TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to training device for baseball and softball players, and more particular to a training bat for training baseball and softball players.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The game of baseball is a well-known bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams, of nine players each, that take turns batting and fielding. The game proceeds when a player on the fielding team, called the pitcher, throws a ball which a player on the batting team tries to hit with a bat. The objective of the offensive team (i.e., the team which is batting) is to hit the ball into the field of play, allowing its players to run the bases, having them advance counter-clockwise around four bases to score what are called “runs”. The objective of the defensive team (i.e., the fielding team) is to prevent batters from becoming runners, and to prevent runners' from advancing around the bases. A run is scored when a runner legally advances around all of the bases in order and touches home plate (i.e., the place where the player started as a batter). The team that scores the most runs by the end of the game is the winner.
In order to make the game as fair as possible, a governing body, referred to as Major League Baseball, has been established to create and enforce certain rules governing the play of baseball. This governing body established rules that not only govern the dynamics of play, but also sets rules for the instruments used to play the game of baseball, including field specifications, ball specifications and baseball bat specifications. For example, a baseball bat is a smooth shaped wooden or metal club which a batter uses to hit baseball after the ball is thrown from the pitcher to the catcher. By regulation, the baseball bat may be no more than 2.61 inches (6.6294 cm) in diameter at its thickest part, no more than 42 inches (1.067 m) in length and typically weights between 33 and 36 ounces. These regulations are meant to normalize the playing instruments across all players so as not to enhance a player's performance, but rather so that the ability of the player has a dominant role in the performance of the player. Accordingly, players must practice often to achieve a high degree of skill.
With this in mind, a player may achieve a greater advantage of their bat swinging ability over another player by practicing their bat swing, their batting stances and their hand/eye coordination. For example, typically players find it advantageous to their swinging with bats that are heavier than normal bats (i.e., overload training) and with bats that are lighter than normal bats (i.e., underload training). Each of these type of training methods enhances a player's swing and helps to develop fast-twitch muscles, increased bat speed, strength and endurance.
As such, training bats that allow for a player to practice using different bat weights, bat lengths and bats shapes are valuable to the training regime of a player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A Baseball Training Bat is provided and includes a bat first end, a bat second end, and a bat middle portion having a bat handle portion, wherein the bat middle portion connects the bat first end with the bat second end, and wherein the bat handle portion includes a grip collar, wherein the grip collar includes a first collar end separated from a second collar end via a collar center, wherein the first collar end includes a first collar end diameter, the second collar end includes a second collar end diameter and the collar center includes a collar center diameter, wherein the collar center diameter is larger than the first collar end diameter and the second collar end diameter, wherein the first collar end is separated from the collar center via a first grip collar structure surface, wherein the first grip collar structure surface includes a first curved portion having a First Radius FR approximately equal to 1 inch, ±15%, and wherein the second collar end is separated from the collar center via a second grip collar structure surface, wherein the second grip collar structure surface includes a tapered surface which tapers annularly inward.
A Baseball Training Bat is provided and includes a bat first end, a bat second end, and a bat middle portion having a bat handle portion, wherein the bat middle portion connects the bat first end with the bat second end, and wherein the bat handle portion includes a grip collar, wherein the grip collar includes a first collar end separated from a second collar end via a collar center, wherein the first collar end includes a first collar end diameter, the second collar end includes a second collar end diameter and the collar center includes a collar center diameter, wherein the collar center diameter is larger than the first collar end diameter and the second collar end diameter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention should be more fully understood from the accompanying detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the following Figures in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:
FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a baseball training bat having a grip collar, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a side view of a portion of the baseball training bat of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A shows a first type of a baseball bat knob, in accordance with the prior art.
FIG. 3B shows a second type of a baseball bat knob, in accordance with the prior art.
FIG. 3C shows a third type of a baseball bat knob, in accordance with the prior art.
FIG. 3D shows fourth type of a baseball bat knob, in accordance with the prior art.
FIG. 4A shows a side view of a grip collar for use with the baseball training bat of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4B shows a side view of the grip collar of FIG. 4A.
FIG. 4C shows a side view of the baseball training bat of FIG. 1 having the grip collar of FIG. 4A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4D shows a side view of the baseball bat of FIG. 1 having the grip collar of FIG. 4A, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of the baseball training bat of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows a side view of a baseball training bat, in accordance with another embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows a front, side perspective view of a baseball training bat, in accordance with still yet another embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows a front, side perspective view of a baseball training bat, in accordance with still yet another embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows a exploded, side, perspective view of a baseball training bat, in accordance with still yet another embodiment.
FIG. 10A shows a side perspective view of the baseball training bat of FIG. 9, configured with the bat second end having a full barrel shape.
FIG. 10B shows a side perspective view of the baseball training bat of FIG. 9, configured with the bat second end having a half barrel shape and a flat surface.
FIG. 10C shows a side perspective view of the baseball training bat of FIG. 9, configured with the bat second end having a half barrel shape and a flat surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a training bat 100 having a unique and novel configuration is provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The training bat 100 includes a bat first end 102, a bat middle portion 104 and a bat second end 106, wherein the bat first end 102 terminates in a bat knob 108. The bat middle portion 104 includes a bat handle 110 and a bat barrel 112, wherein the bat handle 110 extends between the bat knob 108 and the bat barrel 112. The bat handle 110 includes a handle-knob end 114, a handle grip 116 and a handle-barrel end 118. Moreover, the bat barrel 112 includes a barrel-handle end 120, a barrel center 122 and a barrel end 124, wherein the bat second end 106 terminates in the barrel end 124. As is known, the bat knob 108 is the part of the bat that is located below where the batter's hands rest and that is typically shape like an annular disc.
Currently, there are four (4) different conventional design styles of a bat knob 108. Referring to FIG. 3A, the first and most common style of bat knob 108 is shown and is referred to as a flared bat knob 108A. In this style, the bat knob 108A is larger in circumference than the bat handle 110 so as to protrude annularly over the bat handle 110 and is connected to the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110, wherein the handle-knob end 114 has a tapered surface which extends from the base of the bat knob 108A to the thinnest part of the bat handle 110. As can be seen, the circumference of the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110 is larger proximate the bat knob 118A and gradually becomes smaller towards the middle of the bat handle 110. Referring to FIG. 3B, a second style of bat knob 108 is shown and is referred to as a standard bat knob 108B which is similar to the flared bat knob 108A. In this style, the bat knob 108B is also larger in circumference than the bat handle 110 so as to protrude annularly over the bat handle 110 and is connected to the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110, wherein the handle-knob end 114 has a substantial “straight” transition surface which extends from the base of the bat knob 108B to the thinnest part of the bat handle 110. Also, as can be seen, the circumference of the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110 is larger proximate the bat knob 118B and gradually (perhaps, linearly) becomes smaller towards the middle of the bat handle 110.
Referring to FIG. 3C, a third style of bat knob 108 is shown and is referred to as a cone bat knob 108C. In this style, the bat knob 108C has substantially the same circumference of the bat handle 110 and is connected to the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110, wherein the handle-knob end 114 has a substantially tapered surface which extends from the bat knob 108C to the thinnest part of the bat handle 110. Also, as can be seen, the circumference of the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110 is larger proximate the bat knob 118C and gradually becomes smaller towards the middle of the bat handle 110. It should be appreciated that this type of bat knob 108C is typically used by players that are healing from hamate bone injuries because the bat knobs do not protrude away from the bat handle 110 as prominently at the other styles of bat knobs. Referring to FIG. 3D, a fourth style of bat knob 108 is shown and is referred to as a bell bat knob 108D. In this style, the bat knob 108D is larger in circumference than the bat handle 110 so as to protrude annularly over the bat handle 110 and is connected to the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110, wherein the handle-knob end 114 has a tapered surface which extends from the bat knob 108D to the thinnest part of the bat handle 110. Also, as can be seen, the circumference of the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110 is larger proximate the bat knob 118D and gradually becomes smaller towards the middle of the bat handle 110. In this style, the bat knob 108D is more smoothly integrated with the handle-knob end 114 of the bat handle 110. This style of bat knob 108 is typically used to add mass at the bat first end 102 allowing it to work as a counter-weight relative to the bat second end 106.
Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the handle grip 116 connects the handle-knob end 114 with the handle-barrel end 118 and typically is configured into one of three (3) configurations: a thin handle grip 116, a medium handle grip 116 and a thick handle grip 116. As is known, bats with a thin handle grip 116 flex more and are easier to break and are typically more popular with power hitters, bats with a medium handle grip 116 will not flex as much at bats with a thin handle grip 116 but will provide increased durability over bats with a thin handle grip 116 and bats with a thick handle grip 116 are less popular and have an increased durability than a bat with a medium handle grip 116. In each of these configurations the bat handle 110 is substantially concave in shape and is configured such that surface of the handle-knob end 114 tapers into the surface of the handle grip 116 which furthermore tapers into the surface of the handle-barrel end 118. As such, the handle-knob end 114 and the handle-barrel end 118 are larger in circumference than the handle grip 116.
Referring again to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the barrel-handle end 120 of the bat barrel 112 is connected to the handle-barrel end 118 via a concavely curved handle-barrel connecting surface 126. Moreover, the barrel center 122 is substantially flat and includes a substantially consistent circumference until the barrel center 122 connects to the barrel end 124. The barrel end 124 terminates the bat 100 and is circumferentially and substantially rounded. As with bat handle grips 116, the bat barrel 112 is typically configured into one of three (3) configurations: a thin bat barrel 112, a medium bat barrel 112 and a thick bat barrel 112.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4A, the present invention further includes an integral grip flange or collar 200 disposed on the handle grip 116, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The grip collar 200 includes a first collar end 202 separated from a second collar end 204 by a collar center 206 having the shape of an annular ring. The first collar end 202 includes a first collar end diameter A, the second collar end 204 includes a second collar end dimeter B and the collar center 206 includes a collar center diameter C, wherein the collar center diameter C is larger than the first collar end diameter A and the second collar end diameter B. The grip collar 200 further includes a grip collar structure surface 208 which extends from the first collar end 202 to the second collar end 204 to form the collar center 206. It should be appreciated that as the grip collar structure surface 208 extends from the first collar end 202 to the collar center 206 (See 208A), the grip collar structure surface 208 curves annularly outward until the grip collar structure surface 208 is proximate the collar center 206. At this point, the grip collar structure surface 208 curves annularly inward (See 208C) such that the shape of the collar center 206 forms an annular ring. As the grip collar structure surface 208 extends from the collar center 206 to the second collar end 204 (See 208B), the grip collar structure surface 208B tapers annularly inward until the grip collar structure surface 208 is substantially the same circumference as the bat handle 110.
Referring to FIG. 4B, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the grip collar structure surface 208A that extends from the first collar end 202 to the collar center 206 may include a First Radius FR which may be approximately equal to 1 inch, ±15%. Additionally, the grip collar structure surface 208C that forms the collar center 206 may include a Second Radius SR which may be approximately equal to 0.20 inches, ±15% and the grip collar structure surface 208B that extends from the collar center 206 to the second collar end 204 may taper at an angle α between surfaces of approximately 31°, ±15%. Moreover, the grip collar structure surface 208C that extends from the collar center 206 to the second collar end 204 may include a curved surface 210 having a Third Radius TR of approximately 2 inches, ±15%. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the collar center 206 (i.e., annular ring) may have a collar center diameter C of approximately 2.5 inches, ±15%, whereas in other embodiments the collar center diameter C may be any diameter desired, suitable to the desired end purpose.
Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the bat knob 108 may have a knob thickness KT of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, ±15% and a knob diameter KD of between approximately about 1.4 inches and about 2.0 inches, ±15%, the bat handle 110 may have a handle length HL of between about 14 inches to about 19 inches, ±15% and a handle diameter HD that varies between about 0.98 inches and about 1.8 inches as the bat handle 110 extends between the handle-knob end 114 and the handle-barrel end 118. For example, as the handle-knob end 114 extends from the base of the bat knob 108 to the handle grip 116, the handle diameter HD tapers from a First Handle Diameter FHD to a Second Handle Diameter SHD, wherein the First Handle Diameter FHD is greater than the Second Handle Diameter SHD. Similarly, as the bat handle 110 extends from the second collar end 204 to the barrel-handle end 120, the handle diameter HD tapers from a Third Handle Diameter THD to a Fourth Handle Diameter FTHD, wherein the Fourth Handle Diameter FTHD is greater than the Third Handle Diameter THD. Additionally, the bat handle 110 and the barrel-handle end 120 are associated with each other via the concavely curved handle-barrel surface 126 which may be tapered at an angle of about 8° to about 10°, ±15%. Although as shown in accordance with one embodiment, the bat barrel 112 may have a consistent Barrel Diameter BD from the barrel-handle end 120 to the barrel end 124 (such as, for example, between about 2.4 inches and about 2.6 inches, ±15%), it is contemplated that the Barrel Diameter BD may vary along the length of the bat barrel 112 and may be any Barrel Diameter BD desired, suitable to the desired end purpose.
Moreover, as the bat handle 110 extends away from the bat knob 108, the thickness of the bat handle 110 may be tapered at an angle of about 6° to about 8°, ±15%. Moreover, the handle-barrel end 118 may transition into the barrel-handle end 120 via a rounded portion having a radius of about 0.2 inches to about 0.5 inches, ±15%. Additionally, the bat knob 108 may have rounded end surfaces having a radius of about 0.35 inches to about 0.38 inches, ±15% and the end portion of the bat barrel 112 may have a rounded end surface having a radius of about 0.55 inches to about 0.65 inches, ±15%. It should be appreciated that the dimensions disclosed herein are simply disclosed for one embodiment of the invention and may vary based on the size of the user. For example, a bat handle size for a youth will typically be smaller than a bat handle size for a high school/college player and a bat handle size for a high school/college may typically be smaller than a bat handle size for a professional player. Referring to FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D, one embodiment of a training bat 100 is shown having typical dimensional ranges (these dimensions are approximate and may vary by ±15%) as follows: A: 15 inches to 18.21 inches; B: 28 inches to 34 inches; X: 8 inches to 9.67 inches; Y: 9.92 inches to 12.03 inches; and Z: 11.71 inches to 14.21 inches. It should be appreciated that these dimensional ranges are for one embodiment and other embodiments may have different dimensional ranges. Accordingly, it is contemplated that other embodiments having various other dimensions are contemplated and thus, may have entirely different and varied single and combination of dimensions as desired and as suitable to the desired end purpose. As such, all dimensions may be varied and selected as desired and as suitable to the desired end purpose.
It should be appreciated that the grip collar 200 is disclosed herein as being an integral part of the bat handle 110, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It should be further appreciated that in accordance with other embodiments of the invention, it is contemplated that the grip collar 200 may be associated with the bat handle 110 via various other means and/or methods, such as via a tight rubber sleeve or via a mechanical or adhesive attachment. Additionally, it is contemplated that the grip collar 200 may be controllably positionable anywhere along the bat handle 110 as desired and as suitable to the desired end purpose. Referring to FIG. 6, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the present invention may be applied to training bats with bat barrels of other shapes, such as for example a paddle shaped barrel 130.
Referring to FIG. 7, it should be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, the present invention may include a training bat 300 which is configurable to increase and/or decrease the weight of the barrel end 324. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the barrel end 324 may define a barrel cavity 326 and include a barrel load 400, wherein the barrel load 400 is configured to be securely and removably contained within the barrel cavity 326. In one embodiment of the invention, the barrel cavity 326 may include a barrel cavity wall 328 having barrel cavity wall threads 330 and the barrel load 400 may include a barrel load outer wall 402 having barrel load outer wall threads 404, wherein the barrel cavity wall threads 330 are configured to securely associate with barrel load outer wall threads 404. This advantageously allows the barrel end 324 of the training bat 300 to be weighted as desired.
Referring to FIG. 8, it should be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, the present invention may include a training bat 300 which is configurable to increase and/or decrease the weight of the first bat end 302. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the first bat end 302 may define a knob cavity 340 and include a knob load 410, wherein the knob load 410 is configured to be securely and removably contained within the knob cavity 340. In one embodiment of the invention, the knob cavity 340 may include a knob cavity wall 342 having knob cavity wall threads 344 and the knob load 410 may include a knob load outer wall 412 having knob load outer wall threads 414, wherein the knob cavity wall threads 344 are configured to securely associate with knob load outer wall threads 412. This advantageously allows the bat first end 302 of the training bat 300 to be weighted as desired. It should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates additional embodiments that allow for weighted loads to be securely located in other areas of the training bat 300, such as the bat handle 310 and/or the grip collar 200.
Referring to FIG. 9, it is contemplated that in one or more embodiments, a training bat 500 is provided wherein the bat middle portion 504 and/or bat second end 506 may be configurable between a barrel shaped end and a paddle shaped end. Referring to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, it should be appreciated that the bat middle portion 504 and/or bat second end 506 may include a first side end structure 510, a middle end structure 512 and a third end structure 514, wherein the middle end structure 512 is connected to and/or integrated with the bat middle portion 504 to extent out and away from the bat middle portion 504. The middle end structure 512 is shaped as a paddle and includes a first side surface 516 and a second side surface 518. The first side end structure 510 includes a first side inner structure 520 and a first side outer structure 522 and the second side end structure 514 includes a second side inner structure 526 and a second side outer structure 528. It should be appreciated that the first side end structure 510 is configured to securely connect to the middle end structure 512 such that the first side inner structure 520 is adjacent to and securely contacts the first side surface 516. Moreover, the second side end structure 514 is configured to securely connect to the middle end structure 512 such that the second side inner structure 526 is adjacent to and securely contacts the second side surface 518. It should be appreciated that the first side end structure 510 and the third end structure 514 may be removably and securingly associated with the middle end structure 512 via any method and/or device suitable to the desired end purpose, such as via clips, screws, etc. Accordingly, this configuration allows the training bat 500 to be configured with the bat middle portion 504 and/or bat second end 506 shaped as a ‘full barrel’ (or substantially cylindrical shape) end and/or a ‘half barrel’ shape with one flat surface and one rounded surface and/or shaped as a paddle with two flat surfaces, as desired.
It should be appreciated that while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, it is contemplated that elements of one embodiment may be combined with elements of other embodiments as desired. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments (individually and/or combined) falling within the scope of the appended claims and/or information. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.
Patent Application
20230372799
