Abstract: A bat having different stiffnesses in different planes relative to a longitudinal axis (i.e., swing axis) of the bat. More specifically, the bat includes a greater stiffness in a vertical plane as compared to relatively more flexible stiffness in a swing plane. This differential stiffness may be accomplished with an intermediate material located within an internal space defined where a handle affixes to a barrel of the bat or alternatively with a transitional member structurally arranged between the handle and the barrel of the bat. The transitional member may provide for vibration and/or shock dampening to minimize or eliminate the “sting” typically associated with monolithic, metallic bats. Additionally, the handle may include a shape that tends to naturally align the vertical and swing planes of the bat when the handle is gripped by a player.

Abstract: A bat having different stiffnesses in different planes relative to a longitudinal axis (i.e., swing axis) of the bat. More specifically, the bat includes a greater stiffness in a vertical plane as compared to relatively more flexible stiffness in a swing plane. This differential stiffness may be accomplished with an intermediate material located within an internal space defined where a handle affixes to a barrel of the bat or alternatively with a transitional member structurally arranged between the handle and the barrel of the bat. The transitional member may provide for vibration and/or shock dampening to minimize or eliminate the “sting” typically associated with monolithic, metallic bats. Additionally, the handle may include a shape that tends to naturally align the vertical and swing planes of the bat when the handle is gripped by a player.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed here is a padded inflatable game ball. The ball is a seamed ball consisting of a spherical rubber bladder, a layer of winding surrounding the bladder, a cellular sponge layer surrounding the winding, and seams and external skin panel sections surrounding the cellular sponge layer. The sponge layer provides padding under the skin panel sections. The seams are made of narrow strips of high density rubber which cover a relatively small section of the overall surface area of the sponge layer. This allows outgassing of the sponge layer as it is foamed during the ball manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed here is a padded inflatable game ball. The ball is a seamed ball consisting of a spherical rubber bladder, a layer of winding surrounding the bladder, a cellular sponge layer surrounding the winding, and seams and external skin panel sections surrounding the cellular sponge layer. The sponge layer provides padding under the skin panel sections. The seams are made of narrow strips of high density rubber which cover a relatively small section of the overall surface area of the sponge layer. This allows outgassing of the sponge layer as it is foamed during the ball manufacturing process.