Abstract: A process for enhancing a gripping area of an object, providing a frictionally enhanced, moisture repellent, sure-grip gripping surface, achieved by less than one second ultraviolet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over polymeric fibers enveloping the gripping surface of the object. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials, minimal energy, is environmentally friendly, does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, and gluing a molded cover onto a surface. Also, metallicized objects where metallicizing imparts superior strength to objects reducing or eliminating breakage and/or splintering when impacted, by a ball if object is a bat reducing or eliminating potential lethal hazards often imparted to a ball when hit by aluminum bats.

Abstract: Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.

Abstract: A weighted training bat formed of wood and having a handle and a barrel. The barrel has an elongated hollow cavity formed into a distal end thereof and an outer cavity portion having internal threads. Lead which has been poured or cast-in-place into and filling the proximal portion of the cavity, when solidified, adheres to the interior surface of the cavity to resist loosening, the lead adding weight at and evenly astride the sweet spot of the bat. An elongated wooden screw having external threads is tightly engaged into internal threads in the cavity so the screw bears against the lead to further prevent loosening of the lead. The threads are permanently glued and an outer end of the screw is formed to blend with the contour of the end of the barrel.

Abstract: A sporting good 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 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 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 bat preferably is formed of a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the bat.

Abstract: A two-piece ball bat comprising a hollow barrel attached to a handle by a combination of mechanical interference and a layer of rigid adhesive interposed between the interior surface of the barrel and the exterior surface of the handle at a tapered junction. The rigid adhesive layer prevents any direct contact between the barrel and handle thereby eliminating the need to provide any mating features thereon and reducing complexity and cost of manufacture. In an alternative embodiment, glass shafting beads are added to the rigid adhesive compound to ensure even distribution of the adhesive compound, align the barrel and handle and ensure separation prior to curing.

Abstract: Assembling a multi-component baseball bat includes disposing a rigid sleeve coaxially over a portion of an elongate composite handle. The rigid sleeve encircles a second end of the handle and extends toward a first end of the handle. A ring is positioned near a second end of a bat barrel. A first end of the bat barrel is inserted into the second end of the handle; the first end of the bat barrel being secured within the second end of the handle. An illustrative bat includes an elongate composite handle and an elongate barrel, each having opposite first and second ends. The first end of the barrel is disposed within the second end of handle. A mechanism secures the first end of the barrel within the second end of the handle. A rigid sleeve encircles the second end of the handle, extending towards the first end thereof.

Abstract: A structure for a bat is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the bat.

Abstract: Bats that aid in bunting are disclosed herein. The bats generally include a rounded elongate shaft having a handle end and a contact end, and the handle end may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the contact end. In an embodiment, at least one indicator is between the handle and contact ends to designate where and how a user should hold the bat while bunting. In an embodiment, first and second indentations are in a surface of the shaft between the handle and contact ends to designate where a user should hold the bat while bunting. In an embodiment, at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of an indentation, a marking, and a bump is between the handle and contact ends to designate where and how a user should hold the bat while bunting.

Abstract: A two-piece sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. A two-piece sports stick comprising two identical sections, each comprising a substantially smooth external portion and an internal portion possessing at least one cutaway; and a multiplicity of construction pegs. The sports stick of claim 28 wherein said striking surface is adaptable to multiple sports selected from the group consisting of a lacrosse head, a blade, a racquet, and a golf club head. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick.

Abstract: An exercise, practice, and training device has a transition piece adjustably connected to a distal end of a handle. An action receiving element is bendably connected to a distal portion of the transition piece and extends distally therefrom. The action receiving element is also connected to the transition piece by a biasing element that biases the action receiving element into alignment with the transition piece and enables bending during exercise, practice, and training by the user.

Abstract: A hand grip for training a batter such that both hands of the batter are properly positioned for impact with a baseball is provided. The bat grip includes a generally cylindrical member having an inner surface configured for receiving a lower portion of a bat, the member including an upper portion and a lower portion; the upper portion including a first plurality of finger grooves and a first protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the first plurality of finger grooves, the first protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a first hand of a batter; and the lower portion including a second plurality of finger grooves and a second protrusion disposed diametrically opposite the second plurality of finger grooves, the second protrusion configured to provide tactile information to a second hand of the batter, wherein the first protrusion is angularly offset from the second protrusion by a first predetermined angle.

Abstract: Included herein is a bat for striking a ball. The bat comprises a barrel portion, transition portion attached to the barrel portion, and a handle portion attached to the transition portion. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of planes substantially parallel to the axis. The adjacent planes of the plurality of planes are positioned to define apertures substantially parallel to the axis. The planes and apertures are positioned to vary the flexibility of the handle and improve bat performance for a given swing speeds.

Abstract: A single-wall ball bat is made up of a series of layers or plies of unidirectional, two-dimensional, structural fibers having high strain energy properties. The plies are optionally layered upon each other in a lamina structure in which the fibers in one ply are oriented at opposing angles to the fibers in one or more neighboring plies. High purity quartz (SiO2) fibers, which have very high strain energy properties, may be used to construct substantial portions of the barrel or other regions of the ball bat.

Abstract: An extendable bat has a covering member, a tubular core, a handle, an adjusting device, a cap, and a collar. The adjusting device has a first locking member and a second locking member. With the cooperation of the first locking member and the second locking member, the length of the bat can be adjusted and the handle is held in place at a desired length. Accordingly, the cost for manufacturing the extendable bat is lowered.

Abstract: A training bat having a handle portion with a knob end and a barrel receiving end, a hitting portion, and a means for tethering said handle portion to said hitting portion. The means for tethering is selected from either an eye bolt assembly, a link assembly, and an eye bolt. The eye bolt assembly joins a wood fitting portion secured within the barrel receiving end of the handle portion to the hitting portion by one or more chain links, as well as joins a wood hitting portion to the one or more chain links. The link assembly joins a plug secured within the barrel receiving end of the handle portion to the hitting portion by one or more chain links.

Abstract: A bat extending along a longitudinal axis and configured for impacting a baseball or softball in competitive play includes a handle portion coupled to a barrel portion. The handle portion has a distal end and includes a tubular tapered region positioned adjacent the distal end. The tapered region has a peripheral outer surface encircling the longitudinal axis and includes at least one window formed into the outer surface. The one or more windows can be defined by a latticework.

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 warm-up bat includes a tubular shell with a handle section, a barrel section, and a tapered section connecting the handle section with the barrel section. The handle is attached at an end of the handle section of the bat. An end cap is attached at an end of the barrel section of the bat. A sliding weight mechanism is entirely contained within the barrel section of the bat, and is positionally supported on a shaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bat having an interchangeable handle portion and barrel portion. The handle portion has a first end and a second end. The barrel portion has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end abuttable to the second end of the handle portion. A tie rod received by the handle portion and the barrel portion, the tie rod having an alpha end and a beta end, the alpha end placible proximal the first end of the handle. An end cap placible proximal the distal end, the end cap releasibly attached to the beta end of the tie rod.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methodology for making laminated ball bats. The disclosed technology provides for a bat that is designed with a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat's weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a bat may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such bat's length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat's CM at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat's sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing decorations on an object by machining a multilayer structure (1) which consists in machining at various depths a complex consisting of an assembly of materials which are different in particular in shade and/or colour, the multilayer structure (1) being made up of an arrangement of bars (2) with polygonal cross-section, and varied shades and/or colours. The method consists in machining said multilayer structure (1) with one or several turning processes.

Abstract: A training aid for use with an elongated sporting implement for hitting training is disclosed to include three vane devices injection-molded from plastics each vane device having a flat vane body and smoothly arched top and bottom locating plates disposed near top and bottom ends of the inner vertical side of the flat vane body for enabling the vane devices to be adjustably connected to one another around the sporting implement through a plug joint, and two fastening belts inserted through insertion slots in the flat vane body of each vane device and fastened up to affix the vane devices to the sporting implement. Top and bottom stop devices are attached when the training aid is used with a golf club.

Abstract: A bat has an elongate tubular striking member of a first material, and an elongate handle member of a second material. The handle may be of composite material laid up in selected layers and orientation to produce selected weight distribution, strength, and stiffness and improved batting capabilities. The striking member and handle member may have juncture sections which are substantially rigidly interconnected through mating configurations.

Abstract: A baseball bat includes a body portion having a target area with a midline extending longitudinally through the target area center and along the bat's entire length to a handle portion having a pair of substantially planar regions spaced from each other and inclined toward the midline by a convergence angle of between about 50° and 70°. The planar regions are separated by curved surface regions joining the planar regions to each other and sloping regions at each longitudinal end of the planar regions. The bat provides enhanced tactile information concerning the dynamic characteristics of the bat during the swing up to and through contact with a pitched ball so that the batter can learn substantially improved location and trajectory control.

Abstract: A tubular baseball bat comprising a substantially full length core shaft of preferably constant cross-section, including a handle portion, and a barrel with a gap or separation between the core shaft and barrel, the core shaft and barrel being connected at two or more locations. Embodiments include bats with long barrels without taper sections, bats with taper sections integral with the barrels, bats with separate taper sections which may be of non-circular cross-section, bats with flexible circumferential connecting structures, bats with folded barrel end portions, and bats with resilient means between the core shaft and barrel. Such bats can have larger hitting areas, larger sweetspots, higher performance, and provide minimal sting to a player's hands.

Abstract: A device and method for teaching a person to swing a baseball bat. The device comprises an elongated shaft having a circular cross-section with a grip handle on one end and a head on to other end. A stop is located where the shaft and handle meet and a slide is mounted on the shaft for movement along the shaft between the head and the stop. A user may place one hand on the handle and the other hand on the slide with the slide at a location spaced from the handle. During swinging, the user moves the slide along the shaft toward and into contact with the stop. Alternatively, a user may grip and swing the trainer as if it were a conventional bat, thereby causing the slide to move from a position adjacent the handle along the shaft until it strikes the head and causes an audible sound.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus including that enables a batter to determine whether his swing followed the proper principles for hitting or batting. Oriented for use by both right-handed and left-handed batters it is intended to teach batters how their wrists should react in order to most effectively hit a ball. This generally baseball bat shaped apparatus includes a swing indicator disposed inside the barrel, which impacts one of four impact points producing an audible response when a swing is performed correctly. An incorrect swing produces no audible response.

Abstract: A practice bat is provided for baseball or other similar sports which includes an interior longitudinal channel. The channel includes an entrance on the surface of the ball contact section. A 45° guide within the channel directs the ball through the channel where it then passes through an egress. The ball can then strike a batting cage, netting or other suitable ball-stop as provided. A player can greatly increase his hitting skills by learning to hit a ball at a precise location along the impact section of the practice bat.

Abstract: An improved wood bat for baseball includes a wood body having a handle portion, a barrel portion, and a tapered portion therebetween. An axial hole is disposed longitudinally along the axis of the wood body from one end of the handle and extending a predetermined distance. A tubular core made of fiber reinforced plastic materials or metal is fitted to be received in the axial hole to internally reinforce the wood body. The wood bat may further comprise an outer sleeve which is made of fiber reinforced plastic materials or metal and surrounds the barrel to get an external reinforcing.

Abstract: A combination bat includes a wood body and a tubular core. The wood body has a handle, a barrel extending from one end of the handle, and an axial hole. The tubular core is made of fiber reinforced plastic materials and axially received inside the axial hole of the wood body. A shock-absorbing member is inserted inside the tubular core.

Abstract: The present technology relates to laminated ball bats and a methodology for making the same. The disclosed technology provides for a bat that is designed with a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat's weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a bat may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such bat's length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat's CM at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat's sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.

Abstract: A bat structure includes a central portion, two symmetrical opposite side enclosure portions, and two symmetrical opposite outer enclosure portions. The central portion has a square cross-section, and the two side enclosure portions and the two outer enclosure portions are wound around the four sides of the central portion in a staggered manner. Thus, the bat structure can provide a shock-absorbing effect to prevent the bat structure from being broken due to a larger shock, thereby increasing the lifetime of the bat structure. In addition, the batter can feel more comfortable when the bat structure hits the ball.

Abstract: A bat is disclosed having a metal handle portion with a knob end and a barrel receiving end, a wood barrel portion with a hitting portion and a fitting portion, and a connection assembly for joining the wood barrel portion with the metal handle portion, the connection assembly having optionally three components: an exterior sleeve, an interior sleeve, and/or a locking or roll pin. The interior sleeve is positioned over a fitting portion of the wood barrel portion prior to the fitting portion being inserted and pressure fit within a barrel receiving end of the metal handle portion. A hole is drilled through the barrel receiving end and the fitting portion of the wood barrel portion, wherein a locking or roll pin is inserted through and secured in the hole to lock the metal handle portion with the wood barrel portion.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat configured to allow the removal and replacement of a barrel assembly of the bat for enabling selection of a barrel having particular performance characteristics or simply if the barrel is damaged. Alternatively, the barrel assembly may be selectively changed to meet certain regulation requirements. In particular, the barrel assembly or other bat component can also include a ballast for selectively providing the ball bat with a particular weight. The ballast can be provided as a tube of thin film in the barrel assembly. The thin film ballast tube also forms a tamper resistant shield to inhibit modification of components inside the barrel section. In one aspect, one or more components of the ball bat can be provided as a kit. In one aspect, the kit may be a barrel assembly kit. In another aspect, the ball bat can be made by forming and assembling the components simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat configured to allow the removal and replacement of the barrel section of the bat if the barrel is damaged or simply for enabling selection of a barrel having particular performance characteristics. Alternatively, the barrel may be selectively changed to meet certain regulation requirements. In one aspect, one or more components of the ball bat can be provided as a kit. In another aspect, the ball bat can be made by forming and assembling the components simply and inexpensively. Exemplary embodiments include a center tube or handle, a transition, and a barrel some or all of which can be separably combined during assembly.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat configured to allow the removal and replacement of a barrel assembly of the bat for enabling selection of a barrel having particular performance characteristics or simply if the barrel is damaged. Alternatively, the barrel assembly may be selectively changed to meet certain regulation requirements. In particular, the barrel assembly or other bat component can also include a ballast for selectively providing the ball bat with a particular weight. The ballast can be provided as a tube of thin film in the barrel assembly. The thin film ballast tube also forms a tamper resistant shield to inhibit modification of components inside the barrel section. In one aspect, one or more components of the ball bat can be provided as a kit. In one aspect, the kit may be a barrel assembly kit. In another aspect, the ball bat can be made by forming and assembling the components simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a highly attractive, decorative baseball bat. The apparatus of the invention enables the manufacture of decorative baseball bats that exhibit a wide variety of attractive designs. More particularly, the apparatus includes a uniquely configured, inexpensive masking member that can be slipped over the barrel of the bat so as to make selective portions of the baseball bat during the sandblasting step of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A single member tubular baseball or softball bat of unitary construction comprised of an elongated handle portion and a striking or barrel portion wherein the barrel portion has internal and external cylindrical layers separated by one or more separation barriers, which are not bonded to said layers, located internally within the barrel thickness, and being in intimate contact with these layers. This results in equivalent or higher performing baseball bats than the prior art, as measured by hitting distance, and more consistent performance. The bats are also less costly to manufacture than prior art double walled bats.

Abstract: A training instrument for a sport in which an object is struck or thrown by a player grasping the instrument with two hands. The instrument includes a handle having a hand gripping portion and a separate head having a hand gripping portion, a bearing member and an elastomeric sleeve. The handle and head normally have a common longitudinal axis. The head has an end adjacent to the handle with an at least partially rounded ends received in contact with the bearing member which has a concave surface receiving the rounded end of the head. The sleeve extends over the gripping portions of the handle, head and bearing and maintains the handle and head in normal longitudinal alignment, but permits pivotal movement of the head with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A bat for use in baseball or softball comprises a knob, a gripping area, a transition area and a hitting area, the gripping area having a cross-section shape selected from the group consisting of an ellipse and an oval.

Abstract: The training bat of the present invention has a length and weight substantially equivalent to that of a conventional bat. The training bat is comprised of a barrel section, a handle, and a transition section intermediate to the barrel section and the handle section. The barrel section has a diameter which is smaller than that of a conventional bat. However, the barrel section also includes a weighted member such that the training bat has a weight which is substantially equivalent to that of a conventional bat.

Abstract: A bat includes a substantially tubular frame, a substantially tubular body and at least one sheet. The frame extends along a longitudinal axis. The frame has a handle portion and a primary hitting portion. The body is coaxially aligned with the hitting portion of the frame. The sheet has a proximal edge, a distal edge, and first and second side edges. The sheet is coupled to at least a portion of one of the hitting portion of the frame and the body such that the first and second edges each extend from the proximal edge to the distal edge along a path that is substantially non-parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bat, configured for impacting a ball, includes a substantially tubular frame and a substantially tubular body. The frame extends along a longitudinal axis and has a handle portion and a primary hitting portion. The body is coaxially aligned with the hitting portion of the frame. The body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second tubular wall transition regions. The wall thickness of the first tubular wall transition region generally increases along the longitudinal axis from a first position, generally near the proximal end, toward the distal end. The wall thickness of the second tubular wall transition region generally increases along the longitudinal axis from a second position, generally near the distal end, toward the proximal end. The body is configured to move independently with respect to the hitting portion of the frame upon impact with the ball.

Abstract: A baseball bat includes a wood bat body having a longitudinally extended center through hole, and a tubular core member made of composite material, metal or plastics and fitted into the center through hole of the bat body. The tubular core member has two inner threads in the two ends thereof. Two weights are respectively threaded into the inner threads in the two ends of the core member such that the weights are movable along an axial direction of the core member when the weights are driven to rotate by an external force so as to adjust the center of gravity of the baseball bat.

Abstract: A bat is disclosed having a metal handle portion with a knob end and a barrel receiving end, a wood barrel portion with a hitting portion and a fitting portion, and a connection assembly for joining the wood barrel portion with the metal handle portion, the connection assembly having optionally three components: an exterior sleeve, an interior sleeve, and/or a locking or roll pin. The interior sleeve is positioned over a fitting portion of the wood barrel portion prior to the fitting portion being inserted and pressure fit within a barrel receiving end of the metal handle portion. A hole is drilled through the barrel receiving end and the fitting portion of the wood barrel portion, wherein a locking or roll pin is inserted through and secured in the hole to lock the metal handle portion with the wood barrel portion. Once the two portions of the bat are joined, an exterior sleeve is used to smooth the seam between the metal handle portion and the wood barrel portion.

Abstract: A bat has an elongate tubular striking member of a first material, and an elongate handle member of a second material. The handle may be of composite material laid up in selected layers and orientation to produce selected weight distribution, strength, and stiffness and improved batting capabilities. The striking member and handle member may have juncture sections which are substantially rigidly interconnected through mating configurations.