When athletes who handle ball strikers warm-up, or train, they commonly use two strikers, such as baseball bats, and swing them in unison a few times to loosen muscles. Holding and swinging two strikers is awkward, uncomfortable, and does not achieve the right feel, needed as by gripping and swinging only one striker but one striker does not achieve additional weight as can be provided by two strikers. There is need to overcome this dilemma, in a simple, effective and efficient manner, as is now provided by the present invention. In a similar manner, there is need to provide improvements as respects devices for adding weight to ball strikers such as baseball bats, for example.

There is also need for a weight holding device that can be easily attached to and removed from a bat, or racket or golf club, and which positively and safely retains the added weight to the bat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a major object of the invention to provide a simple and effective device or apparatus that meets the above need. Basically, the device is adapted for use in a ball striker or bat having a taper or tapered surface, along its length, and includes: a) a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, b) the sleeve having associated retention means to operatively engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, c) a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.

As will be seen, the weight or weights are typically carried at a location or locations proximate the ball striking zone; and the retention means is spaced from the weight or weights, and has an arcuate interior surface to arcuately engage the bat at arcuately spaced locations.

It is a further object to enable striker reception through the sleeve, so that the handle projects from the sleeve, the engaged zone of the striker typically located between the handle and weight or weights. The latter may be located in a pocket or pockets formed by or attached to a sleeve, or the striker receptacle.

An added object is to provide the retention means to include a retainer at the inner side of a sleeve, or inner surface to engage the bat taper, such inner surface having a configuration defined by one of the following i) generally cylindrical ii) tapered, lengthwise.

Another object is to provide the weight or weights to comprise a deformable mass or masses of deformable material, adapted to be conformed to the bat surface configuration, at or proximate a bat or striker"sweet spot".

An added object is to provide a retainer having an inner surface characterized by at least one of the following: i) conical shape ii) tapered iii) cylindrical iv) consisting of metal v) consisting of non-metal vi) consisting of plastic Another aspect of the invention concerns provision of a method of use of a sleeve as described, in any of its forms, that includes i) relatively advancing the sleeve or receptacle in a first direction onto a bat or striker to position the associated retention means at or along the taper, ii) practice swinging the bat or striker, iii) and subsequently relatively retracting the sleeve or receptacle off the bat or striker in second direction opposite the first direction.

That method may include use of deformable weight or weights carried by the sleeve or receptacle in spaced relation to the retainer, as well as the step of allowing said weight or weights to deform during bat swinging.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective weighting device meeting the above need, for golf clubs, and which comprises: a) a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle, with the hosel projecting from that opening, b) a flexible retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position at least partly covering that opening, and then extending over a surface of the receptacle, for retaining the receptacle to the club head, c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head, for providing enhanced momentum in the direction of head swinging, and for use as in club swinging, d) the head being a golf club wood head.

As will be seen, the retainer preferably comprises a flap or strap carried to extend at least part way over or about the receptacle, when closed on a wood club head, and hook and pile fastening material such as VELCRO may be provided to adhere the flap or strap in fastening position. The retainer may advantageously comprise two flaps to be extending in different positions wrapping at least part way about the receptacle. The flaps in such positions may typically overlie the top of the wood head.

In addition, the weighting structure typically includes metallic material, solid or flowable; it is typically concealed by the receptacle; and it may include separate localized metallic portions. It may be sewn or otherwise held in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle, and at opposite sides of a club head retained in the receptacle.

Another object includes provision of two retainer flaps having fold portions located at opposite sides of the hosel. Such flaps, prior to being wrapped at least part way about the receptacle, extend in diverging relation away from said receptacle opening.

A further object includes provision of two flaps wrapping about portions of the retainer proximate the hosel, and the flaps having end portions one of which overlies the other, at the upper side of the wood, there being hook and pile material retaining the flaps in fastened position.

A further object is to provide a receptacle as for reception, and safe retention to, of any golf club head, wedge head, putter head, or other head; and for use of the receptacle on a head as a swing trainer, or to cure a slice or hook; or to help"release"of the club during warm-up; or to increase golfer muscle strength or flexibility and/or to improve tempo, and/or swing speed, and/or wrist action.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which: DRAWING DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 is a front side elevation showing an elongated sleeve-type receptacle receiving a ball striker such as a baseball bat; Fig. 2 is a view like Fig. 1, showing another modification; Figs. 3 and 4 are side views of modifications having different weight position; Fig. 5 is a section taken through a sleeve assembled to a bat, and showing retainer and weight positioning; Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the retainer seen in Fig. 14; Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a modified retainer, of the type shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a view like Fig. 6, but showing a conical retainer ; and Fig. 9 is a view showing a modified form of sleeve attachment retainers and Figs. 10 and 11 show modifications; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a weighting device receptacle, as attached to a golf club wood head; Fig. 13 is a schematic top plan view of a modified receptacle having two retainer flaps; Fig. 14 is a side elevation showing receptacle retention to a putter; Fig. 15 is a view like Fig. 15 showing flap closure; Fig. 16 illustrates use of a weight retainer, as on a tennis racket; and Fig. 17 shows a flap type weighted retainer on the lacrosse device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Fig. 1, an athletic ball striker, in the form of a bat 10 has a surface taper along its length, in region 11. That taper may be defined by a conical section of the bat, between handle 10a, and the bat sweet spot or region lOb. The forward end of the bat is seen at 10c.

A sleeve 13 is provided and sized to be received endwise on the bat, in direction 14. As shown, its assembly onto the bat is arrested in the sleeve position shown, extending about taper region 11, as well as about the sweet spot region lOb. The sleeve may for example consist of flexible plastic material.

The sleeve has associated retainer means to engage the bat, at taper region 11, and to resist lengthwise renewal of the sleeve off the bat, in direction 14. That retainer means may take the form of an annular retainer ring indicated at 15. Figs. 5 and 6 show the retainer engaging the bat tapered surface, at 16, with interference, to resist further forward movement along the bat. The sleeve 17 is attached to the retainer, or carries the retainer as at 18, so that the sleeve is likewise retained against further forward movement on and along the bat. The attachment 18 may be a bond, or the retainer may be mechanically attached to the sleeve, as by a fastener or fasteners. Sleeve material may extend between the retainer and the bat.

Retainer 115 is shown in Fig. 8 as generally conical, and as having conical inner and outer surfaces 15a and 15b. Fig. 7 shows the modified retainer 25 as comprising an annular ring 25a and having a coating 25b on it, such as a plastic coating, serving to engage the bat surface without scoring it. Fig. 9 shows a retainer 26 in the form of a ring, and having an annular recess 26a. A clamping ring 27 extends about recess 26a, and clamps a portion 13b of the sleeve into the recess, to secure the sleeve to the retainer 26.

The sleeve 13 in Figs. 1 and 5 carries a weight or weights 20, spaced forwardly of the retainer 15 at location 116. See space 21 in Fig. 5. That space may be of selected length, and may be almost eliminated to place the weights very near the retainer; however, as shown, the retainer 15 is located between location 116 and the bat handle. That weight or weights may consist of a mass of deformable material such as metallic granules continued in a pocket or pockets 23 (see in Fig. 5) integral with the sleeve. Such pockets hold the granules in close conformity to the bat surface at location 116, and the pockets may themselves be flexible to enhance such conformity, so that the bat overall configuration remains generally the same, whether or not the sleeve is applied and retained. This may be promoted by forming the pockets in elongated, narrow configuration, and spaced about the bat as indicated by the weight locations seen in Fig. 1. The weights are preferably located adjacent region 116. The pockets may be sewn to the sleeve.

Fig. 3 shows a sleeve 70 on a bat 71, and removable weights 32 carried in pockets 74 that can be opened and closed, as via a flap 73. Fig. 4 shows a sleeve 80 on a bat 82, with weights 83 extending about, or annularly about the bat axis, and carried by the sleeve. See retainers at 90 in Figs. 3 and 4.

In the Fig. 10 modification, elements are as follows: 200-a sleeve with open ends at 200c and 200d 201-weights carried by the sleeve, and spaced about the sleeve at selected positions.

They can be solid, or flowable in plastic or fabric bags, secured to an inner portion of the sleeve.

202-a ring shaped retainer, of any material, or coated with vinyl or rubber, extends about the sleeve near sleeve smaller end 200d, to retain the sleeve to the bat, which enters at end 200c.

203-Retainer straps that extend crosswise over the retainer, and may be sewed to the sleeve, to position the retainer and hold it in position.

200a-Sleeve portion with greater taper than sleeve portion 200b.

Fig. 11 has the following elements: 210-sleeve 211-weights carried by the sleeve, as in Fig. 20.

212-a flap carrying VELCRO 212a (hook or pile) 210a-sleeve portion carrying VELCRO 212b (pile or hook) to receive adjustable attachment to VELCRO 212a, to control the size of the sleeve end portion 210a that extends closely about the bat, i. e. is retained to the bat, to retain the sleeve and weights to the bat.

Referring to Fig. 12, a weight holder device is shown at 400, for use on a golf club 401 as during warm-up swinging of the club. The club may for example be a wood head 413. The device 400 includes a receptacle 411 having an opening 412 via which, or through which golf club head 413 is received into the receptacle in direction 475. The receptacle has a front side 41 la, a rear side 411b, a toe end 411c, a heel end at 411d, a top 4 lie, and a bottom 411f. In this example the opening 412 extends at the heel end 411d, and may have a long dimension that widens to be typically greater than the maximum width dimension 15 of the head when the top 411e is pushed toward bottom 411f to allow entry of the head, endwise, through the opening, and into the receptacle, as well as removal from the receptacle.

The receptacle typically consists of flexible fabric or material which is tough and durable, as for example synthetic resinous (plastic) material.

The receptacle preferably has wall portions, and typically at least two of the following: i) a front side or first inner wall portion associated with 411a to extend adjacent, or proximate the face of the golf club head; ii) a rear side or second wall portion associated with 411b to extend adjacent or proximate the club head rear side, iii) a lower or third wall portion associated with 41 If to extend adjacent the broad bottom surface of the club head; iv) a forward or fourth wall portion 411c'associated with 411c to extend forwardly of or adjacent the toe of the club head; v) a rearward or fifth wall portion 411d'associated with 411d to extend adjacent or proximate the heel of the club head; vi) a top or sixth wall portion 411e'associated with 4 lie to extend adjacent or proximate the top surface of the club head; The receptacle further defines an interior chamber or slot receiving the club head 413.

As will be seen, a retainer is carried on the receptacle to be extended and fastened in a position for safely retaining the receptacle in close fitting relation to the club head, preventing release or separation of the retainer, during club swinging.

In the example, a retainer in the form of a flap 425 is shown in lowered position in Fig. 12. The flap is or may be integral with the rear side wall portion of the receptacle, and has side edges 425a and 425b, and a rearward angled edge. When folded downwardly at fold zone 425d, side edge 425b folds closely adjacent the hosel upper surface zone 400a of a received club head (wood), and then downwardly adjacent the top 4 lie, of the receptacle as indicated in Fig. 12. The flap inner surface may be retained to receptacle top 411e as by hook and pile attachment, enabling easy opening and closing of the flap, and its adjustable closing of the opening 12, as well as tightening to closely fit the receptacle to the club head, while at the same time providing very firm attachment of the device to a club head, prevents loosening and/or detachment, as during club swinging. The flap fits closely over the top of the head, near the hosel, to retain the receptacle to the head, and closing the opening 412, to have reduced width.

Hook or pile structure 420 typically but not necessarily extends over a substantial extent of the receptacle top 4 lie, so that the pile or hook structure 21 on the flap can be adjustably attached to 420 in selected positions (tightened or loosened) toward or away from selected edges, considering the different sizes of different wood heads to be protectively confined. Therefore, versatility of the device is enhanced. The majority of opening 412 is covered by the flap.

Further in accordance with the invention, weighting structure (as for example metallic weight or weights) is carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the head weight, for use in club swinging.

The weighting structure is so carried that it is located at or proximate one of the following: vii) at least one of such wall portions; viii) at least two of such wall portions; ix) at least three of such wall portions; x) at least four of such wall portions.

In Fig. 12, the weighting structure includes three metallic (steel for example) weights 435a, 435b, and 435c located in pockets 435a', 435b'and 435c'at the top, toe, and front walls of the receptacle. Such pockets may be formed by pocket fabric material at the inner sides of the top, toe and front wall portions to position weights 435a-435c as shown. See the cutaways, at 435a", 435b"and 435c". The thickness of each weight is typically less than its length, and less than its width. The pockets may consist of flexible fabric and may be closed to hold the weights in positions, as described, and sewn to the receptacle.

Weight material may consist of metallic granules, or pebbles, or non- metallic material such as sand.

Fig. 13 schematically shows a receptacle 511, generally like that of Fig. 12, with the corresponding elements bearing the same numerals. Two retainer flaps 525 and 526 are shown, and which diverge away from each other in folded back open position as seen in Fig. 13. The flaps have ends 525a and 526a attached to the bottom wall of the receptacle, near wide opening 512. The flaps in closed position extend at least partially over the top of the receptacle 511, via criss-cross relation. VELCRO (hook or pile) material 536 and 537 on the flaps attaches to hook or pile material 538 on receptacle top wall 51le to firmly hold the receptacle to the received club (wood) head indicated at 570. VELCRO may also interconnect the top of flap 525 to the underside of flap 526. The flaps extend closely at opposite sides of the narrowed hosel, to close opening portions at opposite sides of the hosel, locking the receptacle to the head. Weighting material may be carried by the receptacle, at the regions referred to in Figs. 12.

Fig. 14 shows a putter head 550 received in a receptacle 551 via an opening 553 at the rear of the receptacle. The putter shaft 550_ projects upwardly from the opening 553, and a retention flap 554 projects at the rear of the receptacle. Weights 556 are provided within the receptacle, and at the top of the putter head. Fig. 15 shows the flap 554 now wrapped about the rear 550a of the head to close opening 553, and projecting forwardly adjacent the front side of the receptacle. VELCRO ay be provided at 558 and 559 to attach the flap to the front side of the receptacle.

An opening 560 can be provided in that front side of the receptacle to expose the ball striking face of the putter, as at sweet spot 561, to enable putting use of the putter, while the weighted receptacle is in place. The weights provide inertial directivity during stroking. A similar front opening can be, provided in the receptacle seen in Fig. 12.

Fig. 16 shows an enlarged receptacle 665 enveloping the ball striking portion of a tennis racket 666, having projecting handle 666a. VELCRO on folds 667 and 668 is adapted to retain the slitted receptacle 665 in closed condition. Weights 669 and 670 are located at opposite sides of the receptacle, for racket balance, during swinging.

In Fig. 17, a lacrosse stick 600 has a handle 600a and a looping frame 600b carrying net 600c. A flap-type receptacle 601 is sized to extend about the frame, and the collapsed net. A receptacle flap 603 folds back over a side 601a of the receptacle, for VELCRO closure of contact surfaces 604 and 605. Weights 606 are carried by the distal end of the receptacle.

The striker may have the outline form of one of the following: i) a baseball bat ii) a tennis racket iii) a squash racket iv) a lacrosse looping net carrier, the binder being a flap carried to fold and bind to a surface of the receptacle v) a cricket bat vi) a polo head vii) a hockey stick head viii) a racquet ball racket.

A clip can be attached to the receptacle, or to a strap on the receptacle, to clip to a mesh such as a dense mesh, to hang the striker in its receptacle.