U.S. patent application number 09/828774 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for bat with high moment of inertia to weight ratio and method of fabrication.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE, INC.. Invention is credited to Feeney, Brian P., Kennedy, Thomas J. III, LaLiberty, Ronald P..
Application Number | 20030008735 09/828774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27502015 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030008735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feeney, Brian P. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2003 |
Bat with high moment of inertia to weight ratio and method of
fabrication
Abstract
The present invention relates to a bat with improved playing
characteristics. Although the present invention will be described
generally, the present invention can be employed with softball,
baseball and other types of game bats. Specifically, the present
invention relates to a bat with a moment of inertia to weight ratio
that is higher then conventional bats. This improved ratio is
achieved by producing a bat that is lighter than conventional bats
without altering the bat's moment of inertia. The higher ratio of
the present invention allows for faster swing speeds with no loss
in power. These improved playing characteristics can be achieved in
either an aluminum or a composite bat.
Inventors: |
Feeney, Brian P.; (East
Windsor, CT) ; Kennedy, Thomas J. III; (Wilbraham,
MA) ; LaLiberty, Ronald P.; (Dudley, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHELLE BUGBEE, ASSOCIATE PATENT COUNSEL
SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE INC
425 MEADOW STREET
PO BOX 901
CHICOPEE
MA
01021-0901
US
|
Assignee: |
SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
27502015 |
Appl. No.: |
09/828774 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09828774 |
Apr 9, 2001 |
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09311513 |
May 13, 1999 |
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6344007 |
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09311513 |
May 13, 1999 |
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08911337 |
Aug 14, 1997 |
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08911337 |
Aug 14, 1997 |
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08669072 |
Jun 24, 1996 |
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08669072 |
Jun 24, 1996 |
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08595535 |
Feb 2, 1996 |
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5722908 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/567 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/18 20151001;
A63B 59/50 20151001; A63B 2209/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/567 |
International
Class: |
A63B 059/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of fabricating a softball bat with a handle, a barrel
and an intermediate zone comprising, in combination: providing at
least one interior layer of a composite material extending the full
length of the bat; providing at least one additional layer of a
composite material in the barrel area; providing a plurality of
plies of composite material of varying lengths for the entire
handle and various portions of the intermediate zone; providing a
plurality of plies of composite material of varying lengths for the
entire handle and entire intermediate zone and portions of the
barrel; positioning an exterior-most ply of an adhesive material
over the composites in the barrel area; adhering a metal tube over
the exterior of the barrel, the tube having a thickness of between
about 0.025 and 0.070 inches; and molding the plies and metal tube
together whereby the lightweight shell is finished and end loaded
to create a moment of inertia to weight ratio of between about 370
and 420 oz-in.sup.2 and an overall weight less than 28.5
ounces.
2. The method as described in claim 1 wherein the metal tube is
positioned on the inside of the composite structure.
3. The method as disclosed in claim 1 wherein the metal tube is
made from high strength stainless steel, preferably Carpenter
Specialty Alloy Custom 465, with a wall thickness between about
0.020 and 0.040 inches.
4. The method as disclosed in claim 1 wherein the barrel is made
from aluminum with a wall thickness of between about 0.040 and
0.070 inches.
5. The method as set forth in claim 1 and further including a cap
over the free end of the barrel and a cap over the free end of the
handle.
6. A method of fabricating a softball bat shell comprising:
providing a hollow handle end of an enlarged thickness of composite
material having an opened first end, a second end and an
intermediate region therebetween; providing a hollow hitting end of
a reduced thickness of composite material having a first end, an
opened second end and an intermediate region therebetween;
providing a hollow frusto-conical transition zone of a composite
material with an increasing diameter along its length having a
first end continuous with the second end of the handle end and a
second end continuous with the fist end of the hitting end;
positioning a metal tubular barrel over the hitting end; and
molding the handle end, hitting portion, transition zone and barrel
to thereby define a wall having a thickness of between about 0.090
and 0.12 inches in the handle end, a composite thickness of between
about 0.015 and 0.045 inches in the hitting end, a total barrel
thickness of about 0.030 to 0.095 inches, with the overall bat
shell weight being within the range of 16 to 21 ounces and a length
of about 34 inches.
7. The method as set forth in claim 3 wherein the molding is
effected through the application of heat and pressure to the
composite material with the tubular metal insert over the hitting
end and with an adhesive therebetween.
8. A softball bat comprising, in combination: a handle end having
an opened first end, a second end and an intermediate extent
therebetween; a knob secured to the first end of the handle; a
hitting portion having a first end, an opened second end and an
intermediate extent therebetween; an end closure for the opened
second end of the hitting portion; a transition zone having a first
end continuous with the second end of the handle end and a second
end continuous with the first end of the hitting portion; the
handle end, hitting portion and transition zone each being defined
by a continuous wall throughout; and the wall thicknesses being
selected such that a finished bat with an overall mass moment of
inertia to weight ratio greater than 350 oz-in.sup.2, preferably
between about 370 and 410 oz-in.sup.2, and a weight less than 28.5
ounces can be produced.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/911,337 filed Aug. 14, 1997, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/669,072
filed Jun. 24, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat.
No. 08/595,535 filed Feb. 2, 1996, the subject matter of which
applications are included by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a bat and its method of
fabrication and more particularly pertains increasing the moment of
inertia to weight ratio of bats for improved playing
characteristics.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] There are several techniques in the prior art for the
construction of bats. Prior art bats have typically been
constructed from wood, metal or a composite-type material. All such
bats have a hitting region, a handle region, and a transition area
intermediate the hitting and handle regions. Typically, the hitting
area has an outer diameter which is substantially larger than
either the handle or transition areas. Additionally, bats
constructed from metal are typically formed with a hollow interior.
Most metal bats are constructed by way of a swaging and/or drawing
process. Such a process starts with a metal cylinder of a uniform
diameter. The handle and transition areas are then worked until the
appropriate diameters are achieved. The bats described herein can
be made in accordance with co-pending applications 08/669,072 or
08/595,535. Both of the above described manufacturing techniques
have typically produced bats with moment of inertia (MOI) to weight
ratios of between 290 to 340 oz-in.sup.2 for slow pitch softball
bats, less for fast pitch softball bats when the MOI is measured
about a reference point six inches from the end of the handle
portion of the bat as described in the Standard Test Method for
Measuring Bat Performance Factors, Revision 6.1 Proposed ASTM
Method by Dr. Brandt of NYU.
[0006] Typical bat constructions are illustrated in the following
U.S. Patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,572 to MacKay, Jr.
discloses a full barrel aluminum baseball bat and end cap
construction. U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,055 to MacKay, Jr. discloses a
ball bat with a concentrated weight load. U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,163
to Lanctot et al discloses a baseball bat with a tubular member
positioned in the interior of the bat at substantially the handle
portion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,453 to Douglas discloses a ball bat
with an inward off-set center of gravity. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,746,117
and 4,834,370 to Noble each disclose a tubular bat with an
optimized power zone. U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,330 to Worst discloses a
baseball bat with an improved hitting surface and less mass. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,854,316 to Wilson discloses a method of making a hollow
metal bat with a uniform wall thickness. U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,130 to
Scott, Jr. et al. discloses a ball bat system utilizing a hollow
metal body and a swaging process. U.S. Pat. No. 3,729,196 to Heald,
Jr. discloses a metal bat having a hollow metal casing formed from
a tube. Lastly, foreign patent Japanese application Serial Number
4-271120 published Sep. 14, 1992 to Higuchi and assigned to Mizuno
Corporation discloses a bat and forming method therefor.
[0007] As illustrated by the great number of patents as well as
commercial game bats, efforts are continuously being made in an
attempt to improve the playing characteristics of such bats. Such
efforts are made to render bats of ever increasing capabilities
during play. None of these previous efforts, however, provides the
benefits attendant with the present invention. Additionally, the
prior patents and commercial devices do not suggest the present
inventive combination of methods steps and component elements
arranged and configured as disclosed and claimed herein. The
present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects and
advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of
method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum
number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture
and by employing only readily available materials.
[0008] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to
provide a bat with an increased moment of inertia to weight ratio.
This improved ratio is achieved by producing a bat that is lighter
than conventional bats without altering the bat's moment of
inertia. The improved ratio, and corresponding improved playing
characteristics, can be achieved using many materials including
aluminum, aluminum/composite, all composite, or other
materials.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
lighter bat that allows for faster swing speeds and increased
amounts of power delivered to the ball at impact.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
improved manufacturing techniques for the construction of bats.
[0011] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide bats which are susceptible of a low cost of manufacture
with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly are
then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public,
thereby making such bats economically available to the buying
public.
[0012] In this respect, the game bat according to the present
invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and
designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus
primarily developed for the purpose of increasing playing
characteristics.
[0013] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be
merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and
applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial
results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a
different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the
disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding
of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the
invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments
in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention is defined by the attached claims with the
specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings. For the
purposes of summarizing the present invention, the present
invention essentially comprises a softball bat including a handle
end having an opened first end, a second end and an intermediate
extent therebetween. A knob is positioned over the first end of the
handle to enable a player to swing the bat. A hitting portion is
also included which is defined by a first end, an opened second end
and an intermediate extent therebetween. An end cap is fitted into
the opened second end of the hitting portion. The bat also includes
a transition zone which has a first end continuous with the second
end of the handle end and a second end continuous with the first
end of the hitting portion. The handle end, hitting portion and
transition zone are each constructed from aluminum. Furthermore,
the handle, transition zone and hitting portion are each defined by
a generally uniform wall thickness throughout. The wall thickness
is selected such that an overall mass moment of inertia to weight
ratio greater than 350 oz-in.sup.2 and a weight less than 28.5
ounces can be produced. Also included is the method of fabricating
such bat.
[0015] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention. The detailed
description of the invention that follows is offered so that the
present contribution to the art may be more fully appreciated.
Additional features of the intention will be described hereinafter.
These form the subject of the claims of the invention.
[0016] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a more succinct understanding of the nature and objects
of the invention, reference should be directed to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the aluminum bat
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the bat constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
2.
[0021] FIG. 3A is an alternate embodiment for the end cap of the
bat.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
2.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
2.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
2.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken centrally through a
composite bat constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the ply layers used in
fabricating the bat of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 but with
the metal on the interior.
[0028] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through
the various Figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved
bat with enhanced playing characteristics embodying the principles
and concepts of the present invention will next be described.
[0030] The present invention will be described in conjunction with
game bats generally. The present invention, however, finds
particular application in conjunction with softball and baseball
bats. Specifically, the present invention relates to a bat with a
moment of inertia to weight ratio that is higher than conventional
bats. This improved ratio is achieved by producing a lighter bat
without altering the moment of inertia. The higher ratio of the
present invention allows for faster swing speeds with no loss in
power. This, in turn, means more energy is available at impact to
transfer to the ball.
[0031] One possible version of the current invention would consist
of a handle end, transition zone, and hitting end that are each
constructed of aluminum. In this all-aluminum version, the handle
area and transition areas would be thinner and therefore lighter
than traditional all-aluminum bats. A second version of the
invention would utilize a composite and aluminum construction. This
construction incorporates a lightweight composite handle and
transition areas joined with an aluminum hitting area.
[0032] In both versions the result is an unfinished bat, often
referred to as a shell, that would be significantly lighter than a
traditional unfinished bat. By addition of a handle knob, grip, end
cap, and end loading this lighter weight-shell can be finished such
that it produces a bat with a mass moment of inertia to weight
ratio that is greater than 350 oz-in.sup.2and a weight less than
28.5 ounces. The various details of the present invention will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0033] The bat of the present invention includes a handle end 20, a
hitting portion 22, a transition zone 24, as well as a hollow
interior. Furthermore, the handle end 20 is defined by an opened
first end 28, a second end 32 and an intermediate extent
therebetween. In order to facilitate a player's grip upon the
handle 20 a handle knob 34 is secured to the first end of the
handle 20. Such a handle knob 34 can be welded, or otherwise
secured, to the handle 20 in a manner known in the prior art. In a
similar fashion, the hitting portion 22 is defined by a first end
36, an opened second end 38 and an intermediate extent
therebetween. Furthermore, to enclose the interior of the bat an
end cap 42 is fitted into, or otherwise secured, to the opened
second end 38 of the hitting portion 22. This end cap, in the
preferred embodiment, is formed from a cast-in-place elastomer such
as urethane.
[0034] An alternative embodiment of the end cap is depicted in FIG.
3A. This secondary embodiment employs an injection molded plastic
end cap with an internal urethane casting. Such an arrangement
provides an end load to the bat. Either of the end cap
embodiments-can be cast in place, or alternatively, glued in place.
Furthermore, the opened second end 38 can be rolled or spun over to
enclose the interior of the bat. The transition zone 24 has a first
end 44 continuous with the second end 32 of the handle end 20 and a
second end 46 which is continuous with the first end 36 of the
hitting portion 22. Thus, the handle 20, transition zone 24 and
hitting portion 22 are co-extensive with one another.
[0035] The increased moment of inertia to weight ratio is achieved
by decreasing the overall weight of the bat without changing the
moment of inertia. This can be achieved by reducing the wall
thickness of the bat in selected areas, which results in a bat that
has a more uniform thickness than the bats of the prior art. To
compensate for the lighter shell and maintain the same MOI, the end
load must be increased. In this manner the weight of the bat is
reduced without a corresponding reduction in the moment of inertia.
The higher ratio results in faster swing speeds and a higher energy
transfer to the ball upon impact.
[0036] In aluminum bats 48 the handle end 20, hitting portion 22
and transition zone 24 are each constructed from aluminum. The
aluminum bat 48 of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-6.
Although aluminum is the preferred embodiment for metal bats, other
metals could be utilized such as titanium alloys or high strength
steel alloys. The more uniform wall thickness, which characterizes
the bat of the present invention, can be achieved through a
combination of a swaging process and a secondary forming or
machining operation. Specifically, in the swaging process an
aluminum cylinder is worked until the transition area 24 and handle
20 are of an appropriate diameter. However, such a process
increases the thickness in both the transition 24 and handle areas
20.
[0037] In other words, when a bat is fabricated from a hollow tube
of metal with a common diameter and thickness throughout, the
conventional swaging process acts generally radially and will
reduce the overall thickness in areas where the exterior diameter
is reduced. As a result, the head of the bat with its enlarged
exterior diameter will have the thinnest wall thickness. The handle
with its reduced exterior diameter will have an increased wall
thickness. The transition area will have an increasing exterior
diameter from the handle to the head with a gradually decreasing
wall thickness along the axial length thereof.
[0038] Aluminum bats 48 fabricated in accordance with the
principles of the present invention provide for a more common wall
thickness throughout the length of the bat through a secondary
forming operation or via the Alcoa method. The wall thickness in
the handle 20 and transition areas 24 will be reduced.
[0039] The increase of the wall thickness in the handle and
transition area is initially created in the primary, generally
radial, swaging operation on the entire bat. The subsequent
decrease of the wall thickness in the handle and transition area is
effected by a secondary swaging operation on only the handle and
the transition area. Such secondary swaging is generally axial and
acts only on the handle and transition area. It functions to
increase the length of the bat in the handle and transition area to
thereby decrease the thickness of the wall in these areas. The
change of wall thickness in the handle and transition areas is to
such an extent as to reduce all swaged areas to a more common wall
thickness throughout the length of the bat. For example, a slow
pitch softball bat using Alcoa's C-405 alloy could have a barrel
thickness measuring 0.072 inches and the handle thickness measuring
between about 0.09 to 0.11 inches.
[0040] Furthermore, alternative swaging can be utilized to form a
transition area 24 of an appropriate diameter without increasing
the wall thickness. Through either method the end result is a
handle end 20, hitting portion 22 and transition zone 24 which are
defined by a generally uniform wall thickness.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment the aluminum bat 48 has a shell
weight in the range from 16 to 21 ounces. The preferred final bat
weight, with grips, knobs 34 end cap and end loading 42 added, is
within the range between 21 to 29 ounces. Furthermore, for softball
bats the combined length of the handle end, hitting portion and
transition zone is within the range from 29 to 34 inches. The wall
thickness and materials are selected such that the overall mass
moment of inertia to weight ratio of the finished bat can be
greater than 350 oz-in.sup.2 with a weight less than 28.5
ounces.
[0042] As indicated hereinabove the bat of the present invention
can be-constructed from a variety of materials or alloys, the
preferred materials being either aluminum or an aluminum/ composite
combination. Note FIG. 7. The aluminum/composite bat is that
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/595,535 which
is incorporated herein by reference. In constructing an
aluminum/composite bat sheets of a composite material are layered
over a mandrel. Thus, in constructing the aluminum/composite bat of
the present invention there is no need for the swaging and
machining processes described hereinabove.
[0043] Specifically, sheets of composite material are layered upon
a mandrel until the desired wall thickness is achieved. The sheets
of composite material are formed from fiberglass or carbon fibers
within an epoxy matrix. As described more fully in the co-pending
application 08/595,535, the sheets are layered so as to leave a
recess within the hitting area. Over this recess a cylindrical
aluminum shell is positioned. Thus, the hitting portion in the
aluminum/composite bat consists of the aluminum shell positioned
over the underlying composite material, while the handle end and
transition zone are each constructed from the composite material.
The handle and transition areas are significantly lighter than
their traditional all-aluminum-counterparts.
[0044] Again, a lightweight handle, transition area and shell
enables a finished bat to be produced with a higher moment of
inertia to weight ratio. In the- preferred embodiment, the
resulting aluminum/composite bat has a shell weight in the range
from 18 to 21 ounces. The preferred final bat weight, with grips,
knobs and end loads added, is within the range between 23 to 29
ounces. Furthermore, for softball bats the combined length of the
handle end, hitting portion and transition zone is within the range
from 31 to 34 inches. Additionally, the wall thickness is selected
such that the overall mass moment of inertia to weight ratio is
greater than 350 in.sup.2 and has a weight less than 28.5
ounces.
1TABLE 1 MOMENT MOI TO BALANCE OF WEIGHT BAT BAT BARREL WEIGHT
POINT IN PERIOD IN INERTIA RATIO MODEL MODEL MATERIAL IN oz. INCHES
SECONDS OZ* IN.sup.2 IN.sup.2 EASTON DAN SCHUCK ALCOA C-405 28.3
20.3 1.52 9153 323 REFLEX EASTON DAN SCHUCK ALCOA C-405 30.1 20 1.5
9275 308 REFLEX EASTON C-CORE-1996 C-405 29.6 20.3 1.5 9326 315
GRAPHITE EASTON NATURAL PRO ALUMINUM 37.8 19.7 1.53 11864 314
34"/38 oz. BALANCE LOUISVILLE ATPS- ALCOA C-405 28.2 20.1 1.52 8974
319 POWERDOME LOUISVILLE ATPS- ALCOA C-405 30.0 21.0 1.52 10150 339
POWERDOME LOUISVILLE ATPS- ALCOA C-405 23.3 18.7 1.44 6020 259
POWERIZED BOTTLE BAT COMPOSITE/ MOLDED IN ALCOA C-405 38.5 22.6 1.5
9314 365 AL #1 END CAP COMPOSITE/ MOLDED IN ALCOA C-405 25.1 22.5
1.48 8871 353 AL #2 END CAP/ SPECTRA
[0045] Table 1 lists the specifications of two such aluminum
composite bats along with the specifications of other competitive
products. Moment of inertia to weight ratio data illustrates the
inventive feature of the present invention. Namely, the bats
constructed in accordance with the present invention have a moment
of inertia to weight ratio that is significantly higher that prior
art bats.
2 TABLE 2 Actual Moment of MOI/Wgt Weight Inertia Ratio Bat Name
(Ounces) (oz-in 2) (In 2) Prototype #2 23.1 8105 350.8 Prototype #3
23.6 8520 361 Prototype #4 24.6 9229 375.2 Prototype #5 25.6 9748
380.8 Prototype #6 26.6 10450 392.9 Prototype #7 27.7 11296 407.8
Worth Supercell #2 30.3 11126 367.2
[0046] A review of all known competitive bats has revealed that
there is one competitive commercial bat, the Worth Supercell #2,
with a MOI/Weight ratio greater than 350. A review of data relating
to such commercial bat and prototype bats made in accordance with
the present invention shows that as prototype bats increase in
weight, the MOI/Wgt ratio increases. Note Table 2. This is expected
because the weight of the bat is being increased by casting a
urethane end load into the very end of the bat. This end load will
have a large increase on the MOI of the bat. Competitive bats can
only achieve a MOI/Wgt ratio greater than 350 if the bats weigh
more than 28 ounces because their shell weights are significantly
higher before end loading.
[0047] The higher than normal moment of inertia to weight ratios
that were achieved by utilizing the combined composite aluminum
type constructions were an unexpected and beneficial result of this
invention. The original intent of incorporating an all-composite
handle area, an all-composite transition area, and an aluminum
barrel area reinforced with composites was to produce a livelier
bat by utilizing a thinner-walled aluminum barrel area.
[0048] It is well known in the art of bat making that the thinner
the metal in the barrel area, the livelier the bat. In an all-metal
bat, the designer is always trading off between achieving maximum
liveliness by using the thinnest wall possible and achieving
maximum durability by having the thickest wall possible. The goal
of the hybrid bat was to utilize a thin metal barrel area for
maximum liveliness and back it with a thin layer of composites to
improve durability. Utilizing-composites in the handle and
transition areas was also expected to improve performance by
increasing the stiffness of these areas and by reducing the shock
and vibration felt by hitters.
[0049] In the design of the composite handle and transition areas,
the original goal was to simply match the approximate thicknesses
found in an all-aluminum bat. Because graphite/epoxy and
glass/epoxy composite have lower densities, this resulted in handle
and transition areas that were lighter than their all-aluminum
counterparts. The unassembled bat tube is typically called a shell.
To complete a bat, a handle knob, grip, end cap, and end load must
be added to the shell. The required end load for an all-aluminum
bat is determined by knowing the desired finish weight of the bat
and subtracting the weight of all the other components.
[0050] The moment of inertia (MOI) of a bat is a technical way to
quantify the swing weight of a bat or how heavy the bat will feel
in a player's hands. If a bat were sectioned into an infinite
amount of small pieces and each piece was weighed and the distance
to each piece to the pivot point of the bat recorded, the MOI of
the bat could be represented by the sum of all the weights of each
piece times the distance to the pivot point squared. Thus, by
changing the distribution of the weight in two bats weighing 28
ounces, the feel and MOI's of these two bats can be dramatically
effected The player notices the difference in that he or she would
perceive the bat with the higher MOI to be heavy or harder to swing
than the bat with the lower MOI.
[0051] When the same subtraction of the component weights from the
desired total weight strategy for determining the required amount
of end load was used for the composite aluminum bat, the amount of
end load was significantly increased due to the lighter weight of
this type of bat's shell. When a player tried to swing a bat with
this increased end load, the perception was that the bat was much
heavier than its actual weight. This perception is because a higher
proportion of the weight of the bat is now located further from the
player's hands, thus increasing the bat's MOI and perceived swing
weight.
[0052] What was clearly needed for composite aluminum bats was a
new method and strategy for giving the players the feel and swing
weight they desired. In traditional slow pitch, all-aluminum
softball bats are usually identified and sold by weights.
Manufacturers normally will offer bats in increments of an ounce
ranging from 26 to 32 ounces. Thus a manufacturer will offer 26,
27, 28, 29, 30 and 32 ounce versions of a particular model of a
bat.
[0053] In order to give players the desired swing weight, the MOI
was measured of all aluminum bats produced. An MOI value was then
established that would result in a corresponding feel of the
different weight bats. Table 3 below illustrates levels that were
determined would give the equivalent swing weight or feel of the
standard bats. Note that the corresponding actual weights are
significantly below the actual weight of a standard all-aluminum
bat. The actual finished weights were determined by end loading the
bat with enough weight to give the bat the correct MOI and then
just measuring the weight of the bat.
3TABLE 3 Swing Weight 26 oz 27 oz 28 oz 29 oz 30 oz 32 oz MOI
7,850- 8,550- 9,400- 9,850- 10,450- 11,150- (oz-in.sup.2) 8,150
8,850 9,559 10,150 10,750 11,450 Actual 22.4- 23.4- 24.5- 25.4-
26.3- 27.5- Weight 23.8 24.9 25.9 26.8 27.7 28.9 (oz)
[0054] Two example bats that show actual weights, MOI values, and
other physical properties of bats are shown in Table 4.
4TABLE 4 MOI/WGT Balance Center of MOI Ratio Bat Bat Bat Wgt Point
Period Percussion (oz-in- (in- Model Model Materials (oz) (in end)
(secs) (inches) sec{circumflex over ( )}2) sec{circumflex over (
)}2) Proto- Finished Alcoa C-405 25.7 22.9 1.54 21.06 10092 392
type #6 Bat barrel & composite Louis- Power- Alcoa C-405 30.0
21.0 1.52 20.86 10150 339 ville dome
[0055] In a collision between a bat and a ball, many factors
influence the subsequent reaction: The hardness and liveliness of
the ball; the materials and thicknesses used to produce the bat;
the speed at which the bat is swung; and the distribution of the
weight within the bat (the MOI). For a given MOI, the player wants
to maximize the speed at which he can swing the bat.
[0056] The swinging of a bat involves both translation and rotation
components. The rotational velocity is a function of the force
applied and the MOI of the bat (Force=Inertia.times.angular
acceleration). The translation velocity is a function of the force
applied and the weight of the bat (Force=mass.times.acceleration).
Looking at the two bat examples shown above, the bats have very
similar MOI values, but the composite aluminum bat is much lighter
and therefore has a higher MOI/weight ratio.
[0057] Assuming the player applies the same energy or force to his
swing, the rotational portion-of the swing velocities will be the
same, but because prototype #6 is lighter, the translational
velocity will be higher. As a result, the combined velocity or the
actual speed of the bat at the impact location with the ball will
be higher. In conclusion, given two bats with the same MOI, the
player will be able to swing the bat with the higher MOI/weight
ratio faster, and therefore hit the ball further.
[0058] To confirm these theories, players swung bats with similar
MOI values and different weights and the speed of the ball coming
off the bat after impact was measured. As can be seen in Table 5,
players were able to swing the composite aluminum bats faster and
ball speeds coming off the bat increased.
5 TABLE 5 FOUR PLAYERS (5 HITS EACH) COMBINED BALL SPEEDS OFF TEE
Easton Louisville DeMarini Stainless Redline Springsteel Doublewall
Fusion 465-1 Category 30-1 30-4 30 29-4 29 Bat Weight 29.9 29.8 30
23.8 26 MOI 9559 10559 10638 9920 10473 MOI/Wgt 319.7 354.3 354.6
416.8 402.8 Ball Speed 80.2 80.1 86.2 87.8 87.7 (MPH)
[0059] The phenomena of minimizing the weight in the handle and
maximizing the weight in the impact location is found in related
sports equipment. For example, the ideal golf club would be one in
which the shaft weighed nothing and all the weight was concentrated
in the head of the club. Thus, the trend has been for golf shafts
to become increasingly lighter. The trend in tennis rackets has
also been similar. The overall weight of the rackets has become
lighter, while MOI values of the rackets have only decreased a
little.
[0060] Therefore, what is disclosed and claimed herein is a method
of fabricating a softball bat with a handle, a barrel and an
intermediate zone. The method of fabrication includes providing at
least one interior layer of a composite material extending the full
length of the bat; providing at least one additional layer of a
composite material in the barrel area; providing a plurality of
plies of composite material of varying lengths for the entire
handle and various portions of the intermediate zone; providing a
plurality of plies of composite material of varying lengths for the
entire handle and entire intermediate zone and portions of the
barrel; positioning an exterior-most ply of an adhesive material
over the composites in the barrel area; adhering a metal tube over
the exterior of the barrel, the tube having a thickness of between
about 0.025 and 0.070 inches; and molding the plies and metal tube
together whereby the lightweight shell is finished and end loaded
to create a-moment of inertia to weight ratio of between about 370
and 420 oz-in.sup.2 and an overall weight less than 28.5
ounces.
[0061] Further, the metal tube utilized in the method of
fabrication is preferably made from high strength stainless steel,
preferably Carpenter Specialty Alloy Custom 465, with a wall
thickness between about 0.020 and 0.040 inches. The barrel of the
bat constructed utilizing the method as described hereinabove may,
in the alternative, be made from aluminum with a wall thickness of
between about 0.040 and 0.070 inches. Lastly, the bat further
includes a cap over the free end of the barrel and a cap over the
free end of the handle.
[0062] The method may also be considered as a method of fabricating
a softball bat shell. In this method, there is provided a hollow
handle end of an enlarged thickness of composite material having an
opened first end, a second end and an intermediate region
therebetween is provided. Also provided is a hollow hitting end of
a reduced thickness of composite material having a first end, an
opened second end and an intermediate region therebetween. A hollow
frusto-conical transition zone of a composite material with an
increasing diameter along its length having a first end continuous
with the second end of the handle end and a second end continuous
with the fist end of the hitting end is next provided. A metal
tubular barrel is then positioned over the hitting end. Lastly, the
handle end, hitting portion, transition zone and barrel are molded
to thereby define a wall having a thickness of between about 0.090
and 0.12 inches in the handle end, a composite thickness of between
about 0.015 and 0.045 inches in the hitting end, a total barrel
thickness of about 0.030 to 0.095 inches, with the overall bat
shell weight being within the range of 16 to 21 ounces and a length
of about 34 inches.
[0063] The metal barrel includes an annular recess adapted to
receive an annular projection to abate axial shifting between the
composite material and the barrel. Further, the end of the barrel
adjacent to the intermediate transition zone is tapered as it
enters into the intermediate transition zone. Lastly, as shown in
FIG. 9, the metal tubular barrel may be located interior of the
composite material rather than exterior thereof as shown in FIG.
7.
[0064] Further, in the method described above, the molding is
preferably performed through the application of heat and pressure
to the composite material with the tubular metal insert over the
hitting end and with an adhesive therebetween.
[0065] The softball bat created by the methods described above
comprise, in combination, a handle end having an opened first end,
a second end and an intermediate extent therebetween; a knob
secured to the first end of the handle; a hitting portion having a
first end, an opened second end and an intermediate extent
therebetween; an end closure for the opened second end of the
hitting portion; a transition zone having a first end continuous
with the second end of the handle end and a second end continuous
with the first end of the hitting portion; the handle end, hitting
portion and transition zone each being defined by a continuous wall
throughout; and the wall thicknesses being selected such that a
finished bat with an overall mass moment of inertia to weight ratio
greater than 350 oz-in.sup.2 and a weight less than 28.5 ounces can
be produced.
[0066] Further, the bat as set forth above is preferably
constructed wherein the moment of inertia to weight ratio is
between about 370 and 410 oz-in.sup.2.
[0067] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, ten composite
plies are utilized. In addition, one ply of adhesive and one ply of
metal are also utilized. The lengths of these plies in inches can
be seen in FIG. 8. All composite plies utilize a 250.degree. F.
curing epoxy resin system. The first ply on the inside of the bat
is shown at the top of FIG. 8 with a length of 33.5 inches and the
fibers of glass cloth at +/-45 degrees. The next ply is for the
barrel, or hitting, area of the bat only. This is of unidirectional
glass at 183 gsm (grams per square meter) at 0 degree plies. Plies
where the fibers are oriented along the length of the bat are said
to be at a zero degree orientation. The next seven plies are of
graphite 300 at 0 degrees with the tenth composite ply being Hexcel
Style 282 style graphite weave at +/-45 degrees. Each of these ten
plies are dual members with an upper and lower ply on the mandrel.
The next ply is an adhesive, preferably of Cyanimid FM73, 006 psf.
The last layer is metal over the adhesive in the barrel, or
hitting, area of the bat and extending slightly into the transition
zone. The outer diameter of the metal barrel is 2.25 inches and
designed to fit within a clam shell style forming mold. The
aluminum tube is prepared through an alkaline degrease followed by
a chromate conversion coating, followed by a rinse and followed by
a primer with Cytec BR-127 primer per Mil-C-5541 for improved
adhesion.
[0068] The present disclosure includes that contained in the
appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form
with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood
that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made
only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of
construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be
resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *