Ball batter trainer apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for training a person to assume a proper batting stance when hitting a baseball or softball. The apparatus comprises a base and a vertical support component extending upwardly from the base. A training component is attachable to the vertical support component in cantilevered arrangement. In use, the training component may be extended over a batter's head while the batter is in a batting stance such that the batter will contact the training component if the batter rises from the stance. Additional and alternative features are also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of athletic training devices, and more specifically to the field of baseball / softball batter training devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hitting a baseball / softball is a cornerstone skill in baseball / softball, requiring young players, typically starting from age 5, to develop precise coordination, impeccable timing, and a fundamentally sound batting stance making it one of the most challenging feats in all of sports. The foundation of this skill lies in the batting stance, the position and posture a batter assumes before swinging, which is critical to achieving consistent contact with the ball and generating power. For young athletes learning to hit, developing and refining this stance is often the first yet crucial step toward mastering the art of hitting. A proper stance, feet set shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, weight balanced on the balls of the feet, hands cocked back, and eyes zeroed in on the pitcher, lays the groundwork for success, enabling kids to react swiftly to pitches. However, establishing this foundation poses a persistent challenge in traditional training methods.

[0003] In the prior art, one prevalent technique for training young batters is live pitching, where coaches or peers throw balls for the batter to hit. This method exposes players to realistic pitch trajectories but offers little direct guidance on maintaining a proper batting stance. Young batters, especially beginners, may struggle to position their feet, align their bodies, or distribute their weight correctly under the pressure of an incoming pitch, leading to inconsistent swings and poor habits. One particular problem involves novice batters unintentionally rising out of an otherwise proper batting stance as the ball approaches the plate. This leads to improper form during a swing of the bat, negatively affecting accuracy and power of the swing.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a batter training device that will encourage student batters to maintain a proper batting stance throughout the delivery of a pitch.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention includes an apparatus and method for training a batter to maintain his or her batting stance during delivery of a pitch by preventing or at least discouraging the batter from inadvertently rising out of an otherwise proper stance prior to and during a swing of the bat. It is known in the art that effective batting requires a “whole-of-body” effort in which not only the arms and torso are used to impart power to a swing, but also proper leverage of the hips and legs to impart even more power to the swing. This requires the batter to assume a partially crouched position in which the knees are slightly bent and the hips are aligned properly with respect to the direction of the pitch. Such a position does not feel “natural” to novice batters, and some tend to stand up straighter as the ball approaches, perhaps as a subconscious means of increasing their ability to make contact with the ball, even though it decreases their power and leverage. The present invention attempts to train novice batters to stay in proper position by keeping them from straightening up during a pitch.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a vertical support component, such as a stanchion or pole, although the vertical support component of the invention is not limited to a stanchion or pole. The vertical support component includes a base at its lower end for stably positioning the apparatus proximate a batter's box (or simulated batter's box, or other such area where the batter will train). The vertical support component further includes a graduated series of slots, apertures, grooves, or similar structures along at least a part of its length. The apparatus further includes a training component which may be cantilevered off of the vertical support component via one of the slots, apertures, grooves, or similar structures and configured to extend horizontally, or nearly horizontally, from the vertical support to a space above a batter's head. The training component may be a plank or beam, for example, although the training component of the invention is not limited to a plank or beam.

[0007] A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. In an exemplary method, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a batter's box (or simulated batter's box) in a location so as not to interfere with the batter's swing. With the batter in an appropriate batting stance, the training component is affixed to one of the slots, apertures, grooves, or like structure so as to be positioned just above the batter's head. During a practice pitch, the training component prevents, or at least discourages, the batter from rising out of an otherwise proper stance.

[0008] Because the purpose of the invention is to prevent, or at least discourage, a trainee batter from inadvertently rising out of an otherwise proper stance, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the base, vertical support component, training component of the apparatus may be made of any suitable material, now existing or yet to be created, for achieving this purpose. Likewise, the manner of affixing the training component to the vertical support may be of any suitable means for achieving the purpose of the invention. Thus, the various aspects of embodiments in the detailed description of the invention set forth herein are not to be construed as limitations of the invention. Rather, the proper scope of the present invention is encompassed by the words of the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention positioned proximate to a trainee batter.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow chart setting forth a method of using the apparatus of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. It should be understood that other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein and that these natural variants should be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0012] It is to be further expressly understood that the apparatus described below is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the description that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present invention. The description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present invention, which are set forth in the appended claims.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary batter training apparatus 100 of the invention configured for its intended use. The apparatus includes a vertical support component 102, which may be a pole or stanchion, for example. At the lower end of the vertical support component 102 is a stand or base 104. The vertical support component 102 of this embodiment includes a series of graduated slots 108. In some embodiments the slots 108 may extend through the vertical support component 102, while in other embodiments the slots 108 may be blind holes, for example. A training structure 110, which in this embodiment may be a beam or plank, is depicted cantilevered from one of the slots 108 at an appropriate height above a batter's head 112. Means for affixing the training component 110 to a slot 108 may include any means, existing or yet to be created (not shown) to secure it safely to the vertical support component 102.

[0014] Although the base 104 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 comprises legs, the base of the invention is not so limited. Base 104 may alternatively comprise a pedestal, for example. While exemplary embodiments are envisioned as being portable, in other embodiments the apparatus may be in a permanent or semi-permanent position. In this case, base 104 may alternatively be absent altogether, and the bottom portion of the vertical component 102 may be inserted into the ground (or other solid surface), for example. While the base may be made from any suitable material, it is envisioned that the base (when present, in whatever form) may be made from any appropriately dense (i.e., heavy) material so as to lower the center of gravity of the apparatus to prevent it from rocking, tipping, or being knocked over during use.

[0015] Although the vertical support component 102 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is a pole or stanchion, the vertical support component 102 of the invention is not so limited. Bearing in mind that the purpose of the vertical support component of the invention is to allow cantilevered positioning of the training component at a desired height (e.g., based on the height of the batter to be trained), the vertical support component may be of any configuration to allow this functionality. Thus, the vertical support component of the invention may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as square, rectangular, ovular, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Also, while the vertical support component in the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes slots 108 for attachment of the training component to the vertical support component, other means of attaching the training component of the invention to the vertical support component of the invention are envisioned. For example, slots may be of any appropriate shape, may extend through the vertical support component, or may be blind holes. In other examples, slots may not be present at all, and the training component may be attached to the vertical support component by a collar attached to an end of the training component that may be situated around the vertical support component and affixed thereto by one or more screws or other such means of preventing the training component from moving with respect to the vertical support component once in place.

[0017] Although the training component in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is generally plank-shaped, the training component of the invention is not so limited. Bearing in mind that the purpose of the training component is to prevent (or at least discourage) a batter from inadvertently rising out of his or her batting stance, the training component may be of any appropriate shape to achieve this end. For example, the training component may comprise a mesh extending between parallel bars, one on each side of the batter's head, such that if the batter does begin to rise out of his or her stance, his or her (helmeted) head will not contact a hard surface. Even in the embodiment in which the training component is plank-shaped, suitable cushioning on the underside thereof may be desirable in the interest of safety.

[0018] In addition, the training component may include one or more sensors for detecting that the batter is rising out of a proper batting stance. The sensor(s) also may be coupled to a speaker or alarm to warn the batter upon detection that the batter is rising out of a proper batting stance.

[0019] All of the above additions and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and it is considered within the level of ordinary skill to implement any of them in view of the teachings herein.

[0020] Also disclosed herein is a method of training a batter using the exemplary apparatus 100 of the invention. With reference to FIG. 2, there is a flow chart of an exemplary method 200. In a first step 202, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a batter's box. As those of ordinary skill would appreciate, appropriate placement of the apparatus should take into account the height of the batter to be trained, the swing arc of the batter to be trained, and other safety and efficacy considerations, depending on the circumstances. In a second step 204, the batter to be trained is positioned in an appropriate batting stance in a batter's box (or simulated batter's box). As those of skill will appreciate, the proper stance is dependent on numerous considerations (e.g., height, handedness, etc.). In a third step 206, the training component is positioned above the batter's head at a suitable height such as to allow natural swinging movement in response to a pitch, but close enough to train the batter to maintain a proper batting stance and not to inadvertently rise in response to seeing an approaching pitch.

[0021] The invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments. It is to be understood that other additions and / or modifications may also be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which are to be considered part of the invention if encompassed by the below claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. It should be understood that other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein and that these natural variants should be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0012]It is to be further expressly understood that the apparatus described below is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the description that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present invention. The description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present invention, which are set forth in the appended claims.

[0013]Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary batter training apparatus 100 of the invention configured for its intended use. The apparatus includes a vertical suppor...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of athletic training devices, and more specifically to the field of baseball / softball batter training devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hitting a baseball / softball is a cornerstone skill in baseball / softball, requiring young players, typically starting from age 5, to develop precise coordination, impeccable timing, and a fundamentally sound batting stance making it one of the most challenging feats in all of sports. The foundation of this skill lies in the batting stance, the position and posture a batter assumes before swinging, which is critical to achieving consistent contact with the ball and generating power. For young athletes learning to hit, developing and refining this stance is often the first yet crucial step toward mastering the art of hitting. A proper stance, feet set shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed, weight balanced on the balls of the feet, hands cocked back, and eyes zeroed in on the pitcher, lays the groundwork for success, enabling kids to react swiftly to pitches. However, establishing this foundation poses a persistent challenge in traditional training methods.

[0003] In the prior art, one prevalent technique for training young batters is live pitching, where coaches or peers throw balls for the batter to hit. This method exposes players to realistic pitch trajectories but offers little direct guidance on maintaining a proper batting stance. Young batters, especially beginners, may struggle to position their feet, align their bodies, or distribute their weight correctly under the pressure of an incoming pitch, leading to inconsistent swings and poor habits. One particular problem involves novice batters unintentionally rising out of an otherwise proper batting stance as the ball approaches the plate. This leads to improper form during a swing of the bat, negatively affecting accuracy and power of the swing.

[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a batter training device that will encourage student batters to maintain a proper batting stance throughout the delivery of a pitch.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention includes an apparatus and method for training a batter to maintain his or her batting stance during delivery of a pitch by preventing or at least discouraging the batter from inadvertently rising out of an otherwise proper stance prior to and during a swing of the bat. It is known in the art that effective batting requires a “whole-of-body” effort in which not only the arms and torso are used to impart power to a swing, but also proper leverage of the hips and legs to impart even more power to the swing. This requires the batter to assume a partially crouched position in which the knees are slightly bent and the hips are aligned properly with respect to the direction of the pitch. Such a position does not feel “natural” to novice batters, and some tend to stand up straighter as the ball approaches, perhaps as a subconscious means of increasing their ability to make contact with the ball, even though it decreases their power and leverage. The present invention attempts to train novice batters to stay in proper position by keeping them from straightening up during a pitch.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a vertical support component, such as a stanchion or pole, although the vertical support component of the invention is not limited to a stanchion or pole. The vertical support component includes a base at its lower end for stably positioning the apparatus proximate a batter's box (or simulated batter's box, or other such area where the batter will train). The vertical support component further includes a graduated series of slots, apertures, grooves, or similar structures along at least a part of its length. The apparatus further includes a training component which may be cantilevered off of the vertical support component via one of the slots, apertures, grooves, or similar structures and configured to extend horizontally, or nearly horizontally, from the vertical support to a space above a batter's head. The training component may be a plank or beam, for example, although the training component of the invention is not limited to a plank or beam.

[0007] A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed. In an exemplary method, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a batter's box (or simulated batter's box) in a location so as not to interfere with the batter's swing. With the batter in an appropriate batting stance, the training component is affixed to one of the slots, apertures, grooves, or like structure so as to be positioned just above the batter's head. During a practice pitch, the training component prevents, or at least discourages, the batter from rising out of an otherwise proper stance.

[0008] Because the purpose of the invention is to prevent, or at least discourage, a trainee batter from inadvertently rising out of an otherwise proper stance, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the base, vertical support component, training component of the apparatus may be made of any suitable material, now existing or yet to be created, for achieving this purpose. Likewise, the manner of affixing the training component to the vertical support may be of any suitable means for achieving the purpose of the invention. Thus, the various aspects of embodiments in the detailed description of the invention set forth herein are not to be construed as limitations of the invention. Rather, the proper scope of the present invention is encompassed by the words of the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention positioned proximate to a trainee batter.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow chart setting forth a method of using the apparatus of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. It should be understood that other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein and that these natural variants should be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0012] It is to be further expressly understood that the apparatus described below is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the description that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present invention. The description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present invention, which are set forth in the appended claims.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary batter training apparatus 100 of the invention configured for its intended use. The apparatus includes a vertical support component 102, which may be a pole or stanchion, for example. At the lower end of the vertical support component 102 is a stand or base 104. The vertical support component 102 of this embodiment includes a series of graduated slots 108. In some embodiments the slots 108 may extend through the vertical support component 102, while in other embodiments the slots 108 may be blind holes, for example. A training structure 110, which in this embodiment may be a beam or plank, is depicted cantilevered from one of the slots 108 at an appropriate height above a batter's head 112. Means for affixing the training component 110 to a slot 108 may include any means, existing or yet to be created (not shown) to secure it safely to the vertical support component 102.

[0014] Although the base 104 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 comprises legs, the base of the invention is not so limited. Base 104 may alternatively comprise a pedestal, for example. While exemplary embodiments are envisioned as being portable, in other embodiments the apparatus may be in a permanent or semi-permanent position. In this case, base 104 may alternatively be absent altogether, and the bottom portion of the vertical component 102 may be inserted into the ground (or other solid surface), for example. While the base may be made from any suitable material, it is envisioned that the base (when present, in whatever form) may be made from any appropriately dense (i.e., heavy) material so as to lower the center of gravity of the apparatus to prevent it from rocking, tipping, or being knocked over during use.

[0015] Although the vertical support component 102 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is a pole or stanchion, the vertical support component 102 of the invention is not so limited. Bearing in mind that the purpose of the vertical support component of the invention is to allow cantilevered positioning of the training component at a desired height (e.g., based on the height of the batter to be trained), the vertical support component may be of any configuration to allow this functionality. Thus, the vertical support component of the invention may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as square, rectangular, ovular, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Also, while the vertical support component in the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes slots 108 for attachment of the training component to the vertical support component, other means of attaching the training component of the invention to the vertical support component of the invention are envisioned. For example, slots may be of any appropriate shape, may extend through the vertical support component, or may be blind holes. In other examples, slots may not be present at all, and the training component may be attached to the vertical support component by a collar attached to an end of the training component that may be situated around the vertical support component and affixed thereto by one or more screws or other such means of preventing the training component from moving with respect to the vertical support component once in place.

[0017] Although the training component in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is generally plank-shaped, the training component of the invention is not so limited. Bearing in mind that the purpose of the training component is to prevent (or at least discourage) a batter from inadvertently rising out of his or her batting stance, the training component may be of any appropriate shape to achieve this end. For example, the training component may comprise a mesh extending between parallel bars, one on each side of the batter's head, such that if the batter does begin to rise out of his or her stance, his or her (helmeted) head will not contact a hard surface. Even in the embodiment in which the training component is plank-shaped, suitable cushioning on the underside thereof may be desirable in the interest of safety.

[0018] In addition, the training component may include one or more sensors for detecting that the batter is rising out of a proper batting stance. The sensor(s) also may be coupled to a speaker or alarm to warn the batter upon detection that the batter is rising out of a proper batting stance.

[0019] All of the above additions and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and it is considered within the level of ordinary skill to implement any of them in view of the teachings herein.

[0020] Also disclosed herein is a method of training a batter using the exemplary apparatus 100 of the invention. With reference to FIG. 2, there is a flow chart of an exemplary method 200. In a first step 202, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a batter's box. As those of ordinary skill would appreciate, appropriate placement of the apparatus should take into account the height of the batter to be trained, the swing arc of the batter to be trained, and other safety and efficacy considerations, depending on the circumstances. In a second step 204, the batter to be trained is positioned in an appropriate batting stance in a batter's box (or simulated batter's box). As those of skill will appreciate, the proper stance is dependent on numerous considerations (e.g., height, handedness, etc.). In a third step 206, the training component is positioned above the batter's head at a suitable height such as to allow natural swinging movement in response to a pitch, but close enough to train the batter to maintain a proper batting stance and not to inadvertently rise in response to seeing an approaching pitch.

[0021] The invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments. It is to be understood that other additions and / or modifications may also be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which are to be considered part of the invention if encompassed by the below claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]Reference will now be made in detail to various non-limiting embodiments of the apparatus of the invention. It should be understood that other non-limiting embodiments, modifications, and equivalents will be evident to those skilled in the art in view of the non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein and that these natural variants should be considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

[0012]It is to be further expressly understood that the apparatus described below is merely an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the description that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present invention. The description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present invention, which are set forth in the appended claims.

[0013]Referring to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary batter training apparatus 100 of the invention configured for its intended use. The apparatus includes a vertical suppor...

Claims

1. An apparatus for training a batter, comprising:a base;a vertical support component extending upward from the base, the vertical support component comprising a plurality of attachment means along its length; anda training component, an end of the training component attachable to the vertical support component via one of the plurality of attachment means, the training component cantilevered from the stanchion when attached to one of the plurality of attachment means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:the vertical support component is a pole.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:the attachment means are slots extending horizontally through the pole.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:the attachment means are blind slots in the pole.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:the base comprises a plurality of legs extending downwardly at an angle from a region proximate the bottom of the pole.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:the training component comprises a plank.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:the training component comprises a sensor configured to detect contact of an object with the training component.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:the training component comprises an alarm electronically coupled to the sensor, the alarm configured to sound upon reception of a signal from the sensor.

9. An apparatus for training a batter, comprising:a base;a vertical support component extending upwardly from the base; andbatter training means cantilevered from the vertical support component.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:the batter training means comprises a plank.

11. A method of training a batter, comprising:positioning the apparatus of claim 1 proximate to a batter to be trained; andpositioning the training component of the apparatus of claim 1 over the batter's head at a height such that the training component is not touching the batter's head but is close enough to deter the batter from rising out of the batting stance.

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