Abstract: An underwater training apparatus is disclosed. The underwater training apparatus may include a barrel. The barrel may contain a plurality of holes disposed across the barrel. Each of the holes of the barrel may pass through a wall of the barrel. The underwater training apparatus may also include a base funnel. The base funnel may contain a plurality of holes disposed across the base funnel. Each of the holes of the base funnel may pass through a wall of the base funnel. The underwater training apparatus may also include a handle. The handle may mechanically couple the barrel and the base funnel.

Abstract: A knob sleeve assembly for a ball bat extending along a longitudinal axis and having a tubular handle portion and a knob attached the handle portion. The knob sleeve assembly includes a plurality of annular bodies formed of a resilient material. Each of the bodies defines a central opening for receiving the handle portion of the bat. Each of the bodies has an annular body height within the range of 0.25 to 1.0 inch, and a maximum annular body outer diameter within the range of 1 to 3 inches. The plurality of annular bodies varies from one another according to at least one annular body characteristic. The knob sleeve characteristic is selected from the group consisting of annular body height, maximum annular body outer diameter, weight, color, material durometer value, annular body draft angle and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a training device for soccer (European-styie football) has an upper portion configured to be wrapped around an athlete's lower leg and a lower portion configured to be secured onto a shoe worn on the athlete's foot below the lower leg, wherein an outer surface of at least one of the upper and lower portions has a first material configured to mate with a second material on an outer surface of a ball, such that, when the athlete attempts to kick the bail with the foot, the ball will tend to stick to the training device due to mating of the first and second materials (e.g., forming a hook-and-loop assembly). By wearing the training device on the athlete's dominant leg, the athlete learns to kick with their non-dominant leg, thereby becoming a more well-rounded soccer player.

Abstract: Hand positioning accessories for bats and other sporting goods are described. The hand positioning accessory may include an exterior surface that is at least partially concave in shape and comprises a base comprising an apex and an interior surface that is at least partially convex in shape and faces the handle of the sporting good. The exterior surface may also include a plurality of longitudinal ribs/protrusions. The hand positioning accessory may create an ovular-shaped handle region for better performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for a ball bat and a ball bat comprising at least one disc member that defines an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter defined by the ball bat to create a fit within close proximity between the at least one disc member and the ball bat. The at least one disc member can be located within the barrel portion of the ball bat. The at least one disc member can include at least one solid disc member that is located within a sweet spot of the ball bat. In some embodiments, the apparatus for a ball bat and the ball bat can further include an at least one insulation foam member. The at least one insulation foam member can separate the at least one disc member. The at least one insulation foam member can define a hollow center portion.

Abstract: A barbell pad having magnets on its inner surface to better secure the barbell pad to the bar portion of a barbell and prevent excessive slippage of the pad relative to the bar during use. The barbell pad has an opening comprising two ends lined with Velcro that allows it to be fit around the bar of a barbell and secured around the circumference of the bar when the Velcro lining the two ends of the opening is connected and magnets on the inner surface of the barbell pad attach to the metal bar's outer surface. Magnets attached the inner surface of a pad or covering can be used to secure the pad or covering to a structure or apparatus to secure the pad or covering to the structure or apparatus and prevent slipping of the pad or covering relative to the structure or apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for strength training of an athlete in preparation for playing a sport that requires swinging of a bat or other implement comprises an attachment mechanism that is removably attachable to the proximal “grip” end of the implement, and a weight attachable to the attachment mechanism. A principle axis of inertia of the weight is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the implement, such that added weight does not significantly impact the athlete's use of the bat during practice drills and games. Concentration of the weight near the athlete's hand(s) also reduces risk of injury. In embodiments, additional weights can be added to the apparatus as needed. In embodiments, the apparatus includes a flexible inner member that is pressed against the shaft of the implement by threading thereon of an outer member. A longitudinal spring can be included to create tension between elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: A handle assembly including an elongate handle having an inner end, an outer end, and a length between the inner end and the outer end, and a multipart cover including an inner cover, and an outer cover. The inner cover is fitted removably over the length of the handle, the outer cover is fitted removably over the inner cover, the inner cover and the outer cover concurrently encircle and extend along the length of the handle from proximate to the inner end of the handle to proximate to the outer end of the handle, and the outer cover includes a chemically-resistant exterior gripping surface.

Abstract: An adjustable knob assembly for a ball bat having a tubular handle portion extending about a longitudinal axis. The assembly includes a base and an annular knob. The base includes an end wall and a cylindrical outer wall extending from the end wall. The outer wall is configured to be fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the handle portion of the bat. The outer wall includes a first set of interlocking structure. The annular knob includes an inner radial surface defining a central opening. The inner radial surface includes a second set of interlocking structure. The first and second sets of interlocking structure are positionable between at least a first locked knob position and a second locked knob position.

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

Abstract: A lightweight compression molded multicolor golf grip having at least a first section and a second section of differing colors and composed of elastomer compounds having a density of less than 0.90 g/cc, and joined by cross-linking across a sharply defined cross-color interface having an interface transition zone beyond which there is no mixing of the colors. The grip has a soft feel and unique compression characteristics achieved in some embodiments through the controlled use of an expanding blowing agent in a rubber compound including an EPDM mixture. Achieving the sharply defined cross-color interface is due in part to the use of complementary geometries at opposing interface edges to increase the stability of the interface and reduce the flow during molding associated with the increased viscosity of low density rubber compounds, promote cross-linking of the sections, and better distribute and control the consolidation pressure.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant ball bat may include a barrel having a tamper-resistant layer and a handle coupled to the barrel. The tamper-resistant layer may include a plurality of composite strips. The composite strips may be layered such that each composite strip radiates outward from the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Each composite strip may include a plurality of longitudinal edges. The longitudinal edges may be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

Abstract: A bat having different stiffnesses in different planes relative to a longitudinal axis (i.e., swing axis) of the bat. More specifically, the bat includes a greater stiffness in a vertical plane as compared to relatively more flexible stiffness in a swing plane. This differential stiffness may be accomplished with an intermediate material located within an internal space defined where a handle affixes to a barrel of the bat or alternatively with a transitional member structurally arranged between the handle and the barrel of the bat. The transitional member may provide for vibration and/or shock dampening to minimize or eliminate the “sting” typically associated with monolithic, metallic bats. Additionally, the handle may include a shape that tends to naturally align the vertical and swing planes of the bat when the handle is gripped by a player.

Abstract: A throwing dart having a handle that provides a user with tactile biofeedback. The handle includes a handle body having an exterior body surface defined by a first octant, a second octant, a third octant, a fourth octant, a fifth octant, a sixth octant, a seventh octant, and an eighth octant. The handle includes at least a first tactile reference indentation, or projection, that extends longitudinally along the exterior body surface and is confined to a first tactile octant. The first tactile reference indentation, or projection, is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's accuracy.

Abstract: A compression collar apparatus is disposed upon an article providing an axial manual grasping stop upon the article, the apparatus includes a first arcuate element having first proximal and distal portions, the first distal portion including an engagement segment. Also, a second arcuate element having second proximal and distal portions, the first proximal portion and the second proximal portion have a first pivotal connection that enables open and closed states of the first and second arcuate elements. Further, a flexible retention arch beam having states of; free, de-arched, and intermediate, includes beam proximal and distal portions, the beam proximal portion and the second distal portion have a second pivotal connection, in the intermediate state the beam distal portion having an interlocking section that has a variable removable engagement with the engagement segment, resulting in the closed state of the first and second arcuate elements about the article.

Abstract: A knob simulating device that can be affixed to a sporting good, such as a baseball bat. The knob simulating device encircles the shaft of the baseball bat and is made up of a plurality of components that mate together to surround and encase the entire periphery of the bat shaft. Each of the component parts has a hard exterior portion and a resilient interior portion for contacting and conforming to the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. The resilient interior portion is generally cylindrical and may have one or more deformable projections that retain the device along the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. There may be a plurality of deformable projections in the form of annular rings that can be angled so as to securely retain the knob simulating device in the desired location along the shaft of the baseball bat.

Abstract: The devices described herein assist the player of a sport involving a bat (e.g., baseball or softball) or club (e.g., golf) to correctly position his or her hands on the bat or club to enhance the power and accuracy of the player's swing.

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

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

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

Abstract: A grip for a piece of sporting equipment has a unitary body formed from a relatively flexible material. The grip includes a pair of gripping surfaces comprising a plurality of slots for receiving a users fingers. The gripping surfaces are offset to ensure that the user properly grips the piece of sporting equipment to maximize power and control of the equipment. By maintaining proper positioning from setup through follow through of a swing, proper energy transfer from the large muscles of the user's body to the equipment is accomplished. Impact-based injuries and repetitive injuries are minimized, and pain associated with certain swings is minimized. The grip may be formed from an impression of a user's grip, from which a grip mold is formed. The grip mold is positioned around the handle of an actual bat, filled with urethane, and allowed to cure into the disclosed grip.

Abstract: A grip teaching device for encouraging an individual to maintain a proper grip of sporting equipment. The grip teaching device has a body member for placement onto the sporting equipment and can be secured by a securing device, such as a strap. The grip teaching device also includes an index finger receiving area which receives the individual's index finger to promote an appropriate placement of the index finger, and in turn forces the remaining fingers into proper alignment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grip for a cricket bat handle. The grip may include a first raised portion for locating the top hand of a batter. The grip may also include a second raised portion for engaging with the palm of the bottom hand of the batter to prevent over gripping of the cricket bat handle by the batter. The grip may also include a third raised portion for engaging with the fleshy part of the bottom hand of the batter, between the thumb and index finger, in order to locate the bottom hand of the batter on the cricket bat handle.

Abstract: A bat that possesses remarkable durability and hitting strength comprising a new type of handle construction that creates a helical groove pattern in the surface of the bat in the handle area to provide protection from breaking and shattering bats, and also to provide improved hitting energy.

Abstract: A baseball bat having a body portion and a handle portion which includes a pair of substantially planar regions spaced and inclined toward the midline of the handle portion. The grip improves batter skill and technical ability by teaching proper batting technique. The barrel of the baseball bat is configured to allow for repositioning and replacement of the barrel section of the bat if the barrel is damaged, to enable more even wear and tear on the portion of the barrel that comes in contact with a baseball, or to modify the performance level of the bat. The two segments of the bat may be securely connected via one end of the first segment having exterior threading received by the hollowed end of the second segment having interior threading, or by an independent coupling element.

Abstract: A compression collar apparatus is disposed upon an article providing an axial manual grasping stop upon the article, the apparatus includes a first arcuate element having first proximal and distal portions, the first distal portion including an engagement segment. Also, a second arcuate element having second proximal and distal portions, the first proximal portion and the second proximal portion have a first pivotal connection that enables open and closed states of the first and second arcuate elements. Further, a flexible retention arch beam having states of; free, de-arched, and intermediate, includes beam proximal and distal portions, the beam proximal portion and the second distal portion have a second pivotal connection, in the intermediate state the beam distal portion having an interlocking section that has a variable removable engagement with the engagement segment, resulting in the closed state of the first and second arcuate elements about the article.

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

Abstract: A customizable bat is described. The customizable bat may have a handle and a knob detachably affixed to an end of the handle by way of a knob-shaft inserted into a channel of the end of the handle. A pin may extend centrally from a top of the knob through the knob-shaft toward the handle. The pin may be shaped to engage with the knob of the customizable bat. The bat may also include a customizable marker that indicates information associated with the bat. The customizable marker may be removably integrated with the top of the knob and the pin of the bat. The customizable marker may be configured to securely fit around the pin of the bat.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

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

Abstract: A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft. The handle has curved upper and lower surfaces and a curved termination end. The two side surfaces are parallel to each other. The upper surface of the handle slants upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the equipment shaft. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with the centerline of the user's forearm.

Abstract: A grip guide apparatus is disclosed for use as a training aid. The grip guide apparatus includes a substrate and chromic material. The substrate is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an article of sports equipment such as a handle. The chromic material is capable of changing colors in response to one or more external stimuli. Changes in color of chromic material thereby indicate whether the user has proper or improper hand placement on the article of sports equipment. The chromic material may also indicate whether the user has applied the proper or improper amount of pressure to the article of sports equipment. The substrate may include an adhesive backing to affix the grip guide apparatus to the article of sports equipment. By generating feedback from the chromic material, good habits can be formed with respect to taking a proper grip of the article of sports equipment.

Abstract: A lightweight, oversized grip assembly for a golf club or other sporting equipment includes a first grip element defining an open channel for receiving a gripping end of the golf club or other sporting equipment, and a second grip element dimensioned to match a cross-sectional dimension and a longitudinal dimension of the first grip element. The assembled first grip element and second grip element define a grip having a maximum diameter of up to about 500 mm. The first grip element defines an open channel axially along a longitudinal dimension thereof, having a width and a depth dimensioned to receive substantially an entirety of a thickness of the gripping end. The second grip element defines a substantially planar cover for capturing the base element and the gripping end between the first grip element and the second grip element.

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

Abstract: A changeable grip 12 for a shock imparting implement has a gripping sleeve 18 positioned on a handle sleeve 15 attached to a handle 14. A lower end of gripping sleeve 18 abuts a ledge 28 integrally formed in the handle sleeve 15. A threaded cap 20 compresses the gripping sleeve 18 against the ledge 28 to secure the grip 12 to the handle sleeve 15. Optional splines 40 on an outer surface of the handle sleeve 15 meshing with channels 42 in the gripping sleeve 18 function to prevent slippage or rotation during use.

Abstract: A rubber or synthetic texture sleeve that fits loosely over the existing grip. It is made from typical grip material for the application with the exception of having a smooth or textured interior and being oversized for the handle. The sleeve may be used with an interior liner between the handle and the grip for additional cushioning. The length of the sleeve will vary, but can be cut to fit the specific application. The sleeve fits loosely around the bat grip and does not replace or modify the existing grip or bat handle. The degree of twist is determined by the give in the material used allowing for a stronger grip because the friction normally generated from rotating hands around a stationary grip is reduced dramatically. The sleeve reduces vibration because of the increased padding and ability to have a stronger grip.

Abstract: Ball bats comprising a stem and a handle surrounding the stem. An elastomeric decoupler system installed in the handle sharply reduces the transmission of shocks and vibrations from the stem to the handle, mitigating stinging and other unpleasant sensations experienced by the batter when a ball is struck. Unpleasant sensations can be further reduced by installing a DTMS damping device in the knob of the bat and by installing an elastomeric grip on the handle of the bat; and the unpleasant sound made when a bat strikes the ground or the like can be materially reduced by a device attached to the stem of the bat intermediate the ends of the handle. The present inventions are particularly adaptable to hollow, metal bats; and provision is made for venting the knob of the bat when it is welded in place so hot gases will not be forced into, and reduce the integrity of, the weld. Appropriate ones of the devices described above may also advantageously be employed in wood, composite, and other bats.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow knob for a sport item, for example, a bat, a golf club, or a racket, which has four flexible fingers. Each finger has an inclined peg formed on an exterior surface of each finger, such that when the knob is slid into an end of a sport item handle, each inclined peg becomes captive of a corresponding hole in the handle. When an insert is slid into a hollow area of the knob, where a ramp is formed near the top end of the interior of each finger, the knob becomes secured to the handle. An adhesive may then be applied to this assembly in order to prevent tampering of the handle by requiring destruction of the assembly.

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

Abstract: An implement grip assembly with an open ended tubular flexible grip assembled over a tubular implement handle. An end cap with deflectable portions is inserted in the open end of the handle and the deflectable portions frictionally engage the tubular handle for retention. The cap may also have surfaces detentably engaging corresponding surfaces on the flexible grip. A decorative medallion may be received on the cap and frictionally or magnetically retained thereon.

Abstract: A bat especially useful for a plurality of sport applications offering superior power, distance, speed, comfort, and control is disclosed which includes a larger diameter impact section, a smaller diameter gripping section, and a transition section therebetween. The smaller diameter gripping section may in some embodiments be configured at least to provide two reverse conical grips whereby not just one but both of the batter's hands can more tightly and firmly grip bats. In modifications of the dual reverse conical grips, the gripping section can be formed of modified oval configuration, modified elliptical configuration or tapered configuration. Embodiments include increased and/or decreased diameter and/or circumference handle/gripping areas for both hands.

Abstract: A baseball bat includes a hollow grip member having opposite front and rear ends, and an inner peripheral surface that defines a tapered chamber having a diameter reducing gradually toward the rear end. The inner peripheral surface has a first positioning portion disposed between the front end and the rear end. A striking member has an engaging segment received in the tapered chamber, and a large diameter segment extending forwardly from the engaging segment. The engaging segment has an axial hole, a plurality of open-ended slits extending along an axial direction and in spatial communication with the axial hole, and a second positioning portion aligned with the first positioning portion. A pressing member is inserted into the axial hole to press the second positioning portion against the first positioning portion.

Abstract: A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.

Abstract: A swing implement, such as a baseball bat (9), adapted for gripping by the hands of a user having a support surface (10) between the knob (20) and the handle (30) of the swinging implement. The support surface provides a gradual transition between the knob and the handle. The support surface supports the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. Another swinging implement (10) comprises a support surface extending at a shallow angle from the handle between the handle and the end surface of the knob for supporting the hand of the user while gripping the swinging implement. A support sleeve (6c) adapted to cooperate with a handle and knob of a conventional baseball bat including a support surface for providing added support for the hands of a user gripping the bat.

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

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 a one second ultra-violet radiation curing of an ultraviolet-curable coating applied over an ultra-thin, less than 0.001 inches thin, polymeric woven or knitted fiber such as nylon, spandex, or blends that has been positioned about the gripping surface area of an object to be gripped. This inexpensive three step process uses commonly available, low-cost materials and minimal energy, is environmentally friendly and does not require repeated steps, thermosetting, vulcanization, caustic chemicals, molds, molding techniques, or gluing a molded cover onto a surface.

Abstract: A bat for use in the game of baseball or softball with a pattern burnt, etched or carved into the bat's handle. The pattern creates a tactile frictional contact between the player's hands and the handle in order to enhance the grip on the bat, which replaces and eliminates the need for the application of materials that enhance grip, such as pine tar. The device enhances either left or right handed players' grips; and can be used by both children as well as adults of both genders. The invention's pattern can be made of aesthetically pleasing patterns of varying shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A grip for a piece of sporting equipment has a unitary body formed from a relatively flexible material. The grip includes a pair of gripping surfaces comprising a plurality of slots for receiving a users fingers. The gripping surfaces are offset to ensure that the user properly grips the piece of sporting equipment to maximize power and control of the equipment. By maintaining proper positioning from setup through follow through of a swing, proper energy transfer from the large muscles of the user's body to the equipment is accomplished. Impact-based injuries and repetitive injuries are minimized, and pain associated with certain swings is minimized. The grip may be formed from an impression of a user's grip, from which a grip mold is formed. The grip mold is positioned around the handle of an actual bat, filled with urethane, and allowed to cure into the disclosed grip.

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.