Baseball bats described herein may have handle, throat and/or barrel portions that include non-circular cross-sections.

The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.

A ball bat includes a first bat portion (such as a barrel portion) and a second bat portion (such as a handle). The portions may be spaced apart along the bat's longitudinal axis. A joint connects the first and second bat portions. The joint may be positioned at or near, or centered about, a location of maximum vibration, such as an antinode of the bat. The joint may include a filler material (such as an elastomeric material) at least partially surrounding a rod element. The filler material and the rod element may span a gap between the first and second bat portions. The filler material and the rod element may extend into the first bat portion or the second bat portion. A cover material may be positioned around the filler material. The joint may form a structural link between the bat portions and it may be configured to absorb vibration.

Protective covers for preventing damage to ball bats during batting practice are comprised of an impact force absorbing elastic sleeve which has through its length bore and a V-shaped notch extending forward from a rear transverse edge of the sleeve, dividing a rear length of the sleeve into opposed flaps, thus providing an enlarged entrance opening which facilitates insertion of a bat into the sleeve bore. A strap extending radially from one flap is releasably attachable by a closure fastener to the other flap, enabling the flaps to be cinched around and secured to a bat inserted into the sleeve bore. The protective covers may optionally have weights and/or friction strips positioned within the sleeve, and may optionally include an inertial sensor or impact force sensor and radio transmitter for transmitting signals representative of bat motions or impact forces exerted on the bat.

Protective covers for preventing damage to ball bats during batting practice are comprised of an impact force absorbing elastic sleeve which has through its length bore and a V-shaped notch extending forward from a rear transverse edge of the sleeve, dividing a rear length of the sleeve into opposed flaps, thus providing an enlarged entrance opening which facilitates insertion of a bat into the sleeve bore. A strap extending radially from one flap is releasably attachable by a closure fastener to the other flap, enabling the flaps to be cinched around and secured to a bat inserted into the sleeve bore. The protective covers may optionally have weights and/or friction strips positioned within the sleeve, and may optionally include an inertial sensor or impact force sensor and radio transmitter for transmitting signals representative of bat motions or impact forces exerted on the bat.

A handle grip control device configured to be removably secured to a handle of an instrument includes a body having a first outer surface and an inner surface, and a protrusion extending radially outwardly from a respective proximal end at the first outer surface of the body to a distal tip. The inner surface defines a cavity configured to receive handles of instruments, and the protrusion can define a second outer surface that includes a first and second sloped surfaces opposite to a bottom surface. A slope of the first sloped surface defines a first angle relative to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body, and a slope of the second sloped surface defines a second angle relative to the plane that is greater than the first angle.

A handle grip control device configured to be removably secured to a handle of an instrument includes a body having a first outer surface and an inner surface, and a protrusion extending radially outwardly from a respective proximal end at the first outer surface of the body to a distal tip. The inner surface defines a cavity configured to receive handles of instruments, and the protrusion can define a second outer surface that includes a first and second sloped surfaces opposite to a bottom surface. A slope of the first sloped surface defines a first angle relative to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body, and a slope of the second sloped surface defines a second angle relative to the plane that is greater than the first angle.

A bat customization method includes the steps of capturing images of a batter's swing, determining a swing plane angle of the batter's swing at ball impact at a middle elevation of a strike zone of the batter based upon the captured images, and providing a bat for the batter. The bat has circumferentially spaced launch angle boosters. Each of the launch angle boosters extends along the axis at an angle based upon the determined swing plane angle.

A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.

The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.