Bat with a suspended internal structure

Abstract

A bat for ball games with a suspended internal structure designed to optimize the contact area. [Solution] A butt comprising an outer elongated barrel having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region; a single inner tube disposed within the outer barrel structure, the inner tube being held within the cylindrical region by at least one suspension member; and at least one barrel insert positioned annularly around the inner tube, which affects the lateral movement of the inner tube when a force is applied within the cylindrical region of the butt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 750,083, entitled "Bat with Suspended Internal Structure," filed on January 27, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of sports equipment, and more particularly to bats used in sports such as baseball and softball that have an internal structure designed to improve performance and the player experience.

Background Art

[0003] Bats used in sports such as baseball and softball have evolved over time to improve performance and the player experience. Conventional bats typically consist of a single solid or hollow structure that can limit the ability to absorb and transfer energy during impact with the ball. As players have sought improvements in performance and feel, various configurations have been explored to optimize the bat's response upon contact. These efforts have led to the development of multi - component bats. However, challenges remain in creating a bat that provides a desirable combination of power, control, and comfort for players of different skill levels and play styles.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The brief summary is provided to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description below. It is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to assist in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a butt is provided. The butt includes an outer elongated barrel, the outer elongated barrel having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region. A single inner tube is positioned within the outer barrel structure, and the inner tube is held within the cylindrical region by at least one suspension member. At least one barrel insert is positioned annularly around the inner tube, which affects the lateral movement of the inner tube when a force is applied within the cylindrical region of the butt.

[0006] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the butt may include one or more of the following features: a gap may be provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt; at least one suspension member may be a first suspension member and a second suspension member, wherein a first internal gap is provided between at least one barrel insert and the first suspension member, and a second internal gap is provided between at least one barrel insert and the second suspension member.

[0007] At least one barrel insert may comprise a first annular barrel insert positioned around the central region of the inner tube, and a second and a third annular barrel insert positioned on either side of the first annular barrel insert around the inner tube. The first annular barrel insert may have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of at least one of the second and third annular barrel inserts.

[0008] The first annular barrel insert may have a width greater than the width of at least one of the second and third annular barrel inserts. At least one barrel insert may have an I-shaped, L-shaped, or T-shaped cross-section along the axial cross-sectional plane. At least one suspension member may be formed of a material that is less prone to deformation than the material of the single inner tube. The single inner tube may be formed of a material that is less prone to deformation than the material of at least one suspension member. At least one suspension member may comprise a first suspension member positioned in the proximal portion of the cylindrical region and a second suspension member positioned in the distal portion of the cylindrical region. At least one barrel insert may include one, two, three, or four barrel inserts.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a butt is provided. The butt includes an outer elongated barrel, the outer elongated barrel having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region. An inner tube is positioned within the outer barrel structure, and the inner tube is held within the cylindrical region by a first suspension member and a second suspension member. At least one performance control assembly comprises the outer tube and at least one barrel insert positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube, and the at least one performance control assembly influences the lateral movement of the inner tube when a force is applied within the cylindrical region of the butt. A substantial proximal internal gap is provided between the at least one performance control assembly and the first suspension member, and a substantial distal internal gap is positioned between the at least one performance control assembly and the second suspension member.

[0010] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the butt may include one or more of the following features: a gap may be provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt; at least one performance control assembly may comprise a first performance control assembly positioned around the central region of the inner tube and a second performance control assembly positioned on the side of the first performance control assembly, wherein the first and second performance control assemblies are configured to operate independently of each other.

[0011] At least one performance control assembly may comprise a first performance control assembly positioned around the central region of the inner tube, a second performance control assembly, and a third performance control assembly positioned on either side of the first performance control assembly, wherein the first, second, and third performance control assemblies are configured to operate independently of each other. The outer diameter of the outer tube of the first performance control assembly may be greater than the outer diameter of the outer tubes of the second and third performance control assemblies, respectively. The first performance control assembly may be positioned adjacent to the second performance control assembly, and the third performance control assembly may be positioned adjacent to the first performance control assembly. The first performance control assembly may be spaced apart from the second performance control assembly or not mounted on the second performance control assembly, and the third performance control assembly may be spaced apart from the first performance control assembly or not mounted on the first performance control assembly.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a butt is provided. The butt includes an outer barrel structure having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region. An inner tube is held by a first suspension member and a second suspension member positioned spaced apart along the inner tube and located within the outer barrel structure, the first and second suspension members being formed of a deformable material, and the inner tube being formed of a structurally rigid material. At least two performance control assemblies are configured to operate independently of each other, and each performance control assembly comprises at least one barrel insert suspended on the inner tube between the first and second suspension members.

[0013] In other aspects of the present disclosure, the butt may include one or more of the following features: a gap may be provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt; at least one barrel insert may include a plurality of barrel inserts spaced apart along the length of the inner tube; and the first of at least two performance control assemblies may have at least one of a different shape or a different material composition from the second of at least two performance control assemblies.

[0014] Each of at least two performance control assemblies may further comprise an outer tube positioned around at least one barrel insert, the outer tube configured to contact the inner surface of the outer barrel structure during lateral movement of the inner tube. At least one of the inner and outer tubes may comprise a plurality of perforations extending through their respective tube walls, the perforations arranged along the length of each tube wall to vary the elastic deformability of each tube at different locations.

[0015] The above general description of exemplary embodiments and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and not limiting to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0016] Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and instead the focus is on clearly illustrating the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numeral indicates a corresponding part across multiple drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is an axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] An axial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] A perspective view of one embodiment of an inner tube for use in a bat according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] The present disclosure relates to bats such as baseball and softball bats having a suspended internal structure for optimizing a contact area. Bats, including baseball and softball bats, often have an area, generally referred to as a "sweet spot" or "soft spot," that represents an ideal impact location on the barrel. The soft spot can correspond to an area that exhibits optimal performance characteristics when the bat strikes the ball. In some cases, the soft spot may be associated with the center of percussion (COP) of the bat where the impact force is most efficiently transmitted.

[0019] When the ball makes contact with the bat in or near the soft spot, the player can experience reduced vibration, improved energy transfer to the ball, and an optimal feel during the swing. The location and size of the soft spot can vary depending on factors such as the bat's construction, materials, weight distribution, and internal structure. It may be desirable to increase or enlarge the sweet spot while flattening the performance curve. However, in most nonlinear bats, the inner barrel portion of the bat is attached to either the proximal or distal end of the bat, thereby limiting or restricting the free lateral movement of the inner barrel portion inside the outer barrel structure. Accordingly, this specification describes various suspended internal structure assemblies for bats or similar devices that can improve the performance of the bat (e.g., the performance of the bat's sweet spot), enlarge the effective hitting area, or improve the bat's response when contact occurs in or near this location.

[0020] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a butt is disclosed having a suspended internal structure assembly including a separate inner barrel assembly suspended on an inner tube by one or more suspension members within an outer barrel. This configuration allows for greater lateral movement than prior art butts and provides progressive displacement in response to impact forces, thereby providing the player with a softer impact sensation and improved feel.

[0021] Referring here to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a partial cross-section of the butt 100 according to various embodiments. Generally, the butt 100 includes an outer barrel structure 103. The outer barrel structure 103 is an outer elongated barrel that may include a tapered region 106 and a cylindrical region 109, among other possible regions. The tapered region 106 tapers into the cylindrical region 109 or is otherwise joined. Furthermore, the outer barrel structure 103 may include an end cap 110 positioned at the distal end of the butt 100. In this way, the outer barrel structure 103 can form the exterior of the butt 100 and can be made from a variety of materials such as aluminum, composite materials, and metal alloys. The outer barrel structure 103 may include an outer diameter suitable for the regulations of a particular sport and league, and can provide overall structural integrity to the butt 100 while also contributing to its performance characteristics, as will be discussed later.

[0022] The butt 100 may further include an internal tubular structure or internal tubular member, referred to herein as an inner tube 112. The inner tube 112 may provide structural support and act as a mounting point for other components to affect the butt performance. In some embodiments, the inner tube 112 is a single inner tube 112, meaning there are no additional inner tubes 112.

[0023] The inner tube 112 may be adapted to deform upon impact with the butt 100, and the deformation and movement of the inner tube 112 may be selectively configured to adjust the response of the butt 100. For this purpose, in some embodiments, the inner tube 112 may include a structurally rigid rod having a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, or another suitable shape configured to provide structural support within the butt 100. The inner tube 112 may be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, alloys, composites, polymers, or combinations thereof, depending on the desired performance characteristics.

[0024] In alternative embodiments, the inner tube 112 may be hollow and may have a circular, oval, polygonal, or other suitable shape. The hollow configuration of the inner tube 112 can reduce the overall weight of the butt 100, as will be discussed later, while still providing sufficient lateral movement. In some implementations, the wall thickness of the hollow inner tube 112 can be varied along its length to adjust the stiffness characteristics at different positions.

[0025] The inner tube 112 may have a uniform cross-section along its entire length, but in other embodiments, the cross-section may vary, such as tapering from a larger diameter at one end to a smaller diameter at the opposite end. The choice of cross-sectional shape, and whether the inner tube 112 is solid or hollow, may affect the weight distribution, balance point, and overall feel of the butt 100 in use.

[0026] Referring together to Figures 1 and 2, when the ball strikes the butt 100 in or near the sweet spot, or in another area along the cylindrical region 109, the inner tube 112 may translate or move laterally relative to the outer barrel structure 103. As shown in the specific figures of Figures 1 and 2, this lateral movement is along the transverse axis such as vertical a 横 This can occur along the lines of the following. The degree of lateral displacement of the inner tube 112 may vary depending on the location and magnitude of the impact force, as well as the structural arrangement of the inner tube 112 and related components, as will be described later.

[0027] In some embodiments, impacts occurring near the sweet spot may produce different lateral movement characteristics compared to impacts occurring at other locations along the cylindrical region 109. Lateral movement of the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103 can contribute to energy absorption and transfer during ball contact, which may affect the overall feel and performance experienced by the player.

[0028] The inner tube 112 may be held within the butt 100 by one or more suspension members 115a, 115b (collectively, “suspension members 115”). In some embodiments, the butt 100 may include a first suspension member 115a that holds the proximal end of the inner tube 112, and a second suspension member 115b positioned spaced apart along the inner tube 112 and holding the distal end of the inner tube 112. The suspension members 115 may be identical or different from each other, and may be formed of an elastic or elastically deformable material that allows the inner tube 112 to absorb impact forces and move laterally relative to the outer barrel structure 103. In alternative embodiments, the suspension members 115 may be formed of a structurally rigid material.

[0029] The suspension member 115 can suspend the inner tube 112 such that a space exists between the outer diameter of the inner tube 112 and the inner diameter of the outer barrel structure 103. In some embodiments, the suspension member 115 may include a donut-shaped ring or other ring-shaped device having an aperture, in which case the inner tube 112 is positioned within the aperture. This configuration may allow the suspension member 115 to support the inner tube 112 while still allowing movement in response to ball contact. In some embodiments, the suspension member 115 is formed of a foam or similar elastomer material that can provide cushioning and energy absorption properties. Material properties of the suspension member 115, such as durometer or density, may be selected to achieve desired performance characteristics, including the degree of allowable lateral movement and the speed at which the inner tube 112 returns to a neutral position after impact.

[0030] Furthermore, the butt 100 may include one or more inner barrel insert structures, referred to herein as one or more barrel inserts 118. The barrel inserts 118 can be sized and positioned to control the lateral movement of the inner tube 112 and / or the deflection of the outer barrel structure 103 during impact, thereby adjusting the performance characteristics of the butt 100. In some embodiments, the barrel inserts 118 can be suspended on the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103. The barrel inserts 118 can take various forms, such as a continuous cylinder or multiple segmented pieces. An axial internal gap (e.g., a proximal axial internal gap) may be provided between the barrel insert 118 and the first suspension member 115a, and an axial internal gap (e.g., a distal axial internal gap) may be provided between the barrel insert 118 and the second suspension member 115b.

[0031] In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 can be positioned annularly around the inner tube 112 such that when a force is applied to the cylindrical region 109 of the butt 100, the barrel insert 118 influences the lateral movement of the inner tube. The barrel insert 118 can play a role in modifying the response characteristics of the inner tube 112 during ball contact, influencing how the inner tube is displaced laterally relative to the outer barrel structure 103.

[0032] In some implementations, the barrel insert 118 can be formed from an elastically deformable material. In some implementations, the barrel insert 118 can be formed from a variety of materials, including elastomers, foams, composites, or structurally rigid materials, depending on the desired performance characteristics. The positioning, size, shape, and material properties of the barrel insert can be selected to achieve specific lateral movement behaviors that may affect the overall feel and performance experienced by the player during use of the butt 100. In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 can be configured to provide progressive resistance to lateral movement such that lighter impacts result in less displacement, while stronger impacts result in greater displacement of the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the butt 100 includes a single barrel insert 118 positioned in the central region or midpoint of the inner tube 112. The single barrel insert 118 can be positioned between the suspension members 115, such as between the first suspension member 115a and the second suspension member 115b. This central positioning of the barrel insert 118 can enable balanced lateral movement characteristics along the length of the inner tube 112. In some embodiments, positioning the barrel insert 118 at or near the midpoint of the inner tube 112 can affect how the inner tube 112 responds to impacts occurring at various positions along the cylindrical region 109, providing a more uniform feel across the striking surface of the butt 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 may include an aperture in which the inner tube 112 is positioned. The aperture can be sized to accommodate the inner tube 112 while allowing the barrel insert 118 to influence the lateral movement characteristics of the inner tube 112 during ball contact. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the barrel insert 118 may have an I-shaped cross-section, which can provide structural support while allowing controlled movement of the inner tube 112. In other embodiments, the barrel insert 118 may have a T-shaped, L-shaped, square, rectangular, or other suitable shape depending on the desired performance characteristics. The choice of cross-sectional shape of the barrel insert 118 may affect how forces are distributed during impact and may affect the degree of lateral movement allowed for the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the inner tube 112 is shown in a position shifted laterally relative to Figure 1, and curvature is applied to the inner tube 112. For this purpose, when the ball contacts the butt 100, the impact force may cause the inner tube 112 to flex or bend, resulting in a curved configuration along at least a portion of its length. The inner tube 112 may translate laterally until the outer surface of the barrel insert 118 contacts the inner surface 121 of the barrel of the butt 100. This contact between the barrel insert 118 and the inner surface 121 may limit further lateral displacement of the inner tube 112 in that direction. Furthermore, the outer barrel structure 103 of the butt 100 may flex or deform until it contacts the opposite side of the barrel insert 118. In this way, the barrel insert 118 can function as a stop or limiting member that controls the maximum lateral movement of the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103, as well as the flexing of the outer barrel structure 103. The curvature generated in the inner tube 112 during lateral movement may contribute to energy absorption during ball contact, and the degree of curvature may vary depending on the elastic deformability of the inner tube 112 and the magnitude of the impact force.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the inner tube 112 can be positioned at an intermediate point between the lateral butt sides 124a, 124b (collectively, “lateral butt side 124”) or the inner butt surface. In these embodiments, the suspension member 115 can hold the inner tube 112 in a substantially central position within the outer barrel structure 103, providing approximately equal spacing between the inner tube 112 and each of the opposing inner surfaces. This central configuration can enable more symmetrical lateral movement characteristics in response to impact forces.

[0037] Although shown as being positioned in the center of the butt 100, in some embodiments the suspension member 115 may suspend the inner tube 112 at an off-center position (not shown) within the outer barrel structure 103. In this configuration, the inner tube 112 can be positioned closer to the first lateral butt side surface 124a than to the second lateral butt side surface 124b. For example, the suspension member 115 may hold the inner tube such that the inner tube 112 is positioned closer to the first inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 than to the second opposing inner surface 121. This asymmetrical positioning of the inner tube 112 may provide different lateral movement characteristics compared to a centrally positioned inner tube 112, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the inner tube 112 is suspended near the first lateral butt side, at least one barrel insert 118 can be positioned to contact the inner surface 121 of the first lateral butt side more quickly during lateral movement of the inner tube 112 compared to the inner tube 112 positioned centrally in Figures 1 and 2. This arrangement can allow the barrel insert 118 to engage more readily with the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 in one direction, which may affect the feel and response of the butt 100 during ball contact. Off-center positioning may result in different displacement behavior depending on the direction of the impact force on the inner tube 112.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the suspension member 115 may be made of a relatively structurally rigid material, while the inner tube 112 is made of an elastically deformable material. In other words, the inner tube 112 is made of a material that is more deformable (and less structurally rigid) than the suspension member 115. In this configuration, when the ball strikes the bat 100, the structurally rigid suspension member 115 can resist the displacement at each position along the inner tube 112, causing the inner tube 112 to bend or deflect laterally along its length between the suspension members 115. The elastically deformable nature of the inner tube 112 enables this bending behavior, resulting in the curved configuration shown in Figure 2, where the inner tube 112 elastically deforms in response to the impact force.

[0040] In contrast, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 3, the suspension member 115 may be formed of an elastically deformable material, and the inner tube 112 may be formed of a more structurally rigid material. In this configuration, when the ball strikes the bat 100, the inner tube 112 can be displaced within the elastically deformable suspension member 115 rather than bending along its length. The elastically deformable suspension member 115 can elastically deform or compress to accommodate the lateral movement of the structurally rigid inner tube 112, causing the inner tube 112 to move laterally as a substantially linear member with little or no bending until the barrel insert 118 contacts the inner surface 121 of the lateral bat side surface 124 facing the impact area. The embodiment in Figure 3 may provide different feel and response characteristics compared to the embodiment in Figure 2 because the structurally rigid inner tube 112 translates within the outer barrel structure 103 rather than elastically deforming along its length.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a gap 127 can be provided between the distal end of the inner tube 112 and the end cap 110 or other distal point on the outer barrel structure 103. The gap 127 may allow the inner tube 112 to move freely within the outer barrel structure 103 without contacting the distal end, which may affect the lateral movement characteristics and overall response of the butt 100 during ball contact. Furthermore, the gap 127 also provides a gap between the most distal part of the suspension member 115b and the end cap 110.

[0042] Next, referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the butt 100 may include a plurality of barrel inserts 118 positioned along the inner tube 112. As shown in Figure 4, the butt 100 includes three barrel inserts 118 spaced apart along the length of the inner tube 112 within the cylindrical region 109. However, in other embodiments, the butt 100 may include one, two, four, or more barrel inserts 118, depending on the desired performance characteristics and lateral movement behavior.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the barrel insert 118 includes a first annular barrel insert 118a positioned around the central region of the inner tube 112, and second annular barrel inserts 118b and third annular barrel inserts 118c positioned on either side of the first barrel insert 118a around the inner tube 112. This arrangement provides distributed control over the lateral movement of the inner tube 112 along its length and can affect the curvature profile of the inner tube 112 during deflection. The first annular barrel insert 118a can be positioned at or near the midpoint of the inner tube 112, while the second annular barrel insert 118b and third annular barrel inserts 118c can be positioned toward the proximal and distal ends of the inner tube 112, respectively.

[0044] The spacing between the barrel inserts 118 can be selected to achieve desired performance characteristics or deformation of the inner tube 112. In some embodiments, the barrel inserts 118 may be positioned at equal intervals along the inner tube 112, while in other embodiments, the spacing may be modified to affect how the inner tube 112 responds to impacts at different locations along the cylindrical region 109.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the barrel inserts 118 have the same uniform cross-section. For example, the first annular barrel insert 118a, the second annular barrel insert 118b, and the third annular barrel insert 118c may each share the same cross-sectional dimensions and shape. The uniform size of the barrel inserts 118 can provide consistent resistance to lateral movement at each position along the inner tube 112. In some embodiments, using barrel inserts 118 of the same size can simplify manufacturing while still providing distributed control over the lateral movement characteristics of the inner tube 112 within the outer barrel structure 103.

[0046] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the first annular barrel insert 118a positioned in the central region may have a larger cross-section, outer diameter, and / or width than the second annular barrel insert 118b and / or the third annular barrel insert 118c. This size variation can enable different lateral movement characteristics at different positions along the inner tube 112. The larger central barrel insert 118a may provide greater resistance to lateral movement in the central region of the inner tube 112, while the smaller barrel inserts 118b,118c positioned on either side of the first barrel insert 118a may allow greater movement at the ends of the inner tube 112.

[0047] In some embodiments, each of the barrel inserts 118 may be formed of the same material, while in other embodiments, different barrel inserts 118 may be formed of different materials to provide varying stiffness or resistance characteristics along the length of the inner tube 112. As can be understood, the use of multiple barrel inserts 118 may allow for more nuanced control over the lateral movement behavior of the inner tube 112.

[0048] Therefore, in some embodiments, the length of the inner tube 112 can vary from about 2 inches to about 14 inches, including but not limited to about 8 inches. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner tube 112 may be in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 1.5 inches, and in some embodiments, it may be in the range of about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the inner tube 112 is aligned with the transverse axis a 横 To allow for greater deflection along the curve, it may be made of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity or lower bending stiffness. In some embodiments, the inner tube 112 with a larger diameter may provide different stiffness and deflection behavior compared to a configuration with a smaller diameter.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the length of the inner tube 112 in the axial cross-section is 25% or less of the length of the cylindrical region 109, but in embodiments of Figures 1 to 5, the length of the inner tube 112 may be 80% or less of the length of the cylindrical region 109. A shorter length of the inner tube 112 relative to the cylindrical region 109 in Figure 6 can provide different lateral movement and deflection characteristics compared to embodiments in which the inner tube 112 extends over a larger portion of the cylindrical region 109. For example, a shorter inner tube 112 may exhibit increased rigidity and structural stiffness, or reduce displacement within the outer barrel structure 103 during ball contact. The positioning of the inner tube 112 within the cylindrical region 109 can be selected to align with a desired contact area, such as the sweet spot of the butt 100 or near it. Thus, as shown in Figure 6, the gap 127 between the inner tube 112 and the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 is larger than the gap 127 shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0050] Next, Figure 7 shows another axial cross-sectional view of the butt 100 according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the butt 100 may include one or more performance control assemblies 133a...133c (collectively, “performance control assemblies 133”) positioned along the inner tube 112 within a cylindrical region 109 that can function independently of each other to adjust the response of the butt 100 based on where the ball strikes along the outer barrel structure 103.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the butt 100 includes a first performance control assembly 133a, a second performance control assembly 133b, and a third performance control assembly 133c, which are spaced apart along the length of the inner tube 112, but the butt 100 may include one, two, four, five, or other performance control assemblies 133. Each of the assemblies 133 can control the performance profile at impact in one of a number of contact areas (for example, when in contact with a ball in a contact area). For example, the first performance control assembly 133a can control the performance when the ball makes contact in the first contact area 140a, the second performance control assembly 133b can control the performance when the ball makes contact in the second contact area 140b, the third performance control assembly 133c can control the performance when the ball makes contact in the third contact area 140c, and so on. Therefore, the first, second, and third performance control assemblies 133 may be configured to operate independently of each other and may correspond to specific contact areas 140 along the length of the outer barrel structure 103.

[0052] In some embodiments, the assembly 133 and / or its outer tube 136 are configured to move independently of each other and independently of both the outer barrel structure 103 and / or the inner tube 112, thereby improving energy transfer during impact with the ball. The suspension member 115 can help to connect the barrel insert 118 to the inner tube 112, the outer barrel structure 103, or both.

[0053] Each performance control assembly 133 may include an outer tube 136 and one or more barrel inserts 118 (e.g., two barrel inserts 118) positioned between the inner tube 112 and the outer tube 136. The outer tube 136 may be configured as a cylindrical member surrounding the barrel inserts 118 and the inner tube 112 at the location of each performance control assembly 133. In some embodiments, the outer tube 136 can provide an additional structural layer that interacts with the barrel inserts 118 during the lateral movement of the inner tube 112. In this regard, instead of the barrel inserts 118 restricting the movement or lateral movement of the inner tube 112, the outer tube 136 restricts movement, for example, by contacting the inner surface 121 of the butt 100 during impact.

[0054] Therefore, the performance control assembly 133 can influence the lateral movement of the inner tube 112 when a force is applied to the cylindrical region 109 of the butt 100. When the ball contacts the butt 100, the impact force may cause the inner tube 112 to flex or move laterally relative to the outer barrel structure 103, and the barrel insert 118 in each performance control assembly 133 may engage with the corresponding outer tube 136 to influence the displacement behavior. The outer tube 136 may then interact with the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 to provide an additional mechanism for controlling lateral movement and energy transfer during ball contact.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first performance control assembly 133a can be positioned around the central region of the inner tube 112, while the second and third performance control assemblies 133b and 133c can be positioned on either side of the first performance control assembly 133a (for example, at the proximal and distal ends, respectively). This arrangement can provide distributed control over the lateral movement characteristics along the length of the inner tube 112.

[0056] The outer tube 136 of the performance control assembly 133 may have various outer diameters, shapes, material compositions, and / or other characteristics in some embodiments. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the outer diameter of the outer tube 136 of the first performance control assembly 133a may be larger than the outer diameter of one or each of the outer tubes 136 of the second performance control assembly 133b and the third performance control assembly 133c. The variation in outer tube diameter can allow for different lateral movement characteristics at different positions along the inner tube 112, and a larger central outer tube 136 engages more easily with the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 than a smaller outer tube 136 positioned toward the end of the inner tube 112.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first performance control assembly 133a may be positioned adjacent to the second performance control assembly 133b, and the third performance control assembly 133c may be positioned adjacent to the first performance control assembly 133a. In this embodiment, the performance control assemblies 133 are in direct contact with each other. Adjacent positioning allows the performance control assemblies 133 to operate in coordination during the lateral movement of the inner tube 112 and can provide a coordinated response to impact forces along the cylindrical region 109.

[0058] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the outer tube 136 of one performance control assembly 133 may differ from the wall thickness of the outer tube 136 of another performance control assembly 133. For example, the outer tube 136 of the first performance control assembly 133a may have a first wall thickness, and the outer tube 136 of the second performance control assembly 133b may have a second wall thickness that is greater than or less than the first wall thickness. Similarly, the outer tube 136 of the third performance control assembly 133c may have a third wall thickness that is different from the first and second wall thicknesses. Variations in wall thickness between the outer tubes 136 can affect the structural stiffness, deformation behavior, and energy absorption characteristics of each respective performance control assembly 133 during ball contact. For example, an outer tube 136 with a thicker wall may exhibit greater resistance to compression or deformation when in contact with the outer barrel structure 103, while an outer tube 136 with a thinner wall may allow greater deformation at that location. By selecting the wall thickness of each outer tube 136, the response of the butt 100 in different contact areas along the cylindrical region 109 can be adjusted.

[0059] In embodiments in which the barrel insert 118 within each performance control assembly 133 is flexible or elastically deformable, the barrel insert 118 may be formed from an elastomer, foam, or other suitable material that provides cushioning and energy absorption properties. Alternatively, the barrel insert 118 may be formed from a structurally rigid material, including but not limited to rigid polymers, metals, alloys, and composite materials, to provide rigid behavior. The material properties of the barrel insert 118, along with the dimensions and positioning of the outer tube 136, can be selected to achieve desired performance characteristics, including the degree of allowable lateral movement and the feel experienced by the player during ball contact.

[0060] In some embodiments, as described above, the inner tube 112 may be formed of a structurally rigid material, while the suspension member 115 is formed of a more deformable or structurally less rigid material. In this configuration, when the ball strikes the bat 100, the structurally rigid inner tube 112 can translate within the deformable suspension member 115 rather than bend along its length. The deformable suspension member 115 can be compressed or deformed to accommodate the lateral movement of the structurally rigid inner tube 112, allowing the performance control assembly 133 to engage with the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 while the inner tube 112 remains substantially straight.

[0061] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the suspension members 115 may be formed of a structurally rigid material, while the inner tube 112 is formed of a softer or more elastically deformable material. In this configuration, when the ball strikes the bat 100, the structurally rigid suspension members 115 can resist displacement at each position along the inner tube 112, causing the softer inner tube 112 to bend or deflect laterally along its length between the suspension members 115. The deformable nature of the inner tube 112 enables this bending behavior, resulting in a curved configuration in which the inner tube 112 elastically deforms in response to the impact force, while the suspension members 115 maintain their positions.

[0062] For this purpose, the components of the bat 100 may have varying degrees of stiffness or elastic deformability depending on the desired performance characteristics. For example, the inner tube 112, suspension member 115, barrel insert 118, and outer tube 136 may each be formed from materials having different stiffness properties. The choice of material stiffness for each component can affect how forces are distributed during impact, the degree of allowable lateral movement, and the overall feel experienced by the player. In some cases, a combination of structurally stiff components and elastically deformable components may provide a balance between structural support and energy absorption during ball contact.

[0063] In some embodiments, the outer tube 136 of the performance control assembly 133 may have a uniform or identical outer diameter across each of the assemblies 133. In this configuration, the outer tube 136 may share identical dimensional properties while still providing different response behaviors based on other factors. For example, the outer tube 136 may be formed from different materials, thereby allowing each performance control assembly 133 to have a different response upon impact. As an example, the outer tube 136 of the first performance control assembly 133a may be formed from a first material having a first stiffness, and the outer tube 136 of the second performance control assembly 133b may be formed from a second material having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. Similarly, the outer tube 136 of the third performance control assembly 133c may be formed from a third material having a third stiffness different from the first and second stiffnesses. The variation in material properties between the outer tubes 136 may allow each performance control assembly 133 to exhibit distinct displacement, compression, or energy absorption characteristics during ball contact.

[0064] Contact with the ball may occur at different locations along the cylindrical region 109 of the butt 100, and each performance control assembly 133 may be tuned to respond to the impact at its corresponding location. For example, a first performance control assembly 133a positioned in the central region may be composed of material properties suitable for impacts occurring in or near the sweet spot of the butt 100, while second and third performance control assemblies 133b and 133c positioned toward the proximal and distal ends may be composed of different material properties suitable for impacts occurring in their respective regions. This arrangement may allow the butt 100 to provide a customized feel and response depending on where the ball contacts the outer barrel structure 103 along its length.

[0065] Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the butt 100 may include a single performance control assembly 133 positioned along the inner tube 112 within a cylindrical region 109. The single performance control assembly 133 may include an outer tube 136 and at least one barrel insert 118 positioned between the inner tube 112 and the outer tube 136. In this arrangement, the single performance control assembly 133 may be positioned in or near the central region of the inner tube 112, such as in or near the sweet spot of the butt 100. The single performance control assembly 133 can influence the lateral movement of the inner tube 112 when a force is applied within the cylindrical region 109, and the outer tube 136 contacts the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 to limit further lateral displacement during ball contact.

[0066] In some embodiments, a substantial proximal internal gap 148 (e.g., at least about 0.4 inches) is provided between the performance control assembly 133 and the first suspension member 115a, and a substantial distal internal gap 152 (e.g., at least about 0.4 inches) is positioned between the performance control assembly 133 and the second suspension member 115b. Thus, the performance control assembly 133 is not positioned adjacent to, or in contact with, either of the suspension members 115a or 115b.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the butt 100 may include a region 140 corresponding to a region along the cylindrical region 109 where the performance control assembly 133 is positioned. Region 140 may allow for a wider perceived performance on the barrel and result in a flatter performance curve across the entire striking surface. In some embodiments, the configuration of the performance control assembly 133 within zone 140 can expand the effective striking area of ​​the butt 100, allowing the player to experience more consistent performance characteristics when contact occurs at various positions within region 140.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, in an axial cross-section, the inner tube 112 having the performance control assembly 133 has a cylindrical region 109 with a length L 円筒Length L extending over 33% or less of (for example, 33% or less) アセンブリ It may have the following characteristics. In some embodiments, the shortened inner tube 112 may exhibit different elastic deformability and bending characteristics compared to the longer length, which may affect the overall feel and response of the butt 100 in use.

[0069] In some embodiments, the suspension member 115 allows the inner tube 112 and associated barrel insert 118 or performance control assembly 133 to move laterally relative to the outer barrel structure 103, thereby providing progressive displacement in response to impact forces and enhancing both the player's power and control. The inner tube 112 suspended within the outer barrel structure 103 can provide elastic deformability in how the butt 100 responds to ball contact. Each of the assemblies 133 can act independently of each other, depending, for example, on the material and shape of the suspension member 115, barrel insert 118, and / or outer tube 136. The inner tube 112 and the suspension member 115, more specifically their material and shape, can affect the independent behavior and movement of the assemblies 133. As an example, if a more rigid suspension member 115 is used, the inner tube 112 and associated assembly 133 may move laterally at similar speeds. However, if the suspension member 115 is made of a softer material, the assembly 133 can move at different speeds depending on the force applied during impact.

[0070] The spacing between the structural elements of the butt 100, including the outer barrel structure 103, inner tube 112, barrel insert 118, performance control assembly 133, suspension members 115, or any combination thereof, can be selected to adjust the performance or feel of the butt 100. Similarly, the stiffness or elastic deformability of each structural element can be selected to adjust the performance and feel of the butt 100. The material of each structural element can be selected to achieve the desired result, including but not limited to one or more composite materials, metals, alloys, plastics, foams, composite materials, or other suitable materials, and any combination thereof. The dimensions of each structural element can also be selected to adjust the performance and feel of the butt 100. Furthermore, the number of inner tubes 112, barrel inserts 118, performance control assemblies 133, and suspension members 115 used in the butt 100 can be selected to adjust the performance and feel. The shapes of these components can similarly be selected to adjust the performance and feel of the butt 100.

[0071] In some embodiments, the space between the outer barrel structure 103 and the barrel insert 118 or outer tube 136 can vary from about 0.005 inches to about 0.25 inches, although other dimensions may be used. In some embodiments, the space can vary from about 0.005 inches to about 0.625 inches, and some embodiments have a space of about 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 or performance control assembly 133 positioned along the inner tube 112 can vary in length from about 0.25 inches to about 14 inches, depending on the barrel length of the outer barrel structure 103 and the desired characteristics of the butt 100.

[0072] In some embodiments, a single barrel insert 118 can be mounted on the inner tube 112 and positioned above the strike center or peak performance region of the butt 100. In some embodiments, multiple barrel inserts 118 or performance control assemblies 133 can be coupled to the inner tube 112 and aligned to control performance at multiple locations along the cylindrical region 109. In some embodiments, the inner tube 112 and / or barrel inserts 118 and / or outer tube 136 may include multiple walls. In some embodiments, the multiple walls may have different thicknesses and / or be made of one material or one or more materials.

[0073] In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 is tubular or ring-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the barrel insert 118 is non-tubular. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the barrel insert 118 is I-shaped, L-shaped, T-shaped, or J-shaped. In some embodiments, the barrel insert 118 is a ring with a uniform cross-section. In some embodiments, at least one barrel insert 118 has a different shape from the others.

[0074] In some embodiments, the bat 100 may produce sound upon ball contact. Acoustic properties may arise from the interaction between multiple structural components within the bat 100 during impact. For example, when a ball strikes the cylindrical region 109, the outer barrel structure 103, the barrel insert 118 or outer tube 136, and the inner tube 112 may come into contact with the inner surface 121 and / or each other as the inner tube 112 moves laterally. Contact between these structures can generate audible feedback that may vary depending on the location and force of the impact. In some embodiments, the sound produced by the bat 100 may provide the player with information about the quality of contact with the ball. The acoustic properties of the bat 100 may be influenced by the material, dimensions, and spacing of the structural elements, as well as the degree of lateral movement permitted by the suspension member 115. In some cases, the sound produced when the barrel insert 118 or outer tube 136 comes into contact with the inner surface 121 of the outer barrel structure 103 may differ from the sound produced during light impacts where such contact does not occur.

[0075] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, one embodiment of the bat 100 is shown, illustrating various stages of deformation of the outer barrel structure 103 that may occur as a result of collision with a ball or other sports object. In this embodiment, the bat 100 includes a single elongated outer tube 136 extending along the longitudinal length of the inner tube 112. The outer tube 136 is spaced apart from the inner tube 112 via a barrel insert 118 positioned between the inner tube 112 and the outer tube 136, creating a space between the outer tube 136 and the inner surface of the outer barrel structure 103. As shown, the outer tube 136 has a length shorter than the length of the inner tube 112, but the same length as the space between the suspension members 115.

[0076] Figure 10 shows the butt 100 at the start of the impact, where the outer barrel structure 103 maintains its original shape, but deformation occurs in the impact area. Figure 11 shows the butt 100 in an intermediate stage of deformation, where the outer barrel structure 103 begins to propagate further inward in response to the impact force. The outer barrel structure 103 deforms until it contacts the outer tube 136 during the impact. This contact between the outer barrel structure 103 and the outer tube 136 may limit further inward deformation at that location, depending on the material properties of the outer tube 136.

[0077] Figure 12 shows the butt 100 in a further stage of deformation. In some embodiments, if the outer tube 136 is formed of a compressible material, the deformation of the outer barrel structure 103 may proceed beyond the initial contact with the outer tube 136. The deformation may continue until it is stopped by the barrel insert 118 and / or until the inner tube 112 is displaced laterally. In this way, the outer tube 136, the barrel insert 118, and the inner tube 112 can cooperate to control the deformation characteristics of the butt 100 during ball contact.

[0078] The arrangement of the outer tube 136, which extends along the longitudinal length of the inner tube 112, can provide distributed support for deformation of the outer barrel structure 103 across the cylindrical region 109. A barrel insert 118 positioned between the inner tube 112 and the outer tube 136 may influence how forces are transmitted between these components during impact. In some embodiments, the material properties and dimensions of the outer tube 136 can be selected to achieve the desired deformation behavior and feel of the butt 100 during use.

[0079] Referring to Figure 13, an embodiment of the butt 100 is shown, similar to the embodiment in Figure 7, but with a modified arrangement of the barrel inserts 118 in each of the performance control assemblies 133. In this embodiment, the butt 100 includes a first performance control assembly 133a, a second performance control assembly 133b, and a third performance control assembly 133c, spaced apart along the length of the inner tube 112 within a cylindrical region 109. Each of the performance control assemblies 133 includes an outer tube 136 positioned around the inner tube 112. However, instead of having a pair of barrel inserts 118 for each assembly 133, a single barrel insert 118 is provided for each assembly 133 in the middle portion of the outer tube 136 relative to the inner tube 112. The single barrel insert 118 in each assembly 133 may be positioned at or near the center along the length of the corresponding outer tube 136, providing support between the inner tube 112 and the outer tube 136 at that position.

[0080] This configuration may enable different lateral movement characteristics compared to embodiments having multiple barrel inserts 118 within each assembly 133. A single barrel insert 118 positioned in the center of each outer tube 136 may allow the ends of the outer tube 136 to have greater freedom of movement relative to the inner tube 112, which may affect how the assembly 133 responds to impact forces at various positions along the cylindrical region 109. The single barrel insert 118 can function as a pivot point or support point around which the outer tube 136 can tilt or rotate during the lateral movement of the inner tube 112. In some embodiments, this arrangement may provide a different feel or response compared to configurations where the barrel inserts 118 are positioned at multiple locations along the outer tube 136. The first, second, and third performance control assemblies 133 may continue to operate independently of each other, with each assembly 133 corresponding to a specific contact area along the length of the outer barrel structure 103.

[0081] Referring to Figure 14, a perspective view of one embodiment of the inner tube 112 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the inner tube 112 has a substantially flat cylindrical surface or wall 143 extending along its longitudinal length. However, in some embodiments, the inner tube 112 includes a plurality of perforations 145, channels, or other surface depressions within the wall 143, which may affect the structural properties of the inner tube 112. The perforations 145 may be formed as openings extending through the wall of the inner tube 112 and may be arranged in various patterns along the length and circumference of the inner tube 112.

[0082] The perforations 145 may be provided to enhance the elastic, deformable, or bending properties of the inner tube 112. By removing material from selected locations along the inner tube 112, the elastic deformability of the inner tube 112 in those areas can be increased, which may affect how the inner tube 112 flexes or bends during lateral movement in response to ball contact. The size, shape, and spacing of the perforations 145 can be varied to achieve the desired elastic deformability properties.

[0083] In some embodiments, perforations 145 may be selectively applied to control the deformability of specific regions of the inner tube 112 while maintaining the structural rigidity of other regions of the inner tube 112. For example, the central region of the inner tube 112 may include higher density perforations 145 to allow for greater bending at that location, while the end regions of the inner tube 112 may have fewer or no perforations 145 to increase rigidity. This selective application of perforations 145 can enable a bend profile that is adjusted along the length of the inner tube 112.

[0084] The perforations 145 may have a variety of shapes, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, rectangular, or elongated slot configurations. In some embodiments, the perforations 145 may be oriented in a particular direction (e.g., 45 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube 112, which may affect the bending behavior in that particular direction. The perforations 145 may also vary in size along the length of the inner tube 112, with larger perforations 145 providing greater elastic deformability and smaller perforations 145 providing less deformability at their respective locations.

[0085] In some embodiments, the outer tube 136 may also include a number of perforations 145, channels, or other surface depressions similar to those described with respect to the inner tube 112, although these are not shown in the figures. The perforations 145 of the outer tube 136 can be formed as openings extending through the walls of the outer tube 136 and may be arranged in various patterns along the length and circumference of the outer tube 136. Including perforations 145 in the outer tube 136 may affect the elastic deformability, compressive properties, or deformation behavior of the outer tube 136 during ball contact. In some embodiments, the size, shape, spacing, and density of the perforations 145 within the outer tube 136 may be selected to achieve desired performance characteristics, such as controlling how the outer tube 136 responds when in contact with the outer barrel structure 103 that deforms during impact. The perforations 145 of the outer tube 136 may be uniformly distributed along its length or selectively positioned in specific regions to provide varying stiffness characteristics at different locations along the outer tube 136.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first suspension member 115a and the second suspension member 115b may each have a first stiffness or a first modulus of elasticity, while the inner tube 112 has a second stiffness or a second modulus of elasticity that is different from the first stiffness or first modulus of elasticity. This difference in stiffness between the suspension members 115 and the inner tube 112 can affect how the bat 100 responds to impact forces during ball contact. For example, if the first stiffness of the suspension member 115 is greater than the second stiffness of the inner tube 112, the suspension member 115 may resist displacement at each position while the inner tube 112 bends or deflects along its length between the suspension members 115. Alternatively, if the second stiffness of the inner tube 112 is greater than the first stiffness of the suspension member 115, the inner tube 112 may translate as a substantially linear member within the deformable suspension member 115 rather than bending along its length. The selection of the relative stiffness value between the suspension member 115 and the inner tube 112 can be used to adjust the lateral movement characteristics, energy absorption behavior, and the overall feel of the butt 100 during use.

[0087] Throughout this specification, references to “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “embodiments,” “various embodiments,” or similar terms mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, occurrences of such phrases in various parts of this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic of any embodiment can be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other elements, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments, without limitation.

[0088] The foregoing description of embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the exact forms described. Rather, the examples described herein are presented to best illustrate, describe specific uses, and thereby enable those skilled in the art to create and use the described examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples are presented for illustrative and illustrative purposes only. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the exact forms disclosed.

[0089] The features, structures, or properties described above can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and the features described in the various embodiments can be interchangeable where possible. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to fully understand the embodiments of the disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions of the disclosure can be implemented without one or more of the specific details, or that other methods, components, materials, etc., can be used. In other examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail to avoid obscuring the aspects of the disclosure.

[0090] In this specification, relative terms such as “on,” “below,” “upper,” and “lower” are used to describe the relative relationship between one component and another, but for convenience, these terms are used only as directions in examples shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is inverted, the “upper” component described above becomes the “lower” component. When one structure is “on” another structure, it is possible that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is “directly” positioned on the other structure, or that the structure is “indirectly” positioned on the other structure via the other structure.

[0091] In this specification, terms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” and “contain,” and their variations, are used in an open-ended manner and, unless specifically designated in the appended claims, mean to include additional elements, components, etc., in addition to the enumerated elements, components, etc.

[0092] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely as labels and not as limitations on a number of objects. When multiple components are shown, it is understood that these components may be referred to as the "first" component, the "second" component, etc., to the extent applicable.

[0093] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” allow for at least some manufacturing tolerances between a theoretical design and a manufactured product or assembly, such as the geometric dimension and tolerance standards set out in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME®) Y14.5 and related International Organization for Standardization (ISO®) standards, unless otherwise specifically defined herein as relating to a particular range, percentage, or related metric of deviation. “Approx.,” “substantially,” or related terms are not expressly referenced in connection with the use of geometric terms such as “perpendicular,” “orthogonal,” “vertex,” “collinear,” “coplanar,” and other terms, but such manufacturing tolerances are still intended, as those skilled in the art would understand. Furthermore, where used herein, the term “approximately” may allow for a degree of deviation from a stated value, such as within plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

[0094] The embodiments described above in this disclosure are merely possible examples of embodiments described in order to clearly understand the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. It's a bat, An outer elongated barrel having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region, A single inner tube disposed within the outer barrel structure, the inner tube being held within the cylindrical region by at least one suspension member, At least one barrel insert positioned annularly around the inner tube, which affects the lateral movement of the inner tube when a force is applied within the cylindrical region of the bat, and A bat equipped with [unclear] features.

2. The butt according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt.

3. The at least one suspension member is a first suspension member that holds the proximal end of the inner tube, and a second suspension member that holds the distal end of the inner tube. An internal gap is provided between the at least one barrel insert and the first suspension member. An internal gap is provided between the at least one barrel insert and the second suspension member. The bat according to claim 1.

4. The butt according to claim 1, wherein the at least one barrel insert comprises a first annular barrel insert positioned around the central region of the inner tube, and a second annular barrel insert and a third annular barrel insert positioned on both sides of the first barrel insert around the inner tube.

5. The butt according to claim 4, wherein the first annular barrel insert has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of at least one of the second annular barrel insert and the third annular barrel insert.

6. The butt according to claim 4, wherein the first annular barrel insert has a width greater than the width of at least one of the second annular barrel insert and the third annular barrel insert.

7. The butt according to claim 1, wherein the at least one barrel insert has an I-shaped, L-shaped, or T-shaped cross-section along the axial cross-sectional plane.

8. The bat according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the suspension members is made of a material that is less prone to deformation than the material of the single inner tube.

9. The bat according to claim 1, wherein the single inner tube is formed of a material that is less prone to deformation than the material of the at least one suspension member.

10. The bat according to claim 1, wherein the at least one suspension member comprises a first suspension member positioned in the proximal portion of the cylindrical region and a second suspension member positioned in the distal portion of the cylindrical region.

11. The bat according to claim 1, wherein the at least one barrel insert comprises one, two, three, or four barrel inserts.

12. An outer elongated barrel having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region, An inner tube disposed within the outer barrel structure, the inner tube being held within the cylindrical region by a first suspension member and a second suspension member, A performance control assembly comprising an outer tube and at least one barrel insert positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube, wherein the at least one performance control assembly influences the lateral movement of the inner tube when a force is applied within the cylindrical region of the butt, It is a bat equipped with A substantial proximal internal gap is provided between the at least one performance control assembly and the first suspension member, and a substantial distal internal gap is positioned between the at least one performance control assembly and the second suspension member. bat.

13. The butt according to claim 12, wherein a gap is provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt.

14. At least one performance control assembly, A first performance control assembly positioned around the central region of the inner tube, A second performance control assembly positioned on the side of the first performance control assembly and Equipped with, The first and second performance control assemblies are configured to operate independently of each other. The bat according to claim 12.

15. The at least one performance control assembly includes a first performance control assembly positioned around the central region of the inner tube, The second performance control assembly, Third performance control assemblies positioned on both sides of the first performance control assembly and Equipped with, The first, second, and third performance control assemblies are configured to operate independently of each other. The bat according to claim 12.

16. The bat according to claim 15, wherein the outer diameter of the outer tube of the first performance control assembly is greater than the outer diameter of the outer tubes of the second and third performance control assemblies, respectively.

17. The bat according to claim 15, wherein the first performance control assembly is positioned adjacent to the second performance control assembly, and the third performance control assembly is positioned adjacent to the first performance control assembly.

18. The bat according to claim 17, wherein the first performance control assembly is attached to the second performance control assembly, and the third performance control assembly is attached to the first performance control assembly.

19. The bat according to claim 15, wherein the first performance control assembly is separated from or not attached to the second performance control assembly, and the third performance control assembly is separated from or not attached to the first performance control assembly.

20. It's a bat, An outer barrel structure having a tapered region and a cylindrical region extending from the tapered region, An inner tube held by a first suspension member and a second suspension member positioned spaced apart along the inner tube and arranged within the outer barrel structure, wherein the first suspension member and the second suspension member each have a first rigidity, and the inner tube has a second rigidity different from the first rigidity, At least two performance control assemblies configured to operate independently of each other, each of which comprises at least one barrel insert suspended on the inner tube between the first suspension member and the second suspension member, and A bat equipped with [unclear] features.

21. The butt according to claim 20, wherein a gap is provided between the distal end of the inner tube and the end cap of the butt.

22. The butt according to claim 20, wherein the at least one barrel insert comprises a plurality of barrel inserts arranged at intervals along the length of the inner tube.

23. The bat according to claim 20, wherein the first performance control assembly among the at least two performance control assemblies has at least one of a different shape or a different material composition from the second performance control assembly among the at least two performance control assemblies.

24. The butt according to claim 20, wherein each of the at least two performance control assemblies further comprises an outer tube positioned around at least one barrel insert, the outer tube being configured to contact the inner surface of the outer barrel structure when the inner tube moves laterally.

25. The butt according to claim 24, wherein at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube is provided with a plurality of perforations extending through the respective tube walls, the perforations being arranged along the length of the respective tube walls to change the elastic deformability characteristics of each tube at different positions.

26. The bat according to claim 24, wherein the first rigidity of each of the first suspension member and the second suspension member is greater than the second rigidity of the inner tube.

27. The bat according to claim 24, wherein the second rigidity of the inner tube is greater than the first rigidity of each of the first suspension member and the second suspension member.

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