Importance

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Abstract

Dampening of vibrations transmitted to the handle of a tubular metal ball bat or similar implement when the ball bat impacts with a ball or when a similar implement imparts or receives an impact force in spaced relation to a handle normally grasped by a user of the implement. Vibration dampening reduces the 'sting' normally transmitted to the hand or hands of the user thereby enabling the user to be more proficient when wielding the bat or other implement. One disclosed vibration dampener embodiment comprises a body of resilient foam-like material having a cylindrical plug which extends into the proximal end of the bat handle and a peripheral flange extending outwardly into the hollow interior of the knob. An axial extension engages the interior surface of the proximal end of the knob, leaving the peripheral flange to oscillate or flex to absorb vibration imparted to the handle of the metal bat. A second disclosed vibration dampener comprises a cylindrical pressurized bladder extending substantially throughout the length of the bat handle, with the inflated bladder exerting an outward pressurized force against the interior surface of the handle. The pressurized bladder supports the tubular handle of the bat and reduces the vibrations that may be transmitted to the handle. The two embodiments can be used singly or in combination to attenuate vibrations imparted to the bat or other implement handle.

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First Claim