Abstract: A sporting good or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.

Abstract: A sporting good item or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.

Abstract: A sporting good item or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.

Abstract: A ball bat includes an aluminum, or other metal, tubular sleeve co-molded or post-mold bonded onto a predominantly cylindrical composite, or other non-metal, ball bat handle. An aluminum, or other metal, knob is attached to the metal tubular sleeve, via welding or another suitable attachment method. A barrel end closure, e.g. a barrel cap, may be attached to the end of the bat barrel in a similar manner. In such a case, a metal insert is co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A metal barrel cap is then welded to the metal insert to close the end of the ball bat. Alternatively, a cap retention device may be co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A plastic, or other suitable material, cap is then attached to the cap retention device.

Abstract: A ball bat includes an aluminum, or other metal, tubular sleeve co-molded or post-mold bonded onto a predominantly cylindrical composite, or other non-metal, ball bat handle. An aluminum, or other metal, knob is attached to the metal tubular sleeve, via welding or another suitable attachment method. A barrel end closure, e.g. a barrel cap, may be attached to the end of the bat barrel in a similar manner. In such a case, a metal insert is co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A metal barrel cap is then welded to the metal insert to close the end of the ball bat. Alternatively, a cap retention device may be co-molded, or post-mold bonded, onto the barrel end of the bat. A plastic, or other suitable material, cap is then attached to the cap retention device.