Auxiliary device for ball hitting posture training

Abstract

A ball striking posture training assistance device may include a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a second elongated member extending from the first side of the first elongated member, and a pair of third elongated members extending parallel to each other from the second side of the first elongated member. The invention further discloses a method for using the ball hitting posture training auxiliary device.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Design Application No. 29 / 971,897, filed November 6, 2024, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 596,843, filed November 7, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] In baseball, softball, and softball, posture and footwork (i.e., the connection between the body and the ground) are crucial for delivering a powerful and consistently accurate swing that sends the bat to the ball. The batter's position within the batter's box relative to home plate and the strike zone or T-stack is also critical. While the modern form of baseball dates back to the 19th century, the so-called "ideal" batter's swing has evolved over time. The essence of the ideal swing has been refined through years of play and is now influenced by research in biomechanics, physics, and statistics.

[0003] A batting coach teaching and demonstrating the fundamentals of an ideal swing is one thing, but putting those fundamentals into practice will be a challenge for any batter at any skill level. Numerous factors can prevent any batter from executing a swing that conforms to the fundamentals, such as his or her own learning habits, physical condition, energy level, focus, injuries, etc. Furthermore, even a qualified coach cannot always be present to reinforce these fundamentals, whether during practice or competition.

[0004] Many training aids have been developed to reinforce basic hitting techniques during practice, with the hope that hitters can apply them in matches. However, these aids have drawbacks because they may provide little or no feedback to the user, the hitting motions they encourage are not closely related to the ideal swing, they are difficult to set up and use, and / or are expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a batting posture training aid that overcomes one or more disadvantages of the prior art, for example, providing feedback to the user during batting practice, encouraging proper swinging of basic techniques, being so simple that users of any batting experience level can easily set it up and use it, and being relatively inexpensive.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a batting posture training aid device, comprising: a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a second elongated member extending from the first side of the first elongated member; and a pair of third elongated members extending parallel to each other from the second side of the first elongated member.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a batting posture training aid device, comprising: a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; and a pair of third elongated members extending parallel to each other from the second side of the first elongated member.

[0008] In the examples of the two aspects mentioned above: (a) the batting posture training aid may include an additional second elongated member extending parallel to each other from a first side of the first elongated member; (b) the second elongated members may have the same length; (c) the third elongated members may have the same length; (d) the first elongated member may be longer than both the second and third elongated members; (e) the second elongated member may be longer than the third elongated member; (f) a plurality of first holes may be formed on the first elongated member along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member; (g) each of the third elongated members may be rotatably connected to one of the plurality of first holes; (h) the first elongated member may include a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a pair of second holes formed through the first elongated member, one of the second holes being positioned near the first end and the other near the second end; (i) the plurality of first holes may be located between the respective second holes; (j) the batting posture training aid may include a pair of posts, each of which is configured to pass through a corresponding second hole in the second holes to secure the first elongated member to a surface; (k) Each of the third elongated members may include a tab having a fourth hole, and a fastener may pass through one of the fourth hole of each of the third elongated members and the first hole of the first elongated member to connect each of the third elongated members to the first elongated member, (l) the first elongated member may include a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side, (k) a textured surface may be formed on the bottom side, and an elastomeric material may be attached to the bottom side, (l) each of the third elongated members may include a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side, the top side having a curved and convex shape, (m) one of the third elongated members may include a first end connected to the first elongated member and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end having a third hole, and a fourth elongated member may be connected to the third elongated member at the second end by a fastener passing through the third hole, and / or (n) the third elongated member may be longer than the fourth elongated member.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a batting posture training aid device, comprising: a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a second elongated member connected to the first side of the first elongated member; and a pair of third elongated members connected to the second side of the first elongated member and configured to be positioned parallel to each other.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a batting posture training aid device, comprising: a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; and a pair of third elongated members connected to the second side of the first elongated member and configured to be positioned parallel to each other.

[0011] In the examples of the two aspects above: (a) an additional second elongated member may be connected to a first side of the first elongated member, the second elongated members being configured to extend parallel to each other; (b) the second elongated members may have the same length; (c) each of the second elongated members may include a post, and the first elongated member may include a pair of receptacles, and the post of each of the second elongated members may extend into a corresponding receptacle to rotatably connect the second elongated member to the first elongated member; (d) the first elongated member may include a groove on a first side, and in the folded position, the second elongated member may be located in the groove; (e) the second elongated members may be configured to unscrew from the groove to be parallel to each other in the unfolded position; (f) each of the third elongated members may include a post, and the first elongated member may include a pair of channels, and the post of each of the third elongated members may extend into a corresponding channel to rotatably connect the third elongated member to the first elongated member; (g) the first elongated member may include a groove on a second side, and in the folded position, the third elongated member may be located in the groove; (h) The third elongated member may be configured to rotate out of the groove to be parallel to each other in the unfolded position; (i) the channel may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member, such that the third elongated member can move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member; (j) the first elongated member may include a plurality of slots in the groove, one of the third elongated members may include a pin configured to engage one of the slots when the third elongated member is rotated to the unfolded position, and when the pin and slot are engaged, the pin and slot may be configured to prevent the third elongated member from moving parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member; (k) the first elongated member may include a plurality of marks, each of which corresponds to one of the slots, and a post of the third elongated member may include an indicator configured to be positioned close to one of the marks to indicate the proximity of the pin to the corresponding slot; (l) A fourth elongated member may be connected to one of the third elongated members opposite to the first elongated member. (m) The fourth elongated member may include a post, and the third elongated member may include a channel into which the post of the fourth elongated member extends to rotatably connect the fourth elongated member to the third elongated member. (n) The third elongated member may include a groove, and in the folded position, the fourth elongated member may be located in the groove. (o) The fourth elongated member may be configured to unscrew from the groove to be parallel to the first elongated member in the unfolded position. (p) The channel may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member, such that the fourth elongated member can move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member. (q) The third elongated member may include a plurality of slots in the groove, and the fourth elongated member may include a pin configured to engage one of the slots when the fourth elongated member is rotated to the unfolded position, and when the pin and slot are engaged, the pin and slot may be configured to prevent movement of the fourth elongated member parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member. (r) The third elongated member may include a plurality of marks.Each of the markings corresponds to one of the slots, and the post of the fourth elongated member may include an indicator configured to be positioned close to one of the markings to indicate the degree of proximity of the pin to the corresponding slot, and / or(s) the first elongated member may include a top side and a bottom side, and the first elongated member may include a plurality of legs projecting from the top side and the bottom side.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for using a batting posture training aid, the aid comprising a first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a second elongated member extending from the first side of the first elongated member; and a pair of third elongated members extending parallel to each other from the second side of the first elongated member, the method comprising: placing a user's left and right feet on the ground and between each of the third elongated members, with the user's toes adjacent to the first elongated member; and the user's right foot crossing over an adjacent third elongated member, with the user's right foot on the ground and the user's toes adjacent to the first elongated member, subsequently the user's left foot crossing over an adjacent third elongated member and the user's left foot on the ground with the user's toes adjacent to the first elongated member.

[0013] In one example of the foregoing aspect, the method may further include placing the batting posture training aid near home plate such that the end of the second elongated member opposite to that of the first elongated member is near home plate.

[0014] Of course, some parts of the above aspects may constitute sub-aspects of the present invention. In addition, the various sub-aspects and / or aspects may be combined in various ways to constitute additional aspects or sub-aspects of the present invention.

[0015] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are part of this disclosure and illustrate the principles of the invention by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a top view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a first example of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of a ball-hitting posture training aid device in a folded position according to a first example of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the third elongated member of the batting posture training aid device according to the first example of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is another top view of the batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to the first example of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a batting posture training aid device in a folded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top perspective view of a batting posture training aid device in a folded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9A This is a detailed view of a batting posture training aid device in a partially unfolded position according to a second example of the technology of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9B This is a detailed view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the technology of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10A This is a side elevation view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10B This is a top view of a batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10A This is an end elevation view of a ball-hitting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to a second example of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is another top view of the batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to the second example of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 This is another top view of the batting posture training aid device in the unfolded position according to the second example of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 13A and 13B An exploded view of a batting posture training aid device according to a second example of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Before describing the invention in further detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific examples described herein, and these examples may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for describing the specific examples discussed herein and is not intended to be limiting.

[0033] The following description pertains to various examples that may share one or more common features and / or characteristics. It should be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combined with one or more features of another example or other examples. Furthermore, any single feature or combination of features in any example may constitute a further example.

[0034] Figure 1 A plan view of a batting posture training aid 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The batting posture training aid 10 is in the extended position, as described below, and is positioned next to the home plate 1 and across the line forming the batting zone 2.

[0035] The batting posture training aid 10 includes a first elongated member 11 having a first side 12 and a second side 13 opposite to the first side 12. The batting posture training aid 10 includes a second elongated member 14 extending from the first side 12 of the first elongated member 11.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the second elongated member 14 can be used to orient the batting position training aid 10 relative to home plate 1 at a predetermined distance. Therefore, when used with a standard layout, the first elongated member 11 will be spaced apart from home plate 1 and cover the line forming the batting box 2, thereby providing a boundary for the batter's toes when oriented relative to the batting position training aid 10, home plate 1, and batting box 2. An additional second elongated member 14 may also be included. The second elongated members 14 may extend parallel to each other from a first side 12 of the first elongated member 11. When two second elongated members 14, which may have the same length (i.e., dimensions parallel to the longitudinal axis), are placed against corresponding sides of home plate 1, the first elongated member 11 will be oriented parallel to that side of home plate 1. This can be useful in cases where there is home plate 1 but no marked batting box 2. The second elongated member 14 may have a length of six inches (i.e., dimensions parallel to the longitudinal axis) such that the first elongated member 11 is aligned with home plate 1 at a standard distance from the batting box 2. Each of the second elongated members 14 may have a width of one inch (i.e., a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).

[0037] One or more second elongated members 14 (as applicable) may be permanently or removably attached to the first elongated member 11. One or more second elongated members 14 (as applicable) may be fixedly or rotatably attached to the first elongated member 11. The rotatability of the second elongated member 14 allows the second elongated member 15 to remain connected to the first elongated member 11 and fold inwards. Figure 2 The folding position is more compact for transport and storage.

[0038] The batting posture training aid 10 also includes a pair of third elongated members 15 extending parallel to each other from the second side 13 of the first elongated member 11. The third elongated members 15 may have the same length (i.e., a dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis), which may be 10 inches. Each of the third elongated members 15 may have a width of two inches (i.e., a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis).

[0039] Figure 3 One of the third elongated members 15 is shown, having a tab 25 with a fourth hole 26, and a fastener such as a bolt or pin (not shown) can pass through the fourth hole 26 of each third elongated member 15 and a first hole of the first elongated member to connect each third elongated member to the first elongated member 11. A plurality of first holes 20 may be formed on the first elongated member 11 along a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11. Each third elongated member 15 may be connected to the first elongated member 11 at one of the first holes 20 (e.g., using a fastener such as a bolt or pin, not shown), and each third elongated member 15 is removably connected to the first elongated member 11 such that their position along the first elongated member 11 is adjustable.

[0040] Furthermore, each third elongated member 15 is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of first holes 20. This allows the third elongated member 15 to remain connected to the first elongated member 11 and fold inward. Figure 2 The folding position is more compact for transport and storage.

[0041] Each third elongated member 15 may have a top side 22 and a bottom side 23 opposite to the top side 22, the top side 22 having Figure 3 The curved and convex shape is shown. As described below, when the user practices using the batting posture training aid 10, they step over the third elongated member 15, and the curved and convex shape provides tactile feedback to the user regarding the placement of their feet during use.

[0042] One of the third elongated members 15 may have a first end connected to the first elongated member 11 and a second end opposite to the first end, the second end having a third hole 24. A fourth elongated member 16 may be connected at the second end to the third elongated member 15 via a fastener such as a bolt or pin passing through the third hole 24. In use, the fourth elongated member 16 may be oriented such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding third elongated member 15 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11. The third elongated member 15 may be longer than the fourth elongated member 16. The fourth elongated member 16 may have a width of two inches (i.e., a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) and a length of eight inches (i.e., a dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis). As described below, the fourth elongated member 16 may be used to provide a rearward boundary for the user's heel during hitting practice. The fourth elongated member 16 may also have a top side with a curved and convex shape.

[0043] The first elongated member 11 may be longer than the second elongated member 14 and the third elongated member 15. The first elongated member 11 may have a length of 36 inches (i.e., a dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis) and a width of three inches (i.e., a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). The second elongated member 14 may be longer than the third elongated member 15.

[0044] The first elongated member 11 includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a pair of second holes 21 formed through the first elongated member 11, one second hole 21 being positioned near the first end and the other second hole 21 being positioned near the second end. A plurality of first holes 20 are located between the respective second holes 21. A pair of stakes (not shown) can be passed through the corresponding second holes 21 to secure the first elongated member 11 to a surface such as grass or artificial turf.

[0045] The first elongated member 11 has a top side 17 and a bottom side 18 opposite to the top side 17. A textured surface may be formed on the bottom side 18 to improve the grip of the first elongated member 11 on the ground and prevent movement upon contact during use. An elastomeric material may be attached to the bottom side 18 to improve the grip of the first elongated member 11 on the ground and prevent movement upon contact during use.

[0046] Each of the first elongated member 11, the second elongated member 14, the third elongated member 15, and the fourth elongated member 16 may be made of a relatively rigid material, such as treated wood, metal, polymer, or composite material. The material should be corrosion-resistant, elastic, non-ductile, non-elongated, and low in density.

[0047] In the second example, such as Figure 5-12 As shown, the elongated component of the training aid 10 can be unfolded for use, such as... Figure 5 , 8 As shown in 10A-12, and foldable for packaging, storage and / or transportation, such as Figure 6 and 7 As shown. As described below, the elongated component of the training aid 10 can be adjusted relative to another elongated component to accommodate users of different sizes.

[0048] In this example, the elongated component of the training aid 10 may be made of polymers, such as thermoplastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, or polyamide (nylon), thermosetting plastics like epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or polyurethane, or composite materials containing glass fiber and / or carbon fiber. The elongated component of the training aid 10 may be manufactured by injection molding and / or 3D printing. In a further example, the elongated component of the training aid 10 may be made of metal, such as aluminum alloy.

[0049] The first elongated member 11 of the training aid 10 may include two separate portions forming a top side 17 and a bottom side 18, respectively, connected by a fastener 36. The fastener 36 may be a screw or a rivet. Alternatively or additionally, the separate portions forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18 may be connected by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, a snap-fit ​​tongue, and a receiving portion. The top side 17 and the bottom side 18 of the first elongated member 11 may have feet 35 to help the training aid 10 remain in place during use. The feet 35 may be made of rubber, polymer, or metal. The feet 35 may protrude beyond the top side 17 and the bottom side 18 from the first elongated member 11. The portions forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18 may also form recesses 39 into which the second elongated member 14 and the third elongated member 15 may fold, as... Figure 6 and 7 As shown. The groove 39 may include a stop surface 41 that contacts and prevents rotation of the second elongated member 14.

[0050] In the second example, the third elongated member 15 may include two separate portions forming a top side 22 and a second side 23, respectively, and connected by a fastener 36. The portion forming the top side 22 and the second side 23 of the first of the third elongated members 15 may also form a groove 39, into which the fourth elongated member 16 can be folded, such as... Figure 6 and 7 As shown. The third elongated member 15 is movably connected to the first elongated member 11. The third elongated members 15 can move independently of each other. The third elongated members 15 can be separately connected to the first elongated member 11. The groove 39 may include a stop surface 41 that contacts and prevents rotation of the third elongated member 15.

[0051] Each third elongated member 15 may include a post 31 and a pin 32 extending from each of a top side 22 and a bottom side 23 for movable connection to a first elongated member 11. The post 31 may be cylindrical to allow rotation of the corresponding member about it. The pin 32 may be cylindrical. Each post 31 may extend into a corresponding channel 34 on the first elongated member 11 to connect the third elongated member 15 to the first elongated member 11 while allowing movement of the third elongated member 15 along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11. The third elongated member 15 may rotate about the post 31 within the channel 34 such that the pin 32 engages with a corresponding slot 33 formed on a corresponding portion of the first elongated member 11, forming a top side 17 and a bottom side 18. When the pin 32 is rotated to engage with one of the slots 33, the engagement of the pin 32 in the slot 33 prevents movement of the third elongated member 15 along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11. The slot 33 may be arcuate.

[0052] The front of the third elongated member 15 may have only one pair of slots 33 to always position the user's front foot in the desired basic canonical position relative to home plate, regardless of the user's size. The rear of the third elongated member 15 may be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11 to one of several discrete positions to accommodate users of different sizes and standing widths. In other words, the rear third elongated member 15 may be adjusted further back relative to home plate to accommodate larger users with larger standing widths and stride lengths.

[0053] The first elongated member 11 may also include a mark 29 along the rear of the slot 33, on the portion forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18, to indicate the separate position of the corresponding third elongated member 15. Figure 9A The diagram shows how, in the partially unfolded position of the third elongated member 15, the indicator on the post 31 can be aligned with the mark 29, which is located at the desired position of the rear third elongated member 15, and this alignment informs the user that the third elongated member 15 can be rotated in that position to engage the pin 32 with the corresponding slot 33. Figure 9B The fully extended position is shown, where pin 32 is no longer visible because it has been rotated below the corresponding portion of the first elongated member 11 and into the corresponding slot 33. The third elongated member 15 can be adjusted and folded by rotating the third elongated member 15 in the opposite direction to disengage pin 32 from the slot 33.

[0054] The fourth elongated member 16 may be folded into and unscrewed from the groove 39 of the preceding member of the third elongated member 15 in a manner similar to how the third elongated member 15 may be folded into and unscrewed from the groove 39 of the first elongated member 11. The preceding member of the third elongated member 15 may include a slot 33 and a mark 29 on the portion forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18 to provide and indicate an adjustable, discrete position. The groove 39 may include a stop surface 41 that contacts and prevents rotation of the fourth elongated member 16.

[0055] The first elongated member 11 may also include a receiving portion 40 in the portion forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18 and in the groove 39 of the first side 12 to receive the post 31 of the second elongated member 14. The second elongated member 14 may rotate about the corresponding post 31 into and out of the groove 39 of the first side 12. The receiving portion 40 may be a circular hole that allows rotation but not movement along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member 11.

[0056] Figure 6 As shown, when the second elongated member 14, the third elongated member 15, and the fourth elongated member 16 are fully folded into the recess 39, these members do not exceed the width of the first elongated member 11. In the folded position, the second elongated member 14, the third elongated member 15, and the fourth elongated member 16 can be flush with the first side 12 and the second side 13. This makes the training aid 10 compact during packaging, storage, and / or transportation.

[0057] The second elongated member 14 and the fourth elongated member 16 may have recesses 38 forming an I-shaped cross-section to reduce material and thus reduce the weight of these members.

[0058] The first elongated member 11 may include cutouts along the first side 12 and the second side 13 of the portion forming the top side 17 and the bottom side 18, so that the user can pull the second elongated member 14 and the third elongated member 15 out of the corresponding grooves 39.

[0059] Marker 29 is shown as a raised structure. Marker 29 may also have a different color from the rest of the first elongated member 11 and the third elongated member 15. Alternatively, mark 29 may not be a raised structure, but may simply be a different color from the rest of the first elongated member 11 and the third elongated member 15.

[0060] In a further example, the second elongated member 14 may be omitted. The second elongated member 14 can be used to space the training aid 10 from the home plate such that the first elongated member 11, and thus the user's feet, are at least sufficiently far from the home plate to be within a standard-sized batting rim. The second elongated member 14 provides standard spacing in cases where the user has a home plate but no marked batting rim. However, in cases where the batting rim is arranged to standard size and at a standard distance from the home plate, examples of the training aid 10 can be used without the second elongated member 14.

[0061] Figures 10A-10C The dimensions (in inches) of the training aid 10 according to this example are shown. These dimensions are chosen to allow the training aid 10 to be used with standard-sized batting rims and home plates as described below. For example, the four-inch width of the first elongated member 11 spans the width of the line forming the batting rim, while the six-inch length of the second elongated member 14 spaces the training aid 10 from the home plate, allowing the first elongated member 14 to be aligned along the batting rim. However, other dimensions may be used to accommodate batting rims and / or home plates of different sizes. Furthermore, the elongated members of the training aid 10 may be larger or smaller depending on the size of the intended trainee.

[0062] Figure 4 The method of using the batting posture training aid 10 is described. First, if there is a home plate 1 and a marked batting area 2, the batting posture training aid 10 can be deployed and positioned above the line forming the batting area 2 and adjacent to the home plate 1. However, it should be understood that footwork training as described below can be performed even without a home plate 1 and a marked batting area 2.

[0063] The user then places his or her feet at the left foot starting position 100 and the right foot starting position 200, such that the user's feet are between the third elongated member 15, and the user's toes are pointing towards the first elongated member 11. The user's feet may be approximately perpendicular to the first elongated member 11 and approximately parallel to the third elongated member 15. The user then crosses the right foot over the adjacent third elongated member 15 and places it at the right foot landing position 202. Subsequently, the user crosses the left foot over the adjacent third elongated member 15 and places it at the left foot landing position 102. The user may also grip and swing the bat in coordination with the moving feet, especially when stepping forward with the left foot. The user may swing the thrown ball or the ball on the T-stand during this exercise.

[0064] If the user does not lift and place their feet in the correct position, the first elongated member 11 and the third elongated member 15 provide immediate tactile feedback. For example, if the right foot steps back too short, it will land on the corresponding third elongated member 15, and the same applies to the left foot and its corresponding third elongated member 15. In either case, the user feels their foot against the third elongated member 15, indicating an improper step. Similarly, if the user steps towards home plate with either foot, they will receive tactile feedback from the first elongated member 11. Furthermore, the curved and convex shape of the top side 22 of the third elongated member 16 allows the user's foot to pass easily without tripping, thus minimizing the risk of tripping while providing feedback.

[0065] When the fourth elongated member 16 is included, it also provides tactile feedback to the forefoot to help correct users who tend to step backward with their left foot away from home plate 1, thus exposing their torso to the strike zone. This may be undesirable and the fourth elongated member 16 may be included to train and correct this behavior.

[0066] Instructions for use of the above-mentioned hitting posture training aid device 10 and Figure 1 and Figure 4 The arrangement shown is suitable for right-handed batters. However, it should be understood that the second elongated member 14, the third elongated member 15, and the fourth elongated member 16 can be placed on the opposite side of the batting posture training aid 10 for use by left-handed batters. Furthermore, the footwork sequence described above is reversed for left-handed batters.

[0067] The third elongated member 15 is adjustable in position relative to the first elongated member 11 to accommodate batters of different sizes. In other words, a smaller batter will bring the third elongated member 15 closer together, while a larger batter will spread the third elongated member 15 further apart to accommodate a longer stride. The third elongated member 15 can move together forward or backward relative to the first elongated member 11 to optimize the batter's position within the batting box 2 and relative to home plate 1.

[0068] Figure 11 and 12 It shows the relationship with Figure 4 The second example of the use of a similar training aid 10. Figure 11 A training aid 10 for right-handed batters is shown. Figure 12A training aid 10 for a left-handed batter is shown. Furthermore, in a second example, the fourth elongated member 16 is adjustable along the length of the third elongated member 15 to which it is attached. This adjustability allows for adjustment of the space between the fourth elongated member 16 and the first elongated member 11, ensuring sufficient space between them for the batter's forefoot to land. However, the position of the fourth elongated member 16 can be adjusted such that there is no extra space allowing the batter's forefoot to move laterally in a substantially irregular manner, while still avoiding contact with either the fourth elongated member 16 or the first elongated member 11. For example, Figure 11 and 12 The fourth elongated member 16 is shown to be spaced far enough from the first elongated member 11 that the batter's front foot can land between the fourth elongated member 16 and the first elongated member 11 at the left foot landing position 102 without touching them.

[0069] Furthermore, since the training aid 10 is double-sided, its orientation can be rotated 180 degrees depending on whether the batter using the training aid 10 is right-handed or left-handed. Therefore, the terms "top" and "bottom" used herein are for reference only. In other words, the "top" side is the training aid 10 and its components for a right-handed batter, and the "bottom" side is the training aid 10 and its components for a left-handed batter.

[0070] While this technology has been described in conjunction with various examples, it should be understood that this technology is not limited to the disclosed examples, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of this technology. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be implemented in combination with other examples; for example, an aspect of one example can be combined with an aspect of another example to implement yet more examples. Moreover, each individual feature or component of any given component can constitute an additional example.

[0071] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A batting posture training aid device, comprising: A first elongated member having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; A second elongated member is connected to the first side of the first elongated member; as well as A pair of third elongated members, which are connected to the second side of the first elongated member and configured to be positioned parallel to each other.

2. The ball-hitting posture training aid device according to claim 1 further includes: An additional second elongated member is attached to the first side of the first elongated member, the second elongated member being configured to extend parallel to each other.

3. The batting posture training aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second elongated member has the same length.

4. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the second elongated members comprises a post, and the first elongated member comprises a pair of receiving portions, and The post of each of the second elongated members extends into a corresponding receiving portion of the receiving portion to rotatably connect the second elongated member to the first elongated member.

5. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first elongated member includes a groove on the first side, and In the folded position, the second elongated member is located in the groove.

6. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second elongated member is configured to rotate out of the groove to be parallel to each other in the unfolded position.

7. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the third elongated members comprises a post, and the first elongated member comprises a pair of channels, and The post of each of the third elongated members extends into a corresponding channel in the channel to rotatably connect the third elongated member to the first elongated member.

8. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first elongated member includes a groove on the second side, and In the folded position, the third elongated member is located in the groove.

9. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third elongated member is configured to rotate out of the groove to be parallel to each other in the unfolded position.

10. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member, such that the third elongated member is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member.

11. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first elongated member comprises a plurality of slots in the groove, One of the third elongated members includes a pin configured to engage one of the slots when the third elongated member is rotated to the deployed position. When the pin and the slot engage, the pin and the slot are configured to prevent the third elongated member from moving parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongated member.

12. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first elongated member comprises a plurality of marks, each of the marks corresponding to one of the slots, and The post of the third elongated member includes an indicator configured to be positioned close to one of the marks to indicate the proximity of the pin to the corresponding slot.

13. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fourth elongated member is connected to one of the third elongated members opposite to the first elongated member.

14. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fourth elongated member comprises a column, and the third elongated member comprises a channel, and The post of the fourth elongated member extends into the channel to rotatably connect the fourth elongated member to the third elongated member.

15. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the third elongated member includes a groove, and In the folded position, the fourth elongated member is located in the groove.

16. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fourth elongated member is configured to rotate out of the groove to be parallel to the first elongated member in the unfolded position.

17. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member, such that the fourth elongated member is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member.

18. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the third elongated member comprises a plurality of slots in the groove. The fourth elongated member includes a pin configured to engage one of the slots when the fourth elongated member is rotated to the deployed position. When the pin and the slot engage, the pin and the slot are configured to prevent the fourth elongated member from moving parallel to the longitudinal axis of the third elongated member.

19. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the third elongated member comprises a plurality of marks, each of the marks corresponding to one of the slots, and The post of the fourth elongated member includes an indicator configured to be positioned close to one of the marks to indicate the proximity of the pin to the corresponding slot.

20. The batting posture training aid according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first elongated member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and The first elongated member includes a plurality of legs protruding from the top and bottom sides.

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