Abstract:
A ball bat includes a barrel portion, a handle portion, and a joint connecting the handle portion to the barrel portion. In some embodiments, the joint includes a releasable connector configured to releasably connect the barrel portion to the handle portion. In some embodiments, the joint includes two releasable connectors to releasably connect the barrel portion to the handle portion. The ball bat may include a flexible rod element positioned between the two releasable connectors. The rod element may include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the ball bat may further include a safety connector between the barrel portion and the handle portion or a releasable connector may include a threaded connection to resist release of the releasable connector. In some embodiments, the joint may include a rotatable element for adjusting flex.
Abstract:
A swing training device for improving the batting mechanics of baseball players includes a device handle for gripping by a player in the manner of a baseball bat handle and a device barrel having a ball striking surface. The device barrel is interfaced at an angle from about 20° to about 40° to the device handle. At least the ball striking surface of the device barrel is formed in the size and circular shape of a baseball bat barrel. A joint maybe provided for interfacing the device barrel to the device handle at the desired angle of interface, in which case threaded bolts are utilized to attach the device handle and the device barrel to the joint. Longitudinally oriented threaded bores are provided on substantially planar faces of the device handle and the device barrel to matingly receive the bolts.
Abstract:
Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.
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:
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:
In one embodiment of the invention, a baseball swing trainer apparatus includes: a first end section; a second end section; a hand grip section between the first end section and the second end section; and a bat coupled to the first end section and to the second end section.
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:
Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.
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.