U.S. patent application number 10/159621 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for baseball training device and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Mahoney, Michael J..
Application Number | 20030224882 10/159621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29582965 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030224882 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahoney, Michael J. |
December 4, 2003 |
Baseball training device and method of using same
Abstract
An apparatus and method are disclosed for training a person in a
technique for hitting a baseball. The disclosed batting training
device comprises an integrated pivoting unit to which are attached
a foot-engaging and ground-engaging member. A sealing member
encircles adjacent surfaces of the integrated pivoting unit which
form a ball bearing housing, to keep dirt and debris away from the
ball bearings. The sealing member also provides additional
friction, thus increasing the resistance of the device to a
pivoting motion. A method of using the device is also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Mahoney, Michael J.;
(Bakersfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James M. Duncan
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper,
Rosenllieb & Klmball, LLP
P.O. Box 11172
Bakersfield
CA
93389-1172
US
|
Family ID: |
29582965 |
Appl. No.: |
10/159621 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 22/14 20130101; A63B 2069/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/452 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A baseball training device comprising: (a) an integrated
pivoting unit comprising a first flange and a second flange in
facing relation, the first flange pivotally attached at its center
to the center of the second flange, a bearing housing defined where
the first flange is pivotally attached to the second flange for
holding ball bearings, the first and second flange each having an
outward facing surface; (b) a foot-engaging member attached with
fastening means to the outward facing surface of the first flange;
(c) a ground-engaging member attached with fastening means to the
outward facing surface of the second flange; and (d) a sealing
member encircling the bearing housing.
2. The baseball training device of claim 1 wherein the sealing
member is a rubber o-ring.
3. The baseball training device of claim 1 wherein the fastening
means are rivets.
4. The baseball training device of claim 1 wherein the
foot-engaging member and the ground-engaging member are round.
5. The baseball training device of claim 4 wherein the
foot-engaging member and the ground-engaging member have the same
diameter.
6. The baseball training device of claim 5 wherein the diameter
ranges from 3.5 inches to 6.0 inches.
7. A baseball training device comprising: (a) an integrated
pivoting unit comprising a first flange and a second flange in
facing relation, the first flange pivotally attached at its center
to the center of the second flange, a bearing housing defined where
the first flange is pivotally attached to the second flange for
holding ball bearings, the first and second flange each having an
outward facing surface; (b) a round foot-engaging member having a
first surface and a second surface, the first surface and second
surface being on opposite sides of the foot-engaging member, the
first surface attached with fastening means to the outward facing
surface of the first flange; (c) a round ground-engaging member
having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and
second surface being on opposite sides of the ground-engaging
member, the first surface attached with fastening means to the
outward facing surface of the second flange; (d) a rubber o-ring
encircling the bearing housing; and (e) a cover material attached
to the second surface of the foot-engaging member and to the second
surface of the ground-engaging member.
8. The baseball training device of claim 7 wherein the
foot-engaging member and the ground-engaging member have the same
diameter.
9. The baseball training device of claim 8 wherein the diameter
ranges from 3.5 inches to 6.0 inches.
10. A method of using a baseball training device for one to acquire
improve batting form comprising the steps of: (a) placing a first
foot on the baseball training device, the baseball training device
comprising: (i) an integrated pivoting unit comprising a first
flange and a second flange in facing relation, the first flange
pivotally attached at its center to the center of the second
flange, a bearing housing defined where the first flange is
pivotally attached to the second flange, the first and second
flange each having an outward facing surface; (ii) a foot-engaging
member attached with fastening means to the outward facing surface
of the first flange; (iii) a ground-engaging member attached with
fastening means to the outward facing surface of the second flange;
and (iv) a sealing member encircling the bearing housing; (b)
assuming a batting stance, placing a second foot approximately a
shoulder's width apart from the first foot, and cocking a bat above
the shoulder corresponding with the first foot; (c) shifting weight
so that the majority of one's weight is supported by the first
foot; (d) swinging the bat, and simultaneously rotating the first
foot on the baseball training device but not moving the first foot
off of the baseball training device so that one's hips rotate in
the same direction as the bat; and (e) completing the swing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to sports equipment
and more specifically to devices and methods which are used to
assist baseball players in achieving a correct form for
batting.
[0002] It is known that correct batting form requires the batter to
properly distribute their weight when preparing to engage the
pitched ball. One of the components of proper weight distribution
involves the positioning of the batter's feet as the batter
prepares to swing and actually swings at the ball. As the ball is
delivered by the pitcher, it is commonly known that the majority of
the batter's weight should shift to the rear foot. The front foot
may actually rise or slightly move forward as the batter shifts
weight, but the rear foot should remain planted. As the batter
begins to swing, the rear foot should pivot in place without
forward movement. This pivoting motion causes the batter's hips to
rotate from the original position of facing at a right angle to the
pitcher, to a position where the batter's hips are almost facing
the pitcher at the point of contact between the ball and the bat.
The proper weight distribution allows the batter to deliver a more
powerful swing, and also enables the batter to deliver a level
swing. Otherwise, the bat may drop, which might cause the batter to
miss the ball or deliver a less powerful swing.
[0003] The motion of the rear foot is often described by coaches as
"crushing the bug," in reference to a rotational motion that might
be used for killing an insect with one's foot.
[0004] Different inventions have been proposed for achieving the
correct pivoting technique. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,290
discloses a baseball swing training apparatus comprising a base
unit, an anchor unit, a pivot unit, a platform unit and a
releaseable foot engaging unit. The device disclosed in the '290
patent requires the setting of anchors to secure the device to the
ground or other supporting surface, and also requires the batter to
secure his or her foot to the platform unit with a "foot securing
unit." In addition, the device disclosed in the '290 patent is
designed for the platform member to "rotate freely relative to the
base member." The device disclosed in the '290 patent utilizes a
single pivot member to connect the base member to the platform
member.
[0005] There are several disadvantages presented by the device
disclosed in the '290 patent. By way of example only, among some of
the disadvantages are the following: (1) the device requires
preparation insofar as the base unit must be properly anchored to
the ground, which may include deploying the device in a recess or
hole in the ground; (2) once the device has been anchored, the
player must secure his or her foot to the platform unit; (3)
because the platform member is designed to rotate freely with
respect to the base member, the sensation the batter experiences
while practicing with the device is different from the sensation of
rotating the rear foot on the ground itself; (4) the single pivot
member utilized by the device for rotation may lock up over time,
so the platform no longer rotates as required; and (5) given the
anchors and foot straps, the device is necessarily large and not
easily transported within a player's equipment bag for individual
training.
[0006] A need exists for a batting training device which requires
no significant preparations to use, which provides an accurate
sensation of the required motion, which is small enough to be
readily carried in a player's gear bag along with the player's
other equipment, and which is inexpensive enough to be readily
affordable by every aspiring baseball player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a batting training
device and method which meets the needs identified above.
[0008] The disclosed batting training device comprises an
integrated pivoting unit, the pivoting unit comprising a first
flange and a second flange in facing relation, the first flange
pivotally attached at its center to the center of the second
flange, a bearing housing defined where the first flange is
pivotally attached to the second flange for holding ball bearings,
the first and second flange each having outward facing surfaces. A
foot-engaging member is attached with fastening means to the
outward facing surface of the first flange and a ground-engaging
member is attached with fastening means to the outward facing
surface of the second flange. A sealing member encircles the
attachment surface. The method of training comprises placing a
first foot on the device, assuming a batting stance, placing the
second foot approximately a shoulder's width apart from the first
foot. As the batter anticipates the pitched ball, the batter shifts
weight so that the majority of the batter's weight is supported by
the first foot, which is resting on the device. The batter swings
the bat and simultaneously rotates the first foot on the device
without lifting the first foot, so that the batter's hips rotate in
the same direction as the bat, as the batter completes the
swing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disclosed invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the disclosed invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is top view of one embodiment of the disclosed
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the disclosed invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows placement of the device beneath a batter's
foot.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows how a batter might place the device when
assuming a batting stance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Referring now specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of the disclosed device 10. The device comprises
an upper foot-engaging member 12, an integrated pivoting unit 14, a
lower ground-engaging member 16, a sealing member 18, and fastening
means 20 for respectively attaching the foot-engaging member and
the ground-engaging member to the integrated pivoting unit 18. The
foot-engaging member has two sides, being first surface 12A and
second surface 12B. Likewise, ground-engaging member 16 has two
sides, being first surface 16A and second surface 16B.
[0016] Cover material 22 may be applied to the second surface 12B
of foot-engaging member 12 and to the second surface 16B of ground
engaging member 16, the cover material being of the type which
provides additional friction so the user's foot 24 is less inclined
to slip or the device more firmly engages the ground 26. Fastening
means 20, such as rivets or nuts and bolts, are used to attach
foot-engaging member 12 to integrated pivoting unit 14. Likewise,
fastening means 20 are used to attach ground-engaging member 16 to
the integrated pivoting unit 14. Glue or other acceptable adhesive
may be used to attach cover material 22 to the second surface 12B
of the foot-engaging member 12 and to the second surface 16B of the
ground-engaging member 16. In addition, fastening means 20 may also
penetrate cover material 20 to provide further means of fastening
of the cover material to the foot engaging member 12 and the
ground-engaging member 16. Cover material 22 might be textured to
increase the friction between the batter's foot 24 and the
foot-engaging member 12.
[0017] The integrated pivoting unit comprises a first flange 28A
and a second flange 28B, which are in facing relation. The first
flange 28A is pivotally attached at its center to the center of the
second flange 28B, enclosing ball bearings. A bearing housing 30 is
defined where the first flange 28A is pivotally attached to the
second flange 28B The first flange 28A and second flange 28B each
have outward facing surfaces to which are respectively attached the
first surface 12A of the foot-engaging member 12 and the first
surface 16A of the ground-engaging member 16.
[0018] It will be appreciated that the top of the device, as shown
in FIG. 3, may be a mirror image of the bottom, so that it does not
matter which side is facing up. In other words, there may be no
difference between the foot-engaging member 12 and the
ground-engaging member 16. The foot-engaging member 12 and the
ground-engaging member 16 may be round in shape and may have the
same diameter. These members may be sized so the diameters are the
same width or wider than the ball of the foot of the user. It has
been found that a suitable diameter of the members is from 3.5
inches to 6.0 inches. This range of diameters allows for easy
storage of the device in a gear bag, but is also large enough to
provide sufficient support for the player's foot 24.
[0019] This feature of the device allows a young ballplayer to
simply drop the device on the ground without regard to which side
is facing up. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 4, the
integrated pivoting unit 18 is sandwiched between the foot-engaging
member 18 and the ground-engaging member 16. Integrated pivoting
member 18 is available from most hardware supply stores as a single
piece unit, typically used for such uses as pivotally mounting
wheel casters to furniture. Sealing member 18 may be a rubber
o-ring or other elastic member which is sized so that it is able to
be stretched over one of the flanges 28 of the integrated pivoting
unit 18, yet small enough that it snugly fits around the bearing
housing 30 defined where the first flange 28A is pivotally attached
to the second flange 28B. Among other functions, sealing member 18
keeps dirt and debris away from the bearing housing 30 so no dirt
or debris gets between the bearings keeping flanges 28 free to move
with respect to one another. Sealing member 18 also adds additional
friction so that flanges 28 do not freely spin, thereby causing the
sensation of rotating the foot on the device to resemble to a
greater degree the sensation of rotating the rear foot on the
ground itself. Yet, when weight is placed on the device and the
rear foot rotated, the flanges 28 spin in such a manner as to
convey to the batter proper batting posture and technique.
[0020] The method of training comprises the batter placing a first
foot 24 on the device 10. The batter assumes a batting stance,
placing their second foot 32 approximately a shoulder's width apart
from the first foot 24, and cocking the bat 34 above the shoulder
36 corresponding with the first foot 24. The batter shifts his or
her weight so that the majority of the batter's weight is supported
by the first foot 24. The batter swings the bat 34, while
simultaneously rotating the first foot 24 on the device 10, which
pivots as the foot rotates. However, although the first foot 24 is
rotated, it is not moved off of the device during the swing.
Rotating the first foot 24 in this manner causes the batter's hips
38 to rotate in the same direction as the bat, such that the hips
rotate approximately 90 degrees.
[0021] While the above is a description of various embodiments of
the present invention, further modifications may be employed
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, the size, shape, and/or material of the
various components may be changed as desired. Thus the scope of the
invention should not be limited by the specific structures
disclosed. Instead the true scope of the invention should be
determined by the following claims.
* * * * *