Handle weighted bat and assembly process

• US 9,700,776 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2015
• Issued: 07/11/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 5 Star, LLC
• Original Assignee: 5 Star, LLC
• Inventors: Mackey, Donald L., Shocklee, Christopher
• Primary Examiner(s): GRAHAM, MARK S
• Application Number:
  US14/680,015
• Publication Number:
  US 20150209640A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 473457, 473519, 473520, 473564-568
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 15/00 Clubs for gymnastics or the like , e.g. for swinging exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0008 for batting
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/00 Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/00 Characteristics of used materials
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• 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 60/04 Movable ballast means A63B15/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/06 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/08 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/10 with means for indicating correct holding positions A63B60/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3605 : Golf club selection aids informing player of his average or expected shot distance for each club

Abstract

A handle weighted bat according to various embodiments can include an elongated barrel portion. A handle weighted portion is included such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning the center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat. The handle weighted portion is configured as a one-piece, solid body construction that forms an integral knob and rod portion.

Claims

1. A bat comprising:

an elongated hollow barrel portion having an impact region and an open end and the barrel portion configured having a tubular section including an elongated chamber therein;

a handle weighted portion configured to provide a heavy handle construction such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in a handle portion and for positioning a center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat;

the handle weighted portion has a one-piece, solid body construction forged from a single piece of metal to form an integral knob and rod portion;

a knob configured having a shape that tapers outwardly toward the end of the knob, and the weight distribution within the knob is configured such that the weight gradually increases such that the heaviest portion is positioned at the end of the knob;

a rod portion integrally extending from the knob such that the rod portion is disposed within the open end of the barrel portion when assembled the knob has a step-down portion which defines a diameter of the rod having a reduced profile; and

a non-threaded connector comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms inserted into respective bores drilled in the barrel portion and the rod portion to rigidly connect the barrel portion to the rod portion wherein the plurality of attachment mechanisms is oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.

2. The bat of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion comprises aluminum.

3. The bat of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion comprises wood.

4. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle weighted portion is forged using impression die forging.

5. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle weighted portion is forged using cold forging, open die forging, or seamless rolled ring forging.

6. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle weighted portion is forged from a single piece of carbon steel.

7. The bat of claim 6, further comprising a chrome plated layer formed on an entire surface of the carbon steel.

8. The bat of claim 1, wherein the handle weighted portion is forged from a single piece of stainless steel.

9. The bat of claim 1, wherein the knob is configured having a generally bell shape.

10. The bat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachment mechanisms comprises a pair of spring pins inserted into the respective bores drilled in the barrel portion and the rod portion to rigidly connect the barrel portion to the rod portion and wherein the pair of spring pins is oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.