US20110172035A1 - Methods and apparatuses for training athletes - Google Patents
Methods and apparatuses for training athletes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110172035A1 US20110172035A1 US12/913,037 US91303710A US2011172035A1 US 20110172035 A1 US20110172035 A1 US 20110172035A1 US 91303710 A US91303710 A US 91303710A US 2011172035 A1 US2011172035 A1 US 2011172035A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bat
- weight
- counterweight
- inches
- approximately
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/50—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball
- A63B59/52—Substantially rod-shaped bats for hitting a ball in the air, e.g. for baseball made of wood or bamboo
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
- A63B2069/0004—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects
- A63B2069/0008—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects for batting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to sports, and more particularly, to systems and methods for training athletes.
- Aluminum bats enable a batter to hit a baseball an average of fifteen percent (15%) farther and have a sweet spot that is approximately six (6) inches larger than wooden bats. As a result, batters who rely on aluminum bats for training are often lulled into a false sense of confidence concerning their hitting ability. Aluminum bats do, however, facilitate development of proper mechanics involved in correctly and effectively swinging a baseball bat at maximum speed.
- Training bats currently on the market are overloaded in the barrel, which cause a casting effect and other mechanical breakdowns in the batter's swing. Reliance on aluminum and barrel-loaded bats can result in many batters' failure to hit at a professional level, where only wooden bats are used.
- the present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for training athletes.
- one embodiment of the apparatus is a baseball bat with two weighted segments.
- one embodiment of the inventive bat comprises a weight below the knob, and a counterweight above the handle.
- FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a training bat.
- the inventive baseball training bat is the first training bat that is designed to fully develop the necessary mechanics to transition to professional-level hitting by helping a batter create true power in his swing. Its front-knob-loaded design forces the batter to develop the proper hand path to the ball, thereby increasing bat speed and hitting distance through natural and proper mechanics, and not due to the composition of the bat or an enlarged sweet spot.
- the inventive baseball training bat allows for proper development of hand mechanics, power, and bat swing through repeated training.
- FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a training bat.
- the bat is a wooden training bat that exhibits axial symmetry. Starting from one end (designated as a proximal end) and moving axially toward the other end (designated as the distal end), the wooden training bat comprises a weight 140 , a knob 150 , a handle 130 , a counterweight 120 , and a barrel 110 .
- the weight 140 is integrally formed from the same wood as the bat.
- the weight 140 exhibits axial symmetry, and has a circular cross-section.
- the weight 140 has an axial length of approximately 1.8 inches, and a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. This gives the weight 140 a substantially cylindrical shape.
- knob 150 Moving distally along the bat is the knob 150 . Since the knob 150 itself is no different from conventional knobs on conventional baseball bats, further discussion of the knob 150 is omitted herein.
- the handle 130 for grasping the bat.
- the handle 130 is an axially-symmetric shaft that is approximately 10.25 inches in length. Since the handle 130 is also similar to those in conventional baseball bats, further discussion of the handle 130 is omitted here.
- the counterweight 120 Distal to the handle 130 is the counterweight 120 .
- the counterweight 120 is located on the axially-distal side of the handle 130 , thereby providing a counterbalance for the weight 140 that is located on the axially-proximal side of the handle 130 .
- the counterweight 120 is simply a “bulge” that is carved of the same wood as the bat.
- the counterweight 140 is an axially-symmetric segment that has a substantially-circular cross-sectional area. Thus, for the preferred embodiment, the counterweight 140 appears substantially cylindrical.
- the counterweight has an axial length of approximately 3.35 inches, and a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. Given these dimensions, and given that the counterweight 120 in this embodiment is crafted from the same wood as the weight 140 , the counterweight 120 is heavier than the weight 140 .
- the barrel 110 Extending distally from the counterweight 120 is the barrel 110 .
- the barrel 110 is tapered such that the greater cross-sectional area is located at the distal end of the bat, while the smaller cross-sectional area is located more proximally, and closer to the counterweight 120 .
- the length of the bat is approximately 34 inches, which is the typical regulation length of a baseball bat.
- the training bat being fabricated from a single piece of wood, with each of the segments 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 , 150 being carved from the wood, it should be appreciated that the weight 140 and counterweight 120 can be appended to the wooden bat, rather than being an integrated part of the same wooden bat.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for training athletes are described. Specifically, in one embodiment, a wooden baseball training bat is shown. The training bat permits development of fundamental swinging techniques by using weights that are strategically located along different axial locations of the training bat. The training bat's knob-loaded design forces the hands to stay inside the ball during the swing, and to prevent casting and other mechanical breakdowns.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application patent application Ser. No. 61/280,102, filed Oct. 30, 2009, having the title “Hands-n-Speedtrainer,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to sports, and more particularly, to systems and methods for training athletes.
- Aluminum bats enable a batter to hit a baseball an average of fifteen percent (15%) farther and have a sweet spot that is approximately six (6) inches larger than wooden bats. As a result, batters who rely on aluminum bats for training are often lulled into a false sense of confidence concerning their hitting ability. Aluminum bats do, however, facilitate development of proper mechanics involved in correctly and effectively swinging a baseball bat at maximum speed.
- Training bats currently on the market are overloaded in the barrel, which cause a casting effect and other mechanical breakdowns in the batter's swing. Reliance on aluminum and barrel-loaded bats can result in many batters' failure to hit at a professional level, where only wooden bats are used.
- Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
- The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for training athletes.
- Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus is a baseball bat with two weighted segments. In addition to typical components of a baseball bat (e.g., a knob, a handle, and a barrel), one embodiment of the inventive bat comprises a weight below the knob, and a counterweight above the handle. These weighted segments (weight and counterweight) allow for proper development of hand mechanics without fewer mechanically-detrimental effects than currently-existing training bats.
- Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
- Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
-
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a training bat. - Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
- The inventive baseball training bat is the first training bat that is designed to fully develop the necessary mechanics to transition to professional-level hitting by helping a batter create true power in his swing. Its front-knob-loaded design forces the batter to develop the proper hand path to the ball, thereby increasing bat speed and hitting distance through natural and proper mechanics, and not due to the composition of the bat or an enlarged sweet spot. The inventive baseball training bat allows for proper development of hand mechanics, power, and bat swing through repeated training.
-
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a training bat. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , the bat is a wooden training bat that exhibits axial symmetry. Starting from one end (designated as a proximal end) and moving axially toward the other end (designated as the distal end), the wooden training bat comprises aweight 140, aknob 150, ahandle 130, acounterweight 120, and abarrel 110. - For some embodiments, the
weight 140 is integrally formed from the same wood as the bat. Preferably, theweight 140 exhibits axial symmetry, and has a circular cross-section. For the preferred embodiment, theweight 140 has an axial length of approximately 1.8 inches, and a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. This gives the weight 140 a substantially cylindrical shape. - Moving distally along the bat is the
knob 150. Since theknob 150 itself is no different from conventional knobs on conventional baseball bats, further discussion of theknob 150 is omitted herein. - Tapering down from the
knob 150 is thehandle 130 for grasping the bat. In a preferred embodiment, thehandle 130 is an axially-symmetric shaft that is approximately 10.25 inches in length. Since thehandle 130 is also similar to those in conventional baseball bats, further discussion of thehandle 130 is omitted here. - Distal to the
handle 130 is thecounterweight 120. Thecounterweight 120 is located on the axially-distal side of thehandle 130, thereby providing a counterbalance for theweight 140 that is located on the axially-proximal side of thehandle 130. For some embodiments, thecounterweight 120 is simply a “bulge” that is carved of the same wood as the bat. In a preferred embodiment, thecounterweight 140 is an axially-symmetric segment that has a substantially-circular cross-sectional area. Thus, for the preferred embodiment, thecounterweight 140 appears substantially cylindrical. In the preferred embodiment, the counterweight has an axial length of approximately 3.35 inches, and a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches. Given these dimensions, and given that thecounterweight 120 in this embodiment is crafted from the same wood as theweight 140, thecounterweight 120 is heavier than theweight 140. - Extending distally from the
counterweight 120 is thebarrel 110. Thebarrel 110 is tapered such that the greater cross-sectional area is located at the distal end of the bat, while the smaller cross-sectional area is located more proximally, and closer to thecounterweight 120. - In total, in its preferred embodiment, the length of the bat is approximately 34 inches, which is the typical regulation length of a baseball bat.
- Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. For example, while the preferred embodiment shows the weigh 140 being located at the proximal end of the bat, one should appreciate that the
weight 140 need not be at the very end of the bat. Instead, emphasis being placed on the fact that theweight 140 and thecounterweight 120 are located below and above thehandle 130, respectively, thereby providing a balanced weight distribution on either side of thehandle 130. In other words, what is important is that theweight 140 and thecounterweight 120 provide a sufficient increase in angular momentum of the bat as a user swings the bat by holding thehandle 130. This distribution of mass provides the means by which the user develops proper hand mechanics. - Additionally, while specific dimensions are provided to better enable a manufacturer to practice the best mode for the training bat, it should be appreciated that the lengths, diameters, and other dimensions of the bat can be altered without adversely affecting the function of the inventive bat.
- Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment shows the training bat being fabricated from a single piece of wood, with each of the
segments weight 140 andcounterweight 120 can be appended to the wooden bat, rather than being an integrated part of the same wooden bat. - Lastly, while the preferred embodiment shows a wooden baseball training bat, one should appreciate that the disclosed concept can be extended to bats that are made of other materials, and also to softball bats and other similar sporting equipment in which proper hand mechanics are important.
- All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (17)
1. An axially-symmetric wooden training bat having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being approximately 34.0 inches from the proximal end, the bat comprising:
a weight located at the proximal end of the bat, the weight being axially symmetric, the weight having an axial length of approximately 1.80 inches, the weight having a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches.
a knob located on the bat distal to the weight, the knob being axially symmetric;
a handle located on the bat distal to the knob, the handle being axially symmetric, the handle having an axial length of approximately 10.25 inches;
a counterweight located on the bat distal to the handle, the counterweight being axially symmetric, the counterweight having an axial length of approximately 3.35 inches, the counterweight having a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches; and
a barrel located at the distal end of the bat, the barrel being axially symmetric, the barrel being tapered from the distal end to the proximal end, the barrel further having an axial length of approximately 17.75 inches, the barrel having a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches near the distal end.
2. A training bat, comprising:
a weight located at a proximal end of the bat;
a knob located distal to the weight;
a handle located distal to the knob;
a counterweight located distal to the handle; and
a barrel located distal to the counterweight.
3. A bat, comprising:
a handle having a distal end and a proximal end;
a weight located toward the proximal end of the handle; and
a counterweight located toward the distal end of the handle.
4. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the bat is wooden.
5. The bat of claim 3 , further comprising a knob interposed between the handle and the weight.
6. The bat of claim 3 , further comprising a barrel extending distally from the counterweight.
7. The bat of claim 6 , wherein the barrel has an axial length of approximately 17.75 inches.
8. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the weight and counterweight cooperate to develop proper hand mechanics in a user.
9. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the counterweight exhibits axial symmetry.
10. The bat of claim 9 , wherein the counterweight has an axial length of approximately 3.35 inches.
11. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the counterweight has a substantially-circular cross-section.
12. The bat of claim 11 , wherein the counterweight has a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches.
13. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the weight exhibits axial symmetry.
14. The bat of claim 13 , wherein the weight has an axial length of approximately 1.8 inches.
15. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the weight has a substantially-circular cross-section.
16. The bat of claim 15 , wherein the weight has a cross-sectional diameter of approximately 2.5 inches.
17. The bat of claim 3 , wherein the counterweight is heavier than the weight.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/913,037 US20110172035A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2010-10-27 | Methods and apparatuses for training athletes |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US28010209P | 2009-10-30 | 2009-10-30 | |
US12/913,037 US20110172035A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2010-10-27 | Methods and apparatuses for training athletes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110172035A1 true US20110172035A1 (en) | 2011-07-14 |
Family
ID=44258944
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/913,037 Abandoned US20110172035A1 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2010-10-27 | Methods and apparatuses for training athletes |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110172035A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140080639A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2014-03-20 | Swing Strong, LLC | Batting swing training device |
USD785109S1 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-04-25 | Tracy Adam Clark | Baseball bat |
WO2020102811A1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-05-22 | Monsoon Sports, LLC | Training apparatus for use in water |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1026990A (en) * | 1910-10-27 | 1912-05-21 | Harrison Matson | Bat. |
US1915868A (en) * | 1932-06-20 | 1933-06-27 | Harold B Rogers | Whirling toy |
US2031161A (en) * | 1935-04-29 | 1936-02-18 | Otto W Hamel | Handgrip member |
US5094453A (en) * | 1990-07-25 | 1992-03-10 | Douglas Preston L | Ball bat with inward off-set center of gravity |
US5624114A (en) * | 1993-08-06 | 1997-04-29 | Kelsey; Douglas A. | Ball bat shock damper |
US6022282A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 2000-02-08 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Ball bat with tailored flexibility |
US20020016230A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-02-07 | Masaaki Okuyama | Baseball or softball bat |
US6918843B1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2005-07-19 | Micheal E. Franssen | Baseball training bat |
USD596250S1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-07-14 | Hillerich & Bradsby Co. | Baseball bat |
US20090325736A1 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2009-12-31 | Daniel Carsello | Training Bat to Develop Proper Hand Positioning |
US7794340B2 (en) * | 2006-01-23 | 2010-09-14 | Quickswing, Inc. | Adjustable length training bat |
-
2010
- 2010-10-27 US US12/913,037 patent/US20110172035A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1026990A (en) * | 1910-10-27 | 1912-05-21 | Harrison Matson | Bat. |
US1915868A (en) * | 1932-06-20 | 1933-06-27 | Harold B Rogers | Whirling toy |
US2031161A (en) * | 1935-04-29 | 1936-02-18 | Otto W Hamel | Handgrip member |
US5094453A (en) * | 1990-07-25 | 1992-03-10 | Douglas Preston L | Ball bat with inward off-set center of gravity |
US5624114A (en) * | 1993-08-06 | 1997-04-29 | Kelsey; Douglas A. | Ball bat shock damper |
US6022282A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 2000-02-08 | Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. | Ball bat with tailored flexibility |
US20020016230A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-02-07 | Masaaki Okuyama | Baseball or softball bat |
US6918843B1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2005-07-19 | Micheal E. Franssen | Baseball training bat |
US7794340B2 (en) * | 2006-01-23 | 2010-09-14 | Quickswing, Inc. | Adjustable length training bat |
USD596250S1 (en) * | 2008-05-09 | 2009-07-14 | Hillerich & Bradsby Co. | Baseball bat |
US20090325736A1 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2009-12-31 | Daniel Carsello | Training Bat to Develop Proper Hand Positioning |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140080639A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2014-03-20 | Swing Strong, LLC | Batting swing training device |
US8936522B2 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2015-01-20 | Swing Strong, LLC | Batting swing training device |
USD785109S1 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-04-25 | Tracy Adam Clark | Baseball bat |
WO2020102811A1 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2020-05-22 | Monsoon Sports, LLC | Training apparatus for use in water |
US11565140B2 (en) * | 2018-11-16 | 2023-01-31 | Monsoon Sports, LLC | Training apparatus for use in water |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8864608B2 (en) | Unbalanced weighted apparatus with a heavy end and a light end | |
US8888614B2 (en) | Warm-up, exercise and training bat | |
US7044871B2 (en) | Tubular baseball bats with full length core shafts | |
US6186904B1 (en) | Golf swing training club | |
US20130196795A1 (en) | Modular bat and system | |
US20100130313A1 (en) | Apparatus for assisting with optimal physical mechanics of a sports swing | |
US20200398130A1 (en) | Pickleball paddle | |
WO2002053236A1 (en) | Grip end bottom additional-weighting weight, and grip end bottom additional-weighting structure | |
US20070254751A1 (en) | A Practice Bat | |
US20110172035A1 (en) | Methods and apparatuses for training athletes | |
US9782657B2 (en) | Universal swing training apparatus | |
WO2017165362A1 (en) | Baseball training apparatus | |
Cross et al. | Performance versus moment of inertia of sporting implements | |
US20130303297A1 (en) | T/P weights 5 | |
Liu et al. | Effects of training with a dynamic moment of inertia bat on swing performance | |
US20110224033A1 (en) | Mass Distributive Bat For Sports | |
US20160325165A1 (en) | Bat Swing Training Device | |
US20230099504A1 (en) | Sporting device weight | |
US20230048415A1 (en) | Baseball/softball training device and method of making the same | |
US20180256952A1 (en) | Sports Training Device | |
US20150111671A1 (en) | Practice Swing Bat and Method | |
US10646763B2 (en) | Training bat assembly | |
JP6689879B2 (en) | Universal swing training equipment | |
US20100004077A1 (en) | Bat for striking ball | |
US20150238834A1 (en) | Batting Training Device and Method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |