Sound producing game bat

• US 5,133,551 A
• Filed: 01/24/1992
• Issued: 07/28/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: BMC Toys Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mattel Incorporated
• Inventors: Larsson, Ake L., Handy, John N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Theatrice
• Application Number:
  US07/825,213
• Time in Patent Office: 186 Days
• Field of Search: 273/26 B, 273/26 R, 273/29 A, 273/183 D, 273/186 R, 273/186 A, 273/194 B, 273/72 R, 446/411, 446/421, 446/397
• US Class Current: 473/567
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2059/581 with a continuously tapered barrel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 49/00 Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis strings therefor A63B51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/50 Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/59 with sound generators, e.g. with internal movable members therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/04 Movable ballast means A63B15/005 takes precedence

Abstract

A sound producing game bat includes a generally cylindrical slide tube having a center bore defined therein and a fluted outer surface. A generally cylindrical slide weight is received within the center bore of the slide tube and is captivated at the handle end by a resilient dampening plug. The hitting end of the game bat includes a sound producing unit having a sound unit housing within which a diaphragm and diaphragm cone are resiliently supported. During swings of the game bat by the batter, the slide weight travels through the center bore of the slide tube and strikes the diaphragm cone causing the diaphragm to vibrate and producing sound effects. A foam covering is molded upon the game bat to enclose virtually the entire bat in a secure attachment.

Claims

1. A game bat comprising:

an elongated slide tube defining first and second ends and a passage therethrough;

a slide weight slidably supported within said passage;

a sound housing having an interior cavity coupled to said first end of said slide tube;

a diaphragm supported within said sound housing; and

a diaphragm cone;

means for resiliently supporting said cone within said interior cavity proximate said diaphragm,

said slide weight sliding through said passage during a batter swing to impact said diaphragm cone causing diaphragm vibration and sound.

2. A game bat as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slide tube is generally cylindrical and wherein said passage defines a center bore therein.

3. A game bat as set forth in claim 2 further including travel limit means within said center bore proximate said second end of said slide tube for limiting slide weight travel toward said second end.

4. A game bat as set forth in claim 3 wherein said diaphragm cone forms a generally cylindrical cup-shaped member having an open end contacting said diaphragm and a closed end facing said first end of said slide tube.

5. A game bat as set forth in claim 4 wherein said means for resiliently supporting said cone include an annular ring formed of a resilient material and encircling said cone.

6. A game bat as set forth in claim 5 wherein said travel limit means include a resilient cylinder received within said center bore at the point of desired travel limit.