U.S. patent application number 10/197325 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for training device and method of training a batter.
Invention is credited to Cardinale, Ronald S..
Application Number | 20040023736 10/197325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31186564 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040023736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cardinale, Ronald S. |
February 5, 2004 |
Training device and method of training a batter
Abstract
A baseball training device comprises a rod having a handle end
portion containing a handle end knob, an intermediate handle
portion containing one or more intermediate handle knob(s), a body
portion and a distal end. The intermediate handle portion, along
with the handle end portion creates a recessed handle area between
two knobs providing for an enhanced, repeatable grip of the device,
allowing for increased bat speed and resultant swinging power while
improving the safety of swinging the device at a ball or similar
object. The configuration of the body portion coupled with the
enhanced gripping handle of the training device will provide for
desired, graduated levels of training a batter to improve hand-eye
coordination while optimizing swinging power to strike an effective
blow to a ball or similar object. A method comprising steps to:
choose a training device with an enhanced gripping handle and
desired body portion, grip the training device, and swing the
training device to repeatedly strike a ball or similar object with
confidence, increased swinging power and improved hand-eye
coordination.
Inventors: |
Cardinale, Ronald S.;
(Orchard Park, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALLACE F. NEYERLIN, Esq.
726 Division Avenue
Niagara Falls
NY
14305
US
|
Family ID: |
31186564 |
Appl. No.: |
10/197325 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0002 20130101;
A63B 59/50 20151001; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B
60/10 20151001; A63B 60/06 20151001; A63B 2102/18 20151001; A63B
2069/0008 20130101; A63B 71/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/457 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A training device of the preferred embodiment comprising: a rod
having a handle end containing a handle end expanded diameter
section, an intermediate handle portion between the handle end
expanded diameter section and an intermediate handle expanded
diameter section or between any two intermediate handle expanded
diameter sections, a first cross section of the intermediate handle
portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has a
first outer perimeter that is substantially similar to a second
outer perimeter of any other cross section of the intermediate
handle portion taken parallel to the first cross section, the
intermediate handle portion containing one or more intermediate
handle expanded diameter section(s), a body portion and a distal
end, the body portion representing a substantial length of the
overall length of the rod, a first cross section of the body
portion taken at a point where an intermediate handle expanded
diameter section meets the body portion and at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter that may
be substantially dissimilar to a second outer perimeter of any
other cross section of the body portion taken parallel to the first
cross section of the body portion in the direction from where the
intermediate handle expanded diameter section meets the body
portion of the rod toward the distal end of the rod.
2. The training device of claim 1, wherein any outer perimeter of
the rod is substantially circular when the angle is about 90
degrees.
3. The training device of claim 1, wherein the rod is made from a
single, homogeneous piece of material.
4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the cross section of
either the handle end expanded diameter section or any intermediate
handle expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outer perimeter that is greater
than the outer perimeter of any cross section of the intermediate
handle portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the
rod.
5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate handle
portion includes one or more intermediate handle expanded diameter
section(s) that are substantially similar to the handle end
expanded diameter section.
6. The training device of claim 1, wherein any intermediate handle
expanded diameter section is located between the handle end
expanded diameter section and the body portion of the rod.
7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter of
any intermediate handle expanded diameter section is substantially
circular when the angle is about 90 degrees.
8. The training device of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter of
the handle end expanded diameter section is substantially circular
when the angle is about 90 degrees.
9. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a bore in the
body portion of the rod extending from the distal end toward the
handle end.
10. The training device of claim 1, wherein a side view of the
intermediate handle portion of the rod between the handle end
expanded diameter section and the first intermediate handle
expanded diameter section proximate to the handle end expanded
diameter section or between any two intermediate handle expanded
diameter sections has a substantially linear and uniform
composition.
11. The training device of claim 1, wherein a cross section of the
handle end expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outside diameter between 1 and
4 inches.
12. The training device of claim 1, wherein a cross section of any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) taken at an angle
to a longitudinal axis of the rod has an outside diameter between 1
and 4 inches.
13. The training device of claim 1, wherein a side view of the
handle end expanded diameter section of the rod has an overall
width between 1/8 and 2 inches.
14. The training device of claim 1, wherein a side view of any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) of the rod has an
overall width between 1/8 and 2 inches.
15. The training device of claim 1, wherein the distance between
the centerline of the handle end expanded diameter section and the
centerline of the first intermediate handle expanded diameter
section proximate to the handle end expanded diameter section is
between 1/4 and 18 inches.
16. The training device of claim 1, wherein the distance between
the centerlines of any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections is between 1/4 and 18 inches.
17. The training device of claim 1, wherein the preferred
embodiment of the rod is between 20 and 48 inches in length and
between 10 and 56 ounces in weight.
18. The training device of claim 3, wherein any known material may
be selected on the basis of its suitability for the intended use
where the material may include but not be limited to wood, metal,
plastic, metal alloy, rubber, or composite.
19. The training device of claim 9, wherein the bore is filled with
a gas.
20. The training device of claim 9, wherein the bore is filled with
a liquid.
21. The training device of claim 9, wherein the bore is filled with
a gelatin.
22. The training device of claim 9, wherein the bore is filled with
a solid material.
23. The training device of claim 9, further comprising a core
residing in the bore of the body portion of the rod.
24. The training device of claim 9, further comprising a plug
inserted in the distal end of the rod and thereby enclosing the
bore within the training device.
25. The training device of claim 11, wherein the outside diameter
of the handle end expanded diameter cross section is when the angle
is about 90 degrees.
26. The training device of claim 12, wherein the outside diameter
of any intermediate handle expanded diameter cross section is when
the angle is about 90 degrees.
27. The training device of claim 23, wherein the core is made from
a solid material.
28. The training device of claim 1, wherein the distance between
the centerline of the handle end expanded diameter section and the
centerline of the first intermediate handle expanded diameter
section proximate to the handle end expanded diameter section for
any novelty objects of the preferred embodiment of the rod is less
than 1/4 inch or greater than 18 inches.
29. The training device of claim 1, wherein the distance between
the centerlines of any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections for any novelty objects of the preferred embodiment of the
rod is less than 1/4 inch or greater than 18 inches.
30. The training device of claim 1, wherein any novelty objects of
the preferred embodiment of the rod is less than 20 inches or
greater than 48 inches in length and less than 10 ounces or greater
than 56 ounces in weight.
31. The training device of claim 1, wherein any novelty objects of
the preferred embodiment of the rod is constructed from a single
piece of homogeneous material or from the assembly of a combination
of wood, plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or composite
material pieces.
32. The training device of claim 1, wherein an intermediate handle
expanded diameter section may be added to the intermediate handle
portion of any novelty objects of the preferred embodiment of the
rod as a separate piece of material through a mechanical, thermal,
and/or chemical process.
33. The training device of claim 32, wherein the material of the
intermediate handle end expanded diameter section may be wood,
plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or composite material.
34. A training device of the further embodiment, comprising: a rod
having a handle end containing a handle end expanded diameter
section, an intermediate handle portion between the handle end
expanded diameter section and an intermediate handle expanded
diameter section or between any two intermediate handle expanded
diameter sections, a first cross section of the intermediate handle
portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has a
first outer perimeter that is substantially similar to a second
outer perimeter of any other cross section of the intermediate
handle portion taken parallel to the first cross section, the
intermediate handle portion containing one or more intermediate
handle expanded diameter section(s), a body portion and a distal
end, the body portion representing a substantial length of the
overall length of the rod, a first cross section of the body
portion taken at a point where an intermediate handle expanded
diameter section meets the body portion and at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter that may
be substantially similar to a second outer perimeter of any other
cross section of the body portion taken parallel to the first cross
section of the body portion in the direction from where the
intermediate handle expanded diameter section meets the body
portion of the rod toward the distal end of the rod.
35. The training device of claim 34, wherein any outer perimeter of
the rod is substantially circular when the angle is about 90
degrees.
36. The training device of claim 34, wherein the rod is made from a
single, homogeneous piece of material.
37. The training device of claim 34, wherein the cross section of
either the handle end expanded diameter section or any intermediate
handle expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outer perimeter that is greater
than the outer perimeter of any cross section of the intermediate
handle portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the
rod.
38. The training device of claim 34, wherein the intermediate
handle portion includes one or more intermediate handle expanded
diameter section(s) that are substantially similar to the handle
end expanded diameter section.
39. The training device of claim 34, wherein any intermediate
handle expanded diameter section is located between the handle end
expanded diameter section and the body portion of the rod.
40. The training device of claim 34, wherein the outer perimeter of
any intermediate handle expanded diameter section is substantially
circular when the angle is about 90 degrees.
41. The training device of claim 34, wherein the outer perimeter of
the handle end expanded diameter section is substantially circular
when the angle is about 90 degrees.
42. The training device of claim 34, further comprising a bore in
the body portion of the rod extending from the distal end toward
the handle end.
43. The training device of claim 34, wherein a side view of the
intermediate handle portion of the rod between the handle end
expanded diameter section and the first intermediate handle
expanded diameter section proximate to the handle end expanded
diameter section or between any two intermediate handle expanded
diameter sections has a substantially linear and uniform
composition.
44. The training device of claim 34, wherein a cross section of the
handle end expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outside diameter between 1 and
4 inches.
45. The training device of claim 34, wherein a cross section of any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) taken at an angle
to a longitudinal axis of the rod has an outside diameter between 1
and 4 inches.
46. The training device of claim 34, wherein a side view of the
handle end expanded diameter section of the rod has an overall
width between 1/8 and 2 inches.
47. The training device of claim 34, wherein a side view of any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) of the rod has an
overall width between 1/8 and 2 inches.
48. The training device of claim 34, wherein the distance between
the centerline of the handle end expanded diameter section and the
centerline of the first intermediate handle expanded diameter
section proximate to the handle end expanded diameter section is
between 1/4 and 18 inches.
49. The training device of claim 34, wherein the distance between
the centerlines of any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections is between 1/4 and 18 inches.
50. The training device of claim 34, wherein the further embodiment
of the rod is between 20 and 48 inches in length and between 8 and
20 ounces in weight.
51. The training device of claim 36, wherein any known material may
be selected on the basis of its suitability for the intended use
where the material may include but not be limited to wood, metal,
plastic, metal alloy, rubber, or composite.
52. The training device of claim 42, wherein the bore is filled
with a gas.
53. The training device of claim 42, wherein the bore is filled
with a liquid.
54. The training device of claim 42, wherein the bore is filled
with a gelatin.
55. The training device of claim 42, wherein the bore is filled
with a solid material.
56. The training device of claim 42, further comprising a core
residing in the bore of the body portion of the rod.
57. The training device of claim 42, further comprising a plug
inserted in the distal end of the rod and thereby enclosing the
bore within the training device.
58. The training device of claim 44, wherein the outside diameter
of the handle end expanded diameter cross section is when the angle
is about 90 degrees.
59. The training device of claim 45, wherein the outside diameter
of any intermediate handle expanded diameter cross section is when
the angle is about 90 degrees.
60. The training device of claim 56, wherein the core is made from
a solid material.
61. The training device of claim 34, wherein the distance between
the centerline of the handle end expanded diameter section and the
centerline of the first intermediate handle expanded diameter
section proximate to the handle end expanded diameter section for
any novelty objects of the further embodiment of the rod is less
than 1/4 inch or greater than 18 inches.
62. The training device of claim 34, wherein the distance between
the centerlines of any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections for any novelty objects of the further embodiment of the
rod is less than 1/4 inch and greater than 18 inches.
63. The training device of claim 34, wherein any novelty objects of
the further embodiment of the rod is less than 20 inches or greater
than 48 inches in length and less than 8 ounces or greater than 20
ounces in weight.
64. The training device of claim 34, wherein any novelty objects of
the further embodiment of the rod is constructed from a single
piece of homogeneous material or from the assembly of a combination
of wood, plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or composite
material pieces.
65. The training device of claim 34, wherein an intermediate handle
expanded diameter section may be added to the intermediate handle
portion of any novelty object of the further embodiment of the rod
as a separate piece of material through a mechanical, thermal,
and/or chemical process.
66. The training device of claim 65, wherein the material of the
intermediate handle end expanded diameter section may be wood,
plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or composite material.
67. A training device of a further embodiment comprising: A rod
made from a single, homogeneous piece of material, having a handle
end containing a handle end expanded diameter section, a body
portion, and a distal end, the body portion represents a
substantial length of the overall length of the rod, a first cross
section of the body portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal
axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter that is substantially
similar to a second outer perimeter of any other cross section of
the body portion taken parallel to the first cross section of the
body portion.
68. The training device of claim 67, wherein any outer perimeter of
the rod is substantially circular when the angle is about 90
degrees.
69. The training device of claim 67, wherein the cross section of
the handle end expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outer perimeter that is greater
than the outer perimeter of any cross section of the body portion
taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod.
70. The training device of claim 67, wherein the outer perimeter of
the handle end expanded diameter section is substantially circular
when the angle is about 90 degrees.
71. The training device of claim 67, further comprising a bore in
the body portion of the rod extending from the distal end toward
the handle end.
72. The training device of claim 67, wherein a cross section of the
handle end expanded diameter section taken at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has an outside diameter between 1 and
4 inches.
73. The training device of claim 67, wherein a sideview of the
handle end expanded diameter section of the rod has an overall
width between 1/8 and 2 inches.
74. The training device of claim 67, wherein the rod is between 20
and 48 inches in length and between 8 and 20 ounces in weight.
75. The training device of claim 67, wherein any known material may
be selected on the basis of its suitability for the intended use
where the material may include but not be limited to wood, metal,
plastic, metal alloy, rubber or composite.
76. The training device of claim 71, wherein the bore is filled
with gas such as air.
77. The training device of claim 71, wherein the bore is filled
with a liquid.
78. The training device of claim 71, wherein the bore is filled
with a gelatin.
79. The training device of claim 71, wherein the bore is filled
with a solid.
80. The training device of claim 71, further comprising a core
residing in the bore of the body portion of the rod.
81. The training device of claim 80, wherein the core is made from
a solid material.
82. The training device of claim 71, further comprising a plug
inserted in the distal end of the rod and thereby enclosing the
bore within the training device.
83. The training device of claim 69, wherein the outside diameter
of the handle end expanded diameter cross section is when the angle
is about 90 degrees.
84. The training device of claim 67, wherein any novelty object of
a further embodiment of the rod is less than 20 inches or greater
than 48 inches in length and less than 8 ounces or greater than 20
ounces in weight.
85. The training device of claim 67, wherein any novelty device of
the further embodiment of the rod is made from a single piece of
homogeneous material or from the assembly of a combination of wood,
plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or composite material
pieces.
86. A method of training a batter, comprising: a rod having a
handle end containing a handle end expanded diameter section, an
intermediate handle portion between the handle end expanded
diameter section and an intermediate handle expanded diameter
section or between any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections, a first cross section of the intermediate handle portion
taken at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has a first
outer perimeter that is substantially similar to a second outer
perimeter of any other cross section of the intermediate handle
portion taken parallel to the first cross section, the intermediate
handle portion containing one or more intermediate handle expanded
diameter section(s), a body portion and a distal end, the body
portion represents a substantial length of the overall length of
the rod, a first cross section of the body portion taken at a point
where an intermediate handle expanded diameter section meets the
body portion and at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has
a first outer perimeter that may be substantially similar or
dissimilar to a second outer perimeter of any other cross section
of the body portion taken parallel to the first cross section of
the body portion in the direction from where the intermediate
handle expanded diameter section meets the body portion of the rod
toward the distal end of the rod, and said rod having opposite ends
being between 20 and 48 inches in length and between 10 and 56
ounces in weight for a preferred embodiment, and between 20 and 48
inches in length and 8 and 20 ounces for any further embodiment and
further holding the rod at the handle end, at the handle end
between a handle end expanded diameter section and an intermediate
handle expanded diameter section or between any two intermediate
handle expanded diameter sections and swinging the rod at an
object.
87. The method of claim 86, wherein the object has a spherical
shell.
88. The method of claim 86, wherein the object is solid.
89. The method of claim 86, wherein the object is hollow
internally.
90. The method of claim 87, wherein the shell has a diameter of
about 2 and 1/2 inches.
91. The method of claim 86, wherein the object further includes a
cloth-like or leather layer.
92. The method of claim 86, wherein the training device further
comprising a bore in the body portion of the rod extending from the
distal end toward the handle end and swinging the training device
at an object.
93. The method of claim 92, wherein the object has a spherical
shell.
94. The method of claim 92, wherein the object is solid.
95. The method of claim 92, wherein the object is hollow
internally.
96. The method of claim 92, wherein the object further includes a
cloth-like or leather layer.
97. The method of claim 93, wherein the spherical shell has a
diameter of about 2 and 1/2 inches.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for training a person to hit a ball. In particular, the
present invention relates to training a person to hit a ball with a
bat.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
to teach a baseball player to efficiently and effectively swing a
baseball bat to improve the striking of a baseball or similar
object, by providing an intermediate handle portion of a bat where
both hands can grip the bat between one or more intermediate handle
expanded diameter section(s) or knob(s) and a handle end expanded
diameter section or knob, creating a locked-in feeling and creating
a grip with confidence, repeatability, and as a result, increased
swinging power.
[0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved safety feature of shielding a portion of ones hand from
being hit by a baseball, or similar object upon swinging the bat to
strike a blow to a thrown baseball or similar object, with the
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s).
[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
means to improve a batter's hand-eye coordination while practicing
the art of hitting a baseball or similar object by providing a bat
with a reduced diameter of the body portion of the practice bat
while maintaining the locked-in grip feature of the one or more
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) along with the
handle end expanded diameter section.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
means to improve a batter's hand-eye coordination while practicing
the art of hitting a baseball or similar object by providing a bat
with a reduced diameter of the body portion of the practice bat
while maintaining a handle end expanded diameter section and a bat
consisting of one single piece of homogeneous material without any
assembled parts from manufacturing. When the weight of the device
becomes an initial factor in training a young individual, this
particular embodiment may be used to provide a device that is
easier to swing while at the same time providing hand-eye
coordination training.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to reduce,
if not eliminate, hand slippage while swinging a baseball bat at a
thrown baseball or similar object. The multi-knob handle provides
for a recessed handle to place one's hands when gripping a baseball
bat and maintains them in the same well defined area or envelope
without slipping out while swinging the training device.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to restrict
the use of the commonly used adhesive commercially known as "pine
tar" on a baseball bat to enhance one's grip of the bat. Instead of
using pine tar indescriminantly along the handle and up the barrel
portion of the bat, any use of pine tar may be used and restricted
within the confines of the recessed handle area between any two
intermediate handle knobs or between a handle end knob and an
intermediate handle knob.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an intermediate knob of the bat to act as a handle end knob when
"choking-up" on the bat. When "choking-up" with a conventional bat
one loses the use of the handle end knob to rest one's lower hand
upon. The present invention allows one to graduate to the next knob
up the intermediate handle and use an intermediate handle knob as a
handle end knob preventing a batter's hands from slipping downward
during the act of swinging the training device.
[0010] 2. Prior Art
[0011] Various prior art devices exist that attempt to provide
means to learn and practice swinging a baseball bat. All of these
devices attempt to address the body portion of the bat commonly
referred to as the flared end, the body, the ballast or the barrel
end. None of these prior art devices address nor provide proper
means for enhancing a batter's grip on the handle portion through
the incorporation of both a handle end knob and intermediate handle
knob(s).
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,935, issued to Dirksing et al, discloses
a training bat for ball games that includes the selective
adjustability of the ballast by rotating the ballast relative the
handle while the handle, adjustment stem and ballast are integrally
attached. The ballast is considered the barrel of the bat. Further
it provides no specific means for improving a batter's grip and
resultant bat speed and safety, and has only a handle end knob and
no intermediate handle knob(s).
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 514,420, issued to Charles Jacobus of New
York, N.Y., discloses an improvement in baseball bats, and has for
its objects to reduce the weight of the body of the bat at its
outer end when held ready for a stroke. The bat has an axial
perforation in its body, and a weight free to slide in said
perforation. The disposition of the sliding weights within the bat
will permit the batsman to quickly and forcibly swing the bat for a
stroke enabling the batsman to strike a forcible blow. Although the
Jacobus bat does address a more forcible blow to a baseball, the
Jacobus baseball bat only contains one end knob and no intermediate
knob(s) to enhance one's grip, to create a repeatable grip, and to
provide the safety of a grip. Once again only the ballast or barrel
end of the baseball bat is addressed.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 875,273, issued to C. E. Kimble, discloses an
exercise bat that contains a bored-out body portion for the
reception of a metallic tube such as lead. Kimble further claims a
bat for not batting a ball, but an exercise bat conforming in shape
to the ordinary bat used in batting a ball, whereby the same
muscles will be brought into play as in handling the usual bat, but
this exercise bat being so heavily weighted renders it unfit for
use in actually batting the ball. Kimble only addresses the body
(ie. Ballast or barrel) portion of the bat, maintains one handle
end knob and no intermediate handle knobs. Therefore, the
effectiveness, safety, and enhanced repeatability of the bat grip
is not addressed.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,163, issued to H. Kirk Watson, discloses
a foam toy bat that produces a loud clapping noise when it strikes
a person or object. The recreational toy neither has a handle end
knob nor intermediate handle knob(s). Therefore, the object of this
device is not to address the handle grip portion of a bat but the
body or barrel portion only. The invention further claims the bat
includes a solid, generally cylindrical handle and a long, flexible
tubular impact barrel longitudinally connected to another elongated
portion. The impact portion has a blind coaxial bore which closes
momentarily when the bat strikes an object and subsequently
reopens, thereby generating a loud noise.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,773, issued to Gino Pomilia, discloses a
baseball training bat that maintains a uniform outside diameter
from its handle through its extension to the opposite end. Pomilia
further claims the invention is a bat particularly adapted for use
as a practice bat to develop batting strength, bat speed and
hand-eye coordination. One of the features of the invention is that
the practice bat is much heavier than a conventional baseball bat
of equal length and it includes a shaft portion which is
substantially thinner than that of a conventional bat. The Pomilia
device posses a handle end knob on the handle end but does not have
any intermediate handle knob(s) along the handle portion of the
bat. The device is made of many assembled parts and therefore the
device is not made from a single piece of homogeneous material but
heterogeneous in construction and requires multiple manufacturing
and assembly steps. The device also highlights a lead pipe for the
body or barrel portion which means the Pomilia device cannot
provide for an increasing diameter of the body portion from the
handle end to the distal end of the bat. The Pomelia device also
does not address an improved and enhanced handle grip between two
or more knobs for improved safety, increased bat speed and
resultant power because the device only has one knob. The Pomelia
device features a design to strike a standard hardball used in
baseball and coupled with a lead constructed body portion makes for
a heavy device not necessarily designed and effective for a young
individual to swing: especially during the initial training stages
where it becomes extremely important to establish confidence in the
young individual.
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
to teach a baseball player to efficiently and effectively swing a
baseball bat to improve the striking of a baseball or similar
object by providing an intermediate handle portion of a bat where
both hands can grip the bat between two or more intermediate
expanded diameter sections (or knobs) creating a locked-in feeling
and creating a grip with confidence, repeatability, and increased
swinging power.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved safety feature by shielding a portion of one's hand from
being hit by a baseball, or similar object upon swinging the bat to
strike a blow to a thrown baseball or similar object, through the
incorporation of the intermediate handle expanded diameter
section(s).
[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
means to improve a batter's hand-eye coordination while practicing
the art of hitting a baseball or similar object by providing a bat
with a reduced diameter of the body portion of the practice bat
while maintaining the locked-in grip feature of the two or more
intermediate handle expanded diameter sections (intermediate handle
knobs) along with the handle end expanded diameter section (handle
end knob).
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
means to improve a batter's hand-eye coordination while practicing
the art of hitting a baseball or similar object by providing a bat
with a reduced diameter of the body portion of the present
invention while maintaining a handle end expanded diameter section
(handle end knob) and a bat consisting of one, single piece of
homogeneous material without any assembled parts from
manufacturing. This particular configuration may be used as the
initial stage to train a young individual who is just starting to
learn to swing a bat to strike a ball or similar object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a novel baseball batting apparatus comprising a
device for training a person to hit a ball with a bat that provides
an improved handle grip between a handle end knob and an
intermediate handle knob or between two or more intermediate handle
knobs. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
method for training a person to hit a ball with a bat that
maintains an enhanced gripping handle. The foregoing objectives are
realized by a training device according to the present invention.
The training device includes a rod having a handle end containing a
handle end knob section, an intermediate handle portion between the
handle end knob and an intermediate handle knob or between any two
intermediate handle knobs, a first cross section of the
intermediate handle portion taken at an angle to a longitudinal
axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter that is substantially
similar to a second outer perimeter of any other cross section of
the intermediate handle portion taken parallel to the first cross
section, the intermediate handle portion containing one or more
intermediate knobs, a body portion and a distal end. The body
portion represents a substantial length of the overall length of
the rod, a first cross section of the body portion taken at a point
where an intermediate handle knob meets the body portion and at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter
that may be substantially similar or dissimilar to a second outer
perimeter of any cross section of the body portion in the direction
from where the intermediate handle knob meets the body portion of
the rod toward the distal end of the rod. Where the cross sections
of the body portion taken at a point where an intermediate handle
knob meets the body portion and at an angle to a longitudinal axis
of the rod has a first outer perimeter that may be substantially
similar to a second outer perimeter of any cross section of the
body portion in the direction from where the intermediate handle
knob meets the body portion of the rod toward the distal end, the
body portion will have a configuration that maintains a
substantially uniform diameter or circumference. Where the cross
sections of the body portion taken at a point where an intermediate
handle knob meets the body portion and at an angle to a
longitudinal axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter that may
be substantially dissimilar to a second outer perimeter of any
cross section of the body portion in the direction from where the
intermediate handle knob meets the body portion of the rod toward
the distal end, the body portion will have a configuration with
cross sectional diameters graduating and increasing toward the
distal end of the rod maintaining a flared appearance commonly seen
in a conventional baseball bat.
[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a novel method of teaching batting skills
comprising the steps of:
[0023] (a) holding the training device at the handle end
[0024] (b) gripping the training device between the handle end knob
and intermediate handle knob or between any two intermediate handle
knobs
[0025] (c) swinging the training device at an object
[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a novel baseball batting apparatus comprising a
device for training a person to hit a ball with a bat that improves
a batter's hand-eye coordination. The training device is comprised
of a single piece of homogeneous material and does not consist of
any assembled parts from manufacturing. The training device is
further comprised of a rod having a handle end containing a handle
end knob section, a body portion, and a distal end. The body
portion represents a substantial length of the overall length of
the rod, a first cross section of the body portion taken at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the rod has a first outer perimeter
that may be substantially similar to a second outer perimeter of
any cross section of the body portion maintaining a configuration
that has a substantially uniform diameter throughout the rod.
[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a novel method of teaching batting skills
further comprising the steps of:
[0028] (a) holding the training device of another aspect of the
present invention at the handle end
[0029] (b) gripping the training device of another aspect of the
present invention above the handle end knob or handle end expanded
diameter section
[0030] (c) swinging the training device of another aspect of the
present invention at an object
[0031] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as functions of the related elements of
the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of
manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the
following detailed description and the appended claims with
reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is
briefly described hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic
of the multi-knob, baseball bat training device according to the
present invention, as to its structure and use, together with
further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from the following drawings in which a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by
way of example. It is expressly understood, however that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only,
and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. In the accompanying drawings:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device according to the
present invention, and also showing one handle end knob, one
intermediate handle knob, and a body portion that flares-out from
the intermediate handle end toward the distal end of the device and
includes the longitudinal axis;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the further embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 1
however the outside perimeter of the body portion maintains a
substantially uniform composition from the point where the
intermediate handle portion meets the body portion going in the
direction toward the distal end and includes the longitudinal
axis;
[0035] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 2 where the outside
perimeter of the body portion maintains a substantially uniform
composition from the point where the handle end meets the body
portion going in the direction toward the distal end, includes a
handle end knob and a longitudinal axis;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 1 with
one handle end knob and two intermediate handle knobs;
[0037] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 3 with
one handle end knob and two intermediate handle knobs creating more
than one intermediate handle portion;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the further embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 2 with
one handle end knob and two intermediate handle knobs;
[0039] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the further embodiment of
the multi-knob baseball bat training device similar to FIG. 4 with
one handle end knob and two intermediate handle knobs creating more
than one intermediate handle portion, and also a body portion that
substantially maintains a uniform diameter composition from the
intermediate handle end toward the distal end of the device;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a device according to the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 5A is a partial side view of a device according to a
further embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG.
2A;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG.
1 taken along the line 4-4 where the outside perimeter of a cross
section of the body portion increases from the point where the
intermediate handle portion meets the body portion going in the
direction toward the distal end;
[0043] FIG. 6A is a cross section of both a preferred embodiment
and a further embodiment of a device according to the present
invention taken at a point where the intermediate handle expanded
diameter section meets the body portion;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the intermediate handle
portion of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the
intermediate handle portion of a further embodiment shown in FIG. 2
where the outside perimeter of any cross section taken at an angle
along a longitudinal axis of the intermediate handle portion
maintains a substantially uniform composition;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 which includes a bore, a core, and a
distal end plug;
[0046] FIG. 8A is a cross sectional side view similar to FIG. 8
with one handle end knob, two intermediate handle knobs, and also
includes a bore, a core, and a distal end plug;
[0047] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional side view similar to FIG. 8A
with one handle end knob, two intermediate handle knobs creating
more than one intermediate handle, and also includes a bore, a
core, and a distal end plug;
[0048] FIG. 8C is a partial cross sectional side view of the device
shown in FIG. 8 without the core;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of the further
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 which includes a bore, a core, and a
distal end plug;
[0050] FIG. 9A is a cross sectional side view similar to FIG. 9
with one handle end knob, two intermediate handle knobs, and also
includes a bore, a core, and a distal end plug;
[0051] FIG. 9B is a cross sectional side view similar to FIG. 9A
with one handle end knob, two intermediate handle knobs creating
more than one intermediate handle, and also includes a bore, a
core, and a distal end plug;
[0052] FIG. 9C is a partial cross sectional side view of the device
shown in FIG. 9 without the core;
[0053] FIG. 9D is a cross sectional side view of a further
embodiment shown in FIG. 2A with one handle end knob and includes a
bore, a core, and a distal end plug;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 8-8
shown in FIG. 8;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 10-10
shown in FIG. 9;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a side view of a distal end plug according to the
present invention and as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;
[0057] FIG. 13 is an end view of the core shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
9;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a side view of the core according to the present
invention and as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9;
[0059] FIG. 15 is a partial cross sectional side view of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8
having an internally threaded bore and externally threaded
core;
[0060] FIG. 15A is a partial cross sectional side view of the
further embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 having
an internally threaded bore and externally threaded core;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a side view of an externally threaded core;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a method for training a batter in sequential
steps;
[0063] FIG. 18 is a preferred object to be used with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 19 is a further embodiment of the object to be used
with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 19A is a cross section of the further embodiment of the
object shown in FIG. 19;
[0066] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a batter's grip of a preferred
or further embodiment of the present invention when the present
invention is gripped between a handle end expanded diameter section
and an intermediate handle expanded diameter section;
[0067] FIG. 20A is an illustration of a batter's grip of a
preferred or further embodiment of the present invention when the
present invention is gripped between two intermediate handle
expanded diameter sections;
[0068] FIG. 20B is an illustration of a batter's grip of a
preferred or further embodiment of the present invention when the
present invention is gripped above the intermediate handle expanded
diameter section where it meets the body portion;
[0069] FIG. 20C is an illustration of a batter's grip when a
further embodiment of the present invention is gripped above the
handle end knob in the absence of any intermediate handle knobs or
intermediate handle expanded diameter sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0070] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 20C of the
drawings, which show the preferred embodiment and further
embodiments of the multi-knob baseball training bat of the present
invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 30.
[0071] FIG. 1 shows a training device of the preferred embodiment
according to the present invention. The training device includes a
rod 30 having a handle end 5, an intermediate handle portion 7, a
body portion 11, and a distal end 13. The handle end 5 has an
expanded diameter section 3. The intermediate handle portion 7 has
one or more intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9. The
body portion 11 is a substantial length of the overall length of
the rod 30.
[0072] The combination of and the distance between a handle end
expanded diameter section 3 and an intermediate handle expanded
diameter section 9 or the combination of and the distance between
any two intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9 create a
multi-knob device containing a defined, recessed area for a batter
to grip one's hands between. In a sideview of the preferred
embodiment (FIG. 1) or the further embodiment (FIG. 2) of the
present invention, the distance between the centerline of the
handle end expanded diameter section 3 and the centerline of the
first intermediate handle expanded diameter section 9 proximate to
the handle end expanded diameter section 3 is between 1/4 and 18
inches. These same values apply to the distances between the
centerlines of any two intermediate handle expanded diameter
sections 9 of the rod 30. Alternatively, the distances between
these centerlines, in the manufacturing of any novelty objects
having configurations within the scope of this invention will be
determined by its intended use and objective and much less or more
than the preferred embodiment and further embodiment values of the
present invention. For novelty objects these
centerline-to-centerline distances may be less than 1/4 or more
than 18 inches.
[0073] The recessed area of the intermediate handle portion 7
created between the handle end expanded diameter section 3 and the
first intermediate handle expanded diameter section 9 proximate to
the handle end expanded diameter section 3 or between two
intermediate handle expanded diameter sections 9 provides for a
grip that has a locked-in feeling for a safer, more efficient, more
effective power swing of the rod 30. In a preferred embodiment of
the rod 30 according to the present invention, the rod 30 may be
made of but not limited to material such as wood, a metal like
aluminum, rubber, metal alloy, a plastic or composite materials. It
should be noted that any intermediate handle portion 7 may be
covered with a compressible material 19 (FIG. 5A), such as rubber,
leather or adhesive tape to provide improved gripping of the rod
30. The preferred embodiment of the training device has a weight
between 10 and 56 ounces and has a length between 20 and 48 inches.
Alternatively, novelty objects of the preferred embodiment will
have overall weights and lengths much less or more than the
preferred embodiment and suitable for the intended purpose and
objective. These novelty weights and lengths may vary outside the
scope of the preferred embodiment of the invention. These weights
may be less than 10 ounces or greater than 56 ounces. Additionally,
the novelty lengths of the preferred embodiment may be less than 20
or greater than 48 inches. Also, for the purposes of manufacturing
novelty objects of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention and to emphasize recycling and reuse as alternatives to
disposal of material, the rod 30 may be constructed from the
assembly of a combination of wood, plastic, rubber, metal, metal
alloy, and/or composite material pieces.
[0074] When materials such as plastic and/or aluminum are utilized
in the construction of the rod 30, the density of the material
relative to material such as wood is reduced and therefore the
overall weight of the rod 30 will be reduced. The use of such
material for the rod 30 may be preferred to train younger
individuals, however, construction of the rod 30 is not limited to
these materials.
[0075] A further embodiment of the rod 30 with a diameter of the
body portion that is substantially uniform in composition or
circumference (as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A) may have a weight
between 8 and 20 ounces and a length between 20 and 48 inches.
Alternatively, novelty objects of any further embodiment of the
present invention will have overall weights and lengths much less
or more than further embodiment values and suitable for the
intended purpose and objective. These novelty weights and lengths
may vary outside the scope of further embodiments of the present
invention. These novelty weights of further embodiments may be less
than 8 ounces or greater than 20 ounces. Additionally, the novelty
lengths of further embodiments may be less than 20 inches or
greater than 48 inches. Also, for the purposes of manufacturing
novelty objects of any further embodiments of the present invention
and to emphasize recycling and reuse as alternatives to disposal of
material, the rod 30 may be constructed from the assembly of a
combination of wood, plastic, rubber, metal, metal alloy, and/or
composite material pieces.
[0076] The handle end expanded diameter section 3 and any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9 may be similar
in shape to those found on common baseball bats. Alternatively, the
handle end expanded diameter section 3 and any intermediate handle
expanded diameter section (s) 9 may be substantially spherical, as
shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 also shows the handle end 5 where the
intermediate handle portion 7 meets the handle end expanded
diameter section 3. FIG. 7 shows a first cross section of an
intermediate handle portion 7 taken at an angle to a longitudinal
axis 15 of the rod 30. The cross section has an outer perimeter 25.
According to the present invention, all cross sections of the
intermediate handle portion 7 taken at the same angle .varies. to
the longitudinal axis 15 of the rod 30 have outer perimeters that
are substantially similar in shape and size to each other. In a
preferred embodiment of the training device, when the angle
.varies. is about 90.degree., the outer perimeter 25 of any cross
section of the intermediate handle portion 7 is substantially
circular. Furthermore, the intermediate handle portion 7 of the
preferred embodiment has a diameter D.sub.IH smaller than the
smallest diameter of a handle end expanded diameter section 3 and
any intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9. FIG. 6
shows a first cross section of the body portion 11 of the rod 30,
taken at an angle .varies. to a longitudinal axis 15 and along the
line 4-4 of FIG. 1. The cross section taken at a point 17 (as shown
in FIG. 1) where the intermediate handle expanded diameter section
9 meets the body portion 11 has an inner perimeter 23 (as shown in
FIG. 6A) that increases to the outside perimeter 21 at the distal
end 13 of the rod 30 (FIG. 6). In the preferred embodiment of the
present invention (FIG. 1) cross sections of the body portion 11
taken at the same angle .varies. to the longitudinal axis 15 of the
rod 30 have outer perimeters that increase or remain substantially
the same in shape and size to each other when the cross sections
are taken from the point 17 where the intermediate handle expanded
diameter section 9 meets the body portion 11 and while going in the
direction toward the distal end 13 of the rod 30. In a preferred
embodiment of the present invention when the angle .varies. is
about 90.degree., the outer perimeter(s) of all cross-sections of
the body portion 11 are substantially circular. FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A
show variations in configurations in the preferred embodiment of
the rod 30 shown in FIG. 1 when more than one intermediate handle
expanded diameter section(s) 9 are provided and in combination with
a handle end expanded diameter section 3. FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A show
further embodiments of the present invention where all cross
sections of the body portion 11 taken at the same angle .varies. to
the longitudinal axis 15 of the rod 30 and taken along the line 6-6
have outer perimeters 23 (as shown in FIG. 6A) that are
substantially similar in shape and size to each other. In the
further embodiments of the training device, when the angle .varies.
is about 90.degree., the outer perimeter 23 of any cross section of
the body portion 11 is substantially circular. Furthermore, FIG. 6A
shows a cross section of the body portion 11 of the further
embodiments taken along the line 6-6 (as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
2A) having a diameter D.sub.17 smaller than the smallest diameter
of a handle end expanded diameter section 3 or any intermediate
handle expanded diameter section(s) 9. In a further embodiment, the
cross sectional diameter D.sub.17 (as shown in FIG. 6A) at the
point 17, where the intermediate handle expanded diameter section 9
meets the body portion 11 (as shown in FIG. 2), or where the handle
end expanded diameter section 3 meets the body portion 11 (as shown
in FIG. 2A) maintains a substantially uniform diameter going in a
direction toward the distal end 13 of the rod 30 of about 1 inch.
It is within this configuration that the overall weight of the rod
30 may be reduced depending on the material being used for the
construction of the rod 30. It is also this configuration that is
conducive to training a batter to improve hand-eye coordination in
swinging the rod 30 and striking a ball 200 (FIG. 19 and FIG. 19A)
or similar object.
[0077] FIG. 4 and FIG. 4A show variations in configuration of the
further embodiment of the rod 30 shown in FIG. 2 when more than one
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9 are provided and
in combination with a handle end expanded diameter section 3.
[0078] FIG. 2A shows a further embodiment of the rod 30 as shown in
FIG. 2 with one handle end expanded diameter section 3, a body
portion 11, a distal end 13, and no intermediate handle expanded
diameter section(s) 9. Due to the reduced outside diameter of the
body portion 11 combined with the reduced weight and construction
from a single, homogeneous material, this configuration is
attractive for training young individuals to swing a bat, improve
hand-eye coordination, and learn not to fear getting hit by a pitch
with the use of the further embodiment ball 200 (as shown in FIG.
19 and FIG. 19A).
[0079] FIG. 8 shows a side view cross section of the rod 30 shown
in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 shows that the body portion 11 may have a bore 27
extending from the distal end 13 toward the handle end 5. The bore
27 may remain unfilled (as shown in FIG. 8C), or alternatively, the
bore 27 may be filled at least in part with a gas such as air, a
liquid, a gelatin or solid material such as sand to change the mass
or weight and center of gravity of the rod 30. FIG. 10 shows a
cross section of the rod 30 taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 8. The
cross section shows a plug 31 placed in the bore 27 and the outside
perimeter of the bore 27 and the plug 31 being substantially less
than the outside perimeter 21 at the distal end diameter
D.sub.de.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the
bore 27 is provided, the rod 30 may include a solid insertable core
29, shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, residing in the bore 27 of the
body portion 11. To achieve the desired mass and/or center of
gravity of the rod 30, the density of the core 29 can be selected
to be greater than, equal to or less than the density of the body
portion 11, and furthermore, the length and diameter of the bore 27
and the core 29 may be varied. It will now be apparent that the
core 29 need not be as long as the bore 27. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, when the bore 27 and core 29
are provided, to keep the core 29 within the bore 27, as shown in
FIG. 15, the bore 27 may have internal threads 32 and the core 29
may have matching external threads 34 as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG.
16. When threaded together, the core 29 will not leave the bore 27
simply by swinging the rod 30. Alternatively, the rod 30 may
include a plug 31, (shown in FIG. 12, FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A). The plug
31 is preferably made from the same material as the body portion 11
or a resiliently compressible material such as but not limited to
rubber. The plug 31 is inserted in the distal end 13 of the rod 30
to seal the bore 27. The plug 31 is sized to fit snuggly in the
bore 27 and thereby keeping the plug 31 in the bore 27.
Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive such as a common,
commercially available glue may be used to attach the plug 31 in
the distal end 13 of the rod 30.
[0081] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show variations in configuration of the
rod 30 shown in FIG. 8 when more than one intermediate handle
expanded diameter sections 9 are provided and in combination with a
handle end expanded diameter section 3.
[0082] FIG. 9 shows a side view cross section of a further
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 9
and FIG. 9D show that the body portion 11 of FIG. 2 FIG. 2A,
respectively, may have a bore 27 extending from the distal end 13
toward the handle end 5 of the rod 30. The bore 27 may remain
unfilled (as shown in FIG. 9C), or alternatively, the bore 27 may
be filled at least in part with a gas such as air, a liquid, a
gelatin or solid material such as but not limited to sand to change
the mass or weight and/or center of gravity of the rod 30. FIG. 9
and FIG. 9D show a further embodiment of the present invention as
shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A respectively, when the bore 27 is
provided. The rod 30 of the further embodiment may include a solid
insertible core 29, shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, residing in the
bore 27 of the body portion 11. To achieve the desired mass and/or
center of gravity of the rod 30 in any further embodiment, the
density of the core 29 can be selected to be greater than, equal to
or less than the density of the body portion 11, and furthermore,
the length and diameter of the bore 27 and the core 29 may be
varied. It will also now be apparent that the core 29 need not be
as long as the bore 27 of any further embodiment of the rod 30.
[0083] In the further embodiment of the present invention to keep
the core 29 within the bore 27, as shown in FIG. 15A, the bore 27
may have internal threads 32 and the core 29 may have matching
external threads 34 as shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 16, respectively.
When threaded together the core 29 will not leave the bore 27
simply by swinging the rod 30 of the further embodiment.
Alternatively, the rod 30 of the further embodiment may include a
plug 31, shown in FIG. 12. The plug 31 is preferably made from the
same material as the body portion 11 or a resiliently compressible
material such as but not limited to rubber. The plug 31 is inserted
in the distal end 13 of the rod 30 to seal the bore 27. The plug 31
is sized to fit snuggly in the bore 27 and thereby keep the plug 31
in the bore 27. Alternatively, or in addition, an adhesive such as
a common commercially available glue may be used to attach the plug
31 in the distal end 13 of the rod 30 of the further
embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 11 shows a cross section taken along line 10-10 of FIG.
9 and FIG. 9D. The cross section shows a plug 31 of the rod 30
placed in the bore 27 and the outside perimeter of the bore 27 and
the plug 31 being substantially less than than the outside
perimeter 38 of the handle end expanded diameter section 3 or any
intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9.
[0085] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show variations in configuration of the
rod 30 shown in FIG. 9 when more than one intermediate handle
expanded diameter section(s) 9 are provided and in combination with
a handle end expanded diameter section 3.
[0086] The present invention includes a method of training a
batter. In one such method described in part by FIG. 17, a training
device (rod 30), similar to any of the embodiments described above
is provided (step 75). Next, the rod 30 may be gripped (step 78) at
the handle end 5 portion, between a handle end expanded diameter
section 3 and an intermediate handle expanded diameter section 9
(as shown in FIG. 20), between any two intermediate handle expanded
diameter section(s) 9 (as shown in FIG. 20A), above the
intermediate handle expanded diameter section 9 where it meets the
body portion 11 (as shown in FIG. 20B) or above the handle end
expanded diameter section 3 (as shown in FIG. 20C). When the
gripping method as shown in FIG. 20B is used, this is commonly
referred to "choking-up" on the bat in the game of baseball. The
rod 30 of the present invention provides the use of an intermediate
handle expanded diameter section 9 to rest one's lower hand when
"choking-up". When the rod 30 is gripped, it may be swung at an
object (step 81). The object may be moving or stationary. A
preferred object shown in FIG. 18 is a hard ball 100 similar to
that commonly used in the game of baseball and to be used with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, training device, rod
30 (as shown in FIG. 1).
[0087] A further embodiment of the object shown in FIG. 19 and FIG.
19A is to be used with the further embodiment of the present
invention as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 9D. The further embodiment of
the object is a compressible ball 200 having a diameter D.sub.b of
about 2 and 1/2 inches. The ball 200 may have a spherical shell 203
of resiliently compressible material, and may also have a
cloth-like outer layer 206 similar to a tennis ball.
[0088] The particular embodiment of the compressible ball 200
described above permits the batter to focus his or her attention on
hitting the ball 200 with a further embodiment of the rod 30 of
FIG. 2 or FIG. 2A. The natural tendency for a batter to fear being
hit by a pitch is reduced by using the compressible ball 200
because being hit by the compressible ball 200 will not likely
injure a batter like a hard baseball would. Gripping the further
embodiment of the present invention at the handle end portion 5 (as
shown in FIG. 20C) that has a handle end expanded diameter section
3 (as shown in FIG. 2A) may be swung at a further embodiment of the
object ball 200 (as shown in FIG. 19).
[0089] The ball 200 is preferably primarily white in color with
grooves 209 to improve visibility and to mimic the appearance of a
baseball. The grooves 209 also enable an individual to pitch the
ball 200 in ways used in the game of baseball such as but not
limited to a curve ball, a sinker or a slider.
[0090] A person attempting to hit the ball 200 with any further
embodiment of the present invention rod 30 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.
2A, will find that more concentration is required to hit the ball
200 with the rod 30 since the rod 30 of any further embodiment does
not have an enlarged hitting area. For example, if a rod 30 of any
further embodiment of the present invention having a body portion
11 with a cross sectional diameter D.sub.17 of about 1 inch is used
routinely, the individual using such a further embodiment of rod 30
to successfully hit a ball 200 will develop skills such as the
eye-arm coordination required to successfully hit a standard
baseball 100 (as shown in FIG. 18) with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention (as shown in FIG. 1). Swinging the training
device of the present invention rod 30 at an object is further
enhanced by using the improved gripping envelope provided by the
area between the intermediate handle expanded diameter section(s) 9
and a handle end expanded diameter section 3. Initial training of a
young individual to swing a rod 30, to strike an object 200, may be
with a further embodiment of the present invention (as shown in
FIG. 2A) where the training device only has a handle end expanded
diameter section 3. The use of a low density, light weight material
for the construction of a further embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 2A, along with the use of a further
embodiment of the object ball 200 provides for a combination of
light weight and compressibility, respectively, to safely train a
young batter to not fear getting hit by a pitch while
simultaneously improving hand-eye coordination. The young
individual can then be graduated to the use of the further
embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 to further
improve the grip and resultant bat speed for increased power
swinging. A batter may then be further advanced to the use of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1,
combined with the use of the preferred object hard ball 100 to
further enhance the grip and bat speed for increased safety, and
striking power.
[0091] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to
those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention and such
variations are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used
in the design and manufacture of the training device of the present
invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *