BASEBALL BAT WITH A DOG LEG TYPE HANDLE
United States Patent 3554545
A baseball bat characterized by an improved handle section which facilitates swinging of the bat during use to improve the batter's hitting power and effectiveness. The handle section is formed with a dog leg configuration which imparts a laterally offset contour thereto relative to the bat longitudinal axis. The handle section is generally symmetrical in transverse cross section and preferably is circular in cross section throughout its length to facilitate gripping thereof.
US Patent References:
Grip for golf clubs
Pardoe - June 1937 - 2084591
Baseball bat
Janis - February 1946 - 2394184
Golf club grip
Mishkinis - February 1953 - 2627410
Rescue ax
Bishaf - July 1957 - 2798292
Grip for golf clubs
Pardoe - June 1937 - 2084591
Baseball bat
Janis - February 1946 - 2394184
Golf club grip
Mishkinis - February 1953 - 2627410
Rescue ax
Bishaf - July 1957 - 2798292
Inventors:
Mann, Kenneth M. (San Francisco, CA)
Allen, Willis C. (Belmont, CA)
Allen, Willis C. (Belmont, CA)
Application Number:
04/838411
Publication Date:
01/12/1971
Filing Date:
07/02/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A63B59/06; A63B59/00; A63B59/06
Field of Search:
273/72,67,67(4)(5)(6)(7),81,81.3 145/2,(AXEHANDLES) 34/5(9.3)
Primary Examiner:
Oechsle, Anton O.
Assistant Examiner:
Apley, Richard J.
Claims:
We claim
1. An improved baseball bat having an elongated body comprising a handle section at one end thereof and a ball striking section at the other end thereof, said ball striking section and said handle section being generally circular in cross section throughout their length with said handle section being of smaller diameter than said ball striking section; said handle section having a first portion that is tapered and progressively decreases in size from said ball striking section toward an intermediate point, and a second portion that is tapered and progressively increases in size from said intermediate point toward the end of said handle section; said first portion being inclined at an angle in one direction relative to the longitudinal axis of said bat and said second portion being inclined relative to said longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to said first portion, whereby a dog leg configuration is imparted to said handle section.
2. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said handle section is generally symmetrical in transverse cross section throughout its length.
3. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said first handle portion is inclined generally away from said longitudinal axis of said bat and said second handle portion is inclined generally back toward said axis.
4. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said dog leg configuration defines a concavity along one side of said handle section, and in which said ball striking section includes a generally straight ball striking surface along the same side of said bat in which said concavity is formed.
5. The improved baseball bat of claim 4 in which the side of said bat opposite said one side is generally straight throughout said ball striking section and into at least a substantial portion of said handle section.
6. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said ball striking section is generally straight and of substantially uniform diameter throughout a major portion of its length.
1. An improved baseball bat having an elongated body comprising a handle section at one end thereof and a ball striking section at the other end thereof, said ball striking section and said handle section being generally circular in cross section throughout their length with said handle section being of smaller diameter than said ball striking section; said handle section having a first portion that is tapered and progressively decreases in size from said ball striking section toward an intermediate point, and a second portion that is tapered and progressively increases in size from said intermediate point toward the end of said handle section; said first portion being inclined at an angle in one direction relative to the longitudinal axis of said bat and said second portion being inclined relative to said longitudinal axis in a direction opposite to said first portion, whereby a dog leg configuration is imparted to said handle section.
2. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said handle section is generally symmetrical in transverse cross section throughout its length.
3. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said first handle portion is inclined generally away from said longitudinal axis of said bat and said second handle portion is inclined generally back toward said axis.
4. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said dog leg configuration defines a concavity along one side of said handle section, and in which said ball striking section includes a generally straight ball striking surface along the same side of said bat in which said concavity is formed.
5. The improved baseball bat of claim 4 in which the side of said bat opposite said one side is generally straight throughout said ball striking section and into at least a substantial portion of said handle section.
6. The improved baseball bat of claim 1 in which said ball striking section is generally straight and of substantially uniform diameter throughout a major portion of its length.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of sporting goods and particularly to the field of bat constructions used for striking a thrown ball. Reference is directed to a baseball bat construction but the improved bat of this invention is usable for softball and other sporting games in which a hand held bat is swung to strike another object, such as a pitched ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
2. Description of the Prior Art
So far s as is known, the particular improved handle construction of the present bat has been unknown in the art heretofore. Attempts have been made to improve the effectiveness of batters by modifying the well known straight tapered configuration of prior bats, such as illustrated generally in Janis U. S. Pat. No. 2,394,184dated Aug. 9, 1943. However, the particular improved handle structure of this invention in which a bat handle is formed with a unique offset dog leg configuration has not been known heretofore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a baseball bat or like sporting device intended to be manually grasped and swung to strike a ball or other object thrown or otherwise directed towards or positioned adjacent the person utilizing the bat. Heretofore, baseball bats have been formed with a generally standard configuration defined by an elongated tapered ball striking section which merges into an elongated tapered straight handle section by which the bat is grasped by the batter.
The present invention incorporates into a bat construction an improved handle section which is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the bat and is provided with a particular angled contour designed to provide greater hitting power and increased hitting effectiveness to the batter utilizing the same. The subject bat preferably is formed with a tapered configuration of symmetrical cross-sectional contour throughout its handle section to facilitate grasping thereof. Such cross sectional contour preferably is circular. By way of simplicity of definition, the offset handle section of the improved bat may be described as having a dog leg configuration defined by a first inclined portion which extends in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the bat and by another integral inclined portion which projects back towards the longitudinal axis of the bat, whereby the dog leg configuration noted is imparted thereto.
From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include: the provision of an improved baseball or like bat construction; the provision of a bat construction having an improved handle section in conjunction therewith; the provision of an improved bat incorporating therein a handle section of dog leg contour; and the provision of an improved bat having an offset handle section designed to facilitate grasping thereof during swinging and to enhance the power and effectiveness of the batter using the same.
These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the subject bat.
FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof.
FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the end of the bat at which the handle section terminates taken in the plane of line 3 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are sectional views taken in the planes of lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6, respectively of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view taken in the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 2 at the end at which the ball striking section terminates.
FIG. 8 is a generally schematic view illustrating the manner in which the bat is grasped during use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The illustrated and preferred embodiment of the improved bat construction of this invention comprises an elongated body 1 defined by two principal sections, namely a ball striking section 2 and a handle section 3 along which the bat is to be grasped and held by the person using the same. In generally known fashion, ball striking section 2 is straight and extends for a substantial portion of the total length of the bat. In an area designated generally by reference numeral 4, the ball striking section merges into handle section 3.
As seen from FIGS. 3 through 7, the preferred embodiment preferably is symmetrical in transverse cross section for its full length, with a generally circular cross-sectional contour being preferred in the ball striking section and particularly in the handle section. The intermediate transitional area 4 also preferably is circular in cross section.
The relative dimensions of the bat may vary in known fashion to meet established needs. However, it is anticipated that an important field of utilization of the subject bat will be used by children in conjunction with their sports activities. Accordingly by way of example, one embodiment is visualized which is 2 feet 6 inches in length with a maximum diameter of approximately 21/2inches in the ball striking section 2. Such a bat would be effective for use in Little League activities, for example.
However, as noted, utility of the subject bat and its improved characteristics are not restricted to use by children but the bat may be used by adult baseball players and other sports figures in which a device is swung to strike a ball or other object hurled at or positioned adjacent the person using the bat. In such case, the bat dimensions would be varied to meet the needs of its adult users. Thus, because of the improved efficiency and effectiveness of the batter utilizing the present invention, and because the same provides additional power to the batter due to its unique angularly offset handle construction, it is contemplated that the bat will be utilized by batters at various ages and stages of their sports development.
Such improved power and effectiveness is imparted to the batter by the subject bat construction due to the novel and specially designed handle section 3 provided thereon. As best seen from FIG. 1, such handle section is formed with an offset contour which can best be described as dog leg in configuration. That is, the handle section includes a first portion which is offset and inclined for a portion of its length in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 6 of the bat for a predetermined extent of its length. Another portion of the handle section extends in a direction back towards the bat axis to complete the dog leg contour of the handle. The bat handle section terminates in an enlarged rim 7 of conventional construction designed to preclude accidental slipping of the bat from the hands of the batter during use thereof.
It will be noted that the handle section progressively tapers or decreases in diameter from a maximum diameter adjacent the ball striking section 3 toward a point 8 located generally intermediate the handle section. The handle section progressively increases in diameter from point 8 toward rim 7 which defines one end of the bat body.
As also noted from FIG. 1, the dog leg configuration imparts a generally concave surface 9 to one side of the bat handle. However, the opposite surface 11 of the bat is generally straight from one end thereof through the ball striking surface into and through a substantial portion of the length of the handle section. A ball striking surface, generally straight but of less strength than surface 11, is provided opposite surface 11 above the handle section 3.
It should be understood that when the subject bat is grasped by the user, it is held much in the same fashion as an axe handle is held by a person chopping wood. That is, the concave handle surface 9 is held in a position away from the body of the user with the opposite generally straight elongated surface 11 positioned close to the body. Thus the ball striking surface 12 of the bat is positioned away from the body and oriented to contact the ball when the bat is swung. The position of the bat when the same is held ready for swinging is shown in FIG. 8. It should be understood that the illustrated offset handle construction and the manner in which the bat is grasped during use bring the muscles of the forearms and shoulders of the batter more into play during a swing. Thus, batting posture is improved and hitting power is increased accordingly.
The subject bat preferably is made from hard wood in line with accepted practice but it is visualized that other materials, such as plastic, may be used for special purposes.
While attempts have been made heretofore to improve the effectiveness of baseball and like bat constructions, as described in the aforementioned examplary Janis U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,184, so far as is known, prior attempts have been unsuccessful in providing a bat construction effective for its stated purpose of improving the batter's power and hitting ability, as is believed evidenced by the fact that baseball bats and similar devices available on the market have undergone little, if any, change over the years. The present invention is believed to satisfy the needs in that regard and the improved offset handle structure of the present invention is effective for that purpose.
Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention and its novel features, attention is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of sporting goods and particularly to the field of bat constructions used for striking a thrown ball. Reference is directed to a baseball bat construction but the improved bat of this invention is usable for softball and other sporting games in which a hand held bat is swung to strike another object, such as a pitched ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
2. Description of the Prior Art
So far s as is known, the particular improved handle construction of the present bat has been unknown in the art heretofore. Attempts have been made to improve the effectiveness of batters by modifying the well known straight tapered configuration of prior bats, such as illustrated generally in Janis U. S. Pat. No. 2,394,184dated Aug. 9, 1943. However, the particular improved handle structure of this invention in which a bat handle is formed with a unique offset dog leg configuration has not been known heretofore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a baseball bat or like sporting device intended to be manually grasped and swung to strike a ball or other object thrown or otherwise directed towards or positioned adjacent the person utilizing the bat. Heretofore, baseball bats have been formed with a generally standard configuration defined by an elongated tapered ball striking section which merges into an elongated tapered straight handle section by which the bat is grasped by the batter.
The present invention incorporates into a bat construction an improved handle section which is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the bat and is provided with a particular angled contour designed to provide greater hitting power and increased hitting effectiveness to the batter utilizing the same. The subject bat preferably is formed with a tapered configuration of symmetrical cross-sectional contour throughout its handle section to facilitate grasping thereof. Such cross sectional contour preferably is circular. By way of simplicity of definition, the offset handle section of the improved bat may be described as having a dog leg configuration defined by a first inclined portion which extends in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the bat and by another integral inclined portion which projects back towards the longitudinal axis of the bat, whereby the dog leg configuration noted is imparted thereto.
From the foregoing, it should be understood that objects of this invention include: the provision of an improved baseball or like bat construction; the provision of a bat construction having an improved handle section in conjunction therewith; the provision of an improved bat incorporating therein a handle section of dog leg contour; and the provision of an improved bat having an offset handle section designed to facilitate grasping thereof during swinging and to enhance the power and effectiveness of the batter using the same.
These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the subject bat.
FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof.
FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the end of the bat at which the handle section terminates taken in the plane of line 3 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are sectional views taken in the planes of lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6, respectively of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view taken in the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 2 at the end at which the ball striking section terminates.
FIG. 8 is a generally schematic view illustrating the manner in which the bat is grasped during use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The illustrated and preferred embodiment of the improved bat construction of this invention comprises an elongated body 1 defined by two principal sections, namely a ball striking section 2 and a handle section 3 along which the bat is to be grasped and held by the person using the same. In generally known fashion, ball striking section 2 is straight and extends for a substantial portion of the total length of the bat. In an area designated generally by reference numeral 4, the ball striking section merges into handle section 3.
As seen from FIGS. 3 through 7, the preferred embodiment preferably is symmetrical in transverse cross section for its full length, with a generally circular cross-sectional contour being preferred in the ball striking section and particularly in the handle section. The intermediate transitional area 4 also preferably is circular in cross section.
The relative dimensions of the bat may vary in known fashion to meet established needs. However, it is anticipated that an important field of utilization of the subject bat will be used by children in conjunction with their sports activities. Accordingly by way of example, one embodiment is visualized which is 2 feet 6 inches in length with a maximum diameter of approximately 21/2inches in the ball striking section 2. Such a bat would be effective for use in Little League activities, for example.
However, as noted, utility of the subject bat and its improved characteristics are not restricted to use by children but the bat may be used by adult baseball players and other sports figures in which a device is swung to strike a ball or other object hurled at or positioned adjacent the person using the bat. In such case, the bat dimensions would be varied to meet the needs of its adult users. Thus, because of the improved efficiency and effectiveness of the batter utilizing the present invention, and because the same provides additional power to the batter due to its unique angularly offset handle construction, it is contemplated that the bat will be utilized by batters at various ages and stages of their sports development.
Such improved power and effectiveness is imparted to the batter by the subject bat construction due to the novel and specially designed handle section 3 provided thereon. As best seen from FIG. 1, such handle section is formed with an offset contour which can best be described as dog leg in configuration. That is, the handle section includes a first portion which is offset and inclined for a portion of its length in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 6 of the bat for a predetermined extent of its length. Another portion of the handle section extends in a direction back towards the bat axis to complete the dog leg contour of the handle. The bat handle section terminates in an enlarged rim 7 of conventional construction designed to preclude accidental slipping of the bat from the hands of the batter during use thereof.
It will be noted that the handle section progressively tapers or decreases in diameter from a maximum diameter adjacent the ball striking section 3 toward a point 8 located generally intermediate the handle section. The handle section progressively increases in diameter from point 8 toward rim 7 which defines one end of the bat body.
As also noted from FIG. 1, the dog leg configuration imparts a generally concave surface 9 to one side of the bat handle. However, the opposite surface 11 of the bat is generally straight from one end thereof through the ball striking surface into and through a substantial portion of the length of the handle section. A ball striking surface, generally straight but of less strength than surface 11, is provided opposite surface 11 above the handle section 3.
It should be understood that when the subject bat is grasped by the user, it is held much in the same fashion as an axe handle is held by a person chopping wood. That is, the concave handle surface 9 is held in a position away from the body of the user with the opposite generally straight elongated surface 11 positioned close to the body. Thus the ball striking surface 12 of the bat is positioned away from the body and oriented to contact the ball when the bat is swung. The position of the bat when the same is held ready for swinging is shown in FIG. 8. It should be understood that the illustrated offset handle construction and the manner in which the bat is grasped during use bring the muscles of the forearms and shoulders of the batter more into play during a swing. Thus, batting posture is improved and hitting power is increased accordingly.
The subject bat preferably is made from hard wood in line with accepted practice but it is visualized that other materials, such as plastic, may be used for special purposes.
While attempts have been made heretofore to improve the effectiveness of baseball and like bat constructions, as described in the aforementioned examplary Janis U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,184, so far as is known, prior attempts have been unsuccessful in providing a bat construction effective for its stated purpose of improving the batter's power and hitting ability, as is believed evidenced by the fact that baseball bats and similar devices available on the market have undergone little, if any, change over the years. The present invention is believed to satisfy the needs in that regard and the improved offset handle structure of the present invention is effective for that purpose.
Having thus made a full disclosure of this invention and its novel features, attention is directed to the appended claims for the scope of protection to be afforded thereto.