Abstract:
A method and apparatus to improve swing velocity, hand speed, and time to impact when swinging weighted, club-dike equipment such as sporting equipment and tools. The method and apparatus include an enlarged flange positioned on the handle of the equipment. The flange includes a greater size than the handle to contact against the user&#39;s hand. The apparatus may be manufactured on new equipment, or added to existing equipment. The device and methods also improve safety by preventing hand injury during a swing, and prevent accidental release of the equipment during a swing.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/124,260 filed Dec. 15, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Many types of equipment such as but not limited to baseball bats, softball bats, golf clubs, tennis racquets, hammers, pickaxes, and sledgehammer generally include a handle which is gripped by the hands at the proximal end, and a weighted object at the distal end of the handle. The weighted object may be incorporated into the handle (e.g., a barrel of a baseball bat that is integrally formed with the baseball bat handle) or may be a separate element attached to the handle (e.g., head of a hammer that is attached to a handle). The act of swinging weighted, club-like equipment in a circular or elliptical trajectory generates several dynamic forces. 
         [0003]    More specifically, turning forces result because a spinning object such as a baseball bat swung in a circular or elliptical trajectory has angular momentum and resists a change in direction. Also, during the swing centrifugal force is created such as when the barrel of the baseball bat or golf club is pulled away from the body and centripetal force is generated to pull the weighted object proximal to the body. Because of these forces it is necessary for the user to tightly grip the handle with their hands to hold on to the equipment. 
         [0004]    A tight hand grip can result in multiple negative consequences. For example, one negative consequence of tight hand grip during a swing is the generation of friction between the skin of the hands and the handle. Friction results from the force of the weighted equipment which pull the equipment away from the body, and the force created when the bat handle moves due to opposing forces to pull the handle towards the body. Therefore, the user tightens the hand grip to hold on to the handle which prevents the forces from causing the equipment to fly out of their hands. 
         [0005]    Another negative consequence of tight hand grip during a swing is injury to the hands. Friction from repetitive swings using known, traditional equipment can result in skin blisters. Further, tight hand grip during a swing may result in injury to the user&#39;s hand bones. Specifically, bruising and fracture of the tricumvarate, pisiform, and hamate bones in the hand results from pressure generated against a narrow surface area of the hand in contact with the swinging equipment. Also, damage to the ulnar nerve in the hand may occur when the forces generated during a swing of weighted equipment are transmitted to a narrow surface area on the hand. This damage may result in loss of grip during a swing and the equipment being thrown from the hand. 
         [0006]    A third negative consequence of tightened hand grip is decreased swing velocity. Tight hand grip promotes slower swing speed because of large muscle contraction. Slower swing speed decreases impact and results in less force for hitting an object, such as a baseball, nail, or a golf ball. Tight hand grip can also produce less precision due to the aforementioned loss of fine motor muscle use in the hands. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present application is directed to devices and methods for an enlarged grip for use on a handle of equipment. The grip may include an aerodynamic structure that reduces resistance to airflow during a swing. The grip includes an increased surface area that forms a contact area for the user&#39;s hand to redistribute forces to minimize hand injury. Further, the redistribution of forces to an increased surface area allows the hands to relax during a swing, and fine motor muscles may be utilized to improve swing precision during impact. The device and method improve the swing velocity, hand speed, time to impact, and precision of equipment by capturing and redirecting turning, centripetal, and centrifugal forces to the user&#39;s advantage. 
         [0008]    The device provides an increased surface area to contact with the user&#39;s hand which redistributes turning forces, allows the hands to relax during a swing, thereby utilizing fine motor control of the hands to improve hand speed, swing velocity, hitting precision, and time to impact. 
         [0009]    The increased surface area in contact with the hands improves safety to the user by reducing friction which can cause blisters. Further, the increased surface area for hand contact redistributes pressure on the hand to a greater area, thereby reducing hand injury associated with bone compression, bruising, and fracture as well as ulnar nerve injury. The increased surface area may also reduce injury by decreasing the incidence of the equipment accidently flying out of the user&#39;s hand during a swing. The device may also include an aerodynamic structure that reduces resistance to air during the swing, thereby improving swing velocity and hand speed. 
         [0010]    The device may also be lightweight and may counter-balance the weight at the distal end of equipment, thereby improving the swing trajectory, time to impact, and precision. 
         [0011]    The device may be manufactured on new equipment, or the apparatus added to existing equipment. 
         [0012]    One embodiment is directed to a method of using a flange device with equipment to improve a user&#39;s swing of the equipment. The method includes grasping a handle of the equipment between the flange device and a distal end of the handle. The flange device is attached to the handle and extends completely around the handle with a perimeter wall of the flange device being radially spaced outward from the handle and with a first side of the flange device facing towards the distal end of the handle and an opposing second side facing in an opposing direction. The method also includes contacting the first side of the flange device while grasping the handle. The method includes aligning an indent in the flange device with an injury-prone section of the user&#39;s lower hand. The indent extends into the first side and the perimeter wall and is positioned at an intersection of the first side and the perimeter wall, and the injury-prone section comprising triquetral and pisiform bones region. The method also includes swinging the equipment while grasping the handle and maintaining contact with the first side and of the flange device and with the injury-prone section remaining aligned with the indent. 
         [0013]    The method may also include that first side of the flange device comprises a cushion layer and contacting the first side of the flange device includes contacting the cushion layer. 
         [0014]    The method may include swinging the equipment and forcing air to travel through holes in the flange device that extend between the first and second sides with the holes being spaced around the periphery of the flange device and being closer to the perimeter wall than to a center of the flanged device. The method may also include moving the air through a section of the holes that has a reduced cross-sectional area and that is positioned along a length of the holes in proximity to the first side of the flange device. 
         [0015]    The method may include sliding the handle through a central opening in the flange device and adjusting a position of the flange device along the handle of the equipment. The method may include contacting the second side of the flange device against an enlarged knob at a proximal end of the handle with the enlarged knob having a length that is less than the flange device and greater than the handle with the lengths measured in a plane perpendicular to a midline of the handle. 
         [0016]    The method may include removing the flange body from the handle by pivoting apart first and second sections of the flange body that are connected together at a pivot. The method may also include attaching the flange body to the handle of the equipment by positioning ends of each of the first and second sections into an overlapping arrangement. 
         [0017]    Another embodiment is directed to a method of using a flange device with equipment to improve a user&#39;s swing of the equipment. The method includes grasping a handle of the equipment and contacting a top side of the flange device that is attached to the handle. The flange device extends circumferentially around the handle with a bottom side of the flange that opposes the top side contacting against a knob at a proximal end of the handle of the equipment. The flange device includes a greater length than the handle and the knob with the length measured across the flange device in a plane perpendicular to a midline of the handle. The method includes swinging the equipment while grasping the handle and maintaining contact with the first side and of the flange device. 
         [0018]    The method may include aligning an indent positioned within the top side of the flange device with the hamate bone of the user. 
         [0019]    The method may include contacting the top side of the flange device continuously around the circumference of the handle. 
         [0020]    The method may include that the top side of the flange device includes a cushion layer and contacting the first side of the flange device includes contacting the cushion layer. 
         [0021]    The method may include swinging the equipment and forcing air to travel through holes that extend through the flange device. 
         [0022]    The method may include sliding the handle through a central opening in the flange device and adjusting a position of the flange device along the handle of the equipment. 
         [0023]    The method may include moving a rounded projection on a proximal end of the handle with the equipment with the rounded projection including a first side that faces the handle that is flat and a second side that includes a rounded shape. 
         [0024]    Another embodiment is directed to a device for positioning along a handle of a piece of swinging equipment with the equipment including a first end with the handle and a second working end. The device includes a body with a contact side configured to be positioned towards the second working end, an opposing second side, and a perimeter wall that extends between the first and second sides with the body including a central opening sized to receive the handle and extending completely around the central opening and the body having a length that is greater than the handle. The device also includes that the contact side of the body being flat, and an indent is positioned at an intersection of the first side and the perimeter wall and that extends into the first side and the perimeter wall. 
         [0025]    The device may also include that the second side of the body is flat and the body includes a constant thickness measured between the contact side and the second side. 
         [0026]    The device may also include holes that extend through the body with openings at each of the second side and the contact side with the holes being spaced apart around the periphery of the body and being closer to the perimeter wall than to the central opening. 
         [0027]    The device may include that the body is a constructed as a single piece. 
         [0028]    The device may include that the body is constructed from first and second sections that are connected together at a pivot and that each of the first and second sections includes a first end in proximity to the pivot and an opposing second end with the body being movable between an open orientation with the second ends being spaced apart and a closed orientation with the second ends that enclose the central opening. 
         [0029]    The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a device on a bat. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken along line H-H of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a device that includes an indent. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a device that includes a cushion layer. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a device that includes holes and an indent. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a device with hidden lines that illustrate the holes that extend through the device. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of a device attached to an equipment handle with the device aligned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the handle. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an adjustable device in an open orientation. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an adjustable device in a closed orientation. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a projection attached to a second side of a device. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a user gripping an equipment handle that includes a device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present application is directed to a device for positioning along a handle of equipment to assist in swinging the equipment. The device is configured to be attached to the equipment at a desired location along the handle. The device includes a body with an enlarged contact surface that is aligned with the handle. The contact surface includes an enlarged area configured to be contacted by a user while swinging the equipment. 
         [0043]    One application uses the device with a bat, such as that used for baseball or softball. The device is also applicable for use with other equipment, including but not limited to other sporting equipment such as golf clubs and tennis racquets, as well as work equipment such as hammers, pickaxes, and sledgehammer. For purposes of discussion, the present application will use the embodiment of a baseball bat in describing the device. It is understood that this is just one embodiment of the broader application of the device. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment with the device  10  attached to a baseball bat  100 . The baseball bat  100  includes a proximal end  101  with a knob  102  and a distal end  103 . The bat  100  includes a handle  104  in proximity to the knob  102  and is sized to be grasped by the user. The handle  104  includes a distal end (towards the bat head  105 ) and a proximal end at the knob  102 . The knob  102  includes a larger diameter than the handle  104 . The bat  100  also includes the barrel or head  105  in proximity to the distal end  103  for hitting a bail. 
         [0045]    The device  10  is positioned along the handle  104  towards the proximal end of the handle.  FIG. 1  includes the device  10  positioned along the handle  104  in contact against the knob  102 . The device  10  may also be positioned along the handle  104  at various locations away from the knob  102 . 
         [0046]    The device  10  may be a separate element that is attached to the bat  100 . The device  10  may also be integral with and manufactured as part of the bat  100 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  include the device  10  constructed as a separate element than the bat  100 . The device  10  includes an annular body  20  with a central opening  25  that is sized to receive the handle  104 . The central opening  25  may be shaped to match the sectional size and shape of the handle  104 . Alternatively, the central opening  25  may include a different size and/or shape. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes both the central opening  25  and handle  104  with circular sectional shapes. The central opening  104  is sized relative to the handle  104  to maintain the device  10  on the handle  104 . 
         [0047]    The body  20  includes a contact side  21  that faces towards the distal end  103  and an opposing second side  22 . A perimeter wall  23  extends between the two sides  21 ,  22 . The perimeter wall  23  may be flat, may include an outward curve, or may include an inward curve. 
         [0048]    The sectional shape of the body  20  may vary, with one embodiment including a circular shape. The body  20  may also include other sectional shapes, including but not limited to oval, oblong, rectangular, and polygonal. The length L of the device  10  is measured between opposing sides. The length L is larger than the length of the knob  102  thereby creating a larger surface area for contact by user&#39;s hand when swinging the equipment. When the device  10  is used in particular contexts, the size of the device  10  may be limited by the rules of the game and conform to the league requirements. Several established size requirements include the following:
       Professional Major League Baseball: 2.75 inches.   NCAA College and High School: 2.75 inches (wood bat); 2.625 (composite/metal bat)   Senior League: 2.625 inches   Little League: 2.25 inches       
 
         [0053]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the contact side  21  and the opposing side  22  may each be substantially flat. This results in the device  10  having a constant thickness T measured between the sides  21 ,  22 . Other embodiments may include one or both sides  21 ,  22  having different shapes and configurations. Further, the thickness of the body  20  may vary across the length L. 
         [0054]    An indent  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 4  may be formed in the contact side  21  of the body  20  to receive a portion of the user&#39;s hand, particularly the lateral bones of the lower hand (the pisiform and triquetrum bones). The indent  40  may further extend into the perimeter  23 . In one embodiment, the indent  40  is positioned at the intersection of the first side  21  and the perimeter wall  23  and extends into both. The size and shape of the indent  40  may vary depending upon the user. In some embodiments, the indent includes a horizontal length that is between 1.5-3.0 inches, a depth measured from the contact side  21  of between 0.5-0.7 inches, and extends from the perimeter  23  radially inward between 1.0-1.25 inches. The bilateral edges of the indent  40  smoothly slope downward towards a bottom of the groove at an angle of between 10°-20°. The device  10  may include a single indent  40 , or may include two or more indents  40 . 
         [0055]    A cushion  70  may be positioned on the contact side  21  of the body  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The cushion  70  is deformable to further protect the user&#39;s hand. The cushion  70  includes a central opening  71  that aligns with the opening  25  of the body  20  to receive the handle  104 . The thickness of the cushion  70  may be the same or vary along the contact side  21  of the body  20 .  FIG. 5  includes the thickness being the same across the contact side  21 . The cushion  70  may be constructed as a single piece, or may include two or more separate pieces. The cushion  70  may be fixed to the body  20  in a variety of manners, including but not limited to adhesives and mechanical fasteners. The cushion  70  may be constructed from different materials including foam and other shock-absorbing materials. One specific cushion includes LIZARD SKINS bat wrap. The cushion  70  may be formed by a single layer, or may include two or more layers. In embodiments with an indent  40 , the cushion  70  may be spaced away from the indent  40 . Alternatively, the cushion  70  may extend along and be attached to the indent  40 . 
         [0056]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the body  20  may further includes holes  26  that extend the thickness measured between the contact side  21  and opposing side  22 . The holes  26  provide for airflow through the body  20  when the device  10  is swung with the equipment. The holes  26  increase the aerodynamics of the device  10  and increase the swing speed. The holes  26  may be positioned in proximity to the perimeter  23  such that they are not blocked by the knob  102  when the device  10  is positioned on the bat  100 . 
         [0057]    The holes  26  may include a constant size along the thickness of the body  20 . Alternatively, the thickness may vary.  FIG. 7  includes the holes  26  having a smaller size at the contact side  21  and a larger size at the opposing side  22 . In one embodiment, the holes  26  include a size of 1.0-1.5 mm at the contact side  21  and 3.0 mm at the opposing side  22 . The different holes  26  may include the same or different shapes and/or sizes. 
         [0058]    In use, when the equipment is being swung by the user, air enters into the holes through the opposing side  22 . The air moves along the holes  26  and exits at the contact side  21 . 
         [0059]    The device  10  may be arranged at a variety of different angles relative to the bat  100 . The device  10  includes a midline C measured across the length and through the perimeter walls  23 . The bat  100  further includes a midline M that extends through the handle  104 . The device  10  may be configured with the midline C arranged at different angles a relative to the midline M. The device  10  may be arranged perpendicular to the handle  104  such that the angle α is 90°.  FIG. 8  includes the angle α being non-perpendicular. In one non-perpendicular embodiment, the angle α is between 10°-30°. 
         [0060]    The body  20  of the device  10  may include a variety of different structures. In one embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the body  20  is constructed as an integral, one-piece construction. 
         [0061]    The body  20  may also be constructed from two or more different pieces that are attached together.  FIG. 9  includes a body  20  constructed from first and second sections  28 ,  29 . The different sections  28 ,  29  are configured to be connected together to form the body  20 . One or more sections  28 ,  29  include receptacles configured to receive one or more fasteners  80  to connect the sections  28 ,  29  together. The sections  28 ,  29  are placed in an overlapping arrangement and held together with the fastener(s)  80 . The sections  28 ,  29  may have the same or different shapes and/or sizes.  FIGS. 9 and 10  include each of the sections  28 ,  29  having the same size and shape. 
         [0062]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , each of the sections  28 ,  29  includes a first end  81  and a second end  82 . The first ends  81  may be attached together with the sections  28 ,  29  being pivotal relative to each other. The body  20  may be selectively positioned between an open position and a closed position. in the open position, the second ends  82  are spaced apart by a gap  83 . The gap  83  is sized to receive the handle  104  for positioning the body  20  on the handle  104 . Once the sections  28 ,  29  are placed around the handle  104 , the sections  28 ,  29  are pivoted to the closed position such as that illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In the closed position, the central opening  25  is completely enclosed. The second ends  82  may be abutted together, or may be aligned in an overlapping arrangement as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Receptacle at each of the ends  82  may be aligned to receive a fastener  80  to secure the body  20  in the closed orientation. 
         [0063]    In the various embodiments, the body  20  may be constructed from the same or different materials than the handle  104 . 
         [0064]    An aerodynamic projection  90  may be connected at the proximal end  101  of the bat  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The projection  90  includes a rounded end  91  that is exposed that creates streamlined airflow around the knob  102  thereby decreasing air resistance and improving bat speed, hand speed and time to impact. 
         [0065]    The projection  90  includes the rounded end  91  and an opposing end  92 . The opposing end  92  may be positioned in contact with the opposing side  22  of the body  20  or may be in contact with the proximal end  101  of the bat  100 . In one embodiment, the opposing side  22  is mounted on the exposed end of the knob  102 . The bullet-shaped projection  16  covers the flat surface at the bottom of the knob  102  that would otherwise create air resistance when the knob  102  is pulled towards a ball early in the swing. The projection  90  may include a smaller or equal length relative to the body  20  to further facilitate the aerodynamics. The projection  90  may be mounted to the handle  104  and/or body  20  in various manners, including but not limited to adhesives and mechanical fasteners. 
         [0066]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the projection  90  may include holes  95  that align with the holes  26  in the body  20  when the projection  90  is mounted on the device  10 . Thus, air flow created during the swing moves through both the projection and the body  20 . 
         [0067]    The body  20  of the device  10  may be attached to the equipment  100  in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment, the body  20  is formed with the handle  104 . Thus, the body  20  and handle  104  include an integral, one-piece construction. In another embodiment, the body  20  is slid onto the proximal end  101  of the handle and slid along the handle  104  to the desired location. The body  20  may be attached to the handle  104  at this position, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, adhesives, tape, a rubber inner layer, and magnets/electromagnets. 
         [0068]    The device  10  facilitates the use of a bat by a user. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the bat handle  104  is gripped primarily by the fingers and portions of the hand such that the “knocking knuckles”  120  of the hand are in proper alignment. The lateral bones  150  of the lower hand (triquetral and pisiform bones region) rest within the indent  40  and the lateral portion of the lower hand rests against the enlarged body  20 , or upon the cushion  70  on the body  20 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  illustrates a user grasping the handle  104  with two hands and with the lower side of the second hand contacting against the device  10 . The device  10  may also be used when a user grips the handle  104  with a single hand. This may be application in various contexts, including but not limited to tools such as hammers and drills. 
         [0070]    The enlarged surface of the body  20 , which exceeds the outer diameter of the lateral portion of the user&#39;s lower hand, results in very significant and beneficial effects when compared to traditional bats during a swing. First, the hands remain relaxed since the lower hand rests against the outer surface of the enlarged body  20 . During a swing, as the body  20  is pulled towards the pitched ball, a “whip” type of action is created with the barrel of the bat  100 . During the swing, centrifugal and centripetal forces are directed towards the enlarged surface area of the body  20  that is in contact with the hand. Further, the aerodynamic projection  90  at the proximal end of the handle  104  creates a smooth, aerodynamic air stream around the body  20  which facilitates faster bat speed, hand speed, and decreased time to impact. 
         [0071]    Also, the optional presence of holes  26  within the body (not illustrated in  FIG. 12 ) allow air flow through the body  20  which further decreases air resistance and improves bat and hand speed. The presence of holes  26  within the body  20  causes airflow into the inlets of the holes that face away from the user&#39;s hands. In some embodiments, the air moving through the holes  26  encounter a restricted orifice at the nozzle or outflow orifice resulting in increased velocity and decreased lateral air pressure downstream from the outflow aperture, per Bernoulli&#39;s theorem. 
         [0072]    Since the enlarged body  20  redirects forces during a swing (as compared to a traditional bat), the device  10  improves safety since the lateral hand bones of the user&#39;s lower hand move within the indent  40 . The forces thus generated are directed to a wider surface area on the lateral surface of the lower hand, as opposed to the narrow surface area with traditional bats. Per the formula for pressure (defined as force per unit area), an inverse relationship exists between surface area and pressure. That is, as surface area increases, pressure decreases, as is the case with the device  10 . 
         [0073]    During the swing, the turning forces generated by the bat head and angular momentum create a force which pulls the bat head away from the user&#39;s body. This force is transmitted to the user&#39;s hands with one of the hands resting against and remaining in contact with the body  20  during the swing. The body  20  refocuses centrifugal force which allows the hands to remain relaxed. Relaxed hands during a swing result in an increased bat velocity and provide greater precision by allowing fine muscle motor control in the hands to direct the swing. Greater bat speed velocity and precision during a swing produce higher impact and greater distance when striking a ball. 
         [0074]    Tests were conducted comparing a bat with the device  20  against a traditional baseball bat. These tests confirmed the improved physical capabilities of the device  20 . 
       Test 
       [0075]    Methods: Five college/varsity high school baseball players volunteered to compare hitting results using a traditional bat with a bat that includes the device described above.
       Bat 1:
           Length: 32 inches   Weight : 29 ounces   Style: Axis model Ek-tech AX271 from Axis Bats, Fall River, Mass.   
           Grady Bat:
           Length: 32 inches   Weight: 30 ounces   Device: positioned along the handle and in contact with the knob at the proximal end of bat.   Model: Axis AX 271 from Axis Bats, Fall River, Mass.   
           Testing Equipment:
           Zepp software sensor from Zepp Labs (www.Zepp.com). The Zepp software sensor was calibrated prior to use per manufacturer instructions.   
           Testing Criteria:
           Zepp Challenge Protocol was used to standardize testing. This Protocol included a baseball being placed on a hitting tee with the ball placed at approximately 40% of the height of the hitter and the tee is located perpendicular to the hitter&#39;s front foot.   Each hitter used Bat 1 for 3 swings and the Grady Bat for 3 swings of recorded data. A total of 15 swings (n=15) were made using each of Bat 1 and the Grady Bat.   Detected measurements: bat velocity, hand speed, time to impact Descriptive statistics (mean, variance, and standard deviation) were calculated for all measurements in both groups using an Excel statistics program. Percent improvement was also calculated for comparison of both groups.   
               
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Time to Impact (Seconds) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Grady 
                   
                 Percent 
               
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Bat 
                 Difference 
                 Improvement 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 0.12 
                 0.11 
                 0.01 
                 8.3 
               
               
                 0.122 
                 0.114 
                 0.008 
                 6.6 
               
               
                 0.158 
                 0.118 
                 0.04 
                 8.7 
               
               
                 0.138 
                 0.126 
                 0.012 
                 5.8 
               
               
                 0.142 
                 0.136 
                 0.006 
                 4.2 
               
               
                 0.152 
                 0.13 
                 0.022 
                 14.4 
               
               
                 0.144 
                 0.146 
                 0.002 
                 0 
               
               
                 0.188 
                 0.15 
                 0.04 
                 20.2 
               
               
                 0.176 
                 0.146 
                 0.03 
                 17 
               
               
                 0.206 
                 0.17 
                 0.03 
                 17.4 
               
               
                 0.17 
                 0.176 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 0.172 
                 0.174 
                 0.002 
                 0 
               
               
                 0.15 
                 0.15 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 0.152 
                 0.15 
                 0.02 
                 1.3 
               
               
                 0.146 
                 0.148 
                 −0.002 
                 0 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Average = 0.0149 
                 7% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Time to Impact (Seconds) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Grady Bat 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Mean 
                 0.155733333 
                 Mean 
                 0.142933333 
               
               
                 Standard Error 
                 0.006040708 
                 Standard Error 
                 0.005358986 
               
               
                 Median 
                 0.152 
                 Median 
                 0.146 
               
               
                 Mode 
                 0.152 
                 Mode 
                 0.15 
               
               
                 Standard Deviation 
                 0.023395563 
                 Standard Deviation 
                 0.020755263 
               
               
                 Sample Variance 
                 0.000547352 
                 Sample Variance 
                 0.000430781 
               
               
                 Kurtosis 
                 0.205997952 
                 Kurtosis 
                 −0.779842846 
               
               
                 Skewness 
                 0.52221222 
                 Skewness 
                 0.040754392 
               
               
                 Range 
                 0.086 
                 Range 
                 0.066 
               
               
                 Minimum 
                 0.12 
                 Minimum 
                 0.11 
               
               
                 Maximum 
                 0.206 
                 Maximum 
                 0.176 
               
               
                 Sum 
                 2.336 
                 Sum 
                 2.144 
               
               
                 Count 
                 15 
                 Count 
                 15 
               
               
                 Confidence Level (95.0%) 
                 0.012956031 
                 Confidence Level (95.0%) 
                 0.011493882 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Variable 1  
                 Variable 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Mean 
                 0.15573333  
                 0.142933333 
               
               
                 Variance 
                 0.00054735  
                 0.000430781 
               
               
                 Observations 
                 15 
                 15 
               
               
                 Hypothesized Mean Difference 
                 0 
                   
               
               
                 Df 
                 28 
                   
               
               
                 t Stat 
                 1.58509965 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) one-tail 
                 0.0620872 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical one-tail 
                 1.70113093 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) two-tail 
                 0.12417439 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical two-tail 
                 2.04840714 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Hand Speed (Miles/Hr) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Grady Bat 
                 Difference 
                 Percent improvement 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 34 
                 40 
                 6 
                 15 
               
               
                 34 
                 39 
                 5 
                 13 
               
               
                 34 
                 38 
                 4 
                 11 
               
               
                 29 
                 32 
                 3 
                 9 
               
               
                 28 
                 30 
                 2 
                 7 
               
               
                 27 
                 32 
                 5 
                 16 
               
               
                 20 
                 24 
                 4 
                 17 
               
               
                 21 
                 25 
                 4 
                 16 
               
               
                 22 
                 25 
                 3 
                 12 
               
               
                 21 
                 27 
                 6 
                 22 
               
               
                 24 
                 26 
                 2 
                 8 
               
               
                 23 
                 25 
                 2 
                 8 
               
               
                 25 
                 27 
                 2 
                 7 
               
               
                 25 
                 28 
                 3 
                 11 
               
               
                 25 
                 27 
                 2 
                 7 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Average = 4 MPH 
                 12% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Descriptive Statistics and t-test 
               
               
                 Hand Speed (Miles/Hr) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Grady Bat 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Mean 
                 26.13333333 
                 Mean 
                 29.66667 
               
               
                 Standard Error 
                 1.241606742 
                 Standard Error 
                 1.39614 
               
               
                 Median 
                 25 
                 Median 
                 27 
               
               
                 Mode 
                 34 
                 Mode 
                 25 
               
               
                 Standard Deviation 
                 4.808722234 
                 Standard Deviation 
                 5.407226 
               
               
                 Sample Variance 
                 23.12380952 
                 Sample Variance 
                 29.2381 
               
               
                 Kurtosis 
                 −0.7302.89987 
                 Kurtosis 
                 −0.34144 
               
               
                 Skewness 
                 0.648151101 
                 Skewness 
                 1.002422 
               
               
                 Range 
                 14 
                 Range 
                 16 
               
               
                 Minimum 
                 20 
                 Minimum 
                 24 
               
               
                 Maximum 
                 34 
                 Maximum 
                 40 
               
               
                 Sum 
                 392 
                 Sum 
                 445 
               
               
                 Count 
                 15 
                 Count 
                 15 
               
               
                 Confidence Level(95.0%) 
                 2.662981612 
                 Confidence Level(95.0%)  
                 2.994422 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Variable 1 
                 Variable 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Mean 
                 26.13333333  
                 29.66667 
               
               
                 Variance 
                 23.12380952 
                 29.2381 
               
               
                 Observations 
                 15 
                 15 
               
               
                 Hypothesized Mean Differ 
                 0 
                   
               
               
                 df 
                 28 
                   
               
               
                 t Stat 
                 −1.891134954 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) one-tail 
                 0.034497046 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical one-tail 
                 1.701130934 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) two-tail 
                 0.068994092 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical two-tail 
                 2.048407142 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Bat Speed (Miles/HR) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Percent 
               
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Grady Bat 
                 Difference 
                 Improvement 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 87 
                 93 
                 6 
                 7 
               
               
                 83 
                 91 
                 8 
                 9 
               
               
                 78 
                 92 
                 14 
                 15 
               
               
                 73 
                 85 
                 12 
                 14 
               
               
                 84 
                 84 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 76 
                 86 
                 10 
                 12 
               
               
                 53 
                 66 
                 13 
                 20 
               
               
                 64 
                 70 
                 6 
                 9 
               
               
                 54 
                 65 
                 1 
                 2 
               
               
                 67 
                 66 
                 0 
                 0 
               
               
                 59 
                 68 
                 9 
                 13.2 
               
               
                 54 
                 66 
                 2 
                 3 
               
               
                 67 
                 76 
                 9 
                 12 
               
               
                 69 
                 78 
                 9 
                 12 
               
               
                 70 
                 72 
                 2 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Avg = 7 MPH 
                 9% 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Descriptive Statistics and t-test: 
               
               
                 Bat Speed (Miles/Hr) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Bat 1 
                 Grady Bat 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Mean 
                 70.533333 
                 Mean 
                 77.2 
               
               
                 Standard Error 
                 2.4839804 
                 Standard Error 
                 2.703085 
               
               
                 Median 
                 69 
                 Median 
                 76 
               
               
                 Mode 
                 64 
                 Mode 
                 66 
               
               
                 Standard Deviation 
                 9.6204148 
                 Standard Deviation 
                 10.469 
               
               
                 Sample Variance 
                 92.552381 
                 Sample Variance 
                 109.6 
               
               
                 Kurtosis 
                 −0.5288653 
                 Kurtosis 
                 −1.58878 
               
               
                 Skewness 
                 0.1468563 
                 Skewness 
                 0.284463 
               
               
                 Range 
                 34 
                 Range 
                 28 
               
               
                 Minimum 
                 53 
                 Minimum 
                 65 
               
               
                 Maximum 
                 87 
                 Maximum 
                 93 
               
               
                 Sum 
                 1058 
                 Sum 
                 1158 
               
               
                 Count 
                 15 
                 Count 
                 15 
               
               
                 Confidence Level(95.0%) 
                 5.3276081 
                 Confidence Level(95.0%) 
                 5.79754 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Unequal Variances 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Variable 1 
                 Variable 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Mean 
                 70.533333 
                 77.2 
               
               
                 Variance 
                 92.552381 
                 109.6 
               
               
                 Observations 
                 15 
                 15 
               
               
                 Hypothesized Mean Differ 
                 0 
                   
               
               
                 df 
                 28 
                   
               
               
                 t Stat 
                 −1.8159962 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) one-tail 
                 0.0400468 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical one-tail 
                 1.7011309 
                   
               
               
                 P(T &lt;= t) two-tail 
                 0.0800937 
                   
               
               
                 t Critical two-tail 
                 2.0484071 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
       
         
           
             Results:
           Bat 2 resulted in a mean 7 mile/hr. (9.0%) increase in bat velocity, a mean increase of 4 mile/hr. (12%) in hand speed, and a mean decrease of 0.014 seconds (7%) in time to impact.   According to Zepp Labs information, a 1.0 mile/hr. increase in bat velocity equates to increased distance of a hit baseball by 5 feet. Therefore, the Grady Bat may produce increased distance for hit baseballs by an average of 35 feet.   
         
           
         
       
     
         [0094]    The description above focused on the device  20  in use with a bat. It is to be understood that the device  20  may be used with a variety of different equipment that are each configured to be swung by a user and which generate turning forces during use of the tool. Examples of equipment include but are not limited to golf clubs, tennis racquets, hammers, pickaxes, and sledgehammers. 
         [0095]    As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
         [0096]    The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.