Flexible Band Grip Securing for Baseball Bats

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for securing a grip on baseball bat handles, such as using adhesive finishing tape, lead to unraveling over time due to weathering and dirt, requiring frequent replacement of the wrap, which negatively impacts the batter's grip and the lifespan of the bat.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, circular band with an opening is stretched over the end of a pre-installed wrap on the bat handle, creating a press fit without the need for adhesive tape, ensuring a secure grip and reducing the frequency of wrap replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive finishing tape is used to secure the wrap to the bat handle, then the wrap can be initially secured, but the adhesive deteriorates over time due to weathering and dirt, causing the wrap to unravel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wrap installationVSAvoidwrap security durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separate finishing tape component that acts as an intermediary between the wrap and the bat handle. This finishing tape is specifically designed with adhesive properties to bond the wrap end to the handle, separating the grip function from the securing function. The finishing tape can be replaced independently when it deteriorates, preserving the main wrap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the wrap assembly into distinct segments: the main wrap portion that provides grip, the end portion that needs securing, and the finishing tape that performs the securing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and replaced separately, addressing the reliability issue by isolating the adhesive element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If electrical tape or other adhesive tape is placed around the end of the wrap to secure it, then the wrap end can be held in place, but the adhesive deteriorates and the wrap still unravels over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrap end securityVSAvoidwrap lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent treats the finishing tape as a disposable or replaceable component with a limited service life. When the adhesive deteriorates, the finishing tape is replaced rather than the entire wrap. This acknowledges that the adhesive element has a finite duration of action and provides an economical solution to extend the overall wrap lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the finishing tape with adhesive to the wrap end and bat handle in advance, before the wrap begins to unravel. This preliminary securing action prevents the wrap from loosening during use, and when it eventually fails, the damage is contained to only the finishing tape portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the wrap unravels at the end of the handle, then the user must purchase a replacement wrap and re-wrap the baseball bat handle, but this requires frequent maintenance and interrupts use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrap maintenance simplicityVSAvoidtime for wrap replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the wrap system into a permanent main wrap and a replaceable finishing tape, the patent enables localized maintenance. When the finishing tape fails, only that small component needs replacement rather than the entire wrap assembly, dramatically reducing maintenance time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows the finishing tape to be discarded when it deteriorates and replaced with a new one, while the main wrap is recovered and retained for continued use. This selective replacement strategy minimizes waste and reduces the frequency of maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The flexible band provides a durable and secure attachment of the wrap to the bat handle, preventing unraveling and extending the lifespan of the grip, while allowing for customizable designs and colors, thus enhancing the user's grip and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one flexible band is stretched outwardly and placed over one end of a sports stick onto a prepositioned on wrap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

positioning the at least one flexible band over onto the wrap at the second end of the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress fit: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20240050823A1Bat band and method of installing thereof

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 MAHONEY PATRICK

AI summary

A sports stick device, including at least one flexible band, where the at least one flexible band is circular with an opening in the middle, and the at least one flexible band is stretched outwardly, placed over one end of a wrap prepositioned on a sports stick, and relaxed onto the sports stick to create a press fit. A method of installing a flexible band on a sports stick, including expanding the flexible band, routing the expanded flexible band over a first end of a sports stick, and relaxing the flexible band on a handle of the sports stick.