Ball swinging training device

Abstract

In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a batting training device which includes a base plate, an adjustable ball and spring unit having one end secured to the base plate and having another end with a ball secured thereto, an adjustable height guard support unit having one end secured to the base plate, a stride guard laterally movable with respect to an upper portion of the adjustable height guard support unit, and a pivotal and rotational swing path guard unit movably with respect to the upper portion of the adjustable height guard support unit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a training device and, more particularly, to a ball swinging and hitting practice and training device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the game of baseball, one of the most difficult skills to master is hitting. A hitter must be able to coordinate the swing of a bat with the location of a ball so that good contact with the ball can be made while swinging the bat. Once this is mastered, the hitter must next learn to make good contact with the ball at the various positions at which it may cross home plate, from an inside pitch to an outside pitch, and from a high pitch to a low pitch, and various combinations of these two variables.[0003]In development of these skills, the trainer or coach uses a baseball tee to support a ball at a selected height above a representation of the baseball home plate. The player then hits the ball out to the field, the ball is retrieved and placed on the tee for another swing. In th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]To perfect the baseball / softball batting swing, two foundational elements need to be constantly implemented, proper mechanics and continuous repetition of those mechanics. One or more of the embodiments presented, addresses these needs and also simplifies them so that the need for parental supervision becomes optional. Once the basic concept of using the device is understood children can master the mechanics and practice forever, anytime, anywhere, with or without supervision. The device was developed for use with softballs and baseballs and has many easy to adjust features to accommodate different age levels and skill levels. The device is also portable. The device requires no assembly by the end user. The device is easy to transport and can be used anywhere by anyone at anytime, indoor and outdoor.

[0011]Further defining the adjustable ball and spring unit, the device may include a mounting plate fastened to the base plate. A lower rod and an upper rod are provided and have diametrically opposed ends and adjacent ends. One of the adjacent ends is insertable into the other adjacent end for providing height adjustable rods. A spring is secured at one end to the mounting plate and has another end secured to the lower rod. A ball is mounted to the upper rod. Thus contact with the ball causes the upper and lower rods to bend the spring away from the impact of the ball and the spring having a tendency to return the lower and upper rods back to an upright position. In other aspects of the embodiments, the adjustable ball and spring unit may include a safety cord with one end secured to the upper rod and another end secured to the lower rod. Preferably one or more embodiments provide for the ball to be removably secured to the upper rod.

Problems solved by technology

In the game of baseball, one of the most difficult skills to master is hitting.

The practice tees developed to date, however, have had various limitations which have discouraged their overall acceptance in the baseball world.

This has become very tiring work and discouraging to some players.

In other cases, the tees have not been adjustable or have limited adjustability and different tees must be used for different hitting zones.

A mistake common in developing batter is a tendency to swing upwards through the strike zone, resulting in either a strike or an unfavorable batted ball trajectory.

But these lack certain aspects found in one or more of the embodiments provided.

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