VIBRATION DAMPER END KNOB FOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL BATS

Abstract

A vibration damper end knob for a baseball or softball bat includes a core having a base disposed outside of a handle of the bat and a shaft extending from the base and into the handle. A sleeve is disposed between the shaft and an inner surface of the handle. An elastomeric sheath is configured to extend at least partially over the core and onto an exterior of the handle adjacent to an end thereof. The sheath and the base of the core cooperatively form an end cap of the bat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to baseball and softball bats. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vibration damper end knob for a baseball or softball bat.

Baseball and softball are very popular sports in the United States and throughout many countries in the world. Due to the competitive nature of these sports, players are constantly seeking ways of improving their performance. An important aspect of baseball and softball is the ability to effectively hit the ball.

Wooden bats are well known, and exclusively used at the professional level in the United States. However, metal and composite bats are allowed in baseball amateur play from Little League to Collegiate levels. Metal and composite bats are also typically used in slow and fast pitch softball. Metal and composite bats are advantageous over wood bats in that they do not break and splinter like wood bats and thus can be used repeatedly with consequent cost savings.

However, metal and composite bats have certain disadvantages. These bats can send painful vibrations into the hands and arms of the batter if the ball is not hit within the “sweet spot” of the bat. There have been many attempts to control or even eliminate such painful vibrations. However, many of these attempts reduce the effectiveness of the bat, are complicated and expensive to manufacture or implement, or are not very effective in controlling or eliminating the vibrations.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a baseball or a softball bat with a vibration damper or control. Such a vibration damper should be relatively simple and cost-effective while effectively dampening the vibration caused by mishits. The present invention fulfills these needs, and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a vibration damper end knob for a baseball or a softball bat. The end knob generally comprises a core having a base and a shaft extending from the base and into a hollow handle of the baseball or softball bat. A sleeve is disposed between the shaft and an inner surface of the handle. A sheath is configured to extend at least partially over the core and onto an exterior of the handle adjacent to an end thereof.

Typically, the core is comprised of a rigid material. The sleeve may be comprised of a vibration dampening material. The base of the core is disposed outside of the handle adjacent to the end of the handle.

In one embodiment, the shaft of the core is tubular. The base of the core includes at least one aperture in communication with the shaft. In an embodiment of the invention, the base of the core includes a plurality of apertures spaced from one another about a periphery of the base and in communication with the shaft.

Preferably, the sheath is comprised of an elastomeric material. The sheath comprises an annular portion disposed over at least a portion of the base of the core. The sheath extends over the one or more apertures formed in the base of the core. A generally frustroconical cover shell extends from the annular portion and over a portion of the handle of the bat adjacent to the end thereof. The base of the core and the annular portion of the sheath cooperatively form an end cap of the bat.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a baseball or softball bat embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of various component parts of the bat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a core used in the vibration damper and knob of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sheath used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area “6” of FIG. 5, illustrating the assembled vibration damper end knob to the end of the handle of the baseball or softball bat, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating a grip of the bat extending over a portion of the sheath of the end knob.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention resides in an assembly which functions as an end knob for a baseball or softball bat while also dampening vibrations caused when the bat hits a ball.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bat 10, such as a baseball or softball bat, is illustrated. The bat 10 includes a barrel portion 12, which is typically used to hit a ball, such as a baseball or softball. Generally opposite the barrel 12 is a handle portion 14, which is used to grasp the bat 10 and swing it in order to hit a ball, as is well known. The barrel 12 and the handle 14 portions of the bat 10 may be comprised of a metal, such as an aluminum or titanium alloy or the like, composite materials, wood, or any other suitable material or combinations of materials. The barrel 12 and the handle 14 may be formed of two distinct sections which are later interconnected to one another to form the bat 10. For example, the handle section 14 may be comprised of a composite material while the barrel section 12 is comprised of a metal alloy material.

Typically, an otherwise open end of the barrel portion 12 is enclosed, such as by attaching an end cap 16 thereto, as is known in the art. Alternatively, the end of the barrel portion 12 may be formed integrally and closed off so as not to require a separate end cap 16.

The type of material selected for the barrel portion 12 and handle portion 14, or the entire bat 10 is not critical to the present invention. The present invention can be incorporated into many differing types of baseball and softball bats, whether they be sectional, hybrid, a single composite material, a single metal alloy, etc. So long as the bat 10 has a handle portion with a free end thereof substantially hollow, the present invention can be incorporated into such a bat. It is quite common for metal and/or composite bats to have a hollow handle 14, as illustrated. Instead of attaching or forming a traditional end knob to the end of the handle 14, the assembly of the present invention is installed instead which forms an end knob and also dampens and controls vibrations experienced by the bat 10 when it strikes an object, such as a ball.

With particular reference now to FIG. 2, an open end 18 of the handle 14 is shown, with components of the end knob assembly of the present invention shown exploded therefrom. The vibration damper end knob assembly of the present invention generally comprises a core 20, a sleeve 22 and a sheath 24.

The core 20 is typically comprised of a rigid material, such as plastic, wood, a composite material, or a metal, such as aluminum. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the core 20 includes a base 26 having a shaft 28 extending therefrom. The shaft 28 has an outer diameter and configuration suitable for being inserted into the open end 18 of the handle 14 of the bat 10. As such, the outer diameter of the shaft 28 is less than the inner diameter of the hollow handle 14.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 6, the sleeve 22 is disposed between the shaft 28 of the core 20 and an inner wall or surface 30 of the handle 14. The sleeve 22 may be a generally cylindrical distinct item, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which is insertable over the shaft 28 of the core 20, or may be directly applied to the shaft 28 of the core 20. For example, the sleeve 22 may comprise two-sided tape which is wrapped around the shaft 28 of the core 20 before insertion into the open end 18 of the handle 14. Other multi-layer materials, such as a polymer material, may be wrapped around the shaft 28 of the core 20 to form the sleeve 22 as well. The sleeve 22 could also be comprised of a thermoplastic material, resin, or other adhesive which is disposed in a liquid form between the core shaft 28 and the inner wall of the handle 30 during manufacturing, and which later sets to a solid or semi-solid material. Preferably, the sleeve is comprised of a material which has vibration dampening characteristics, such as a polymer, plastic, or elastomeric material.

In the case when the sleeve 22 comprises a distinct cylindrical member or is formed by wrapping multiple layers of material around the shaft 28 of the core 20, a layer of adhesive may be applied to the outer surface of the sleeve 22 to both act as a lubricant when inserting the sleeve 22 and shaft 28 of the core 20 into the open end 18 of the handle 14. The use of the adhesive on the outer surface of the sleeve 22 also serves to lock the core 20 and sleeve 22 in place within the handle 14 of the baseball bat 10 after the adhesive sets.

Alternatively, or in addition to using an adhesive, apertures 32, 34, and 36 may be formed through the handle 14, sleeve 22, and core shaft 28, respectively, which are generally alignable with one another when the sleeve 22 and shaft 28 of the core 20 is inserted within the handle 14. A pin 38 is inserted through the aligned apertures 32, 34 and 36, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, so as to fasten and lock the shaft 28 of the core 20 and the sleeve 22 to the handle 14 of the bat 10. It will be appreciated that when incorporating the insertion of the pin 38 into the aligned apertures 32-36, the use of an adhesive to fasten the sleeve 22 and shaft 28 of the core 20 in place within the handle 14 is not required. However, the adhesive may still be beneficial in the sense that it acts as a lubricant to help the sleeve 22 fit into the handle 14 of the bat 10, and after hardening hold it in place securely.

Although the core 20 may be solid, in a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the shaft 28 of the core is tubular so as to form a passageway 40 therein, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The base 26 of the core 20 is at least partially hollow and includes one or more apertures 42 formed therein. The apertures 42 extend into the base 26, so as to form the hollow portion of the base 26, or are in communication with the hollow portion of the base 26, such that the core shaft passageway 40 and the one or more apertures 42 of the base 26 are in communication with one another. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the core 20 includes a plurality of apertures 42 spaced from one another about a periphery of the base 26. All of these apertures 42 are in communication with the passageway 40 of the core shaft 28.

The formation of the passageway 40 in the core shaft 28 as well as the plurality of apertures 42 within the core base 26 can serve multiple purposes. One of these purposes is the removal of material in order to control and lessen the weight of the end knob assembly, and thus the overall weight of the bat 10. It is very desirable to have bats 10 weigh as little as possible. This is beneficial in the sense that a lighter bat 10 can be swung more quickly than a heavier bat. Also, swinging a lighter bat 10 does not require as much strength or physical exertion on behalf of the player. This can be particularly important with younger players.

The core shaft passageway 40 and core apertures 42 can also serve to direct vibrations passing through the air within the bat 10, or the compressed air within the bat 10 caused by the compression of the barrel 12 of the bat during hitting, to the end and outside of the handle 14 of the bat.

With reference to FIG. 7, it is also contemplated that the passageway 40 of the core shaft 28 and the apertures 42 and hollow portion of the base 26 of the core 20 be filled with a vibration dampening material, such as an elastomeric material 44, including rubber, neoprene, or the like. This elastomeric material 44 would help to dampen vibration when the bat 10 hits a ball. The material 44 may also be selected for weight control purposes.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, it will be seen that the base 26 of the core 20 is of a greater dimension than the shaft 28 portion. This is so that at least a portion of the base 26 does not extend into the handle 14, but instead is abutted adjacent to the end of the handle 14 and extends outwardly from the end of the handle 14. In fact, in an embodiment as illustrated, the base 26 includes a landing portion or shoulder 46 to which the open end of the handle 18 rests upon, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. It will be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 that the diameter 26 of the base is greater than the diameter of the handle section 14 at the end of the bat 10. This is so as to form an end knob which prevents the batter's hands from slipping off the end of the bat while swinging the bat 10.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the sheath 24 is configured to extend at least partially over the core 20 and onto an exterior of the handle 14 of the bat, adjacent to the end 18 thereof. The sheath 24 is comprised of a vibration dampening material, typically an elastomeric material. The sheath 24 may be clear, or of a color which may be visually appealing given the design of the bat 10 or of a color or design that is appealing to the owner of the bat.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the sheath 24 includes an annular portion 48 which is sized and configured so as to extend over at least a portion of the base 26 of the core 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an embodiment the base 26 of the core 20 is generally toroidal or donut-shaped. As such, the base portion of the sheath 48 is annular in configuration so as to extend over at least a portion, if not the entirety, of the base 26 of the core 20. Thus, the inner surface 50 of the annular base portion 48 of the sheath 24 has a configuration substantially matching at least a portion of the base 26 of the core 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular portion 48 extends over at least a portion of the landing shoulder 46 of the core 20 to a generally opposite shoulder 52 of the base of the core 26. A pad 54 of the base 26 of the core 20 extends outwardly, or is otherwise aligned with and exposed from the aperture 56 of the sheath 24.

A cover shell 58 extends from the annular portion 48, and is configured to be placed over a portion of the handle 14 adjacent to the end 18 thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface of the cover shell 58 is generally frustroconical in configuration. The sheath 24 and the core 20, in particular the base 26 of the core, cooperatively form an end knob of the bat 10. The base of the core 26 and the sheath 24 serve to prevent the batter's hands from slipping off the end of the handle 14 of the bat 10 when swinging the bat 10. The sheath 24, due to its elastomeric qualities, prevents the bat 10 from slipping out of the hands of the batter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover shell 58 of the sheath 24 extends over the end of the handle 14 and covers the pin 38. The sheath 24 is removable and replaceable so that a single baseball bat may be fitted with different colored sheaths 24, or the appearance of different colored end knobs, as desired.

It will also be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the sheath 24 extends over the apertures 42 formed in the base of the core 26. In the illustrated embodiment, it is the annular portion 48 which covers the base of the core 26, and the apertures 24 formed peripherally in the base 26. Thus, any vibrations, change in air pressure, etc. can be conveyed from within the bat 10 and/or the core 20 to the elastomeric sheath 24. The sheath 24 covering the apertures 42 also prevents dirt, moisture, etc. from entering into the core 20 and the interior of the bat 10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vibrations encountered when the bat strikes a ball, particularly during mishits when the ball is not struck in the “sweet spot” of the bat, will travel within and along the surfaces of the bat 10. Usually, these vibrations are conveyed to the hands of the batter, which can be quite painful. In the present invention, such vibrations are dampened by the sleeve 22 and the sheath 24, which are comprised of vibration dampening materials, such as elastomeric materials. Thus, as the vibrations travel along the length of the bat 10 towards the end of the handle 14, these vibrations are dampened when they encounter the sleeve 22 and the sheath 24, which absorb the energy of the vibrations. In the embodiment wherein a vibration dampening material, such as a neoprene, rubber, or other elastomeric material 44 is disposed within the core 20, that material 44 also serves to dampen and eliminate the vibrations and the energy otherwise imparted from such.

The cover shell 58 of the sheath 24 typically extends from the end 18 of the handle 14 along a length of the handle, typically at least an inch or two along the length of the handle. However, the cover shell 58 of the sheath 24 can extend over a greater portion of the handle section 14 of the bat, such as up to an entire length of the handle section 14. Bats typically include a grip 60 comprised of leather, rubber, cushioned material, or other gripping and comfortable surfaces which are grasped by the hands of the batter. In the present invention, the grip 60, as illustrated in FIG. 6, could be placed immediately adjacent to the top of the cover shell 58 of the sheath 24. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the grip 60 can also be wrapped around or otherwise extend over the cover shell 58 of the sheath 24. In this manner, the batter can comfortably and securely grasp the handle 14 of the bat 10. The sheath 24, and particularly the cover shell 58 could be comprised of an elastomeric material which is tacky and provides a good grip. Alternatively, the outer surface of the cover shell 58 could be textured so as to present a tacky gripping surface. This can particularly be useful when the cover shell 58 extends over a significant length of the handle section 14, so as to be gripped directly. In this case, the cover shell 58 would either completely replace the grip 60, or be placed over the grip 60 which would primarily serve as a cushion between the cover shell grip 58 and the handle section 14.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vibration damper end knob for a baseball or softball bat having a hollow handle, the end knob comprising:

a core including a base and a shaft extending from the base and into the handle;

a sleeve disposed between the shaft and an inner surface of the handle; and

a sheath configured to extend at least partially over the core and onto an exterior of the handle adjacent to an end thereof.

2. The vibration damper end knob of claim 1, wherein the core is comprised of a rigid material.

3. The vibration damper end knob of claim 1, wherein the base of the core is disposed outside of the handle adjacent to the end of the handle.

4. The vibration damper end knob of claim 3, wherein the shaft of the core is tubular.

5. The vibration damper end knob of claim 4, wherein the base of the core includes at least one aperture in communication with the shaft.

6. The vibration damper end knob of claim 5, wherein the base of the core includes a plurality of apertures spaced from one another about a periphery of the base and in communication with the shaft.

7. The vibration damper end knob of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a vibration dampening material.

8. The vibration damper end knob of claim 3, wherein the sheath is comprised of an elastomeric material.

9. The vibration damper end knob of claim 8, wherein the sheath comprises an annular portion disposed over at least a portion of the base of the core, and a cover shell extending from the annular portion and over a portion of the handle adjacent to the end thereof.

10. The vibration damper end knob of claim 9, wherein the base of the core and the annular portion of the sheath cooperatively form an end cap of the bat.

11. The vibration damper end knob of claim 9, wherein the sheath extends over apertures formed in the base of the core.

12. The vibration damper end knob of claim 9, wherein the cover shell has a tacky texture.

13. A vibration damper end knob for a baseball or softball bat having a hollow handle, the end knob comprising:

a core comprised of a rigid material and including a base disposed outside of the handle adjacent to an end of the handle and a shaft extending from the base and into the handle;

a sleeve disposed between the shaft and an inner surface of the handle; and

a elastomeric sheath comprising an annular portion disposed over at least a portion of the base of the core, and a cover shell extending from the annular portion and over a portion of the handle adjacent to the end thereof.

14. The vibration damper end knob of claim 13, wherein the shaft of the core is tubular.

15. The vibration damper end knob of claim 14, wherein the base of the core includes at least one aperture in communication with the shaft.

16. The vibration damper end knob of claim 15, wherein the base of the core includes a plurality of apertures spaced from one another about a periphery of the base and in communication with the shaft.

17. The vibration damper end knob of claim 13, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a vibration dampening material.

18. The vibration damper end knob of claim 13, wherein the base of the core and the annular portion of the sheath cooperatively form an end cap of the bat.

19. The vibration damper end knob of claim 15, wherein the sheath extends over the at least one aperture formed in the base of the core.

20. The vibration damper end knob of claim 13, wherein the cover shell has a tacky texture.

21. A vibration damper end knob for a baseball or softball bat having a hollow handle, the end knob comprising:

a core comprised of a rigid material and including a base disposed outside of the handle adjacent to an end of the handle and a shaft extending from the base and into the handle;

a sleeve disposed between the shaft and an inner surface of the handle; and

a elastomeric sheath comprising an annular portion disposed over at least a portion of the base of the core, and a generally frustroconical cover shell extending from the annular portion and over a portion of the handle adjacent to the end thereof;

wherein the shaft of the core is tubular and the base of the core includes at least one aperture in communication with the shaft;

wherein the sheath extends over the at least one aperture formed in the base of the core; and

wherein the base of the core and the annular portion of the sheath cooperatively form an end cap of the bat.

22. The vibration damper end knob of claim 21, wherein the base of the core includes a plurality of apertures spaced from one another about a periphery of the base and in communication with the shaft.

23. The vibration damper end knob of claim 21, wherein the sleeve is comprised of a vibration dampening material.

24. The vibration damper end knob of claim 21, wherein the cover shell has a tacky texture.