Games using tangible projectile – Player held and powered – nonmechanical projector – per se,... – Bat
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-15
2001-09-11
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Player held and powered, nonmechanical projector, per se,...
Bat
Reexamination Certificate
active
06287222
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to softball and baseball bats, and more particularly to such bats having an exterior shell covering at least a portion of the bat.
In an effort to continually improve bats, manufacturers seek out new materials and designs. Most top of the line bats utilize the highest tensile and yield-strength alloys available, such as the 7000 series hard alloys, titanium and composites, all of which are readily available to manufacturers. Thus, in an effort to differentiate products constructed of the same materials, manufacturers and engineers focus on the development of features that will enhance the performance and durability of the bat. To this end, there have been several attempts to design bats which include structural features to maximize performance and/or reinforce the interior of the tube for increased durability.
One such attempt was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,095, assigned to Easton, Inc., which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, is directed to a tubular metal ball bat internally reinforced with fiber composite. The bat comprises a hollow metal tube including a metal sleeve compressively engaged with the interior of the tube. The sleeve is formed of carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,777, issued to McNeely, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, is directed to a ball bat with rebound core. The McNeely invention comprises a hollow tube having a tube wall including a barrel portion, a tapered portion and a handle portion. The bat includes an inner damper that is covered by a resilient attenuator sleeve. The inner damper is inserted into the hollow tube such that the resilient attenuator sleeve is compressed between the inner damper and the tube wall. A cap covers the open top of the tube and a knob is installed to the open bottom.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,398, issued to Eggiman, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, is directed to a softball bat having a tubular insert. A tubular aluminum bat frame is provided with a large diameter impact portion, an intermediate tapering portion, and a small-diameter handle portion. A tubular insert is suspended within the impact portion by interference fits at each insert end. A gap exists along the length of the suspended insert separating the insert from the interior of the impact portion. The gap is filled with grease to facilitate relative movement between the insert and the tubular frame when a ball is batted.
All of the aforementioned devices utilize an interior reinforcing mechanism with an exterior tube of uniform wall thickness. What is needed then, is a bat having an exterior shell covering and in direct communication with a portion of the bat body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The bat of the present invention comprises a tubular body having a handle portion, a tapered mid-section and a barrel or impact portion. The bat further includes an exterior shell disposed about the barrel portion of the bat in a manner that enables unrestricted movement of the shell upon impact with a ball. The opposing ends of the shell are cooperatively tapered with opposing ends of the barrel portion.
An interior surface of the shell is preferably in direct flush engagement with an exterior surface of the barrel portion; however, it is also comtemplated that the surfaces may contact one another at random locations.
An annular indentation or dimple is formed in the body at the point at which the barrel portion merges with the tapered mid-section. The handle portion of the bat terminates at a knob attached, and the open ends of the barrel portion and the shell are covered by an end cap.
The bat may be constructed from any suitable material, such as aluminum, titanium, composites and the like.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bat having a handle portion, a mid-section and a barrel portion with an exterior shell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bat having an exterior shell with opposing ends that are cooperatively tapered with opposing ends of the barrel portion.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a bat wherein the barrel portion and the mid-section merge at an annular indentation.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a bat having a shell with an interior surface that directly engages an exterior surface of the barrel portion.
These and other objects, features and advantages shall become apparent after consideration of the description and drawings set forth herein. All such objects, features and advantages are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention even though not specifically set forth herein.
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Beavers Lucian Wayne
Graham Mark S.
Waddey & Patterson
Worth, Inc.
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