closely fit the receptacle to the bat ball striking portion, while at the same time providing very firm attachment of the device to the bat, preventing loosening and/or detachment, as during club swinging. See FIG. 5. Strap 25 may be wound about the closed flaps, at the proximal end of the receptacle, to effect at least part closing of proximal end opening 102, and VELCRO 25b on the strap surfaces holds it closed. Hook and pile structure preferably extends over a wide inner extent of folded back flap 18a, and a wide outer extent of flap 18b, as shown, so that the flap 18a can be adjustably attached in selected positions (tightened and loosened), considering the different cross sectional sizes of different bats to be protectively confined. Therefore, versatility of the device is enhanced. The majority of opening 102 is covered by the flap, as in FIG. 5. The closed flaps have taper toward handle 100a, as seen in FIG. 5, due to bat shank taper, locking the receptacle to the bat against endwise separation as during practice swinging.

[0061] Further in accordance with the invention, weighting structure is carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the head weight, for use in bat swinging; and it may typically be carried by a receptacle inner sleeve 40 that fits endwise into receptacle outer sleeve 41. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0062] The weighting structure is so carried that it is located at or proximate one of the following:

[0063] i) at least one of such wall portions on at least one sleeve;

[0064] ii) at least two of such wall portions on at least one sleeve;

[0065] iii) at least three of such wall portions, on at least one sleeve;

[0066] iv) at least four such wall portions on at least one sleeve.

[0067] In FIGS. 1-4, the weighting structure includes two metallic weights 35 and 36 located in pockets 35a and 36a at or near the distal end of sleeve 40. Such pockets may be formed by receptacle or sleeve material. The thickness of each weight is typically less than its length and less than its width, as shown. The pockets may be closed to hold the weights in positions, as described. The weights are retained in selected position or positions as by the sleeve or sleeves as shown, and the pockets may be selectively attached (for example sewn) to sleeve wall fabric, as by hook and pile elements, or other structure. The pockets can be adjustably or permanently attached to sleeve 40.

[0068] Weight material may alternatively consist of metallic granules or non-metallic pebbles or particulates.

[0069] FIGS. 1-4 show a preferred example of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 5 is generally like FIGS. 1-4, except that a zipper 200 is used to close the flaps 18a and 18b, along their edges. The zipper extends from 11e to 100d, as shown and as described above, and it closes in the direction toward 100d, to allow bat entry into the receptacle in zipper open position. Strap 25 wraps about the closed end of the receptacle, and about the zipper handle 202, for securing the zipper in closed condition. The strap may extend through a buckle loop 203, to turn back and fasten VELCRO 25b to corresponding VELCRO on the strap surface, thereby providing a firm lock, which is releasable when desired.

[0071] The weights 204 and 205 may be carried in a pocket 206 that is fastened in a selected position in the receptacle, as by VELCRO 207. Multiple such weighted pockets may be used, and selectively positioned along or about the bat axis.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows a version generally like FIGS. 1-4, but employing a cushion 210 such as foamed plastic, at the distal end 211 of the receptacle 11′, which may be like receptacle 11. Note taper of the receptacle toward the bat handle 10a, which ‘locks’ the receptacle to the tapered bat, preventing detachment of the receptacle or weights 235 from the bat. The weight 235 may be attached to the receptacle as described in FIG. 3.

[0073] FIG. 7 is generally like FIGS. 1-4, except that slip resistant material 218 may be applied in a local zone between the bat surface and the inner surface 219 of the receptacle or protector flap 18a folded against the bat surfaces, and then to overlap flap 18b, as described above. This prevents centrifugal sliding of the receptacle 11 along the bat, during swinging.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a receptacle 11″ of the type described above, but consisting of resiliently stretchable material, such as NEOPRENE. This allows stretching of the receptacle to fit about larger diameter bats 224. Weights are provided internally at 225 at the distal end of the receptacle. A security strap 227 is wrapped about the proximate end of the receptacle, and may be held in place with VELCRO or a buckle.

[0075] In FIG. 9, weights 228 are provided in one location near the distal end of receptacle 229 that receives the bat 230, and not distributed about the bat or receptacle axis. This enables development of angular momentum about the bat axis as the bat is swung, promoting wrist roll training of the user, during a practice swing. The weights may be located at the upper side of the receptacle as the user holds the bat forwardly before swinging. Wrist roll is toward the pitcher. A weight indicator is provided at 228a.

[0076] In FIGS. 10 and 11, weights are provided as at 35 and 36 in FIG. 3, at the distal end of the receptacle 11, and also at the knob end of the bat 13, i.e. at the end of the handle 100. A small receptacle 235 holding weights 236 fits over the knob 237, and is held in place by a strap 238 carried by 235 and tightened about the handle 100 adjacent the knob. This provides some weight balance at opposite ends of the bat, during swinging. See also strap buckle 239.

[0077] The form of the invention seen in FIG. 12 is like FIGS. 1-4, except that no separate weights are provided, whereby bat protection is provided by the receptacle 11. Elements are numbered the same as in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 13 is like FIG. 5, employing a zipper 200, but, again, no separate weights are provided. FIG. 14 is like FIG. 12, except that a drawstring 25d is provided, instead of a strap 25, and tightens the receptacle proximal end about the bat, when pulled. In FIG. 15, the flexible protector or receptacle 241 is like receptacle 11, but extends lengthwise about the entire bat 242. The narrowed open end 241a of the receptacle extends beyond the knob end 242a of the bat, and may be tightened or closed, as by a draw-type strap or string 243 like 25d. The protector protects against nicking or scratching of the bat surface. The enlarged distal end of the protector may be weighted, as at end zone 241b, for swing-weight purposes as described above.

[0078] FIG. 16 shows a receptacle 11, as in FIGS. 1-4, with strap 25 suspended by a chain link fence mesh 255. A clip may be connected to 25 to hang from the mesh.

[0079] FIGS. 17 and 18 show an enlarged receptacle 265 enveloping the ball striking portion of a tennis racket 266, having projecting handle 266a. VELCRO on folds 267 and 268 (like 18a and 18b) is adapted to retain the slitted receptacle in closed condition. Weights 269 and 270 are located at opposite sides of the receptacle, for racket balance, during swinging. FIG. 19 is like FIGS. 17 and 18, except that a peripheral zipper 275 is used to close folds 276 and 277. The receptacle can be line with protective material to prevent damage to the racket frame and straps. FIG. 21 shows use of a security strap 279 that wraps about the zipper handle 275a, for added security against unzipping.

[0080] In FIG. 22, the receptacle 285 is of bag type and size, adapted for enclosing a square or racket ball racket 286. It has a larger end opening at 287, to be closed by drawstring strap 288. Weights 290 are located at the distal end of the receptacle, as shown.

[0081] In FIGS. 23 and 24, a lacrosse stick 300 has a handle 300a and a looping frame 300b carrying net 300c. A flap-type receptacle 301 is sized to extend about the frame, and the collapsed net, as in FIG. 24. A receptacle flap 303 folds back over a side 301a of the receptacle, for VELCRO closure of contact surfaces 304 and 305. Weights 306 are carried by the distal end of the receptacle. Similarly, in FIGS. 25-27 a cricket bat 310 has a handle 310a and a ball striker or paddle 310b. A receptacle 311 is sized to receive the paddle enclosure, via its opened proximal end, and a flap 312 on 311 folds at 312a to engage the VELCRO surfaces at the inner side of the flap, and at 313 on the front of 311, closing the opening and tightly connecting the receptacle to the bat, at narrowed region 310c. Weights 314 are carried at the distal end of 311. FIG. 27 shows use of a strap 25 to close the open end of receptacle 311, in the manner of the strap 25 in FIGS. 1-4.

[0082] FIG. 28 shows a polo stick 320, and head 321 to be enclosed by receptacle 322. A flap 323 closes the receptacle, by VELCRO, at the lower end of the stick 320, to retain it against dislodgement. Weights 324 are carried by the receptacle.

[0083] In FIGS. 29 and 30, hockey stick 330 carries a head 331 to be enveloped by receptacle 332. A flap 333 closes the receptacle, by contact of VELCRO surfaces 333a and 333b at the narrowed neck end 330a of the stick to retain it. See folded flap in FIG. 29. Weight or weights 335 are carried by the receptacle at its distal end.

Claims

1. A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprising in combination:

a) a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle,

b) a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion,

c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging,

d) said retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during said practice swinging.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the receptacle tapers along its length in a direction toward the holder to fit the striker along its length, whereby the receptacle is self retaining to the striker during practice swinging.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said weighting structure includes multiple weights located proximate a portion or portions of the receptacle remote from the holder.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a flexible wrapper carried by the receptacle to be wrapped about an end portion of the receptacle and fixed in binding position.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder is a security strap carried by the receptacle to be wrapped about an end portion of the receptacle and fixed in binding position.

6. The combination of claim 5 including a looping holder on the receptacle, the strap extending through the looping holder, and having hook and pile material on different portions of the strap to be affixed together when the strap is tightened.

7. The combination of claim 1 including said striker having a knob end, a second receptacle removably retained to said knob end, and at least one weight carried by the second receptacle.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein said receptacle is elongated and said opening includes a slit extending lengthwise of the receptacle, there being a closure carried proximate the slit to close the slit along its length.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said closure includes at least one of the following:

i) hook and pile material

ii) a zipper having an end closely retained to the receptacle

iii) a drawstring.

10. The combination of claim 1 wherein the receptacle has the general outline form of one of the following:

i) a baseball bat

ii) a tennis racket

iii) a squash racket

iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flap carried to fold and bind to a surface of the receptacle

v) a cricket bat

vi) a polo head

vii) a hockey stick head

viii) a racquet ball racket.

11. The combination of claim 1 wherein said receptacle has multiple wall portions and said weighting structure is located at or proximate at least one of said wall portions.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said weighting structure is located at or proximate one of the following:

i) at least one of said wall portions

ii) at least two of said wall portions

iii) at least three of said wall portions,

iv) at least four of said wall portions.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said weighting structure includes one of the following:

a) metallic material,

b) flowable metallic material,

c) non-metallic material,

d) flowable non-metallic material.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said material is concealed by said receptacle.

15. The combination of claim 12 wherein said weighting structure includes separate local metallic portions.

16. The combination of claim 13 wherein said material is held in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle.

17. The combination of claim 13 including said striker ball striking portion received in the receptacle, said striker comprising one of the following:

i) a baseball bat

ii) a tennis racket

iii) another swingable ball striking device having a handle

iv) a racquet ball racket.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein said material is received in a pocket provided by the receptacle.

19. The combination of claim 1 including a clip attached to the strap or receptacle, and including supporting structure in the form of a mesh, to which the clip is also attached.

20. The combination of claim 1 including means adjustably connecting said weighting structure to the receptacle.

21. The combination of claim 1 including the striker, and including slip-resistant material adhering the receptacle to the striker.

22. The combination of claim 1 including the striker, and said receptacle consisting of stretchable fabric material.

23. The combination of claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes hard plastic material covering a major portion of the striker.

24. The combination of claim 1 wherein the weighting structure is presented upwardly to provide angular momentum when the striker is swung, for exerting rotary force on the wrist of the user.

25. A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during swinging of the striker, the striker having a handle, comprising in combination:

a) a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle,

b) a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion,

c) and including said striker with said ball striking portion received into the receptacle,

d) said retainer including a holder that is applied in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker during said practice swinging.

26. The combination of claim 25 wherein said holder includes at least one of the following:

i) a flap associated with receptacle, to be folded and held in position for endwise retaining the receptacle to the striker

ii) a strap associated with the receptacle to be wrapped about an end of the striker

iii) a drawstring associated with the receptacle to be tightened about an end of the striker

iv) a zipper associated with the receptacle to close the receptacle about the striker.

27. The method of providing a weighting device on an athletic ball striker for use as during swinging of the striker, that includes

a) providing a receptacle having an opening via which the striker ball striking portion is receivable into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle,

b) providing a retainer positioned for retaining the receptacle to the striker ball striking portion,

c) providing weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker, for use as in striker practice swinging,

d) said retainer including a holder, and including the step of applying the holder in a retaining position proximate a local portion of the receptacle, and manipulating the holder to effect retention of the receptacle to the striker and against dislodgement from the striker during practice swinging.

28. The method of claim 27 including one of the following having a ball striking portion received into the receptacle:

i) a baseball bat

ii) a tennis racket

iii) a squash racket

iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flap carried to fold and bind to a surface of the receptacle

v) a cricket bat

vi) a polo head

vii) a hockey stick head

viii) a racquet ball racket.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein the receptacle is provided to have bag shape.

30. The method of claim 27 wherein said weighting structure is provided at opposite sides of the receptacle adapted to extend adjacent opposite faces of the striker.