Abstract: A baseball bat having a sleeve surrounding a portion of the narrow exterior surface of the bat for prevention of scattering of splinters and wood projectiles should the bat shatter during use. The sleeve is formed of wound fabric and secured mechanically at both ends to the exterior surface of the bat. The securement using a groove or ridge and traverse fibers engaged with the sleeve allows the sleeve to stretch and absorb energy and prevents a total separation of the heavy end of the bat from the handle from becoming airborne where it could cause serious injury.

Abstract: Bat grip devices and methods are disclosed that are provided for developing swing technique for batting in sports such as baseball and softball. The invention in some embodiments may comprise a bat grip device having a plurality of grip retention elements. The plurality of grip retention elements may be integral with a handle conforming surface and positioned longitudinally along the axis of the handle conforming surface. The longitudinal axis of the handle conforming surface may coincide with and be the longitudinal axis of a handle of a bat. A fulcrum element may be configured between the upper and lower plurality of grip retention elements. In some embodiments the fulcrum element comprises a hand positioning fulcrum element designed to assist in achieving the objectives of the present invention. In still further embodiments, the fulcrum element may comprise a bat acceleration element corresponding to the center of gravity of the bat.

Abstract: Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.

Abstract: A hand grip for training a batter such that both hands of the batter are properly positioned for impact with a baseball is provided. The bat grip includes a generally cylindrical member having an inner surface configured for receiving a lower portion of a bat, the member including an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion including a first plurality of finger grooves and a first protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the first plurality of finger grooves, the first protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a first hand of a batter; and the lower portion including a second plurality of finger grooves and a second protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the second plurality of finger grooves, the second protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a second hand of the batter, wherein the first protrusion is angularly offset from the second protrusion by a first predetermined angle.

Abstract: A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.

Abstract: A field hockey training device includes a handle having a shaft. The shaft includes a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The training device includes a head shaped and dimensioned for playing field hockey extending from the first end of the shaft. The handle further includes a first gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent the second end of the shaft and a second gripping member positioned along the handle adjacent to the second end of the shaft located between the first gripping member and the first end of the shaft. The second gripping member is supported on the shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A grip for attachment to a handle of a striking instrument swung with both of a user's hands for striking an object, one hand being a leading hand for leading the instrument toward the object and the other hand being a following hand. The grip comprises a leading portion adapted for receiving the grip of the user's leading hand and defining a first coefficient of friction between the leading portion of said grip and the user's leading hand; and a following portion adapted for receiving the grip of the user's following hand and defining a second coefficient of friction between the following portion of said grip and the user's following hand; the second coefficient of friction being lower than the first coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An implement for swinging in one's hands has an implement body. A handle extends from the implement body. The handle consists of two elongate handle members that generally abut against the other along substantially the length of the handle members. The handle members have inwardly sloped, converging sidewalls along at least one side of the handle where the handle members abut to form a longitudinal groove along substantially the length of the at least one side of the handle. The converging sidewalls are at least one of convex arcuate or planar surfaces. A method of swinging the implement may be performed by gripping the handle with both hands so that the hands are in a closely adjacent or touching adjacent position with at least the tip of one or more fingers lie generally in or along the longitudinal groove. The implement is then swung while holding the implement in both hands.

Abstract: A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.

Abstract: A process for enhancing a gripping area of an object, providing a frictionally enhanced, moisture repellent, sure-grip gripping surface, achieved by less than one second ultraviolet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over polymeric fibers enveloping the gripping surface of the object. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials, minimal energy, is environmentally friendly, does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, and gluing a molded cover onto a surface. Also, metallicized objects where metallicizing imparts superior strength to objects reducing or eliminating breakage and/or splintering when impacted, by a ball if object is a bat reducing or eliminating potential lethal hazards often imparted to a ball when hit by aluminum bats.

Abstract: A cushioning sleeve for a bat. The bat includes an axis, a cap, a barrel, a taper, a handle, and a knob. The handle includes a handle diameter in the knob and includes a knob diameter. The cushioning sleeve comprises a neck and a flared end. The neck is shaped to extend along the handle away from the knob and is shaped to cover part of the handle. The neck includes a substantially constant inside diameter and a substantially constant outside diameter. The flared end includes a terminal end having a diameter greater than the handle diameter. The terminal end diameter is also greater than the inside and outside diameters of the neck. The flared end is shaped to cover part of the knob. The neck transitions into the flared end at internal and external transitions. The external transition is shaped concave inwardly towards the axis of the bat.

Abstract: A swing implement, such as a baseball bat (9), adapted for gripping by the hands of a user having a support surface (10) between the knob (20) and the handle (30) of the swinging implement. The support surface provides a gradual transition between the knob and the handle. The support surface supports the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. Another swinging implement (10) comprises a support surface extending at a shallow angle from the handle between the handle and the end surface of the knob for supporting the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. A support sleeve (6c) adapted to cooperate with a handle and knob of a conventional baseball bat including a support surface for providing added support for the hands of a user gripping the bat.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat having improved restitution characteristic and preventing degraded hitting feeling caused by vibration or impact at the time of hitting can be provided. The baseball or softball bat including a ball hitting portion, a tapered portion and a grip portion is provided with an outer circumferential member, an inner circumferential member and a non-adhesive portion. The outer circumferential member is a cylindrical member forming at least the ball hitting portion. The inner circumferential member is arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer circumferential member. The inner circumferential member has a tip end of the inner circumferential member positioned opposite to a taper side end as an end portion on the side of the tapered portion, fixed to the outer circumferential member.

Abstract: Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.

Abstract: A training aid for a baseball bat includes an outer portion and an inner core portion which is relatively rigid with respect to the outer portion, the aid is for placement against a bat handle having an arched outer surface which is of a size to extend along inside middle knuckles of one's fingers for purposes of providing knuckle alignment while permitting a substantial portion of one's fingers free to grip the bat handle to provide a tactile sensation of gripping the bat principally with one's fingers and not one's palms and, which when so gripped by a batter, the training aid provides knuckle alignment for each hand and promotes anatomical superior fluidity of motion in one's hands, wrists and arms during a swing.

Abstract: A collar for a bat. The bat includes a barrel, a taper extending from the barrel, and a handle extending from the taper opposite the barrel. The handle includes a knob and a grip. The collar is slideably positioned on the grip between the knob and the taper to secure the grip to the handle. The collar includes a circumferential wall, a plurality of securing members positioned on the circumferential wall to engage the grip, and the collar is slideably preferably positioned on the handle between the grip and the taper. The securing members removably secure the collar to the grip and in turn removably secure the grip to the handle.

Abstract: A hand grip for training a batter such that both hands of the batter are properly positioned for impact with a baseball is provided. The bat grip includes a generally cylindrical member having an inner surface configured for receiving a lower portion of a bat, the member including an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion including a first plurality of finger grooves and a first protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the first plurality of finger grooves, the first protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a first hand of a batter; and the lower portion including a second plurality of finger grooves and a second protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the second plurality of finger grooves, the second protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a second hand of the batter, wherein the first protrusion is angularly offset from the second protrusion by a first predetermined angle.

Abstract: A collar for a bat. The bat includes a barrel, a taper extending from the barrel, and a handle extending from the taper opposite the barrel. The handle includes a knob and a grip. The collar is slideably positioned on the grip between the knob and the taper to secure the grip to the handle. The collar includes a circumferential wall, a plurality of securing members positioned on the circumferential wall to engage the grip, and the collar is slideably preferably positioned on the handle between the grip and the taper. The securing members removably secure the collar to the grip and in turn removably secure the grip to the handle.

Abstract: A bat gripping apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge and a bottom edge. The panel comprises a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers at least includes a bottom layer, a middle layer and a top layer. A coupler is configured to selectively secure the panel in a tubular configuration. A bat has a handle terminating in a butt. The panel is extended around the handle so that the bottom side abuts the bat and the bottom edge is positioned adjacent to the butt and the tubular configuration is attained. The panel is then secured in the tubular configuration with the coupler.

Abstract: A sleeve includes an inner sleeve part securely fitted on a handle end portion of a golf club, and two outer sleeve parts; the inner sleeve part has circular concavities spaced apart on an outer side thereof; the outer sleeve parts are positioned around the inner sleeve part, and each stuck to the inner sleeve part at two ends thereof in a sealing manner such that an air containing sealed room is formed between it and the inner sleeve part, making the sleeve capable of functioning like an air cushion with increased capability to absorb reaction force from hitting a golf ball.

Abstract: A resilient elastic bat grip for baseball and softball bats that covers the knob on the bat handle. The grip has a bulbous shape which is wider then the knob of the baseball bat, and fits snugly in the batter's palm such that the bat is controlled by one or more fingers and swung with the batter's wrist below the end of the bat. The grip does not require all five fingers to hold the bat, and as a result, increases the maneuverability of the wrist which allows greater bat speed and whipping motion. A rounded base enables a single, double or triple finger drop for more bat speed and less wrist rigidity. This also allows added finger support for better control of the head of the bat during the swing as it passes through the power zone.

Abstract: A grip includes a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface and a design formed along the inner surface. The grip is formed by forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual and creating a channel or group of channels in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.

Abstract: An adjustable collar for attachment around a handle such as the handle of a baseball bat. The adjustable collar has a rubber-like strip which has a strap affixed to its outer face. The strap extends past the rubber strip and has a ring at one end and a free end at the other end. The rubber-like strip is pressed against the place on the handle where it is desired to be attached and the free end is passed through the ring and is looped back toward the free end and affixed to the strap by a hook and loop fastener or other removable fastening structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a baseball bat grip which encourages a user to maintain an appropriate grip throughout a swing. The grip has two protrusions which each fit between the V-shaped opening between the user's index finger and thumb on each hand. The grip also has ridges and valleys which receive the user's fingers to further maintain an appropriate grip.

Abstract: A protective strap for spirally winding around a handle includes a main body and a distinctive strap. The main body is an elongated strap member having two lateral edges, two end edges, a top side and a bottom side. The two lateral edges of the main body are respectively longer in length than the two end edges of the main body. The distinctive strap is disposed on the top side of the main body, having two lateral fringes and two end fringes shorter in length than the two lateral fringes. The distinctive strap is parallel to one of the lateral edges of the main body and has a width between the two lateral fringes thereof smaller than that between two lateral edges of the main body.

Abstract: A device and method for teaching a person to swing a baseball bat. The device comprises an elongated shaft having a circular cross-section with a grip handle on one end and a head on to other end. A stop is located where the shaft and handle meet and a slide is mounted on the shaft for movement along the shaft between the head and the stop. A user may place one hand on the handle and the other hand on the slide with the slide at a location spaced from the handle. During swinging, the user moves the slide along the shaft toward and into contact with the stop. Alternatively, a user may grip and swing the trainer as if it were a conventional bat, thereby causing the slide to move from a position adjacent the handle along the shaft until it strikes the head and causes an audible sound.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second layer including a hight tensile fibrous material and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The high tensile strength fibrous material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A one body member solid molded bat handle grip manufactured from thermoplastic material or the likes for improving the gripping control of the batter for baseball or softball, which is useful for left handed or right handed players. The longitudinal raised surface along the bat handle grip allow the batter alignment of the knuckles for proper wrist roll. The grip is capable of stretching over the bat knob onto the bat handle and sized for being grasped by both hands of the user.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing grip including a grip body formed by a multi-layer material. The material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer which includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer and is adapted to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: A grip for sports equipment and/or tools is provided. The grip, which is applied to the handle portion of sports equipment and/or tools, comprises a slurry of gripping material, which itself comprises various mixtures of gripping particles mixed into the binding fluid in quantities that are proportional to the starting quantity of the binding fluid and in proportion to the quantities of other gripping particles mixed into the binding fluid. The handle portion of the sports equipment and/or tool is dipped into the slurry of gripping material, the sports equipment and/or tool is then removed and the slurry of gripping material is allowed to adhere around the handle thereby becoming an integral part of the handle which is not removable, or apt to peel off, not sticky and which does not need to be reapplied before each use.

Abstract: A grip for minimizing sting in a hand held swinging athletic contacting making article such as a bat, racquet, club or stick is secured to the handle of the article. The grip is a multilayer laminate having an inner layer made from an elastomeric material having high energy absorption and vibration damping characteristics. The laminate also includes an exposed outer layer made from an elastomeric material having a high coefficient of friction and being pliable. In addition, the laminate includes force dissipating material having the characteristics of absorbing and redirecting vibrational energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal ball bat and a method of forming the same. The metal ball bat includes a tubular metal body including a barrel and a handle. The handle includes a gripping zone and an end. The metal ball bat also includes a collar having a first opening defined by a first edge, a second opening defined by a second edge, and an inner wall extending between the first edge and the second edge that defines an interior chamber. Part of the end of the handle extends through the first opening into the interior chamber of the collar and is flared against the inner wall of the collar to mechanically secure the collar to the handle and form a knob.

Abstract: A tape adapted to absorb and/or regulate vibration preferably includes a multi-layer material that may include a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing padding including a padding body formed by a multi-layer material. The material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball bat having a knob, a handle portion extending from the knob, a barrel portion extending from the handle portion, and an inflatable grip disposed on the handle portion. The inflatable grip includes an inflatable tubular sleeve through which the handle portion extends, an inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable tubular sleeve for pumping air into the inflatable tubular sleeve, and a release valve in fluid communication with the inflatable tubular sleeve for releasing air from the inflatable tubular sleeve. The ball bat according to the invention allows a batter to selectively pressurize the inflatable tubular sleeve to adjust the rigidity and size of the grip, which improves batter comfort and reduces the amount of shock and vibration transferred from the ball bat to the batter's hands.

Abstract: A resilient elastic bat grip that attaches to baseball and softball bats to assist with hand placement, safety, injury prevention, wrist mobility, bat control and bat speed. The grip is stretched over and around the knob at the end of the bat handle. It can be temporarily or permanently attached. An upper ridge provides additional safety by increasing finger hold on the bat. A rounded outer surface ergonomically fits into the wedge of the thumb and crease of the palm increasing the surface area of contact. The elastic grip does not require all five fingers to hold the bat, and as a result, increases the maneuverability of the wrist which allows greater bat speed and whipping motion. The increased surface area of the elastic grip, the upper ridge and the rough textured coating provide greater friction and surface tension throughout the swing thereby increasing safety and control. A rounded base enables a single, double or triple finger drop for more bat speed and less wrist rigidity.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second layer including a hight tensile fibrous material and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The high tensile strength fibrous material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A one body member solid molded bat handle grip manufactured from thermoplastic material or the likes for improving the gripping control of the batter for baseball or softball, which is useful for left handed or right handed players. The longitudinal raised surface along the bat handle grip allow the batter alignment of the knuckles for proper wrist roll. The grip is capable of stretching over the bat knob onto the bat handle and sized for being grasped by both hands of the user. The grip fits moveably snug around the bat handle for manually rotating it around the handle to prolong the life of thin walled aluminum bats. And can keep the label lined up when batting with wooden bats. The grip is essentially immovable when squeezed by the batter. Finger channels or finger separating barriers may be included along the longitudinal raised surface.

Abstract: A training instrument for a sport in which an object is struck or thrown by a player grasping the instrument with two hands. The instrument includes a handle having a hand gripping portion and a separate head having a hand gripping portion, a bearing member and an elastomeric sleeve. The handle and head normally have a common longitudinal axis. The head has an end adjacent to the handle with an at least partially rounded ends received in contact with the bearing member which has a concave surface receiving the rounded end of the head. The sleeve extends over the gripping portions of the handle, head and bearing and maintains the handle and head in normal longitudinal alignment, but permits pivotal movement of the head with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A bat for use in baseball or softball comprises a knob, a gripping area, a transition area and a hitting area, the gripping area having a cross-section shape selected from the group consisting of an ellipse and an oval.

Abstract: Described is a grip for attachment to a sport stick having a shaft. One end of the shaft has a opening extending longitudinally into the shaft. The grip comprises an elongated grip portion having a hilt. The hilt has a longitudinal dimension sized for being grasped by the entire hand of a user. The grip also comprises an insertion portion at one end of the elongated grip portion. The insertion portion is sized to provide close insertion into the opening at the one end of the shaft.

Abstract: Finishing collar 10 for securing an end 97 of grip tape 95 wrapped upon a handle 80; including locking ring 20, first flange 36 for overlying and retaining grip tape 95, and second flange 37 for covering any gap between finishing collar 10 and shank portion 84 of handle 80. Finishing collar 10 is of durable stretchy material such as rubber and is under tension in use.

Abstract: A one body member (combination bat handle and knob ball bat grip) for improving the gripping action of a batter for baseball or softball, which is useful for left handed or right handed players. The longitudinal raised surface along the bat handle and knob allows the batter alignment of the knuckles for proper wrist roll. The grip is sized to fit around the bat handle and bat knob allowing the batter for gripping the handle with the top hand and gripping the bat knob with the lower hand. The grip fits moveably snug around the bat handle and knob for manually rotating around the bat handle and knob to prolong the lift of thin walled aluminum bats. Also can keep the label lined up when batting with wood bats. The grip is essentially immovable when manually squeezed by the batter. Finger channels or finger separating barriers may be included along the longitudinal raised surface. The grip is made of thermoplastic rubber or the likes that helps to reduce vibration, sting and blistering to the hands of the batter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball bat having a knob, a handle portion extending from the knob, a barrel portion extending from the handle portion, and an inflatable grip disposed on the handle portion. The inflatable grip includes an inflatable tubular sleeve through which the handle portion extends, an inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable tubular sleeve for pumping air into the inflatable tubular sleeve, and a release valve in fluid communication with the inflatable tubular sleeve for releasing air from the inflatable tubular sleeve. The ball bat according to the invention allows a batter to selectively pressurize the inflatable tubular sleeve to adjust the rigidity and size of the grip, which improves batter comfort and reduces the amount of shock and vibration transferred from the ball bat to the batter's hands.

Abstract: A grip for sports equipment and/or tools is provided. The grip, which is applied to the handle portion of sports equipment and/or tools, comprises a slurry of gripping material, which itself comprises various mixtures of gripping particles mixed into the binding fluid in quantities that are proportional to the starting quantity of the binding fluid and in proportion to the quantities of other gripping particles mixed into the binding fluid. The handle portion of the sports equipment and/or tool is dipped into the slurry of gripping material, the sports equipment and/or tool is then removed and the slurry of gripping material is allowed to adhere around the handle thereby becoming an integral part of the handle which is not removable, or apt to peel off, not sticky and which does not need to be reapplied before each use.

Abstract: A tape adapted to absorb and/or regulate vibration preferably includes a multi-layer material that may include a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing grip including a grip body formed by a multi-layer material. The material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer which includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer and is adapted to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing padding including a padding body formed by a multi-layer material. The material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.