Patent ID: 7517292
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for teaching an individual proper body rotation when swinging a bat, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body member having a first end portion, a medial portion and a second end portion; a back rest mounted at a position between the first end portion and the medial portion of the elongated body member, the back rest positionable on at least a portion of a lower lumbar region of the individual; a back rest strap connected to the back rest so as to be extendable about a waist of the individual when the back rest is positioned on at least a portion of the lower lumbar region of the individual; a back rest strap connector means supported on the back rest strap for securing the back rest strap about the waist of the individual, the back rest strap connector means cooperating with the back rest strap and the back rest to stabilize the elongated body member in a substantially horizontally disposed position on at least a portion of the lower lumbar of the individual such that at least a portion of the medial portion and the second end portion of the elongated body member extend outwardly from the individual whereby, upon the individual assuming a batting position and rotating the hips, lower body and upper body, at least the second end portion of the elongated body member is caused to cross over a ball striking zone when the individual has properly rotated the hips, lower body and upper body during a swinging motion simulating striking of a ball passing through the ball striking zone; a first substantially vertically disposed member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first substantially vertically disposed member adjustably and rotatably connected to the elongated body member so that the distance between the second end portion of the first substantially vertically disposed member relative to the elongated body member can be selectively varied; a rib support mounted on the second end portion of the first substantially vertically disposed member for engaging a portion of the individual's ribs substantially adjacent a rearwardly disposed arm of the individual when the individual assumes the ball striking position; a rib support strap connected to the rib support and extend able about the individual's chest; and rib strap connector means supported on the rib support strap for securing the strap about the individual's chest, the rib strap connector means, the rib support strap and the rib support cooperating wit the first substantially vertically disposed member, the back rest, the back rest strap and the back rest strap connector means for securing and stabilizing the elongated body member in a substantially horizontally disposed position on at least a portion of the lower lumbar region of the individual's back whereby at least a portion of the medial portion and the second end portion of the elongated body member extend outwardly from the individual so that, upon the person assuming the ball striking position and rotating the hips, lower body and upper body, at least a portion of the second end portion of the elongated body member is caused to cross over at least a portion of a ball striking zone when the individual has properly rotated the hips, lower body and upper body during the swinging motion simulating striking of the ball passing through the ball striking zone.