Piece of sports equipment made of solid wood having a cross section which is point-symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to the central axis, baseball bat blank, baseball bat, end cap, pressing tool and production method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/056122
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-10
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2026056122_17092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0002] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0003] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0004] Description
[0005] Sports equipment made of solid wood with a cross-section that is point-symmetrical in the longitudinal direction to the central axis, as well as baseball bat blank, baseball bat, cover cap, pressing tool and manufacturing process
[0006] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a point-symmetrical sports device made of solid wood for a ball game in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction in cross-section to the central axis, with the exception of a knob, a method for manufacturing a baseball bat made of solid wood, a cover cap, a sports device and a baseball bat made of solid wood.
[0007] Sports equipment made of solid wood with a cross-section that is point-symmetrical in the axial direction or along the longitudinal axis, such as baseball bats, cricket bats, or the like, is well known. With regard to solid wood baseball bats, there have been repeated efforts in recent decades to make the surface hardness of the section of the shaft known as the "sweet spot" as hard as possible in order to achieve a high ball speed when hit.
[0008] Since solid wood naturally does not possess high surface hardness, and such surface hardness varies depending on whether a measurement is taken on a surface segment perpendicular to the grain or with vertical growth rings, or on a surface segment horizontal to the grain or with horizontal growth rings, previous efforts to harden the surfaces have been limited in terms of their success and also depend heavily on the choice of wood species.
[0009] To circumvent this, baseball bats made of metal, such as aluminum, were developed. The aim is to achieve homogeneous, harder surfaces all around the shaft, and especially in the area known as the "sweet spot." This should allow even an average player to achieve the highest possible ball speeds and the greatest possible distances, even with a less-than-perfect hit.
[0010] This, in turn, led, among other things, to the rule that only solid wood baseball bats are permitted in competitions for professional players. Thus, efforts to harden the surface of a solid wood baseball bat continued. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0011] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0012] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0013] According to the inventor's research, there are existing surface finishing processes known from practice, such as the treatment methods commonly referred to as "bone rubbed" and "steel pressed." These processes aim to slightly densify or make the outermost surface of wooden baseball bats in the hitting area, the so-called barrel or shaft, particularly in the "sweet spot," somewhat "harder" than a natural, untreated solid wood surface.
[0014] "Bone rubbed" refers to the manual pulling or smoothing of the surface of a baseball bat with a large dry bone or a porcelain tool to make the outer surface more even and therefore more durable.
[0015] The process known as "steel pressing," also referred to as rolling, involves using a metal roller to smooth the surface of the baseball bat, thereby compacting the outermost surface. This helps to make the bat more durable by compressing the outermost wood fibers, making them less likely to break, fray, or splinter during use.
[0016] US Patent 11,701,794 B1 discloses a baseball bat and a method for manufacturing the baseball bat. The method comprises shaping an elongated piece of wood with a shaft and a handle portion of a baseball bat. The method further comprises applying a substance to the shaped surface of the piece of wood, wherein the substance is intended to harden the surface of the wood. The application of the substance to the shaped surface of the wood is accomplished by immersing a portion of the wood into a basin containing the substance to be applied.
[0017] According to the inventor's research, it seems that to date it has not been possible to produce solid wood sports equipment for ball games, especially baseball bats, whose surface is significantly harder than the surface can naturally be, even with careful selection of a suitable type of wood with the most homogeneous distribution of the annual rings possible.
[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the manufacture of a sports device made of solid wood in such a way as to create a significantly harder surface than that of such commercially available sports devices. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0019] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0020] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0021] Furthermore, it is an aspect of the invention to specify such a sports device, in particular a baseball bat, with improved surface hardness.
[0022] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a baseball bat with improved performance.
[0023] Furthermore, an aspect of the invention is to demonstrate a covering which can support improved manufacturing of the sports equipment from solid wood.
[0024] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a pressing tool with which the improved sports equipment can be satisfactorily manufactured from solid wood.
[0025] The aforementioned problem and aspects are solved in terms of process engineering by the features of the main claim and by the features of the independent dependent claim 2, and in terms of device engineering by the items according to at least one of the features of at least one of the dependent claims 17 to 20.
[0026] The inventive method according to the main claim for manufacturing a sports device made of solid wood, such as a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, which is point-symmetric in cross-section with respect to the central axis in the axial direction or in the longitudinal direction, comprises at least the following method steps:
[0027] - Production and / or provision of a sports equipment blank made of solid wood;
[0028] - Dampening at least one section of the sports equipment blank; and
[0029] - full radial pressing of at least one section of the sports equipment blank.
[0030] In another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a baseball bat from solid wood comprises at least the following process steps:
[0031] - Manufacturing and / or providing a baseball bat blank made of solid wood; - Steaming at least one section of the baseball bat blank; and
[0032] - full radial pressing of at least part of the shaft of the baseball bat blank, in particular the section of the shaft referred to as the "sweet spot".
[0033] The methods according to the invention are characterized by the following advantages: [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0034] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0035] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0036] The wood structure, which is plastically deformable after steaming, is compressed by fully radial pressure from the outside inwards in such a way that the compressed wood structure has an increased material density in the outer circumference and retains a natural or hardly or not at all altered material density in the inner core, corresponding to the solid wood material.
[0037] By steaming the baseball bat blank with its wood fibers running lengthwise, the lignin between the wood fibers, which simply put, holds the wood fibers together, is softened. During the subsequent full radial pressing, the grain direction of the wood is maintained lengthwise, with adjacent fibers being pressed closer together and thus compressed. This advantageously achieves a previously unseen higher stability and equally improved durability in the baseball bat blank.
[0038] The increasing material density from the inside out in cross-section results, when considering the shaft spatially, in what appears to be tubular layers with increasing material density from the inside out. The layers or areas with the highest material density are located on the outside and, surprisingly, result in an improved torsional resistance modulus, as is known from theory when comparing the properties of a tube and a solid rod of the same diameter.
[0039] Furthermore, steaming results in a change in the wood structure, which temporarily allows plastic deformation by means of mechanical force, so that the solid wood material can be compacted after steaming by means of full radial pressure, at least in its outer layer areas.
[0040] Furthermore, steaming results in a change in the wood structure, which ultimately leads, also very surprisingly, to improved elasticity and toughness properties of the wood.
[0041] Furthermore, the inventor observed that the wooden fibers of the baseball bat blank relax during the steaming process, resulting in a beneficial additional vibration dampening in the handle area of a ready-to-play baseball bat. This dampening is perceived by a player as significantly reduced, or even eliminated, vibrations transmitted to their wrists. This helps to protect the player's wrists. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0042] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0043] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0044] The combination of improved elasticity properties, improved toughness properties and improved torsional resistance properties ultimately leads to an improved wooden body and thus to an improved baseball bat that, for the first time, features a kind of vibration damping system.
[0045] This improved vibration damping, observed for the first time in a solid wood baseball bat, has the advantageous effect of significantly reducing the recoil transmitted from the handle area of the baseball bat to the wrist(s) of the player when the ball to be hit strikes the surface of the shaft, compared to conventionally manufactured baseball bats.
[0046] A player using the baseball bat according to the invention has a more pleasant playing and hitting experience than is the case with conventional bats.
[0047] At the same time, a player using the baseball bat according to the invention can achieve significantly higher hitting speeds, higher launch speeds, an improved launch angle, an improved serving angle, improved hitting precision and / or significantly greater distances or ball flight distances.
[0048] Overall, this results in a baseball bat with significantly improved performance compared to conventional baseball bats.
[0049] For the production of the baseball bat blank using methods known from the production of wooden baseball bats, such as machining, turning, milling, sawing, grinding or the like, and / or the provision of an already manufactured baseball bat blank, a dry piece of solid wood with a cross-section square, polygonal or round, with an exemplary length of up to 1 m and an edge length of e.g. 70 mm to 80 mm or a diameter of e.g. 73 mm to 80 mm can be used, wherein the dry piece of solid wood has a residual moisture content of, for example, less than 10%.
[0050] In a preferred aspect of the method, the solid wood baseball bat blank has, in the axial direction or longitudinal direction from one first end to the other second end, the successive sections knob, grip, shaft, and end cap, and preferably an adjoining, axially extending, preferably cylindrical, machining / handling section. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0051] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0052] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0053] The additional processing and handling section enables the simplest and most efficient handling of the baseball bat blank during the various work steps and when transferring from one processing step to the next.
[0054] Depending on the process, the machining and handling section can be removed after the production of the baseball bat blank and / or before it is prepared for further processing, e.g., by machining, turning, milling, sawing, grinding, or the like. Alternatively, the machining and handling section can be removed after a later machining step or only at the end of the process for producing a baseball bat according to the invention.
[0055] In this case, at least part of the shaft has an oversized diameter Doversize, which is larger than a diameter D before damping and full radial pressures. so ii, which a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat has, wherein the thicker part of the shaft has a larger diameter excess after damping by full radial pressing to a diameter D| Stis compressed, which is almost equal to the diameter D so ii corresponds to or is equivalent to the specifications that a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat should have.
[0056] Through the radial compression of the wood material, which is additionally provided by the excess material in at least part of the shaft, the resulting baseball bat acquires a tubularly reinforced, more dense structure in its outer layers. This, in combination with the softer wood structure towards the core, which remains more natural, creates a structure resembling a damping element. Thus, the baseball bat according to the invention advantageously exhibits improved damping properties. At the same time, this results in greater toughness against external stresses and significantly improved durability.
[0057] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the method is characterized by the fact that the ratio of diameter D| St diameter D so ii within a tolerance of less than + / - 1.5%, preferably less than + / - 1.0%, more preferably less than + / - 0.75%, even more preferably less than + / - 0.5%, most preferably less than + / - 0.25%.
[0058] This achieves particularly high precision in radial compaction, which in turn can lead to predictable physical properties of the baseball bat being manufactured. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0059] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0060] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0061] In another aspect, the method is characterized in that the diameter D of the thicker part of the shaft before damping and full radial pressing is at least up to 2 mm, or up to 4 mm, or up to 6 mm, or up to 8 mm, or up to 10 mm larger than the diameter D. so ii, which a fully manufactured, ready-to-play baseball bat should have.
[0062] This makes it advantageous to determine the volume of excess wood available for compaction, and ideally, the quantity of compaction can be calculated very accurately beforehand.
[0063] In an analogous aspect, the method is characterized in that the diameter D oversize of the thicker part of the shaft before damping and full radial pressing is at least up to 2%, or up to 4%, or up to 6%, or up to 8%, or up to 10% larger than the diameter D. soii, which a fully manufactured, ready-to-play baseball bat should have.
[0064] This results in the aforementioned advantages in a similar manner.
[0065] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the method is characterized in that the steaming, preferably in an autoclave or steam boiler, particularly preferably with a steam generator from GHEbavaria Maschinen GmbH, takes place in a steam-containing atmosphere.
[0066] - wherein an overpressure of 0.1 bar to 5.0 bar, preferably from 0.15 bar to 3.0 bar, more preferably from 0.18 bar to 0.35 bar, particularly preferably from 0.28 bar can be set, and / or
[0067] - wherein a temperature of 80°C to 160°C, preferably 90°C to 120°C, more preferably 100°C to 110°C, particularly preferably 104°C, is adjustable, and / or
[0068] - wherein a period of at least 5 minutes to a maximum of 120 minutes, preferably 5 minutes to 20 minutes, more preferably 10 minutes to 15 minutes, and particularly preferably 12 minutes is chosen for steaming.
[0069] This precise process allows for the optimal adjustment of the process parameters (overpressure, temperature, and time) to the selected wood type of baseball blank. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0070] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0071] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0072] In another aspect, the method is characterized in that the full radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a pressing tool with an internal circular cross-section and an axial length of 200 mm to 300 mm, preferably 240 mm to 260 mm, particularly preferably 250 mm.
[0073] This advantageously achieves a very good ratio between the total length of the baseball bat blank, the length section of the oversized thicker part of the shaft, and the effective length of the pressing tool, so that optimal application of the pressing pressure to the plastically deformable wood structure through steaming is possible.
[0074] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the method is characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a pressing tool which has a circularly hollow cross-section.
[0075] - wherein an inlet section forms an angle a measured to the longitudinal axis E iniauf of 6.0° to 9.6°, preferably of 7.0° to 8.6°, particularly preferably of 7.8°, and / or
[0076] - wherein a compaction section has a compaction angle measured to the longitudinal axis of 0.8° to 1.6°, preferably of 1.0° to 1.4°, particularly preferably of 1.2°, and / or
[0077] - wherein the axial length ratio of inlet section (21) to compression section (23) is a value of 1:8.5 to 1:12, preferably 1:9.5 to 1:11.5, particularly preferably 1:10.99, and / or
[0078] - wherein the axial length ratio of the sum of the lengths of the inlet section (21) plus transition section (22) to the length of the compression section (23) is a value of 1 :4 to 1 :7, preferably 1 :5 to 1 :6.5, particularly preferably 1 :6.25.
[0079] This special geometry of the pressing tool allows the enormous forces of the press ram, which acts axially in the longitudinal direction on the machining / handling section, to be optimally converted into fully radial pressing forces, so that the baseball bat blank is compressed almost perfectly from the outside in. This precision in pressing makes post-processing at least negligible or even completely unnecessary. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0080] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0081] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0082] In another aspect, the method is characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a pressing tool (20) which has a circularly hollow cross-section on the inside,
[0083] - wherein an axial feed rate of 0.01 m / s to 0.05 m / s, preferably of 0.02 m / s to 0.04 m / s, particularly preferably of 0.03 m / s is set, and / or wherein an axial feed pressing force of up to a maximum of 30 tons, preferably of 4 tons to 15 tons, more preferably of 4.5 tons to 10 tons, particularly preferably of 5 tons to 7 tons is applied.
[0084] By adjusting the process parameters as described above during full radial pressing, the contact time of the full radial pressure force on the surface of the baseball bat blank, relative to the feed rate, can be tailored to the different wood species and their varying fiber structures. This also allows for adjustment of the available feed pressure and thus the defined, efficiently effective pressure force. This ensures that the wood fibers, which are plastically deformable through steaming, have sufficient time, depending on the wood species and fiber type, to optimally respond to the tailored pressure force. This results in a virtually perfectly hardened surface of the baseball bat and further enhances the aforementioned advantages.
[0085] In another aspect of the process, a cooling process is carried out in a further step after the pressing or radial pressing operation. The baseball bat blank is subjected to a cooling process. This can last for a period of time, preferably from 15 minutes to 2 days, more preferably from 30 minutes to 1.5 days, and most preferably from 1 hour to 24 hours. Depending on the cooling procedure, the baseball bat blank can remain in the pressing tool during this time, e.g., for the entire duration or at least for part of the cooling period.
[0086] With such a cooling step, possibly with the baseball bat blank remaining temporarily in the press, the achieved, compacted shape and structure can be advantageously stabilized even more permanently. The cell structure of the baseball bat blank, which softens during steaming, or rather the cell walls of the wood fibers and the lignin surrounding the wood fibers, harden during cooling and subsequently form a solid, stable structure again. Cooling can, for example, be more controlled and sometimes faster in a coolable press than in a non-temperature-controlled press, so that it can take a few minutes to an hour, a few hours to a day, or even a few days, whereby the cooling period can also depend on the [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0087] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0088] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0089] The type of wood chosen for the baseball bat blank and the prevailing ambient temperature and humidity at that time are crucial factors. Cooling in the pressing tool can advantageously increase the repeatability of the pressing process, the dimensional accuracy, shape retention, and surface quality achievable in the work steps of the manufactured baseball bat, as well as minimize error tolerances or reduce an already minimal need for post-processing to almost zero.
[0090] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the method is characterized in that the processing / handling section and / or the end cap is protected against the effects of the water vapor-containing atmosphere during steaming by a cover cap encompassing the processing / handling section and / or the end cap.
[0091] This advantageously ensures that the original wood structure present throughout the processing / handling section and / or end cap before steaming of the baseball bat blank is retained even after steaming. This effectively prevents the processing / handling section and / or end cap from becoming elastically or even plastically deformable, allowing the high pressing forces applied axially in the longitudinal direction to be transmitted without loss, thus achieving optimal results during full radial pressing.
[0092] The aspects and advantages discussed above from a process engineering perspective will also be relevant from a device engineering perspective.
[0093] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, a cover cap for gripping a second end of a baseball bat blank, in particular the machining / handling section and / or the end cap, is characterized in that the cover cap has a substantially U-shaped or cup-shaped cross-section and has a sealing ring inserted into an annular slot-like recess.
[0094] This provides a cover cap in a structurally simple and inexpensive manner, preventing undesirable softening of the wood structure of the processing / handling section or even the occurrence of a state of elastic or plastic deformability, which advantageously ensures the reliable [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0095] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0096] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0097] The introduction and transmission of high pressing forces during subsequent pressing is permanently guaranteed.
[0098] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, an advantageous sports device made of solid wood for a ball game, with a cross-section that is point-symmetrical in the axial direction to the central axis, such as a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, is characterized by a surface that is compacted by radial pressure at least in a partial section, wherein a manufacturing process that is particularly suitable for this purpose is preferably carried out according to at least one of the advantageous process steps discussed above.
[0099] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, an advantageous baseball bat blank, preferably used in the method discussed above, is characterized in that it has, in the axial direction or longitudinal direction from one first end to the other second end, the successive sections knob, grip, shaft, and end cap, and preferably an adjoining, axially extending, preferably cylindrical, machining / handling section, wherein at least a part of the shaft has a diameter D oversize that is larger than a diameter D so ii, which a fully manufactured, ready-to-play baseball bat possesses.
[0100] In another preferred aspect of the baseball bat blank, its residual moisture content in the wood is less than 10%.
[0101] This allows the same advantages and positive effects to be achieved at the device-technical level as already discussed above in terms of process engineering.
[0102] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, an advantageous baseball bat made of solid wood is characterized by having a surface compacted by radial pressure, at least in the area of a part of the shaft, in particular the section of the shaft referred to as the "sweet spot", which has a significantly higher surface hardness and durability than is the case with conventional baseball bats.
[0103] Furthermore, in a preferred aspect of the invention, the advantageous baseball bat is characterized by the fact that its surface, at least in the area of a part of the shaft, in particular in the area of the section of the shaft referred to as the "sweet spot", is [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0104] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0105] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0106] a Leeb hardness test (HLD), in particular with a mobile Leeb hardness tester HDT-LP200 from Insize Europe SL, e.g. distributed by TOSAG Engineering AG,
[0107] - has a Leeb hardness of 170 to 290, preferably 200 to 280, particularly preferably 230 to 270, measured with the annual rings lying flat, or
[0108] - has a Leeb hardness of 200 to 330, preferably 230 to 320, particularly preferably 260 to 300, measured with standing annual rings.
[0109] This allows the same advantages and positive effects to be achieved at the device-technical level as already discussed above in terms of process engineering.
[0110] In particular, a player using the baseball bat according to the invention experiences a more pleasant playing and hitting feel than with conventional bats. The recoil effect on the wrist(s) via the grip, which is frequently criticized with ordinary baseball bats, is described as significantly reduced, or even almost imperceptible, with the baseball bat according to the invention.
[0111] At the same time, significantly higher striking speeds, higher launch speeds, an improved launch angle, an improved impact angle, improved striking precision and significantly greater distances or ball flight distances can be achieved with the baseball bat according to the invention.
[0112] Overall, this results in a baseball bat with significantly improved performance compared to conventional baseball bats.
[0113] The baseball bat according to the invention can be further refined by carrying out an additional finishing step for the fine processing of the outer surface, at least in the area of part of the shaft, a “bone rubbed” treatment, a “steel-pressed” treatment, a rolling and / or a painting.
[0114] By subjecting the baseball bat to an additional mechanical rolling of the surface in the area of the shaft, an even more homogenized or uniform surface structure can be achieved.
[0115] By painting a baseball bat according to the invention after its manufacture and, if necessary, after additional rolling of the surface, its outer [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0116] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0117] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0118] The appearance will be designed according to the wishes of the manufacturer and / or club and / or player.
[0119] The baseball bat according to the invention can be further improved by using hickory, maple, birch, beech or ash as the solid wood material.
[0120] Further aspects of the invention describe the use of an autoclave or steaming vessel for steaming a sports equipment blank, the use of a cover cap when steaming the sports equipment blank and / or the use of a pressing tool when fully radially pressing the sports equipment blank, particularly in a method for manufacturing a sports equipment from solid wood, in particular a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like.
[0121] The invention described above will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures in the drawing. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for analogous or identical terms or objects.
[0122] It shows(s):
[0123] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of an exemplary baseball bat blank;
[0124] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional top view obliquely from the front of the exemplary baseball bat blank shown in cross-section in Fig. 1;
[0125] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the exemplary baseball bat blank shown in cross-section in Fig. 1;
[0126] Fig. 4 shows, by way of example, a compact steamer with a steam generator and steam boiler (autoclave) arranged in a common housing;
[0127] Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a cover cap, which encompasses the exemplary baseball bat blank shown in Figs. 1 to 3 at one end;
[0128] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a press tool; [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0129] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0130] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0131] Figs. 7a) to 7c) each show in cross-section the exemplary embodiment of a press tool shown in Fig. 6, into which the exemplary baseball bat blank shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is pressed in an axial direction; and
[0132] Fig. 8 shows an enlarged top view of the front third of the exemplary baseball bat blank shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the compression area which is essentially located in the shaft area.
[0133] Figures 1 to 8 listed above are described in more detail below.
[0134] Fig. 1 shows in cross-section an exemplary embodiment of a baseball bat blank 1 according to the invention.
[0135] The baseball bat blank 1 made of solid wood has the following successive sections extending from a first end 2 shown on the left in Fig. 1 to the other or second end 3 in the longitudinal direction X along a central axis M: knob 4, handle 5, shaft 6, shaft 7 and end cap 8, as well as an adjoining, axially extending, preferably cylindrical, machining and handling section 9.
[0136] In this exemplary embodiment, the processing / handling section 9 has a diameter of 47 mm.
[0137] In the area of the shaft 7, the thicker part of the baseball bat blank 1 has, before processing with the method according to the invention, a diameter with excess D, which is larger than a diameter D. so ii, which a fully manufactured, ready-to-play baseball bat has.
[0138] Fig. 2 shows in a three-dimensional top view obliquely from the front the exemplary baseball bat blank 1 shown in cross-section in Fig. 1.
[0139] Fig. 3 shows in a top view of the exemplary baseball bat blank 1 shown in cross-section in Fig. 1.
[0140] The length of the exemplary baseball bat blank 1 in the present embodiment is 888 mm and can range between 870 mm and 910 mm, depending on handling. In the area of the shaft 7, the diameter interference is, for example, 70 mm, whereas [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0141] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0142] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0143] a diameter D soii, which a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat should have in this embodiment, is approximately 63 mm. The oversize or diameter oversize can, depending on the embodiment, be, for example, between 73 mm and 65 mm.
[0144] Fig. 4 shows an example of a so-called compact steamer 10 from the company GHEbavaria with a steam generator and an attached autoclave, which are arranged in a common housing n.
[0145] GHEbavaria's steam generators and steaming systems are suitable for various purposes. Primarily, these systems are designed for plasticizing and / or softening wood before bending.
[0146] Such a steam generator is operated, for example, with an electric heater that has a power output of up to 54 kW. This could power up to six steam boilers (autoclaves). These preferably have automatic feedwater control and a timer.
[0147] Typical steam boilers or autoclaves have a diameter of, for example, 600 mm. Autoclaves with larger diameters are also available. The length of a steam boiler (autoclave) can be customized to customer specifications. Common standard models range from 1.5 m to 2.0 m in length. Furthermore, modern steam boilers or autoclaves feature effective steam control.
[0148] In the compact design shown in Fig. 4, an electric steam generator is located directly behind the steam boiler or autoclave in the same or common housing 11.
[0149] Such a space-saving arrangement is practical when operating up to two autoclaves. If more than two autoclaves are in operation, separating the steam generator from the steam boilers or autoclaves is usually more sensible.
[0150] Instead of the autoclave shown in Fig. 4 or the one used by the inventor, autoclaves or steam boilers as well as steam generators from other manufacturers can also be used. The only important thing is that the parameters described here, such as overpressure, temperature, time or treatment duration, etc., can be implemented in the areas discussed here. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0151] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0152] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0153] The steam generator used by the inventor, which is not shown in further detail, has a steam boiler or autoclave with a length exceeding the aforementioned usual 2.0 m and is used for steaming barrel staves for wine barrels.
[0154] In the autoclave, which the inventor uses here for a different purpose, the sports equipment blank, in particular the baseball bat blank 1, is steamed in a steam-containing environment at an overpressure of, for example, 0.28 bar and a temperature of, for example, 104°C for a period of, for example, 12 minutes, in order to plasticize or soften the wood fibers or the wood structure of the solid wood material for the subsequent work step of full radial pressing.
[0155] The processing / handling section 9 and / or the end cap 8 is protected from exposure to the water vapor-containing atmosphere by the sealing cover cap 12 placed over it, so that the wood of the processing / handling section 9 and / or the end cap 8 is not steamed and therefore not softened, thus retaining its natural structure.
[0156] The baseball bat blank 1, fitted with the cover cap 12, is placed in the steaming kettle and subjected to the steaming process described above.
[0157] Fig. 5 shows in cross-section an exemplary embodiment of a cover cap 12, which includes an exemplary baseball bat blank 1, also shown in cross-section, at its second end 3.
[0158] The cover cap 12 serves to protect the processing / handling section 9 and / or the end cap 8 of the baseball bat blank 1 from the effects of the water vapor-containing atmosphere in the autoclave during steaming of at least one section of the shaft 7 of the baseball bat blank 1.
[0159] The cover cap 12 can be made of plastic, metal, or similar materials. A material with poor thermal conductivity is advantageous. The cover cap 12 can, for example, be milled or machined from a solid piece of material. Alternatively, the cover cap 12 can be produced in two parts using a 3D printing process.
[0160] The exemplary embodiment of the cover cap 12 shown in Fig. 5 has a substantially U-shaped or cup-like cross-section. A sealing ring 13 is inserted into an annular, slot-like recess or groove 14. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0161] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0162] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0163] 12 a clear inner diameter D K a surface of 66 mm over a cylindrical distance of about 15 mm to 35 mm in the axial direction of a part of the wall of the cup-shaped cover cap 12.
[0164] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the slot-like recess 14 for the sealing ring 13 is designed in two parts. A cover ring 15 can be screwed to the cup-shaped base body 17 of the cover cap 12 using screws 16. The slot-like groove or recess 14, which has an outer clear diameter D, is thus Nu t of approximately 73 mm to 74 mm, closed and the sealing ring 13 inserted therein slightly fixed.
[0165] The sealing ring 13 can be an O-ring with a diameter of 62 mm to 63 mm and a thickness of 5 mm, or an O-ring with a diameter of 60 mm and a thickness of 5 mm can be used, if necessary with a correspondingly adapted design of the slot-like recess 14. Other suitable sealing rings are also conceivable.
[0166] The end cap 8 of the baseball bat blank 1, which is still enclosed by the cover cap 12, has a diameter D in this embodiment. En cap of approximately 62.9 mm.
[0167] To ensure that the cover cap 12 can be fitted as securely as possible over the processing / handling section 9 and the enclosed end cap 8, a gap 18 with an annular gap dimension of approximately 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm proved useful in initial tests. This also ensures a good seal between the enclosed part of the end cap 8 and the enclosed processing / handling section 9 against unwanted ingress of the steam-containing atmosphere in the steam vessel or autoclave during steaming.
[0168] Fig. 6 shows in cross-section an exemplary embodiment of a press tool 20.
[0169] The pressing tool 20 can be made of metal in one piece, in two parts or in multiple parts and, depending on the embodiment, can have an axial length of 200 mm to 300 mm, preferably 240 mm to 260 mm, particularly preferably 250 mm.
[0170] The pressing tool 20 has a diameter D at its circularly hollow entrance. Eing to g from, for example, 71 mm to 75 mm, in particular 73 mm. The circularly hollow outlet has a diameter D. A u Sg to g from, for example, 53 mm to 57 mm, especially 55 mm. The interior of the [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO], which has a circular hollow cross-section, is described on March 5, 2026.
[0171] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0172] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0173] Press tool 20 tapers from the entrance with a diameter D Eing to g to the exit with diameter D A u Sg to g .
[0174] The exemplary embodiment of a press tool 20 shown in Fig. 6 has an inlet section 21, a transition section 22 and a compression section 23 successively in the axial longitudinal direction X along the central axis M.
[0175] The inlet section 21, for example, has an angle a E angle to the central axis M of 6.0° to 9.6°, preferably of 7.0° to 8.6°, particularly preferably of 7.8°.
[0176] The transition section 22 following the inlet section 21 has, for example, a radius Ro of 135 mm to 165 mm, preferably 150 mm.
[0177] In the embodiment under consideration, the diameter Di at the beginning of the transition section 22 is 66.73 mm and the diameter D2 at the end of the transition section is, for example, 64 mm.
[0178] The compaction section 23, which follows the transition section 22, has, for example, an angle β compactiong to the central axis M of 0.8° to 1.6°, preferably of 1.0° to 1.4°, particularly preferably of 1.2°.
[0179] The axial length ratio of inlet section 21 to compression section 23 is 1:8.5 to 1:12, preferably 1:9.5 to 1:11.5, and particularly preferably 1:10.99. In other words, the axial length ratio of the sum of the lengths of the inlet section 21 plus transition section 22 to the length of the compression section 23 can be 1:4 to 1:7, preferably 1:5 to 1:6.5, and particularly preferably 1:6.25.
[0180] Figures 7a) to 7c) each show in cross-section the exemplary embodiment of the press tool 20 shown in Fig. 6 at different times during full radial pressing.
[0181] For this purpose, the inventor modified an electro-hydraulically driven log splitter or splitting machine, which is not shown in detail.
[0182] The modified log splitter can be operated with an axial pressing force of up to 30 tons. For performing the full radial pressing according to the invention [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0183] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0184] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0185] Depending on the design and type of wood used, for example, pressing forces of 4 tonnes to 15 tonnes, more often of 4.5 tonnes to 10 tonnes, and mostly of 5 tonnes to 7 tonnes are demanded from the splitting machine.
[0186] The modified log splitter discussed here as an example, or the wood splitting machine described here, is one of many conceivable embodiments for presses with which a sufficiently large, vertically downward acting pressing force can be generated – for the complete radial pressing of the baseball bat blank 1 into the embodiment of a press tool 20 also discussed as an example – e.g. in a range of up to 30 tons for a baseball bat blank 1 to be pressed.
[0187] Alternatively, spindle presses are conceivable, either manually or electrically driven. Hydraulic presses are also a possibility. It is equally feasible to arrange multiple pressing tools side-by-side in rows and columns within a common tool holder. With a sufficiently large and powerful press and a sufficiently large ram, this multiple pressing tools, loaded with baseball bat blanks, can then be subjected to a sufficiently high pressing force.
[0188] The splitting machine modified by the inventor features a horizontal tool table arranged below the press ram. The tool table supports a horizontally movable tool holder for receiving the press tool 20, the longitudinal direction X of which is oriented perpendicular to the tool table plane.
[0189] The pressing tool 20 can be moved laterally outwards with the tool holder to allow the insertion of a dampened baseball bat blank 1. The pressing tool 20 with the dampened baseball bat blank 1 can then be moved laterally inwards under the pressing ram and aligned coaxially with it along the now common longitudinal direction X.
[0190] Once the dampened baseball bat blank 1, held in the press tool 20, is aligned coaxially with the press ram, the splitting machine can be actuated and the baseball bat blank 1 can be pressed axially and vertically downwards into the press tool 20 by means of the press ram, which presses on the processing handling section 9. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0191] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0192] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0193] Due to the tapered inner diameter of the pressing tool 20, the dampened baseball bat blank 1 is fully pressed radially inwards in the area of the shaft, thereby significantly compacting its wood structure.
[0194] The pressing process can be carried out dry. However, the inventor's experiments have shown that the use of suitable lubricants, release agents, linseed oils, or the like, applied to the inner surface of the pressing tool 20, increases the service life of the pressing tool 20 and simultaneously reduces the pressing force required by the splitting machine.
[0195] The exemplary baseball bat blank 1, already described in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 and also shown in cross-section in Fig. 7a) to Fig. 7c), is pressed into the press tool 2 in the axial direction or against the drawn longitudinal direction X along the central axis M.
[0196] In this process, the outer surface of the baseball bat blank 1 is pressed inwards, especially in the thicker part of its shaft 7, by full radial pressure, so that an initial diameter D oversize considered in cross-section in the area of the shaft 7 becomes a cross-section with a smaller diameter D| St is compressed, which then approaches or equals the nominal diameter D so ii is.
[0197] In addition to the pressing tool 20 described here, alternative embodiments are also conceivable. Instead of a one-piece design, a two- or multi-piece design can be used. In this way, a pressing tool can be disassembled, for example in the event of wear, damage, or other incidents, the pressed and compacted baseball bat blank contained within can be removed, and the pressing tool can be prepared, cleaned, repaired, or refurbished for the next pressing operation.
[0198] The pressing tool can also be heated and / or cooled in an alternative configuration. This allows for more precise control of the temperature prevailing in the baseball bat blank during the pressing process, if necessary by temporarily supplying additional heat to raise it to a desired temperature level, maintaining it at an intended temperature level, or lowering it through targeted cooling. This allows the pressing process, i.e., the axial pressing of the baseball bat blank against its longitudinal direction into the pressing tool, to be improved for a force application to the circumferential surface of the baseball bat blank, at least in a partial section. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0199] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0200] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0201] whose shaft is optimally designed, whereby the temperature in the pressing tool can be controlled in such a way that it better meets the specific material properties of the type of wood used for satisfactory plastic deformation during radial compression.
[0202] As previously described, the wooden structure of the baseball bat blank is plasticized during steaming using an autoclave or steam boiler. In the press tool, the baseball bat blank is elastically deformed, and compacted by the full radial pressure from the outside in.
[0203] In a subsequent cooling step, possibly with the baseball bat blank remaining temporarily in the press, the resulting compacted shape and structure are permanently stabilized. The cell walls of the wood fibers and the lignin in the solid wood of the baseball bat blank harden during cooling and drying, ultimately forming an extremely strong and highly stable structure. Cooling can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or even a few days, depending on the type of wood used for the baseball bat blank and the prevailing ambient temperature and humidity during this time.
[0204] Fig. 8 shows an enlarged top view of the front third of the exemplary baseball bat blank 1 already described in Figs. 1 to 3, the compression area 30 which lies essentially in the area of the shaft 7.
[0205] In the compaction area 30, the radial compaction of the baseball bat blank ranges from 0.7 mm at the compaction edges 31 and 32, viewed in the axial direction or on the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction X, to 2.1 mm in the strongest area of compaction from the outside inwards, which corresponds to a full radial compaction of the diameter in the respective cross-section of 1.4 mm to 4.2 mm or, in other words, a compaction of about 2.2% to about 6.6%.
[0206] As already mentioned at the beginning, the field of plasticizing and / or plastifying wood is a rather neglected, niche area of technology. Therefore, it was probably only known to a few experts that wood can be made pliable by steaming it in a steam boiler, as is the case, for example, in the processing of barrel staves for wine barrels, or as was used a very long time ago in the 1850s in the Thonet process for the production of café chairs, but which has probably remained limited to this application until now. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0207] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0208] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0209] To be able to bend solid wood material satisfactorily, such as that used for the production of curved components like chair legs, seat edging, backrests, or similar parts of café chairs, one must use solid wood with a sufficiently high residual moisture content. Depending on the type of wood, a residual moisture content of, for example, 10% to 20% should be ensured.
[0210] Solid wood with insufficient residual moisture content cannot be bent satisfactorily without breaking, cracking, or splintering, and cannot retain its shape after bending. Solid wood that is too dry, lacking sufficient residual moisture or having a moisture content below, for example, 10%, cannot be used for bending and therefore cannot be plastically transformed from a straight to a curved shape.
[0211] The residual moisture content can be determined using commercially available wood moisture meters, including a penetration probe. The mass of water contained in the wood is determined via conductivity measurement (resistance measurement). The dry mass of the wood is determined using correction factors.
[0212] Put simply, heating the wood with steam softens the lignin, the so-called "glue" that holds the wood fibers together, located between them. Using the bending machines and tension plates first developed by Michael Thonet, which prevented the wood from stretching along its outer radius and thus avoided breakage, the wood can be bent, or more precisely, pressed around a curved shape.
[0213] Depending on the dimensions, this is done by machine or by hand. As the piece of wood cools, the lignin hardens again. The plastically deformed, bent piece of wood then retains its new shape. Suitable fixtures are needed to ensure the wood remains dimensionally stable during the cooling and drying process. The cooling and drying process must be checked regularly. Finally, a master craftsman involved in bending furniture wood or barrel staves needs considerable experience.
[0214] The inventive method now, most surprisingly and for the first time, paves the way for a novel application technology for wooden sports equipment that is not immediately obvious, in order to significantly improve its performance. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0215] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0216] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0217] Improving the physical properties and the associated improvement in the performance of solid wood baseball bats is a surprising application for wood that has first been steamed and then compressed.
[0218] The inventor recognized that European, especially Swiss, wood does not meet the quality requirements that manufacturers of baseball bats from the USA or Japan place on the wood used, due to climatic conditions.
[0219] The inventive method makes it possible to improve the density of the wood of a wooden baseball bat for the first time.
[0220] This opens up for the first time the opportunity to use less suitable, cheaper woods from climatically less favorable regions.
[0221] Theoretically, it is possible to produce the hardest baseball bat in the world with the best performance, ideally from wood grown in Switzerland.
[0222] By using locally grown wood species, especially beech trees available in Switzerland, more sustainable rackets can be manufactured through local production and marketed through local distribution.
[0223] To make wooden baseball bats, high-quality wood is needed, and various types of trees are generally suitable. The most commonly used woods are maple and ash, as well as birch and beech. These woods are considered hardwoods.
[0224] Different types of wood have different properties. These different properties can be an advantage or a disadvantage for the sports equipment made from them.
[0225] Maple and beech are considered very hard and inflexible. Ash is considered quite flexible, but less hard and less durable. The inventive method allows the advantages of all wood types to be combined for the first time.
[0226] This allows for the production of a high-performance sports equipment item made entirely of wood, especially a baseball bat. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0227] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0228] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0229] Optimal performance here means greater flexibility in the shaft. It also means a harder barrel, especially a harder "sweet spot" or section of the striking end, and thus better power transfer. It also means greater striking power upon impact (more "pop"). Every baseball player's goal is to hit a home run. A player can only achieve this if the ball stays in the air as long as possible. This requires the greatest possible distance. This, in turn, demands the highest possible power transfer when hitting the ball. All of this is made possible by the baseball bat according to the invention.
[0230] Using the aforementioned finishing processes, known from practice and colloquially called "bone rubbed" and "steel pressed", the aim is to slightly densify or make somewhat "harder" the outermost surface of wooden baseball bats in the hitting area, the so-called barrel or shaft, especially in the area of the "sweet spot", than is the case with a natural solid wood surface.
[0231] As previously mentioned, "bone rubbed" refers to the manual rubbing or smoothing of a baseball bat's surface with a large, dry bone or a porcelain tool to create a more uniform and therefore more durable finish. "Steel pressed," also known as steel pressing, is a process where a roller, usually made of metal, is used to smooth the surface of the baseball bat, thus compacting the outer layer. This is intended to make the bat more durable by compressing the outermost wood fibers, making them less prone to breaking, fraying, or splintering during use.
[0232] Using the inventive method, the inventor was able to produce exemplary prototypes that were radially compacted, for example, by 4 mm to 8 mm in the desired striking area. Measurements of the Brinel I (HB) hardness showed a significant increase in hardness of at least 40 to 50 percent in the desired section of the club.
[0233] The following TABLE 1 shows an excerpt of the measurement results obtained in secret tests. The first left column of TABLE 1 contains the designation of the baseball bat. The following second column indicates the type of wood. The three subsequent columns show the Leeb hardness (HL) measured with a Leeb testing device from the manufacturer "Insize" for the natural, untreated bats, specifically a) for horizontal growth rings, b) for vertical growth rings, and c) their average value. The description in TABLE 1 [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] is dated March 5, 2026.
[0234] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0235] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0236] The following three columns show the Leeb hardness (HL) measured with a Leeb testing device from the manufacturer "Insize" for the dampened and compacted sticks according to the invention, specifically a) for horizontal growth rings, b) for vertical growth rings, and c) their mean value. The last column shows the increase in hardness or the ratio of the mean values, expressed as a percentage.
[0237] In the exemplary prototypes, the inventor applied the aforementioned rolling process as an additional surface smoothing method to the beater, which had already been dampened and then compacted according to the invention, as a further processing step following the inventive method.
[0238] Table 2 below shows an excerpt of the measurement results obtained in secret tests. The first left column of Table 2 contains the designation of the baseball bat. The following second column indicates the type of wood. The three subsequent columns show the Leeb hardness (HL) measured with a Leeb tester from the manufacturer "Insize" for the natural, uncompacted bats, specifically a) for horizontally oriented growth rings, b) for vertically oriented growth rings, and c) their average value. The three further columns in Table 2 show the Leeb hardness (HL) measured with a Leeb tester from the manufacturer "Insize" for the bats that have been dampened, compacted, and additionally rolled according to the invention, specifically a) for horizontally oriented growth rings, b) for vertically oriented growth rings, and c) their average value. The following column shows the increase in hardness or the ratio of the average values, expressed as a percentage.The three columns following in TABLE 2 show the Leeb hardness (HL) measured with a Leeb testing device from the manufacturer "Insize" for the rackets dampened, compacted, rolled, and additionally lacquered according to the invention, specifically a) for horizontal growth rings, b) for vertical growth rings, and c) their mean value. The last column following in TABLE 2 shows the increase in hardness or the ratio of the mean values, expressed as a percentage.
[0239] The surface hardness of the sample prototypes was measured before and after each finishing process at the same point of impact using a Leeb tester from the manufacturer "Insize". The results show that an increase in Leeb hardness (HL) of between 80 and 100 percent can be assumed.
[0240] The two tables below / / TABLE 1 and TABLE 2 / / show the aforementioned excerpt of the measurement results obtained in secret tests: [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0241] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0242] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0243]
[0244] [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0245] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0246] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0247]
[0248] [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0249] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0250] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0251] In a test laboratory not open to the public, the bat prototypes underwent a secret field test. Players from the Swiss national baseball team, who were sworn to secrecy, first hit the ball with their own bats. In the first round, the ball was hit from a tee (holder) and then launched by a pitching machine (90 km / h). Afterward, the players hit the prototypes according to the invention, again first from a tee and then with the pitching machine (90 km / h). The following tables show the hits of the two best players where the launch angles were closest to the optimum.
[0252] Player 1
[0253]
[0254] Players?
[0255]
[0256] The results show that bats manufactured using the inventive method can achieve better performance than baseball bats from known manufacturers. With the same launch angle and ball speed at impact, balls travel farther with bats densified according to the invention, which can lead to a home run. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0257] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0258] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0259] It should be noted that many other parameters, such as how and where exactly the ball is struck by the club, affect the launch speed. To obtain repeatable test results and formulate more precise statements, testing would need to be conducted with robots in a laboratory environment to ensure the balls are always hit in the "sweet spot" (best point of impact).
[0260] The analysis shows that Player 1 achieves similar launch speeds with rackets according to the invention as with his own racket. Interestingly, Player 1 achieves a greater distance on average with rackets according to the invention, given similar launch speeds, launch angles, swing speeds, and serve angles. The analysis shows that Player 2 achieves higher launch speeds on average with rackets according to the invention than with his own racket. Interestingly, Player 2 achieves a greater launch speed on average with rackets according to the invention, despite the same swing speed and a slightly worse serve angle, and also achieves greater distance with similar launch angles. The table for Player 2 also shows that the launch angle is a determining factor for the distance of a shot.
[0261] The table below shows a comparison of the achieved hitting distances in feet.
[0262]
[0263] [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0264] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0265] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0266] The players noticed a difference in the feel of the rackets. Feedback on the prototypes according to the invention was positive. It was particularly noticeable that all players experienced less vibration during the swing, which can reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, the players liked the improved balance.
[0267] In a prototype, the ball was struck at the most fragile point of the racket. Normally, a wooden racket would break or at least split under such impact. This did not occur in this example. This supports the inventor's assumption that the rackets become more flexible in the shaft through the inventive method. To formulate more precise statements, the rackets would need to be subjected to a bending frequency test.
[0268] Due to players' personal preferences, height and weight, swing style, and age, there are many different club profiles. Key characteristics include weight, length, balance, barrel size, moment of inertia, and any additional finishing touches.
[0269] The inventor will focus on six to eight different racket profiles in further development. The rackets will be made from Jurassic beech and maple, and depending on availability, also from ash. Due to the wood density, there will be a heavier model made of beech and a lighter model made of maple.
[0270] The inventor foresees the following benefits for the future and identifies the following advantages:
[0271] A baseball bat made in Switzerland from Swiss wood, available in Europe, with better performance than bats currently available on the world market.
[0272] A racket with better power transmission thanks to a more flexible barrel produces balls that fly further.
[0273] A more flexible shaft that transmits less vibration to the wrist, thus reducing the risk of injury.
[0274] An extended lifespan for a club, as the wood is "more relaxed" and therefore less susceptible to breaks, cracks, and even invisible signs of fatigue. [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0275] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0276] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0277] Reference symbol list:
[0278] 1 baseball bat blank
[0279] 2 a first end
[0280] 3 a different or second end
[0281] 4 knobs
[0282] 5 handle
[0283] 6 stems
[0284] 7 shaft
[0285] 8 End cap
[0286] 9. Processing / Handling Section
[0287] M Central axis
[0288] X Longitudinal direction X
[0289] Oversized diameter with oversize in the shaft area Dsoii Diameter of a ready-to-play baseball bat
[0290] 10 compact dampers
[0291] 11 common housing
[0292] 12 Cover cap
[0293] 13 Sealing ring
[0294] 14 ring-shaped slot-like recesses / grooves
[0295] 15 Cover ring
[0296] 16 screws
[0297] 17 cup-shaped base bodies
[0298] 18 gaps
[0299] DCap inner inner clear diameter of the cover cap D Nu t outer clear diameter of the groove
[0300] End cap diameter of the end cap of the baseball bat blank [File: 103293475.docx / / WW08K02WO] Description March 5, 2026
[0301] Improvements to a wooden baseball bat
[0302] Walter's Wood Idea AG
[0303] 20 Press tools
[0304] 21 Inlet section
[0305] 22 Transition section
[0306] 23 Compaction section
[0307] □Inlet diameter of the inlet
[0308] ÖEiniauf angle of the inlet section to the central axis
[0309] Dn diameter at the beginning of the transition section Ro radius of the transition section
[0310] D2 Diameter at the end of the transition section β Compaction Angle of the compaction section to the central axis □ Outlet Diameter of the outlet
[0311] 30 Compaction area
[0312] 31 left compaction edge
[0313] 32 right edge of compaction
Claims
1. [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims March 5, 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG Claims 1. Method for manufacturing a point-symmetrical sports equipment made of solid wood for a ball game, such as a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, in the longitudinal direction X in cross-section to the central axis M, with the exception of a knob, at least with the following process steps: Manufacture and / or provision of a sports equipment blank made of solid wood; Damping at least one section of the sports equipment blank; and full radial pressing of at least one section of the sports equipment blank.
2. Method for manufacturing a baseball bat from solid wood, comprising at least the following process steps: Manufacture and / or provision of a baseball bat blank (1) made of solid wood; Damping at least one section of the baseball bat blank (1); and fully radially pressing at least one part of the shaft (7) of the baseball bat blank (1), in particular the section of the shaft (7) referred to as the “sweet spot”.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the baseball bat blank (1) has in longitudinal direction X from one end (2) to the other end (3) the successive sections knob (4), handle (5), shaft (6), shaft (7) and end cap (8), wherein at least part of the shaft (7) has a diameter D oversize which, before damping and full radial pressing, is larger than a diameter Dsoii which a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat has and, wherein the part of the shaft (7) with larger diameter interference after damping by full radial pressing to a diameter D| Stis compressed, which is almost equal to the diameter D so ii corresponds to or is equivalent to that which a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat is supposed to have. [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5 March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG 4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the baseball bat blank (1) has an axially extending, preferably cylindrical, processing and handling section (9) adjoining the end cap (8) in the longitudinal direction X.
5. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the ratio of diameter D| St diameter D so ii within a tolerance of less than + / - 1.5%, preferably less than + / - 1.0%, more preferably less than + / - 0.75%, even more preferably less than + / - 0.5%, most preferably less than + / - 0.25%.
6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the diameter Doversize of the thicker part of the shaft (7) before damping and full radial pressing is at least up to 2 mm or up to 4 mm or up to 6 mm or up to 8 mm or up to 10 mm larger than the diameter Dsoii that a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat is supposed to have.
7. Method according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the diameter Doversize of the thicker part of the shaft (7) before damping and full radial pressing is at least up to 2% or up to 4% or up to 6% or up to 8% or up to 10% larger than the diameter Dsoii that a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat is supposed to have.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steaming, preferably in an autoclave or steam boiler, in particular with a steam generator from GHEbavaria Maschinen GmbH, takes place in a steam-containing atmosphere at an overpressure of 0.1 bar to 5.0 bar, preferably from 0.15 bar to 3.0 bar, more preferably from 0.18 bar to 0.35 bar, particularly preferably from 0.28 bar.
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steaming, preferably in an autoclave or steaming vessel, in particular with a [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5. March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG Steam generators from GHEbavaria Maschinen GmbH, in a steam-containing atmosphere at a temperature of 80°C to 160°C, preferably from 90°C to 120°C, more preferably from 100°C to 110°C, particularly preferably from 104°C.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steaming, preferably in an autoclave or steam boiler, in particular with a steam generator from GHEbavaria Maschinen GmbH, takes place in a steam-containing atmosphere for a period of at least 5 minutes up to a maximum of 120 minutes, preferably from 5 minutes to 20 minutes, more preferably from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, particularly preferably from 12 minutes.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the full radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a pressing tool (20) with an internal circular cross-section and an axial length of 200 mm to 300 mm, preferably 240 mm to 260 mm, particularly preferably 250 mm.
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a press tool (20) having a circularly hollow cross-section and an inlet section (21) with an angle a measured to the longitudinal axis. E iniauf from 6.0° to 9.6°, preferably from 7.0° to 8.6°, particularly preferably from 7.8°.
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a press tool (20) with a circularly hollow cross-section and a compression section (23) with a compression angle measured to the longitudinal axis of 0.8° to 1.6°, preferably 1.0° to 1.4°, particularly preferably 1.2°.
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a pressing tool (20) having a circularly hollow cross-section, wherein [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5. March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG the axial length ratio of inlet section (21) to compression section (23) is a value of 1 :8.5 to 1 :12, preferably 1 :9.5 to 1 :11.5, particularly preferably 1 :10.99, or wherein the axial length ratio of the sum of the lengths of the inlet section (21) plus transition section (22) to the length of the compression section (23) is a value of 1 :4 to 1 :7, preferably 1 :5 to 1 :6.5, particularly preferably 1 :6.
25.
15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a press tool (20) with a circularly hollow cross-section, with an axial feed rate of 0.01 m / s to 0.05 m / s, preferably from 0.02 m / s to 0.04 m / s, particularly preferably 0.03 m / s.
16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial pressing, preferably with an electro-hydraulically driven punch, is carried out by a press tool (20) with a circularly hollow cross-section, with an axial feed pressing force of up to a maximum of 30 tons, preferably from 4 tons to 15 tons, more preferably from 4.5 tons to 10 tons, particularly preferably from 5 tons to 7 tons.
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the baseball bat blank (1) is subjected to a cooling process in a further step after radial pressing, preferably for a duration of 15 minutes to 2 days, more preferably from 30 minutes to 1.5 days, particularly preferably from 1 hour to 24 hours, in particular with the baseball bat blank (1) remaining in the pressing tool (20) at least during part of this cooling period.
18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing / handling section (9) and / or the end cap (8) is protected during steaming against the effects of the water vapor-containing atmosphere by a cover cap (12) encompassing the processing / handling section (9) and / or the end cap (8). [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5. March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG 19. Cover cap (12) for gripping an end (3) of a baseball bat blank (1), in particular the machining / handling section (9) and / or the end cap (8), wherein the cover cap (12) has a substantially U-shaped or cup-shaped cross-section and has a sealing ring (13) inserted into an annular slot-like recess (14).
20. Sports equipment made of solid wood for a ball game, with a cross-section that is point-symmetrical in the axial direction to the central axis, such as a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, with a surface that is compacted by radial pressure at least in a partial section, preferably manufactured by the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 18.
21. Baseball bat blank (1), preferably for use in a method for manufacturing a baseball bat according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising in axial direction from one end (2) to the other end (3) the successive sections knob (4), grip (5), shaft (6), shaft (7) and end cap (8), wherein at least a part of the shaft (7) has a diameter Doversize which is larger than a diameter Dsoii which a finished, ready-to-play baseball bat has.
22. Baseball bat blank (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the baseball bat blank (1) has an axially extending, preferably cylindrical, processing and handling section (9) adjoining the end cap (8) in the longitudinal direction X.
23. Baseball bat blank (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that its residual moisture content in the wood is less than 10%.
24. Baseball bat made of solid wood, with a surface compacted by radial pressing at least in the area of a part of the shaft (7), in particular the section of the shaft (7) referred to as the “sweet spot”, preferably produced by the method [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5. March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, further preferably using the baseball bat blank (1) according to one of claims 21 to 23.
25. Baseball bat according to claim 24, characterized in that its surface, at least in the area of a part of the shaft (7), in particular in the area of the section of the shaft (7) designated as the “sweet spot”, is subjected to a Leeb hardness test (HLD), in particular with a mobile Leeb hardness tester HDT-LP200 from Insize Europe SL, a Leeb hardness of 170 to 290, preferably 200 to 280, particularly preferably 230 to 270, measured with horizontal annual rings, or a Leeb hardness of 200 to 330, preferably 230 to 320, particularly preferably 260 to 300, measured with standing annual rings.
26. Baseball bat according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that, as an additional finishing step for fine processing of the outer surface, at least in the area of a part of the shaft (7), a “bone rubbed” treatment, a “steel-pressed” treatment, a rolling and / or a painting is carried out.
27. Baseball bat according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that hickory, maple, birch, beech or ash is used as the solid wood material.
28. Use of an autoclave for steaming a sports equipment blank, in particular in a method for manufacturing a sports equipment made of solid wood, in particular a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, according to at least one feature of at least one of claims 1 to 27.
29. Use of a cover cap (12) during the steaming of a sports equipment blank, in particular in a method for manufacturing sports equipment from solid wood, especially a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, according to at least one feature of at least one of claims 1 to 27. [File: 103293483.docx / / WW08K02WO] Claims 5. March 2026 Improvements to a wooden baseball bat Walter's Wood Idea AG 30. Use of a pressing tool (20) in the fully radial pressing of a sports equipment blank, in particular in a method for manufacturing a sports equipment from solid wood, in particular a baseball bat, a cricket bat or the like, according to at least one feature of at least one of claims 1 to 27.