DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a ball bat 10 in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally at 10. The bat 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as a softball bat, however, the invention is also directly applicable to baseball bats and other ball bats. The ball bat 10 includes a bat body 12 and a performance adjusting attachment 14. The bat body 12 is an elongate frame extending along a longitudinal axis 16. The body 12 is preferably tubular and is preferably formed of a strong, durable material, such as a metal, a metallic alloy or a composite material. In an alternative embodiment, the body 12 can be formed of wood. The body 12 includes an impact portion 18, a handle portion 20, and an intermediate tapered portion 22 that extends between the handle and impact portions 18 and 20.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle portion 20 of the body 12 includes a knob 24 having a knob end surface 26. Preferably, at least a portion of the knob end surface 26 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the bat 10. In a preferred embodiment, the knob 24 includes an aperture 28 extending through the knob end surface 26 along the axis 16. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aperture is at least 0.080 inches.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment 14 is a disk-like member having opposing first and second surfaces 30 and 32. The first surface 30 is generally concave and generally conforms to the knob end surface 26 of the knob 24. The first surface 30 of the attachment 14 is coupled to the knob end surface 26 of the knob 24. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment 14 is connected to the knob 24 by an adhesive. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a layer of double-sided adhesive tape 34 sized to match the mating portions of the first surface 30 and the knob end surface 26, and has a thickness of approximately 45 millimeters. The layer of adhesive tape 34 preferably includes a hole 36, which can be used for receiving a portion of the attachment 14. The double-sided adhesive tape 34 can be a very high bonding adhesive transfer tape, such as 3M® VHB™ 4950 supplied by 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn. The tape 34 has high tensile, shear and peel strength and is resistant to solvents and moisture. In alternative preferred embodiments, other types, sizes and thicknesses of adhesive tape can be used. In other preferred embodiments, the attachment 14 can be coupled to the knob 24 through other means, such as, for example, welding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, one or more fasteners, and combinations thereof.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the second surface 32 of the attachment preferably is generally flat. Alternatively, the second surface can also be concave, convex or have other contours. The second surface 32 preferably includes indicia 38. The indicia 38 can be alphanumeric, graphical or a combination thereof. The indicia 38 can include specification information, advertising information, source data, trademarks, certification marks and combinations thereof. Specification information may include information such as characteristics of the bat, attachment installation instructions, dimensions, warnings, bar codes, test results and design features. Advertising information may include information such as slogans, product ratings, product attributes and information on related products. Certification marks, indicating that the bat 10 complies with specific guidelines, standards or requirements of an Industry group for competitive play, can be applied to the second surface 32. The second surface 32 is advantageously sized to enable a certification mark to be displayed in a size that meets the quality control requirements of most certification marks. The indicia 38 can be applied to the second surface 32 of the attachment 14 through engraving, screen printing, pad printing, etching, painting, embossing or a combination thereof.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the first surface 30 of the attachment 14 preferably includes an outwardly extending shear pin 40. When attached to the knob 24 of the bat 10 the shear pin 40 extends through the hole 36 of the adhesive tape 34 and into the aperture 28 of the knob 24. The shear pin 40 resists shear and inhibits lateral movement of the attachment 14 relative to the knob end surface 26 of the knob 24. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shear pin 40 has a diameter of approximately 0.80 inches and a length of approximately 0.125 inches. Other shear pin dimensions can also be used.

[0024] The attachment 14 is preferably sized to conform with the knob end surface 26 of the bat 10 and to provide a sufficient amount of weight to achieve the desired adjustment in bat performance characteristics. In particular, the attachment 14 enables adjustment of the “batted ball speed”, commonly referred to as BBS, the center of mass, and the center of percussion of the bat 10. The weight of the attachment 14 is at least 0.5 ounces. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment weighs between 0.5 and 3.0 ounces. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the attachment weighs 2.0 ounces. Other weights for the attachment can also be used. Also, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the attachment 14 has a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches, the diameter of the second surface is approximately 1.55 inches and the diameter of the first surface is approximately 1.726 inches. The attachment 14 can also be sized in alternative dimensions. The attachment is made of a durable material, preferably steel. Alternatively, other materials, or combinations of materials, can also be used such as for example, other metals, composite materials, plastics, or weighted materials.

[0025] The attachment 14 can be easily and quickly installed onto a new or existing bat. The attachment is configured for easy installation by the user of the bat, a retailer, or in a bat production facility. One method that can be used to install the attachment 14 to the knob 24 is described below. Other methods can be also be used. First the bat 10 and the attachment 14 are obtained. The knob end surface 26 of the bat 10 is then inspected for the presence of stickers or irregularities. If a sticker is identified on the knob end surface, it is removed. The knob end surface 26 is then cleaned, with an alcohol wipe, cleansing pad or other comparable means, to remove any dirt, debris, or residual adhesive from the knob end surface. The knob end surface is then allowed to dry, preferably for at least 30 seconds.

[0026] The layer of adhesive tape 34 is applied to one or both of the first surface of the attachment and the knob end surface of the knob. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the layer of adhesive tape 34 is pre-attached to first surface of the attachment and a removable cover layer is positioned on the exposed surface of the adhesive layer. The shear pin of the attachment preferably extends through the hole of the layer of adhesive tape 34. The removable cover layer is then peeled off, or otherwise removed from, the layer of adhesive to expose the adhesive tape 34. The attachment 14 is then aligned with the knob end surface. In particular, the shear pin is aligned with the aperture of the knob end surface 26 of the knob 24. The attachment 14 is then placed over the knob end surface 26 and firmly applied to the knob 24. Preferably, pressure to firmly apply the attachment to the knob 24 is applied for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. The bat 10, with the installed attachment, is then preferably allowed to cure. The cure period can be within one hour or as great as 48 hours. The bat 10 is then ready for use.

[0027] The present invention provides a fast, reliable and permanent means of adjusting the performance characteristics of a bat. Ease of implementation and the effectiveness of the present invention enables the attachment to be readily installed by players, retailers, dealers, and bat producers. The durability and effectiveness of the attachment along with its ease of installation, allows the attachment to be effectively used by players, dealers, retailers and bat producers to quickly adjust the performance of a bat without requiring the bats to be recalled, and reworked or remanufactured. The configuration of the attachment is also well suited for receiving a certification mark, or other marking, which provides a highly visible and easily detectable means of differentiating a bat with an attachment from one without an attachment. Additionally, the attachment can be sized to match the desired performance adjustment for a specific bat, specific bat model or specific bat line.

[0028] The performance adjusting attributes of the present invention are further illustrated by the following example. The present invention is not limited to the following example, and various changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

EXAMPLE

[0029] A single bat, a DeMarini® Doublewall™ Classic™, was tested on three separate dates by an independent testing facility, Sports Science Center of New York, N.Y. Sports Science Center is an approved testing facility of the ASA, and the tests were performed in accordance with the ASA Bat Performance Standards. The tests include a determination of the term “Batted Ball Speed” (“BBS”), which refers to the velocity derived from the bat performace factor calculations set forth in Section 4.3.10 of ASTM Standard F1890-01 (hereby incorporated by reference). The BBS calculation uses the following variables.

[0030] (1) V=Bat Swing Speed (mph)=the greater of 70 mph*(30 oz./W)^1/4 or 70 mph.

[0031] (2) v=Pitch Speed (mph)=10 mph

[0032] (3) W=Bat Weight (oz.)=actual bat weight

[0033] (4) w=Bat Weight (oz.)=6.5 oz.

[0034] (5) I=Moment of Inertia=as calculated by ASTM F1890-01

[0035] (6) e=Bat-Ball COR=as calculated by Section 6.1 of ASTM F1890-01

[0036] (7) a=Distance from pivot to center of mass=as calculated per the ASTM Standard

[0037] (8) R=Distance from pivot to center of percussion=as calculated per the ASTM Standard

[0038] (9) k=Bat-Ball Inertia Ratio=the value drived from performing the calculations described in Section 4.3.9 of ASTM F1890-01

[0039] A ball COR of 0.47 ±0.01 is used in lieu of Section 5.2.1.5 of ASTM F1890-01.

[0040] Each of the three tests of the single bat included measurement of the bat's center of mass, center of percussion and BBS. The first test was performed on the bat without an attachment. The second test was performed the bat with a first attachment having a weight of 1.0 ounces. The third test was performed on the bat with a second attachment having a weight of 2.0 ounces. The results of each test are shown in the following table. 1

[0041] The test results indicate that with an attachment of 1.0 ounces the BBS dropped by 2.7 feet per second, and with an attachment of 2.0 ounces the BBS dropped by a total of 4.5 feet per second. Additionally, the attachment also draws the center of mass closer to the handle portion of the bat, and moves the center of percussion toward the distal or barrel end of the bat. The tests illustrate that bat performance characteristics of a bat, including, for example, BBS, center of mass, and center of percussion, can be adjusted by attaching the attachment to the knob of the bat.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, in alternative preferred embodiments, the attachment can be formed in different configurations. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment 114 is formed without a shear pin and is formed in separate dimensions. The attachment 114 can be attached to the knob end of a bat in the same manner as the attachment 14 of FIGS. 1-3. Referring to FIG. 6, the attachment 214 is an annular member having a centrally positioned opening 216. The attachment 214 distributes the weight of the attachment to its periphery. The attachment 214 can be configured to add a minimal amount of length, or no extra length, to the bat when attached to the bat 10. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an attachment 314 in two distinct sizes. The attachment 314 includes a centrally positioned channel 316 for receiving a fastener 318. The fastener 316 is a self-tapping screw that threads into the knob end surface of the knob at the aperture. Other types of fasteners can also be used, such as, for example, rivets, resilient plugs, an expandable-type fastener. Additionally, two or more fasteners can also be used.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, in another alternative preferred embodiment the attachment 414 includes a flange region 416 configured to resiliently engage the knob 24 of the bat 10. At least a portion of the attachment 414 is formed of a resilient material. In other alternative embodiments, the attachment can take other shapes, such as, for example, rectangular, polygonal or irregular.

[0044] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art, for example, the attachment can be a multi-piece attachment. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.