Polycarbonate-Siloxane Copolymer Use in Baseball and Softball Bats

Abstract

This invention describes the use of a polycarbonate-siloxane block copolymer in the fabrication of various components, especially those subject to repeated impact, for devices such as baseball and softball bats. This material has been shown to possess excellent impact fatigue resistance, a benign mode of failure, and an ability to maintain its shape following impact that was not observed in any other tested polymers.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application relates to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 259250, titled “Polycarbonate-Siloxane Copolymer Use in Baseball and Softball Bats,” which was filed on Nov. 24, 2015 and is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The technical field relates generally to the use of a thermoplastic material with superior impact fatigue properties and a benign failure mechanism for use in the manufacture of baseball and softball bats as well as other devices where impact fatigue resistance would be a benefit.BACKGROUND[0003]Historically, baseball and softball bats were first made from wood, a material readily available and easily formed using technology available in the 19th century. (For purposes of clarity and simplification, the terms “baseball bat” or “bat,” whether singular or plural, as used herein shall apply to both baseball and softball bats, regardless of the s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes how the design of baseball and softball bats was improved to make them stronger and safer using thermoplastic polymers. This means the bat was made more durable and less prone to damage from impact.

Problems solved by technology

Another problem that has been observed with these unalloyed polymers is that when failure does occur following repeated impacts, the failure can be catastrophic, with shards of material flying away from the test article at high speed.

While failure itself can probably be tolerated (it's more an issue of economics than performance), the safety aspects of this type of failure in a sporting venue is totally unacceptable.

Nothing in the published literature for these or other thermoplastics addresses the long-term failure mechanism.

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