TRAINING DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A USER TO CONTROL A LAUNCH ANGLE OF A BASEBALL/SOFTBALL BAT

Abstract

A training device includes an adjustable and free-standing base, a rod affixed to the base and extended upward therefrom, a first coupling attached to a distal end of the rod, a swivel arm attached to the first coupling and extended vertically downward relative to the rod, a gripping implement connected to the swivel arm and being configured to support a distal end of a baseball/softball bat at an elevated pre-swing position, and a second coupling attached to the gripping implement and extended along a curvilinear path terminating beneath the gripping implement, wherein the second coupling further supports the baseball/softball bat. The gripping implement is configured to freely swing about a bottom end of the swivel arm and detachably receive a hitting end of the baseball/softball bat.

Claims

1. A training device for assisting a user to control a launch angle of a baseball/softball bat, said training device comprising: a base; a rod affixed to said base and extended upward therefrom; a first coupling attached to a distal end of said rod; a swivel arm attached to said first coupling and extended vertically downward relative to said rod; a gripping implement connected to said swivel arm and being configured to support a distal end of a baseball/softball bat at an elevated pre-swing position; and a second coupling attached to said gripping implement and extended along a curvilinear path terminating beneath said gripping implement, wherein said second coupling further supports the baseball/softball bat; a third coupling circumscribed about said gripping element; wherein said gripping implement is configured to freely swing about a bottom end of said swivel arm and detachably receive a hitting end of the baseball/softball bat; wherein said second coupling and said third coupling are configured to prohibit said gripping implement from being morphed to an expanded state from a compressed state such that the baseball/softball bat is maintained at a desired pre-swing angle during said pre-swing position and released from said gripping implement when the baseball/softball bat is displaced to a post-swing position.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein said resilient claw assembly has a centrally registered longitudinal axis and comprises: a frusto-conical exterior bracket; a frusto-conical interior socket disposed within a top end of said frusto-conical exterior bracket; a central anchor having a bottom plate and a central tube extended upwardly therefrom and engaged with said frusto-conical interior socket, said bottom plate having an outer peripheral edge provided with a plurality of juxtaposed apertures; a plurality of claws pivotally engaged with said apertures and independently articulated about pivot axes defined along a plane of said bottom plate; and a second ring removably and frictionally engaged about said claws.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein said claws are flexible and juxtaposed side-by-side and configured to grip an outer perimeter of the baseball/softball bat.

4. The training device of claim 3, wherein said second coupling has opposed ends detachably affixed to said bottom plate.

5. The training device of claim 4, wherein said claws radially articulate relative to the centrally registered longitudinal axis.

6. A training device for assisting a user to control a launch angle of a baseball/softball bat, said training device comprising: a base; a rod affixed to said base and extended upward therefrom; a first coupling attached to a distal end of said rod; a swivel arm attached to said first coupling and extended vertically downward relative to said rod; a gripping implement connected to said swivel arm and being configured to support a distal end of a baseball/softball bat at an elevated pre-swing position; and a second coupling attached to said gripping implement and extended along a curvilinear path terminating beneath said gripping implement, wherein said second coupling further supports the baseball/softball bat; a third coupling circumscribed about said gripping element; wherein said gripping implement is configured to freely swing about a bottom end of said swivel arm and detachably receive a hitting end of the baseball/softball bat; wherein said second coupling and said third coupling are configured to prohibit said gripping implement from being morphed to an expanded state from a compressed state such that the baseball/softball bat is maintained at a desired pre-swing angle during said pre-swing position and released from said gripping implement when the baseball/softball bat is displaced to a post-swing position; wherein said base is adjustable and free-standing.

7. The training device of claim 6, further comprising: a first swivel axis located at said first coupling; wherein a top end of said swivel arm rotates 360 degrees about said first swivel axis relative to stationary position of said rod.

8. The training device of claim 7, further comprising: a second swivel axis located at said second coupling; wherein said gripping implement is rotated 360 degrees about said second swivel axis relative to a bottom end of said swivel arm.

9. The training device of claim 6, wherein said base is free-standing and configured to be adjustably positioned at alternate locations relative to a standing position of the user.

10. The training device of claim 6, wherein said base comprises: a plurality of support members configured in an I-pattern and including an upstanding cross-brace.

11. The training device of claim 8, wherein said rod is telescopically and linearly adjustably along a linear longitudinal length thereof and oriented non-parallel to said first swivel axis and said second swivel axis.

12. The training device of claim 6, wherein said first coupling is a first ring having a fixed diameter.

13. The training device of claim 6, wherein said third coupling is an elastic and deformably resilient tether.

14. The training device of claim 6, wherein said second coupling is a flexible wire.

15. The training device of claim 6, wherein said gripping implement is a resilient claw assembly configured to frictionally contact the baseball/softball bat.

16. The training device of claim 6, wherein said resilient claw assembly has a centrally registered longitudinal axis and comprises: a frusto-conical exterior bracket; a frusto-conical interior socket disposed within a top end of said frusto-conical exterior bracket; a central anchor having a bottom plate and a central tube extended upwardly therefrom and engaged with said frusto-conical interior socket, said bottom plate having an outer peripheral edge provided with a plurality of juxtaposed apertures; a plurality of claws pivotally engaged with said apertures and independently articulated about pivot axes defined along a plane of said bottom plate; and a second ring removably and frictionally engaged about said claws.

17. The training device of claim 16, wherein said claws are flexible and juxtaposed side-by-side and configured to grip an outer perimeter of the baseball/softball bat.

18. The training device of claim 16, wherein said second coupling has opposed ends detachably affixed to said bottom plate.

19. The training device of claim 16, wherein said claws radially articulate relative to the centrally registered longitudinal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS

[0023] The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a claw assembly at a morphed expanded state, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the claw assembly at a compressed state, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the claw assembly taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the claw assembly with the second coupling attached thereto, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the claw assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the claw assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the claw assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the central anchor, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the central anchor, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first coupling, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second coupling, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the swivel arm, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the swivel arm, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the third coupling, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 15 is an environmental view of the training device showing user swing movement from a pre-swing state to a post-swing state, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 16 is another environmental view of the training device showing user swing posture at a pre-swing state, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0041] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

[0042] The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0043] One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.

[0044] References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

[0045] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

[0046] If used herein, “about,” “generally,” and “approximately” mean nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means ±15% of the numerical.

[0047] If used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant.

[0048] A non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is referred to generally in FIGS. 1-16 and is intended to provide a specially configured training device 10 for assisting a user to control a launch angle of a baseball/softball bat. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may be used to control a launch angle for a variety of activities that include an implement that is swung against a mobile object and should not be limited to any particular sport described herein.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1-16 in general, the training device 10 includes an adjustable and free-standing base 11, a rod 12 affixed to the base 11 and extended upward therefrom, a first coupling 13 attached to a distal end of the rod 12, a swivel arm 14 attached to the first coupling 13 and extended vertically downward relative to the rod 12, a gripping implement 15 connected to the swivel arm 14 and being configured to support a distal end of a baseball/softball bat at an elevated pre-swing position 50a, a second coupling 16 attached to the gripping implement 15 and extended along a curvilinear path 17 terminating beneath the gripping implement 15, and a third coupling 40 circumscribed about the gripping element 15. Advantageously, the second coupling 16 further supports the baseball/softball bat. Advantageously, the gripping implement 15 is configured to freely swing about a bottom end of the swivel arm 14 (via ball/socket connection for example) and detachably receive a hitting end of the baseball/softball bat. Advantageously, the second coupling 16 is configured to prohibit the gripping implement 15 from being morphed to an expanded state 18 from a compressed state 19 such that the baseball/softball bat is maintained at a desired pre-swing angle during the pre-swing position 50a and released from the gripping implement 15 when the baseball/softball bat is displaced to a post-swing position 50b-50e. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0050] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a first swivel axis 20 located at the first coupling 13. Advantageously, a top end of the swivel arm 14 rotates 360 degrees about the first swivel axis 20 relative to stationary position of the rod 12. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0051] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a second swivel axis 21 located at the second coupling 16. Advantageously, the gripping implement 15 is rotated 360 degrees about the second swivel axis 21 relative to a bottom end of the swivel arm 14. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0052] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the base 11 is free-standing and configured to be adjustably positioned at alternate heights and locations relative to a standing position of the user. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0053] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the base 11 includes a plurality of support members 22 configured in an I-pattern 23 and including an upstanding cross-brace 24. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0054] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the rod 12 is telescopically and linearly adjustably along a linear longitudinal length thereof and oriented non-parallel to the first swivel axis 20 and the second swivel axis 21. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0055] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first coupling 13 is a first ring 13a having a fixed diameter. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0056] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the third coupling 40 is an elastic and deformably resilient tether 40a having an adjustable diameter. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0057] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second coupling 16 is a flexible wire 16a. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0058] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the gripping implement 15 is a resilient claw assembly 25 configured to frictionally contact the baseball/softball bat. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0059] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the resilient claw assembly 25 has a centrally registered longitudinal axis 26 and includes a frusto-conical exterior bracket 27, a frusto-conical interior socket 28 disposed within a top end of the frusto-conical exterior bracket 27, a central anchor 29 having a bottom plate 30 and a central tube 31 extended upwardly therefrom and engaged with the frusto-conical interior socket 28 wherein the bottom plate 30 has an outer peripheral edge provided with a plurality of juxtaposed apertures 32, a plurality of claws 33 pivotally engaged with the apertures 32 and independently articulated about pivot axes 34 defined along a plane of the bottom plate 30, and a second ring removably and frictionally engaged about the claws 33. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0060] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the claws 33 are flexible and juxtaposed side-by-side and configured to grip an outer perimeter of the baseball/softball bat. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0061] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second coupling 16 has opposed ends 36, 37 detachably affixed to the bottom plate 30. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0062] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the claws 33 radially articulate 38 relative to the centrally registered longitudinal axis 26. Such a structural configuration yields the new, useful, and unpredicted result of ensuring the baseball/softball bat is maintained at an optimal pre-swing position 50a to improve a user's posture and achieve a desired swing angle.

[0063] Referring to the FIGS. 1-16 in general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s), a baseball/softball training device 10 helps hitters keep hands inside the ball while they are swinging the bat. Advantageously, the training device 10 holds the bat head behind the user's head and releases the bat head right before contact with the baseball/softball. The training device 10 enables a user to learn how to control the barrel of his/her bat, the bat speed, and the launch angle. A resilient claw assembly 25 supports the bat at a desired elevated position during a pre-swing stance. The claw assembly 25 is connected to a telescoping rod 12, as well as a support base 11. Such a structural configuration yields, the new, useful, and unexpected benefit of teaching the user where his/her bat should be positioned when standing in a batter's box and waiting for the ball to arrive in a pre-swing stance.

[0064] Advantageously, a user can use any size bat and the telescoping rod 12 is height adjustable for various players. Notably, the device is portable and can be adjusted to accommodate various swings trajectories.

[0065] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it is understood that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0066] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0067] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0068] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0069] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0070] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0071] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.