Patent ID: 9072954
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A batting practice apparatus, comprising; a ball, wherein the ball is selected from the group consisting of baseball and softball; a substantially hollow body member having an inner surface, a handle, a first opening distal to the handle, and a second opening proximal to the handle; a string having a first segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member a longitudinally a second segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the first opening, and a third segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the second opening, wherein the string is directly or indirectly attached to a ball, and wherein striking the ball produces movement of the first segment of string in a first direction; a plunger formed of compressible material positioned within the hollow body member and having a length and a hollow space through the length of the plunger, wherein the first segment of string traverses the hollow space within the plunger; and a compressing member positioned within the hollow body member between the plunger and the handle and configured to contact and compress the plunger; wherein the plunger, the compressing member, the hollow body member, the string, and the ball are operatively engaged such that a pulling force exerted on the string in the first direction is translated to the plunger to cause compression and longitudinal shortening of the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string in the first direction, thereby increasing the diameter of the plunger and producing increased friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the hollow body member, thereby producing a lag in the velocity of the plunger relative to the velocity of the ball and string as the plunger expands and contacts the inner surface of the hollow body member.