Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel portion, a handle portion, and a joint connecting the handle portion to the barrel portion. In some embodiments, the joint includes a releasable connector configured to releasably connect the barrel portion to the handle portion. In some embodiments, the joint includes two releasable connectors to releasably connect the barrel portion to the handle portion. The ball bat may include a flexible rod element positioned between the two releasable connectors. The rod element may include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the ball bat may further include a safety connector between the barrel portion and the handle portion or a releasable connector may include a threaded connection to resist release of the releasable connector. In some embodiments, the joint may include a rotatable element for adjusting flex.

Abstract: A ball bat includes at least one disc member in the bat barrel. The at least one disc member may include at least one solid disc member or at least one non-solid disc member with an opening, or both. The outer perimeters of the disc members may optionally be separated from the inner wall of the ball bat by a buffer layer, such as a layer of open-cell foam or adhesive. In some embodiments, the ball bat may further include at least one positioning member, such as an insulation foam member. The at least one positioning member may be located between two disc members, and multiple positioning members may optionally be arranged in alternating fashion with disc members within the bat. The at least one positioning member may be an insulation foam member having a hollow center portion.

Abstract: A ball bat configured for impacting a ball. The ball bat extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a unitary bat frame and a pivot joint. The unitary bat frame includes a handle portion and a barrel portion having a distal region. The pivot joint is coupled to the distal region of the barrel portion. The pivot joint movably supports the barrel portion relative to the longitudinal axis such that the distal region of the barrel portion may pivot towards and away from the longitudinal axis about the pivot joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a swing training device for enabling a user to learn a proper swing. The swing training device comprising a barrel, a handle having a first handle portion and a second handle portion and an extender device coupling the first handle portion and the second handle portion. The swing training device is configured to enable a user to achieve proper swing mechanics through feedback or diagnosis and correction of an individual user's swing. The swing training device further configured enable the user to establish muscle memory in the correct batting position so that the user would be able to assume the proper position and execute the swing consistently with proper swing mechanics.

Abstract: A ball bat extending along a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle portion, a barrel portion and an end cap. The barrel portion includes a proximal region and a distal region. The proximal region of the barrel portion is coupled to the handle portion by a first pivot joint. The distal region of the barrel portion is coupled to the end cap by a second pivot joint. The first and second pivot joints movably support the barrel portion relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a baseball swing training apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a handle, a shaft having a tip portion, a handle stopper having a receptacle, a tip stopper coupled to the tip portion of the shaft, a sliding sleeve positioned around the shaft, where the sliding sleeve is shorter than the shaft and cooperates with the shaft to be slideable along the shaft between the handle stopper and the tip stopper, and an elastic band assembly having one end coupled to the sliding sleeve and another end configured to be couplable to the receptacle of the handle stopper.

Abstract: A chumming device for live bait has a shaft with a primary end located opposite a secondary end. A head is connected to the primary end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of openings that facilitate water flow while scooping bait from a live well. The head has a lower portion forming a chamber configured to retain the bait. The primary side wall and the secondary side wall of the chamber have a first pair of opposing openings that are oriented in alignment with each other and are configured to receive a knife blade when the blade is received by the first pair of opposing openings. A cutting board is located between the first pair of opposing openings. The first pair of opposing openings position the knife blade over the cutting board when the knife blade is received by the first pair of opposing openings.

Abstract: Grip handles for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment, resistance bands, or a user's own bodyweight. Each grip handle is defined by an increasing outer surface circumference along a length of the grip handle to form a generally conical shaped handhold attached to a rigid or flexible member, where the rigid or flexible member is coupled at an apex of the grip handle. The generally conical shaped handhold provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface to securely distribute the grip force of the user during exercise movements, thus significantly reducing pressure points and grip requirements of current exercise handles.

Abstract: A waterproof racket includes an annular skeleton, a receiving pocket having a pocket cavity, and a trampoline layer affixed to the receiving pocket. The annular skeleton is received in the pocket cavity to retain the receiving pocket in an annular configuration. The trampoline layer is affixed to a centerline of the receiving pocket, wherein the trampoline layer is stretched to form a trampoline surface in a tension manner.

Abstract: A forward component has a frusto-conical forward section terminating in a cylindrical aperture. The forward component has a cylindrical rearward section terminating with male screw threads. A rearward component has a cylindrical forward section terminating with female screw threads. The rearward component has a rearward section with a cylindrical recess. A support is removably positioned within the forward and rearward components. The support has a frusta-conical leading region and an intermediate region and a cylindrical trailing region. A plurality of annular weights with cylindrical apertures are positioned on the trailing region of the support. A string formed with an enlarged end is positioned within the forward section. The string is adapted to facilitate handling of the system.

Abstract: A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

Abstract: Provided is a grip for a golf club having a body with an axial passage extending substantially the length of the body and an air passage extending through a side wall of the body into the axial passage to allow air to escape from the axial passage as the shaft of the golf club is advanced into the axial passage.

Abstract: A sporting-good implement, such as a ball bat or a lacrosse stick, includes a first handle section rotatably connected to a second handle section. The second handle section may be attached to or integral with a tapered region or barrel region of a ball bat, or with a shaft section or head of a lacrosse stick, or with another sporting-good feature. This rotatable engagement allows the relative position of the user's hands to change during the course of a swing, shot, or pass, ideally placing the user's hands in a position to generate improved power or control.

Abstract: A barrel of a baseball or softball bat is coupled to an end of a handle of the bat by means of a vibration absorber affixed to the end of the handle. Projections of a first locking section of the vibration absorber engage with depressions formed on an inner surface of the barrel. Adhesive disposed within gaps and channels of the vibration absorber adhere the vibration absorber to the barrel. A second locking section of the vibration absorber is attachable to a sleeve disposed over the handle. The sleeve may be of a material having shock absorbing or dissipating characteristics.

Abstract: A training bat for increasing the speed of the swing of a baseball batter. The training bat includes a tubular body with a first end including a grip and a sealing knob. A second end of the body includes a cavity therein with a detachable pin. The cavity within the tubular body includes a plurality of core members of various weights. A batter can vary the weight of the training bat by securing a selected core member within the cavity using the detachable pin. The pin may include a flexible clip member or a strap including hook and loop layers thereon for connecting a core member within the training bat. A knob boot extends from the knob and around the first end of the tubular body. A selected core member secured by the pin is held in a non-rotatable relationship with respect to the tubular body.

Abstract: A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements are located. The stiffening element may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively limiting the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia. In one configuration, the stiffening element includes two radially outer flanges, a radially inner flange, and two web members connecting the outer flanges to the inner flange. The radially outer surfaces of the radially outer flanges contact, and may be affixed to, the inner surface of the barrel wall.

Abstract: A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

Abstract: A sports training device attached to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat, hockey stick, or other sports apparatus that is intended to be swung while playing a sport. The device includes proximal and distal attachment mechanisms, where the proximal attachment mechanism is disposed at the proximal end of the device and the distal attachment mechanism is disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the device. A stiffener element is disposed at the distal end of the device, and a drag chute is secured to each end of the device. An elongated rod extends along each side of the panel between the proximal attachment mechanism and the stiffener element. The proximal attachment mechanism is secured to the sports apparatus; the distal attachment mechanism is disposed semi-freely around the sports apparatus. The training device rotates about the sports apparatus in synchronization.

Abstract: A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

Abstract: A practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. It is a batter assist power trainer for sports exercise. This relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat. It is a batter assist power trainer device made of an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material and a method or way for connecting the structure to a bat so that the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Other configurations include structures made with end sections, with reinforcing splines; and a various ways to connect the device to the bat.

Abstract: A sonic paddle is a hand held device used for Martial arts striking practice. The sonic paddle is formed of layers of dense foam, rigid plastic, and plastic film resonating sheets. A cushioning layer is positioned on an outer surface of each of the resonating layers. The rigid center, supporting layers, resonating layers, and cushioning layers can be coupled to one another in sandwiched relationship. The part that the person strikes is the cushioning layers on either side of the paddle which are smaller in circumference than the resonating sheets leaving the resonating sheets protruding in order to resonate upon impact and thereby creating a loud sound when hit.

Abstract: Grip handles for coupling to a resistance force provided by exercise equipment, resistance bands, or the user's own bodyweight. Each grip handle is defined by an increasing outer surface circumference along the length of the handle to form a generally conical shaped handhold attached to a rigid or flexible member. Where, the member is coupled at the apex of the grip handle. The generally cone shaped handle provides a comfortable and ergonomic surface to securely distribute the user's grip force during the exercise movements, thus significantly reducing the pressure points and grip requirements of current exercise handles. Where in one embodiment, the flexible member may be a resistance band or in another embodiment, it may be a rope or other type of flexible cable attached to a cable pull machine, suspension trainer anchor, or other type of exercise machine.

Abstract: A method of training a baseball player with a sports training apparatus having a fastener removably affixable to a defined portion of a user; a generally stationary batter's wall with vertically spaced attachment points; an elastic connector connecting the fastener and the attachment points; a belt strap having a front hip fastener, a rear hip fastener, and a forward fastener; an anchor having an anchoring device for anchoring into a ground surface and an anchor fastener as the attachment; an elastic connector connecting the rear hip fastener with an attachment point on the wall; a bat having a barrel; and a bat barrel cuff strapped to a barrel of a bat held by the user, with an elastic connector connecting the bat barrel cuff to an attachment point approximately bat barrel height directly behind the user.

Abstract: A bat swing training device for enabling the diagnosis and correction of an individual batter's swing. The training device includes a conventional bat modified to receive a training aid at its distal. The training aid provides a snapping sound if an individual swings the bat at greater than a predetermined speed such that inertial forces overcome magnetic forces acting on a paramagnetic slider and the slider accelerates from a first stop to a second stop producing a snap. The position of the batter's hands at the time of the snap indicates whether the batter's swing is correct.

Abstract: A bat that includes a hollow body defining a interior volume extending within a barrel portion of the bat and a slidable mass having an passage that extends through the mass in the direction of movement. The slidable mass is contained within the interior volume and is in contact with an interior circumference of the hollow body. As a user swings the bat, the moment of inertia for the bat changes such that swing mechanics and timing are improved.

Abstract: An athletic training device trains athletes to observe the collision between a ball and bat, club, racquet, or the like. The training device may provide a unique event, such as a flashing light, at the moment of the collision. Athletes can be trained to watch the ball, bat, club, racquet or the like, to note the flash of light, thereby focusing the attention of the athlete to “keep their eye on the ball”. The training device of the present invention can provide a unique event that attracts and induces anticipation from the collision point itself. The unique event can be a light flash, multiple light flashes, colored light flashes, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a baseball or softball (referred to hereinafter collectively and independently as “baseball”) hitting aid. The baseball hitting aid may be configured to teach a baseball player the correct swing technique and to generate centrifugal force to hit a baseball off a tee.

Abstract: A balanced weighted practice bat system is provided which employs a device which is configurable to be weighted heavier and lighter than a game bat of a player in a method for batter practice. Employment of a heavier practice bat, a lighter practice bat, and a practice bat substantially equal to a batter's game bat during swinging practice provides a system to improve batting performance during a game.

Abstract: A collapsible golf swing training tool employs a plurality of elliptical blades, attached to a weighted shaft, to capitalize on air resistance, to aid in developing the muscle memory and strength required for a smooth and consistent golf swing. Cylindrical weights can be added or removed to meets the user's needs and may be positioned such that their linear axis is parallel or perpendicular to the linear axis of the tool. For convenience the blades are collapsible for easy storage within a golfer's golf bag.

Abstract: A compression collar apparatus is disposed upon an article providing an axial manual grasping stop upon the article, the apparatus includes a first arcuate element having first proximal and distal portions, the first distal portion including an engagement segment. Also, a second arcuate element having second proximal and distal portions, the first proximal portion and the second proximal portion have a first pivotal connection that enables open and closed states of the first and second arcuate elements. Further, a flexible retention arch beam having states of; free, de-arched, and intermediate, includes beam proximal and distal portions, the beam proximal portion and the second distal portion have a second pivotal connection, in the intermediate state the beam distal portion having an interlocking section that has a variable removable engagement with the engagement segment, resulting in the closed state of the first and second arcuate elements about the article.

Abstract: A knob simulating device that can be affixed to a sporting good, such as a baseball bat. The knob simulating device encircles the shaft of the baseball bat and is made up of a plurality of components that mate together to surround and encase the entire periphery of the bat shaft. Each of the component parts has a hard exterior portion and a resilient interior portion for contacting and conforming to the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. The resilient interior portion is generally cylindrical and may have one or more deformable projections that retain the device along the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. There may be a plurality of deformable projections in the form of annular rings that can be angled so as to securely retain the knob simulating device in the desired location along the shaft of the baseball bat.

Abstract: A batting swing training device is provided to train a batter in bat and ball sports to properly swing a bat. The device includes three weighted portions, one near the knob of the bat, one near the distal end of the bat, and one near the center of the bat. The weights near the knob and center of the bat force the batter to lead the swing with the knob. The weight near the distal end of the bat trains the batter to properly snap the bat through or release the bat at the time of contact. Each weighted portion may include cavities to accept the weights. The handle may have an oval-shaped cross-section to reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment and a plurality of finger grooves, which also reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: A bat swing training device for enabling the diagnosis and correction of an individual batter's swing. The training device includes a conventional bat modified to receive a training aid at its distal. The training aid provides a snapping sound if an individual swings the bat at greater than a predetermined speed such that inertial forces overcome magnetic forces acting on a paramagnetic slider and the slider accelerates from a first stop to a second stop producing a snap. The position of the batter's hands at the time of the snap indicates whether the batter's swing is correct.

Abstract: A handle weighted bat according to various embodiments can include an elongated hollow aluminum barrel portion. A handle weighted portion is included such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning the center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat. The handle weighted portion is configured as a one-piece, solid body construction that is impression die forged from a single piece of carbon steel to form an integral knob and rod portion. The bat includes a non-threaded connector comprising a pair of spring pins inserted to rigidly connect the aluminum barrel portion to the rod portion. The pair of spring pins is oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A device to improve the swing of a baseball player is provided. The device is a flexible removable cone which is secured to the exterior surface of a baseball bat. The removable cone may have a temporary adhesive on the bottom which prevents the cone from sliding with respect to the bat. The removable cone has a plurality of colored zones which allows the user and/or a trainer to determine precisely where on the bat a ball is struck. The removable cone may have a carbon layer which allows the user to not only see exactly where on the bat the ball was struck, but to keep a record of the same.

Abstract: A bunt training device includes a shield with opposite ends which is mounted to a baseball or softball bat using one or more straps. The device is mounted on the bat in a position which allows a batter to slide his or her top hand to the end of the device adjacent the barrel of the bat for bunting practice. The shield protects the batter's top hand from a pitched ball and thereby eliminates or reduces the fear a batter may have when bunting. The device may be formed as a separate shield to be mounted on a conventional bat, or the shield and bat can be formed as a single unit for bunting practice.

Abstract: A warm-up and training bat includes a tubular shell with a handle section, a barrel section, and a tapered section connecting the handle section with the barrel section. The handle is attached at an end of the handle section of the bat. An end cap is attached at an end of the barrel section of the bat. A sliding weight mechanism is entirely contained within a pipe disposed within the barrel section of the bat. The sliding weight mechanism can be held in place at an end of the pipe proximate the handle. When a centripetal force is applied during a swing, the sliding weight mechanism moves to a distal end of the pipe. The weight may make a sound or the user may feel the weight shift, helping them perfect their swing.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel section extending along an axis, a throat section extending taperingly from the barrel section along the axis, an upper handle section extending along the axis and connected to the throat section, and a lower handle section abutting against an end of the upper handle section. The ball bat further includes a connecting unit including a connecting rod that extends from the upper handle section and a retaining space that is formed in the lower handle section for being engaged fittingly and separably with the connecting rod, and a securing unit having a securing member for securing separably the lower handle section to the connecting rod of the connecting unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a baseball swing trainer apparatus includes: a first end section; a second end section; a hand grip section between the first end section and the second end section; and a bat coupled to the first end section and to the second end section.

Abstract: A training or safety aid for a baseball bat is disclosed. The device is configured to be placed on a bat, and indicators, which may be sound producing devices, produce a noise in accordance with selected qualities of the swing. In some embodiments, a flute-type opening is used, and may be configured with tubes to determine a pitch of a produced tone. An air scoop or funnel may be used with any of the devices that utilize airflow to produce a tone. Where more than one sound producing device is used, the devices are configured to only produce a sound within a narrow angular range of airflow, and are angularly spaced so as to produce sounds during different portions of a bat swing.

Abstract: A modular bat selecting simulator system according to various embodiments can include a handle weighted modular baseball bat configured to receive interchangeable weights in a handle portion of the handle weighted modular baseball bat. At least one tracking system configured to track movement of the handle weighted modular baseball bat and movement of a user while swinging the baseball bat. A computer configured for receiving data from the tracking system to determine an optimum bat weight based upon swing dynamics monitored while the user swings the baseball bat and outputting the data to a display. The display displays a virtual background including a virtual image of the baseball bat and a pitched ball, virtual movement of the baseball bat and the user swinging to hit the virtual image of the pitched ball.

Abstract: A swing trainer for exercise contains a handle having a first end and a second end relative to the first end, and the second end having a screw rod; a body having a first segment and a second segment relative to the first segment, the first segment fitting with the second end of the handle, and the screw rod being inserted into the body, between the first segment and the second segment being axially defined a defining rail; a counterweight block fixed in the body, the counterweight block having a first screw orifice defined thereon to screw with the screw rod of the handle and a slot axially defined on a side of an outer surface thereof to match with the defining rail of the body; a limiting member for limiting a connection of the handle and the body so that the handle moves relative to the body.

Abstract: A swing training method using a “flat bat” that breaks down swing motion into individual components. The flat bat has a handle connected to a flat member. The flat member has opposing flat surfaces that are beneficially color-coded to remind a user how to swing through a contact zone and follow through with a swing.

Abstract: A swing trainer for exercise contains a handle having a first end and a second end relative to the first end, and the second end having a screw rod; a body having a first segment and a second segment relative to the first segment, the first segment fitting with the second end of the handle, and the screw rod being inserted into the body, between the first segment and the second segment being axially defined a defining rail; a counterweight block fixed in the body, the counterweight block having a first screw orifice defined thereon to screw with the screw rod of the handle and a slot axially defined on a side of an outer surface thereof to match with the defining rail of the body; a limiting member for limiting a connection of the handle and the body so that the handle moves relative to the body.

Abstract: A bat swing training aid having a bat portion with a handle having a first end comprising a knob, a second end comprising a barrel section, and an intermediate transition section, and a barrel portion having at least one open end and comprising a substantially cylindrical receptacle configured to receive and frictionally engage a ball such as, for example, a tennis ball. with a holding force such that the ball is released whenever the bat is swung in a batting motion by a user.

Abstract: A warm-up and training bat includes a tubular shell with a handle section, a barrel section, and a tapered section connecting the handle section with the barrel section. The handle is attached at an end of the handle section of the bat. An end cap is attached at an end of the barrel section of the bat. A sliding weight mechanism is entirely contained within a pipe disposed within the barrel section of the bat. The sliding weight mechanism can be held in place at an end of the pipe proximate the handle. When a centripetal force is applied during a swing, the sliding weight mechanism moves to a distal end of the pipe. The weight may make a sound or the user may feel the weight shift, helping them perfect their swing.

Abstract: A batting swing training device is provided to train a batter in bat and ball sports to properly swing a bat. The device includes three weighted portions, one near the knob of the bat, one near the distal end of the bat, and one near the center of the bat. The weights near the knob and center of the bat force the batter to lead the swing with the knob. The weight near the distal end of the bat trains the batter to properly snap the bat through or release the bat at the time of contact. Each weighted portion may include cavities to accept the weights. The handle may have an oval-shaped cross-section to reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment and a plurality of finger grooves, which also reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment.