Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel wall with a composite laminate structure that includes an outwardly facing skin, an inwardly facing skin, a stack of composite laminate plies positioned between the outwardly facing skin and the inwardly facing skin, and a discontinuity in the stack forming a gap along a longitudinal axis of the bat. A rigid or semi-rigid appliance may be positioned in the gap. The appliance may be a ring element, which may have a cross-section that traverses the composite laminate plies in the stack in a direction that is perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal axis of the bat. The cross-section of the ring element may be triangular. A second ring element may be positioned in the barrel wall. The second ring element may be connected to the other ring element with an adhesive bond or a connecting element.

Abstract: A ball bat, extending along a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a barrel portion, an end cap and a handle portion. The barrel portion is formed of a fiber composite material and includes a proximal region having a continuous single wall construction, a central region and a distal region. The central region includes at least first and second central region walls longitudinally extending from the proximal region, and a distal region includes first and second distal region walls longitudinally extending from the central region. The central region walls and the distal region walls form a first inner barrel wall and an outer barrel wall, respectively. The barrel walls are spaced apart by a first separation. The first separation is unfilled and longitudinally extends over the central region and the first distal region wall. The end cap and the handle portion are coupled to the distal and proximal region, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for determining motion of a striking or blocking device. Embodiments may be utilized in various embodiments when it is desired to track, determine, etc. the motion of a device. For example, embodiments may be utilized in martial arts, sports, activities, instructional videos, video games, etc. More specifically, embodiments may be configured to automatically detect fast movements of a device using video cameras or image capturing devices.

Abstract: A barrel of a ball bat may include a composite laminate with a plurality of composite plies. One or more translaminar elements may pass through the composite plies and around a circumference of the barrel to reduce relative movement between the plies. The translaminar elements may include a first line of stitching, which may include aramid fiber. In some embodiments, the first line of stitching forms two or more coils around the barrel. Lines of stitching may be positioned on opposing sides of a center of percussion of the ball bat. In some embodiments, the translaminar elements may include a line of staples distributed around the circumference of the barrel. A method of making a ball bat may include arranging plies of composite material to form a cylinder, passing a first translaminar element through the plies, and curing the assembly of plies to form a barrel of the ball bat.

Abstract: A ball bat includes outer shell segments longitudinally spaced apart from each other to form a gap between them. A joint connects the segments. A first outer shell segment may include a barrel portion of the ball bat and at least part of a tapered portion of the ball bat. A second outer shell segment may include at least part of the tapered portion. The joint may include a tubular element having a first portion positioned within the first outer shell segment and at least partially overlapping an interior surface of the first outer shell segment, and a second portion positioned within the second outer shell segment and at least partially overlapping an interior surface of the second outer shell segment. The tubular element may include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the joint may be formed by an elastomeric material connecting the outer shell segments in the gap.

Abstract: A nano-enhanced matrix material includes a matrix film carrying one or more nano-additives. The nano-additives may be oriented transversely relative to the matrix film. A composite structure includes a plurality of composite laminate plies and one or more matrix films carrying one or more nano-additive materials, the matrix films being positioned between composite laminate plies. Composite structures may include ball bats, and the matrix films with nano-additive materials may be positioned in selected portions of ball bats, such as wherever improved strength or resistance to fatigue is desired.

Abstract: A baseball bat, that is formed of an elongate shell including a striking section, a handle section and a tapered section between the striking section and the handle section, further includes a tubular damper member received within a portion of a hollow cavity of the striking section. The tubular damper member is reduced in diameter relative to the hollow cavity and is supported by a foam layer extending about a circumference of the tubular damper member and which is under resilient compression between the tubular damper member and the striking section of the shell which surrounds the tubular damper member. A barrier layer between the foam layer and the shell is bonded with a first adhesive to the shell and with a second adhesive to the barrier layer to prevent the first adhesive from migrating into the foam layer.

Abstract: A bat composed of composite materials is disclosed. Multiple layers of composite material is wound, weaved or interlaced around a mandrel to create a tubular structure composed of composite material. The tubular structure is cured and the mandrel is removed, leaving a hollow tubular structure. A composite material insert is inserted to the tip of the tubular structure, to seal the tubular structure. The knob portion of the structure is likewise sealed. The tubular structure is wrapped with fibrous material, such that the fibrous material encompasses the knob, body and tip of the structure. The resulting structure is a bat wherein the knob of the bat transitions to the barrel of the bat and the barrel of the bat transitions seamlessly to the tip of the bat, to create a continuous composite structure. This solid structure is then injection molded, with a solid bat tip and knob in place.

Abstract: A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a cylindrical barrel portion surrounding a tubular insert. The tubular insert comprises a thermoplastic material. The length, diameter, wall thickness, position and weight of the insert may be controlled in order to improve performance of the ball bat.

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

Abstract: A ball bat includes one or more low-durability regions fortified by one or more reinforcing elements. If the reinforcing element is altered or removed, the durability of the ball bat is significantly reduced. For example, if the ball bat is subjected to internal shaving or external rolling in an attempt to increase the bat's performance, the reinforcing element would de removed or damaged such that the durability of the bat is reduced to the point that the ball bat's performance remains below a specified limit.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a barrel portion defining a primary tubular ball impact region. The barrel portion is formed of a fiber composite material. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies include first and second pluralities first and second resins, respectively. Substantially all of the first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are generally aligned to define first and second angles with respect to the axis, respectively. The angles are each within the range of 45 to 90 degrees. Each of the plies is sized to extend about the full circumference of the barrel portion. The first and second pluralities of fibers are sectioned such that the fibers do not continuously extend about the full circumference of the impact region.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a barrel portion defining a primary tubular region. The tubular region is formed of a fiber composite material having wall thickness of at least 0.100 inch. The fiber composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies include first and second pluralities of fibers and first and second resins, respectively. Substantially all of the first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are aligned to define first and second angles of 45 to 90 degrees with respect to the axis, respectively. The first and second plies have opposite polarities and are positioned with the second ply applied over the first ply. The first and second pluralities of fibers are sectioned such that the fibers do not continuously extend about the full circumference of the tubular region.

Abstract: Baseball bats described herein may have handle, throat and/or barrel portions that include non-circular cross-sections.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a hollow handle segment, a wooden barrel segment and a reinforcing segment. The handle segment has a handle section, a connecting section that has an outer diameter smaller than that of the handle section, and an abutment section that is disposed between the handle and connecting sections. The barrel segment has an abutment end section, a top end section that is opposite to the handle section of the handle segment, and an insertion hole that extends from the abutment end section toward the top end section. The connecting section is inserted into the insertion hole. The abutment end section abuts against the abutment section. The reinforcing segment is sleeved on the abutment end section.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a axis, and including a barrel portion formed of a fiber composite material. The material includes first and second plies arrangements. The first and second ply arrangements define first and second ply arrangement thicknesses, respectively. The first and second arrangements include at least one ply having first and second plurality of fibers and first and second resin, respectively. The first and second arrangements define at least one first angle and second angle with respect to the axis, respectively. Each of the at least one first angle is of the same angular polarity and each of the at least second angle is of the same angular polarity. The first angle is of opposite polarity of the second angle. The ratio of the first and second arrangement thicknesses is at least 1.5. The first arrangement is positioned over and within 0.002 in of the second arrangement.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has a total length and includes a barrel rolling detection region having a length of at least two inches. The detection region is formed of a fiber composite material. The composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies each include first and second pluralities of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and first and second resins, respectively. The first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are generally aligned to define first and second angles with respect to the axis, respectively. The first ply is positioned over and within 0.002 in of the second ply. The first and second angles are each within the range of 20 to 80 degrees. The first and second angles are substantially the same.

Abstract: A softball or baseball bat with modified restitution characteristics is provided. The bat can comprise a substantially rigid shell coupled with a single or multi-piece insert. The shell can comprise a tip end, a barrel, a handle taper, and a handle. The insert can be press-fit or adhered to the inside of the barrel of the shell. The insert can be a single or multi-piece design and can be single or multi-layered. The insert can comprise a material capable of impact absorption. Portions of the insert can be separated from the shell with a separation layer to improve restitution in certain areas of the bat. The insert can also comprise multiple layers that are separated from each other with a separation layer to improve restitution in certain areas of the bat. The material and thickness of the insert and the shell can be varied to meet applicable restitution requirements.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements or damping elements, or both, are located. The stiffening or damping elements may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively reducing the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia.

Abstract: A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.

Abstract: A jointed bat includes a barrel, a handle, and a glue. The barrel is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a top cap and the other end having a tapered first joint portion. An opening is formed at the end of the first joint portion. The handle is tubular and has one end fixedly connected to a knob and the other end having a tapered resilient second joint portion. At least a relief slit is formed at an end of the second joint portion. A dam protrudes from the second joint portion and abuts against an inner wall of the first joint portion. The second joint portion penetrates the opening to fit inside the first joint portion. The glue is filled between and fixedly connected between the first and second joint portions. Therefore, requirements for precision in production of the barrel and the handle are reduced.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a bat frame having a handle portion and a tubular barrel portion, a knob coupled to the handle portion; and an annular member. The bat has a proximal end, a distal end, a center of percussion and a length of at least thirty inches. The barrel portion has an inner surface. At least a portion of the inner surface of the barrel portion includes a first set of projections. The annular member includes an outer radial surface having a second set of projections. The annular member is positioned within the barrel portion such that the first set of projections engages the second set of projections to inhibit longitudinal movement of the annular member with respect to the barrel portion in at least one direction.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has an outer surface and includes a proximal member and a distal member. The proximal member has first and second end regions and the distal member has third and fourth end regions. The first end region is coupled to the handle portion, the second end region of the proximal member is coupled to the third end region of the distal member, and the fourth end region of the distal member is coupled to an end cap. At least a portion of each of the proximal and distal members defines the outer surface of the barrel portion. One of the second and third end regions overlaps the other of the second and third end regions.

Abstract: A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.

Abstract: Industry regulatory organizations have created performance restrictions for ball bats. The present invention relates to a ball bat with an internal impact dampening means. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ball bat with a handle, a barrel, and a central tube positioned coaxially within the barrel. The central tube includes at least one restriction member capable of limiting the deformation experienced by the ball bat upon impact of a ball. Precisely limiting the deformation of the ball bat allows the present invention to achieve, but not exceed, performance substantially equal to the maximum performance allowed by industry regulatory organizations and maintain that level of performance over a substantial length of the ball bat.

Abstract: A baseball or softball bat improved in repulsiveness while maintaining sufficient durability is obtained. The bat is a baseball or softball bat including a hitting portion, a tapered portion and a grip portion, and the hitting portion offers a hitting portion core as a core, an elastic body and an outer shell member. The elastic body is arranged on the outer periphery of the hitting portion core. The outer shell member is arranged on the outer periphery of the elastic body. The outer shell member includes outer shell member portions which are a plurality of portions elastically deformable independently of each other.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion having an outer surface and including a proximal member and a distal member. The proximal member has first and second end regions and the distal member has third and fourth end regions. The first end region is coupled to the handle portion, the second end region of the proximal member is coupled to the third end region of the distal member, and the fourth end region of the distal member is coupled to an end cap. The proximal and distal members are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second material is a fiber composite material, the second fiber composite material of the distal member is co-molded to the outer surface of the second end region of the proximal member.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. A bat includes a tubular bat frame. The bat frame includes first and second frame pieces. The first frame piece has a gripping portion integrally formed to a transition portion, and the transition portion has a distal end region. The second frame piece has a proximal end region. The distal end region of the first piece is coupled to the proximal end region of the second piece. One of the distal and proximal end regions overlaps the other of the distal and proximal end regions. The bat has a center of percussion, and the mid-length of the overlap of the distal and proximal end regions is positioned within plus or minus three inches of the center of percussion of the bat.

Abstract: A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another member.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel having one or more integral features for selectively stiffening regions of the barrel. The barrel may include an indented region forming a rib projecting inwardly into the barrel. Alternatively, one or more inwardly projecting lips may be formed on adjoining barrel sections that are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached to each other, such that an integral, internal rib is formed in the barrel. The internal rib stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR. One or more integral ribs may be provided at any desired barrel locations for selectively limiting the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the moment of inertia of the ball bat. In another embodiment, a joint, to which two barrel sections are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached, includes an inwardly projecting member that stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a axis, and including a barrel portion formed of a fiber composite material. The material includes first and second plies arrangements. The first and second ply arrangements define first and second ply arrangement thicknesses, respectively. The first and second arrangements include at least one ply having first and second plurality of fibers and first and second resin, respectively. The first and second arrangements define at least one first angle and second angle with respect to the axis, respectively. Each of the at least one first angle is of the same angular polarity and each of the at least second angle is of the same angular polarity. The first angle is of opposite polarity of the second angle. The ratio of the first and second arrangement thicknesses is at least 1.5. The first arrangement is positioned over and within 0.002 in of the second arrangement.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has a total length and includes a barrel rolling detection region having a length of at least two inches. The detection region is formed of a fiber composite material. The composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies each include first and second pluralities of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and first and second resins, respectively. The first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are generally aligned to define first and second angles with respect to the axis, respectively. The first ply is positioned over and within 0.002 in of the second ply. The first and second angles are each within the range of 20 to 80 degrees. The first and second angles are substantially the same.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements or damping elements, or both, are located. The stiffening or damping elements may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively reducing the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia.

Abstract: A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a bat frame, a knob and an annular member. The bat frame has a handle portion and a tubular barrel portion. The bat has a proximal end, a distal end, a center of percussion and a length of at least thirty inches. The barrel portion has an inner surface. The knob is coupled to the handle portion. The annular member is coupled to the inner surface. The annular member has a center of mass and is positioned within the barrel portion such that the center of mass is longitudinally spaced apart from the center of percussion by a first distance of at least 0.25 inches. The annular member increases the moment of inertia of the bat measured about an axis positioned six inches from the base of the knob of the bat by no more than twenty percent.

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 composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements or damping elements, or both, are located. The stiffening or damping elements may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively reducing the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia.

Abstract: A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one tubular member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another tubular member.

Abstract: A bat includes a handle having a handle joint, a barrel having a barrel joint and a barrel joint opening at an end of the barrel joint, and a connector connecting the handle joint and barrel joint together. The barrel joint has a first support hole formed proximal to the barrel joint opening, a second support hole formed distal to the barrel joint opening and having a larger diameter than the first support hole, and a receiver formed between the first and second support holes orthogonal to an axis of the holes. The connector has a handle connection connected to the handle joint, a first barrel connection formed on an outer periphery of the connector and engaging with the first support hole, a second barrel connection formed on an outer periphery of the connector and engaging with the second support hole.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements or damping elements, or both, are located. The stiffening or damping elements may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively reducing the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a transparent or translucent cap attached to a bat barrel. One or more security labels are bonded or otherwise attached to the cap and the barrel such that removal of the cap damages or destroys the one or more security labels, providing an indication that the cap has been removed and that tampering with the interior of the bat may have occurred.

Abstract: A hybrid material bat comprises an elongate shaft, a reinforcing member, a barrel body and a grip body. The shaft is made of rigid materials and includes a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. The barrel body is made of materials with good striking performance and includes a striking section for striking, impacting, or hitting and a mid-section. The grip body is made of resilient materials with good shock absorbing property, and has a front end and a terminal end. The reinforcing member is made of rigid materials and disposed on a distal end of said front portion of said shaft. The barrel body intimately surrounds the front portion of the shaft and the reinforcing member. The grip body intimately surrounds the rear portion of the shaft.

Abstract: The danger of damage caused by flying fragments from a shattered baseball bat is greatly reduced or eliminated by wrapping a portion of the bat with nearly invisible polymeric film. Although extremely thin, the film shows great tensile strength and retains wood fragments should the bat shatter in use. Preferably the region of the bat where the handle portion transitions into the barrel portion is wrapped because this area is the most prone to shatter. This leaves the barrel of the bat completely unaltered. Where game rules permit thin strips of film can also be applied to the sides of the barrel as an additional precaution although the barrel is relatively unlikely to shatter in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball bat with improved shock and vibration dampening. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ball bat with a handle, a barrel, and a socket assembly interposed between the handle and barrel. The socket assembly allows the barrel and handle to move relative to each other, which dampens shock and vibration.

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 taper, a handle taper, and a handle. The sleeve can slide over the handle portion and can be pressed, molded, or adhered to the barrel taper. The resilient sleeve can be sized and shaped such that the sleeve portion is substantially the same diameter as the tip end. The sleeve can comprise a material capable of impact absorption. The sleeve can have a composite structure with inner and outer sleeve components. The sleeve can further comprise a cone to taper the sleeve in the handle taper portion of the bat. The material and thickness of the sleeve and the core can be varied to meet applicable restitution requirements.

Abstract: A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one tubular member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another tubular member.

Abstract: A ball bat includes a barrel having one or more integral features for selectively stiffening regions of the barrel. The barrel may include an indented region forming a rib projecting inwardly into the barrel. Alternatively, one or more inwardly projecting lips may be formed on adjoining barrel sections that are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached to each other, such that an integral, internal rib is formed in the barrel. The internal rib stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR. One or more integral ribs may be provided at any desired barrel locations for selectively limiting the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the moment of inertia of the ball bat. In another embodiment, a joint, to which two barrel sections are bonded, welded, or otherwise attached, includes an inwardly projecting member that stiffens the barrel, thus reducing the barrel's BBCOR.

Abstract: An improvement is made effectively in the strength of a baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a ball-hitting member and a grip member formed of a Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) material and a metal material, respectively. In the baseball or softball bat constructed by joining a metal ball-hitting member and an FRP grip member, a joining end region of the grip member has an adhering piece bonded to one of an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of a joined end region of the ball-hitting member, and a contact piece for contacting the other of the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the joined end region of the ball-hitting member when the adhering piece is in a bonded state.

Abstract: A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.