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: 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: A composite ball bat comprising a handle, a tapered portion extending from an attachment end of the handle, and a barrel portion extending from the tapered portion to an end-cap end is provided. The barrel portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A foam core insert is preferably located within the barrel portion so that it is friction fit within the inner surface of the bat. The specific strength of the foam core insert may be 40 kNm/kg or more, and the specific modulus of the foam core insert may be at least 1,000 kNm/kg. The foam core insert is preferably less than 0.5 g/cc and preferably has a compressive strength greater than 16,500 kPa.

Abstract: A barrel of a ball bat for striking a ball. The bat itself may comprise a longitudinal axis, a handle, and the barrel. The barrel includes a ball impact area formed by a barrel portion and a transition section. A point of maximum performance is located within the ball impact area along the barrel. The barrel may also include an end cap. The barrel portion has a first outer diameter, with the diameter tapering from the barrel portion towards the attachment end of the transition section. There is at least one annular ring, formed from a material having a density lower than that of aluminum, which is positioned along the ball impact area. The annular ring has a third diameter that is flush with the first outer diameter.

Abstract: A barrel for a ball bat having a first inside surface and an outside surface, and a first thickness represented by the distance between the first inside surface and the outside surfaces. The first thickness of the barrel is generally uniform except at one or more locations within the ball impact area of the bat. However, the barrel may include one or more than one thick section relative to the uniform thickness of the rest of the barrel of the bat. In addition, the barrel may include one or more than one thin section relative to the uniform thickness of the rest of the barrel of the bat. The shoulders between the thick and/or thin section(s) and the uniform thickness of the remainder of the bat may be relatively abrupt.