Abstract: Representative embodiments of the present technology include a bat having a barrel shell and a frame structure. The barrel shell may include a barrel region of the bat and part of a tapered region of the bat. The frame structure may include a first portion positioned outside the barrel shell and a second portion positioned inside the barrel shell. In some embodiments, a distal end of the frame structure is in the barrel region but is longitudinally spaced from a distal end of the barrel shell. In some embodiments, the distal end of the frame structure is longitudinally spaced from an end cap of the bat. The barrel shell may flex or pivot relative to the second portion of the frame structure. In some embodiments, the only connection between the frame structure and the barrel shell within the barrel shell may be within the tapered region.

Abstract: A fielder's mask includes a headband configured for positioning along the front and side regions of a wearer's head. A faceguard projects downwardly from a front region of the headband to protect the wearer's face from a batted or thrown ball. A rear region of the headband includes downwardly projecting, flexible arms, that secure the fielder's mask to the wearer, while also facilitating efficient, one-handed donning and removal of the fielder's mask. In some embodiments, the flexible arms engage the back of the wearer's head behind the wearer's ears. Elastic straps may be attached to the headband to further secure the fielder's mask to the wearer's head.

Abstract: A fielder's mask includes a headband configured for positioning along the front and side regions of a wearer's head. A faceguard projects downwardly from a front region of the headband to protect the wearer's face from a batted or thrown ball. A rear region of the headband includes downwardly projecting, flexible arms, that secure the fielder's mask to the wearer, while also facilitating efficient, one-handed donning and removal of the fielder's mask. In some embodiments, the flexible arms engage the back of the wearer's head behind the wearer's ears. Elastic straps may be attached to the headband to further secure the fielder's mask to the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: A lightweight, breathable glove for baseball or softball is provided that generally includes a strap that extends over at least a portion of an opening in which a wearer may place his or her hand. The strap is at least partially made of an elastic material so that the strap can extend and contract. The glove may thus have a reduced weight to provide superior ease of use. Further, the conforming fit of the glove provides for enhanced control of the glove, which provides superior utility and performance for the glove, as well as other advantages. Alternatively, the glove may include a thong which may extend from the glove and may engage an elastic band at one of its ends. Thus, the elastic band may engage both the glove and the thong so that the size of the opening can increase and decrease due to the strap and/or elastic band.

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: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.

Abstract: A tunable insert is provided that may be placed within a baseball/softball bat at or near its sweet spot. The insert may allow for fine tuning of the bat's compressive strength, and thus the bat's performance. Two opposing inner sleeves may be received within a tapered inner core and may be drawn together with a threaded fastening member. When the inner sleeves are pulled together, the insert segments are pushed outward. The segmented outer piece of the insert may be directly in contact with a ring member or inner barrel that is positioned between the barrel and the tunable insert. When torque is applied to the threaded fastener, the segmented outer piece expands, thus also expanding the ring member. As the ring member expands, it gets nearer to the bat's inner surface. The relative distance of the ring member to the bat's inner surface tunes the stiffness of the bat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinged leg guard that may be used by catchers in diamond sports like baseball or softball. The hinged leg guard preferably includes a thigh guard, knee guard, shin guard that may be attached to one another by a flexible fabric. The thigh guard and shin guard also are preferably attached to a double hinge member that allows them to move relative to the knee guard. The knee guard also is preferably coupled to the double hinge member. When the hinged leg guard alternates between the extended and contracted position, an extension member of the knee guard preferably translates in one translational degree of freedom within a receiver of the hinge member. The translational movement preferably helps to keep the knee guard adjacent to the knee when a wearer crouches.

Abstract: An apparatus for a ball bat and a ball bat comprising at least one disc member that defines an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter defined by the ball bat to create a fit within close proximity between the at least one disc member and the ball bat. The at least one disc member can be located within the barrel portion of the ball bat. The at least one disc member can include at least one solid disc member that is located within a sweet spot of the ball bat. In some embodiments, the apparatus for a ball bat and the ball bat can further include an at least one insulation foam member. The at least one insulation foam member can separate the at least one disc member. The at least one insulation foam member can define a hollow center portion.

Abstract: An adjustable jaw flap is provided that may be selectively attachable with the ear flap of a batter's helmet used in batted ball sports such as baseball or softball. The jaw flap may include each of an adaptor member and a flap member. The adaptor member may be attached to the batter's helmet at or near the helmet's ear flap. The flap member may be attached to the adaptor member at its lower end by a pin. An interior portion of the flap member preferably includes male attachment points that may be selectively attachable with female attachment points found at the upper portion of the adaptor member's exterior. When the flap member is rotated, more or fewer attachment points may be selectively engaged with one another, thus allowing a user to adjust the relative position of the jaw flap.