Baseball bat choke-up device

Abstract

A Baseball Bat Choke-Up Device is provided which includes C-shaped ring with a hollow center cavity that runs longitudinally through the device. The C-shaped ring has both interior and exterior wall surfaces, and wherein the interior wall surface encircles and engages the handle portion of a baseball bat. The C-shaped ring can be separated longitudinally, allowing the Baseball Bat Choke-Up Device to be placed tightly into the desired position around the handle portion of a baseball bat. The C-shaped ring may be secured firmly in place with a Velcro-type fastener which extends from one side of the longitudinal split to the other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to baseball bats. More specifically, the present invention pertains to baseball bat choke-up devices that allow baseball players to achieve a desired grip on the baseball bat. The present invention is particularly, though not exclusively, useful for assisting a batter to grip a baseball bat at a desired distance from its physical end.[0002] A customary practice among baseball players is to grip a baseball bat at a desired distance from its physical end, or knob. This convention, known as "choking up," facilitates improved swing control and accuracy. As a batter "chokes-up," he or she grips a bat closer to its center of gravity, creating a moment of inertia that is less than what it would be were a batter to grip a bat at its physical end. As a result of "choking up," a batter achieves greater accuracy and control with a resulting heavier and broader bat. Moreover, a batter is able to swing a "choked-up" bat with a greater angular veloci...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The result is a weakened grip on the bat.

Consequently, "choking up" may cause a batter's hands to slip under the often extreme forces exerted by a batter when following through and completing a swing.

In addition, a batter may be unable to "choke-up" to the same preferred position each time he or she grips a bat, thus preventing development of a consistent swing.

Due to their lack of physical strength, a child or novice batter may be even less able to correctly locate his or her hands in a proper "choke-up" position.

Consequently, the device of the '839 patent may not maintain its proper position on the bat during the often extreme forces exerted by a player when following through and completing a swing.

The device of the '839 patent is therefore unlikely to provide effective support for a batter's hands.

As a consequence, using a currently available baseball bat choke up device may allow a batter's hands to slip under the often excessive forces exerted by a batter during the swing.

Further, after extended periods of using a traditional baseball bat choke up device, a batter may find that the device has shifted from its proper position.

The result is greater difficulty in maintaining a consistent "choke-up" grip position.

More importantly, a child or novice batter may be even less able to maintain a consistent position.

Consequently, attachment of the device of the '839 patent requires significant physical strength, and may be too difficult for a child batter to attach to a bat.

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