# US 5,342,046 A · Interlocking rigid, split grip for softball and baseball bats

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- Number: US 5,342,046 A
- Document ID: US5342046A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/053,519
- Filed: 1993-04-26
- Granted: 1994-08-30
- Earliest claimed: 1993-04-26
- Assignees: Rotary-Grip.TM., Inc.
- Inventors: Albert R. Erb
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5342046A

## CPC

- A63B 59/50: Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
- A63B 60/06: Handles
- A63B 60/08: characterised by the material
- A63B 60/10: with means for indicating correct holding positions (A63B60/12 takes precedence)
- A63B 60/14: Coverings specially adapted for handles, e.g. sleeves or ribbons
- A63B 60/28: with adjustable length
- A63B 60/32: with means for changing the angular position of the handle about its longitudinal axis
- A63B 2102/18: Baseball, rounders or similar games
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)

## Abstract

A novel, rigid and interlocking split grip, swing enhancing device suitable for use with a baseball or a baseball bat is described. This device is made from a hard, durable, and semi-pliable plastic material and can be installed under a conventional gripping sleeve commonly found on most baseball or softball bats. The device is installed in the proper place on the bat and the interlocking mechanism activated. When placed under one of the user's hand location (the upper or guiding hand) this device will insure a smooth and level swing and the proper alignment of the hands through the swing allowing the bat to make better contact with the ball. The device can be installed during the manufacture of the bat or can be added later.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A baseball or softball bat used for playing baseball or softball in a swingable manner comprising in order a hitting end and a handle end, said handle end being grippable by both hands of the user thereof, said handle end also having a knob end and a flexible gripping sleeve applied thereon, and wherein a swing enhancing device is placed over said handle end and under said gripping sleeve, said device comprising a thick, long tubed element of a slippable plastic, said element having a longitudinal split to provide ends in a longitudinal direction, said device designed to fit under one of the hands of said user, the improvement comprising an interlocking tab provided along said longitudinal split.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The swing enhancing device of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal split is parallel the length of said tubed element and corners are formed at the ends thereof and said split is butted end-to-end along the length thereof and said tubed element comprises an indent for said tab along said longitudinal split.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The swing enhancing device of claim 2 wherein said tab has a curved shape and said indent matches said curve.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The swing enhancing device of claim 2 wherein corners are formed at ends of said longitudinal split and wherein said corners are rounded.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The swing enhancing device of claim 1 wherein said device has a length of from 3 to 6 inches and said device has a thickness of from 10 to 75 mils.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The swing enhancing device of claim 1 wherein said device has a length of 4 inches, and said device has a thickness of 40 mils.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The swing enhancing device of claim 1 wherein said plastic is a high density polyethylene.