Batter assist power trainer device

Abstract

A practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. It is a batter assist power trainer for sports exercise. This relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat. It is a batter assist power trainer device made of an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material and a method or way for connecting the structure to a bat so that the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Other configurations include structures made with end sections, with reinforcing splines; and a various ways to connect the device to the bat.

Claims

1. A batter assist power trainer device used with a bat with an inner and outer surface comprised of: (a) an air resistant airfoil structure made of a lightweight, air resistant and flexible material wherein the air resistant airfoil structure is further comprised of a first essentially triangle and a half-moon end section; a second essentially triangle and a half-moon end section with an aperture for the bat; and an essentially rectangular section interposed and securely connected between the two end sections, and wherein the air resistant airfoil structure is further comprised of at least one reinforcing spline/curvable stiffener; (b) a strap with a mechanical means for connecting the air resistant airfoil structure to the bat; and (c) a removable cross strap connecting the first essentially triangle and the half-moon end section to the second essentially triangle and the half-moon end section wherein the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball.

2. The device in claim 1 wherein the lightweight, air resistant and flexible material of the air resistant airfoil structure is selected from the group consisting of canvas, nylon mesh, and a composite fabric.

3. The device in claim 1 wherein the mechanical means for connecting the air resistant airfoil structure to the bat is selected from the group consisting of hook and loop fasteners, snaps, zippers and mechanical hook and eyes.

4. The device in claim 1 wherein the at least one reinforcing spline/curvable stiffener is selected from the group consisting of tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns of metal, flexible and elongated thin columns of plastic and flexible and elongated thin columns of composite materials.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFIGURES

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. It is understood, however, that the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

(2) FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are various sketches of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER, prototype and use.

(3) FIGS. 2 A through 2 E are sketches and components of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER kit with front, back side vies and sections.

(4) FIG. 3 A through FIG. 3 E are sketches of prototypes of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER with components identified.

(5) FIG. 4 A through FIG. 4 C are additional sketches of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER with components identified.

(6) FIG. 5 A through 5 E and sections are sketches of the batter device in use.

(7) FIG. 6 A through 6 G are sketches showing the batter assist power trainer device in step by step positions of use.

(8) FIGS. 7 A and 7 B components of a batter assist power trainer device.

(9) FIGS. 8 A through 8 C are demonstrations of prior art devices.

(10) FIGS. 9 A through 9 D are demonstrations of prior art devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

(11) The following list refers to the drawings:

(12) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE A Reference numbers Ref # Description 30 a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. 32 components for the batter assist power trainer device 30 33 prototype sketch for the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. 34 prototype with a bat inserted and removably attached 35 end panel for bat 63 insertion 36 through aperture for bat 63 37 edge reinforcement 38 triangle segment 39 half-moon section 40 end panel opposite bat insertion 41 containment seams 42 reinforcement seams 45 curvable stiffenerstubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like made of metal, composite materials plastic etc. 48 back panel 49 cross strap from end 35 to end 40 50 removable securement strapVelcro RTM, snaps, zipper or the like 51 means for adjusting securement strap 50 52 inner surface of the structure 53 outer surface of the structure 60 batter using the batter assist power trainer device 30 63 bat 65 batter 81 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,204 and Publication 2012/0184417 82 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,397 83 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,890 84 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,800 85 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,625 86 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,154 87 prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,838

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(13) The present development is a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. This application relates generally to sports exercise. More specifically, this application relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat, or the like. This invention relates further to a device and system for teaching a person the proper way to swing a baseball bat or the like. In general, the WIND TRAINER is a practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. Therefore it relates generally to a baseball training apparatus, and more particularly, to such a device which can be used to improve the power and hitting ability of a batter. The batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER relates to a resistance training device for improving the swing of a baseball player, and athletes engaged in similar sports.

(14) The invention presented here is a batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER has several advantages and benefits: 1. Is portable 2. Is useful for various age groups of baseball and softball players 3. Helps young and old players improve strength and power for hitting 4. Requires no special machinery 5. Easily attaches to players bat 6. Provides support for sports that use rackets of hitting/volleying devices where power is a factor

(15) The embodiment is a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER and comprised of: (a) an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material; and (b) a means for connecting the structure to a bat wherein the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Alternative embodiments are the structure comprised of ends sections and a back; the structure comprised with reinforcing splines; and the means to connect to the bat including Velcro, snaps, zippers and other mechanical hook and eyes. The preferred embodiment is a batter assist power trainer device used with a bat called a WIND TRAINER with an inner and outer surface comprised of: (a) an airtight airfoil structure made of a lightweight, somewhat air tight and flexible material wherein the airfoil is a structure further comprised of one essentially triangle and a half-moon end section; a second essentially triangle and a half-moon end section with an aperture for the bat; and an essentially rectangular section interposed and securely connected between the two end sections and is a structure further comprised of reinforcing at least one spline/curvable stiffener; and (b) a Velcro strap for connecting the structure to a bat wherein the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball.

(16) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the batter assist power trainer device 30.

(17) There is shown in FIGS. 1-9 a description and operative embodiment of the batter assist power trainer device 30. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-4 demonstrate the general configuration, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples but not limitations of the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER. These various example uses are in the operation and use section, below. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are prior art examples.

(18) FIGS. 1 A through 1 D are various sketches of the batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER, prototype and use. FIG. 1 A shows the components 32 for the batter assist power trainer device 30. FIG. 1 B demonstrates a prototype sketch 33 for the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER. FIG. 1 C provides a prototype 34 with a bat 63 inserted and removably attached. And, FIG. 1 D demonstrates a batter 65 using 60 the batter assist power trainer device 30.

(19) FIGS. 2 A through 2 E are sketches and components of the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER kit with front, back side views and sections. FIG. 2 A is back panel 48 of device 30; containment seams 41; and curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like made of metal, composite materials plastic etc. FIG. 2 B shows back panel 48 of device 30; containment seams 41; and curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like made of metal, composite materials plastic etc.; reinforcement seams 42; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 2 C demonstrates end panel 35 for bat 63 insertion; through aperture 36 for bat 63; edge reinforcement 37; end triangle segment 38 of device 30; and end half-moon section 39 of device 30. FIG. 2 D are the curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like made of metal, composite materials plastic etc. FIG. 2 E is edge reinforcement 37; end triangle segment 38 of device 30; end half-moon section 39 of device 30; and end panel 40 opposite bat insertion. Also, there is a Section view M-M that shows containment seams 41; reinforcement seams 42; curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like made of metal, composite materials plastic etc.; and back panel 48 of device 30. One should note that the anticipated materials are nylon, fabric or composite for the straps 50. The means 51 for adjustment are Velcro, hooks and eyes, zippers, snaps and the like. The back 48 and ends 35, 40 anticipate a light, flexible and durable material that is somewhat air tight and resistant. For example, and not as a limitation: canvas, nylon mesh, composite fabric, etc. The drawings I FIGS. 2 A through 2 E show a device wherein the airfoil is a structure further comprised of one essentially triangle and a half-moon end section; a second essentially triangle and a half-moon end section with an aperture for the bat; and an essentially rectangular section interposed and securely connected between the two end sections.

(20) FIG. 3 A through FIG. 3 E are sketches of prototypes 33 of the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER with components identified. FIG. 3 A is an edge reinforcement 37; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 3 B shows edge reinforcement 37 and end panel 40 opposite bat insertion. FIG. 3 C provides reinforcement seams 42; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 3 D demonstrates cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 3 E is edge reinforcement 37; end panel 40 opposite bat insertion; and back panel 48 of device 30.

(21) FIG. 4 A through FIG. 4 C are additional sketches of prototypes 33 the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER with components identified. FIG. 4 A is back panel 48 of device 30; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 4 B demonstrates back panel 48 of device 30; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 4 C provides end panel 35 for bat 63 insertion; back panel 48 of device 30; end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50.

(22) FIGS. 5 A through 5 E, FIGS. 6 A through 6 G, and FIGS. 7 A and 7 B are sketches showing the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER in use. These uses and operations with the device are described in further detail below.

(23) FIGS. 8 A through 8 C and FIGS. 9 A through 9 D are prior art devices and are examples of more expensive and more complicated prior art devices. Here are shown prior art U.S. Pat. No. 8,202,204 and Publication 2012/018441781; prior art U.S. Pat. No. 3,809,39782; prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,89083; prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,80084; prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,62585; prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,15486; and prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,83887.

(24) The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of batter training devices and apparatuses and their uses well appreciates.

(25) Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

(26) The batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. This invention relates to a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. The present development is a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER. This application relates generally to sports exercise. More specifically, this application relates to an exercise method and apparatus for improving performance in sports that include swinging of a device such as a bat, or the like. This invention relates further to a device and system for teaching a person the proper way to swing a baseball bat or the like. In general, the WIND TRAINER is a practice device for use with a bat in batting sports to instruct a batter on proper swing technique and form. Therefore it relates generally to a baseball training apparatus, and more particularly, to such a device which can be used to improve the power and hitting ability of a batter. The batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER relates to a resistance training device for improving the swing of a baseball player, and athletes engaged in similar sports.

(27) The embodiment is a batter assist power trainer device called a WIND TRAINER with an inner and outer surface comprised of: (a) an airtight airfoil structure made of flexible and durable material; and (b) a means for connecting the structure to a bat wherein the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball. Alternative embodiments are the structure comprised of ends sections and a back; the structure comprised with reinforcing splines; and the means to connect to the bat including Velcro, snaps, zippers and other mechanical hook and eyes. The preferred embodiment is a batter assist power trainer device used with a bat called a WIND TRAINER with an inner and outer surface comprised of: (a) an airtight airfoil structure made of a lightweight, somewhat air tight and flexible material wherein the airfoil is a structure further comprised of one essentially triangle and a half-moon end section; a second essentially triangle and a half-moon end section with an aperture for the bat; and an essentially rectangular section interposed and securely connected between the two end sections and is a structure further comprised of reinforcing at least one spline/curvable stiffener; and (b) a Velcro strap for connecting the structure to a bat wherein the batter assist power trainer device permits a batter to power train and to controllably increase hitting strength which allows the batter to achieve longer hits of a ball for baseball and/or softball.

(28) FIG. 5 A through 5 E and sections are sketches of the batter device 30 in use. FIG. 5 A is back panel 48 of device 30; containment seams 41; curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like; and bat 63. FIG. 5 B shows back panel 48 of device 30; containment seams 41; and curvable stiffeners 45tubes, straws, flexible and elongated thin columns or the like; reinforcement seams 42; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50; and bat 63. FIG. 5 C demonstrates back panel 48 of device 30; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; and means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50. FIG. 5 D provides edge reinforcement 37; end triangle segment 38 of device 30; end half-moon section 39 of device 30; end panel 40 opposite bat insertion; and the location of the bat 63 behind the panel.

(29) FIG. 5 E is the bat 63. FIG. 5 Section P-P shows back panel 48 of device 30; end 35 and the bat 63.

(30) FIG. 6 A through 6 G are sketches showing the batter assist power trainer device 30 in step by step positions of use 60 by a batter 65.

(31) TABLE-US-00003 Figure Position and Use Shown 6 A Bat 63 and device 30 above the shoulder and ready 6 B Bat 63 and device 30 starting the swing 6 C Bat 63 and device 30 pre-mid swing and level 6 D Bat 63 and device 30 at mid swing and level 6 E Bat 63 and device 30 at mid swing and levelfrom side view 6 F Bat 63 and device 30 past mid swing and level 6 G Bat 63 and device 30 at end of swing

(32) FIGS. 7 A and 7 B show more components of a batter assist power trainer device 30. FIG. 7 A shows prototype 34 with a bat 63 inserted and removably attached; back panel 48 of device 30; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50; containment seams 41; and bat 63. FIG. 7 B also provides prototype 34 with a bat 63 inserted and removably attached; back panel 48 of device 30; cross strap 49 from end 35 to end 40; removable securement strap 50 such as Velcro, snaps, zipper or the like; means 51 for adjusting securement strap 50; containment seams 41; and bat 63.

(33) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

(34) The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present inventions are not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

(35) Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

(36) Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless explicitly so stated, but rather one or more. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims.

(37) The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

(38) As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as left, right, front, back, and the like, relate to the subject matter as it is shown in the drawing FIGS. However, it is to be understood that the subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein (i.e., in the claims and the specification), articles such as the, a, and an can connote the singular or plural. Also, as used herein, the word or when used without a preceding either (or other similar language indicating that or is unequivocally meant to be exclusivee.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x or y means one or both x or y). Likewise, as used herein, the term and/or shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., x and/or y means one or both x or y). In situations where and/or or or are used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item alone, all of the items together, or any combination or number of the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.

(39) Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

(40) With this description it is to be understood that the batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the a batter assist power trainer device 30 called a WIND TRAINER are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

(41) The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degrees of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.