System for customizing a ball bat

Abstract

A system for customizing a ball bat for a user includes a processor, a display operably coupled to the processor, an input mechanism, and a memory operably coupled to the processor. The ball bat includes a handle portion, a barrel portion and an element. The electronic device is configured to provide first, second third and fourth user interfaces to the user. The first, second and third user interfaces include a representation of at least one handle portion, one barrel portion and one element, respectively. The first, second and third user interfaces are configured to enable the user to select at least one characteristic of the handle portion, the barrel portion and the element, respectively. The fourth user interface includes a representation of the bat including the handle portion, the barrel portion and the element. The input mechanism is configured to enable the user to confirm the selected combination.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present invention claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 756,089, filed on Jan. 24, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 041,227 (Atty. Dkt. No. WTD-0151A-US-NP), Ser. No. 14 / 041,481 (Atty. Dkt. No. WTD-0151B-US-NP) and Ser. No. 14 / 041,604 (Atty. Dkt. No. WTD-0151C-US-NP) filed on the same day herewith, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an element for coupling a handle portion to a barrel portion of a ball bat, and a system and method of customizing a ball bat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Baseball and softball bats are well known sporting goods. The materials used to form bats have changed and become more varied overtime, including materials such as wood, aluminum, o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a ball bat with a handle, barrel, and injection molded element non-removably attached to the handle. The handle has a generally uniform outer diameter with respect to the longitudinal axis. The barrel has a proximal region and a distal region spaced apart by a central region. The element has a tapered proximal region, a barrel engaging region, and an insert engaging region. The bat has a total length measured from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the barrel. The handle has a length that is less than 70 percent of the total length. The invention also includes a method for customizing the ball bat by presenting to the user on the display of the electronic device representations of a plurality of handle portions, barrel portions, and elements, and allowing the user to select or vary at least one characteristic of each. The technical effects of the invention include improved customization options for the ball bat, increased flexibility in handle and barrel design, and improved performance and comfort for the user.

Problems solved by technology

The cost of many existing bat constructions can be very high due to the complexity of the construction, the cost of the materials, and the time required to produce the finished ball bat.

The wide variety of bat constructions and materials can make it difficult for bat retailers to know which bats to stock.

Additionally, many bat models have long production lead times. Additionally, although bat construction and composition has evolved and become more varied overtime, many ball bats still provide excessive shock and / or vibration to the player upon hitting a ball, particularly on off-center impacts or impacts away from the sweet spot of the ball bat.

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