摘要:
A ball bat includes one or more low-durability regions fortified by one or more reinforcing elements. If the reinforcing element is altered or removed, the durability of the ball bat is significantly reduced. For example, if the ball bat is subjected to internal shaving or external rolling in an attempt to increase the bat's performance, the reinforcing element would de removed or damaged such that the durability of the bat is reduced to the point that the ball bat's performance remains below a specified limit.
摘要:
A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.
摘要:
A composite ball bat includes an exposed region of transparent or translucent material, which provides a visual indication of whether delamination has occurred in the ball bat. As a result, an observer can determine, via visual inspection, whether delamination has occurred, and, if it has, can remove the bat from regulated play.
摘要:
A ball bat exhibits improved barrel performance in regions located away from the “sweet spot” of the bat barrel, as a result of strategic placement of interface shear control zones (“ISCZs”) in the barrel. The ball bat includes a barrel having a first region adjacent to the tapered section of the ball bat, a second region adjacent to the free end of the barrel, and a third region located between the first and second regions, that includes the sweet spot of the barrel. The first and second regions each include at least one interface shear control zone. The third region includes at least one fewer interface shear control zone than at least one of the first and second regions. ISCZs may also be strategically placed in the bat handle and/or the tapered section of the ball bat to improve the compliance and overall performance of the ball bat.
摘要:
A multi-piece ball bat includes a first section including a hitting portion, and a second section including a handle portion. A flexible joint connects the first section to the second section. The flexible joint may be a structural joint, such as a spring member, a mechanical locking joint, or a pneumatic or hydraulic joint, or it may be a non-uniform and/or non-continuous elastomeric joint.
摘要:
A thin wall tubular bat, particularly for softball, has a constant barrel diameter and an internal tubular insert spaced from the barrel with a shear stress transmitting elastomeric layer sandwiched between the barrel and insert so that the insert reinforces the barrel to reduce denting which would otherwise occur as the elastomer efficiently transfers stress to the insert and stores and releases energy during impact of the bat with a ball.
摘要:
A composite ball bat includes multiple failure planes within a barrel wall. By including multiple failure planes in a barrel wall, the bat exhibits a drop in performance when subjected to rolling or other extreme deflection, with no temporary increase in barrel performance. Because the barrel performance does not increase, the ball bat is able to comply with performance limitations imposed by regulatory associations.
摘要:
A ball bat includes a barrel having a radially inner surface. Graphics, or an indicator layer including graphics, that provide a visual indication of whether tampering, such as shaving, has occurred to the radially inner surface of the barrel are affixed to, applied to, or integral with the radially inner surface of the barrel. A transparent or translucent cap, or a cap including a window, is optionally attached to an end of the barrel to provide visual inspection of the internal graphics. The cap itself may additionally or alternatively include internal observable features, or external engraved or etched features, that make the cap difficult to replicate or counterfeit.
摘要:
A ball bat includes one or more focused flexure regions located predominantly or entirely in the transition section between the barrel and the handle of the ball bat. One or more of the focused flexure regions may additionally or alternatively be located partially or entirely in the barrel and/or the handle of the ball bat. The one or more focused flexure regions each include a radially inner structural region and a radially outer dampening region for reducing the local axial stiffness, and improving the flexure, of the ball bat at the location of the focused flexure region.
摘要:
A ball bat includes multiple layers of one or more composite materials. One or more “integral shock attenuation” (“ISA”) regions, which have a substantially lower axial stiffness than neighboring regions in the bat, are provided to attenuate shock waves resulting from an “off-center” hit. ISA regions may be incorporated into the transition region, the handle, and/or the barrel of the ball bat to provide vibration damping, shock attenuation, stiffness control, increased flexure, and/or improved feel.