Baseball Grip Training Device

Abstract

A baseball grip training device is provided for use with a baseball bat, comprising a base adapted to contact a bat grip, wherein the base includes one or more shaped surfaces adapted to receive one or more of an index finger and a middle finger of a user; a retaining member extending from the base shaped to surround one or more of the index finger and the middle finger of the user; and a bat contacting surface adapted to contact the bat grip, wherein the bat contacting surface and the shaped surfaces are separated by a predetermined distance to lift the index finger and the middle finger of the user away from the bat grip sufficient to place greater reliance on the remaining fingers to hold the bat grip during a swing of the bat. The device is preferably constructed from a resilient material.

Claims

1. A baseball grip training device for use with a baseball bat, comprising: (a) a base adapted to contact a bat grip, wherein the base includes one or more shaped surfaces adapted to receive one or more of an index finger and a middle finger of a user; (b) a retaining member extending from the base shaped to surround one or more of the index finger and the middle finger of the user; and (c) a bat contacting surface adapted to contact the bat grip, wherein the bat contacting surface and the shaped surfaces are separated by a predetermined distance to lift the index finger and the middle finger of the user away from the bat grip sufficient to place greater reliance on the remaining fingers to hold the bat grip during a swing of the bat.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member surrounds both the index finger and the middle finger of the user.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member surrounds only the index finger of the user.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein predetermined distance is approximately one inch.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the shaped surfaces include pockets formed into the base to receive the ends of the index finger and the middle finger of the user.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of recesses formed into the base and adjacent to the bat contacting surface.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed from a resilient material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention of a training device for gripping a bat.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows additional embodiments of the present invention including various aesthetic and shape variations offering similar functionality.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, but which can be worn only on the index finger.

[0025] FIG. 4 shows another alternative embodiment of the invention having a pocket to retain the tips of the index and middle fingers.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows another alternate embodiment of the invention having a plurality of recesses in the base adjacent to the bat contacting surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Before the subject invention is further described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments of the invention described below, as variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope of the present invention will be established by the appended claims.

[0028] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Unless otherwise specified herein, all materials of construction are preferably a resilient and durable material such as silicone.

[0029] Turning now to the figures, a number of preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-5 which all employ structural features which lift the index and middle fingers from the surface of the bat grip.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, the training device 1 includes a base 2 for contacting a bat grip 10, and which further includes internal shaped surfaces 3 for receiving and contacting the index and middle fingers 4, 5 of the strong hand. A retaining member 6 extends from the base 2 to surround the index and middle fingers 4, 5 and positioned between the first and second knuckles 7, 8 from the tip of the fingers. The base 2 also includes a bat contacting surface 9, which may also include a convex groove 10 for conforming to the round shape of the bat grip 40. Importantly, the distance D from the bat contacting surface 8 and the internal shaped surfaces 3 defines the distance that the index and middle fingers 4, 5 are lifted from the bat grip 10 to achieve the aforestated training goals. The distance D is approximately one inch but can vary depending on the size of the device and the preferences of the user. FIG. 2 shows a number of additional embodiments having slightly different aesthetic elements and shapes, but with similar functional features.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment which achieves a similar result, but which is worn only in the index finger 4 between the second and third knuckles of the strong hand. This embodiment further includes pockets 11 for receiving the tips of the index and middle fingers 4, 5. However, the distance D by which the fingers 4, 5 are lifted from the bat grip 40 is the same.

[0032] FIG. 4 is still another embodiment of the invention shown on the left hand as the strong hand, and which also includes the finger pockets 11 of FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of the invention shown with a plurality of recesses 12 formed into the base 2 and adjacent to the bat contacting surface 9. Because the device 1 is made from a resilient material, the recesses 12 allow the base 2 to further compress against the bat grip 10 during a swing.

[0034] All references cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as though each reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The citation of any reference is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such reference by virtue of prior invention.

[0035] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.