U.S. patent application number 13/854829 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for bat safety system.
This patent application is currently assigned to American Coatings Corp.. The applicant listed for this patent is Stephen RAUSO. Invention is credited to Stephen RAUSO.
Application Number | 20130324332 13/854829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46613420 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130324332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RAUSO; Stephen |
December 5, 2013 |
BAT SAFETY SYSTEM
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.
Inventors: |
RAUSO; Stephen; (Gilbert,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RAUSO; Stephen |
Gilbert |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
American Coatings Corp.
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
46613420 |
Appl. No.: |
13/854829 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12546592 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
8241155 |
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13854829 |
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13570140 |
Aug 8, 2012 |
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12546592 |
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61106128 |
Oct 16, 2008 |
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61144107 |
Jan 12, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/564 ;
156/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 59/50 20151001;
A63B 59/52 20151001; A63B 2102/18 20151001; A63B 2071/009 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/564 ;
156/185 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/06 20060101
A63B059/06 |
Claims
1. A method for treating a wooden object to prevent the release of
fragments should the object shatter during use, the method
comprising the step of wrapping at least one layer of polymeric
film around and adhering said film to at least a portion of the
wooden object.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wooden object is a
baseball bat.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a length of a
handle-transition portion of the bat is enveloped by the polymeric
film while a barrel of the bat remains at least partially uncovered
by the polymeric film.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the barrel of the bat
remains uncovered by the polymeric film.
5. The method according to claim 2, wherein a length of the handle
portion of the bat remains uncovered by the polymeric film.
6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the handle-transition
portion of the bat are enveloped by at least two layers of the
polymeric film.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric film is
formed from polymers selected form the group consisting of
polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes and
polyamides.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wooden object is
selected from the group consisting of tennis racquets, golf clubs,
croquet mallets and cricket bats.
9. A wooden baseball bat improved to prevent the release of
fragments should the bat shatter during use comprising a wooden
baseball bat and at least one layer of polymeric film enveloping
and adhering to at least a handle-transition portion of the wooden
baseball bat.
10. The wooden baseball bat according to claim 9, wherein a length
of the handle-transition portion of the bat is enveloped by the
polymeric film while a barrel of the bat remains at least partially
uncovered by the polymeric film.
11. The wooden baseball bat according to claim 10, wherein the
barrel of the bat remains uncovered by the polymeric film.
12. The wooden baseball bat according to claim 10, wherein a length
of the handle portion of the bat remains uncovered by the polymeric
film.
13. The wooden baseball bat according to claim 10, wherein the
handle-transition portion of the bat are enveloped by at least two
layers of the polymeric film.
14. The wooden baseball bat according to claim 9, wherein the
polymeric film is formed from polymers selected form the group
consisting of polyurethanes, polyesters, polyethylenes,
polypropylenes and polyamides.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of United States
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/546,592 (filed Aug. 24,
2009) and claims priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Applications No. 61/106,128 (filed Oct. 16, 2008) and No.
61/144,107 (filed Jan. 12, 2009), which applications are
incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by applicable
law.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Area of the Art
[0004] The present invention is in the area of safety measures for
sports and is more particularly directed to methods to prevent
damage caused by breakage of athletic implements such as wooden
bats used in playing baseball.
[0005] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0006] Wood has long been for construction and fabrication of many
objects ranging from buildings to furniture to tools. Wood has an
unmatched combination of strength and lightness so that even in
today's age of carbon fiber composites and other high technology
materials wood is still in widespread use. Of course, wood does
have a number of drawbacks depending on the application. Wood is
flammable and can be affected by moisture: in wet situations wood
may swell and distort whereas in dry situations wood may shrink and
split. If wood is subjected to excess force, it may crack and fail.
Nevertheless, wood is generally considered to be durable and
dependable.
[0007] As a consequence, wood is often used for tool handles where
its strength, relative lightness and shock absorbing properties are
particularly valued. The tools are often objects used in various
games such as, but not limited to, tennis racquets, golf clubs,
croquet mallets, hockey sticks, cricket bats and baseball bats. It
is known that these athletic tools may fail if abused or overtaxed.
For example, if a wooden tennis racquet is swung so that the head
of the racquet strikes a wall, the racquet head may well shatter.
However, wooden athletic implements rarely fail unless misused. In
the case of baseball bats although wooden bats may at times fail,
it has previously been quite rare for a wooden bat to fail under
the stresses of a normal game--it had been particularly unusual for
bat failure to result in any significant damage.
[0008] More recently there has been a trend towards catastrophic
failures of baseball bats during use. The bats shatter and wooden
fragments become dangerous projectiles which have injured both
players and spectators. This propinquity of baseball bats to
shatter during use appears to be related to the replacement of
traditional hickory and ash bats with those made of maple which
bats are lighter and favored by players. When a maple bat fails,
the wood shatters--virtually exploding--and large as well as small
(sharp) fragments can be thrown a considerable distance. In fact,
the failure of maple bats has become so pervasive that some thought
has been given to banning the use of maple for safety reasons.
Short of banning the use of maple, a number of more or less complex
solutions to the problem have been proposed. For example, it has
been suggested that bat manufacturers be forced to use CAT
(computed tomography) scans and similar imaging technology to
ensure that the wood used in bat manufacture is free from defects.
However, there is as yet no evidence that detectable defects
contribute to bat failure. Whatever defects lead to bat failure may
not be readily detectable by any commonly used imaging system.
[0009] Also, it is far from clear that the failure does not develop
over time in perfectly normal maple wood. Some commentators have
favored the scanning and imaging the bats before or even during
games. Not only is this solution unproven, it could well transform
the baseball field into the image of a modern American
airport--completely with lengthy delays as the bats are scanned
(and possibly searched) prior to or even during play. A few
commentators have even suggested that special "super maple trees"
be grown ensure shatterproof wood. Unfortunately, modern forestry
science is not well equipped to produce such a super tree.
Furthermore, the process would be somewhat lengthy because even
under ideal conditions, several years are needed to produce trees
of sufficient diameter to produce baseball bats. Even then there is
the distinct possibility the "super maple," if actually produced,
would have the weight and density of hickory wood--thereby
obviating all the advantages of maple. Clearly, there is a need of
a simple method to either predict or prevent failure of wooden
bats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention eliminates the danger of damage caused
by flying fragments from a baseball bat that shatters during use.
At least a portion of is wrapped 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
often the most prone to shatter. This leaves the barrel of the bat
completely unaltered. This is the bat structure required by current
Major League Baseball rules; that is, the rules do not allow any
portion of the bat barrel to be covered or modified. Where game
rules permit thin strips of film can also be, applied to the sides
of the barrel and connect to the film wrapping the bat handle as an
additional precaution against the unlikely situation where the
barrel shatters in use.
[0011] The present invention can be a method for preventing damage
caused by release of fragments by a wooden object shattering during
use. The method is aimed towards athletic implements such as tennis
racquets, golf clubs, croquet mallets, hockey sticks, cricket bats
and baseball bats. The method can also be applied to other wooden
tool implements such as wooden handles of awls, axes, brooms,
chisels, hammers, screwdrivers and the like. According to the
method any of a number of polymeric films having sufficient tensile
strength can be used. The preferred films are polyurethane films,
polyester films such as Mylar.RTM. (polyethylene terephthalate),
polyethylene films, polypropylene films and polyamide films such as
Nylon..RTM. The films preferably come with integral adhesive
although adhesive can be applied prior to use. Although a single
layer of film may be adequate (i.e., one sheet of film is wrapped
360.degree. around a round handle, the preferred method wraps the
wooden surface with two overlapping layers of film with the film
end butted so as to make a smooth surface. More than two layers of
film can also be used. When these films are utilized to protect
painted surfaces such as exposed surfaces of an automobile, it is
usual to employ moisture and a tool to conform the product to the
painted surface. In the case of wooden tool surfaces such as a
baseball bat, moisture is normally not required for application.
application without moisture makes it possible to later remove the
film without damaging the protected surface.
[0012] The present invention also encompasses a baseball bat
produced according to the method. Such a safety bat has a portion
of the bat handle and transition region wrapped in at least one
layer of the polymeric film as discussed above. The film adds very
little to the weight of the bat, and testing has demonstrated that
the overall physical properties of the bat in terms of game playing
are essentially unaltered. The major effect of the polymeric film
is to retain wood fragments when the bat shatters in use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a wooden baseball bat and cut
protective film for one embodiment of the current invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of cut protective film for a
different embodiment of the current invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of cut protective for another
embodiment of the current invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic cross-section of a bat showing a
preferred way to wrap the protective film around the bat.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an inventive bat with the
transition region wrapped with protective film.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a side view of an inventive bat with the
transition region and most of the handle region wrapped with
protective film.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an inventive bat with the
transition region and the handle region wrapped with protective
film.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an inventive bat with the
transition region and the handle region wrapped with protective
film.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles
of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to
provide a method to reduce the likelihood of damage from shattering
of wooden bats without significantly altering the performance
characteristics of the bats.
[0022] The following discussion is directed towards the ubiquitous
baseball bat. However, it will be appreciated that the principals
of the invention can be readily adapted to other wooden athletic
implements and to wooden tools and objects in general so as to
solve the common problem of flying fragments released when wood
fails catastrophically. Although seemingly simple, a baseball bat
is a carefully designed and fabricated object. A bat is circular in
cross-section, and the bat is divided into several regions. The
thickest part of the bat, the region where the bat is meant to
impact the ball, is known as the barrel. The barrel ends at one end
in a generally rounded tip. The portion of the barrel intended to
interact with the ball is usually called the sweet spot. Below the
sweet spot (opposite the tip) the barrel narrows, and becomes the
handle. Compared to the barrel the handle is quite thin to
accommodate the batter's grip. At the end of the bat proximal the
handle is a knob (a widening of the handle) to prevent the bat from
sliding out of the batter's grip.
[0023] Although the baseball has been traditionally carved or
machined from wood, it can also be constructed of metal or
composite materials. Professional (Major League) baseball rules,
however, require wooden bats, and there currently appears to be an
overall trend in favor of wooden bats as opposed to those of
manmade materials. The most common wood traditionally used to
construct baseball bats was ash although hickory wood was also
commonly used. Ash mostly displaced hickory because ash is somewhat
lighter. In the last decade or so there has been a move away from
ash to maple as the wood of choice for baseball bats. This change
seems to have been driven by the use of maple bats in plays that
shattered a number of world records. Unfortunately, while any
wooden bat might occasionally shatter, maple bats themselves have a
tendency to shatter at a higher frequency.
[0024] As explained above, there have been a variety of proposals
for dealing with the safety hazards related to shattering bats. The
present inventor has developed a far simpler and more direct way to
add safety to maple bats or any bat or other wooden object that is
at all likely to shatter. The inventor has discovered that it is
possible to apply a very thin but durable polymeric film to the
surface of a baseball bat. The effective films are remarkably
thin--generally 2 mil (2 thousandths of an inch or 0.051 mm) to 20
mil (20 thousandths of an inch or 0.51 mm)--so that it has
negligible weight and little if any effect on the bat's operation.
Suitable films are available as "paint protective films" such as
Scotchgard.TM. Paint Protective Films or XPEL Paint Protective
Films. These protective films are designed to protect automotive
and other painted surfaces from impact damage or stains. However,
the inventor discovered that the unusual tensile strength of these
protective films unexpectedly lends itself to retaining the
fragments of a shattered bat. These films are most often aliphatic
polyurethane films although polyester (e.g. polyethylene
terephthalate), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide (e.g. nylon)
and other polymeric films known to one of ordinary skill in the art
can be used in the present invention. The films are generally
supplied with an adhesive coating affording ready application to a
clean surface; however it is also possible to apply adhesives to
the film immediately prior to or during the application
process.
[0025] Thus, the present invention does not directly strengthen the
wood to prevent shattering--as proposed in some other solutions to
the shattering problem. Rather it envelops the bat and greatly
reduces the probability of any fragments from flying when the wood
does shatter. Thus, the current invention is usable with any of the
problem solutions suggested above. Even if imaging technology
reduces the tendency of maple bats to shatter, the present
invention will provide an addition safety barrier and prevent
injury from the few bats that do shatter. Even if "super maple"
trees were perfected, the present invention could prevent injury
should any of the "super" ultimately wood shatter.
[0026] The protective film is so light and invisible that it can
readily be used to cover essentially the entire surface of the
baseball bat. However, it is apparent from experience that it is
the thinner handle portion of the bat that is far more likely to
fail. Therefore, it is most important to cover at least that
portion of the bat. Although it is believed that the film has no
effect on the sweet spot of the bat, it is likely that game rules
and player preferences will militate against complete covering of
the sweet spot. Therefore, the inventor has developed various
embodiments in which only part of the bat's barrel is covered. This
leaves an area of the sweet spot uncovered so that there can be no
question with the film modifying the hitting properties of the bat.
While it is possible to mark the uncovered sweet spot in a number
of different ways, it is convenient to use colored protective film
so that the uncovered area is readily apparent.
[0027] FIG. 1A shows a shape 10 cut from protective film as well as
the cut shape 10 applied to a regulation wooden baseball bat 12
(FIG. 1B--the bat 12 is shown twice so that both sides of it are
visible). Note that the film 10 is sized and shaped to completely
envelop the handle and the transition zone 14 between the handle 18
and the barrel 16 of the bat. However, a majority of the barrel 16
is left uncovered. Only relatively narrow strips 20 of film extend
up opposite sides of the barrel 16 and meet at the tip of the bat
which is entirely covered. The advantage of this configuration is
that the handle and the transition zone 14--where failure of the
wood is most likely to occur--are completely enveloped. Should
failure occur in these areas, any fragments or shards should be
retained by the film. It is unlikely that failure will occur in the
barrel 16, but the side strips 20 and the film at the bat tip
ensure that the barrel 14 will remain attached to the handle (and
not go flying in case of any failure). Further, in the unlikely
case that the barrel were to fragment, this arrangement greatly
reduces the probability of the large fragments flying free. At the
same time the sweet spot is left uncovered and the film pattern
makes it easy for the batter to strike the ball with bare wood.
Note that according to Major League Baseball rules the handle and
transition zone 14 have a maximum length of 18 in. while the barrel
16 varies between 29 and 35 inches.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows a detail of the precise shape of the film cut
out to perform as just described. In this example the entire length
22 of the film is 5 ft.-8 in. The length of one segment 24 is 2
ft.-8 5/16 in. The length 26 of the narrow strip 20 is 1 ft.-1 7/16
in. The length of the diagonal side 28 of the handle-transition
region is 1 ft.-6 9/16 in. The length of the other side 30 of the
handle-transition region is 1 ft.-61/2 in. The widest part 32 of
the handle transition region is 2 15/16 in., and the narrowest part
34 of the handle-transition region is 15/8 in. The dimensions are
appropriate for the specific bat a hand, but are adjusted depending
on the size of the bat. The cut film shown in FIG. 2 can be applied
by locating the tip of the bat at the "+" shown in the center of
the cut film. The straight segments are adhered to the side of the
barrel, and the triangularly shaped sections are wrapped around the
transition zone and the handle. The precise techniques used to
apply paint protective films are well known to those of ordinary
skill in the art. Generally, the film is cut to shape using a
plotter, although any means of cutting the film is useable. The
preferred film comes with adhesive on one side covered by a
backing. The backing is then peeled off and the film is applied to
the bat. Heat can be applied to improve contact of the film. Films
or any color (as for team colors) or clear films can be used. In
addition, it is possible to print decorations, logos, names or
sponsor messages on the film.
[0029] It is also apparent to one of ordinary skill that the
precise structure is adaptable to meet various rules and
regulations. For example, Major League Baseball Rule 1.10(c)
states: "it is not allowed to have a foreign substance on the bat
more than 18 inches up from the bottom handle . . . ." This
requirement would militate against the side strips shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment intended to satisfy Rule 1.10(c).
Note that the side strips and tip cover are missing. However, the
polymeric film is cut so that two pieces overlap to give reinforced
covering up to 17'' from the bottom handle (maximum length 30 of
the film) with diagonal lengths 28 of 17.075 in. For ease of
understanding and comparison to the earlier figures, the two pieces
are shown as being entirely separate. In actual practice they are
often cut from the film so that they are immediately adjacent each
other and are either continuous along their longest edges 30 or
attached by a small "tether" of film. The film may be cut in
various patterns to produce a "mesh" so as to improve the grip. In
this example the widest part of the film segments 34 is 2.875 in
and the narrowest measurement 32 is 1.675 in.
[0030] It has been discovered that a superior version of the lower
17 inch coverage shown in FIG. 3 can be achieved by overlapping the
film. FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a bat 39 illustrating this
configuration. The film (thick black line) starts a point 40 and is
wound around the bat in a clockwise direction. When a point 42 just
before the starting point 40 is reached, the film steps up and
begins to overlap the original layer of film. The overlap is ended
at point 44 just above the step up, and the end of the film is
trimmed at an angle to butt together smoothly with an essentially
invisible seam. Note that the bat is smoothly covered by two layers
of the polymeric film. If desired, the wrapping can be continued to
produce three or more layers of film. Tests have shown excellent
results with a two layer wrap of 6 mil (0.152 mm) film. Thinner
film might be preferable if more than two layers are desired.
[0031] As mentioned above in relation to FIG. 3 the overlapping
wrap shown in FIG. 4 can have several different configurations.
Players might object to having the film prevent their hand from
actually touching the wooden grip of the bat. Thus, the major
league configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 can be modified so that
the film does not cover the lower 3 or 4 inches of the bat, leaving
the bottom end of the bat uncovered so that the player's hands
directly grip the wooden surface of the bat.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a first or "major league hand free" option. The
distance 50 from the lower end of the handle to the end of the
transition zone is 17 in. However, the region 54 of the handle up
to 9.25 in. from the lower end is left uncovered to allow the
player to have a large area of bare wood for directly gripping the
bat. The upper region 52 is 7.75 in. in length and is covered by
film. Again, the length of region 50 is controlled by Major League
Baseball rules (actually, the film could extend up to the 18 in.
point--that is to say that region 50 could extend up to the 18 in.
point in any of the examples) but the other regions can vary
considerably in length.
[0033] FIG. 6 show a second variation wherein the bare portion of
the handle 54 extends only from the lower point to a point 4.625
in. above that point. This leaves the film covered region 52 with a
length of 12.375 in. FIG. 7 shows a third option where region 52 is
16.5 in. in length so that the entire lower region of the bat
except for the knob are covered by the overlapped film. The
uncovered region 54 is about 0.5 in. in length. It should be kept
in mind that only the 17'' point is absolutely fixed as it is
controlled by major league baseball rules. The other measurements
shown (i.e., how much of the handle is left bare) can be adjusted
according to player preference. However, the third option (FIG. 7)
shows the configuration least likely to release fragments should
the bat fragment in use.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth option that does not satisfy
Major League Baseball rule 1.10. In this example the only uncovered
portion is region 54 which is about 0.5 in. in length. In addition,
the top of the bat is uncovered; however, essentially the entire
length of the bat including the entire barrel is covered. This
option offers the ultimate protection from flying bat fragments. It
is intended for sale through usual retail outlets (e.g., sporting
good store) for use in little league, high school and college
baseball. The total length 50 of the bat may be up to 42 in. and
still fall within the general rules governing bat dimensions. This
option can be readily modified by leaving an opening in the
covering of the barrel so that a portion of the "sweet spot" of the
bat is left uncovered.
[0035] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,
that many variations are possible. For example, in configurations
where film bands run the length of the bat, the bands of film
running up the sides of the barrel to the tip can be widened. While
this will reduce the uncovered area it will serve to retain smaller
fragments should a catastrophic failure occur. The side bands can
also be connected by various patterns of narrow bands of
film--again reducing the uncovered area available for striking the
ball. The material covering the handle can be but in strips to
produce a mesh, etc. While the native polymeric film is glossy, a
fine grade sandpaper can be used to apply a matte finish to the
film to render it even less apparent. In addition, matte finishes
can be sprayed onto the film to reduce gloss.
[0036] It will be understood that in order to be used in Major
League Baseball, the inventive bats must have performance
characteristics very similar or identical to normal wooden bats.
That is, except for the protective aspect of the treated bat, the
bat must otherwise perform the same as untreated bats. Therefore, a
series of tests was completed to investigate the performance and
durability of inventive bat relative to that of traditional solid
northern white ash wood bats. All tests, comparing solid ash bats
and inventive bats, were conducted in a laboratory. Batted-ball
performance comparisons were made using the procedures developed
for certifying non-wood bats for use in college and high school
baseball. A bat design must have a minimum of 15/16-in (0.938-in)
handle diameter to be considered for approval. The inventive bats
tested both had minimum handle diameters of 0.960 in., which was
greater than the minimum of 0.938 in.
[0037] The tests concluded that in addition to an appearance that
is very similar to ordinary solid-wood bats, the inventive bats
have a very similar feel and sound to their solid-wood bat
counterparts. The polymeric film wrap in the bat taper is smooth to
the touch. The polymeric film feels slightly softer than wood. The
sound of the bat when tapped to the ground generates the same sound
as the solid-wood bats without the film.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Dimensions of Tested Bats Minimum CG MOI
Handle Barrel Weight (in. from (@ 6-in. oz Diameter Diameter Type
Length (in.) (oz.) barrel end) in.sup.2) (@ 6-in. from tip) Ash
33.750 31.340 11.125 11061 0.946 2.437 Ash 33.750 31.270 11.000
11115 0.948 2.432 Inventive 34.063 32.370 11.250 11674 0.960 2.453
Inventive 34.063 32.515 11.125 11841 0.960 2.461 indicates data
missing or illegible when filed
[0038] Table 1 summarizes the length, weight, barrel diameter,
center of gravity (CG) and mass moment of inertia (MOI) for two
inventive (solid-ash bats with the polymeric film applied) and two
similar solid-wood ash bats. The MOI is effectively the measurement
of the "swing weight" of the bat. The MOIs of the inventive bats
are very slightly greater than their solid-ash counterparts. This
difference in MOI and weight is primarily a consequence of the
inventive bats being about 5/16-inch longer than the ash bats
supplied due to chance manufacturing variation. The inventive and
ash bats have very similar barrel dimensions.
[0039] Batted-ball performance testing was used to evaluate if the
inventive solid-ash bat has any performance difference from that of
comparable length and weight solid-ash bats. Batted-ball
performance testing was conducted using an air cannon test system
that fires a Major League baseball at 136.+-.2 mph into the
baseball bat that is at rest and mounted on a pivot allowing the
bat to rotate freely after impact. These tests were performed in
accordance with the ASTM Standard F2219-05 and the NCAA Baseball
Bat Certification Protocol (November 2005). The Ball Exit Speed
Ratio (BESR) and the batted-ball speed (BBS) based on the test
speeds were calculated. Both of these performance values were
calculated and compared for the inventive (solid-ash bat with the
protective film) and the solid-ash bat. The performances of both
bats are compared to determine if there is a performance advantage
of swinging either bat. Table 2 identifies the length, weight, and
MOI of both the ash bat and the composite bat. The BESR and
associated batted-ball speed of each bat were identified for the
sweet-spot location. Per the ASTM standard, this batted-ball speed
is based on a pitch speed of 70 mph (.about.80 mph out of the
pitcher's hand) and a bat swing speed of 66 mph at the 6-in.
location (.about.80 mph at the tip of the barrel). Both bats have
very similar performances and the inventive bat does not give any
performance advantage over a solid-ash bat. The slight MOI
differences between the bats would result in very similar
performance values of BESR and batted-ball speed when swung in the
field.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 MOI Batted-Ball Sweet Spot Length Weight (@
6-in. oz Velocity (Distance from Type (in.) (oz.) in.sup.2) BESR
(mph) barrel tip in in.) Solid Ash 33.750 31.270 11115 0.735 97.8
6.0 Composite 34.063 32.370 11674 0.739 98.3 6.0
[0040] Thus, the testing demonstrated that the inventive bats have
performance properties that are extremely similar to ordinary
wooden bats. Essentially, the only effect of the inventive method
is to retain fragments when a bat shatters. In all other respects
the bats are the same as ordinary wooden bats.
[0041] The following claims are thus to be understood to include
what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also
what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations
and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be
configured without departing from the scope of the invention. The
illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of
example and that should not be taken as limiting the invention.
Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the
appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as
specifically described herein.
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