Abstract:
A cover for protecting the barrel portion of a baseball bat, or other structure is disclosed. The cover is preferably formed from an elastic rubber material such as neoprene. The flexible cover has the ability to adapt its shape upon insertion of a bat, enabling use with bats of various sizes. The cover is water resistant and is adapted for maximizing the visibility of printed matter thereon.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/687,875, filed Oct. 20, 2003 (status pending), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/664,537, filed Sep. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,821 B1 (issued Jan. 27, 2004). 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The field of this invention relates to a protective cover for a bat, such as a baseball or softball bat.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Bats used for baseball, softball, and the like are generally constructed from metal or wood. Accordingly, prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and general inclement weather may result in damage to a bat. The life-span of a bat may also be reduced by careless handling on the part of those individuals using the bat. Gouges, nicks, splinters (with wooden bats), and scrapes, for example, may result when bats are improperly stored together, or allowed to bang into various other objects.  
           [0004]    Several protective articles for bats are known. These articles, however, typically comprise cumbersome carrying cases and bags, many of which are designed to house several bats at one time. Bat bags in particular may be disadvantageous, as damage may result from multiple stored bats banging into one another. Additionally, such articles may be undesirable for those individuals who seek a protective cover that is lightweight, flexible, and that can be attached to, and removed from, a single bat in a quick and convenient manner.  
           [0005]    These and other drawbacks exist.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The invention solving these and other problems in the art relates to a protective cover for a bat, or other structure. The cover is preferably formed from an elastic rubber material such as neoprene. Other materials, as described in greater detail below, may be used.  
           [0007]    One advantage provided by the protective bat cover is that it is lightweight, flexible, and easy to use, allowing for attachment to and removal from a bat or similar object in a quick and convenient manner.  
           [0008]    Another advantage of the protective bat cover over other known bat covers, is an increased life span due to construction from a material having a greater resistance to harmful environmental elements.  
           [0009]    Yet another advantage of the protective bat cover is its ability to protect the barrel (or other portion) of a bat from harmful environmental conditions, as well as damage resulting from inadvertent contact with various other objects.  
           [0010]    Yet another advantage of the protective bat cover is its ability to increase the range of temperatures in which the bat may be used without being damaged. Metal baseball bats, in particular, are known to experience a change in properties, often becoming harder in colder temperatures and softer in warmer temperatures. Use of the bat during these periods of hot and cold temperatures may make the bat more susceptible to dings and knocks, among other types of damage. A protective bat cover made of neoprene possesses insulative properties that serve to keep a bat warmer in colder temperatures, and vice versa, thus reducing damage to a bat and extending the life of a bat.  
           [0011]    Still yet another advantage of the protective bat cover is its ability to adapt its shape upon insertion of a bat, enabling use with various sized bats. The ability of neoprene to stretch, as well as its “memory-specific” nature, enables the protective bat cover to be easily secured to, and removed from bats with a diameter that is slightly larger than that of the cover.  
           [0012]    An additional advantage of the protective bat cover is the provision of a fastening mechanism thereon, which facilitates the placement of the cover on the bat, while enabling a relatively secure attachment to the bat.  
           [0013]    Another advantage of the protective bat cover is its adaptability for maximizing the visibility of various logos or graphics printed thereon. The surface area of the protective cover facilitates the prominent display of a team name, company name, team logo, graphic, or other design, especially in instances when the protective cover is being viewed from a distance.  
           [0014]    Another advantage of the protective bat cover is the provision of a finger strap and/or attachment mechanism secured to the closed end of the protective bat cover. A user may grab and pull on the finger strap to facilitate removal of the protective cover from a bat. The finger strap may also be used for a variety of other purposes. The attachment mechanism may comprise a clip, hook, ring, clasp, or other known mechanism that may enable the protective cover to be releasably, conveniently, and quickly secured to any number of objects including, for example, a fence in or around a dugout or ball field.  
           [0015]    Yet another advantage of the protective bat cover is the provision of a shoulder strap to enable a user to carry the protective cover (and/or bat) in a convenient manner.  
           [0016]    Still yet another advantage of the protective bat cover is its ability to, in certain embodiments, serve as a resistance device (e.g., a weighted protective bat cover) for training or other purposes. According to one embodiment, a retention strap may be attached to the protective bat cover to secure any number of interchangeable weights (e.g., weighted rods) in place such that a user may swing a bat (with the protective cover secured thereon) to simulate resistance. In this regard, a player (or user) may take one or more practice, resistance swings while still protecting the bat from damage.  
           [0017]    In an alternative embodiment, resistance training may also be accomplished via a retention pouch attached to the protective bat cover that may securely hold interchangeable, varying weights of various shapes and/or sizes.  
           [0018]    Another advantage of the protective bat cover is the provision of a drawstring closure at or near the open end of the cover to facilitate securing the cover to a bat.  
           [0019]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and not restrictive of the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    The invention will be described with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which Like elements are referenced with like numbers.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 illustrates a protective bat cover encasing the barrel of a bat, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 illustrates the shapes of various pieces comprising a protective bat cover during assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 illustrates a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 illustrates a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 illustrates a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 illustrates a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 illustrates a protective bat cover encasing a bat, according an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 illustrates a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 illustrates a protective bat cover having a finger strap and attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10 illustrates a protective bat cover having a shoulder strap, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11A illustrates a protective bat cover having a shoulder strap, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11B illustrates a handle attachment, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate various views of a retention strap secured to a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate various views of a retention pouch secured to a protective bat cover, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a protective bat cover having a drawstring closure, according to an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 15 illustrates a protective bat cover having a securing strap, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    As used herein, the term “bat” may be used to refer to a baseball bat, softball bat, or any other article having a similar structure, used in either a recreational or non-recreational setting, or otherwise. In general, a bat may be said to include a handle portion and a barrel portion, with embodiments of the invention directed toward protecting either one or both of the handle and barrel portions.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 illustrates a protective bat cover  10  secured to the barrel portion  8  of a bat  6 . According to one aspect of the invention, the cover  10  permits the rapid and easy connection and disconnection to and from the barrel portion  8  of the bat  6  (or other structure). Preferably, the cover  10  is made of an elastic rubber material such as neoprene. One advantage of neoprene is its ability to conform to the shape of the barrel, which enables the cover  10  to be used with various sized bats, and which ensures a secure fit when placed over a bat. The ability of neoprene to flex, as well as its ability to retain the “memory” of a barrel shape, allows the protective bat cover to be easily secured to, and removed from bats with a diameter that may even be slightly larger than that of the cover.  
         [0039]    Neoprene also exhibits greater weather resistance than less elastic materials such as plastics, leather, nylon, and the like, which tend to be more susceptible to cracking, expansion, and other undesirable effects. This allows the protective bat cover to increase the range of temperatures in which a bat may be used without being damaged. Metal baseball bats, for example, are known to experience a change in properties, often becoming harder in colder temperatures and softer in warmer temperatures. When a bat is used during these periods of hot and cold temperatures, it is likely to be more susceptible to dings and knocks, among other types of damage. A protective bat cover made of neoprene possesses insulative properties that serve to keep a bat warmer in colder temperatures, and vice versa. While neoprene is the preferred material for implementing the present invention, it should be recognized that any similar materials having the desired properties may be used. For example, synthetic leather, various types of vinyl, vinyl-covered foam, nylon-covered foam, or other material-covered foam may also be utilized.  
         [0040]    According to one embodiment of the invention, protective cover  10  may be assembled by cutting a piece of material into the two general shapes illustrated in FIG. 2. A first material piece  12  is preferably cut into a generally rectangular shape, having a substantially first straight edge  12   a  and a substantially second straight edge  12   b.  The first and second edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) may be folded toward one another in the general direction illustrated by arrows A and B. First and second edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) may be stitched or otherwise fastened together to form a seam  14 , with first material piece  12  now forming a hollow, tubular casing having two open ends. A second material piece  16 , preferably cut into the shape of a circle, may then be stitched or otherwise fastened to an open end  13  of the first material piece  12 , forming a protective cover  10  having one closed end and one open end (or opening)  18 . Such a cover is illustrated in FIG. 3.  
         [0041]    The shapes of first material piece  12  and second material piece  16 , as seen in FIG. 2, are representative of a family of shapes that may be joined to form protective cover  10 . Any orientation, geometric description or configurations of the material pieces described or shown are illustrative only, and accordingly should not be viewed as limiting. Similarly, protective cover  10  may be manufactured using only one piece of material, or any number of pieces of material using any known manufacturing techniques or methods. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more material pieces may be stitched, glued, or seamed together in a number of different ways to achieve a protective bat cover as described and illustrated herein.  
         [0042]    While a material such as neoprene is ideal because of its ability to conform to the shape of the barrel, it may also be desirable to include a fastening mechanism with the cover  10 , such as a hook and loop fastener (more commonly known as VELCRO). As illustrated in FIG. 2, a strip  22  of either hook or loop material may be stitched or otherwise fastened to first material piece  12 . A strap  20  may be fastened to an edge of the first material piece, containing either hook or loop material, depending on the type of material provided on strip  22 . If strip  22  contains hook material, for example, the strap  20  preferably comprises loop material, and vice versa. FIGS. 1, and  4 - 6  illustrate embodiments of the invention in which hook and loop fasteners are utilized. In alternative embodiments (not shown), strips having button-snaps or other fastening mechanisms may also be used. In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism may not be included.  
         [0043]    To use the protective cover  10 , a user may slip the barrel portion  8  of the bat  6  into the opening  18  of the cover, and then pull the cover down over the barrel of the bat, preferably as far as possible. Strap  20  may then be fastened to strip  22  to further secure the cover to the bat. As illustrated in FIG. 3, ample area exists on cover  10  for prominently displaying a logo or graphic.  
         [0044]    In the foregoing embodiments, the first and second edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) of first material piece  12  have been stitched or otherwise fastened together to form a seam  14  that extends the entire length of the cover. In another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first and second edges ( 12   a,   12   b ) may be fastened together to form a seam  14  that extends only partially along the length of the cover  10 , leaving a split that extends downward to opening  18 . The provision of a split at the bottom of cover  10  facilitates the process of placing the cover on the bat. A user, for example, can grab either one or both of the two edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) of the split and pull on them to provide assistance in getting the cover on to the bat. Also, a split enables the two edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) to overlap each other when pulled tight and fastened, creating a relatively secure attachment of the cover  10  to a bat.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 6 illustrates an additional embodiment of the invention wherein the first material piece  12  may be cut into a shape having a first rounded or otherwise shaped tab  24  extending from second edge  12   b,  and a second rounded or otherwise shaped tab  26  (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6) extending from first edge  12   a.  Similar to the previous embodiment, the first and second edges ( 12   a,   12   b ) may be fastened together to form a seam  14  that extends only partially along the length of the cover  10 , leaving a split that extends down to opening  18 . The VELCRO™ fastening strap  20  is attached to tab  24 , allowing the two tabs to overlap one another in a bias position when pulled tight and fastened, creating a more secure attachment of cover  10  to a bat. In an alternative embodiment, either one or both of tabs  24  and  26  may be present.  
         [0046]    While embodiments of protective cover  10  are illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, various alternatives may exist. In FIG. 7, for example, a protective cover  10  is shown extending along the entire length of a bat  6 . Although illustrated with a zipper closure  28 , various closure mechanisms including, but not limited to, a series of VELCRO™ straps or button-snaps may be used.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein protective cover  10  does not include a fastening mechanism. Rather, cover  10  comprises a substantially tubular casing wherein, as described in detail above, first and second edges ( 12   a,   12   b ) may be fastened together to form a seam  14  that extends only partially along the length of the cover  10 , leaving a split that extends down to opening  18 . The provision of a split enables a user to grab either one or both of the two edges ( 12   a,    12   b ) of the split and pull on them to facilitate the process of placing the cover on to the bat.  
         [0048]    According to an embodiment of the invention, protective cover  10  may be provided without either or both of the fastening mechanism or split extending into opening  18 .  
         [0049]    According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, a finger strap  40  may be provided which can be secured to the closed end (the end opposite to open end  18 ) of cover  10 . Finger strap  40  may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to the closed end of cover  10  using any suitable manufacturing technique. According to one exemplary embodiment, finger strap  40  may be secured in place when the second material piece  16  (FIG. 2), preferably cut into the shape of a circle, is stitched or otherwise fastened to the open end  13  of the first material piece  12  to form cover  10 , as described above. A user may grab and pull on finger strap  40  to facilitate removal of cover  10  from a bat. Finger strap  40  may also be used for a variety of other purposes including, but not limited to, serving as a loop for hanging cover  10  on an object (e.g., a peg, nail, fence post, etc.), regardless of whether cover  10  is being used at the time to cover a bat, or not.  
         [0050]    In addition to a finger strap  40 , cover  10  may also be provided with an attachment mechanism  60  in certain embodiments. Attachment mechanism  60  may be secured to a strap  50  that extends from cover  10 . Similar to finger strap  40  as described above, strap  50  may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to the closed end of cover  10  using any suitable manufacturing technique. Although illustrated as a clip in FIG. 9, attachment mechanism  60  may also comprise a hook, ring (e.g., a key ring), clasp, or any other known mechanism that may enable cover  10  to be releasably, conveniently, and quickly secured to any number of objects including, for example, a fence in or around a dugout or ball field. In certain embodiments, either one or both of finger strap  40  and strap  50 /attachment mechanism  60  may be included with cover  10 . In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), attachment mechanism  60  may be attached directly to finger strap  40  at any location along finger strap  40 , or to a strap that is attached directly to finger strap  40 . Other configurations may be utilized.  
         [0051]    According to yet another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, protective cover  10  may further include a shoulder strap  70  to enable a user to carry the cover  10  and/or bat  6  in a convenient manner. Shoulder strap  70  may comprise a first end that may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to cover  10  near its closed end, and a second end that may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to cover  10  near its open end  18 . In certain implementations, a clasp  72  (as known and understood by those having skill in the art) may be provided, through which shoulder strap  70  may be fed, so as to make the length of shoulder strap  70  adjustable and customizable for different users.  
         [0052]    According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, a first end of shoulder strap  70  may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to cover  10  near its closed end, while a second end of shoulder strap  70  may be secured to a handle attachment  80  adapted to be wrapped around and secured to the handle portion of bat  6 . As shown in FIG. 11B, handle attachment  80  may comprise a strip of fabric or any other suitable material having a first end  82  and a second end  84  that may mate via a hook and loop fastener, button-snap, or other suitable attachment mechanism to securely fasten handle attachment  80  to the handle portion of bat  6 .  
         [0053]    In addition to the many advantages that cover  10  provides for protecting bats, cover  10  may also, in certain embodiments, act as a resistance device for training or other purposes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, a retention strap  90  may be stitched, glued, seamed or otherwise fastened to cover  10  along either all or a portion of the length of cover  10 . Retention strap  90  may secure a weight  100  (e.g., a weighted rod) in place such that a user may swing a bat (with cover  10  secured thereon) to simulate resistance. In this regard, a player (or user) may take one or more practice, resistance swings while still protecting the bat from damage. In various embodiments, interchangeable rods of various lengths and/or weights may be secured by retention strap  90 .  
         [0054]    According to an embodiment of the invention, retention strap  90  may comprise any number of curved pieces  92  of material of any length secured to a support strip  94  (e.g., FIGS. 12A-12B) along its length, thus forming a channel to secure rod  100  in place. Support strip  94  may extend along (and be affixed to) the entire length of cover  10 , or only along a portion thereof. The series of curved pieces  92  may be spaced along support strip  94  such that rod  100  may be exposed when inserted. This may enable a user to use his or her fingers to guide rod  100  when either inserting or removing rod  100 .  
         [0055]    In one implementation, the end  93  of the curved piece  92  positioned closest to the closed end of cover  10  may be secured to support strip  94  so as to prevent rod  100  from sliding out of retention strap  90  when a user swings the bat. Other attachment mechanisms (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) may be placed along retention strap  90  to secure rod  100  within the formed channel.  
         [0056]    Retention strap  90  may be formed integral with seam  14  during assembly, or positioned along all or a portion of the length of cover  10  at any position. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12C, retention strap  90  may comprise any number of curved pieces  92  of material of any length secured directly to cover  10  without using an intermediate support strip  94 . Other configurations may be utilized.  
         [0057]    According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, resistance training may alternatively be accomplished via a retention pouch  110  designed to house and secure interchangeable, varying weights (not illustrated) of various shapes and/or sizes. Retention pouch  110  may comprise a rectangular or other shaped material piece having two opposing (lengthwise) edges ( 112   a,    112   b ) and two opposing (width) ends ( 112   c,    112   d ). Opposing end  112   c  may be secured to cover  10 , and opposing edges ( 112   a,    112   b ) may be secured to cover  10  along either all or substantially all of their respective lengths. A portion of each of opposing edges ( 112   a,    112   b ) closest to opposing end  112   d  may not be secured to cover  10 , thus enabling end  112   d  to be folded back over retention pouch  110  in the direction illustrated by arrow “B.” A portion of hook and/or loop fastener may be affixed to the underside of end  112 , for mating with a strip  114  of hook and/or loop fastener secured to cover  10  in a direction parallel to end  112 . When end  112  is folded over in the direction illustrated by arrows “A,” the hook and/or loop fasteners affixed to the underside of end  112  will mate with the hook and/or loop fastener of strip  114  to create a secure, closed pouch.  
         [0058]    When closed (FIG. 13B), retention pouch  110  may secure one or more interchangeable weights in place such that a user may swing a bat (with cover  10  secured thereon) to simulate resistance. In this regard, a player (or user) may take one or more practice, resistance swings while still protecting the bat from damage.  
         [0059]    According to some embodiments, cover  10  may have a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of some bats. Accordingly, cover  10  may, in certain implementations, include a drawstring closure at open end  18  to assist in securing cover  10  to bat  6 . According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B, a drawstring  154  may be threaded through a drawstring channel  150  formed either along open end  18  of cover  10  (e.g., along the circumference of open end  18 ), or near open end  18  of cover  10 . A clamping mechanism  156  (as recognized by those having skill in the art) may be utilized to secure drawstring  154  in place (at a particular position) once drawstring  154  has been pulled to secure cover  10  to bat  6 . Other drawstring configurations and/or clamping mechanisms may be utilized.  
         [0060]    According to one implementation of the invention, one or more securing straps  164 , as illustrated in FIG. 15, may be provided to assist in securing cover  10  to bat  6 . The provision of one or more securing straps  164  may be beneficial in instances when, for example, cover  10  is weighted, as described above with regard to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIGS. 13A-13C. When a user swings a bat having a weighted cover placed thereon for resistance training or other purposes, the one or more securing straps  164  may counteract those forces (caused by the weight(s)) that may otherwise loosen the cover, thus preventing the cover from coming either part of (or all of) the way off. According to one embodiment, straps  164  may fabricated from elastic or any number of other materials, and any number of straps  164  may be secured to cover  10  at any number of connection points  168  oriented along the circumference of open end  18  of cover  10 . Straps  164  may be permanently secured to cover  10  at connection points  168  (e.g., stitched), or secured via removable connection mechanisms (e.g., alligator clips, velcro, etc.). The one or more straps  164  may extend along the handle portion of bat  6  and be either permanently or detachably secured to a ring  160  positioned near the knob of bat  6  at the handle end. Ring  160  may comprise an elastic ring adapted to stretch over the knob of the handle of bat  6 , or may comprise a ring similar to handle attachment  80  as described in detail above and illustrated in, for example, FIG. 11B. Other configurations may be used. In some embodiments, one or more securing straps  164  may be utilized even if cover  10  is not weighted.  
         [0061]    The various embodiments described in detail above and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures should not be viewed as limiting. As such, in various embodiments, the protective bat cover may include either none of, or any combination of any one or more of the features disclosed herein including, for example, a fastening mechanism, split-seam extending into the open end of the substantially tubular casing, logo, finger strap and/or attachment mechanism, shoulder strap, interchangeable weights (for resistance training or other purposes), drawstring closure, or securing straps.  
         [0062]    Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only to the following claims.