U.S. patent application number 10/024300 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-19 for training ball bat having a detachable ball-striking element.
Invention is credited to Mabry, Kenneth A..
Application Number | 20030114257 10/024300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21819878 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030114257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mabry, Kenneth A. |
June 19, 2003 |
Training ball bat having a detachable ball-striking element
Abstract
A training bat includes a handle having proximal and distal
ends, an elongate ball-striking element having proximal and distal
ends, and a connecting rod connected at the distal end of the
handle for receiving the proximal end of the ball-striking element
and detachably connecting thereto. The ball-striking element has a
diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional
baseball bat to provide a training effect as the bat is used to
swing at a ball pitched to a batter. Weights may be removed and
added as desired to change the weight of the bat by removing the
ball-striking element from the connecting rod, placing the desired
number of weights on the connecting rod and reconnecting the
ball-striking element to the connecting rod. The training bat has
the length and weight of a conventional bat to maximize the
training bat's effectiveness in developing hitting ability.
Inventors: |
Mabry, Kenneth A.; (Rock
Hill, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Adams, Schwartz & Evans, P.A.
2180 Two Wachovia Center
301 South Tyson Street
Charlotte
NC
28282
US
|
Family ID: |
21819878 |
Appl. No.: |
10/024300 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 2069/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/457 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A training bat, comprising: (a) a handle having proximal and
distal ends; (b) an elongate ball-striking element having a
diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional
baseball bat for providing a training effect as the bat is used to
swing at a ball; and (c) a connecting member connected at the
distal end of said handle for receiving said ball-striking element
and detachably connecting thereto.
2. A training bat according to claim 1, wherein said handle
conforms in shape and size to a handle of a conventional baseball
bat.
3. A training bat according to claim 1, wherein said ball-striking
element comprises a metallic rod.
4. A training bat according to claim 1, wherein said ball-striking
element extends outwardly from said handle and the combined length
of said handle and said ball-striking element are equivalent to the
length of a conventional baseball bat.
5. A training bat according to claim 1, wherein the weight of the
training bat is equivalent to the weight of a conventional baseball
bat.
6. A training bat according to claim 1, wherein the weight of the
bat is adjustable to a desired weight by detaching said
ball-striking element from said connecting member, placing a
desired number of weights on the connecting member, and
reconnecting said ball-striking element to said connecting
member.
7. A training bat according to claim 1, further including a weight
assembly positioned on the connecting member.
8. A training bat according to claim 1, further including a weight
assembly positioned on the connecting member and held in place by
frictional engagement with the distal end of said handle and the
proximal end of said ball-striking element.
9. A training bat according to claim 8, wherein said weight
assembly comprises at least one weight having a hole therein for
placement of the weight onto said connecting member.
10. A training bat according to claim 8, wherein said weight
assembly comprises a plurality of weights, each having a hole
therein for being selectively placed on and removed from said
connecting member as desired to change the weight of the bat.
11. A training bat, comprising: (a) a handle having proximal and
distal ends; (b) a receiving rod secured within a bore defined by
said handle at the distal end of said handle and extending
outwardly therefrom; and (c) an elongate ball-striking element
having proximal and distal ends, said ball-striking element
detachably connected to said receiving rod at the proximal end of
said ball-striking element, said ball-striking element having a
diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional
baseball bat for providing a training effect as the bat is used to
swing at a ball.
12. A training bat according to claim 11, wherein said handle
conforms in shape and size to a handle of a conventional baseball
bat.
13. A training bat according to claim 11, wherein said
ball-striking element comprises a cylindrical rod made of
metal.
14. A training bat according to claim 11, wherein said
ball-striking element extends outwardly from said handle and the
combined length of said handle and said ball-striking element are
equivalent to the length of a conventional baseball bat.
15. A training bat according to claim 11, wherein the weight of the
training bat is equivalent to the weight of a conventional baseball
bat.
16. A training bat according to claim 11, further including a
weight assembly positioned at the distal end of said ball-striking
element to simulate the weight distribution of a conventional
baseball bat.
17. A training bat according to claim 11, wherein said
ball-striking element is hollow and of a slightly larger diameter
than said receiving rod, said receiving rod for inserting into said
ball-striking element.
18. A training bat according to claim 17, further including a screw
extending through aligned apertures defined by said ball-striking
element and said receiving rod to connect said ball-striking
element and said receiving rod together as a unit.
19. A training bat according to claim 18, further including a
weight assembly positioned on said receiving rod and held in place
by frictional engagement with the distal end of said handle and the
proximal end of said ball-striking element.
20. A training bat according to claim 19, wherein said weight
assembly comprises at least one weight having a hole therein for
placement of the weight onto said receiving rod.
21. A training bat according to claim 19, wherein said weight
assembly comprises a plurality of weights, each having a hole
therein for being selectively placed on and removed from said
receiving rod as desired to change the weight of the bat.
22. A training bat according to claim 19, and including a resilient
spacer for accommodating space between said weight assembly and
said handle.
23. A method for adjusting the weight of a training bat to a
predetermined weight comprising the steps of: (a) providing a
training bat comprising: (i) a handle having proximal and distal
ends, (ii) a receiving rod secured within a bore defined by said
handle at the distal end of said handle and extending outwardly
therefrom, (iii) an elongate hollow ball-striking element having
proximal and distal ends and a diameter slightly greater than said
receiving rod, said ball-striking element positioned on said
receiving rod and detachably connected to said receiving rod at the
proximal end of said ball-striking element by a screw positioned
through aligned apertures defined by said ball-striking element and
said receiving rod, said ball-striking element having a diameter no
greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional baseball bat
for providing a training effect as the bat is used to swing at a
ball, and (iv) a weight assembly on the receiving rod held in place
by frictional engagement with the handle and the ball-striking
element; (b) removing said screw from the apertures defined by said
ball-striking element and said receiving rod; (c) moving said
ball-striking element off of said receiving rod; (d) placing or
removing a desired number of weights on said ball-striking element;
(e) positioning said ball-striking element on said receiving rod so
as to align the apertures of said ball-striking element and said
receiving rod; and (f) replacing said screw in the apertures to
reconnect said ball-striking element to said receiving rod.
24. A method for making a training bat having a desired weight
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a handle having proximal and
distal ends; (b) providing a receiving rod for securing within a
bore defined by said handle at the distal end of said handle and
extending outward therefrom; (c) varying the weight of said
receiving rod so that said handle and said receiving rod have a
combined desired weight; (d) providing a ball-striking element
having a predetermined weight and having a larger diameter than
said receiving rod; and (e) positioning said ball-striking element
on said receiving rod and detachably connecting thereto.
25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the step of varying the
weight of said receiving rod includes varying the weight of said
receiving rod so that the combined weight of said handle and said
receiving rod equal 15.8 to 16.2 ounces.
26. A method according to claim 24, wherein the step of providing a
ball-striking element includes providing a ball-striking element
having a larger diameter than said receiving rod and having a
weight of 8.6 ounces.
27. A method according to claim 24, wherein the step of positioning
said ball-striking element on said receiving rod includes sliding
said ball-striking element onto the receiving rod until the
proximal end of said ball-striking element contacts the distal end
of said handle.
28. A method according to claim 24, further including the step of
placing a predetermined number of weights on said receiving rod to
obtain a desired total weight of said training bat.
29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the step of placing a
predetermined number of weights on said receiving rod includes
placing an appropriate number of weights on said receiving rod to
obtain a desired total weight of said training bat in relation to
the length of said training bat.
30. A method for developing and enhancing ball hitting ability
comprising the steps of: (a) providing a training bat comprising a
handle having proximal and distal ends, an elongate ball-striking
element having a diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of
a conventional baseball bat, and a connecting member connected at
the distal end of said handle for receiving the proximal end of
said ball-striking element and detachably connecting thereto; (b)
providing a ball; (c) pitching said ball to a batter using said
training bat; and (d) swinging said training bat at said pitched
ball in an attempt to hit the ball.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the step of providing a
ball comprises providing a ball that is smaller than a conventional
baseball and formed of a soft, resilient material.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a training bat for use by baseball
and softball players for improving hand/eye coordination during
batting activity. In general, the training bat operates by training
the batter to hit a ball with a bat having a substantially smaller
diameter than a conventional baseball bat. The ball may be the same
size as or smaller than the regulation size baseball or softball.
When the batter uses a regulation wooden or aluminum bat after
having practiced with the training bat, greater success in hitting
the ball is achieved. This is due to the improved hand/eye
coordination developed as a result of having to adapt to hitting a
ball with a bat of much smaller diameter. Notwithstanding the
smaller diameter of the ball-striking portion of the training bat,
the bat is generally the same weight and length as conventional
bats to maximize the effectiveness of the training bat. In
addition, weight is distributed at both the proximal and distal
ends of the training bat to simulate the sensation of a
conventional bat.
[0002] Conventional ball bats are identified by weight, length and
a number which correlates these two numbers. For example, a typical
bat length is 31 inches, and a typical bat weight is 28 oz. Such a
bat is referred to as a "-3" bat, by subtracting the length in
inches from the weight in ounces. (28 minus 31=-3). Bats can be
made lighter or heavier for a given length. Thus, a 31 inch bat
which weights 31 oz. is referred to as a "0" bat, whereas a 31 inch
bat which weighs 25 oz. is referred to as a "-6" bat. These sizes
and relationships are critical to fitting a bat to an individual
player so that the player achieves optimal results, taking into
account the player's age, size, strength, experience and the
like.
[0003] The training bat disclosed and claimed in this application
is designed to be alterable so as to achieve the same relationship
between weight and length as is present in conventional wooden or
aluminum bats used during regulation play. In addition, the
training bat is designed so that weight is distributed at both
proximal and distal ends of the bat producing a more natural feel
for the user. By doing this, the training effect achieved by using
the bat is enhanced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
training bat which simulates a conventional baseball bat in weight,
length and balance.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a training
bat which can be easily varied in weight to achieve a particular
weight to length ratio without affecting the balance of the
bat.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a training
bat which is an effective training aid.
[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a training
bat which can be used to practice in a small area.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a training
bat which is safe for use by players of various skill and training
levels.
[0009] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
a training bat having a handle with proximal and distal ends, an
elongate ball-striking element with proximal and distal ends and a
diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional
baseball bat for providing a training effect as the bat is used to
swing at a ball, and a connecting member connected at the distal
end of the handle for receiving the proximal end of the
ball-striking element and detachably connecting thereto.
[0010] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
training bat's handle conforms in shape and size to a handle of a
conventional baseball bat.
[0011] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
the ball-striking element is a metallic rod.
[0012] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ball-striking element extends outwardly from the
handle and the combined length of the handle and the ball-striking
element are equivalent to the length of a conventional baseball
bat.
[0013] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the weight of the training bat is equivalent to the
weight of a conventional baseball bat.
[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the weight of the training bat is adjustable to a
desired weight by detaching the ball-striking element from the
connecting member, placing or removing a desired number of weights
on the connecting member, and reconnecting the ball-striking
element to the connecting member.
[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a weight assembly positioned
on the connecting member.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a weight assembly positioned
on the connecting member and held in place by frictional engagement
with the distal end of the handle and the proximal end of the
ball-striking element.
[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the weight assembly includes at least one weight having
a hole therein for placement of the weight onto the connecting
member.
[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the weight assembly includes a plurality of weights,
each having a hole therein for being selectively placed on and
removed from the connecting member as desired to change the weight
of the bat.
[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a handle having proximal and
distal ends, a receiving rod secured within a bore defined by the
handle at the distal end of the handle and extending outwardly
therefrom, and an elongate ball-striking element having proximal
and distal ends. The ball-striking element is detachably connected
to the receiving rod at the proximal end of the ball-striking
element, and the ball-striking element has a diameter no greater
than one-half the diameter of a conventional baseball bat to
provide a training effect as the bat is used to swing at a
ball.
[0020] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ball-striking element is a cylindrical rod made of
metal.
[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a weight assembly positioned
at the distal end of the ball-striking element to simulate the
weight distribution of a conventional baseball bat.
[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ball-striking element is hollow and of a slightly
larger diameter than the receiving rod, and the receiving rod is
inserted into the ball-striking element.
[0023] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a screw extending through
aligned apertures defined by the ball-striking element and the
receiving rod to connect the ball-striking element and the
receiving rod together as a unit.
[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a weight assembly on the
receiving rod held in place by frictional engagement with the
distal end of the handle and the proximal end of the ball-striking
element.
[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the training bat includes a resilient spacer for
accommodating space between the weight assembly and the handle.
[0026] A method of the invention for adjusting the weight of a
training bat to a predetermined weight includes the steps of
providing a training bat having a handle with proximal and distal
ends, and a receiving rod secured within a bore defined by the
handle at the distal end of the handle and extending outwardly
therefrom, an elongate hollow ball-striking element with proximal
and distal ends and a diameter slightly greater than said receiving
rod. The ball-striking element is positioned on the receiving rod
and detachably connected to the receiving rod at the proximal end
of the ball-striking element by a screw positioned through aligned
apertures defined by the ball-striking element and the receiving
rod, and has a diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a
conventional baseball bat for providing a training effect as the
bat is used to swing at a ball. In addition, a weight assembly is
positioned on the receiving rod that is held in place by frictional
engagement with the distal end of the handle and the proximal end
of the ball-striking element. The screw is removed from the
apertures defined by the ball-striking element and the receiving
rod. The ball-striking element is moved off of the receiving rod. A
desired number of weights is placed on or removed from the
ball-striking element. The ball-striking element is positioned back
on the receiving rod so as to align the apertures of the
ball-striking element and the receiving rod. Finally, the screw is
replaced in the apertures to reconnect said ball-striking element
to the receiving rod.
[0027] A method of the invention for making a training bat having a
desired weight includes the steps of providing a handle having
proximal and distal ends, providing a receiving rod for securing
within a bore defined by the handle at the distal end of the handle
and extending outward therefrom, varying the weight of the
receiving rod so that the handle and the receiving rod have a
combined desired weight, providing a ball-striking element having a
predetermined weight and a larger diameter than the receiving rod,
and positioning the ball-striking element on the receiving rod and
detachably connecting it thereto.
[0028] According to one preferred embodiment of the method of the
invention for making a training bat having a desired weight, the
step of varying the weight of the receiving rod includes varying
the weight of the receiving rod so that the combined weight of the
handle and the receiving rod equal 15.8 to 16.2 ounces.
[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of the method of
the invention for making a training bat having a desired weight,
the step of providing a ball-striking element includes providing a
ball-striking element having a larger diameter than the receiving
rod and having a weight of 8.6 ounces.
[0030] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the method
of the invention for making a training bat having a desired weight,
the step of positioning the ball-striking element on the receiving
rod includes sliding the ball-striking element onto the receiving
rod until the proximal end of the ball-striking element contacts
the distal end of the handle.
[0031] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the method
of the invention for making a training bat having a desired weight,
the step of placing a predetermined number of weights on the
receiving rod includes placing an appropriate number of weights on
the receiving rod to obtain a desired total weight of the training
bat in relation to the length of the training bat.
[0032] Yet another preferred embodiment of the method of the
invention for making a training bat having a desired weight
includes the step of placing a predetermined number of weights on
the receiving rod to obtain a desired total weight of said training
bat.
[0033] A method of the invention for developing and enhancing ball
hitting ability includes the steps of providing a training bat
comprising a handle having proximal and distal ends, an elongate
ball-striking element having proximal and distal ends and a
diameter no greater than one-half the diameter of a conventional
baseball bat, and a connecting member connected at the distal end
of the handle for receiving the proximal end of the ball-striking
element and detachably connecting thereto, providing a ball,
pitching the ball to a batter using said training bat, and swinging
the training bat at the pitched ball in an attempt to hit the
ball.
[0034] According to one preferred embodiment of the method of the
invention for developing and enhancing ball hitting ability, the
step of providing a ball includes providing a ball that is smaller
than a conventional baseball.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a training bat according
to an embodiment of the invention in use;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a training bat according to
a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bat through
the screw which connects the ball-striking element and receiving
rod together;
[0039] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the training bat
shown in FIG. 2 with parts broken away; and
[0040] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the training bat
shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
[0041] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a training bat
according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and
shown generally at reference numeral 10. The training bat 10 is
designed to have the same weight, length and balance as a bat that
a baseball or softball player would ordinarily use during
regulation play. The training bat 10 is comprised of three
principal elements: a handle 11, a ball-striking element 12 and a
connecting rod 13, shown in detail in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. A looped
hand strap 14 is attached to the end of the handle 11 of the
training bat 10. By extending the lowermost hand through the strap
14, as shown in FIG. 1, the training bat 10 is prevented from being
inadvertently thrown by the player should he lose his grip during a
swing.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, the handle 11 is preferably formed
of aluminum or wood and shaped to duplicate the size and feel of a
conventional baseball bat. Preferably, the handle 11 is
approximately 14 inches long. The handle 11 may be wrapped with
tape to improve the grip as in conventional bats. The opposite ends
of the handle 11 define a proximal end 11A and a distal end
11B.
[0043] The handle 11 also includes an axially-extending bore 15
that begins at the distal end 11B and extends approximately 41/2
inches into the handle 11, as shown in FIG. 4. The bore preferably
has a diameter of approximately {fraction (9/16)} inch. The
connecting rod 13 is positioned within the bore, as shown in FIGS.
2 and 4. The connecting rod 13 preferably has an outer diameter of
approximately inch 1/2 so that it fits tightly within the bore. The
connecting rod 13 preferably has a total length of approximately 12
inches and extends within the handle 11 to the end of the bore 15
so that approximately 71/2 inches of the connecting rod 13 extends
outward from the distal end 11B of handle 11.
[0044] The connecting rod 13 is preferably constructed of solid
zinc-plated steel or aluminum and is secured within the bore 15 by
a suitable adhesive such as an epoxy, and by a pin 16 which extends
radially through an aperture 17 in one side of the handle 11, a
mating aperture 18 in the connecting rod 13 and another aperture 19
which extends only partially through the other side of the handle
11. See FIGS. 4 and 5. This prevents the pin 16 from either being
accidentally or deliberately pushed out one side of the handle 11
by pressure on the opposite side.
[0045] The diameter of the ball-striking element 12 is
substantially less than the diameter of a conventional bat and may
preferably be {fraction (9/16)} inch. The preferred ball-striking
element 12 is fabricated of copper tubing. To connect the
ball-striking element 12 to the handle 11, connecting rod 13 is
inserted into the proximal end 12A of ball-striking element 12 such
that a threaded aperture 20 in the connecting rod 13 is aligned
with a similarly sized threaded aperture 21 in the ball-striking
element 12. See FIG. 4. The interior of the connecting rod 13 has
threads where the aperture 20 is defined. A screw 22, preferably a
3/4 inch 632 screw, is screwed into the threaded apertures 20 and
21 to connect the ball-striking element 12 and connecting rod 13
together as a unit, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Shrink tubing, not
shown, covers the connecting rod 13 to prevent slippage between the
ball-striking element 12 and the connecting rod 13.
[0046] A weight assembly 23 is positioned at the distal end 12B of
the ball-striking element 12. By adding weight at the distal end of
the ball-striking element 12, the training bat 10 simulates the
weight distribution of a conventional bat, resulting in a more
realistic feel to the batter when swinging the training bat 10. The
weight assembly 23 preferably comprises a plurality of individual
washer-shaped weights 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d, each having a circular
hole with a diameter equal to or less than the ball-striking
element 12 so that they cannot slide down the ball-striking element
12, thereby holding the weights in place on the training bat 10.
The weights 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d preferably have a combined total
weight of 3.1 ounces. An attachment rod 24 having a diameter
approximately equal to that of the connecting rod 13 is inserted
through the holes of weights 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d and into the
distal end 12B of ball-striking element 12 so that an aperture 25
in the ball-striking element 12 is aligned with an aperture 26 in
the attachment rod 24. A pin 27 is inserted into the apertures 25
and 26, and a second pin 28 is inserted through a second aperture
29 in the attachment rod 24, as shown in FIG. 4. The weights 23a,
23b, 23c and 23d are held in place on the training bat 10 by
frictional engagement with pin 28 on the upper end and the distal
end 12B of ball-striking element 12 at the lower end, as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second weight assembly 30
is positioned on the connecting rod 13 between the distal end 11A
of the handle 11 and the proximal end 12A of the ball-striking
element 12. The weight assembly 30 preferably comprises a plurality
of individual washer-shaped weights 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f,
30g and 30h, each having a circular hole with a diameter slightly
larger than the connecting rod 13 but smaller than the diameter of
ball-striking element 12 and the distal end 11B of the handle 11 so
that the weights can be placed on the connecting rod 13 and held in
place by frictional engagement with the proximal end 12A of the
ball-striking element at the upper end and the distal end 11B of
the handle 11A at the lower end. Preferably, the weights 30a, 30b,
30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g and 30h, each have an individual weight of
1/2 ounce The weight and balance of the training bat 10 is adjusted
by adding on or removing from the training bat 10 a desired number
of individual weights of weight assembly 30.
[0048] Increasing the weight of the training bat 10 is preferably
accomplished by removing screw 22 and sliding the ball-striking
element 12 off of the connecting rod 13. Then, a desired number of
individual weights of weight assembly 30 and a resilient spacer 31,
made of foam or other resilient material, are placed on the
connecting rod 13. The ball-striking element 12 is placed back on
the connecting rod 13 so that aperture 20 is aligned with aperture
21. As ball-striking element 12 is moved down connecting rod 13 it
contacts the weights and forces them and the resilient spacer 31
against the distal end 11B of the handle 11. The weights of weight
assembly 30 and resilient spacer 31 are held in place by frictional
engagement with the proximal end 12A of ball-striking element 12 on
one end and the distal end 11B of the handle on the other. The
resilient spacer 31 prevents movement of the weights by
accommodating excess space between the weight assembly 30 and the
handle 11 when less than the maximum number of weights are used.
The weight of the training bat 10 is reduced by reversing the steps
described above.
[0049] While FIG. 5 depicts the weight assembly 30 having eight
weights 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g and 30h, it should be
noted that various numbers of weights can be added or removed to
obtain a desired total bat weight for the user. In addition, it
should be noted that although the weight of the training bat 10 is
preferably adjusted via addition or removal of weights to weight
assembly 30 positioned at the center of the training bat 10, weight
adjustment can be achieved in an alternative embodiment of the
invention by varying the number of weights of weight assembly 20 at
the distal end of the training bat 10.
[0050] One preferred embodiment of the ball-striking element 10 has
the following dimensions and characteristics:
1 Overall length of bat 10 31 inches Weight of bat 10 28 oz. Length
of handle 11 14 inches Total length of ball-striking 21.125 inches
element 12 Exposed length of ball-striking 17 inches element 12
Diameter of ball-striking 1/2 inch element 12 Diameter of pin 16
1/8 inch
[0051] When fabricating the training bat 10, the handle 11 and
connecting rod 13 together should preferably weigh between 15.8 and
16.2 ounces. It is difficult to produce a large number of wood
handles of precisely the same weight, and therefore the length of
the connecting rod 13 is varied to accommodate variations in the
weight of the handle 11 and obtain a combined weight of the handle
11 and connecting rod 13 in the desired range of 15.8 and 16.2
ounces. The ball striking element 12 should weigh approximately 8.6
ounces, and the weight assembly 23 preferably weighs 3.1 ounces,
yielding a total bat weight of approximately 27.7 ounces without
the addition of weight assembly 30.
[0052] Given the much smaller diameter of the ball-striking element
12 compared with the diameter in the hitting zone of a conventional
bat, a batter can develop and improve hitting skills by practicing
with the training bat 10 of the invention. The training effect can
be further enhanced by using a smaller ball, for example, a ball
approximately the size of the core of a conventional baseball, or
about 2 inches. In addition, the ball can be made of foam or other
soft, resilient material to allow for use of the training bat in a
variety of environments, including indoors.
[0053] A swing that results in weak or slight contact between the
ball-striking element 12 and the smaller ball will often result in
good contact with a regulation bat and baseball. A close miss with
the ball-striking element 12 and the smaller ball often results in
at least some contact with a conventional bat and ball.
[0054] A training bat is described above. Various details of the
invention may be changed without departing from its scope.
Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment
of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are
provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the
purpose of limitation--the invention being defined by the
claims.
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