Baseball bat swing training apparatus

A baseball bat swing training apparatus is provided that includes a bat and a slide mechanism. The bat includes handle and barrel sections that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between. The mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the handle section and the lower end of the barrel section. The mechanism includes a sliding rail assembly and a rail guide that are cooperatively configured to insure that these upper and lower ends are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the bat. A tennis racket swing training apparatus is also provided where the mechanism is inserted within a gap that is formed between upper and lower portions of the racket's handle section.

BACKGROUND

As is appreciated in the sport of baseball, a baseball player who is batting at home plate against a pitcher is known as a batter who is at bat. A big part of the offensive success of a baseball team stems from each batter's ability to swing a baseball bat and hit a baseball that is thrown to them by the pitcher. There are many different factors that affect a batter's ability to hit a baseball that is thrown to them. While some of these factors can be controlled by the batter (e.g., where the batter stands in relation to home plate, and the mechanics of how the batter swings their bat), many others of these factors are completely out of the batter's control (e.g., the current lighting and weather conditions, the skill level of the pitcher, and the types of pitches that the pitcher throws to the batter). As such, it is often said that hitting a baseball while being at bat is one of the hardest things to do in sports.

Baseball players must possess a strong mastery of a combination of many diverse skills to be able to frequently hit a baseball that is thrown to them while they are at bat. While a very small number of baseball players are gifted with the talent/skills to frequently hit a baseball that is thrown to them while they are at bat, the vast majority of baseball players have to work on their batting/hitting skills. Baseball players continuously strive to improve the mechanics of how they swing their baseball bat (e.g., perfect their swing), with a goal of becoming a better hitter (e.g., increasing the speed of their swing and frequency of getting a hit while they are at bat). Various types of training aids exist that are intended to help baseball players become a better hitter.

SUMMARY

Training apparatus embodiments described herein generally involve a swing training apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment a baseball bat swing training apparatus includes a baseball bat and a slide mechanism. The bat includes two separate and distinct sections that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between, where these sections include a handle section and a barrel section. The slide mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the handle section and the lower end of the barrel section. The slide mechanism includes a sliding rail assembly and a rail guide that are cooperatively configured to insure that this upper end and this lower end are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the bat.

In another exemplary embodiment a tennis racket swing training apparatus includes a tennis racket and a slide mechanism. The racket includes a handle section, a head section, and a throat section that rigidly interconnects the handle and head sections. The handle section includes two separate and distinct portions that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between, where these portions include an upper portion and a lower portion. The slide mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the lower portion of the handle section and the lower end of the upper portion of the handle section. The slide mechanism includes a sliding rail assembly and a rail guide that are cooperatively configured to insure that this upper end and this lower end are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the racket.

It should be noted that the foregoing Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of training apparatus embodiments reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the training apparatus can be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the training apparatus embodiments.

It is also noted that for the sake of clarity specific terminology will be resorted to in describing the training apparatus embodiments described herein and it is not intended for these embodiments to be limited to the specific terms so chosen. Furthermore, it is to be understood that each specific term includes all its technical equivalents that operate in a broadly similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. Reference herein to “one embodiment”, or “another embodiment”, or an “exemplary embodiment”, or an “alternate embodiment”, or “one implementation”, or “another implementation”, or an “exemplary implementation”, or an “alternate implementation” means that a particular feature, a particular structure, or particular characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or implementation can be included in at least one embodiment of the training apparatus. The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, “in an exemplary embodiment”, “in an alternate embodiment”, “in one implementation”, “in another implementation”, “in an exemplary implementation”, and “in an alternate implementation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or implementation, nor are separate or alternative embodiments/implementations mutually exclusive of other embodiments/implementations. Yet furthermore, the order of process flow representing one or more embodiments or implementations of the training apparatus does not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations of the training apparatus.

Yet, furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” variants thereof, and other similar words are used in either this detailed description or the claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive, in a manner similar to the term “comprising”, as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

1.0 Baseball Bats Overview

FIG. 1illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of a conventional baseball bat (herein sometimes simply referred to as a bat) that is swung by a batter in an attempt to hit a conventional baseball (herein sometimes simply referred to as a ball) that is thrown by a pitcher. As exemplified inFIG. 1, the baseball bat10has an elongated, smooth, cylindrical shape whose diameter varies along the longitudinal axis A-A of the bat, where this shape is specifically designed to allow the batter to swing the bat in a quick and balanced manner and transfer as much energy as possible to the baseball20when it is hit by the bat. The bat10generally includes two different longitudinal sections, namely a handle section14the lower end of which forms the proximal end24of the bat, and a barrel section12the upper end of which forms the distal end22of the bat. A substantial majority (e.g., most) of the handle section14of the bat10has a longitudinally constant or varying diameter D2that is selected to allow the batter to comfortably grip the bat with both of their hands. The barrel section12of the bat10is meant to hit the ball20and thus has a range of diameters that is greater than or equal to the diameter D2and less than or equal to a prescribed maximum diameter D1that is substantially larger than D2. The portion18of the barrel section12having the maximum diameter D1is often referred to as the “sweet spot” of the bat10since it has the largest surface area and mass per unit of measure along the longitudinal axis A-A. The sweet spot18of the bat10is thus ideally suited to hitting the ball20.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the diameter of the barrel section12of the bat10gradually decreases from D1to D2as the barrel section longitudinally approaches the handle section14of the bat10. The bottommost portion of the handle section14includes a knob16having a diameter D3that is larger than diameter D2and smaller than diameter D1. The knob16serves the function of preventing the bat10from slipping out of the batter's hands when they forcibly swing the bat.

As is also appreciated in the sport of baseball and referring again toFIG. 1, there are various types of conventional baseball bats10which can be generally categorized as follows. A wood bat is a type of bat10in which both the barrel and handle sections12and14of the bat are made of a prescribed type of wood (such as maple, or ash, or birch, or hickory, or bamboo, among other types of wood). A metal bat is another type of bat10in which both of the barrel and handle sections12and14of the bat are made of either a prescribed type of light-weight metal (e.g., aluminum, among other types of metal) or a prescribed light-weight metal alloy (e.g., aluminum mixed with one or more other types of metal). A composite bat is yet another type of bat10in which both the barrel and handle sections12and14of the bat are made of a prescribed composite material (e.g., a mixture of carbon fiber, graphite, fiberglass, and sometimes Kevlar, bonded together using a prescribed resin). A hybrid bat is yet another type of bat10in which the barrel section12of the bat is made of one type of material (e.g., either a prescribed type of metal or a prescribed metal alloy) and the handle section14of the bat is made from another type of material (e.g., a prescribed composite material). As will be appreciated from the more detailed description that follows, the training apparatus embodiments described herein are can be used with any type of baseball bat including, but not limited to, a conventional wood bat, or a conventional metal bat, or a conventional composite bat, or a conventional hybrid bat, among other types of bats.

2.0 Baseball Bat Swing Training Apparatus

The training apparatus embodiments described in this section generally relate to the field of baseball bats and more particularly to a baseball bat swing training apparatus that batters can use to improve the mechanics of how they swing their bat (e.g., perfect their swing) and thus become better hitters (e.g., increase the speed of their swing and frequency of getting a hit while they are at bat). In other words and as will be appreciated from the more detailed description that follows, the training apparatus embodiments teach a batter to swing their bat faster (e.g., increase their bat speed and power), thus enabling the batter to hit a baseball that is thrown to them harder and further more consistently.

The training apparatus embodiments described in this section generally include a conventional baseball bat and a slide mechanism which is interposed (e.g., installed) into the bat in a manner that converts the bat into a bat swing training apparatus. More particularly and referring again toFIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section the conventional baseball bat10is cut through transversely along its longitudinal axis A-A (e.g., the bat10is cut through in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axis A-A) approximately at the boundary B-B between the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat10and the upper end of the handle section14of the bat10, and a small longitudinal section26of the bat10is removed. In an exemplary implementation of this embodiment the longitudinal section26of the bat10that is removed has a length L1that is substantially equal to the radially outer length L2(illustrated inFIGS. 4-6) of the slide mechanism described in this section. This cutting of the bat10thus separates the barrel section12from the handle section14and forms a gap there-between. After the longitudinal section26of the bat10has been removed, the slide mechanism is inserted within the just-described gap in a manner that enables the barrel section12to move transversely a prescribed small distance relative to the handle section14when a batter swings28the bat in a desired manner. The fact that the length L1of the longitudinal section26of the bat10that is removed is substantially equal to the radially outer length L2of the slide mechanism is advantageous since it results in the length of the bat after the slide mechanism has been interposed there-within being substantially the same as the original length of the bat before it is cut.

FIGS. 2-17illustrate an exemplary embodiment, in simplified form, of the training apparatus described in this section. More particularly,FIG. 2illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the slide mechanism30shown connected in-between the lower end of the barrel section12of the baseball bat and the upper end of the handle section14of the bat. As exemplified inFIG. 2, the slide mechanism30includes a sliding rail assembly34and a rail guide32. As will be described in more detail hereafter, the sliding rail assembly34is securely (e.g., retainably) connected to the lower end of the barrel section12in a manner that insures the sliding rail assembly34and this lower end are substantially coaxial regardless of how the bat is swung. The rail guide32is securely connected to the upper end of the handle section14in a manner that insures the rail guide32and this upper end are substantially coaxial regardless of how the bat is swung. The sliding rail assembly34shown inFIG. 2is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide32such that the longitudinal axis Y1of the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y2of the upper end of the handle section14of the bat (e.g., these lower and upper ends are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly34is situated in the rightmost position). As will be appreciated from the more-detailed description of the slide mechanism30that follows, when a batter is holding their bat in preparation to swing it (e.g., when the batter is holding their bat with its barrel section12raised behind their head and above one of their shoulders), the sliding rail assembly34and the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat will naturally move to the rightmost position.

FIG. 3illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30ofFIG. 2where the sliding rail assembly34is situated in a leftmost position on the rail guide32such that the longitudinal axis Y1of the lower end of the barrel section12of the baseball bat is transversely offset a prescribed maximum rail travel distance D4from the longitudinal axis Y2of the upper end of the handle section14of the bat. As is described in this section, this transverse offset between the lower end of the barrel section12and the upper end of the handle section14can be caused by forces incurred during a desired swing28of the bat. Referring again toFIG. 1,FIG. 4illustrates an enlarged front-facing cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 2taken along the longitudinal axis A-A of the bat10.FIG. 5illustrates an enlarged front-facing cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 3taken along the longitudinal axis A-A of the bat10.FIG. 6illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 2taken along line C-C ofFIG. 2.FIG. 7illustrates a standalone exploded plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the sliding rail assembly34taken from the perspective ofFIGS. 2-5.FIG. 16illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 4taken along line D-D ofFIG. 4.FIG. 17illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism shown inFIG. 5taken along line E-E ofFIG. 5. As exemplified inFIGS. 4-7, the sliding rail assembly34of the slide mechanism30includes a sliding rail member38and a slide-limiting member36that is securely inserted into a longitudinal aperture that passes from the top of the sliding rail member38to the bottom thereof.

Referring again toFIGS. 2-6,FIG. 8illustrates a standalone transparent plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the sliding rail member38of the sliding rail assembly34taken from the perspective ofFIGS. 2-5.FIG. 9illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of the sliding rail member38ofFIG. 8rotated right 90 degrees. In other words,FIG. 9illustrates a standalone transparent plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the sliding rail member38taken from the perspective ofFIG. 6.FIG. 10illustrates a top view, in simplified form, of the sliding rail member38ofFIG. 8.FIG. 11illustrates a bottom view, in simplified form, of the sliding rail member38ofFIG. 8.FIG. 12illustrates a standalone transparent plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the rail guide32of the slide mechanism30taken from the perspective ofFIGS. 2-5.FIG. 13illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of the rail guide32ofFIG. 12rotated right 90 degrees. In other words,FIG. 13illustrates a standalone transparent plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the rail guide32taken from the perspective ofFIG. 6.FIG. 14illustrates a top view, in simplified form, of the rail guide32ofFIG. 12.FIG. 15illustrates a bottom view, in simplified form, of the rail guide32ofFIG. 12.

The training apparatus embodiments described in this section are advantageous for various reasons including, but not limited to, the following. As will be appreciated from the more detailed description that follows and referring again toFIGS. 2-5, the design of the slide mechanism30minimizes the weight of the mechanism30while maximizing its structural integrity (e.g., its mechanical strength), and provides strong mechanical resistance to bending and possible breakage during the swing28of the baseball bat with even the highest likely swing force and speed. As exemplified inFIGS. 2-5, after the slide mechanism30has been completely assembled and connected to the barrel and handle sections12and14of the bat, the slide mechanism30permits limited, low-friction, transverse movement of the lower end of the barrel section12relative to the upper end of the handle section14with substantial mechanical integrity. In other words, the sliding rail assembly34and the rail guide32of the slide mechanism30are cooperatively configured to permit low-friction lateral movement (e.g., a lateral shift) of the lower end of the barrel section12relative to the upper end of the handle section14during a swinging28of the bat, where this lateral movement/motion/shift is confined to a direction that is substantially orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis Y1of this lower end and the longitudinal axis Y2of this upper end, and this lateral movement/motion/shift is limited to the maximum rail travel distance D4.

The training apparatus embodiments described in this section are also advantageous for the following reason. As is appreciated in the sport of baseball, wood bats are more flexible than metal bats, and are also generally more flexible than composite and hybrid bats. A batter who has good swing mechanics is able to cause a wood bat to flex when it is swung. This flexing generally occurs midway between the proximal and distal ends of the bat and further increases the speed/power of the barrel section of the bat. Given the foregoing, it will be appreciated that when the slide mechanism is interposed into a metal bat, or a composite bat, or a hybrid bad, the slide mechanism allows the metal/composite/hybrid bat to simulate a wood bat.

As exemplified inFIGS. 4-10, the upper portion of the sliding rail member38is adapted to permit the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat to be securely connected to this upper portion in a manner that insures this lower end is substantially coaxial with the sliding rail assembly34regardless of how the bat is swung. It is noted that this secure connection can be realized in a variety of ways. By way of example but not limitation, in the sliding rail member embodiment that is shown inFIGS. 4-10this adaptation is configured as follows. The upper portion of the sliding rail member38includes a barrel-mating post40and the lower portion of the sliding rail member38includes a tiered base42, where the bottom of the barrel-mating post40is rigidly disposed onto a central position on the top surface50of the tiered base42such that the barrel-mating post40and the tiered base42have a substantially common longitudinal axis Y3which is substantially orthogonal to the top surface50, thus insuring that the longitudinal axis Y1of the lower end of the barrel section12is substantially orthogonal to the top surface50, and insuring that the bottom surface of the barrel section is substantially flush with the top surface50, when this lower end is connected to the sliding rail member38.

Referring again toFIGS. 4-10and as exemplified inFIGS. 4-6, the barrel-mating post40has radially cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the radially cross-sectional shape of a longitudinal cavity that is formed on the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat, where the longitudinal axis of this longitudinal cavity is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y1of the lower end of the barrel section12. The barrel-mating post40also has a prescribed length L3and a prescribed diameter D5that are selected to permit the barrel-mating post40to be fully and snugly inserted upward into this longitudinal cavity. In one embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section where the bat has a solid longitudinal interior (which is generally the case for wood bats), the longitudinal cavity can be formed on the lower end of the barrel section12after the bat is cut and the aforementioned longitudinal section is removed. In one implementation of this particular embodiment the longitudinal cavity can have a circular radially cross-sectional shape and the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post40can be threaded, thus allowing the secure connection of the lower end of the barrel section12to the sliding rail member38to be made by threadably inserting the barrel-mating post40into the longitudinal cavity. In one version of this particular implementation the threads on the barrel-mating post40are formed in a counterclockwise arrangement, which is advantageous since it results in the connection between the lower end of the barrel section12and the sliding rail member38remaining tight/secure when the bat is swung by a right-handed batter. In another version of this particular implementation the threads on the barrel-mating post40are formed in a clockwise arrangement, which is advantageous since it results in the connection between the lower end of the barrel section12and the sliding rail member38remaining tight/secure when the bat is swung by a left-handed batter. In another implementation of this particular embodiment where the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post40is un-threaded (e.g., substantially smooth), the longitudinal cavity can have any one of a variety of radially cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a circle, a square, a hexagon, and a triangle, among other two-dimensional shapes) and the secure connection of the lower end of the barrel section12to the sliding rail member38can be made by inserting the barrel-mating post40into the longitudinal cavity while a strong adhesive is used to rigidly adhere the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post40to the radial wall of the longitudinal cavity. In another embodiment of the training apparatus where the bat has a hollow longitudinal interior (which is generally the case for metal bats and most composite bats), a longitudinal cavity having a circular radially cross-sectional shape naturally exists on the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat, where the longitudinal axis of this longitudinal cavity is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lower end of the barrel section12. In an exemplary implementation of this particular embodiment the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post40is un-threaded and the secure connection of the lower end of the barrel section12to the sliding rail member38is made by inserting the barrel-mating post40into the longitudinal cavity while the strong adhesive is used to rigidly adhere the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post40to the radial wall of the longitudinal cavity. It will be appreciated that various types of adhesives can be used. In an exemplary implementation of the slide mechanism30the adhesive is an epoxy.

As exemplified inFIGS. 4-6, 12, 13 and 15, the lower portion of the rail guide32is adapted to permit the upper end of the handle section14of the bat to be securely connected to this lower portion in a manner that insures this upper end is substantially coaxial with the rail guide32regardless of how the bat is swung. It is noted that this secure connection can be realized in a variety of ways. By way of example but not limitation, in the rail guide embodiment that is shown inFIGS. 4-6, 12, 13 and 15this adaptation is configured as follows. The lower portion of the rail guide32includes a handle-mating post54and the upper portion of the rail guide32includes a guide block56, where the top of the handle-mating post54is rigidly disposed onto a central position on the bottom surface52of the rail guide block56such that the handle-mating post54and the guide block56have a substantially common longitudinal axis Y4which is substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface52, thus insuring that the longitudinal axis Y2of the upper end of the handle section14is substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface52, and insuring that the top surface of the handle section is substantially flush with the bottom surface52, when this upper end is connected to the rail guide32.

Referring again toFIGS. 4-6, 12, 13 and 15and as exemplified inFIGS. 4-6, the handle-mating post54has radially cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the radially cross-sectional shape of a longitudinal cavity that is formed on the upper end of the handle section14of the bat, where the longitudinal axis of this longitudinal cavity is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y2of the upper end of the handle section14. The handle-mating post54also has a prescribed length L4and a prescribed diameter D6that are selected to permit the handle-mating post54to be fully and snugly inserted downward into this longitudinal cavity. In the aforementioned embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section where the bat has a solid longitudinal interior, the longitudinal cavity can be formed on the upper end of the handle section14after the bat is cut and the aforementioned longitudinal section is removed. In one implementation of this particular embodiment the longitudinal cavity can have a circular radially cross-sectional shape and the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post54can be threaded, thus allowing the secure connection of the upper end of the handle section14to the rail guide32to be made by threadably inserting the handle-mating post54into the longitudinal cavity. In one version of this particular implementation the threads on the handle-mating post54are formed in a counterclockwise arrangement, which is advantageous since it results in the connection between the upper end of the handle section14and the rail guide32remaining tight/secure when the bat is swung by a right-handed batter. In another version of this particular implementation the threads on the handle-mating post54are formed in a clockwise arrangement, which is advantageous since it results in the connection between the upper end of the handle section14and the rail guide32remaining tight/secure when the bat is swung by a left-handed batter. In another implementation of this particular embodiment where the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post54is un-threaded, the longitudinal cavity can have any one of a variety of radially cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a circle, a square, a hexagon, and a triangle, among other two-dimensional shapes) and the secure connection of the upper end of the handle section14to the rail guide32can be made by inserting the handle-mating post54into the longitudinal cavity while the aforementioned strong adhesive is used to rigidly adhere the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post54to the radial wall of the longitudinal cavity. In the aforementioned other embodiment of the training apparatus where the bat has a hollow longitudinal interior, a longitudinal cavity having a circular radially cross-sectional shape naturally exists on the upper end of the handle section14of the bat, where the longitudinal axis of this longitudinal cavity is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the upper end of the handle section14. In an exemplary implementation of this particular embodiment the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post54is un-threaded and the secure connection of the upper end of the handle section14to the rail guide32is made by inserting the handle-mating post54into the longitudinal cavity while the strong adhesive is used to rigidly adhere the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post54to the radial wall of the longitudinal cavity.

As exemplified inFIGS. 6 and 12-14, the upper portion of the guide block56of the rail guide32includes a tiered linear guide channel60that passes from the left side66of the guide block to the right side68of the guide block. The guide channel60includes an upper channel tier62and a lower channel tier64, where the vertical axis of both the upper and lower channel tiers62and64is substantially aligned with the aforementioned common longitudinal axis Y4. The upper channel tier62of the guide block56has a pair of parallel opposing sidewalls76and77, a prescribed width W3, and a prescribed height H3. The lower channel tier64of the guide block56has another pair of parallel opposing sidewalls78and79, a prescribed width W4that is greater than width W3, and a prescribed height H4. Generally speaking and as exemplified inFIGS. 6-10, the tiered base42of the sliding rail member38has a shape and size that are adapted to permit the tiered base to slidably mate with the tiered linear guide channel60of the guide block56. More particularly, the tiered base42includes an upper base tier44and a lower base tier46, where the vertical axis of both the upper and lower base tiers44and46is substantially aligned with the aforementioned common longitudinal axis Y3. The upper base tier44of the tiered base42has parallel opposing sidewalls, a prescribed width W1that is slightly less than the width W3, and a prescribed height H1that is greater than the height H3. The lower base tier46of the tiered base42also has parallel vertical sidewalls, a prescribed width W2that is slightly less than the width W4, and a prescribed height H2that is slightly less than the height H4. Accordingly, the tiered linear guide channel60of the rail guide32is adapted to receive the tiered base42of the sliding rail member38in low-friction sliding engagement when the tiered base is slidably inserted into the guide channel, where this sliding engagement permits the sliding rail member (and thus the sliding rail assembly34) to slide/travel in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis Y3of the sliding rail member (and thus the longitudinal axis of the sliding rail assembly34) and the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide.

Referring again toFIGS. 6-10 and 12-14, in an exemplary implementation of the training apparatus embodiments described herein the difference between the just-described widths W1and W3is greater than or equal to 0.01 millimeters (0.00039 inches) and less than or equal to 0.02 millimeters (0.00079 inches), the difference between the just-described widths W2and W4is also greater than or equal to 0.01 millimeters (0.00039 inches) and less than or equal to 0.02 millimeters (0.00079 inches), and the difference between the just-described heights H2and H4is also greater than or equal to 0.01 millimeters (0.00039 inches) and less than or equal to 0.02 millimeters (0.00079 inches). As exemplified inFIGS. 7-11, each of the edges, and thus each of the corners, of the tiered base42of the sliding rail member38can be rounded; these rounded edges and corners are advantageous in that they reduce the friction with the rail guide's32tiered linear guide channel60when the tiered base42is slidably mated therewith; these rounded edges and corners are also advantageous in that they prevent injury to the batter and reduce the weight of the slide mechanism30. As exemplified inFIGS. 4-6 and 12-15, each of the exterior edges, and thus each of the exterior corners, of the guide block56of the rail guide32can be rounded; these rounded exterior edges and corners are advantageous in that they also prevent injury to the batter and reduce the weight of the slide mechanism30. In order to further reduce the friction between the sliding rail member's tiered base42and the rail guide's guide channel60a small amount of lubricant having a low coefficient of friction (e.g., a high degree of lubricity) can optionally be applied to the tiered base before it is slidably inserted into the guide channel. It will be appreciated that various different low friction lubricants can be employed such as graphite, and various types oils and greases, among others.

As exemplified inFIGS. 4-6, 12-14, 16 and 17, the guide block56of the rail guide32also includes a rail travel distance limiting cavity58that is located on the bottom surface of the lower channel tier64of the rail guide's guide channel60. The rail travel distance limiting cavity58has a prescribed width W5, a prescribed length L5, and a prescribed depth D7. As exemplified inFIGS. 8-11, the sliding rail member38includes a longitudinal aperture48that passes from the top of the sliding rail member to the bottom thereof, where the longitudinal axis of this aperture48is substantially aligned with the common longitudinal axis Y3of both the barrel-mating post40and the tiered base42of the sliding rail member. In other words, the aperture48is substantially coaxial with both the barrel-mating post40and the tiered base42, and passes from the top of the barrel-mating post, through the barrel-mating post, through the tiered base, to the bottom of the lower base tier46of the tiered base. The aperture48has a prescribed radially cross-sectional shape and a prescribed diameter D8. As exemplified inFIGS. 4-7, the slide-limiting member36that is securely inserted into the longitudinal aperture48includes an aperture-mating post70and a head72that is rigidly disposed onto the top of the post70. The post70has a radially cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the radially cross-sectional shape of the aperture48. The post70also has a prescribed length L6and a prescribed diameter D9that are selected to permit the post70to be fully and securely inserted downward into the aperture48so that the post70protrudes a prescribed distance D14from the bottom surface74of the tiered base42(e.g., the bottom of the lower base tier46).

Referring again toFIGS. 6-11, in one implementation of the slide mechanism30the longitudinal aperture48can have a circular radially cross-sectional shape and can be threaded, and the radially outer surface of the aperture-mating post70can also be threaded in a manner that permits the post70to be threadably connected to the aperture48, thus allowing the secure insertion of the slide-limiting member36into the sliding rail member38to be made by threadably fully inserting the post70into the aperture48. In this particular implementation a lock-washer (not shown) can optionally be disposed onto the post70before it is threadably fully inserted into the aperture48; when the post70is threadably fully inserted into the aperture48the lock-washer will become sandwiched between the bottom of the head72of the post70and the top of the barrel-mating post40. In another implementation of the slide mechanism30where the aperture48is un-threaded and the radially outer surface of the post70is un-threaded, the aperture48can have any one of a variety of radially cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a circle, a square, and a hexagon, among other two-dimensional shapes) and the secure insertion of the slide-limiting member36into the sliding rail member38can be made by inserting the post70into the aperture48while the aforementioned strong adhesive is used to rigidly adhere the radially outer surface of the post70to the radial wall of the aperture48.

As will be appreciated fromFIGS. 4-6, 16 and 17and the functional operation of the slide mechanism30described herein, and referring again toFIGS. 7-14, the aperture-mating post70of the slide-limiting member36is not inserted into the longitudinal aperture48on the sliding rail member38until after the tiered base42of the sliding rail member has been slidably inserted into the tiered linear guide channel60on the guide block56of the rail guide32. As such, the bottom of the post70protrudes into the aforementioned rail travel distance limiting cavity58that is located on the bottom surface of the guide channel's60lower channel tier64. As will now be described in more detail, this cavity58is adapted to limit the travel of the sliding rail assembly54(e.g., limit the aforementioned lateral movement/motion/shift) to the maximum rail travel distance D4by limiting the travel of the post70to this distance D4. More particularly, the cavity58has one pair of opposing vertical sidewalls80and81that are substantially parallel to each other and to the vertical sidewalls76-79of the guide channel's upper and lower tiers62and64. The cavity58has another pair of opposing vertical sidewalls82and83that are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially orthogonal to the direction of slide/travel of the sliding rail member38and thus the slide-limiting member36. As exemplified inFIGS. 4-6, the depth D7of the cavity58is greater than the aforementioned distance D14that the post70of the slide-limiting member36protrudes from the bottom surface74of the tiered base42after the post70has been fully inserted into the aperture48. As exemplified inFIGS. 6, 16 and 17, both the width W5and length L5of the cavity58are greater than the diameter D9of the post70of the slide-limiting member36, thus permitting the post70to travel laterally (e.g., leftward and rightward from the perspective ofFIGS. 4, 5, 16 and 17) within the cavity58. As will be appreciated fromFIGS. 16 and 17, the difference between the length L5and the diameter D9defines the distance D4. When the sliding rail assembly34is situated in the aforementioned rightmost position on the rail guide32the right side of the post70makes contact with the sidewall83as exemplified inFIG. 16. When the sliding rail assembly34is situated in the aforementioned leftmost position on the rail guide32the left side of the post70makes contact with the sidewall82as exemplified inFIG. 17. Generally speaking, the length L5and the diameter D9can be selected so that the distance D4can have any value, where this value is selected based on the stiffness of the bat, among other factors. By way of example but not limitation, in one embodiment of the slide mechanism30the length L5and the diameter D9are selected so that the distance D4is approximately 5.0 millimeters (0.19685 inches).

Referring again toFIGS. 1-5, 16 and 17, the training apparatus embodiments described in this section are further advantageous since the slide mechanism30permits the batter to hear and feel the transverse movement of the bat's barrel section12relative to the bat's handle section14when the batter swings28the bat10in a desired manner. In other words, when the slide mechanism30is interposed into the bat10as described heretofore, the mechanism provides the batter with both audible and tactile feedback indicating whether or not they have achieved a desired swing28profile. For example, when the bat is swung28in a manner that makes the lower end of the bat's barrel section12laterally shift leftward relative to the upper end of the bat's handle section14such that the sliding rail assembly34reaches the leftmost position on the rail guide32and the left side of the aperture-mating post70impacts the sidewall82of the rail travel distance limiting cavity58, the slide mechanism30will generate a discernible sound (e.g., the batter will hear a “click” sound) and will also generate a tactile sensation at the proximal end24of the bat (e.g., the batter will feel a vibration that travels from the mechanism30through the bat's handle section14and into their hands). In the aforementioned embodiment of the training apparatus where the bat10has a hollow longitudinal interior, a distal sound-emanating aperture (not shown) can be added to the distal end22of the bat and/or a proximal sound-emanating aperture (not shown) can be added to the proximal end24of the bat. The distal and proximal sound-emanating apertures are advantageous since they serve to increase the volume of the just-described “click” sound that is heard by the batter.

FIG. 18illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of one embodiment of a protective sleeve that can optionally be disposed around the slide mechanism after it has been connected in-between the lower end of the barrel section of the baseball bat and the upper end of the handle section of the bat.FIG. 19illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of the protective sleeve and slide mechanism ofFIG. 18rotated right 180 degrees. As exemplified inFIGS. 18 and 19, the protective sleeve84is disposed around the sliding rail assembly34and the rail guide32of the slide mechanism in a manner that covers the slide mechanism, overlaps the bottommost portion of the lower end of the barrel section12of the bat, and also overlaps the topmost portion of the upper end of the handle section14of the bat. The protective sleeve84is durable and resiliently flexible, and thus permits the transverse movement86of the bat's barrel section12relative to the bat's handle section14when the batter swings28the bat in a desired manner. As shown inFIG. 18, when a right-handed batter swings28the bat leftward (e.g., from their right to their left) this transverse movement86occurs in a leftward direction. As shown inFIG. 19, when a left-handed batter swings28the bat rightward (e.g., from their left to their right) this transverse movement86occurs in a rightward direction. The protective sleeve84can be made from any of a variety of materials that are durable and resiliently flexible (e.g., rubber, or the like). The protective sleeve84serves various purposes including, but not limited to, the following. The protective sleeve84protects the slide mechanism from being damaged when the bat is thrown or dropped by the batter, or when the mechanism is hit by a ball, or when the bat is put into a bag with other bats and other types of baseball gear, or the like. The protective sleeve also prevents foreign materials (such as sand, rocks, dust, and the like) from entering the slide mechanism.

Referring again toFIG. 18, the protective sleeve84can include a visible line88that is imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve, where this line88is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide32, and is located approximately 135 degrees radially to the right of the direction of the transverse movement86(e.g., the lateral shift) of the bat's barrel section12relative to the bat's handle section14. The line88serves various purposes including, but not limited to, the following. If the line88is not substantially straight, this indicates that something may be wrong with the slide mechanism and it may have to be serviced (e.g., the connection between the sliding rail assembly34and the bat's barrel section12may have loosened, or the connection between the rail guide32and the bat's handle section14may have loosened). The line88also provides a right-handed batter with an indication of how they should hold the handle section14. More particularly, the right-handed batter should grip the handle section14in a manner that insures the line88is facing the right-handed batter (e.g., the line88is oriented upward) as they hold the bat. As shown inFIG. 18, a text string (e.g., “Right-Handed”) can be imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve84adjacent to the line88, where this text string indicates that the line88applies to right-handed batters. It will be appreciated that the line88and text string can be imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve84in various ways (e.g., they can be either molded into the sleeve, or painted on the sleeve, among other ways).

Referring again toFIG. 19, the protective sleeve84can also include another visible line89that is imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve, where this line89is also substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide32, and is located diametrically opposite the visible line88. The line89serves various purposes including, but not limited to, the following. If the line89is not substantially straight, this indicates that something may be wrong with the slide mechanism and it may have to be serviced. The line89also provides a left-handed batter with an indication of how they should hold the handle section14. More particularly, the left-handed batter should grip the handle section14in a manner that substantially aligns the thumb of their left hand with the line89, thus insuring that the line89is facing the left-handed batter as they hold the bat. As shown inFIG. 19, another text string (e.g., “Left-Handed”) can be imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve84adjacent to the line89, where this text string indicates that the line89applies to left-handed batters. It will be appreciated that the line89and text string can be imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve84in various ways (e.g., the line89can be either molded into the sleeve, or painted on the sleeve, among other ways).

FIG. 20illustrates a top plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of a conventional tubular spirit level (also known as a bubble level or simply a level) one or more of which can be employed in the training apparatus embodiments described herein. Generally speaking and as is appreciated in the art of carpentry (among many other arts that utilize spirit levels), a spirit level is an instrument designed to indicate to a user whether or not a given surface that the level is either attached to or resting on is in a prescribed orientation (e.g., horizontal/level or vertical/plumb). The tubular spirit level90shown inFIG. 20includes a transparent tubular vial92that is sealed at both ends and is incompletely filled with liquid, thus leaving a bubble94within the vial. The spirit level90also includes a pair of substantially parallel indicator lines95and96that are imprinted on the vial92, where these lines95and96are spaced apart a distance that is slightly larger than the length of bubble94.

As exemplified inFIG. 18, one spirit level97can be securely attached to the radially exterior surface of the bat's barrel section12near the lower end thereof (e.g., just above the protective sleeve84), where the level97is located at a position that allows an imaginary line which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide32, and is located approximately 135 degrees radially to the right of the direction of the transverse movement86of the bat's barrel section12relative to the bat's handle section14, to pass midway between the level's indicator lines (e.g., the level's97indicator lines would be substantially centered about the axis of the visible line88in the case where this line is imprinted on the sleeve84and the sliding rail assembly34is situated in its rightmost position on the rail guide32). The spirit level97provides a right-handed batter with another indication of how they should hold the handle section14. More particularly, the right-handed batter should grip the handle section14in a manner that locates the bubble within the vial of the spirit level97within the parallel indicator lines that are imprinted on this vial. In the case where the aforementioned text string (e.g., “Right-Handed”) is not imprinted on the sleeve84, a similar text string can be imprinted above the spirit level97in order to indicate that it applies to right-handed batters.

As exemplified inFIG. 19and referring again toFIG. 18, another spirit level98can also be securely attached to the radially exterior surface of the bat's barrel section12near the lower end thereof (e.g., just above the protective sleeve84), where the level98is located at a position that is diametrically opposite the spirit level97(e.g., the level's98indicator lines would be substantially centered about the axis of the visible line89in the case where this line is imprinted on the sleeve84and the sliding rail assembly34is situated in its rightmost position on the rail guide32, which equates to its leftmost position from the perspective ofFIG. 19). The spirit level98provides a left-handed batter with another indication of how they should hold the handle section14. More particularly, the left-handed batter should grip the handle section14in a manner that locates the bubble within the vial of the spirit level98within the parallel indicator lines that are imprinted on this vial. In the case where the aforementioned text string (e.g., “Left-Handed”) is not imprinted on the sleeve84, a similar text string can be imprinted above the spirit level98in order to indicate that it applies to left-handed batters.

Referring again toFIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the inherent weight of the slide mechanism, and also the inherent weight of the protective sleeve and spirit levels to a smaller degree, can change the balance point of the bat10which may be disadvantageous, where the degree of this change depends on the actual weight of the mechanism, sleeve, and spirit levels, and the particular location along the bat's longitudinal axis A-A where the mechanism is interposed. In order to counter-balance the weight of the slide mechanism after it has been interposed into the bat10and also counter-balance the weight of the protective sleeve and spirit levels, a counterweight member (not shown) can optionally be securely attached to the proximal end24of the bat. It is noted that various embodiments of the counterweight member are possible, examples of which will now be provided. In one embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section the counterweight member can be securely disposed (e.g., glued, or the like) onto the bottom end of the knob16on the bat's handle section14. In another embodiment of the training apparatus the counterweight member can include a threaded shaft which is threadably inserted into a mating aperture that is formed on the bottom end of the knob16. In yet another embodiment of the training apparatus the counterweight member can be implemented in the form of a ring which is sized to allow it to be securely disposed around the circumference of the knob16. Usage of the counterweight member is advantageous since it serves to recreate the original balance point of the bat10after the slide mechanism has been interposed into the bat. The counterweight member can have various different weights, where the particular weight that is chosen depends on various factors such as the type of bat10the slide mechanism is being interposed into, the weight of the bat, the particular location on the bat where the slide mechanism is interposed, the weight of the slide mechanism, and the weight of the protective sleeve and spirit levels, among other factors.

FIG. 21illustrates a standalone plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of a non-sliding member that is adapted to replace a slide mechanism that is interposed into a baseball bat as described heretofore and maintain the lower end of the bat's barrel section in substantial coaxial alignment with the upper end of the bat's handle section at all times regardless of how the bat is swung, thus converting the bat back into its original form and functionality. Referring again toFIGS. 4, 8 and 12, it is noted that this particular embodiment of the non-sliding member100is applicable to the aforementioned training apparatus embodiment where the bat has a solid longitudinal interior, the barrel-mating post40of the slide mechanism's sliding rail member38has a circular radially cross-sectional shape and a radially outer surface that is threaded, the sliding rail member38is securely connected to the lower end of the bat's barrel section12by threadably inserting the barrel-mating post40into the longitudinal cavity that is formed on this lower end, the handle-mating post54of the slide mechanism's rail guide32also has a circular radially cross-sectional shape and a radially outer surface that is threaded, and the rail guide32is securely connected to the upper end of the bat's handle section14by threadably inserting the handle-mating post54into the longitudinal cavity that is formed on this upper end.

Referring again toFIGS. 4, 8 and 12, and as exemplified inFIG. 21, the upper portion of the non-sliding member100includes a barrel-mating post102, the middle portion of the non-sliding member includes a central base104, and the lower portion of the non-sliding member includes a handle-mating post106. The bottom of the barrel-mating post102is rigidly disposed onto a central position on the top surface108of the central base104, and the top of the handle-mating post106is rigidly disposed onto a central position on the bottom surface110of the central base104, such that the barrel-mating post102and the central base104and the handle-mating post106have a substantially common longitudinal axis Y5which is substantially orthogonal to the top and bottom surfaces108and110. The barrel-mating post102has a circular radially cross-sectional shape, and a length L7and a diameter D10that are substantially equal to the length L3and the diameter D5of the sliding rail member's38barrel-mating post40; the radially outer surface of the barrel-mating post102is also threaded with a thread arrangement that is substantially the same as that employed on the sliding rail member's38barrel-mating post40. Similarly, the handle-mating post106has a circular radially cross-sectional shape, and a length L8and a diameter D11that are substantially equal to the length L4and the diameter D6of the rail guide's32handle-mating post54; the radially outer surface of the handle-mating post106is also threaded with a thread arrangement that is substantially the same as that employed on the rail guide's32handle-mating post54. In an exemplary implementation of the non-sliding member described in this section, the radially outer length L9if the non-sliding member is substantially equal to the radially outer length L2of the slide mechanism30.

Given the foregoing and referring again toFIGS. 4, 8, 12 and 21, the non-sliding member100can be used to replace the slide mechanism30that is interposed into the bat in the following manner. First, the slide mechanism's sliding rail member38can be disconnected from the lower end of the bat's barrel section12by threadably removing the barrel-mating post40from the longitudinal cavity that is formed on this lower end. Then, the barrel-mating post102of the non-sliding member100can be threadably inserted into the longitudinal cavity on the lower end of the bat's barrel section12. Then, the slide mechanism's rail guide32can be disconnected from the upper end of the bat's handle section14by threadably removing the handle-mating post54from the longitudinal cavity that is formed on this upper end. Then, the handle-mating post106of the non-sliding member100can be threadably inserted into the longitudinal cavity on the upper end of the bat's handle section14. The just-described configuration of the non-sliding member100insures that the longitudinal axis Y1of the lower end of the barrel section12is substantially orthogonal to the top surface108of the non-sliding member's central base104, and the bottom surface of the barrel section is substantially flush with this top surface108, when this lower end is connected to the non-sliding member. The configuration of the non-sliding member100also insures that the longitudinal axis Y2of the upper end of the handle section14is substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface110of the central base104, and the top surface of the handle section is substantially flush with this bottom surface110, when this upper end is connected to the non-sliding member.

3.0 Tennis Racket Application

FIG. 22illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of a conventional tennis racket (herein sometimes simply referred to as a racket, and also known as a tennis racquet) that is swung by a tennis player in an attempt to hit a conventional tennis ball.FIG. 23illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of the tennis racket ofFIG. 22rotated left 90 degrees. As exemplified inFIGS. 22 and 23, the tennis racket200generally includes three different longitudinal sections that are arranged along the longitudinal axis F-F of the racket, namely a handle section202the lower end of which forms the proximal end208of the racket, a head section206the upper end of which forms the distal end210of the racket, and a throat section204that rigidly interconnects the handle and head sections202and206. The handle section202of the racket200includes an upper portion220and a lower portion222. A substantial majority of the handle section202of the racket200has a longitudinally constant diameter D12that is selected to allow the player to comfortably grip the racket with one of their hands (e.g., a right-handed player will usually grip the racket with their right hand, and a left-handed player will usually grip the racket with their left hand). The head section206of the racket200is meant to hit the tennis ball212and thus has a range of diameters that is greater than the diameter D12and less than or equal to a prescribed maximum diameter D13that is substantially larger than D12. The head section206includes an oval-shaped hoop the interior of which is “stringed” with a planar network of cord214(e.g., the cord is stretched tightly both horizontally and vertically across the interior of the hoop). The central portion216of this oval-shaped hoop is often referred to as the “sweet spot” of the racket's head section206since it will transfer the largest amount of force to the tennis ball212and it is generally more “forgiving” when the ball is hit in an off-center manner.

As is appreciated in the sport of tennis and referring again toFIG. 22, the tennis racket200can be made from various types of materials such as a prescribed type of wood (e.g., maple, or ash, or bamboo, among other types of woods), or a prescribed type of light-weight metal (e.g., aluminum, or titanium, among other types of metals), or a prescribed composite material (e.g., a mixture of one or more of graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar bonded together using a prescribed resin). As will be appreciated from the more detailed description that follows, the training apparatus embodiments described herein can be used with any type of tennis racket.

The training apparatus embodiments described in this section generally relate to the field of tennis rackets and more particularly to a tennis racket swing training apparatus that tennis players can use to improve the mechanics of how they swing their racket (e.g., perfect their swing) and thus become better tennis players. The training apparatus embodiments described in this section generally include a conventional tennis racket and the previously described slide mechanism which is interposed into the racket in a manner that converts the racket into a racket swing training apparatus. More particularly and referring again toFIGS. 22 and 23, in an exemplary embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section the conventional tennis racket200is cut through transversely along its longitudinal axis F-F (e.g., the racket200is cut through in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the axis F-F) a prescribed short distance beneath the upper end of the handle section202(e.g., the racket is cut along the line G-G), and a small longitudinal section218of the racket is removed. In an exemplary implementation of this embodiment the longitudinal section218of the racket200that is removed has a length L10that is substantially equal to the radially outer length L2of the slide mechanism. This cutting of the racket200thus separates the upper portion220of the handle section202from the lower portion222of the handle section and forms a gap there-between. After the longitudinal section218of the racket200has been removed, the slide mechanism is inserted within the just-described gap in a manner that enables the upper portion220of the handle section202(and thus the throat and head sections204and206that extend from this upper portion220) to move transversely the aforementioned prescribed maximum rail travel distance D4relative to the lower portion222of the handle section when a tennis player swings224the racket in a desired manner, where this transverse movement is confined to a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the head section's206planar network of cord214. The fact that the length L10of the longitudinal section218of the racket200that is removed is substantially equal to the radially outer length L2of the slide mechanism is advantageous since it results in the length of the racket after the slide mechanism has been interposed there-within being substantially the same as the original length of the racket before it is cut.

FIG. 24illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of an exemplary embodiment of the slide mechanism30shown connected in-between the lower end of the upper portion220of the handle section of the tennis racket and the upper end of the lower portion222of this handle section. As exemplified inFIG. 24, the sliding rail assembly34of the slide mechanism30is securely connected to the lower end of the upper portion220of the racket's handle section in a manner that insures the sliding rail assembly and this upper portion220are substantially coaxial regardless of how the racket is swung. The rail guide32of the slide mechanism30is securely connected to the upper end of the lower portion222of the racket's handle section in a manner that insures the rail guide and this lower portion222are substantially coaxial regardless of how the racket is swung. The sliding rail assembly34shown inFIG. 24is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide32such that the longitudinal axis Y6of the upper portion220of the racket's handle section is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y7of the lower portion222of the racket's handle section (e.g., these upper and lower portions220and222are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly34is situated in the rightmost position). As will be appreciated from the foregoing description of the slide mechanism30, the momentum of the tennis player's backswing will cause the sliding rail assembly34and the upper portion220of the racket's handle section to move to the rightmost position.

FIG. 25illustrates a plan view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30ofFIG. 24where the sliding rail assembly34is situated in a leftmost position on the rail guide32such that the longitudinal axis Y6of the upper portion220of the tennis racket's handle section is transversely offset the maximum rail travel distance D4from the longitudinal axis Y7of the lower portion222of the racket's handle section. As will be appreciated from the foregoing description of the slide mechanism30, this transverse offset between the upper portion220of the racket's handle section and the lower portion222thereof can be caused by forces incurred during a desired swing224of the racket. Referring again toFIG. 23,FIG. 26illustrates an enlarged front-facing cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 24taken along the longitudinal axis F-F of the racket200.FIG. 27illustrates an enlarged front-facing cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 25taken along the longitudinal axis F-F of the racket200.FIG. 28illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view, in simplified form, of the slide mechanism30shown inFIG. 24taken along line H-H ofFIG. 24. As exemplified inFIGS. 24-27, after the slide mechanism30has been completely assembled and connected to the upper and lower portions220and222of the tennis racket's handle section, the slide mechanism30permits limited, low-friction, transverse movement of the upper portion220relative to the lower portion222with substantial mechanical integrity. In other words, the slide mechanism30permits low-friction lateral movement of the upper portion220relative to the lower portion222during a swinging224of the racket, where this lateral movement/motion/shift is confined to a direction that is substantially orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis Y6of the upper portion220and the longitudinal axis Y7of the lower portion222, where this transverse movement is confined to a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the head section's206planar network of cord214and this lateral movement/motion/shift is limited to the distance D4. The particular value for the distance D4is selected based on the stiffness of the racket200, among other factors.

As exemplified inFIGS. 26-28, the upper portion of the sliding rail assembly's34sliding rail member38is adapted to permit the lower end of the upper portion220of the tennis racket's handle section to be securely connected to the upper portion of the sliding rail assembly's34sliding rail member38in a manner that insures the upper portion220is substantially coaxial with the sliding rail assembly34regardless of how the racket is swung. The lower portion of the rail guide32is adapted to permit the upper end of the lower portion222of the racket's handle section to be securely connected to the rail guide32in a manner that insures the lower portion222is substantially coaxial with the rail guide32regardless of how the racket is swung. It is noted that this secure connection can be realized in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, the different ways described heretofore in relation to the baseball bat swing training apparatus.

Referring again toFIGS. 23-27, the training apparatus embodiments described in this section are advantageous since the slide mechanism30permits the tennis player to hear and feel the transverse movement of the upper portion220of the tennis racket's handle section relative to the lower portion222thereof when the tennis player swings224the racket200in a desired manner. In other words, when the side mechanism30is interposed into the racket200as described heretofore, the mechanism provides the player with both audible and tactile feedback indicating whether or not they have achieved a desired swing224profile.

FIG. 29illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of another embodiment of the protective sleeve that can optionally be disposed around the slide mechanism after it has been connected in-between the upper and lower portions of the tennis racket's handle section.FIG. 30illustrates a transparent plan view, in simplified form, of the protective sleeve and slide mechanism ofFIG. 29rotated right 180 degrees. As exemplified inFIGS. 29 and 30, the protective sleeve226is disposed around the sliding rail assembly34and the rail guide32of the slide mechanism in a manner that covers the slide mechanism, overlaps the radially lower exterior surface of the upper portion220of the tennis racket's handle section, and also overlaps the radially upper exterior surface of the lower portion222of the racket's handle section. Since the protective sleeve is durable and resiliently flexible, it permits the transverse movement228of the upper portion220relative to the lower portion222when the tennis player swings224the racket in a desired manner.

Referring again toFIGS. 29 and 30, the protective sleeve226can include a visible line229that is imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve, where this line229is substantially parallel to both the longitudinal axis Y3of the sliding rail member and the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide32, and is located in a radial position that lies on an imaginary plane that intersects the axis Y4. The protective sleeve226can also include another visible line230that is also imprinted on the radially exterior surface of the sleeve, where this line230is also substantially parallel to both the longitudinal axis Y3of the sliding rail member and the longitudinal axis Y4of the rail guide32, and is located in a radial position that is diametrically opposite the visible line229. The lines229and230serve the following purpose. If either of the lines229or230is not substantially straight, this indicates that something may be wrong with the slide mechanism and it may have to be serviced (e.g., the connection between the sliding rail assembly34and the upper portion220of the tennis racket's handle section may have loosened, or the connection between the rail guide32and the lower portion222of the racket's handle section may have loosened).

Referring again toFIGS. 29 and 30, the tennis player, regardless of being right-handed or left-handed, will hold the tennis racket forward as indicated on the protective sleeve226for both their forehand and backhand swings. In other words, the player will rotate the racket 180 degrees when switching to a backhand swing after a forehand swing, or switching to a forehand swing after a backhand swing.

Referring again toFIGS. 22 and 23, it will be appreciated that the inherent weight of the slide mechanism, and also the inherent weight of the protective sleeve to a smaller degree, can change the balance point of the tennis racket200which may be disadvantageous, where the degree of this change depends on the actual weight of the mechanism and sleeve, and the particular location along the racket's longitudinal axis F-F where the mechanism is interposed. In order to counter-balance the weight of the slide mechanism after it has been interposed into the racket200and also counter-balance the weight of the protective sleeve, a counterweight member (not shown) can optionally be securely attached to the proximal end208of the racket. It is noted that various embodiments of the counterweight member are possible, examples of which will now be provided. In one embodiment of the training apparatus described in this section the counterweight member can be securely disposed onto the proximal end208of the racket200. In another embodiment of the training apparatus the counterweight member can include a threaded shaft which is threadably inserted into a mating aperture that is formed on the proximal end208of the racket200. Usage of the counterweight member is advantageous since it serves to recreate the original balance point of the racket200after the slide mechanism has been interposed into the racket. The counterweight member can have various different weights, where the particular weight that is chosen depends on various factors such as the type of racket200the slide mechanism is being interposed into, the weight of the racket, the particular location on the racket where the slide mechanism is interposed, the weight of the slide mechanism, and the weight of the protective sleeve, among other factors.

It is noted that the aforementioned non-sliding member can also be used to replace a slide mechanism that is interposed into a tennis racket as described heretofore and maintain the upper portion of the racket's handle section in substantial coaxial alignment with the lower portion of the racket's handle section at all times regardless of how the racket is swung, thus converting the racket back into its original form and functionality.

4.0 Other Embodiments

While the training apparatus has been described by specific reference to embodiments thereof, it is understood that variations and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the training apparatus. By way of example but not limitation, rather than the slide mechanism and related protective sleeve embodiments and implementations described herein being interposed/installed into either an existing conventional baseball bat or an existing conventional tennis racket as described heretofore, alternate embodiments of the training apparatus are also possible where the slide mechanism and protective sleeve embodiments and implementations are directly manufactured into either a new training baseball bat or a new training tennis racket. The slide mechanism and protective sleeve embodiments and implementations can also be interposed/installed into any other type of conventional sports-related implement that is swung. For example, the slide mechanism and protective sleeve embodiments and implementations can be interposed/installed into a golf club, or a hockey stick, or the like. The slide mechanism and protective sleeve embodiments and implementations can also be interposed/installed into other types of bats such as a cricket bat, among other types of bats. The slide mechanism and protective sleeve embodiments and implementations can also be interposed/installed into other types of rackets such as a racquetball racket, or a paddle ball racket, or a badminton racket, among other types of rackets.

What has been described above includes example embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In regard to the various functions performed by the above described components and the like, the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the claimed subject matter.