Handle-mounted vibration dampening clip for bats
View Patent ↗A removable vibration-dampening device configured to clip onto the handle of a baseball bat. The device comprises an inner clip portion formed of semi-rigid material (e.g., PVC) and an outer elastomeric body formed of vibration absorbing material (e.g., polyurethane, silicon, Sorbothane™, etc.).
1 . A vibration-dampening clip device for attachment to a bat handle, comprising:
a top horizontal portion;
a vertical portion;
a horizontal retainer clip portion and a vertical bat handle channel configured to receive a portion of the bat handle;
a dual-material construction comprising:
an interior clip element formed of a rigid material and having a horizontal clip section and a vertical section, the horizontal clip section including exposed end portions that extend around the bat handle when the clip is attached; and
an outer vibration-dampening body encasing at least part of the interior clip element and formed of an elastomeric material.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the rigid material of the interior clip element is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a Shore D hardness of approximately 75.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the outer vibration-dampening body is formed of polyurethane rubber with a Shore A hardness of approximately 20.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the horizontal retainer clip portion is dimensioned to conform around the cylindrical profile of a bat handle.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the exposed end portions of the interior clip element are flush with or protrude from the outer body to provide enhanced grip on the bat handle.
6 . A vibration-dampening clip device for attachment to a bat handle, comprising:
a top horizontal portion;
a vertical portion;
a horizontal retainer clip portion and a vertical bat handle channel configured to receive a portion of the bat handle;
an interior clip element formed of a rigid material and completely encased within an outer vibration-dampening body formed of an elastomeric material, wherein the interior clip element does not include any exposed portions.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the interior clip element is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the outer body is polyurethane rubber or silicone rubber.
8 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the outer vibration-dampening body is molded around the interior clip element to bond with it permanently.
9 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the interior clip element provides structural rigidity to the device and the outer body provides comfort and shock absorption.
10 . A vibration-dampening clip device for attachment to a bat handle, comprising:
a top horizontal portion;
a vertical portion;
a horizontal retainer clip portion and a vertical bat handle channel;
an interior clip element formed of a rigid material and including a horizontal clip section and a vertical portion, the horizontal clip section having exposed end portions that extend around the bat handle when the device is attached;
an outer vibration-dampening body formed of an elastomeric material, the body including a recessed portion shaped to receive the interior clip element.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the interior clip element is removably or permanently inserted into the recessed portion of the vibration-dampening body.
12 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the exposed end portions of the clip element extend beyond the recessed portion of the outer body to provide enhanced grip.
13 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the vibration-dampening body comprises polyurethane or silicone rubber.
14 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric outer body includes a textured surface to improve grip and prevent slippage.
15 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the clip is configured to be removably attachable to bat handles of different diameters.
16 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the vertical bat handle channel includes an inwardly curved surface to match the cylindrical shape of the bat handle.
17 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the clip includes color coding or surface markings to indicate size or hardness.
18 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the clip is formed without requiring any permanent modification to the bat.
19 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the dual-material construction is configured to reduce perceived sting caused by bat-ball impact.
20 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is formed using injection molding of the outer material around the inner clip element.