U.S. patent application number 12/604366 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for batter training device with improved visual indicator.
Invention is credited to Paul Reynolds.
Application Number | 20100041499 12/604366 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41681658 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100041499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reynolds; Paul |
February 18, 2010 |
BATTER TRAINING DEVICE WITH IMPROVED VISUAL INDICATOR
Abstract
A device for training in swinging and batting in which a device
is provided and attached to a batter's trailing back forearm with
an arm attachment section and trailing back calf with a leg
attachment section. A stretchable band is connected the two
sections covered by a sectional sleeve having a pair of sleeve
members. The sleeve members separate to display a visual indicator
comprising a section of the stretchable band. The sleeve members
have flared opposing ends that are reinforced and attached to each
leg and arm attachment section. The attachment sections include
straps and cuffs for adjustably attaching each section to the leg
and arm.
Inventors: |
Reynolds; Paul; (Macon,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIAN D. BELLAMY
P.O. BOX 1997
THOMASVILLE
GA
31799-1997
US
|
Family ID: |
41681658 |
Appl. No.: |
12/604366 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12048210 |
Mar 13, 2008 |
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12604366 |
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12400348 |
Mar 9, 2009 |
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12048210 |
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61034948 |
Mar 7, 2008 |
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61034948 |
Mar 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/453 ;
473/458 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0059 20130101;
A63B 69/0002 20130101; A63B 2069/0008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/453 ;
473/458 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A device for training and improvement of batting skill
comprising: a. an arm attachment section for attachment to a
batter's arm; b. a leg attachment section for attachment to a
batter's leg; c. a stretchable band connected between said arm
attachment section and leg attachment section; d. a sleeve
comprising a first sleeve member attached to the leg attachment
section and a second sleeve member attached to the arm attachment
section; and e. said first and second sleeve members covering said
stretchable band, and said sleeve members each having an inner edge
such that the inner edges are initially adjacent to each other and
said first and second sleeve members being separable when the
stretchable band is stretched.
2. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 1 comprising a section of stretchable band as a visual
indicator when said first and second sleeve members are separated
when the stretchable band is stretched.
3. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 2 in which the stretchable band is red in color.
4. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 1 in which said sleeve members include opposing ends, and
each opposing end includes a reinforced base comprising an enlarged
portion of the sleeve member for attachment of the leg attachment
section on one opposing end and the arm attachment section on the
other opposing end.
5. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 4 in which said leg attachment section and arm attachment
section includes a connection means and each connections means is
attached to the enlarged portion of each sleeve member by inserting
an enlarged head of the stretchable band through each enlarged
portion and securing each connections means to each enlarged
portion by at least two bolts and nuts attached to the connection
means.
6. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 1 in which said leg attachment section includes a connections
means for attachment to said first sleeve member and an adjustable
cuff strap.
7. A device for training and improvement of batting skill as in
claim 1 in which said arm attachment section includes a connections
means for attachment to said second sleeve member, a detachable
buckle attached to the connection means, an adjustable strap
attached to the detachable buckle, and an adjustable cuff attached
to the adjustable strap.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part and claims
benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/048,210
filed Mar. 13, 2008 and which claimed benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/034,948 filed Mar. 7, 2008. The present
application is a continuation in part and claims benefit of
priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/400,348 filed Mar.
9, 2009 and which claimed benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/034,948 filed Mar. 7, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for training and
improvement of swinging or batting skill and technique using a
mechanical aid. More particularly, the invention pertains to a
device for application to a person's body with a visual indicator
to teach the person to use proper rotation and extension of a
baseball, softball bat or golf club.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0005] Batter's sometimes lack power and need further development
of their swing. All young hitters would like to be able to hit home
runs. Unfortunately though, many young hitters believe extension is
achieved over the plate, rather than in front of the plate,
resulting in a loss of power. To make matters worse, these same
young hitters probably work with coaches and instructors who also
do not understand that power is achieved by contact in front of the
plate. Batters need a mechanical training aid to assist in learning
and maintaining consistent form and gaining strength and improved
mechanics when swinging. In particular, a mechanical aid is needed
to teach young hitters in particular to feel the correct swing
mechanism and understand and visualize correct swing mechanics.
[0006] There are two basic schools of thought when one discusses
proper technique in hitting a baseball. One is known as rotational,
the other as linear. There are many baseball training devices which
propose to increase power. However, all of these devices relate to
the linear school of hitting. Some of these aids are equipped to
teach by strengthening the front leading arm that is closest to the
pitcher's mound while hitting. Other devices only tend to reduce a
batter's stride length, or both, rather than improving the strength
and rotation of the backside. Ted Williams taught that the hips
start the swing when hitting. After many years of trial and error,
it has been shown that in fact the leading foot starts the swing
because the foot starts the hip action taught by Ted Williams. Mr.
Williams also taught that extension happens in front of the plate,
rather than over the plate, with the elbow actually driving towards
the pitch and initiating a point of contact in a positive power
position.
[0007] Batters should extend the bat in front of the home plate,
rather than over the plate and have back-side extension on the
follow through. Proper extension increases distance and power when
hitting. Therefore, a need exists for a mechanical aid to teach
proper back-side extension, the use of the correct muscles when
batting and to increase strength in the lower and upper backside of
the batter.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,856, issued to Morse, discloses a device
for training batters to properly shift weight to the back leg at
the beginning of a swing and to shift weight to the front leg
during a swing when striking the ball in baseball and similar
games. The device includes a first strap for fastening to the
leading leg just above the knee and a second strap for fastening to
the leading wrist, "leading" being the side towards a pitcher. An
elongated member connects the two straps and comprises an elastic
portion and an adjustable length portion, which includes a
separable buckle so that the elongated member can be separated
without removing either strap. In use, straps are placed on the
knee and wrist and the adjustable length portion is adjusted to be
taut but not stretched with the batter in the "ready" position. At
the start of a swing, the hands move back, stretching the elongated
member to encourage weight movement to the back leg. When the
forward swing and forward stride begin, the elongated member will
be stretched forward to encourage weight shift to the forward leg.
According to the theory taught by Morse, proper weight shift will
provide maximum batting stroke power.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,548, issued to Upshaw, discloses a
simplified training device for improving the batting skill of a
batter in baseball, has a pair of arm cuffs adapted to encircle the
arms of the batter at a location above the elbows thereof, and a
pair of elongate flexible tie straps which are coextensive with
each other and which extend between and are connected to the arm
cuffs. The device is so constituted that the tie straps can be
easily adjusted as to their effective lengths. When the tie straps
are taut, they positively limit the maximum space between the arm
cuffs at the time that the batter's arms are raised, retracted
position. The straps are flexible and capable of collapsing
movement to enable the arm cuffs to approach each other as the
batter's arms are swung from the raised, retracted position toward
the extended, ball-striking position.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,184 issued to Gray, disclosed an
apparatus for building muscle memory to develop a more rapid
baseball swing and avoid casting of the hands and bat during the
swing. Such apparatus includes a first attachment member
connectable to an upper arm and a second attachment member
connectable to an opposing forearm interposed by an elongated
tether to be aligned along a forearm upon initially entering into a
hitter's stance. A method for using such apparatus is also
disclosed.
[0011] While each of the above devices disclose resistance training
aids, these aids do not teach a method to improve the skill of
proper extension of a batter in front of the plate before striking
a baseball. Previous aids are taught to attach to both arms of the
user or to the front arm or front leg of the user. The attachment
of mechanical aids to the front arm or front leg does not reinforce
and teach proper forward extension and body rotation. Instead, the
attachment of a mechanical aid to the front arm causes resistance
and extension to be felt and observed during the take-back step of
the swing and may assist with weight shift but not with teaching
proper extension during rotation. The resistance of the aid when
attached to the front arm or leg will collapse during the swing,
thereby failing to train for power and reinforce the feeling of
proper extension at the correct point of a swing.
[0012] Thus, a need exists for a mechanical aid device that a
baseball player can use to teach himself or herself to have proper
extension in front of a plate while batting and to have proper
rotation. A further need exists for that same device to be used
during warm-up and core strength training to continue reinforcement
and improvement of the swings of baseball players. Yet a further
need exists for a device that teaches proper rotation and extension
to softball players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention solves these above problems and
provides a device to use as a mechanical aid to train and teach
baseball hitters how to achieve true extension at the plate. The
invention also teaches softball players the same principle of
extension at the plate, and can be used to teach golfers improved
rotation and extension when swinging a golf club.
[0014] First, use of the device develops correct hitting
fundamentals, developing upper and lower body strength and
developing quickness to the point of contact with the backside of
the hitters. Second, the device includes an indicator of proper
extension at the right time during the swing. Thereby, coaches are
able to use the device of the invention to teach that arm extension
and proper back rotation occurs before contact with the ball,
rather than after. The training provided by the device results in
improved skill and proper technique, which translates into better
performance at the plate by the batter.
[0015] The device comprises a mechanical aid that attaches to the
user's body in accordance with the use of the invention to improve
hitting skills. The mechanical aid includes two flexible and
adjustable size and length body attaching members comprising
flexible straps that attach to a person's limbs. These body
attaching members, referred to as a leg attachment section and arm
attachment section attach to the leg and arm respectively. The
mechanical aid further includes a stretchable tether section
comprising a stretchable band or rubber tubing that is attached to
the flexible straps of the body limb attaching sections. The tether
section further comprises a sleeve having a pair of rigid first and
second sleeve members that attach to the flexible straps and a
stretchable portion comprising a section of tubing or stretchable
band that is attached between the leg and arm attachment section
and at least partly covered by the pair of rigid sleeve members.
The sleeve members each include a reinforced end for attachment to
the arm and leg attachment sections for secure attachment and
durability. In this form the sleeve members with opposing
reinforced ends provide separable handles between the arm and leg
attachment sections.
[0016] The stretchable portion allows for extension of the
mechanical aid during body rotation and extension. Furthermore, the
stretchable portion of the mechanical aid provides a visual
indicator of proper extension and rotation during a swing. The
indicator may be enhanced to provide a signal by tactile sensation
or sound in addition to vision. The stretchable portion provides a
visual device intermediately positioned between the body attachment
members. The rigid sleeve members covering the stretchable portion
provide a separable cover about the resistance tubing of the
stretchable portion in which adjacent rigid sleeve members separate
to expose a greater portion of the resistance tubing as a visual
indicator of proper extension during a swing.
[0017] In the method for swinging or batting training, the
mechanical aid is attached to specific locations on a person's
body. In the steps provided to train in hitting and swinging, the
mechanical aid is attached to the trailing back forearm of the
batter, just below the person's elbow. The mechanical aid attaches
to the trailing back calf of the person, just below the knee. The
method provides for attachment of the mechanical aid to the back
arm and back leg so that the aid will provide resistance training
to the hitter to teach proper rotation and extension. The
additional step of indicating proper extension can provide
immediate feedback during practice of the method to a person
training or a coach observing. In particular, the indicator
provides confirmation that a batter has achieved true extension in
front of the plate. As a result of the proper extension in front of
the plate, the batter will experience increased power.
[0018] The method of training also provides for proper use of a
training aid to provide useful resistance training during hitting
and swinging that is beneficial for warm-up and strength
improvement. Thus, the method is useful in teaching proper
technique and extension, as well as warming up muscles and
improving strength. Using a method that reinforces proper form and
technique provides the best method for warming up in an on-deck
type situation or in a strength training situation.
[0019] The method works well for fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball
as well as baseball, and also golf. In golf, the method may be used
with a training tee and as a warm-up method that improves
confidence before approaching the first tee. In golf training, the
method keeps the golfer's back elbow from lifting too far upward,
which is undesirable in a proper golf swing. Further, the method
can be used in resistance training to improve core strength in the
golfer and improve balance. The method is particular useful for
improving the swing of older golfers. Thus, the method may be
adapted to several sports where extension and rotational core
strength are important aspects of swing mechanics.
[0020] The method teaches proper swing mechanics and power by
teaching and reinforcing proper extension through the improved use
of a mechanical aid. In the method of this invention, a mechanical
aid is attached to a person's body by attaching the aid to a
person's back arm and back leg that are farthest away from a
pitcher or target. The method provides resistance during forward
extension and rotation of the body during a swing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1a-d are perspective views illustrating a prior art
method for training a person to swing a baseball bat.
[0022] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a batter assuming an initial
batter's stance while wearing a device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the batter shown in FIG. 2
prior to striking a ball.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the batter shown in FIG. 3
showing a visual indicator of extension and rotation of the
batter.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the batter shown in FIG. 3
showing an audible indicator of extension and rotation of the
batter.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a batter assuming an initial
batter's stance while wearing a device in accordance with the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the batter shown in FIG. 6
prior to striking a ball wearing the device.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of device shown in FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a reinforced end
section of a handle portion of the device shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1a-d show a batter 2
preparing to hit a ball with a bat 4 up in a ready position. The
batter 2 in FIGS. 1a-d is wearing a prior art device used in the
training of baseball players learning to hit a baseball or trying
to increase their power. As seen in FIGS. 1a-d, the prior art
device is attached to the batters front leg 8. For the purpose of
the illustration herein, the batter is oriented facing a plate
distally separated from a pitcher's mound. The front side of the
batter 2 is considered the side of the batter that is closest to
where a pitcher's mound would be located from which a pitcher
throws a ball toward the batter. The back side of the batter 2 is
considered the side of the batter farthest from the pitcher's
mound. The prior art device shown in FIGS. 1a-d is also attached to
the batters front arm 10. An elastic portion 6 connects between the
front arm 10 and front leg 8. As the batter 2 prepares to swing the
bat 4 by lifting the bat behind his head, the elastic portion 6
stretches and provides resistance to the batter 2 as shown in FIG.
1a. As the batter 2 steps forward with his front leg 8, the elastic
portion 6 appears to stretch still further as shown in FIG. 1b.
Then, as shown in FIG. 1c, the tension in the stretched elastic
portion 6 begins to release and collapse as the batter 2 rotates
and swings the bat forward toward an oncoming ball. The tension in
the elastic portion 6 is completely released by the time the batter
2 makes contact with a ball. The batter is able to follow through
on the swing without any further tension in the elastic portion as
shown in FIG. 1d, and the elastic portion 6 does not stretch during
rotation of the batter's body and extension of the bat 4 in front
of the batter 2.
[0031] FIGS. 2 and 6 show an improved method for using a mechanical
aid 20 to improve a batter's swing. FIGS. 2 and 6 shows a batter 22
preparing to hit a ball with the bat 24 up over the batter's back
shoulder 25 in an initial ready position (A) with the batter's body
facing inward toward a plate for receiving a baseball or softball
pitch. A front side of the batter 22 with front leg 26 and front
arm 28 is directed outward toward a pitcher and is the side of the
batter 22 that is turned closest to the pitcher's mound. A back
side of the batter with back leg 30 and back arm 32 is situated
pointing away from the pitcher toward the rear of a batter's box
and turned farthest from the pitcher's mound. In the ready
position, the training aid 20 is attached to the batter 22 using
the present methodology in at least two locations on the back side
of the batter.
[0032] In a first location, the training aid 20 is attached to the
batter's trailing back leg calf at a first position 34, just below
the batter's back knee. In a second location, the mechanical aid 20
is attached to the batter's trailing back forearm at a second
position 36, just below the batter's back elbow where the forearm
and elbow adjoin. The mechanical aid 20 is attached at each
position using a leg attachment section 40 that secures the aid
about a leg and an arm attachment section 42 that secures the aid
an arm. In the embodiment shown, the leg attachment section secures
about the back trailing calf of the legs and the arm attachment
section secures about the back trailing forearm of the arms. The
attachment sections may include adjustable cuffs in each section
with ends having cooperating hook and loop material on opposite
surfaces so that overlapping the ends to a predetermined degree and
bringing the cooperating hook and loop material together will form
a closed ring of predetermined circumference about the body limb.
Each cuff or strap is closed about each respective position on the
batter's body to connect and secure the mechanical aid 20. The
batter 22 can quickly remove the attachment sections 40, 42 formed
by detaching the cooperating hoop and loop surfaces, such that the
aid 20 can be removed quickly enough to use while a batter is on
deck preparing to bat.
[0033] The training aid 20 is provided a stretchable band 44 that
is attached between the arm attachment section 42 and the leg
attachment section 40 by connecting the stretchable band to each
section. The stretchable band 44 may be connected to the leg
attachment section 40 on the back leg 30 so that the stretchable
band is situated on the back outside portion of the back calf to
address a problem in which the band 44 can encroach and twist into
the inside of the batter's leg improperly. The stretchable band 44
is connected to the arm attachment section 42 on the back arm 32 so
that the stretchable band is situated on the back forearm with the
stretchable band extending downwards toward the batter's outside
back calf.
[0034] While the stretchable band 44 may comprise any suitable
elastic material, resistance tubing selected of predetermined
desired resistance has been found to provide excellent performance.
The band 44 stretches during a batter's swing by rotating the
batter's body and extending the bat's handle 46 outward in front of
the batter's body in accordance with the invention to provide
muscle memory training and strength training. Referring to FIGS. 3
and 7, a batter 22 is shown half-way through her swing into a
position (B) while extending the bat 24 out in front of the body
through proper hip rotation initiated by the front foot. As the
batter 22 extends the bat 24 out in front of his or her body, the
distances between the batter's elbow, calf and foot lengthen. As a
result, the stretchable band 44 extends, and as the band extends,
the resistance of the band signals to the batter that she is making
proper extension in front of the body and properly rotating the
hips. With practice and growing strength, the batter 22 will be
able to maximize extension and body rotation to improve hitting
power and technique.
[0035] An indicator means may be provided to detect proper
extension of the stretchable band 44. In particular the indicator
means may include a visual signal such as a visible section of
resistance tubing, an audible signal such as a sound produced by a
device activated by extension of the stretchable band, or a
tactilely perceived signal of proper extension. The indicator means
may be provided by incorporating the indicator means onto the
stretchable band 44 of the mechanical aid 20 between the foot and
forearm attachment positions 34 and 36. In the case of a visual
signal the indicator means will generally include the stretchable
band 44 comprised of resistance tubing for indicating when the
batter 22 is properly swinging with respect to extension in front
of the batter's body.
[0036] Where the indicator means is a visual signal, an indicator
section 48 of resistance tubing, which may comprise of the
stretchable band 44, is provided that is comprised of a highly
visible color such as red. As shown in FIG. 4 and 6-8, the
indicator section is covered by a lightweight two-part sleeve 50.
An embodiment of the sleeve is shown in further detail in the
enlarged view of FIG. 9. The sleeve 50 provides separable sleeve
members 50A-50B that split into two-parts at about the center of
the sleeve and completely cover the indicator section 48 when the
stretchable band 44 is not extended to the extent that the inner
edges 56 of the sleeves are adjacent to each other and abutting or
nearly abutting. The sleeve members 50A-50B are attached at first
and second opposing ends 52, 54 of the sleeve members. The opposing
first and second ends of the sleeve members may correspond with the
opposing ends of the indicator section 48 of the stretchable band
44. The first and second opposing ends 52, 54 may be flared outward
from the generally cylindrical sleeve such that each opposing end
includes an enlarged portion 58, 60 for reinforcement of the
attachment area of the sleeves 50 and to provide a flat surface
base at each of the opposing ends for attachment of the first and
second opposing ends 52, 54 of the sleeve members 50A, 50B to the
leg and arm attachment sections 40, 42. The first and second
opposing ends of the sleeves may be attached to the leg and arm
attachment sections with a secondary means such as a bolt and nut
62 as shown in FIG. 9, as well as providing an enlarged head 64 on
each opposing end of the stretchable band 44 for attachment through
a hole in each of the enlarged portions 52, 54.
[0037] The leg attachment section 40 comprises flexible materials
and may include a connection means 66 attaching the leg attachment
section to the first sleeve member 50A. Further, attached to the
connection means, the leg attachment section may include an
adjustable leg cuff 68 or strap to wrap around the leg 30. The leg
cuff is adjustable according to size to attach the leg attachment
section to the calf area of the leg and may include a hook and loop
fastener or turn buckle.
[0038] The arm attachment section 42 comprises flexible materials
and may include a connection means 70 attaching the arm attachment
section to the second sleeve member 50B. Further, attached to the
connection means, the arm attachment section may include a
detachable buckle 72, an adjustable strap 74 attached to the
buckle, and an adjustable arm cuff 76 or strap to wrap around the
forearm to attach the arm attachment section to the forearm 32. The
arm cuff is adjustable according to the size of the arm and may
include a hook and loop fastener or turn buckle.
[0039] When the stretchable band 44 is not properly extended as it
should be during a correct swing, the sleeve 50 covers the
indicator section 48. While the batter 22 is in the ready position
shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, the stretchable band 44 is not
extended, and the indicator section 48 is not visible, thereby
accurately showing that no extension is taking place. When the
batter 22 swings and extends the bat 24 out in front of the
batter's body as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the stretchable band
44 is extended, and the indicator section 48 shows a portion of
it's resistance tubing previously covered by the separable sleeve
members 50A-50B. The visible resistance tubing provides a visual
signal that the batter 22 has properly rotated his or her hips and
extended the bat 24 in front of the body during the swing. In
another variation as shown in FIG. 5, a sound producing device 52
provides an audible signal that the batter 22 has swung properly
when the stretchable band 44 is extended in front of the batter's
body.
[0040] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied in a method of training in swinging and hitting, it is not
intended to be limited to the details shown and discussed, since it
will be understood that various omissions, modifications,
substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the method
illustrated and in its practice can be made by those skilled in the
art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *