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WO1993014827A1 - Batte de jeu amelioree produisant un son - Google Patents

Batte de jeu amelioree produisant un son Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993014827A1
WO1993014827A1 PCT/US1992/006612 US9206612W WO9314827A1 WO 1993014827 A1 WO1993014827 A1 WO 1993014827A1 US 9206612 W US9206612 W US 9206612W WO 9314827 A1 WO9314827 A1 WO 9314827A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bat
diaphragm
sound
weight
cone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1992/006612
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John N. Handy
Ake L. Larsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mattel Inc
Original Assignee
Mattel Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/825,213 external-priority patent/US5133551A/en
Application filed by Mattel Inc filed Critical Mattel Inc
Publication of WO1993014827A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993014827A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
    • A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
    • A63B59/59—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball with sound generators, e.g. with internal movable members therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
    • A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
    • A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
    • A63B59/58—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball characterised by the shape
    • A63B2059/581—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball characterised by the shape with a continuously tapered barrel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2102/00—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
    • A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B49/00—Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/02—Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
    • A63B60/04—Movable ballast means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/16—Caps; Ferrules
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/22—Adjustable handles
    • A63B60/24—Weighted handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/48—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with corrugated cross-section
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to game bats and particularly to those having swing activated sounding devices.
  • a number of games and sports are played using a bat, racket, club or similar instrument.
  • the popular game of golf is played with a collection of golf clubs each of which generally includes an elongated club shaft supporting a club striking head and a handle grip at opposite ends.
  • a collection of golf clubs each of which generally includes an elongated club shaft supporting a club striking head and a handle grip at opposite ends.
  • golf clubs are varied to meet different types of play situations.
  • Other games or sports are played using devices generally referred to as rackets such as tennis, racquetball or the like.
  • the rackets in such games differs substantially from most other instruments and generally comprise an elongated handle having a generally oval frame within which a resilient material is strung in a screen-like structure.
  • baseball bats usually comprise an elongated circular cross section bat having a handle portion and gripping knob at one end and a thicker and heavier striking end at the opposite end. In most baseball bats, a general taper is provided between the handle portion and the striking end.
  • the most common material used in making baseball bats is natural hardwood such as oak or the like.
  • certain other materials such as aluminum or fiberglass have been adopted in other highly specialized league standards. In any event, baseball bats used in league play are subject to extremely rigid and confining league standards as to length, weight, size and configuration tolerances.
  • nonstandard baseball bats In addition to standard baseball bats accepted for standardized league play, a variety of nonstandard baseball bats have also been developed.
  • One common type of baseball bat involves practice bats which are used primarily to develop strength or practice and perfect the swinging technique of the hitter. Such structures have included bats having unusual weight distribution as well as bats having removable or movable weights supported therein or thereon.
  • Another type of nonstandard bat which has found substantial popularity may be generally described as amusement type baseball bats.
  • amusement bats have included sounding mechanisms which produce audible sounds during the swinging or hitting action as well as bats having associated actions such as lights or movement.
  • U.S. Patent 514,420 issued to Jacobus sets forth a BASEBALL BAT in which an impact force multiplying device is provided.
  • the impact devices includes an elongated hollow passage defined within the striking end of the bat within which a plurality of weighted spherical balls are freely movable.
  • a closure plug is threadably received at the striking end of the bat closing the passage and captivating the weighted balls within the passage.
  • an elongated cylindrical sliding weight replaces the spherical balls.
  • the intended function is provided by the change of bat characteristic during swinging as centrifugal force drives the weighted members outwardly from the passage end remote from the striking end to the striking end of the bat.
  • U.S. Patent 3,578,801 issued to Piazza sets forth a PRACTICE BASEBALL BAT having an elongated hollow bat for baseball practice within which an elongated longitudinal rod is supported.
  • a chamber extends along a portion of the elongated rod and supports a slidable weight thereon. During the swinging of the bat, the centrifugal force drives the weight outwardly toward the striking end of the bat.
  • U.S. Patent 3,137,504 issued to Zordan, et al. sets forth a PRACTICE SWING BAT having an elongated cylindrical chamber defined therein.
  • An elongated cylindrical bore extends inwardly from the striking end of the bat and a movable weight is supported within the bore.
  • the weight is received within a weight retaining mechanism which holds the weight at the center portion of the bat remote from the striking end until sufficient centrifugal force is plied to the bat dislodging the weight and thrusting it outwardly toward the striking end.
  • U.S. Patent 4,671,508 issued to Tetreault sets forth a PRACTICE BAT having a hollow elongated bat within which a movable weight travels between the handle end and the striking end.
  • the handle is preferably formed of a resilient defor able material whereby the weight may be secured within the handle end portion of the bat by squeezing the handle. When the squeeze is released, the weight moves outwardly to strike the striking end of the bat.
  • U.S. Patent 3,113,782 issued to Guier sets forth a SWINGABLE PRACTICE CLUB WITH MAGNETICALLY RETAINED SLIDABLE SOUNDING DEVICE in which an elongated club having a shaft and handle similar to a golf club includes an outer striking end practice device which replaces the conventional striking end of the golf club.
  • the practice device includes an elongated cylindrical housing within which a weight is movable and within which means are provided for indicating the force applied to the club striking end due to the centrifugal force action upon the weight during the swing.
  • U.S. Patent 3,136,546 issued to Connolly sets forth a SWINGABLE PRACTICE GAME IMPLEMENT WITH SLIDING WEIGHT having a shaft and handle similar to a conventional golf club.
  • a practice element replaces the club head at the striking end and includes a cylindrical member having a central bore formed therein.
  • a moveable weight is resilientiy supported within the central bore and is acted upon by centrifugal force during swinging.
  • a practice game bat similar to a baseball bat is shown having the same weight supporting structure.
  • U.S. Patent 4,588,387 issued to Swenson sets forth an ILLUMINATED INFANT TOY having an elongated generally cylindrical noise making device within which a plurality of lights are supported. Means are provided for sequentially illuminating the lights as a movable disk within the device interior travels back and forth within an elongated passage therein.
  • a game bat comprises: an elongated slide tube defining first and second ends and a passage therethrough; a slide weight slidably supported within the passage; a sound housing having an interior cavity coupled to the first end of the slide tube; a diaphragm supported within the sound housing; and a diaphragm cone; means for resilientiy supporting the cone within the interior cavity proximate the diaphragm, the slide weight sliding through the passage during a batter swing to impact the diaphragm cone causing diaphragm vibration and sound.
  • Figure 1 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a game bat constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 sets forth a section view of the present invention game bat taken along section lines 2-2 in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 sets forth a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention sound producing game bat;
  • Figure 4 sets forth a side view of an improved sound producing game bat constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 5 sets forth a partial section view of a portion of the present invention game bat taken along section lines 5-5 in Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 sets forth a partial section view of a portion of the present invention improved sound producing game bat taken along section lines 6-6 in Figure 4;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective assembly view of a portion of the present invention improved sound producing game bat
  • Figure 8 sets forth a section view of a portion of the present invention game bat taken along section lines 8-8 in Figure 4;
  • Figure 9 sets forth a section view of the present invention improved sound producing game bat taken along section lines 9-9 in Figure 5;
  • Figure 10 sets forth a section view of a portion of the present invention improved sound producing game bat taken along section lines 10-10 in Figure 6.
  • FIG 1 sets forth a perspective assembly view of a sound producing game bat constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10.
  • Game bat 10 includes a generally hollow body preferably formed of a molded plastic material or the like which defines a handle portion 13, an expanded grip end 14 and a enlarged striking end 26.
  • Striking end 26 defines a tapered end portion 24 and an aperture 19.
  • body 11 is hollow and thus defines an interior cavity 12.
  • End 24 further defines a recess 25.
  • a plurality of generally spiralled grooves 20 are formed in handle 13 to improve the gripping characteristics of game bat 10.
  • grip end 14 defines an aperture 60 extending therethrough and a surrounding recess 61.
  • Game bat 10 further includes an elongated generally cylindrical weight shaft 21 defining a bore 23 at one end and a bore 27 (at the remaining end) .
  • weight shaft 21 may be completely hollow in which case a center passage extends between bores 23 and 27.
  • a generally cylindrical resilient damper 22 preferably formed of a foam plastic or foam rubber type material, defines a center passage 28 and is received upon weight shaft 21.
  • resilient damper 22 is tightly fitted to weight shaft 21 and thus, once placed thereon in accordance with the assembly set forth below in greater detail, tends to remain in a fixed position upon weight shaft 21.
  • Game bat 10 further includes a generally cylindrical slide weight 30 defining a center passage 31.
  • Slide weight 30 is preferably formed of a heavy material such as metal or the like and is loosely fitted upon weight shaft 21 and thus is slidable thereon.
  • passage 31 is preferably sized sufficiently larger than the outer size of weight shaft 21 to permit easy sliding of slide weight 30.
  • game bat 10 further includes an acoustic sound cone 40 having a generally cone-shaped diaphragm portion 42 and a coupling element 43.
  • Diaphragm 42 terminates in a generally annular rim 44.
  • diaphragm 42 defines a generally cone-shaped open chamber 41 extending inwardly from support rim 44.
  • An end cap 15 includes a generally disk-shaped head portion 16 and a coupling element 17.
  • Game bat 10 is assembled in the manner shown in Figure 1 by initially placing weight shaft 21 within interior cavity 12 of body 11. Thereafter, weight shaft 21 is moved inwardly toward handle 13 until the end thereof supporting bore 27 is received within aperture 60 of grip end 14 (the former better seen in Figure 2) .
  • FIG. 2 sets forth a section view of game bat 10 taken along section lines 2-2 in Figure 1.
  • game bat 10 includes a hollow body 11 defining a striking end 26 having a tapered end portion 24 and an aperture 19 defined therein. End portion 24 further defines a recess 25 surrounding aperture 19.
  • Body 11 also defines a handle portion 13 and an expanded grip end 14. The latter defines an aperture 60 and surrounding recess 61 therein.
  • weight shaft 21 defines an end bore 27 at one end and a bore 23 at the opposite end.
  • weight shaft 21 may be fabricated as a hollow cylindrical member in which case bores 27 and 23 are inherently defined therein.
  • Weight shaft 21 is supported within interior cavity 12 of hollow body 11 by cap 15 at one end and by sound cone 40 at the other end.
  • cap 15 includes a generally disk-shaped head 16 having a coupling element 17 extending therefrom. In the assembled position, head 16 is received within recess 61 while coupling element 17 is received within bore 27 of weight shaft 21.
  • sound cone 40 includes a generally cone-shaped diaphragm 42 defining an open chamber 41 and a coupling element 43.
  • Coupling element 43 is received and secured within bore 23 of weight shaft 21.
  • Cone 40 further defines a support rim 44 which is received within recess 25 of end portion 24.
  • sound cone 40 is supported within recess 25 and extends inwardly through aperture 19 of end portion 24.
  • attachment between cap 15 and sound cone 40 and weight shaft 21 may be accomplished using a variety of attachments such as an adhesive material or the like.
  • a generally cylindrical slide weight 30 defines an internal passage 31 and is slidably received upon weight shaft 21.
  • a generally cylindrical resilient damper 21 defining an interior passage 28 is also received upon shaft 21.
  • resilient damper 22 is preferably sized to fit snugly upon weight shaft 21. In the position shown in Figure 2, damper 22 is spaced from grip end 14 of game bat 10. However, the position of resilient damper 22 upon weight shaft 21 may be selected in accordance with preference in that the position of resilient damper 22 upon shaft 21 defines the farthest point of travel for slide weight 30 in the direction of handle 13. Thus, the travel of slide weight 30 is maximized if resilient damper 22 is forced through a substantial portion of handle 13 toward grip end 14.
  • game bat 10 is initially raised to a somewhat vertical orientation causing the gravitational force upon slide weight 30 to draw slide weight 30 downwardly upon weight shaft 21 until it impacts resilient damper 22. Thereafter, the action of swinging game bat 10 in accordance with its general use in sports activities such as baseball causes striking end 26 to be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 55 as the user swings game bat 10 through an arced travel path.
  • the centrifugal force operative upon slide weight 30 causes weight 30 to be accelerated upon weight shaft 21 in the direction indicated by arrow 50.
  • sound vibrations are produced in diaphragm 42 of sound cone 40 which reverberate outwardly through open chamber 41 producing audible sound energy.
  • the character of sound produced may be controlled to some extent by the selection of materials used to fabricate diaphragm 42 and other physical characteristics of sound cone 40.
  • the use of acoustic sound cone 40 in game bat 10 produces substantially increased sound output not realized by the prior art game bats having sound producing mechanisms.
  • the character of sound produced by the impact of slide weight 30 is given a unique characteristic due to the cone shape of diaphragm 42 and sound cone 40.
  • game bat 10 may thereafter be again raised to a generally vertical orientation which again causes the gravitational force upon slide weight 30 to return slide weight 30 to resilient damper 22.
  • the replacement of resilient damper 22 within body 11 of the present invention game bat avoids producing any appreciable sound or vibration or other impact responses as slide weight 30 returns to the area of handle 13. This has been found desirable in avoiding unnecessary and generally undesired sound and vibration by the user during successive "practice swings" or similar activities in which the bat is repeatedly swung back and forth by the user.
  • FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention game bat generally referenced by numeral 70.
  • Game bat 70 includes a body 71 defining a center passage 80 therethrough.
  • game bat 70 is formed of a generally solid body 71 and thus is generally heavier than game bat 10.
  • An end cap 73 defines a generally cylindrical head 82 and a coupling 83. The latter is received within center passage 80 of body 71 and is secured therein by a conventional attachment means such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding or other attachment.
  • a resilient damper 81 preferably formed of a foam plastic or rubber material is securely fitted within center passage 80 and is preferably pressed against coupling 83 of end cap 73.
  • a generally cylindrical slide weight 94 is loosely fitted within central passage 80 and thus is slidably supported therein and free to move the length of passage 80.
  • game bat 70 further includes a sound cone 90 having a support rim 92 and defining an open chamber 93. Rim 92 is received within recess 76 of body 71. Sound cone 90 further includes a coupling element 91 which is received within center passage 80 in a secure attachment by means such as adhesive bonding or the like.
  • game bat 70 is substantially the same as that set forth above for game bat 10. Specifically, game bat 70 is initially raised to a generally vertical position causing the gravitational force upon slide weight 94 to draw it downwardly within center passage 80 until it impacts resilient damper 81. Thereafter, the rapid swinging motion of game bat 70 in an arced path produces a centrifugal force operative upon slide weight 94 to drive it outwardly through center passage 80 to impact coupling element 91 of sound cone 90. The impact thus produced reverberates through sound cone 90 causing a distinct audible sound to reverberate outwardly through open chamber 93 of sound cone 90. As with the embodiment set forth above, resilient damper 81 is operative to avoid undesired vibration or impact noises when slide weight 94 returns to the handle portion of game bat 70 as game bat 70 is raised to a vertical orientation.
  • FIG 4 sets forth a side elevation view of an improved sound producing game bat constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 100.
  • Game bat 100 includes a handle portion 101, an end knob 109 and a hitting end 102 formed in accordance with general proportions of a baseball game bat.
  • Bat 100 further includes an extensive foam covering 105 which extends virtually the entire length of game bat 100 and which defines a pair of grooves 107 and x08 at the extreme end of hitting end 102 and a plurality of handle serrations 106 within handle portion 101.
  • An end plug 104 is received within the interior of game bat 100 in the manner better seen in Figure 8.
  • a sound horn 103 the structure of which is better seen in Figure 5, extends into hitting end 102 beneath foam covering 105.
  • game bat 100 includes a solid interior frame having a slidable weight supported within the bat interior (seen in Figure 5) and a resilient foam outer covering to produce a unique combination of bat characteristics.
  • a slidable weight supported within the bat interior (seen in Figure 5)
  • a resilient foam outer covering to produce a unique combination of bat characteristics.
  • these interesting characteristics is the sound produced by the travel of the sliding weight within the interior of game bat 100 toward a sound unit (seen in Figure 5) each time bat 100 is swung.
  • FIG. 5 sets forth a section view of game bat 100 taken along section lines 5-5 in Figure 4.
  • Game bat 100 includes a generally cylindrical slide tube 120 having an end portion 122, a center bore 121 and a fluted outer surface 123.
  • a sound unit housing 140 defines an internally fluted bore 141 which receives fluted outer surface 123 of slide tube 120 in a secure attachment which is maintained by conventional assembly fabrication such as adhesives or sonic welding or the like.
  • Sound unit housing 140 further defines an aperture 142 having a diameter essentially corresponding to that of center bore 121 of slide tube 120.
  • Sound unit housing 140 further defines an interior cavity 143 having an inwardly extending lip 125 and a slightly tapered recess 124.
  • a hard resilient diaphragm 146 having a generally planar disk-like shape is loosely received within recess 124 and is positioned near lip 125 of sound unit housing 140.
  • a slightly tapered sound horn 103 extends into and is received within recess 124 of sound unit housing 140. Sound horn 103 and lip 125 loosely captivate the outer perimeter of diaphragm 146 within housing 140. Sound horn 103 is secured to housing 140 by conventional attachment means such as adhesive or sonic welding or the like and defines a resonance passage 147 extending outwardly from diaphragm 146.
  • a generally cup-shaped diaphragm cone 145 defines an open end proximate diaphragm 146 and a closed end facing toward aperture 142 of housing 140.
  • a resilient foam ring 144 is received within interior cavity 143 of housing 140 and positions and resilientiy secures comb 145 within interior cavity 143 tightly against diaphragm 146.
  • a generally cylindrical slide weight 130 is received within and movable with respect to center bore 121 of slide tube 120.
  • Slide weight 130 includes a friction reducing outer sleeve 131 and a pair of end portions 132 and 133.
  • a molded foam covering 105 is formed about sound horn 103, sound unit housing 140, and slide tube 120 in a conforming molded attachment. Fluted outer surface 123 of slide tube 120 functions in the attachment of foam covering 105 to prevent twisting of the foam covering which would otherwise occur in the absence of the fluted outer surface.
  • slide tube 120 extends uninterrupted from sound unit housing 140 to end plug 104 and thus forms the main structural element of game bat 100.
  • the centrifugal force produced upon slide weight 130 as the batter swings game bat 100 through the swing ark produces a centrifugal acceleration which acts upon slide weight 130 in the direction of arrow 150 causing slide weight 130 to move rapidly through center bore 121 and aperture 142 to impact diaphragm cone 145.
  • diaphragm 146 and foam ring 144 cooperate to transfer the energy of sliding weight 130 to vibrational energy within diaphragm 146 producing a sound output which travels outwardly from diaphragm 146 through resonance passage 147.
  • the resilience of foam ring 144, the material of diaphragm cone 145, and diaphragm 146 are selected together with the weight of slide weight 130 to provide a "crack of the bat" type sound during the batter's swing. While any number of materials may be used to fabricate slide tube 120, sound unit housing 140, diaphragm cone 145, diaphragm 146, and sound horn 103, it has been found advantageous to fabricate each from molded plastic somewhat resilient materials.
  • slide weight 130 will be generally at rest near end 122 of slide tube 120. Thereafter, the batter simply raises game bat 100 to a somewhat vertical orientation causing a gravitational force in the direction of arrow 151 to move slide weight 130 toward handle portion 101 (seen in Figure 4) in preparation for the next swing of the bat.
  • Figure 6 sets forth a section view of a portion of game bat 100 showing the energy absorbing travel limit means which act upon slide weight 130 when game bat 100 is raised to a generally vertical orientation.
  • Figure 6 shows a portion of slide tube 120 defining a center bore 121 and a fluted outer surface 123.
  • Foam covering 105 is molded upon slide tube 120 as described above and thus forms about fluted outer surface 123 to provide a secure nontwisting attachment between foam covering 105 and slide tube 120.
  • a generally cylindrical resilient damper 150 is received within center bore 121 at the desired travel limit position for slide weight 130 and is secured therein by a generally U- shaped conventional staple 151 which is driven through slide tube 120 to secure damper 150.
  • Figure 7 sets forth an assembly view of the sound unit portion of the present invention game bat.
  • slide tube 120 forms a generally cylindrical member having a center bore 121, an end 122 and a fluted outer surface 123.
  • a slide weight 130 defines a generally cylindrical configuration and supports a friction reducing sleeve 131 and defines end portions 132 and 133. Slide weight 130 is received within center bore 121 of slide tube 120.
  • a sound unit housing 140 defines a fluted bore 141 which receives end 122 and a portion of fluted outer surface 123 in a secure engagement. Sound unit housing 140 further defines a interior recess 124 and an interior cavity 143 separated by an inwardly extending lip 125.
  • FIG. 8 sets forth a section view of the end portion of game bat 100 taken along section lines 8-8 in Figure 4.
  • Slide tube 120 defines a center bore 121 and a fluted outer surface 123.
  • a foam cover 105 defines a plurality of serrations 106 and an expanded knob 109 and is formed upon fluted outer surface 123 of slide tube 120.
  • An end plug 104 includes a generally domed cap 110 and a cylindrical insert 111. The latter is received within center bore 121 of slide tube 120 and secured therein by conventional attachment means such as adhesives, sonic welding or the like.
  • Figure 9 sets forth a section view of game bat 100 taken along section lines 9-9 in Figure 5.
  • Slide tube 100 defines a center bore 121 and a fluted outer surface 123.
  • Sound unit * housing 140 defines an internally fluted bore 140 which receives fluted outer surface 123 of slide tube 120 to provide a secure attachment therebetween.
  • Foam cover 105 is molded upon slide tube 120 and sound unit housing 140 in the manner described above.
  • FIG 10 sets forth a section view of game bat 100 taken along section lines 10-10 in Figure 6.
  • Game bat 100 includes a cylindrical slide tube 120 having an externally fluted outer surface 123 and a center bore 121 therein.
  • a resilient foam cover 105 is molded upon slide tube 120 and securely attaches to fluted outer surface 123 to prevent twisting between foam cover 105 and slide tube 120.
  • FIG. 4 through 10 provides substantial advantage over prior art sound producing game bats in that a resilient foam outer cover may be advantageously used while retaining the substantial sound producing qualities of the sounding unit.
  • a resilient foam outer cover may be advantageously used while retaining the substantial sound producing qualities of the sounding unit.
  • the combination of sound horn 103, diaphragm 146, cone 145 and the resilient support provided therefor by foam ring 144 permit significant sound production which is not interfered with the presence of foam outer covering 105.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

Une batte de jeu (10) produisant un son comprend un tube coulissant cylindrique (120) avec un trou central (121) et une surface externe nervurée (123). Un poids coulissant cylindrique (130) est réceptionné dans le trou central (121) du tube coulissant (120) et est fixé imperdable à l'extrémité de la poignée (101) par un tampon amortisseur souple (150). L'extrémité de frappe (102) de la batte (10) comprend une unité produisant un son (103) pourvue d'un logement (140) dans lequel un diaphragme (146) et un cône de diaphragme (145) sont supportés de manière souple. Lors des swings de la batte (10) produits par le batteur, le poids coulissant (130) se déplace à travers le trou central (121) du tube coulissant (120) et percute le cône du diaphragme (145) produisant la vibration du diaphragme (146) et des effets sonores. Un revêtement en mousse (105) est moulé sur la batte (10) pour enfermer virtuellement la totalité de la batte dans un dispositif de fixation.
PCT/US1992/006612 1992-01-24 1992-08-10 Batte de jeu amelioree produisant un son Ceased WO1993014827A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/825,213 US5133551A (en) 1991-08-15 1992-01-24 Sound producing game bat
US07/825,213 1992-01-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993014827A1 true WO1993014827A1 (fr) 1993-08-05

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1992/006612 Ceased WO1993014827A1 (fr) 1992-01-24 1992-08-10 Batte de jeu amelioree produisant un son

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2427292A (fr)
WO (1) WO1993014827A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015103200A1 (fr) * 2013-12-30 2015-07-09 Sillik Francisco J Batte d'entrainement
US9433812B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2016-09-06 Francisco J. Sillik Sports or exercise training device for hand-swung implements

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU655268B3 (en) * 1994-07-06 1994-12-08 Dana Flora Pty Ltd A duster

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US514420A (en) * 1894-02-06 Charles jacobtjs
US3113782A (en) * 1962-01-29 1963-12-10 Guier William Swingable practice club with magnetically retained slidable sounding device
US3136546A (en) * 1961-08-25 1964-06-09 Joseph J Connolly Swingable practice game implement with slidable weight
US3137504A (en) * 1962-05-03 1964-06-16 Victor C Zordan Practice swing bat
US3173688A (en) * 1962-12-14 1965-03-16 Green Joseph Game bat with swing-responsive sounding means
US3572706A (en) * 1969-06-09 1971-03-30 Burnos L Schroder Swing force indicator including an actuator for disengaging a magnetically attracted movable member
US3578801A (en) * 1968-12-30 1971-05-18 Raymond Piazza Practice baseball bat
US4588387A (en) * 1984-02-27 1986-05-13 Neptune Corporation Illuminated infant toy
US4634212A (en) * 1984-06-08 1987-01-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Terminal block mount
US4671508A (en) * 1986-02-06 1987-06-09 Tetreault Albert G Practice bat

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US514420A (en) * 1894-02-06 Charles jacobtjs
US3136546A (en) * 1961-08-25 1964-06-09 Joseph J Connolly Swingable practice game implement with slidable weight
US3113782A (en) * 1962-01-29 1963-12-10 Guier William Swingable practice club with magnetically retained slidable sounding device
US3137504A (en) * 1962-05-03 1964-06-16 Victor C Zordan Practice swing bat
US3173688A (en) * 1962-12-14 1965-03-16 Green Joseph Game bat with swing-responsive sounding means
US3578801A (en) * 1968-12-30 1971-05-18 Raymond Piazza Practice baseball bat
US3572706A (en) * 1969-06-09 1971-03-30 Burnos L Schroder Swing force indicator including an actuator for disengaging a magnetically attracted movable member
US4588387A (en) * 1984-02-27 1986-05-13 Neptune Corporation Illuminated infant toy
US4634212A (en) * 1984-06-08 1987-01-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Terminal block mount
US4671508A (en) * 1986-02-06 1987-06-09 Tetreault Albert G Practice bat

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015103200A1 (fr) * 2013-12-30 2015-07-09 Sillik Francisco J Batte d'entrainement
US9433812B2 (en) 2013-12-30 2016-09-06 Francisco J. Sillik Sports or exercise training device for hand-swung implements

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2427292A (en) 1993-09-01

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