U.S. patent application number 09/970738 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-10 for apparatus and method for improving athletic proficiency.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sun Standard, Inc., a New Mexico Corporation. Invention is credited to Turos, Kenneth.
Application Number | 20030069095 09/970738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25517434 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030069095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turos, Kenneth |
April 10, 2003 |
Apparatus and method for improving athletic proficiency
Abstract
An apparatus and method for improving batting a baseball is
provided. The apparatus includes at least one tube formed with a
substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the tube. Also included is a handle removably
attachable to one end of the tube. A grip knob is provided at one
end of the handle for restraining hands during swinging. A
compressible sleeve is slidably engageable with the handle for
providing a hand grip. The apparatus and method for improving
batting is used in combination with a training regimen to improve
batting skills.
Inventors: |
Turos, Kenneth;
(Albuquerque, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ray R. Regan
P.O. Box 1442
Corrales
NM
87048
US
|
Assignee: |
Sun Standard, Inc., a New Mexico
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
25517434 |
Appl. No.: |
09/970738 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 2069/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/457 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for improving batting, comprising: at least one
tube having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the at least
on tube is formed with a substantially uniform cross-section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one tube
between the proximal end and the distal end; a partially tapered
handle removably attachable to the proximal end of the at least one
tube; a grip knob fixedly connected to the following end of the
partially tapered handle; and a compressibly clutchable sleeve
slidably engageable with the partially tapered handle.
2. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the at least one tube is solid.
3. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the at least one tube is formed with a hollow chamber.
4. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the at least one tube further comprises a monolithic
threaded collar extending from the proximal end of the at least one
tube, and having a fore end and an aft end.
5. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 4,
wherein the monolithic threaded collar is tapered between the fore
end and the aft end, and wherein the fore end has a smaller
circumference than the aft end.
6. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the partially tapered handle has a leading end, a following
end, and is formed with a hollow passage along the longitudinal
axis of the partially tapered handle.
7. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 6,
wherein the hollow passage includes one or more spaced tiers formed
in the internal face adjacent the leading end of the handle.
8. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the partially tapered handle further comprises internal
recessed threads in the hollow passage adjacent the leading end of
the partially tapered handle, and wherein the internal recessed
threads complemetarily mate with the monolithic threaded collar of
the at least one tube.
9. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 8,
wherein the internal recessed threads are tapered for threadable
engagement with the monolithic threaded collar.
10. An apparatus for improving batting as recited in claim 1,
wherein the tube includes a head plug for eliminating damage to the
apparatus from impact forces.
11. A system for improving athletic proficiency, comprising: one or
more substantially uniform shaped heads having a distal end and a
proximal end; a collar monolithically extending from the proximal
end of the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads; a handle
removably attachable to one end of the one or more substantially
uniformly shaped heads; means for attaching the handle to the one
for more substantially uniformly shaped heads to form a practice
bat for use with an athletic regimen.
12. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is
formed with a substantially uniform cross-section along the
longitudinal axis of the one or more substantially uniform shaped
heads.
13. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein at least one of the one or more substantially uniform
shaped heads is solid.
14. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the at least one of the one or more substantially
uniform shaped heads is hollow.
15. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the one or more substantially uniform shaped heads is
approximately 1.00 inch in diameter.
16. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the collar has a fore end, an aft end, and a
surrounding surface between the fore end and aft end.
17. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
16, further comprising threads formed in the surrounding
surface.
18. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the handle is formed with a hollow passage.
19. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the handle further comprises internal recessed threads
in the hollow passage.
20. A system for improving athletic proficiency as recited in claim
11, wherein the means for attaching the handle to the one for more
substantially uniform shaped heads include engaging the recessed
threads and the threads formed in the surrounding surface.
21. A device for practicing batting, comprising: a plurality of
heads having different weights; a collar monolithically extending
from one end of the plurality of heads; and a handle removably
attachable to the collar.
22. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the plurality of heads are formed with a substantially uniform
cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each of the
plurality of heads.
23. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 22, wherein
the cross-section of the plurality of heads is substantially
circular.
24. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
each of the plurality of heads is weighted differently.
25. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the plurality of heads have a distal end and a proximal end, and
wherein the collar is formed in the proximal end of the plurality
of heads.
26. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the handle includes a first extension formed with a substantially
uniform cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
through the handle.
27. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the handle includes a tapered extension.
28. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the collar includes a tapered annular surface.
29. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 22, wherein
the tapered annular surface is further formed with threads.
30. A device for practicing batting as recited in claim 21, wherein
the handle is attachable to the collar by engaging the threads
formed on the annular surface of the collar with threads formed in
one end of the handle.
31. A method for improving batting, comprising: selecting one of a
plurality of heads having different weights; attaching one end of
the one of one of the plurality of heads to a handle to form a
practice bat; and using the practice bat in conformance with one or
more exercises in a regimen for improving batting.
32. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein
the selecting step includes the substeps of: selecting at least one
tube having a distal end and a proximal end; inserting a head plug
into the proximal end of the at least one tube; shaping the at
least one tube to be substantially uniform cross-section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one tube
between the proximal end and the distal end; and further
configuring one or more of the at least one tube to include a
hollow chamber between the proximal end and the distal end.
33. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein
the selecting step further includes the substeps of: forming a
monolithic collar at one end of the plurality of heads; tapering
the monolithic collar; and fitting the monolithic collar with
threads.
34. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein
the attaching step includes the substeps of: forming a hollow
passage along the longitudinal axis of the handle having a leading
end and a following end, the hollow passage having an internal
face; shaping in the internal face with one or more spaced tiers
ascending toward the leading end of the handle; and inserting
internal recessed threads in the internal face of the hollow
passage for threadable engagement with the monolithic collar.
35. A method for improving batting as recited in claim 31, wherein
the using step includes at least the substeps of: applying the
overload principle; alternating application of the regimen among
the plurality of heads having different weights; and practicing
control of the plurality of heads having different weights.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains generally to athletics. More
particularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this document
pertains to a system for improving athletic proficiency. The
present invention is particularly useful for improving batting
proficiency for baseball and softball players.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The desire to improve athletic proficiency is a universal
gender neutral goal of millions of people. As a consequence, a
significant variety of apparatus and methods have been promoted to
improve athletic performance. For example, bean bags are kicked
back and forth among soccer players, ring-blocks are placed over
basketball rims to enable players to practice tap-ins, weights are
employed by runners to increase muscle strength, and a seemingly
endless array of devices have been advanced to improve golf
strokes. In the fields of baseball and softball (collectively in
this document, "baseball"), sports that enjoy international
following, enhancing hand-eye coordination to more effectively and
efficiently swing a baseball bat to contact a pitched ball has been
an objective among hitters for decades, perhaps since Abner
Doubleday purportedly proposed the game in Cooperstown, N.Y. in
1839.
[0003] A number of devices have been proposed or suggested for use
in practicing baseball, or more specifically, for hitting a
baseball with a bat (actions referred to in this document as
"batting" or "hitting"). Hitting a round baseball with a tapered
cylindrical bat is a daunting task. A baseball, traditionally made
with a cork and rubber core with tightly wrapped yarn, is covered
with white leather panels sewn together. Rules and regulations
prescribe that the circumference of a baseball must be only 9 to
9.25 inches, and weigh between five and 5.25 ounces. Rules and
regulations also require that a bat may not exceed 42 inches in
length, or have a thickness at the barrel, or hitting end, greater
than 2.75 inches. Baseball bats traditionally are manufactured from
ash wood, primarily white ash and green ash, a form of ash unique
to the United States (collectively in this document, "game-approved
bats"). Just how difficult hitting can be is exemplified by a well
known statistic: achieving a 0.333 batting average is considered
excellent.
[0004] Suggestions for improving batting have included adding
weight to conventional or game-approved bats, or otherwise
modifying a game-approved bat to practice swinging. Other
suggestions have included a variety of shapes, configurations, and
materials combined to provide a baseball bat that can not be used
during regulations play, but can only be used to practice hitting
(collectively in this document, a "practice bat").
[0005] The limitations of such prior suggestions for practice bats
include the omission of a coordinated system and method, combined
with the proper structure of a practice bat that can be used to
improve athletic proficiency, particularly to improve hitting a
baseball during game conditions with greater frequency, greater
accuracy, greater predictability, and without inducing injury to a
player's muscular system. Another limitation of prior approaches
includes reliance for effectiveness on components that are not
included on a game-approved bat, such as tips that must be inserted
into the end of a bat used to make contact with a baseball. Still
another limitation is found in those practice bats that mirror in
shape and configuration a game-approved bat: the batter is not
challenged during practice because the dimensions of the practice
bats are not reduced from those of a game-approved bat, thus
reducing the available surface for hitting. Yet another limitation
of existing practice bats is the absence of a variety of
interchangeable elements in the practice bat responsive to
different ages, skill levels, and goals of the individual batter.
Finally, earlier suggestions for improving batting did not present
an apparatus that is designed to withstand batting without bending,
breaking, or deforming due to the significant forces applied to a
practice bat on impact with a baseball.
[0006] Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the
industry for a new, useful and improved apparatus and method for
improving athletic performance, particularly for improving batting
a baseball. Particularly, there is a significant need for a method
and apparatus providing a coordinated system and method, combined
with the proper structure and cooperation of structure, of a
practice bat that can be used to improve hitting a baseball during
game conditions with greater frequency, greater accuracy, and
greater predictability, without inducing injury to a player's
muscular system. A need also exists for an apparatus that presents
a plurality of interchangeable heads that vary in weight, thus
accommodating differing ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives
of a baseball player. A further need exists for a practice bat that
is not in the shape, dimensions, or configuration of
game-authorized baseball bats, so that a batter may encounter
greater challenges during practice by reducing the available
surface for hitting a baseball. However, a need also exists for a
practice bat that includes an ergonomically designed handle that is
consistent with the feel of a game-approved bat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Given the conventional solutions for attempting to solve the
problems associated with improving athletic proficiency,
particularly batting a baseball, it would be desirable, and of
considerable advantage, to provide an apparatus that in combination
with a training regimen can improve batting.
[0008] The present invention provides numerous advantages in
connection with improving batting efficiency. At least one of the
advantages of the present invention is that it provides a
coordinated system and method, combined with the proper structure
and cooperation of structure of a practice bat, for practicing the
proper methods for swinging a baseball bat and making contact with
a baseball. The present invention can be used to improve hitting a
baseball during game conditions with greater frequency, greater
accuracy, greater predictability, without inducing injury to a
player's muscular system. The apparatus for improving batting also
is a simple, easily assembled practice bat that does not require
special additional components to be added to the apparatus for
effectiveness. In addition, the present invention presents a
plurality of interchangeable heads that vary in weight, thus
accommodating differing ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives
of a baseball player. A further advantage of the apparatus for
improving batting is that the head of the practice bat is of a
smaller diameter than that of game-authorized baseball bats, so
that a batter may encounter greater challenges during practice by
reducing the available surface for hitting a baseball. The handle
of the present invention is ergonomically designed to mirror the
feel of a game-approved bat. Yet another advantage of the present
invention is an apparatus for improving batting, and a method for
using the present invention, that respectively are easy to use and
to practice, and which are cost effective for their intended
purposes.
[0009] These and other advantages are achieved in the present
invention by providing in a preferred embodiment an apparatus for
improving batting that includes at least one tube, or head. The
tube, or head, is substantially uniform in cross-section
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. A partially
tapered handle is provided. One end of the partially tapered handle
is removably attachable to one end of the head. A grip knob is
connected to the other end of the partially tapered handle. A
sleeve of compressible material is engaged with the handle for
gripping the handle.
[0010] The present invention is designed to facilitate a training
regimen to improve batting. At least one aspect of the training
regimen includes application and use of the overload principle. The
overload principle has been found to be useful for improving
batting by using a heavier weight than normally is used in game
conditions when using a conventional aluminum or wooden bat. By
using the present invention instead of an aluminum or wooden bat
for practice drills, both the increased weight of the present
invention, and the ability to step-increase the weight of the
apparatus either upward or downward by use of variously weighted
heads that are interchangeable on a handle, will help develop
greater bat speed, better bat control, better body efficiency,
better muscle memory, and enhanced hand-eye coordination, all of
which in turn help develop a positive hitting attitude.
[0011] A second feature of the present invention that, in
conjunction with the training regimen, leads to enhanced batting
skills is the decreased hitting surface or area of the head. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable
and removable heads are one inch in exterior diameter. Accordingly,
the head of the present invention presents approximately 160
percent less hitting or ball contact area than a typical baseball
bat used in game conditions. As will be evident to those skilled in
the art, use of a smaller diameter head in hitting drills will
develop greater hand-eye coordination, and contributes to making
the present invention an ideal tool for bunting drills.
[0012] Overload training in combination with the present invention
allows a user to place greater emphasis on the path of the hands
through the hitting zone. As a user learns to control the
additional weight of the present invention, greater emphasis
automatically and reflexively is placed on proper linear movement
of hands through the hitting zone. As the same time, better overall
body control results, with a more fluid motion and follow
through.
[0013] In addition, use of the apparatus for improving batting
generates greater awareness of the importance of overall physical
conditioning body coordination by encouraging increased body and
bat leverage as the user resists additional centrifugal forces
sensed during use of the practice bat. All muscles generally
exercised during a baseball game are used and challenged when using
the present invention.
[0014] Successful hitting requires mental, as well as physical,
conditioning. Following use of the present invention as a practice
tool, in combination with a proper training regimen, as a user
progresses from the smaller diameter head to the larger diameter of
a conventional baseball bat, chances increase to make successful
contact with a pitched baseball. In addition, progressing from the
heavier weights provided by the apparatus for improving batting, to
the lighter bat heads of conventional game bats, causes greater bat
speed. Both results lead to greater success as a hitter. Practice
with the present invention will cause hitters to trust reactions to
a pitch, and to have confidence to instinctively hit the ball.
[0015] The present invention is designed to provide an array of
tools needed to become a better hitter. At least one of the
advantages of the present invention over earlier suggestions for
improving batting is that fewer swings are required for a
successful hitting workout. In addition, the portability of the
system for improving athletic proficiency allows users to move
rapidly and comfortably between teamwork, cage work, on-deck
drills, and batting practice.
[0016] The advantages and other objects of the present invention,
and features of such an apparatus for improving batting, and method
for using the apparatus, will become apparent to those skilled in
the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following
description, drawing figures, and appended claims.
[0017] An apparatus for improving batting, according to the present
invention, includes at least one tube. Each tube has a distal end
and a proximal end. The tube is formed with a substantially uniform
cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube
between the proximal end and the distal end. Also included is a
partially tapered handle. One end of the partially tapered handle
is removably attachable to the proximal end of the tube. A grip
knob is connected to the other end of the partially tapered handle.
A sleeve of plastic material is provided that is slidably
engageable with the handle.
[0018] Thus, it is clear from the foregoing that the claimed
subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the
apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, as
well as the method for the apparatus, combine to result in a number
of unexpected advantages and utilities of the present
invention.
[0019] The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important
features of the invention to better understand the detailed
description which follows, and to better understand the
contribution of the present invention to the art. Before explaining
at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in application to the
details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components,
provided in the following description or drawing figures. The
invention is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and
terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of
description, and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception
on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis
for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying
out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore,
include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent
constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this
disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is
measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope
of the invention in any way.
[0021] The novel features of this invention, and the invention
itself, both as to structure and operation, are best understood
from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the
accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference
characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the unassembled apparatus
for improving batting;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the tube, or head,
of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the handle of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Briefly, the present invention provides an apparatus for
improving batting that includes at least one tube. Each tube has a
distal end and a proximal end. The tube is formed with a
substantially uniform cross-section perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the tube between the proximal end and the
distal end. Also included is a partially tapered handle. One end of
the partially tapered handle is removably attachable to the
proximal end of the tube. A grip knob is connected to the other end
of the partially tapered handle. A sleeve of plastic material is
provided that is slidably engageable with the handle.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus for
improving batting, and shows the major elements of the present
invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
apparatus for improving batting 10 includes at least one tube 12.
Tube 12 is formed with a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. In
addition, tube 12 is formed with a substantially uniform
cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 through the
axial length of tube 12 between proximal end 16 and distal end 14.
In at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, tube
12 of apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10 is
substantially solid. In an alternative embodiment, tube 12 is
formed with a hollow chamber 20 and is therefore substantially
hollow.
[0027] While tube 12 in a preferred embodiment and in an
alternative embodiment is described as either substantially solid
or substantially hollow, in at least one commercial embodiment of
the system of the present invention, three interchangeable tubes 12
are provided as part of the system. One tube 12 of the three tubes
12 is substantially solid, and two are substantially hollow.
Apparatus for improving batting 10 also is easily assembled into a
practice bat that using any of the plurality of interchangeable
tubes 12. In part because tube 12 may be either substantially solid
or substantially hollow, tubes 12 vary in weight. Various
configurations of tube 12 also vary in weight due to selection of
different compositions of materials to make tube 12. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, substantially solid tubes 12
are manufactured from durable steel, and substantially hollow tubes
12 may be made of molysteel, although the precise material and
compositions of materials are not a limitation of the present
invention. The different weights of tube 12 accommodate differing
ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball player
following a training regimen. Also, in a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, each tube 12 has a diameter of approximately
one (1) inch, and are color coded by weight. Further, the weight of
various tubes 12 are stamped on an end cap 22 insertable into
distal end 14 of tube 12. The diameter of tube 12 therefore is
significantly less than a game-approved bat. The smaller diameter
of tube 12 is a further advantage of the present invention in its
use as a practice bat, requiring the user to more accurately swing
the practice bat, which transfers to a more accurate swing with a
game-approved bat.
[0028] As best shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the
apparatus for improving batting 10, tube 12 includes a monolithic
collar 24 formed with a fore end 26, an aft end 28, and a
surrounding surface 30. Monolithic collar 24 extends from proximal
end 16 of tube 12. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, monolithic collar 24 extends approximately 1.5 inches
from proximal end 16 of tube 12, but as will be evident to those
skilled in the art, the distance that monolithic collar 24 extends
from proximal end 16 of tube 12 is not a material limitation of the
present invention. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, monolithic collar 24 is tapered between fore end 26 and
the aft end 28. The tapering decreases toward aft end 28, with the
result that fore end 26 has a smaller circumference than aft end
28. In addition, exterior threads 32 are formed on surrounding
surface 30 for attachment of tube 12 to a partially tapered handle
34 described below and shown in FIG. 3. The fact that monolithic
collar 24 is tapered between fore end 26 and the aft end 28, and
that exterior threads 32 taper toward fore end 26 improves the
holding power between tube 12 and partially tapered handle 34
despite repetitive and frequent use of apparatus for improving
batting 10 to impact a baseball impacting the exterior surface 36
of tube 12 at velocities often approaching 90 miles per hour
("mph"). The tapering of monolithic collar 24 provides a mechanical
advantage not found in other apparatus suggested for improving
hitting proficiency. In combination with the complementary tapering
exterior threads 32 of tube 12, and the internal recessed threads
50 on internal face 46 of partially tapered handle 34 described
below, the tapering causes tube 12 and handle 34 to continuously
self-adjust when threaded together despite thread wear that may be
caused by use during batting practice or by assembling and
disassembling tube 12 from handle 34. If the respective threads
wear, the tapering causes the respective threads of tube 12 and
handle 34 to reseat without loss of any capabilities of apparatus
for improving athletic proficiency 10. Additionally, tube 12 of the
present invention includes a head plug 33 as best shown in FIG. 2.
Head plug 33 is fixedly insertable into hollow chamber 20 of tube
12 adjacent fore end 26 of tube 12. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, head plug 33 extends approximately 2 inches
from fore end 26 into hollow chamber 20. Head plug 33 provides an
additional mechanical advantage not found in other apparatus for
batting practice. As indicated, the velocity of a baseball making
contact with apparatus for improving athletic proficiency 10 may
approach 90 mph. On impact, significant forces, in a variety of
vectors, including leverage forces between a point of impact of a
ball on exterior surface 36 of tube 12, between the point of impact
and grip knob 64, as discussed below, are applied to apparatus for
improving athletic proficiency 10. Head plug 33, however, absorbs
such forces, and strengthens the gripping power of both internal
recessed threads 50 on internal face 46 of partially tapered handle
34 as well as exterior threads 32 of tube 12. Head plug 33 also
contributes to providing the comforting and desirable sound of a
ball hitting a wood bat, although a preferred embodiment of the
present invention is metal. Also, because an assembled embodiment
of the present invention, particularly tube 12, is not shaped or
configured as a game-approved baseball bat, a batter using the
present invention during a training regimen will encounter greater
challenges during practice by reducing the available surface for
hitting a baseball.
[0029] In addition to tube 12, as previously indicated, the present
invention includes partially tapered handle 34 best shown in FIG.
3. Partially tapered handle 34 is formed with a leading end 38, a
following end 40, and a hollow passage 42 along the longitudinal
axis 44 of partially tapered handle 34. In a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, hollow passage 42 is formed to include
one or more spaced tiers 46 in internal face 48 of hollow passage
42 adjacent leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34. As also
shown in FIG. 3, partially tapered handle 34 is formed with
internal recessed threads 50 that are included in hollow passage 42
adjacent to leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, internal recessed
threads 50 are formed to taper along longitudinal axis 44 between a
lower edge 52 of a recessed lip 54 formed in leading end 38 of
partially tapered handle 34. Internal recessed threads 50 extend
into hollow passage 42 of partially tapered handle 34 a distance
exemplified by D.sup.1 as shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, internal recessed threads 50
extend into hollow passage 42 of partially tapered handle 34
approximately 1.50 inches from lower edge 52 of recessed lip 54
formed in leading end 38 of partially tapered handle 34, but the
measurement is not a material limitation on the present invention.
Internal recessed threads 50 are tapered along longitudinal axis 44
of partially tapered handle 34 to substantially mirror the taper of
exterior threads 32 formed in monolithic collar 24 of tube 12 for
threadable engagement of tube 12 with partially tapered handle
34.
[0030] As best shown in FIG. 3, partially tapered handle 34 also is
formed with a first extension 56 and a tapered extension 58 that
monolithically extends from first extension 56. First extension
extends from a rear end 60 toward leading end 38 of partially
tapered handle 34 approximately to a forward end 62, and tapered
extension 58 extends from approximately forward end 62 toward
leading end 38. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
first extension 56 is approximately 0.750 inch in diameter, and
tapered extension 58 tapers to a maximum diameter of approximately
1.490 inches, but neither the location of forward end 62, nor the
dimensions given are material limitations of the present
invention.
[0031] As also shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1 and 3, the
present invention includes a grip knob 64. Grip knob is fixedly
connected to following end 40 of partially tapered handle 34. Grip
knob 64 precludes slippage of the assembled apparatus for improving
batting 10 from the hands of a user during use of the present
invention. In addition, a compressible sleeve 66 is provided.
Compressible sleeve 66 is slidably engageable with first extension
56 of partially tapered handle 34, and aids in gripping the
assembled apparatus for improving batting 10 during a training
regimen.
[0032] While apparatus for improving batting 10 shown in drawing
FIGS. 1 through 3 includes at least one embodiment of the present
invention, it is not intended to be exclusive, and is not a
limitation of the present invention. While the particular apparatus
for improving batting 10 as shown and disclosed in detail in this
instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing
the advantages stated, this disclosure is merely illustrative of
the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and no
limitations are intended in connection with the details of
construction, design or composition other than as provided and
described in the appended claims.
OPERATION
[0033] In operation, the present invention provides numerous
advantages in connection with improving batting efficiency. The
present invention provides a coordinated system and method,
combined with the proper structure and cooperation of structure
provided by apparatus for improving batting 10 for practicing the
proper methods for swinging a baseball bat and making contact with
a baseball. By selecting the differently weighted tubes 12 that
provide a consistent hitting surface, to use in assembled form with
partially tapered handle 34, the present invention improves hitting
a baseball during game conditions. Apparatus for improving batting
10 is easily assembled and disassembled, and one or more
interchangeable tubes 12 are available. By presenting a plurality
of interchangeable heads 12' that vary in weight, bat swinging
exercises in a training regimen may devised to accommodate
different ages, sizes, skill levels, and objectives of a baseball
player.
[0034] Following a training regimen that includes swinging
apparatus for improving batting 10 through a variety of stances,
improved proficiency in batting is achieved in part because head
12' is shaped differently than game-approved bats. Accordingly, a
batter encounters greater challenges during practice by reducing
the available hitting surface. Partially tapered handle 34 of the
present invention, however, is ergonomically designed to mirror the
feel of a game-approved bat.
[0035] The present invention is designed to facilitate a training
regimen to improve batting. At least one aspect the training
regimen includes application and use of the overload principle. The
overload principle has been found by the inventor to rapidly
improve batting because of the heavier weight of apparatus for
improving batting 10 as compared with a game-approved bat. The
inventor has established that use of the present invention instead
of an aluminum or wooden bat for practice drills, with the
capability of increasing or decreasing the weight of heads 12',
helps develop greater bat speed, better bat control, better body
efficiency, better muscle memory, enhanced hand-eye coordination,
which in turn help develop a positive hitting attitude.
[0036] A regimen of practice swinging of apparatus for improving
batting 10 also leads to enhanced batting skills because of the
limited hitting area presented by exterior surface 36 of head 12'.
As previously indicated, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention the interchangeable and removable heads 12' are one inch
in exterior diameter. Accordingly, head 12' presents approximately
160 percent less hitting or ball contact area on exterior surface
36 than a game-approved bat. As will be evident to those skilled in
the art, use of a smaller diameter head 12' in hitting drills of a
training regimen will develop greater hand-eye coordination, and
contributes to making the present invention ideal tool for bunting
drills.
[0037] In application of a training regimen, overload training in
combination with the present invention allows a user to place
greater emphasis on the path of the hands through the hitting zone.
As a user learns to control the additional weight of the present
invention, greater emphasis automatically and reflexively is placed
on proper linear movement of hands through the hitting zone. As the
same time, better overall body control results, with a more fluid
motion and follow through.
[0038] An exemplary training specimen may include, but is not
limited to, a hitting progression. In each hitting progression,
different tubes 12 may be used, thus altering the weight being
manipulated by the trainee. The batter may begin with a wide
pre-stride stance, legs approximately 12-18 inches wider apart than
a normal stance. No stride is taken, but the batter swings the
apparatus for improving batting 10 several times. In addition, or
alternatively, the batter assumes a narrow pre-stride stance.
Again, the batter takes no stride, but swings the apparatus for
improving batting 10 several times. The batter may then change
heads 12' to practice a front hand overload drill in which the
front hand, or hand closest to where a pitcher would be, is held
close to the bottom of handle 34, a regular batting stance is
assumed, the other hand is placed under the arm of the front hand,
and the batter practices swinging apparatus for improving batting
10 to achieve body control, follow through, and finish. In
addition, or again alternatively, a batter may switch hands from
the front hand overload drill to practice a back hand overload
drill. Another remarkably useful drill to include in the training
regimen is inversion: after gripping the practice bat in a normal
way, the top hand is inverted so that the thumb of the top hand
will be in contact with the top of the bottom hand. when striding
and striking a ball in this stance, the top hand will be released
from handle 34 on contact with a baseball and pushed through the
hitting zone. Body and bat control are enhanced. Of course, regular
batting also may be practiced. The present invention is very useful
in improving bunting.
[0039] In addition, use of the apparatus for improving batting 10
generates greater awareness of the importance of overall physical
conditioning body coordination by encouraging increased body and
bat leverage as the user resists additional centrifugal forces
sensed during use of the practice bat. All muscles generally
exercised during a baseball game are used and challenged when using
the present invention. In addition, progressing from the heavier
weights provided by the apparatus for improving batting 10, to the
lighter bat heads of conventional game bats, causes greater bat
speed. Both results lead to greater success as a hitter. Practice
with the present invention will cause hitters to trust reactions to
a pitch, and to have confidence to instinctively hit the ball.
Accordingly, the present invention promotes athletic proficiency
rapidly and comfortably as a user moves between teamwork, cage
work, on-deck drills, and batting practice.
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