Abstract: A shim or badge is affixed to a golf club body to produce a cap-back iron, giving the appearance of a hollow-body iron. In this way, the golf club can be manufactured with the performance benefits of a game improvement iron, while providing the appearance of a blade, player's iron, and/or a hollow-body iron. For example, by using a lightweight and rigid shim or badge to close a cavity opening and extend into the toe portion in the golf club body, the golf club head can provide increased stiffness in the topline, while lowering CG. Various shim or badge arrangements and materials can be used, and a filler material and/or damper can be included within the cavity to improve sound and feel, while minimizing loss in COR.

Abstract: A shim or badge is affixed to a golf cub body to produce a cap-back iron, giving the appearance of a hollow-body iron. In this way, the golf club can be manufactured with the performance benefits of a game improvement iron, while providing the appearance of a blade, player's iron, and/or a hollow-body iron. For example, by using a lightweight and rigid shim or badge to close a cavity opening and extend into the toe portion in the golf club body, the golf club head can provide increased stiffness in the topline, while lowering CG. Various shim or badge arrangements and materials can be used, and a filler material and/or damper can be included within the cavity to improve sound and feel, while minimizing loss in COR.

Abstract: A shim or badge is affixed to a golf cub body to produce a cap-back iron, giving the appearance of a hollow-body iron. In this way, the golf club can be manufactured with the performance benefits of a game improvement iron, while providing the appearance of a blade, player's iron, and/or a hollow-body iron. For example, by using a lightweight and rigid shim or badge to close a cavity opening and extend into the toe portion in the golf club body, the golf club head can provide increased stiffness in the topline, while lowering CG. Various shim or badge arrangements and materials can be used, and a filler material and/or damper can be included within the cavity to improve sound and feel, while minimizing loss in COR.

Abstract: A golf club having a head with a series of tracks forming a three-dimensional pattern; weights for positioning along channels; and a mechanism for securing the weights at positions along the channels so as to customize center of gravity and moment of inertia. The channels can all interconnect to allow a weight to be moved from one to another. The club can include a removable cover for at least a portion of the surface to cover the channels and the weights. The weights can comprise a spherical member disposed in a channel; a member external to a surface of the head; and a coupling between the spherical member and the external member to allow the spherical member and the external member to capture between them a wall in which a track is formed. The channels may be in the removable cover, or below the removable cover, in the head.

Abstract: A golf club having a head with a series of tracks forming a three-dimensional pattern; weights for positioning along channels; and a mechanism for securing the weights at positions along the channels so as to customize center of gravity and moment of inertia. The channels can all interconnect to allow a weight to be moved from one to another. The club can include a removable cover for at least a portion of the surface to cover the channels and the weights. The weights can comprise a spherical member disposed in a channel; a member external to a surface of the head; and a coupling between the spherical member and the external member to allow the spherical member and the external member to capture between them a wall in which a track is formed. The channels may be in the removable cover, or below the removable cover, in the head.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for the shaft of a golf club having an end cap with a cavity for receiving a sensor and/or counterweight. The cap has a durometer hardness equal to or greater than the tubular body portion of the grip and a flange sized to match the larger diameter of the body, with a sleeve engaging the inner periphery of the larger end of the tubular body. In one version of the cap, the sleeve portion is extended in length and has stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve; and, in another version, the sleeve is shorter and may also have stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve. In another version of the cap, fibrous material is disposed in the flange and sleeve to increase lateral stiffness without increasing durometer.

Abstract: A tennis stoke practice device comprises a tube comprising a first end, a second end and a hollow interior. The first end and the second end are operable for joining of accessories. A grip-bud is removably joinable to the first end. The grip-bud is configured to close the hollow interior at the first end. A grip is joined to the tube to abut the grip-bud. The grip-bud and grip comprise an octagonal shape. A movable insert is configured for projectile movement through the hollow interior in which, during a desired swing of the device, a longitudinal axis of the movable insert is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the hollow interior. During an undesired swing of the device, the longitudinal axis of the movable insert rotates out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the hollow interior.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for the shaft of a golf club having an end cap with a cavity for receiving a sensor and/or counterweight. The cap has a durometer hardness equal to or greater than the tubular body portion of the grip and a flange sized to match the larger diameter of the body, with a sleeve engaging the inner periphery of the larger end of the tubular body. In one version of the cap, the sleeve portion is extended in length and has stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve; and, in another version, the sleeve is shorter and may also have stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve. In another version of the cap, fibrous material is disposed in the flange and sleeve to increase lateral stiffness without increasing durometer.

Abstract: A softball or baseball bat with modified restitution characteristic is provided. The bat can comprise a substantially rigid core coupled with a single or multi-piece sleeve. The core can comprise a tip end, a barrel portion, a handle taper, and a handle. A sleeve assembly can be disposed over the barrel portion, and the sleeve assembly can comprise one or more materials capable of impact absorption. The sleeve assembly can include a ring portion positioned about a circumference of the barrel portion, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve disposed between the outer sleeve and the barrel portion.

Abstract: An end-cap assembly for a ball bat or other sporting-good implement includes one or more removable weights, so that the weight of the end cap—and of the ball bat—may be adjusted. The one or more weights may reside in a receiving space or recess in an end-cap cup of the end-cap assembly. A fastener removably attaches the one or more weights to the end-cap cup. In some embodiments, the fastener may include threads that engage threads in a bore in the end-cap cup.

Abstract: A bat customization method includes the steps of capturing images of a batter's swing, determining a swing plane angle of the batter's swing at ball impact at a middle elevation of a strike zone of the batter based upon the captured images, and providing a bat for the batter. The bat has circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extends along the axis at an angle based upon the determined swing plane angle.

Abstract: A ball bat including one of a left-hand configuration designated for a left-handed batter and a right hand configuration designated for a right-handed batter. The left hand configuration is different than the right hand configuration. The ball bat further includes one of a left-hand indicia indicating the left hand configuration and a right hand indicia indicating the right hand configuration.

Abstract: A baseball bat having a body with spaced ends, a barrel region at one end and a handle region at the other end. A safety assembly has an elongate member that extends through at least a part of the body and is connected at spaced first and second locations to the body. The elongate member is operable to at least momentarily exert a restraining force on a fragmented part of the barrel region to thereby avoid unimpeded movement of the fragmented part of the barrel region away from the handle region.

Abstract: Flexible safety cap for clamped holding of elongated objects is disclosed. The safety cap includes an elastically deformable packaging that is open on at least one end and consists of two opposing side walls, a bottom wall, a cover wall and an end wall, wherein multiple slots spaced a distance apart from one another are arranged at least in the cover wall and/or in the bottom wall, forming upper and/or lower strap-shaped or belt-shaped spring elements between them, the spring elements thus forming a clamping channel to hold an elongated object.

Abstract: A ball bat for impacting a ball and extending along a longitudinal axis may include a handle portion and a barrel portion coupled to the handle portion. The barrel portion may include circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extend along the axis at an angle of at least 3° and no greater than 12° from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for engagement with a barrel of a bat includes a cup and at least one cover. The cup is secured for securement to a distal end of the barrel of the bat. The cup defines a cavity and includes a first connector portion. The at least one cover has a second connector portion cooperating with the first connector portion to releasably secure the cover to the cup over the cavity.

Abstract: In a racket frame 2, stoppers 28 are each located on a tip side of a narrow diameter portion 26 protruding from a side of an inner circumferential surface 4b of a head 4. A steel sheets 16 is fixed on the side of the inner circumferential surface 4b opposing the stoppers 28 via the narrow diameter portion 26. Weights 14 each include a magnet sheet 32. The narrow diameter portion 26 is inserted through notches 36 and 38 of the weights 14. The steel sheets 16 and the magnet sheet 32 are bound with magnetic force. The notches 36 and 38 of the weights 14 are locked to a string protecting member 12. The stoppers 28 prevent the weights 14 from being detached form the head 4. The weights 14 are detachably mounted on the head 4.

Abstract: A bat including a barrel, a barrel taper, a first connector portion carried by the barrel taper, a handle, and a second connector portion extending from the handle portion. The barrel has a distal portion, a proximal portion and an internal bore. The barrel taper axially engages the proximal portion of the barrel from within the internal bore. The second connector portion cooperates with the first connector portion to axially draw the barrel taper against the internal bore to connect the barrel to the handle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a barrel comprising cast metal, composite or plastic for use in a bat assembly; a bat assembly comprising a barrel portion, an end cap and a handle; and a ball bat. The barrel may have uniform wall thickness or may include structural elements disposed on an inner surface to improve stiffness and reduce weight. The barrel and bat may further comprise a weighted insert for an asymmetrical center of gravity, allowing controlled spin to be imparted on a struck ball based on the angular orientation of the bat.

Abstract: A handle weighted bat according to various embodiments can include an elongated hollow aluminum barrel portion. A handle weighted portion is included such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning the center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat. The handle weighted portion is configured as a one-piece, solid body construction that is impression die forged from a single piece of carbon steel to form an integral knob and rod portion. The bat includes a non-threaded connector comprising a pair of spring pins inserted to rigidly connect the aluminum barrel portion to the rod portion. The pair of spring pins is oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A ball bat comprising a cast metal barrel region with uniform thickness adjoining a carbon handle and a carbon end cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasable attachment to a handle of a ball bat includes a base fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle of the bat, and at least one knob releasably coupled to the base. The base includes knob-engaging structure. The knob includes base-engaging structure to cooperate with the knob engaging structure to inhibit rotation of the knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bat.

Abstract: An apparatus for engagement with a barrel of a bat includes a cup and at least one cover. The cup is secured for securement to a distal end of the barrel of the bat. The cup defines a cavity and includes a first connector portion. The at least one cover has a second connector portion cooperating with the first connector portion to releasably secure the cover to the cup over the cavity.

Abstract: Rackets and a process that allows up to the entire length of a racket handle to receive various weight carriers enabling for selective control of overall weight, distribution of weight, balance point, swing weight, racket customization, and equalization between rackets are disclosed.

Abstract: In a racket frame 2, stoppers 28 are each located on a tip side of a narrow diameter portion 26 protruding from a side of an inner circumferential surface 4b of a head 4. A steel sheets 16 is fixed on the side of the inner circumferential surface 4b opposing the stoppers 28 via the narrow diameter portion 26. Weights 14 each include a magnet sheet 32. The narrow diameter portion 26 is inserted through notches 36 and 38 of the weights 14. The steel sheets 16 and the magnet sheet 32 are bound with magnetic force. The notches 36 and 38 of the weights 14 are locked to a string protecting member 12. The stoppers 28 prevent the weights 14 from being detached form the head 4. The weights 14 are detachably mounted on the head 4.

Abstract: An adjustable moment of inertia ball bat has a hollow outer ball bat shell defining an interior cavity having an open distal end. A central shaft is disposed in the interior cavity and a weight is disposed on the central shaft. The central shaft passes through and operatively engages the weight. An interior support secures an inner end of the central shaft and a bat end cap is adapted to be fitted into the open distal end of the ball bat shell. The weight moves in the ball bat shell on the central shaft to operatively adjust a moment of inertia of the ball bat.

Abstract: A weighting device for use with a racket includes at least one frame strip, at least one weight, and at least one screw. The frame strip is adapted for being mounted on an outer circumference of a racket frame and has a dovetail groove extending along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a plurality of through holes provided at a bottom wall of the dovetail groove. The weight has a threaded through hole and is slidably engaged in the dovetail groove. The screw is threadedly engaged with the threaded through hole of the weight and provided with an end stoppable against the bottom wall of the dovetail groove for holding the weight stationarily. Therefore, the weight can be firmly positioned and the balance of a racket using the weighting device can be quickly adjusted by adjusting the position of the weight.

Abstract: A racket capable of being changed in its weight includes handle, a main body, at least one nut embedded in the main body, and at least one bolt threadedly engaged with the nut. The main body has a frame and a connection portion connected between the frame and the handle. Because bolts having different weights can be selectively used to be threaded into the nuts, the user can adjust the overall weight of the racket according to his/her need so as to have a suitable racket.

Abstract: A weighting device for use with a racket includes at least one frame strip, at least one weight, and at least one screw. The frame strip is adapted for being mounted on an outer circumference of a racket frame and has a dovetail groove extending along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a plurality of through holes provided at a bottom wall of the dovetail groove. The weight has a threaded through hole and is slidably engaged in the dovetail groove. The screw is threadedly engaged with the threaded through hole of the weight and provided with an end stoppable against the bottom wall of the dovetail groove for holding the weight stationarily. Therefore, the weight can be firmly positioned and the balance of a racket using the weighting device can be quickly adjusted by adjusting the position of the weight.

Abstract: Game apparatus, e.g., a game racquet or a golf club, with selectively variable and maintainable weight distribution, e.g. by moving material (e.g., liquid and/or solid weight members) within or on the apparatus and selectively positioning the weight(s) and maintaining weight position in or on the apparatus; in one aspect, the game apparatus having dual opposed channels for weight members; and in one aspect a set of a plurality of weight members for connection to a game apparatus.

Abstract: A weight member is removably attachable to a racquet for use during warm-up. The device is a skeletal structure that has a laterally expandable mouth, a throat, and a pair of heads that resiliently converge toward one another. The skeletal structure is formed of a metal bar member of a gauge to match the desired device weight and is coated with a protective outer layer. At least one resilient member can bridge a gap at the mouth and throat. The device is symmetrical in both the X-plane and the Y-plane.

Abstract: A customizable sports implement system includes a sports implement having an elongate primary shaft and an elongate grip shaft, and a customizing mechanism including length setting and weight components having a plurality of different assembly combinations, each of which may be installed within a cavity formed in one of the primary shaft and the grip shaft to set a playing length and playing weight of the sports implement. The sports implement system is adjustable among a plurality of different customized configurations by swapping different assembly combinations of the length setting and weight components into the cavity. A method of customizing a sports implement system includes adjusting the sports implement system among different customized configurations by swapping combinations of the length setting and weight components for one another within the cavity, and adjusting a length setting state of the length setting component.

Abstract: A racquet weight kit comprised of a plurality of weighted clips and counterweights for removable attachment to a racquet frame and handle, respectively, to enable a user to experiment with different weights and/or different weight distributions on an existing racquet. Once the weight and weight distribution has been optimized to suit the user, the weighted clips and counterweight clips can be replaced with weighted tape to more permanently customize the racquet to the user's physical characteristics, mechanics and swing.

Abstract: A racket capable of being changed in its weight includes handle, a main body, at least one nut embedded in the main body, and at least one bolt threadedly engaged with the nut. The main body has a frame and a connection portion connected between the frame and the handle. Because bolts having different weights can be selectively used to be threaded into the nuts, the user can adjust the overall weight of the racket according to his/her need so as to have a suitable racket.

Abstract: A weight for a racquet includes a weight. The weight is joined at least partially to a joining portion of the racquet. A joining mechanism is also included. The joining mechanism is configured to join the weight at least partially to the joining portion of the racquet.

Abstract: Game apparatus, e.g., a game racquet or a golf club, with selectively variable and maintainable weight distribution, e.g. by moving material (e.g., liquid and/or solid weight members) within or on the apparatus and selectively positioning the weight(s) and maintaining weight position in or on the apparatus; in one aspect, the game apparatus having dual opposed channels for weight members; and in one aspect a set of a plurality of weight members for connection to a game apparatus.

Abstract: Rackets and a process that allows up to the entire length of a racket handle to receive various weight carriers enabling for selective control of overall weight, distribution of weight, balance point, swing weight, racket customization, and equalization between rackets are disclosed.

Abstract: A weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, comprising a surface, recess, channel, hole or plurality of pockets formed along the length of the sports stick, and one or more weights moveably or selectively attachable along the surface and/or within the channel/pockets to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick by slideably moving to or selectively adding or eliminating weight and points along the stick. A variety of embodiments are herein described, all providing an adjustable field hockey stick that allows players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions.

Abstract: A ball bat including a bat frame and a performance adjusting annular member positioned within the barrel portion. The bat frame has a handle portion and a barrel portion. The annular member has an outer diameter, a weight within the range of 0.4 to 1.85 ounces and a radial cross-sectional area. The radial cross sectional area has a maximum height and a maximum width. The maximum height over the maximum width defines a first aspect ratio. The outer diameter over the maximum width defines a second aspect ratio. The first aspect ratio is at least 0.5 and the second aspect ratio is greater than 1.5. The annular member has at least first and second annular portions. The first annular portion extends over no more than 50 percent of the width of the body and includes over sixty percent of the mass of the body.

Abstract: A bat made of metal material includes an opening defined in a distal end of the barrel and an inner threaded portion is defined in the opening so as to receive a cap which is threadedly connected to the inner threaded portion and includes a weight such that the users can replace different caps to adjust the weight center of the bat as needed. The cap can be easily replaced by using a securing tool which includes insertion portions to be engaged with axial recesses in the cap.

Abstract: This invention provides a racket that allows for the adjustability of balance within the structure of the racket. The racket's adjustment mechanism and its function are easy to use and optimize any player's game. The adjustment mechanism resides in the handle in a manner that does not substantially (or in any way) alter the aerodynamic profile of the racket or affect its usability by providing unwanted external structures. Rather a movable mass/weight is contained within a hollow space of the handle and can be moved upwardly and downwardly along the handle using a guide mechanism and fixing or locking structure that can be illustratively activated by rotating a knob at the lower end of the racket handle (or by another low-profile external trigger). This can comprise a shaft with a thread or key that engages a corresponding thread or key slot on the mass/weight. The knob can include an indexing mechanism that facilitates rotatable restraint and/or alignment of the knob when not in use.

Abstract: Game apparatus, e.g., a game racquet or a golf club, with selectively variable and maintainable weight distribution, e.g. by moving material (e.g., liquid and/or solid weight members) within or on the apparatus and selectively positioning the weight(s) and maintaining weight position in or on the apparatus.

Abstract: A weighting system for a sports stick, particularly a field hockey stick, comprising a surface, recess, channel, hole or plurality of pockets formed along the length of the sports stick, and one or more weights moveably or selectively attachable along the surface and/or within the channel/pockets to allow a player to freely adjust the weight and balance point of the stick by slideably moving to or selectively adding or eliminating weight and points along the stick. A variety of embodiments are herein described, all providing an adjustable field hockey stick that allows players to adapt to play on different surfaces or in different conditions.

Abstract: A sporting article having moveable weight members of various weight values that may be positioned along a guide in various configurations, for example, transversally, longitudinally and/or diagonally, at various positions and angles on the sporting article so that the user may properly adjust the weight distribution of the sporting article to perform a desired shot or improve maneuverability.

Abstract: Game apparatus, e.g., a game racquet or a golf club, with selectively variable and maintainable weight distribution, e.g. by moving material (e.g., liquid and/or solid weight members) within or on the apparatus and selectively positioning the weight(s) and maintaining weight position in or on the apparatus.

Abstract: A sport-specific training and conditioning device for a sport using a hand-held implement having a grip portion, includes a handle shaped like the grip portion of the implement, the handle having first and second ends, and a weight on the second end of the handle, the center of mass of the weight being less than about 13 inches from the first end of the handle.

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 vibration damping baseball bat includes a barrel portion and a handle portion. The barrel portion and the handle portion are interconnected in an aligned and spaced-apart relation. The mechanism by which the barrel and handle portions are interconnected dampens vibrations created when a ball contacts the bat and provides limited pivotal movement of the barrel portion relative to the handle portion.

Abstract: A training bat system for increasing the batting skills of a baseball player. The training bat system includes a tubular member having a center bore, a plurality of weight members removably positioned within the center bore, an inner cap secured to an inner end of the tubular member, and an outer cap secured to the outer end of the tubular member. A compression spring is preferably positioned between the weight members and the inner cap for maintaining the weight members non-movably adjacent one another. The tubular member in the preferred embodiment has an outer diameter similar to a handle grip of a baseball bat. The tubular member's outer diameter over the area of the bat used for hitting a ball is much smaller than a conventional bat. The tubular member's length is similar to a conventional bat.

Abstract: A hockey stick that includes an elongated hollow shaft with a bottom end and a top end, at least one weight with apertures formed therethrough, and an elongated metal support that releasably supports the weight thereon. The support is adapted to be inserted within the shaft and extend therethrough. The support includes an elongated metal rod with a top end, a bottom end, an aperture formed in the top end, and a plurality of apertures formed along the length thereof. An end piece is located adjacent the top end of the shaft. The end piece has an aperture formed therethrough. A screw may be inserted through the top aperture of the rod and the aperture of the end piece so that the support is secured within the shaft. A plurality of varying weights may be supported on the elongated metal support at diverse locations along the support.