PROTECTIVE CONTAINER FOR BAT

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sporting equipment, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a storage device for baseball and softball bats wherein the present invention inhibits damage to the bat and further provides protection from extreme temperatures.

BACKGROUND

As it pertains to sports equipment utilized by athletes, baseball bats are among the most personalized and cherished items an athlete can own. As with any piece of equipment, proper care and maintenance of a baseball bat can ensure the baseball bat delivers optimal performance and lasts as long as possible. There are two common types of bats that are used for baseball and softball. A first common type of bat is a wood bat wherein the bat is manufactured from wood. Wooden bats are a classic staple in baseball. Their care is pivotal to ensure they don't lose their effectiveness or become susceptible to breakage. Wood bats must be routinely inspected for cracks, dents and any other signs of damage. These bats are typically cleaned with soft cloths and other similar products to ensure removal of dirt. Proper storage of these bats is very important as these bats can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and further must be protected from contact with objects that could cause damage.

Another common type of bat is known as a composite bat. These bats are manufactured from a combination of materials and require slightly different care. These bats also have a break-in requirement prior to utilization. These bats can be cleaned with cloths and if required mild soap and water can also be utilized. As with wood bats, when stored these bats must stored in an environment that does not expose the bat to extreme temperatures. As with wood bats, these bats must be stored properly to avoid contact with other objects that could cause damage to the bat.

Accordingly, there is a need for a protective container for a bat wherein the present invention provides protection for a bat stored therein so as to inhibit damage to the surface thereof and further ensures avoidance of exposure to extreme temperatures to the bat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a protective container for a bat wherein the present invention includes a body that is elongated and cylindrical in shape.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for a bat configured to protect the bat from damage and extreme temperatures wherein the body includes a first portion and a second portion.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a protective container for a bat wherein the second portion of the body is hingedly secured to the first portion providing access to the interior volume of the first portion of the body.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for a bat configured to protect the bat from damage and extreme temperatures wherein the second portion is operably coupled to the first portion utilizing a fastener.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a protective container for a bat wherein the first portion further includes an indicia space present on the outer surface of the wall of the first portion of the body.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a storage device for a bat configured to protect the bat from damage and extreme temperatures wherein the body is manufactured from neoprene.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a protective container for a bat wherein an alternative embodiment of the present invention is configured to receive and store two bats.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the second portion of the body of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is an end view of the body of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is configured to receive and store two bats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a protective container for bats 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

References embodiment “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the protective container for bats 100 includes a body 10 wherein the body 10 is elongated in form having a first end 8 and a second end 9. The body 10 includes wall 12 defining the cylindrical shape of the body 10. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 is manufactured of a sufficient length so as to accommodate a bat 99 therein with the second portion 20 in its closed position. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body 10 is manufactured from neoprene having a thickness of approximately five millimeters. While the neoprene material provides both the desired impact protection and temperature protection, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be manufactured from alternate materials and achieve the desired objective discussed herein. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be manufactured in alternate diameters in order to accommodate either a baseball bat or a softball bat.

The body 10 includes a first portion 15 and a second portion 20. The second portion 20 is hingedly secured to the first portion 15 proximate first end 8. The second portion 20 includes wall 22 forming the shape thereof. A fastener 25 is utilized to operably couple the second portion 20 to the first portion 15 wherein the fastener 25 includes a portion formed along the perimeter edge 27 of the first portion 15. While a zipper is illustrated herein for the fastener 25, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the fastener 25 could be manufactured from various alternate type of conventional fasteners such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners. The second portion 20 is movable between an open and a closed position. In the open position, illustrated herein in FIG. 2, the second portion 20 is hinged away from the first portion 15 so as to permit the bat 99 to be inserted into the interior volume of the body 10. In its closed position, as is illustrated herein in FIG. 3, the second portion 20 is closed with the fastener 25 so as to cover the opening providing access to the interior volume of the body 10. Integrally formed on the wall 12 of the first portion 15 of body 10 is indicia area 30. The indicia area 30 is configured to either receive or have written thereon ownership information of the bat 99. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the indicia area 30 could be configured in alternate shapes and sizes.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4 submitted as a part hereof, an alternative embodiment of the protective container for bats 200 is illustrated therein. The protective container for bats 200 is identically constructed as the protective container for bats 100 having body 210 and 215 wherein the body 210 and 215 are constructed identically as body 10 discussed herein. The protective container for bats 200 includes second portion 220 which is identically constructed as second portion 20. Fastener 225 is identically constructed as fastener 25. The protective container for bats 200 includes connection member 230 wherein the connection member 230 operably couples the body 210 and 215. The connection member 230 is manufactured from the same material as the body 10 so as to provide movement of the body 210 and body 215. The connection member 230 is integrally formed between the body 210 and 215 and is planar in form. As with the protective container for bats 100, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 210 and body 215 could be manufactured in alternate diameters in order to accommodate a softball bat or baseball bat therein. While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the protective container for bats 100 and the protective container for bats 200 could have attached thereto a loop wherein the loop is configured to suspend the protective container for bats 100 and the protective container for bats 200 on a wall.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.