US20230014822A1

US20230014822A1 - Bat Hanger Device

Info

Publication number: US20230014822A1
Application number: US17/673,974
Authority: US
Inventors: Dave Lebrun
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2022-02-17
Publication date: 2023-01-19

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a bat hanger device comprised of a base plate with at least two curved protruding arms that secure a baseball bat vertically in the air. The base plate of the device also has at least one continuous opening that can be received by at least one clip, that allows the device to be secured to a chain-link fence. One embodiment of the device may also comprise at least one magnet in the base plate, which further aids in securing a baseball bat on the device. Accordingly, the device retains a baseball bat in a position above a ground surface and away from the fence to which the device is attached.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/223,094, which was filed on Jul. 19, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of bat hangers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bat hanger device comprised of a base plate with at least two curved protruding arms that secure a baseball bat vertically in the air. The base plate of the device also has at least one continuous opening that can be received by at least one clip, that allows the device to be secured to a chain-link fence. As a result, the device positions a baseball bat in a position above a ground surface and away from the fence to which the device is attached. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy and love to play the sport of baseball. However, in order to play baseball, players must spend money to buy the equipment necessary to engage in the sport. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a baseball bat. The baseball bat is generally used to repeatedly hit baseballs thrown by a pitcher. If a player hits the ball, they generally throw the bat out of their hands and run to a base. Needless to say, the baseball bat endures much abuse and damage. In addition, the perpetual wear and tear of baseball bats may reduce their effectiveness, as well as give the bats an unsightly appearance. This continues until the bat must be replaced, which can be expensive. To exacerbate this undesirable process of deterioration, most players have no way to store their bats before, after and in between at-bats. Typically, a baseball player leans the bat against the concrete wall of a dugout and/or fence, or simply throws the bat on to the floor. This leaves ample opportunity for excessive damage to occur to the baseball bat, which leads to cracks, scrapes and dents. Even if a player takes the effort to safely secure their bat to avoid damage, it is very likely that the bat may be knocked over, as a baseball dugout can be a rambunctious environment.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that keeps a baseball bat from touching other surfaces while not in use. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that is durable and can withstand long-term and aggressive use. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that can securely hold a baseball bat, with minimal risk of the bat falling off of the device. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that is aesthetically pleasing and customizable to each user.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bat hanger device. The device is comprised of a base plate with at least two curved protruding arms that secure a baseball bat vertically in the air. The base plate of the device also has at least one continuous opening that can be received by at least one clip, that allows the device to be secured to a chain-link fence. One embodiment of the device may also feature at least one magnet in the base plate, that further aids in securing a baseball bat to the device. As a result, the device positions a baseball bat in a position above a ground surface, and away from the fence to which the device is attached.
In this manner, the bat hanger device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a means for baseball players to safely and securely store their baseball bats when not in use, thereby reducing the amount of wear and tear inflicted on them. Further, the design of the device affords the users the peace of mind that they can leave their baseball bats resting on the device, and know there is a low risk that the bat will be knocked off. Moreover, the device is highly customizable and allow users to individualize their devices to fit their own needs and desires both functionally and aesthetically.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a bat hanger device. The bat hanger device is comprised of a base plate with at least two protruding arms. The base plate further features at least one continuous opening that is designed to receive at least one clip, such that the device can be removably-attached to a chain-link fence. The base plate is preferably circular in shape, but can be any number of shapes and sizes. In this manner, the device is highly customizable, such that it can hold multiple baseball bats or even other objects which may or may not be related to baseball. Other embodiments of the device may be comprised of different shapes that enhance the appearance of the device, such as the outline of a school mascot. Different indicia may also be added to further enhance the device's appearance.
The arms of the device protrude slightly upward to secure the baseball bat in place and reduce the chance that the baseball bat may fall off or be knocked out of the device. The device may further have at least one magnet that forms an attachment with the metallic handle of a baseball bat. In this manner, the magnet may add another layer of securement to the baseball bat, beyond that of the protruding arms. The device is also intended to be hung high enough on a fence such that the bottom of the bat is kept from coming in contact with the ground, to avoid unnecessary wear and damage to the bat. The base plate also forms a barrier between the fence and the protruding arms, such that the bat does not come in contact with the fence, thus preventing further damage to the bat.
Accordingly, the bat hanger device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it affords the user the ability to store the baseball bat in a safe manner, that avoids unnecessary damage to the baseball bat. Due to the device's curved arms and the addition of the magnet, the device secures the bat on the device and reduces the chance of said bat falling off the device. In this manner, the bat hanger device overcomes the limitations of existing means of storing baseball bats known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the bat hanger device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the bat hanger device of the present invention with the addition of a magnet in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the bat hanger device of the present invention while attached to a fence and while being used to hold a baseball bat in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device which keeps a baseball bat from coming in contact with the ground, fence or other abrasive surfaces, which may cause wear and tear on the bat. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that is made of a long-lasting material, which does not damage easily and which can withstand prolonged use. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that securely retains the baseball bat, such that the baseball bat does not easily fall off of the device. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a bat hanger device that users can easily individualize to their needs and/or the needs of their team.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a bat hanger device primarily comprised of a base plate with at least two protruding arms for retaining a bat. The base plate further comprises at least one continuous opening, that is designed to receive at least one clip, such that the device can be removably-attached to a chain-link fence. The base plate is also preferably circular in shape but may be manufactured in any number of shapes and sizes, such that the device is highly customizable and can hold multiple baseball bats or even other objects which may or may not be related to baseball. Other embodiments of the device may be comprised of different shapes that enhance the appearance of the device, such as the outline of a school mascot. Different indicia may also be added to further enhance the device's appearance.
The arms of the device protrude slightly upward to secure the baseball bat in place and reduce the chance that the baseball bat may fall off or be knocked off of the device. In addition, the device may further have at least one magnet, that forms an attachment with the metallic handle of a baseball bat, such that the magnet adds another layer of securement to the baseball bat beyond that of the protruding arms. The device is also intended to be hung high enough on a fence such that the bottom of the bat is kept from coming in contact with the ground to avoid unnecessary wear and damage to the bat. The base plate also forms a barrier between the fence and the protruding arms, such that the bat does not come in contact with the fence, thus preventing further damage to the bat.
Accordingly, the bat hanger device of the present invention is particularly advantageous, as it affords the users the ability to store their baseball bats in a safe manner that avoids unnecessary damage to the baseball bats. Due to the device's curved arms and the addition of the magnet, the device also offers added protection of securely storing the bat on the device, while reducing the chance of said bat falling off the device. In this manner, the bat hanger device overcomes the limitations of existing means of storing baseball bats known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bat hanger device 100 of the present invention. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a base plate 110 with a front surface 120 and a rear surface 130. The base plate 110 is preferably circular in shape but can be manufactured in any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, triangular, oval, etc., or any other suitable shape as is known in the art based on a user's wants and/or needs. Further, the bat hanger device 100 is preferably manufactured from a steel material, but can be made from a plurality of different metals such as, but not limited to, iron, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, titanium, carbon steel, alloyed steel, stainless steel, tungsten, nickel, cobalt, tin, lead, silicon, etc., or any other suitable materials as are known in the art. Additionally, high end versions of the device 100 may be manufactured from precious metals, such as but not limited to: gold, silver, palladium, iridium, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, platinum, etc., or any other suitable precious materials as are known in the art. Other embodiments may be manufactured from a multitude of plastic materials, such as but not limited to: acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc., or any other suitable materials as are known in the art.
Further, the base plate 110 comprises at least two arms 150, but can comprise any suitable number of arms 150 as are known in the art based on a user's wants and/or needs. The at least two arms 150 of the device 100 may be removably or fixedly-attached to the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and protrude outward opposite of the rear surface 130, which contacts the fence 10 to which the device 100 is secured. The arms 150 are removably or fixedly-attached to the front surface 120 via any suitable fastener as is known in the art, such as welding, screws, adhesive, snap fit, etc. The arms 150 of the device 100 can be any suitable size and shape known in the art, as long as they are designed to receive the baseball bat 12 and hold the baseball bat 12 in a vertical position above the ground. Typically, there are two arms 150, positioned parallel to each other and spaced apart at a predetermined, suitable distance to retain a handle of the bat 12 between the arms 150. Specifically, the arms 150 are spaced apart to readily accept the handle of the bat 12, but are also spaced apart at such a distance to prevent the knob of the bat 12 from sliding through the arms 150. Further, the arms 150 are preferably curved slightly upward, such that a baseball bat 12 does not slide off the device 100 and fall to the ground. The arms 150 are also preferably long enough, such that the baseball bat 12 does not contact a chain-link fence 10 the device 100 is hanging on, which could cause scratching and other unwanted damage to the bat 12.
Additionally, the size of the base plate 110 is preferably meant to hold one standard baseball bat 12 via one pair of arms 150. However, in different embodiments the device 100 may feature alternative sizes of base plates 110 and have any suitable number of arms 150, wherein the multiple arms 150 may hold objects such as, but not limited to, batting helmets, hats, baseball gloves, bags, shirts, etc., or any other suitable items as are known in the art. Other embodiments of the device 100 may feature smaller-sized base plates 110 and smaller-sized arms 150, which would hold child-sized bats 12 and other suitable equipment. In one embodiment, multiple devices 100 may be fixedly-attached to one another in a row and/or column-like configuration to hold the entire team's bats, gloves, jerseys, etc., depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
To enhance the appearance of the bat hanger device 100, the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and the arms 150 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 122, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., or any other suitable indicia as is known in the art. Other embodiments of the device 100 may feature indicia 122 in the form of numbering on the front surface 120 of the base plate 110, such that users may be able to customize and differentiate their bat hanger device 100 from their teammate's bat hanger device 100. As stated supra, the base plate 110 is preferably circular in shape, but may be any suitable shape as is known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the base plate 110 may be manufactured in the shape of a school logo, mascot, emblem, crest, etc., or any other suitable shape as is known in the art based on a user's wants and/or needs. Additionally, base plates 110 made in a circular shape may also feature indicia 122 mimicking a baseball. For example, the circular base plate 110 can be comprised of a white background with indicia 122 emulating red stitching.
Furthermore, the base plate 110 comprises at least one continuous opening 140 that can receive at least one clip 160 (shown in FIG. 3 ). Typically, the continuous opening 140 is located at the top portion of the base plate 110, and receives at least one clip 160 that allows the device 100 to be hung from a fence 10. In different embodiments, the device 100 may have multiple continuous openings 140, such that a user may use multiple clips 160 to better secure the device 100 to the fence 10. The device 100 can comprise any suitable number of continuous openings 140 as are known in the art based on a user's wants and/or needs. Further, the device 100 is preferably used in conjunction with carabiner/d-clip clips 160, but can used with any other suitable fastener as is known in the art, which allows the device 100 to be removably-attached to a fence 10, such as a zip tie, a cotter pin, a S-hook, an elastic band, etc. Differing embodiments of the device 100 may also feature an adhesive rear surface 130. An adhesive rear surface 130 would allow the device 100 to be secured to other surfaces besides a chain link fence. Specifically, the adhesive rear surface 130 would allow the device 100 to be secured to surfaces which may not be compatible with clips 160, such as a concrete wall of a dugout, a gym wall, etc. Other embodiments of the device 100 may feature more permanent and sturdy connection mechanisms, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bat hanger device 100 of the present invention with the addition of a magnet 124. The base plate 110 of the device 100 comprises at least two arms 150 removably or fixedly-attached to the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and protruding outward opposite of the rear surface 130 which contacts the fence 10 to which the device 100 is secured. The arms 150 of the device 100 are designed to receive the baseball bat 12 and hold the bat 12 in a vertical position above the ground. The arms 150 are preferably curved slightly upward, such that a baseball bat 12 does not slide off the device 100 and fall to the ground. The arms 150 are also preferably long enough, such that the baseball bat 130 does not come into contact with the chain-link fence 10 the device 100 is hanging on, which could cause scratching and other unwanted damage to the bat 12.
Further, the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 comprises at least one continuous opening 140 that can receive at least one clip 160 (shown in FIG. 3 ). Typically, the continuous opening 140 is located at the top portion of the base plate 110, and receives at least one clip 160 that allows the device 100 to be hung from a fence 10. To enhance the appearance of the bat hanger device 100, the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and the arms 150 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 122, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., or any other suitable indicia as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
Additionally, one embodiment of the device 100 may feature at least one magnet 124 attached to the front surface 120 of the base plate 110. In this manner, the magnet(s) 124 can form a magnetic field that secures a metal baseball bat 12 to the device 100. Any suitable number of magnets 124 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Further, the magnets 124 may be any suitable magnet known in the art such as, but not limited to, neodymium iron born magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, ferrite magnets, etc. In another embodiment, the device 100 comprises another magnet 124, wherein this magnet 124 is flexible and comprises an adhesive rear surface. The adhesive rear surface allows the flexible magnet to be applied to the handle of a non-metal baseball bat 12. Any suitable number of flexible magnets can be applied to the non-metal baseball bat, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Accordingly, the flexible magnets 124 allow non-metal baseball bats 12 to be used in conjunction with the magnetized embodiments of the bat hanger device 100 for added security in retaining the bat 12 on the device 100.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bat hanger device 100 of the present invention while attached to a chain-link fence 10 (shown as prior art) and while being used to hold a baseball bat 12 (shown as prior art). The device 100 comprises a continuous opening 140, which is located at the top portion of the base plate 110 and which receives at least one clip 160 that allows the device 100 to be hung from a fence 10. In different embodiments, the device 100 may have multiple continuous openings 140, such that a user may use multiple clips 160 to better secure the device 100 to the fence 10. The device 100 preferably is used in conjunction with carabiner/d-clip clips 160, which allow the device 100 to be removably-attached to a fence 10.
To enhance the appearance of the bat hanger device 100, the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and the arms 150 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 122, such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., or any other suitable indicia as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Additionally, one embodiment of the device 100 may feature at least one magnet 124 attached to the front surface 120 of the base plate 110. In this manner, the magnet(s) 124 can form a magnetic field that secures a metal baseball bat 12 to the device 100.
Further, the base plate 110 comprises at least two arms 150, which may be removably or fixedly-attached to the front surface 120 of the base plate 110 and protrude outward opposite of the rear surface 130, which contacts the fence 10 to which the device 100 is secured. Typically, the two arms 150 are positioned parallel to each other and spaced apart at a predetermined, suitable distance to retain a handle of the bat 12 between the arms 150. Specifically, the arms 150 are spaced apart to readily accept the handle of the bat 12, but are also spaced apart at such a distance to prevent the knob 14 of the bat 12 from sliding through the arms 150. Further, the arms 150 are preferably curved slightly upward, such that a baseball bat 12 does not slide off the device 100 and fall to the ground.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “bat hanger device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the bat hanger device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bat hanger device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the bat hanger device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bat hanger device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bat hanger device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bat hanger device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bat hanger device comprising:

a base plate further comprised of a front surface that is comprised of a plurality of indicia,

a rear surface having at least one continuous opening;

at least two arms that extend away from the front surface; and

at least one clip.

2. The bat hanger device of claim 1, wherein the at least two arms receive a handle of a baseball bat.

3. The bat hanger device of claim 2, wherein the at least one clip is placed through the at least one continuous opening to secure the bat hanger device to a chain-link fence.

4. The bat hanger device of claim 3, wherein the bat hanger device holds the baseball bat in a vertical position above a ground surface.

5. The bat hanger device of claim 4, wherein the bat hanger device holds the baseball bat, such that the baseball bat does not contact the chain-link fence.

6. A bat hanger device comprising:

a base plate with at least one magnet, the base plate further comprised of a front surface with a plurality of indicia, a rear surface, and at least one continuous opening;

at least two curved arms that extend away from the front surface; and

at least one clip.

7. The bat hanger device of claim 6, wherein the at least two curved arms receive a handle of a baseball bat.

8. The bat hanger device of claim 7, wherein the at least one magnet secures the handle of a metal baseball bat on the bat hanger device.

9. The bat hanger device of claim 8, wherein the at least one clip can be placed through the at least one continuous opening to secure the bat hanger device to a chain-link fence.

10. The bat hanger device of claim 9, wherein the bat hanger device holds the baseball bat in a vertical position above a ground surface.

11. The bat hanger device of claim 10, wherein the bat hanger device holds the baseball bat, such that the baseball bat does not contact the chain-link fence.

12. The bat hanger device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of indica comprise at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a number, a character, an animal, an advertisement and a brand.

13. A bat hanger device comprising:

a base plate with at least one magnet, the base plate further comprised of a front surface further comprised of a plurality of indicia, a rear surface, and at least one continuous opening;

at least one magnet with an adhesive rear surface that is applied to a handle of a non-metal baseball bat;

at least two arms that extend away from the front surface; and

at least one clip.

14. The bat hanger device of claim 13, wherein the at least two arms receive a handle of a non-metal baseball bat.

15. The bat hanger device of claim 14, wherein the at least one magnet of the base plate secures to the at least one magnet applied to the handle of the non-metal baseball bat to secure the non-metal baseball bat on the bat hanger device.

16. The bat hanger device of claim 15, wherein the at least one clip can be placed through the at least one continuous opening to secure the bat hanger device to a chain-link fence.

17. The bat hanger device of claim 16, wherein the at least one clip comprises a carabiner.

18. The bat hanger device of claim 17, wherein the bat hanger device holds the non-metal baseball bat, such that the non-metal baseball bat does not contact the chain-link fence.

19. The bat hanger device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of indica comprises at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a number, a character, an animal, an advertisement and a brand.

20. The bat hanger device of claim 13, wherein the base plate is shaped like a select one of a circle, a square, a rectangle, a octagon, a hexagon, a triangle, a logo, a mascot, an emblem or a crest.