US20090305826A1

US20090305826A1 - Baseball training device and method

Info

Publication number: US20090305826A1
Application number: US12/479,170
Authority: US
Inventors: James Patenaude; Daniel Patenaude
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-06
Filing date: 2009-06-05
Publication date: 2009-12-10

Abstract

Baseball training devices are provided as well as methods of using same. The training devices include a target, support members, and a weight attachment apparatus for varying the weight of the training device. Methods of training include providing a training device; suspending the training device so that when hit with an incorrect swing a portion of the training device rotates; and observing the rotational motion of the device to assess swing correctness and therefore effectiveness. Training methods also include adding weight to the training device.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of baseball training. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to training devices that provide feedback to batters regarding their swings and to methods for improving batters' swings.
A number of baseball training devices and training methods are known. For example, such devices and methods involve suspending a target from a cable or rope. Such devices and methods also include setting a target atop a T-shaped pedestal. The target is tethered to the device to allow for the immediate retrieval of the target. An example is a tethered t-ball device and method. Another type of device comprises an arm mounted to a support with a target affixed to the arm so that, when the arm is struck, it rotates around the support. In each instance, the batter trains by repeatedly swinging at the target.
Other devices and methods involve swinging a bat through two parallel barriers so that batters becomes aware of whether their swings are level when the bat comes into contact with one or both barriers. As indicated, there are numerous training devices and training methods. Many suffer the same deficiencies.
While some devices and methods may improve hand-eye coordination and increase batters' comfort level regarding the batting process, they do not provide immediate feedback as to what batters have done incorrectly, including alignment of the bat, swing speed, swing force, and swing follow through.
Many methods and devices also fail to provide levels of resistance necessary to develop the power of batters' swings and to enhance the batters' follow through. These types of devices and methods force batters to swing through barriers as opposed to swinging at a particular target, thereby depriving batters of a realistic “feel” of swinging a bat directly at one target. Further, such devices and methods merely provide feedback regarding whether batters' swings are level and do not provide feedback regarding the power and speed of the swing. Another downfall of the barrier approach is the potential for batters to be injured by the ricochet effect that ensues when a bat comes into contact with such barriers.
Furthermore, many training devices and methods do not allow for ease of adjustability according to the size of the batter. A need for this adjustability exists, for example, where a family has little league age, high school age, and adult baseball players. Such families may desire a device that can easily be adjusted to account for the height and strength of each player. A user-friendly device is also desired so that even young aspiring baseball players can easily operate the training devices and easily use the training methods. Cost may also be an issue for the typical household. Accordingly, an inexpensive construction is also ideal in order for both younger, less experienced players and older, intermediate players to purchase the devices and utilize the methods.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides training devices and methods for improving a batter's swing.
To maximize the velocity of a baseball when hit by a bat, the batter must make contact with the ball in a desirable manner. A batter makes the most desirable contact with a ball when the bat is nearly perpendicular to the ball's direction of travel. Whether the bat makes this type of contact depends upon the speed with which the batter swings the bat and the angle at which the batter holds and swings the bat.
If the batter's hands lead the bat at the time of contact, the bat comes into contact with the device too late to enable optimum impact. If the batter swings too slow, the bat leads the batter's hands at the time of contact. As such, the bat comes into contact with the device too early to enable optimum impact. In both instances, the bat is not perpendicular to the ball's direction of travel. Hence, knowledge of whether the batter's hands or the bat led the batter's swing allows a batter to correct a subsequent swing by adjusting the swing speed and swing angle to achieve optimum perpendicular contact.
The devices and methods of the present disclosure provide immediate feedback the instant the batter uses the device. This can be achieved by observing the rotation of the device after contact. The direction and speed of this rotation communicates to the batter the positioning of the batter's hands as well as whether the batter's hands or the bat led the batter's swing.
Strength is also an important component of baseball training. The present devices and methods allow a batter to increase in strength thus improving swinging power and bat speed. This can be accomplished in part by adding weight to the device. The weight may depend on the player's preference and strength level.
In an embodiment, a training device is provided. The training device includes a target, a top portion, and support members. The target is made of rubber or rubber-like material and has a width of between 6 to 10 inches or wider.
In an embodiment, the top portion is longer than the width of the target. The top portion may be 8 inches or longer. The support members are secured to the top portion and allow the device to be suspended from a support. In an embodiment, the top portion may be a bar secured to the target by nuts and bolts. In another embodiment, the top portion may be a pair of arms that extend out from the sides of the target itself.
Embodiments of the training device may also include a support structure. The support structure may either hold the rubber target substantially rigid or allow controlled deformation of the target if desired. In an embodiment, the support structure may be a frame having substantially the same width and length as the target. In another embodiment, the support structure may be one or more plates embedded into the target.
In an embodiment, the training device has one or more fasteners, which may adjust the height of the training device by shortening the length of the support member or members.
Embodiments of the training device may also include the ability to vary the weight of the device. In an embodiment, the training device has a pouch capable of receiving weight. In another embodiment, the training device utilizes braces and straps to receive the weight. The braces and straps assist to secure the weight in the pouch. These braces and straps may be attached and detached according to the preference of the user. In an additional embodiment, the weights may be secured to the device, for example, by using nuts and bolts. A user would mount one or more weighted plates onto the bolts and secure the weighted plates in place by threading nuts onto the bolts. Instead of having the user add weight to the device, in another embodiment, the training device may include an internal weight.
Additionally, in an embodiment, a method for baseball training is provided. The training method includes: providing a training device, hanging the training device at an appropriate swing height, swinging at the device with a bat, and observing the rotation of the device to assess the swing. When hit with a correct swing the training device moves without substantial rotation and when hit with an incorrect swing the training device rotates.
In another embodiment, the batter may observe the speed of the rotation. In an additional embodiment, the user may observe the direction of the rotation. In yet another embodiment, the user may adjust subsequent swings based on the observed speed of the rotation, and in an additional embodiment, the user may adjust subsequent swings based on the observed direction of the rotation.
Additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent from the following detailed description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a batter using an embodiment of the training device as suspended from a support.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the training device capable of receiving weights secured by straps and metal braces, which are depicted in a closed and fastened state.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the training device having straps and metal braces to secure a weight in a pouch, which are depicted in an open and unfastened state.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the training device in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front and side view of a plate that may serve as a support structure embedded into the training device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the training device depicting a weight ready to be mounted onto the bolts of the training device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 depicting a weight mounted and secured onto the training device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a weight capable of being attached to an embodiment of the training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Baseball training devices are provided as well as methods of using same.
Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a batter 5 using an embodiment of the training device 1 as suspended from a support 9. In the illustrated embodiment, two cords 7, 8 are attached to the device 1 and to the support 9. The cords 7, 8 may be attached at a common origin 3 as shown in FIG. 1, meaning the cords 7, 8 are attached to the same spot of the support 9 and may overlap each other if desired. The cords 7, 8 may also be attached to two different spots on the support 9 at whatever distance the user desires. The training device is then hung at a desired height depending upon height of the intended batter. The length of the cords 7, 8 determine the height of the device 1. As a result, the height of the device 1 may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the cords 7, 8.
Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the training device 1 includes a target 10, a support bar 19, and two support members 7, 8. The front face 4 of the target 10 is the intended point of contact for a bat.
The target 10 is made of an elastomeric material, and, in an embodiment, is made of hardened rubber or other rubber-like material having a durometer hardness between 30 A and 80 A. In an embodiment, the durometer hardness is 80A. The front face 4 of the target 10 is substantially flat and its width is approximately the size of the “sweet spot” of a bat. The front face 4 of the target 10 can be any shape, and, in an embodiment, is substantially square or rectangular. In an embodiment, the front face 4 of the target 10 has sides that measure between 6 and 10 inches. The thickness of target 10 can range from a half-inch to several inches. In an embodiment, the thickness of target 10 is ¾ of an inch.
The training device 1 also includes a top portion 19. The top portion 19 helps to create the rotational motion of the training device 1 by increasing the distance between the cords 7, 8 at the points of attachment with the training device 1. In an embodiment the top portion 19 is longer than the corresponding edge of the front face 4 of the target 10 and has a length greater than 12 inches.
In an embodiment, the top portion 19 may be a support bar made of any material rigid enough to support the weight of the training device 1. In an embodiment, the support bar, including top portion 19, is made of aluminum. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the support bar including top portion 19 is secured to the target 10 by four bolts 31, 32, 33, 34. In addition to using the bolts 31, 32, 33, 34, other types of fasteners may be used.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the cords 7, 8 are attached on opposite ends of the top portion. The top portion 19 can be secured to the cords 7, 8 by any method capable of attaching such cords to the device. This includes hooks, carabiners, rings, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, rivets, glue, sticky tape, or any other equivalent method. For example, other embodiments may attach the cords 7, 8 to the top portion 19 by embedding the cords 7, 8 directly into the top portion 19 or by boring a hole through opposite ends of the top portion 19, passing the cords 7, 8 through these opposite holes respectively, and adding a knot or other sufficient structure at the end of the cords 7, 8 such that they cannot pass back out through the holes. In an embodiment, the cords 7, 8 are secured to the top portion 19 by S-shaped hooks 18, 17 as seen in FIG. 3.
The cords 7, 8 can be made of any type of natural or synthetic material, including rope, metal, or string. In an embodiment, the cords 7, 8 are made of rope.
In an embodiment, the bolts 31, 32, 33, 34 as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 may be used to secure excess slack from the cords 7, 8 to the device in order to adjust the length of the cords 7, 8. This allows for greater ease in adjusting the height of the training device 1 where more than one batter intends to use the device.
The training device 1 may also include a structural support. The structural support may be used either to hold the target 10 substantially flat and prevent deformation, or the structural support may be used to provide weight to target 10 and allow deformation where it is desired.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the training device 1 may also include a structural support constituting a frame 45. The frame 45 holds the target 10 substantially flat and prevents the target 10 from bending. The frame 45 can be composed of any material in any shape sufficient to hold the target substantially flat and prevent deformation of the target 10. As seen in FIG. 4, the frame 45 is a sheet made of metal with substantially the same dimensions as the target 10.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the frame 45 is secured to the training device 1 between the target 10 and the support bar 19. The frame 45 is secured between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by bolts 31, 32, 33, 34 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the frame 45 may comprise a plurality of bars arranged in a framework to hold the target flat.
Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the training device 1 may also include a weight pouch 41 capable of receiving weight so as to allow a batter to modify the resistance of the training device 1. In an embodiment, the total weight 42 added is 2.5 to 5 pounds although lighter or heavier weights may be used. The weight pouch 41 can hold one or more weights 42. As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the weight pouch 41 is secured to the batting training device 1 by four bolts 31, 32, 33, 34, which pass through one side of the pouch 41 and hold the pouch 41 between the support bar 19 and the frame 45. The training device 1 may also contain an internal weight, possibly obviating the need for a weight pouch 41.
As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in an embodiment, a weight-securing assembly 20 is provided and contains four wing nuts and wing- nut bolts 25, 26, 27, 28 secured to two braces 11, 88. This assembly also contains a weight-pouch 41, which the batter may access by removing the four wing nuts of the wing- nut bolts 25, 26, 27, 28 and engaging the two braces 11, 88. Weight may be added depending upon the batter's preference and strength. The batter may then re-secure the braces 11, 88 and re-secure the wing nuts on the bolts 25, 26, 27, 28.
The weight-securing apparatus 20 also holds the weight 42 firmly to the target 10 to prevent excess vibration of the device 1 upon contact. In an embodiment, the weight-securing apparatus 20 may be composed of several straps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and two braces 11, 88. The straps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 can be made of any elastic material of sufficient tensile strength to hold the weights 42 in the weight pouch 41 firmly to the target 10. The braces 11, 88 can be made in any manner sufficient to enable the straps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 to hold the weight pouch 41 firmly to the target 10. In an embodiment, the braces 11, 88 are metal L-brackets with dimensions of 4 inches by 4 inches.
In an embodiment, the weight-securing system 20 may be constructed as follows. The first brace 11 is secured to the target 10 by wing- nut bolts 25, 26. The second brace 88 is secured to the target 10 by additional wing- nut bolts 27, 28. A first strap 12 is secured to one end of the first brace 11 by a bolt 21 and on the other end to the second brace 88 by a bolt 24. A second strap 13 is secured to one end to the first brace 11 by a bolt 22 and is secured to the other end between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 32. A third strap 14 is secured to one end to the second brace 88 by a bolt 23 and is secured on the other end between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 33. A fourth strap 15 is secured to one end to the first brace 11 by a bolt 21 and is secured to the other end between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 34. A fifth strap 16 is secured to one end to the second brace 88 by a bolt 24 and is secured to the other end between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 31.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the training device 1 is ready for use, the weight pouch 41 is inaccessible. The weight pouch 41 can be made accessible by removing the four wing nuts of the wing- nut bolts 25, 26, 27, 28 and disengaging the braces 11, 88 from the bolts 25, 26, 27, 28 to expose the weight pouch 41, as shown in FIG. 4.
It is advantageous that the added weight is evenly distributed throughout the device 1 and not localized in any particular area of the device. Distributing the weight evenly throughout the device gives the benefit of allowing the device to hang straight down, perpendicular with the ground.
Referring now to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 has a top portion 19 that is an extension of target 10. In an embodiment, the front face 4 of target 10 has a length and width between 8 and 9 inches. In an embodiment, the length is 8⅜ to 8½ inches and the width is 8⅝ to 8¾ inches. The thickness of target 10 can range from one-half inch to several inches. In an embodiment, the thickness is ¾ to ⅞ inches.
The top portion 19 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends from the left and right sides of the target 10 as two arms 230. The arms 230 are made of the same hardened rubber or rubber-like material as target 10 and constitute a singular piece of elastomeric material. The length the top portion 19 of the device 1 measures between 13 and 14 inches, and, in an embodiment, the length of top portion 19 is 13¼ to 13½ inches. In an embodiment, the length of each support arm 230 that extends beyond the width of target 10 measures 2¼ to 2½ inches.
Now referring to FIG. 6, the embodiment shown depicts a structural support that includes embedded plates 600 and 605. The embedded plates 600 and 605 may be made of any material sufficient to provide structural support to the device 1 including, but not limited to metal, plastic, and carbon fiber. In an embodiment, the embedded plates 600 and 605 are made from steel and are 3/16 inches thick. Using steel for the embedded plates provides the benefit of allowing the device 1 to hang straight down and perpendicular with the ground. If weight is not evenly distributed, the device 1 may tilt as the center of gravity shifts from one region of the device 1 to another region. Using steel for embedded plates 600 and 605 provides the weight necessary to achieve a perpendicular suspension of the training device 1.
One or more plates may be used and embedded into target 10 in any configuration. FIG. 7 illustrates a single embedded plate that may be used as a support structure embedded into target 10. Alternatively, multiple embedded plates may be used as seen in FIG. 6. Using multiple embedded plates provides the benefit of allowing elastic deformation (“give”) of the target 10 around the impact point when the target 10 is struck with a bat. Some embodiments exhibit a certain amount of “give” when the target 10 is struck with a bat, and embodiments having multiple embedded plates exhibit more give than devices with a single plate. “Give” provides the benefit of ensuring that batters will not restrain their swinging power during practice with the device 1. If one plate is used, an embodiment may exhibit less “give,” which may increase the potential that a batter's hands might sting after striking the target 1. Batters' swings are best assessed when batters provide a full swing at full power. This ensures the speed, direction, and rotation of the device 1 accurately reflects the effectiveness of the batters' swings. As a result, an embodiment of the device 1 reduces the likelihood that a batter's hands will sting when striking the device by embedding plates 600 and 605 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, three plates may be used as support structures in the device. Plate 600 is embedded into target 10 meaning plate 600 is surrounded by the material making up target 10. Plate 600 extends into the top portion 19 and support arms 230. In an embodiment, plate 600 has a length along its longest edge of approximately 13 inches. Plates 605 are also embedded into the target 10 in the lower left and lower right hand corners of target 10 respectively. In an embodiment, plates 605 are substantially square with rounded corners having sides measuring 2⅝ to 2¾ inches.
Referring back to FIG. 5, the support member 310 may also be one continuous cord instead of two separate cords as depicted in FIGS. 1-2. The support member 310 is attached to each support arm 230 at attachment sites 240. In an embodiment, hooks 300 are placed at each end of support member 310. Each support arm 230 may form a notch 250 at each attachment site 240 to expose a portion 601 of the embedded plate (not shown) and the attachment holes 260 of the embedded plate. The support member 310 is attached to the device 1 by inserting the hooks 300 into the attachment holes 260. In an embodiment, the attachment holes 260 of the embedded plate are formed approximately 1 inch from the each end of embedded plate 600 that extends into each support arm 230. Similarly, in an embodiment, notches 250 are formed approximately ⅞ to 1½ inches from the end of each support arm 230 and should be wide enough to expose the attachment holes 260 of embedded plate 600. In an embodiment, notches 250 measure approximately ⅝ inches wide.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a cleat 400 may be attached to the back 220 of the device 1 by screws 410. The cleat 400 may be used to secure excess slack when adjusting the height of the device 1 by wrapping the support member 310 around the horns 420 of the cleat 400.
Further referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the device 1 may include a weight securing apparatus, depicted as bolts 610 attached to target 10 and embedded plates 600 and 605 in the weight-securing region 201. In an embodiment, the weight-securing region 201 is a recessed section of target 10 measuring ⅛ of an inch deep.
In an embodiment, the bolts 610 are ¼-20 threaded rods measuring 1.25 inches long and made of steel. Any number of rods or similar structure sufficient to secure a weighted plate may be used. In an embodiment, four bolts 610 are used and arranged as shown in FIG. 6. In embodiments that use embedded plates 600 and 605 as the structural support, these embedded plates may also be used to attach bolts 610 to the target 10. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, ¼-20 tapped holes 615 may be formed in the embedded plates allowing the bolts to be inserted into these holes.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, embedded plate 600 is shaped to include tabs 603 that extend down into the weight-securing region 210 of the target 10. In an embodiment, each tab 603 includes a ¼-20 tapped hole allowing for the insertion of a bolt 610. Additionally, embedded plates 605 extend into the weight-securing region 210 and include a ¼-20 tapped hole similarly allowing for the insertion of a bolt 610. In an embodiment, each bolt 610 is placed approximately 4 inches from a neighboring bolt.
The weight-securing region 210 may be completely covered by the material that makes up target 10 or the weight-securing region 210 may not be covered thus exposing the tabs 603 of embedded plate 600 and portions 606 of embedded plates 605. In embodiments that include the exposed portions of embedded plates 600 and 605, these plates are held in place by the material of target 10 covering the unexposed portions—the plate arms 602 of embedded plate 600 for example. For embedded plates 605, the unexposed portions 607 are covered by portions 604 of the target ensuring plates 605 are firmly secured in the target 10.
As shown in FIG. 8, a weight 700 may be positioned over the bolts 610 constituting the weight securing apparatus. Holes 710 are formed in the weight 700 in a configuration that corresponds to the position of the bolts 610 on target 10. Once the weight 700 has been placed onto the bolts 610, nuts 620 may be threaded onto the bolts to secure the weight to the device 1. In an embodiment, the nuts 620 are wing nuts providing the benefit of allowing users to thread and unthread them with their bare hands and without the use of an additional tool.
FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a weight plate 700 that may be used with an embodiment of the device using four bolts as the weight securing apparatus. In an embodiment, the weight plate 700 is substantially square with rounded corners. Four holes 710 are formed in the weight plate 700 in a square configuration to correspond with the configuration of bolts on an embodiment of the device. In an embodiment, the four holes 710 of the weight plate 700 are positioned ½ inch from the neighboring sides of the weight plate 700 and approximately 4 inches from each neighboring hole. Weights can be made of any material sufficient to provide the desired additional weight to the device. In an embodiment, the weights are made of steel. In an embodiment of the device, three weight plates weighing 0.5 lb., 1 lb., and 2 lbs. are provided.
In an embodiment, grommets 720 may be inserted into each hole 710 and are made of rubber. Grommets 720 provide the bolts inserted through the holes 710 the benefit of “give” when the device is struck with a bat. Additionally, grommets 720 provide the benefit of maintaining a small gap between the target and the first attached weight plate in addition to gaps between weight plates subsequently added to the device. This small gap further facilitates the “give” exhibited by the device when struck with a bat.
Referring back to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the device 1 using bolts 610 as the weight securing apparatus having a weight plate 700 attached and secured to the device 1 by bolts 620 is illustrated. A gap 630 is illustrated between the weight 700 and the target 10. This gap is provided by the grommets (not shown) inserted into the holes (not shown) of the weight plate 700. When weights are attached as illustrated in FIG. 9, there is the potential that the device 1 may tilt as more weights are added onto the back of the device 1. This tilt may be corrected by shifting the center of gravity of the device 1 by including attachment sites in the weighted plates themselves and attaching the support member to a weighted plate instead of the top portion of the device.
Referring back to FIG. 1, a batter 9 is depicted using the device 1. The device is first secured to a support 9, such as an overhanging bar, a tree limb, a hook embedded into a ceiling, a basketball hoop, or any other structure capable of suspending the device. The cords 7, 8 are attached to the support 9 by tying them to the support, wrapping them around the support, hooking them onto the support, or taking any other action necessary to secure the cords to the support that allows for the suspension of the device.
In embodiments that have S-shaped hooks attached to the end of the cords 7, 8, these S-shaped hooks may be inserted into the attachment holes 260 as shown in FIG. 5. In order to adjust the height of the device, a user may wrap the cords around the horns 420 of the cleat 400 fixed to the back side 220 of the device as shown in FIG. 6. The user may wrap as much or as little of the cords around the cleat in order to obtain the desired height. Once appropriately suspended at the desired height, training may commence.
The batter may strike the device with a bat 6. Depending upon the accuracy of the batter's swing, the device 1 rotates in a particular direction and at a particular speed. The direction and speed of the rotation communicates to the batter 5 whether he has an over-swing, which means that the bat 6 led his hands during the swing and/or an under-swing, which means that his hands led the bat 6 during the swing.
The direction of the rotation depends upon whether the batter 5 is batting right-handed or left-handed. For a right-handed batter 5, the training device 1 will rotate counter-clockwise if the batter 5 has an over-swing. The training device 1 will rotate clockwise if the batter 5 has an under-swing. Alternatively, for a left-handed batter 5, the training device 1 will rotate clockwise if the batter 5 has an over-swing and counter-clockwise if the batter 5 has an under-swing. Furthermore, when the device 1 rotates rapidly, this indicates an even greater degree of improper batting form. Improper batting form may include holding the bat 6 in the wrong position, striking the target 10 at an inappropriate angle, or striking the device 1 in an inappropriate location, such as the edge rather than the middle of the target 10.
The immediate communication of this information allows a batter 5 to make adjustments to subsequent swings. Such adjustments may include altering speed with which the batter 5 swings the bat 6, adjusting the alignment of the bat 6 so that it hits the device 1 at a perpendicular angle, and repositioning batter's hands and feet.
The user may also add weight to the device during training. In embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, featuring a nuts-and-bolts weight attachment apparatus, the user may match the hole configuration of a weighted plate 700 with the bolt configuration of the device. The user may then slide the weighted plate 700 on to the device 1 allowing the bolts 610 to engage the holes 710. Additional weighted plates may be added in a similar fashion. To secure the weighted plates 700 to the device 1, the user may thread nuts 620 onto the bolts 610. In embodiments that include wing nuts, users may use their hands to thread the wing nuts onto the bolts 610. The weighted plates 700 may be removed by reversing this process. Once the device has a weighted plate or plates attached and secured, training may commence or continue as normal.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A training device comprising:

an elastomeric target having a width and a length, the width being between 6 to 10 inches;

a top portion fixed to the elastomeric target having a length greater than the width of the elastomeric target; and

a support member secured to opposite ends of the top portion to allow the suspension of the training device from support.

2. The training device of claim 1 wherein the top portion has a length of 8 inches or greater.

3. The training device of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric target contains a weight.

4. The training device of claim 1 wherein the support member includes a first and second support member.

5. The training device of claim 1 further comprising:

a pouch capable of receiving weight.

6. The training device of claim 1 further comprising:

members that can removably receive weight plates

7. A training device comprising:

an elastomeric target having a width and length, the width being between 6 to 10 inches;

a top portion with a length greater than the width of the elastomeric target; and

a weight that is removably secured to the training device.

8. The training device of claim 7 further comprising:

a support structure having substantially the same width and length as the elastomeric target.

9. The training device of claim 8 wherein the support structure is a frame attached to the elastomeric target.

10. The training device of claim 8 wherein the support structure is at least one plate embedded into the elastomeric target.

11 The training device of claim 7 further comprising:

a pouch capable of receiving the weight.

12. The training device of claim 7 wherein:

the top portion is integral with the elastomeric target.

13. The training device of claim 11 further comprising:

at least one strap attached to the elastomeric target capable of securing the pouch.

14. The training device of claim 7 further comprising:

elongated members that are capable of being received within holes in the weight.

15. The training device of claim 7 wherein the weight is removably secured to the training device by a nut and bolt arrangement.

16. The training device of claim 7 further comprising:

at least one fastener attached to the elastomeric target used to adjust the height of the training device.

17. A method for training comprising the steps of:

providing a training device;

hanging the training device at an appropriate height;

swinging a bat at a portion of the training device; and

observing the rotation of the training device to assess the swing.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of:

adjusting subsequent swings based on the observed direction of the rotation of the training device.

19. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of:

adjusting subsequent swings based on the observed speed of the rotation of the training device.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of:

adding weight to the training device.