Patent Grant
10376761
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention generally relates to softball and baseball bats, and in particular to bats constructed from composite materials.
Conventionally, a baseball or softball bat (hereinafter a “bat”) is manufactured from wood, metal (usually aluminum or titanium alloys) or composite material. Bats constructed from the aforementioned materials can also be crafted in numerous configurations to suit different styles of play. The material used to construct a bat affects the weight of the bat, swing speed, ball travel and durability of the bat. When constructing a bat, manufacturers seek materials that are durable but also materials that provide for optimal performance.
Although composite bats have been commercially available since the 1980s, it was not until the 2000s when composite bats began to gain popularity, rivaling the durability and performance of their wood and metal counterparts. The marketplace currently provides for bats constructed of all composite material, bats with composite handles and metal barrels, and bats with a composite shell covering a metal barrel.
Composite material generally refers to a refined plastic made of carbon materials that can be shaped and structured for a number of different purposes. Composite bats are traditionally constructed by wrapping yarns, cloths, or sleeves around a tubular structure, impregnating a resin into the yarns, cloths, or sleeves and curing the same. During this process, the tip of the bat barrel is open, lacking an end cap.
The end cap refers to a separate cap placed on the tip of the bat barrel during the final stages of the manufacturing process, just prior to finishing the cosmetics of the bat, such as paint and the addition of graphics and/or grips. After the bat structure is created, a separate end cap is added to the tip of the bat's barrel to create the nearly finished bat structure.
The current manufacturing process is problematic. Without a single, solid, composite structure, composite bats currently available in the marketplace are subject to tampering. Players in organized softball and baseball teams are required to use performance regulated bats. However, given the competitive nature of sports, some players may attempt to gain a competitive edge by modifying their bats. There are many different ways to alter a bat. Bat tampering encompasses changing the weight of a bat, adjusting a bat's wall thickness, and artificially “breaking-in” a bat.
When altering the weight or wall thickness of a bat, or artificially “breaking in” a bat, the end cap of the bat is generally removed. By removing the end cap of a bat, players who seek to tamper with their bats are given access to the interior workings of the bat. Once the bat is altered, an end cap can be reinserted and reattached. The interior of the bat can more easily be weighted, shaved or otherwise altered without affecting the outward appearance of the bat.
As noted herein, when manufacturing a bat from reinforced plastic, the traditional process of wrapping a tubular structure, as currently provided for in the art, necessitates the omission of an end cap during the manufacturing process. The top portion of the bat is later capped. Because the manufacturing of such conventional bats necessitate the later addition of an end cap at the tip of the bat barrel, versus the manufacture of a single, solid composite structure wherein the barrel of the bat transitions directly to the tip of the bat, such conventional bats are prone to modification or tampering. Such bats are easily modified due to the non-integrated, non-unified end cap of the bat, which can be removed and re-attached with relative ease. Modification or tampering of conventional bats may provide players with a competitive edge or violate the specifications of regulated bats. Modification and tampering may also create a safety issue due to the high speed at which a ball travels after it makes contact with a tampered or modified bat.
In addition, conventional bats constructed of composite material often have a minimal center of percussion, or as also know in the art, a “sweet spot.” A bat's “sweet spot” refers to the area of the bat, which when hit, produces the least vibration sensation and maximum batted ball speed. When a ball strikes the “sweet spot” of a bat, a maximum amount of energy is transferred to the ball. This produces what some in the art refer to as the “trampoline effect.” During the bat-ball collision, the barrel of the bat acts as a spring for the ball. If the barrel of the bat is stiff, then the ball compresses upon impact and energy is lost during the compression and expansion process. Where the barrel of a bat is softer, the ball loses less energy during the bat-ball collision, thereby increasing the speed of the ball post collision. For most bats, the “sweet spot” is located approximately five to seven inches from the end of the bat's barrel.
Composite bats that are currently known in the art have a limited center of percussion, or “sweet spot.” Therefore, composite bats do not traditionally perform as well as metal or wood bats. The limited “sweet spot” is in part due to the manufacturing processes currently in place. There is a need in the art for a composite bat with a larger “sweet spot” so as to maximize bat performance. Such results can be achieved and are disclosed as an embodiment of the present invention. By providing for a highly controlled winding, weaving or interlacing process, the fiber angles of the composite materials are regulated and the center of percussion is expanded. The present invention improves the process of constructing bats made of reinforced plastic. Specifically, the present invention contemplates multiple layers or walls of composite material that is wound, weaved or interlaced around a tapered or cylindrical axle, known as a mandrel, to create a tubular structure that will serve as the skeleton of the bat. By controlling the layering, placement or angling of the composite material used to construct a bat, the “sweet spot” of the bat is increased.
In addition, a bat of the present invention minimizes the sting effect that players may experience as a result of a poorly hit ball. When a baseball makes contact with a bat, the ball causes the bat to vibrate. Where a ball makes contact with the bat outside of the bat's center of percussion, such vibrations may result in a painful sensation in the hands of a player. Bat manufacturers have attempted to eliminate and, or reduce vibrations with the use of two piece bats. In such instances, bats are made in two parts and are glued together. Manufacturers have also attempted to eliminate and, or reduce vibrations with absorbers. Absorbers include placing additional wrapping at or near the handle portion of the bat or grips.
The present invention minimizes the sting effect that players encounter. The structure of a bat of the present invention, the use of dissimilar materials in the present invention, and the manner in which such materials are bonded discourages the transmission of vibrations from the ball to the bat and ultimately to a player's hands. At or near the taper transition point on the body of a bat of the present invention, the angling of materials adjusts. Vibrations that result from the bat and ball impact dissipate before reaching a player's hands.
There is a need in the art for a composite bat that improves player performance and limits bat tampering. By limiting bat modification and tampering, the integrity of the sport is promoted and sport safety is improved.
The present invention relates to softball and baseball bats and more particularly to the process of molding the same.
A bat of the present invention is created by first manufacturing a tubular structure that is composed of composite material. With the use of machinery, a single, continuous strand of composite material is wound, weaved or interlaced around a tapered or cylindrical axle, known as a mandrel. Multiple layers, or walls, of composite material are added over the mandrel to create the interior structure, or skeleton, of the bat. Throughout the winding, weaving or interlacing process, the angling of the composite material is highly controlled such that fiber angles increases as the material approaches the bat's center of percussion. Fiber angles increase or decrease as the material move closer to or further away from the bat's center of percussion.
The angling of the composite material directly affects the performance of the bat. By controlling the angling of composite material as it approaches and moves away from the bat's center of percussion, the size of the center of percussion can be increased. This improves the bat's performance. In addition, a bat of the present invention minimizes the sting effect that players may, from time to time, experience as a result of a poorly hit ball. This is accomplished with the use of dissimilar materials along the body of the bat, the bonding of such materials and the controlled angling and layering of such materials.
A thin layer of plastic or other suitable material is placed between each layer of composite material. The newly created tubular structure is cured, using processes currently known in the art. After the curing process, the mandrel, which is traditionally composed of aluminum, shrinks and is removed. A cured tubular structure composed of composite material, with open tip, remains. The resulting tubular structure is composed of precisely placed fibers of composite material.
A form fitted composite material insert is inserted into the open tip of the tubular structure and is secured in place with adhesive. The insertion of the insert seals the tubular structure to create a single, solid vessel. A single, solid composite structure wherein the barrel of the structure transitions directly to the tip of the structure is created.
The body of the tubular structure is then wrapped, woven or covered with fibrous material, such as: fiber-reinforced plastic wherein the reinforcement fiber is glass; carbon fiber; and, or aramid fibers. Lead or other weighted metal is inserted into the knob and barrel portion of the tubular structure to achieve a desired balance of weight and balance of weight. Fibrous material is then wrapped over the tip and knob of the tubular structure, so as to reinforce the single, solid composite structure of the tubular structure. Said fibrous material is held in place with adhesive and/or the use of threads of cotton, hemp, or other material twisted together to form a thin, string material that secures the fibrous material to the tubular structure.
The tubular structure is placed in a pre-constructed mold. The tubular structure may then undergo a vacuum forming process. In some instances, the structure does not go through a vacuum forming process. A polymer coating is then injected around the tubular structure. Following the injection molding process, the bat is complete absent the addition of cosmetic additions like paint, graphics or grips.
When removed from the mold, the finished bat is a single, completely sealed, solid structure, with hollow body and a smooth and continuous edge. Additional structural modifications are not required. No additional component parts are added to the bat body.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description herein and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitive of the present invention. In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
Drawings—Figures
The embodiments disclosed herein are discussed in the context of a baseball or softball bat and the process of manufacturing the same because of the applicability and usefulness in such a field. More specifically, the bat of the present invention may be used to limit bat tampering, improve player performance, improve bat durability, and eliminate concerns of player safety.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Said tubular structure is formed with the use of a tapered or cylindrical axle, known as a mandrel 10. The mandrel 10 is a tubular structure that is generally of the same size and dimensions of the interior of a bat of the present invention. In an embodiment, said mandrel 10 ranges from 25.0 centimeters in length to 214.0 centimeters in length. The diameter of said mandrel 10 ranges from 5.0 millimeters in diameter, at its thinnest part, to 7.0 centimeters in diameter, at its thickest part. It is further contemplated that said mandrel tapers from the distal region 18 to the proximal region 14. Beginning at or near the taper 26, the body of the mandrel tapers as it transitions from the barrel 28 to the knob 20. However, it is contemplated that the mandrel 10 may be of any size and shape that will allow said device to operate according to its intended function.
Said mandrel may be fabricated from any metal material. Non-limiting examples of a metal include aluminum alloys, stainless steel, cobalt-chrome or titanium alloys, or any blend thereof.
In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that a multi-piece metal, composite or plastic mandrel may be utilized. It is further contemplated that an inflatable or disposable mandrel may be utilized.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the composite material 40 is composed of reinforced plastics known also as polymer-matrix composite (PMC) and fiber reinforced plastics (FRP). Strands of composite material 40 are utilized. Generally, said strands range from 2.0 millimeters in width to 12.0 millimeters in width, and 0.1 millimeters in thickness to 0.5 millimeters in thickness. However, it is contemplated that the composite material 40 may be of any dimension that will allow said material to operate according to its intended function. It is further contemplated that said composite material 40 may be formed of any materials that is maintains a high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio) and specific stiffness (stiffness-to-weight ratio).
For a first layer, a single, continuous strand of composite material 40 is wound, weaved or interlaced around the outer surface 34 of the body of the mandrel 10, beginning at the proximal region 14 of the mandrel and continuing to the distal region 18 of the mandrel. It is contemplated that the composite material 40 will cover 100.0% of the body of the mandrel.
Throughout the winding, weaving or interlacing process, the angling of the composite material 40 is highly controlled such that fiber angles increase as the material approaches the central region 16 of the mandrel. Fiber angles increase or decrease as the material moves closer to or further away from the central region 16 of the mandrel. It is contemplated that the angling of the composite material will vary between 20 degrees and 90 degrees. The angling of the composite material 40 will increase as the strands of composite material 40 approach the center of percussion 30. The angling of the composite material 40 will decrease as the strands of composite material 40 move away from the center of percussion 30.
Next, a thin layer of plastic or other suitable material then covers the mandrel 10. Additional layers of a single, continuous strand of composite material 40 are wound, weaved or interlaced around the body of the mandrel 10, along the longitudinal axis 12, beginning at the proximal region 14 of the mandrel and continuing to the distal region 18 of the mandrel. It is contemplated that the angling of the composite material will vary between 10 degrees and 90 degrees. It is contemplated that the composite material 40 will cover 90.0% of the body of the mandrel during the placement of each subsequent layer of composite material 40.
In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that multiple strands of composite material 40, up to forty (40) strands, may be wound, weaved or interlaced around the body of the mandrel 10, versus the use of a single strand.
A thin layer of plastic or other suitable material is placed between each layer of composite material 40. The use of a shear plane forces the bat to break apart at certain desired intervals and locations versus at random intervals and locations, thereby allowing the end user to “break in” the bat more quickly.
The mandrel 10, interlaced with composite material 40, is cured, using traditional means known in the art. After the curing process, the mandrel 10, which in an embodiment of the present invention, is composed of aluminum, shrinks and is manually removed. A cured tubular structure 42 composed of composite material 40 remains. The resulting tubular structure 42 is composed of precisely placed composite material 40 pieces. It mirrors the overall shape and dimensions of a finished bat of the present invention.
Following the curing process, the walls of the resulting tubular structure 10 range from 0.1 to 0.5 centimeters in thickness. However, in alternative embodiments, the resulting walls of the tubular structure 10 may be of any dimension that will allow said structure to operate according to its intended function.
Referring to
Beginning at or near the taper 26, the proximal region 14 of the tubular structure transitions, increasing slightly in diameter, to the central region 16 of the tubular structure. The central region 16 of the tubular structure 42 comprises the barrel 28 of the tubular structure. The center or percussion 30 is located within the confines of the outer surface 34 of the barrel 28. The tubular structure 42 transitions from the central region 16 to the distal region 18.
The tip 32 of the tubular structure 42 is located on the distal region 18. The tip 32 is located on the outer surface 34 of the tubular structure. The outer surface 34 transitions to a hollow core 38. The hollow core 38 is in constant communication with the interior surface 36 of the tubular structure 42.
The hollow core 38 maintains a similar shape and structure as the outer surface 34 of the tubular structure. In an embodiment, it is contemplated that the hollow core 38 may be gas-filled, vacuum-sealed, or atmospheric.
Lead or other weighted metal (not shown) is inserted into the knob 20 and barrel 28 portion of the tubular structure 42 to achieve a desired balance of weight and balance of weight.
As further shown on
Located on exterior lip 52 and in accordance with an embodiment, is a plurality of gripping points 54. Said gripping points 54 are of such size and shape to accommodate the inner surface 36 of the tubular structure 42. In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that said insert 44 may not have any gripping points or as few as one gripping point.
In an embodiment, the insert 44 is composed of the same material that comprises the composite material tubular structure 42. However, it is contemplated that the insert 44 may be formed of any material that maintains a high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio) and specific stiffness (stiffness-to-weight ratio), so as to carry out the intended function of the insert.
Referring to
In an embodiment, gripping points 54 of the insert 44 further secure the insert 44 to the tubular structure 42. The insert 44 is further secured to the tubular structure 42 with the use of adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the insert 44 may be secured to the tubular structure 42 by any means that will seal the tubular structure.
Referring to
Referring to
In an embodiment, said fibrous material 56 is secured in place with the use of adhesive and/or the use of threads of cotton, hemp, carbon, plastic, or other material to form a thin, string material 58 that secures the fibrous material to the tubular structure. The resulting structure is a single, solid, sealed tubular structure 42 wrapped in fibrous material 56.
Said fibrous material 56 may be composed of sheets, strands or such other configuration and may be of any dimension as will permit the wrapping and, or weaving of said material around a tubular structure 42.
In an embodiment, such fibrous material may be composed any natural or synthetic substance or a combination of such substances. Non-limiting examples include: fiber-reinforced plastic wherein the reinforcement fiber is glass; carbon fiber; and, or aramid fibers.
Referring to
Referring to
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/428,731, filed Dec. 1, 2016, by the present inventor.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20180154229 A1 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62428731 | Dec 2016 | US |
