Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

Robert A Lairmore

George W Burger

Adam G Gray

James M Earley

Jeremy H Yim

James M Early

A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle. A wedge and joint attached directly to the handle or indirectly to the handle using an interface portion engage the interior surface of the barrel. Most preferably, the wedge and joint are molded about the interface portion and a handle preform is then inserted into the intention of the interface portion and the handle is then molded. Wedge hardness is selectable and a stiffness member may also be employed. Stiffness member hardness may be selectable or may be adjustable by varied adjustment of a cap in relation to the barrel. Alternatively, the cap may not be adjustable in relation to the barrel so that a selected stiffness member hardness is fixed.

Variable stiffness striking implement

An endcap assembly for a bat may include a body across an open end of a bat barrel and a core received by the body. In one implementation, the body and the core may be retained relative to one another by a bayonet connector radially spaced from interior sides of the bat barrel by at least 0.3 inch. In one implementation, the body may include a cup having a mouth and receiving the core. In one implementation, the cup is to be radially spaced from interior sides of the bat barrel by at least 0.3 inch. In one implementation, the mouth is axially recessed. In one implementation, the cup and the core are joined by a bayonet connector having a U-shaped slot facing away from a mouth of the cup.

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Oceanside, CA, United States of America

Robert A Lairmore