Abstract: A ball bat comprising a bat frame in a generally cylindrical configuration. The bat has an essentially cylindrical hitting area and a handle area remote from the hitting area and with a tapering transition zone therebetween. The bat frame is fabricated of a composite material of fibers in a matrix binder. A cylindrical recess is formed in the hitting area and has an annular inner face and parallel end faces at the ends of the recess. An annular insert metal with an interior cylindrical surface is in contact with the inner face of the recess and with parallel end faces in contact with the end faces of the recess and a cylindrical exterior surface essentially flush with the portions of the bat frame on opposite sides of the recess.

Abstract: For use in a water cooler having a reservoir adapted to receive the neck portion of an inverted water tank, a filter system comprising an attachment removably connected to the neck and forming a water-tight seal therewith, a sleeve projecting from the attachment for receiving a replaceable water filter adapted to pass water from the tank into the reservoir, and a one-way valve projecting from the attachment for admitting air into the tank responsive to water flowing out of the tank via the water filter, the one-way valve including a movable bead adapted to prevent water from flowing therethrough while permitting air to pass therethrough.