BASEBALL BAT KNOB CAVITY TO HOUSE SENSOR

Abstract

Described is a baseball bat having a cavity in the knob for housing sensor(s). The cavity, sized to accommodate sensor(s), provides a secure and discrete method of coupling sensor(s) to baseball bats.

Description

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application of International Application PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/064233 filed on Nov. 30, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/261,579 filed on Dec. 1, 2015. The disclosures of International Application PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/064233 and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/261,579 are incorporated herein by reference

Baseball bats trace their origins back to the late 1800's and for all practical purposes they maintain the same basic shape and function having a handle with a knob at the gripping end of the bat and a larger barrel at the contact end of the bat. There are essentially two kinds of structures baseball bats are comprised of—solid bats, predominately made of a single piece of wood or multiple pieces of wood adhered together and hollow bats made of various metals, composites, laminates and combinations thereof.

Recent developments in technology have enabled baseball players to couple inertial sensors, which contain a plurality of accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc., to the knob-end of the bat. Coupling the sensor(s) to the bat is accomplished by employing an externally mounted carrier to the knob-end of the baseball bat. These carriers align the sensor(s) perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the bat on the knob.

These inertial sensor(s) enable the batter to capture multiple performance data about their swing—for example, swing speed, bat angle, hand speed, barrel speed at contact. These inertial sensor(s) are micro-electromechanical systems, which employ micro three-axis gyroscopes and other technologies to track motion and orientation of the bat through out a swing. These sensor(s) have a disk-like orientation, either generally round or generally square, roughly 9 to 14 mm thick, 25 to 30 mm square or in diameter and weigh between 5 and 10 grams. Via other technologies housed within the sensor(s), wireless connectivity allows for the transfer of the captured swing data to a compatible smartphone, tablet or other receiving device. The data captured by the sensor(s) is transferred to a compatible device, which then processes and displays a replay of the batters swing data.

These inertial sensor(s) for bats are typically attached to the knob end of the bat using a carrier constructed of a rubber-like material. The carriers, which comprise a housing portion to secure the sensor(s) and a connection portion, stretches to fit over the knob of the bat to couple the sensor to the bat knob. The carrier housing for the sensor(s) provide minimal protection for the fragile sensor(s) and are not capable of protecting the sensor(s) from the wear and tear that occur during the course of a baseball game. Applying the carrier to the bat knob can be a labored process when trying to stretch the tight fitting connection portion over the bat knob of the bat with larger bat knobs increasing the difficulty. When properly applied to a bat, the rubber-like knob connection portion of the carrier wraps fully around the knob of the bat and up to the handle portion of the bat where the batters hands typically grasp the handle of the bat. The connection portion of the coupling device comes in direct contact with the batters hand causing the batter to make adjustments in their grip to accommodate the knob connection portion of the carrier. The housing portion with the sensor housed inside the carrier, extends beyond the end of the knob of the bat adding unwanted length to the bat. The combined sleeve and sensor(s) unit adds unwanted weight to the bat, nearly doubling the overall weight of the complete sensor when affixed to the bat. Further, the sensors are generally rather fragile in nature requiring batters to take extra care in handling the bats so as not to impact the sensor, which is extended from the end of the bat knob. With the rubber coupling device and the sensor(s) applied to the end of the bat knob, the batter is forced to adjust their grip on the bat. In addition to the feel of the carrier in the batters hands, the added awareness of the sensors fragile nature and feel of the connection portion against their hand while grasping and swing the bat adds unwanted distraction to the batters concentration during an at-bat. The carrier provides minimal protection to the sensor(s) from direct impact caused by the generally rough nature in which bats are handled, swung, dropped/thrown after contact and stored between uses. Having sensor(s) exposed on the knob end of a baseball bat, as currently deployed, makes the use of these swing sensor(s) less likely to be used in games, reduces it's effective useful lifespan and relegates the use of these kinds of swing sensor(s) to only a training environment.

Current methods of housing sensor(s) on baseball bat knobs, is accomplished by an external attachment system, which wraps around the knob of the bat and thus extends off the knob end of the bat wherein the sensor(s) housed thus exposing the fragile sensor(s) to unnecessary impact and wear. Further, having the sensor(s) house in an external housing connected to the knob end of the bat extends the length of the bat and adds weight to the bat. The present knob cavity described herein advantageously provides improved housing for the sensor(s) which increase protection of the sensor(s) by using the rigid knob itself as the structure for housing the sensor(s). The cavity described herein accommodates the sensor(s) by removing an equivalent volume of material from the bat to accommodate the space required to house the sensor(s). In doing so, the amount of weight removed from the bat generally equates the amount of weight added when inserting the sensor(s) into the accommodating cavity. Additionally, the weight and structure of the attachment carrier currently in use to attach sensor(s) to bats is eliminated from the outside surface(s) of the bat.

The knob cavity and cover described herein generally add no weight or length to the bat while allowing the sensor(s) to be housed in the knob of the bat. No solution currently known in the art provides a secure and protective housing for sensor(s) that neutrally affect the weight and length of a bat when the sensor is applied to a bat. Therefore, there is an unmet need to couple a swing motion sensor(s) to a baseball bat (solid or hollow), to provide a secure and protective housing for the sensor, to provide uninterrupted grip for the batter, to provide neutral weight change of the bat when adding the sensor to a bat, to make the process of inserting and removing the sensor(s) easier and enable the use of these swing sensor(s) in games. Additionally, by providing a cavity housing inside the knob of a bat sized to accommodate sensor(s), which does not interfere with the weight, length or performance of the bat, enables the bat with sensor cavity to be used by batters in games and therefor allow the data captured by the sensor(s) and to be used in TV and radio broadcast to asses—the batters swing. When a receiver for the sensor(s) data is placed in reasonable proximity to the bat, housing the sensors as previously described, and when used by the batter during a game, real-time data provided by the sensor(s) in the bat knob allow the data to be can be captured, viewed and analyzed by coaches, players and broadcast commentators.

The present baseball bat knob cavity disclosed herein, provides a knob with a cavity sized to accept and securely hold a motion sensor(s). The cavity is recessed into the knob-end of a bat (either hollow bat or solid bat) thus allowing the sensor to be securely enclosed inside the bat thus protecting it from direct impact from routine use of the bat in games and practice.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a baseball bat is provided having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, where the cavity is sized to accommodate sensor(s).

According to another aspect, a baseball bat is provided having a cavity in the knob end of a bat sized to accommodate motion sensor(s).

According to yet another aspect, a baseball bat is provided having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat.

According to yet another aspect, a baseball bat is provided having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat and perpendicularly oriented to the central axis of a bat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary of a conventional baseball bat handle with sensor cavity shown in phantom and sensor in place;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1 showing a rectangular shaped sensor;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 1 with an alternate sensor, shaped in an oval or round configuration, inserted into the cavity;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of a baseball bat having an angled knob with a cavity shown in phantom with a sensor in place;

FIG. 5 is a complete conventional baseball bat with a cavity, shown in phantom, with a sensor(s) in place;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary fragmentary cut-away profile view of a hollow bat with sensor(s) in place;

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In brief overview, the present disclosure features a sports stick, such as a baseball bat 1, either solid or hollow, with a cavity 1.2 located in the knob sized to house a sensor(s) 1.3 for use in gathering and recording data from the swing of a baseball bat or other swinging implement. More specifically, the cavity 1.2 is adapted and sized to fully accept a sensor(s) 1.3, aligned with the central longitudinal axis 1.1 of the bat 1 enabling the sensor 1.3 to track the swing path of the bat and performance of the batter. Additionally, the present disclosure features a hollow cavity 1.2 to house a sensor(s) 1.3 to track or monitor motion, speed angle and maneuvering of the baseball bat into which the sensors(s) is fully inserted providing the sensor(s) to communicated with an external signal receiving device located in general proximity to the bat being swung. Advantageously the cavity is sized to house a sensor(s) allowing the swing coordinates and other data generated by the swing to be tracked without having an external sleeve or coupling device holding the sensor(s) outside the body of the bat. Additionally, the structure of the cavity provides a protective housing that secures the sensor(s) inside the knob of the bat without the need for any external changes to the shape or structure of the bat. The configuration of the present disclosure allows the sensor(s) to be fully contained within the bat knob such that the batter is unable to distinguish between a conventional baseball bat with no cavity and a baseball bat having a sensor housed in a cavity as described in the present disclosure. Furthermore, while a baseball bat 1 is referred to herein with respect to the present disclosure, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosure may also relate to another sports stick other than a baseball bat 1, and the same and/or similar structures, features and aspects as described herein with reference to a baseball bat 1 may also apply to the other sports stick. For example, the sports stick may be a golf club, hockey stick, or other sports stick, which can contain the cavity and/or sensor(s) in a knob thereof as described herein. That is, according to certain aspects of the disclosure, the baseball bat referred to herein may be interchangeable with another type of sports stick.

The sensor(s) 1.3, when fully inserted into the cavity of the knob end of the bat 1.2, is contained and retained inside the cavity by a cap, lid, sticker or other retaining cover or device 1.4, fitting generally flush to the butt end of the bat knob 1.5 to secure the sensor(s) and provide protection of the sensor(s) when in use and allow access to remove the sensor(s) if needed to provide maintenance to, or replace of the sensor(s). Additionally, the cavity 1.2 and accompanying cover 1.4 can be of varying shapes as demonstrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and depths 1.7 to accommodate various types and configurations of sensor(s). For example, the shape of the cavity to house the sensor(s) can be a generally rectangular shape. By further example, the shape of the cavity to house the sensor(s) can be a generally oval shape. Yet another example, the shape of the cavity to house the sensor(s) can be octagonal. Generally, the shape of the cavity and accompanying cover can be made of a variety of shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, the volume and mass of material removed from the bat knob to create the cavity is roughly equivalent to the volume and mass of the sensor(s) to be housed in the cavity thus having negligible or neutral affect on the overall mass of the bat. Furthermore, the cavity, specifically housed in the knob of the baseball bat, has negligible or neutral effect on the overall performance (swing weight, velocity, impact speed, control, feel and performance) of the baseball bat.

When sensor(s) is fully inserted into the cavity, the volume of the cavity is correspondingly and generally equal to the volume of the sensor(s). For example, in one embodiment cavity 1.2 has a volume roughly equal to 100% to 110% of the volume of the sensor(s) 1.3. By way of further example, the volume of cavity 1.2 has a volume roughly equal to 110% to 120% of the volume of the sensor(s) 1.3. By way of further example, By way of further example, the volume of cavity 1.2 has a volume roughly equal to 120% to 130% of the volume of the sensor(s) 1.3. In general, however, the cavity 1.2 has a volume roughly equal to 100% to 120% of the volume of the sensor(s).

Additionally, when fully inserted into the knob cavity, the mass of the sensor(s) housed in the cavity is correspondingly proportional to the mass of the material removed from the knob to create the cavity. For example, in one embodiment, the mass of the sensor(s) 1.3, being housed in the cavity 1.2 has a mass roughly equal to 90% to 100% of material removed from the cavity. By way of further example, the mass of the sensor(s) 1.3, being housed in the cavity 1.2 has a mass roughly equal to 80% to 90% of material removed from the cavity. By way of further example, the mass of the sensor(s) 1.3, being housed in the cavity 1.2 has a mass roughly equal to 70% to 80% of material removed from the cavity. In general, however, the mass of the mass of the sensor(s) 1.3, being housed in the cavity 1.2 has a mass roughly equal to 80% to 100% of material removed from the cavity. 15.

In some embodiments, the cavity cover comprises metal, metal alloy, polymer, paper, wood, composite, laminate of two or more materials, or a combination thereof. Exemplary metals and metal alloys include aluminum, aluminum alloys, nickel, nickel alloys such as nickel iron, and cobalt alloys such as cobalt phosphorous. Exemplary polymers include epoxy resins, polyamines, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, nylons, thermoplastic vulcanizates, laser-fused plastic powders, or a copolymer or blend thereof. In some embodiments the cavity cover comprises a composite such as a fiber-reinforced polymer wherein the polymer is one of the aforementioned polymers or a co-polymer or blend thereof. In some embodiments, the cavity cover comprises a composite of one or more of the aforementioned polymers, copolymers or blends and a reinforcing fiber such as aluminum fibers, an aramid or other polymeric fibers, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, carbon nanotubes, glass fibers or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the cavity cover is a laminate of wood or a polymeric material and a fiber-reinforced composite. Additionally, the cavity cover may be solid, or wholly or partly hollow. In some embodiments the cavity cover can be comprised of an adhesive material or sticker, comprise of various combinations and laminations of paper, plastic, polymer or a co-polymer or blend thereof.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a cavity incorporated in the knob of a baseball bat in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated numeral 1. A baseball bat 1 having a knob with a cavity 1.2 located in the end of the knob. The cavity 1.2 is sized to fully house sensor(s) 1.3. Cavity 1.2 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the bat 1.1. and as indicated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Further, cavity 1.2 is oriented such that its base 1.6, is perpendicular (90°) to the central longitudinal axis of the bat. Cavity 1.2, when viewed from the bottom of the knob as indicated FIG. 2, may be shaped in a generally rectangular configuration as indicated 2.1 to accommodate a rectangular shaped sensor(s) 2.2. Additionally, cavity 1.2 may be shaped, when viewed from the bottom of the knob, in a generally oval or round shape as indicated 3.1 to accommodate oval or round shaped sensor(s) 3.2. Cavity 1.2 may have different shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Cap 1.4 is sized to closely fit the shape of the open end of cavity 4.2 and securely maintain its position when affixed to the open end of the cavity.

Cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat and being perpendicular (90°) to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of 1/32″ to ⅜″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ¼″ to 0.1875″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ¼″ to ½″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ¼″ to ⅝″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ⅜″ to ⅝″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ½″ to 1″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In another example, cavity 1.2, aligned to the central longitudinal axis of the bat, being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and having a depth of about ¼″ to ½″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5. In other embodiments, the cavity will have a depth of about 0.1875″ to 0.5″ as measured longitudinally from the butt end of the bat knob 1.5.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate baseball bat having an angled knob wherein the cavity 4.2, having a base, perpendicularly orientation to the central axis of the baseball bat, as indicated 4.5. Further, cavity 4.2 is oriented such that its base 4.5, is (90°) to the central longitudinal axis of the bat. Cap 4.4 is sized to closely fit the shape and angle of the open end of cavity 4.2, having the same or similar properties as 1.4 described earlier and securely maintain its position when affixed to the open end of the cavity.

Referring to FIG. 5, demonstrating a complete baseball bat of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein the cavity 1.2, aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the bat and having a base 1.6 that is perpendicular to the central axis of the bat.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a cavity incorporated in the knob of a hollow baseball bat in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated numeral 6. A baseball bat 6 having a knob with a cavity 6.2 located in the end of the knob. The cavity 6.2 is sized to fully house sensor(s) 1.3. Cavity 6.2 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the bat 1.1. and as indicated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Further, cavity 6.2 is oriented such that its base 6.6, is perpendicular (90°) to the central longitudinal axis of the bat. Cavity 6.2, when viewed from the bottom of the knob as indicated FIG. 2, may be shaped in a generally rectangular configuration as indicated 2.1 to accommodate a rectangular shaped sensor(s) 2.2. Additionally, cavity 6.2 may be shaped, when viewed from the bottom of the knob, in a generally oval or round shape as indicated 3.1 to accommodate oval or round shaped sensor(s) 3.2. Cavity 6.2 may have different shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Cavity cover 6.4 is sized to closely fit the shape of the open end of cavity 6.5 and securely maintain its position when affixed to the open end of the cavity.

In further embodiments, numbered 1-______ below, aspects of the present disclosure include:

Embodiment 1

A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to accommodate sensor(s).

Embodiment 2

A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat sized to accommodate motion sensor(s).

Embodiment 3

A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat.

Embodiment 4

A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat and perpendicularly oriented to the central axis of a bat.

Embodiment 5

The combination of any of the preceding embodiments wherein the knob comprises a cavity at the grip end of the knob sized to accommodate a motion sensor, and the combination further comprises an electronic motion sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 6

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a generally rectangular shape.

Embodiment 7

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a generally octagonal shape.

Embodiment 8

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a generally oval shape.

Embodiment 9

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a generally round shape.

Embodiment 10

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a shape centrally aligned on the central longitudinal axis of the bat.

Embodiment 11

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of 1/32″ to ¼″

Embodiment 12

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ¼″ to ⅜″

Embodiment 13

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ¼″ to “to ½”

Embodiment 14

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ¼″ to “to ⅝”

Embodiment 15

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ⅜″ to “to ⅝”

Embodiment 16

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ½″ to “to ¾”

Embodiment 17

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a depth of ½″ to “to 1”

Embodiment 18

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments having a cap, shaped and sized to cover the sensor inside the cavity.

Embodiment 19

The volume of the cavity of the preceding embodiments having a volume equal to the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 20

The volume of the cavity of the preceding embodiments having a volume equal to 100% to 110% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 21

The volume of the cavity of the preceding embodiments having a volume equal to 110% to 120% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 22

The volume of the cavity of the preceding embodiments having a volume equal to 120% to 130% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 23

The cavity of the preceding embodiments having a displaced mass equal to 70% to 80% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 24

The cavity of the preceding embodiments having a displaced mass equal to 80% to 90% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 25

The cavity of the preceding embodiments having a displaced mass equal to 90% to 100% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 26

The cavity of the preceding embodiments having a displaced mass equal to 100% to 110% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 27

The cavity of the preceding embodiments having a displaced mass equal to 110% to 120% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

Embodiment 28

The cap of the preceding embodiments having an adhesive sticker, sized and shaped to cover the sensor inside the cavity.

Embodiment 29

The cap of the preceding embodiments having a retaining ring to hold the sensor inside the cavity.

Embodiment 30

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments aligned on the central longitudinal axis of the bat.

Embodiment 31

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments being covered with a shock absorbing material to aid in holding the sensor(s) in place.

Embodiment 32

The cavity of any of the preceding embodiments used to house sensor(s), to be in turn used communicate data for use in assessment of a batters swing.

Embodiment 33

A hollow baseball bat of any of the preceding embodiments having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to accommodate sensor(s).

Having described the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

REFERENCES

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Claims

1. A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to accommodate sensor(s).

2. A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat sized to accommodate motion sensor(s).

3. A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat.

4. A baseball bat having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to fit sensor(s), aligned on the central longitudinal axis of a bat and perpendicularly oriented to the central axis of a bat.

5. The combination of any of the preceding claims wherein the knob comprises a cavity at the grip end of the knob sized to accommodate a motion sensor, and the combination further comprises an electronic motion sensor housed in the cavity.

6. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a generally rectangular shape.

7. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a generally octagonal shape.

8. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a generally oval shape.

9. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a generally round shape.

10. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a shape centrally aligned on the central longitudinal axis of the bat.

11. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of 1/32″ to ¼″

12. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ¼″ to ⅜″

13. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ¼″ to “to ½”

14. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ¼″ to “to ⅝”

15. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ⅜″ to “to ⅝”

16. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ½″ to “to ¾”

17. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a depth of ½″ to “to 1”

18. The cavity of any of the preceding claims having a cap, shaped and sized to cover the sensor inside the cavity.

19. The volume of the cavity of the preceding claims having a volume equal to the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

20. The volume of the cavity of the preceding claims having a volume equal to 100% to 110% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

21. The volume of the cavity of the preceding claims having a volume equal to 110% to 120% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

22. The volume of the cavity of the preceding claims having a volume equal to 120% to 130% of the volume of the sensor housed in the cavity.

23. The cavity of the preceding claims having a displaced mass equal to 70% to 80% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

24. The cavity of the preceding claims having a displaced mass equal to 80% to 90% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

25. The cavity of the preceding claims having a displaced mass equal to 90% to 100% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

26. The cavity of the preceding claims having a displaced mass equal to 100% to 110% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

27. The cavity of the preceding claims having a displaced mass equal to 110% to 120% of the mass of the sensor housed in the cavity.

28. The cap of the preceding claims having an adhesive sticker, sized and shaped to cover the sensor inside the cavity.

29. The cap of the preceding claims having a retaining ring to hold the sensor inside the cavity.

30. The cavity of any of the preceding claims aligned on the central longitudinal axis of the bat.

31. The cavity of any of the preceding claims being covered with a shock absorbing material to aid in holding the sensor(s) in place.

32. The cavity of any of the preceding claims used to house sensor(s) to be in turn used communicate data for use in assessment of a batters swing.

33. A hollow baseball bat of any of the preceding claims having a cavity in the knob end of a bat, sized to accommodate sensor(s).