Abstract:
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to enable athletes, mainly baseball and softball players, to learn and practice the proper swing position and develop muscle memory for easy repetition of that position. The invention is of particular utility for indicating to the athlete whether or not each individual practice swing is correct and how to correct and further prevent any errors in form, barring of the lead arm or improper, premature extension of the lead arm or casting, for example. The present invention may be portable and may be used simultaneously with multiple components. The present invention may also comprise a lanyard to enable the user to efficiently practice multiple swings without having to retrieve the training device. The training device comprises one main component and thus avoids complexity and safety issues inherent in the related art. The training device is of shape and comfort to meet the versatile needs of athletes regardless of age or body type. The invention is of particular utility for enabling athletes, in field of softball and baseball for example, to develop proper arm, hands and torso positions in order to hit more accurately and with more power.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority over provisional patent application 60/957,451 Filed on 22 Aug. 2007 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to sports training devices, and more specifically to baseball and softball instructional devices which indicate the proper position of the batter&#39;s arms, hands and upper torso in the batting position and to train the batter and establish muscle memory in the correct batting position so that such batter will be able to assume the proper position and execute the swing consistently. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    The popularity of baseball among children, teen and adult athletes provides a market whereupon coaches, trainers and the players themselves seek to improve the skills of the players both offensively and defensively. With batting averages being a point of contention in a player&#39;s progression through the levels of the sport, the ultimate level being Major League Baseball, methods of improving a batter&#39;s offensive game by focusing on his or her swing and creating a consistency between each at bat is a frequently sought after goal. As a result, some inventions have been created with such a goal in mind 
         [0006]    While some inventions have tried various methods of creating this consistency and improving a player offensively, due diligence has revealed that it does not appear that many batting or hitting devices in this particular field of invention have been created on point. The closest devices are those that aim to aid the batter by practicing the point at which the bat contacts the ball, or as commonly referred to as the “striking position”. The traditional devices that are in existence are limited in that they utilize and focus upon a connection between the bat and the ball or the bat and another similar object. These devices are further limited in that they require a striking component, such as a baseball bat, as known in the art, a tennis racket, as known in the art, or similar component. 
         [0007]    While the traditional related art is effective when focusing on the contact or when using the restraint, it is limited in that there must be some type of contact in the former and a constant restraint in the latter. Hence there is an embedded requirement of numerous components which are not a worthwhile improvement in simplicity from the usual baseball bat, as known in the art, coupled with a baseball, as known in the art, that is used in traditional batting practices. The numerous components in some situations require analysis of the many parts which may not be feasible for young athletes trying to train with the devices. 
         [0008]    The most popular of these batting or hitting devices is evidenced in U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,161, Minniear, issued on Feb. 4, 2003 (“hereinafter Minniear”). The device in Minniear consists of an upright member, a ball mounted and attached to a tether and a stop between the tethers and the ball for indicating a target position for the ball. The tether thereby setting a target position for the ball when struck by the user. This traditional connection between the components is limited based on the contact between the bat and the ball and the ball&#39;s interaction with the stop. 
         [0009]    Another focus of the traditional devices is on forcing the batter or athlete to swing in a particular manner by use of physical harnesses and restraints. These devices are limited in that they require a constant restraint on the athlete or batter and can lead to a dependency upon the device for the proper swing rather than the development of sufficient muscle memory. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,677 by Tetreault, issued on Aug. 3, 1987 (“hereinafter Tetreault”) is a restraint comprising a first cuff attaching to the batter&#39;s forearm, a second cuff attaching to the batter&#39;s upper arm and one or more elastic straps between the two cuffs. The training aid utilizes the restraint between the cuffs to force the batter&#39;s arm into the correct positioning. This type of traditional restraint may cause reliance of the batter upon the restraint rather than developing muscle memory independent of force. 
         [0011]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,142 by Gillespie, issued on May 19, 1992 (“hereinafter Gillespie”) is also a restraint comprising a firm belt for encircling the chest of a hitter, a separate firm belt for encircling the upper portion of the lead arm of the hitter and the two belts being firmly secured together so as to bind the hitter&#39;s upper lead arm tightly to his side while leaving his forearm generally free for movement. Gillespie requires the hitter to use the training device while swinging at a pitched ball. Gillespie requires both a restraint and a pitched ball. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,581 by Urban et. al., issued on Aug. 23, 2002 (“hereinafter Urban”) comprises a vest or harness arrangement with stretchable strap across the torso of the user from one should to the opposite hip and an audible indicating mechanism to identify proper swing during use. Again, Urban relies on the restraint by a harness and a complex feature of audible sound. Both features run the risk of the user becoming reliant upon the restraint and audible indicator instead of developing independent muscle memory. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,719 by Ritchie, issued on Jul. 24, 1997 (“hereinafter Ritchie”) comprises a vest formed to fit under a batter&#39;s trailing arm and a harness for securing the pad to the batter. This vest and harness comprise complex parts that may lead to reliance upon devices and restraints that will not be available to the batter during the actual competition. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,416 by Smull et al., issued on Oct. 13, 1992 (“hereinafter Smull”) consists of a harness worn on the upper torso of the batter and a restraining member of predetermined length disposed between the harness and a wrist of a top hand of the batter. Smull not only requires a restraint to restrict the top hand from dominating the batting swing, but it also does not provide for any adjustments for the various age groups that participate in the sports. 
         [0015]    While fairly effective in training, the related art is deficient not only in the complexity of the necessary components but also in the lack of versatility in use among the various ages and body types. Because sports, specifically baseball and softball, are not distinct to one age group or one body type there is a necessity for training devices to be easily adaptable to each person. The related art comprises particular components, such as torso harnesses or arm restraints, which are fit to one body type. This creates a problem since both children and adults have different size necessities. 
         [0016]    The safety of the related art is also problematic. The multitude of various components of hard or resistant material increases the risk of a user being injured by stray parts coming loose during a practice swing. This is especially important when the devices are being used by young athletes who may not be as strong or as cautious as an adult athlete would be. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,089 by Huffines, issued on Jan. 7, 1997 (“hereinafter Huffines”) claims a sheath with a cushion member, an attachment to a user&#39;s legs or hips by a pair of straps, a hook and loop fastener, a rigid support member, a weight member and a flexible cord. The weight member is suspended from the user&#39;s body and its position and movement are used to indicate proper swing or body movement mechanics. The complexity and numerousity of the apparatus make it difficult for use by an athlete of any age. The suspended weight may be unsafe for athletes of young age wishing to improve their swing mechanics. 
         [0018]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,612 by Hammond, issued on Dec. 27, 1988 (“hereinafter Hammond”) comprises a rotary member, a shaft, a flexible linkage affixing a ball, and a backboard mount that connects the rotary to a vertical post. Hammond is indicative of the traditional complexity of baseball training devices whereupon a user must be aware of each part and cautious as to any malfunction in the various parts. Such a device would not be appropriate or safe for persons or athletes of any age. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,878,077 by Andrews, issued on Apr. 12, 2005 (“hereinafter Andrews”) comprises a series of flexible standards about the perimeter of a plate leading the batter to make contact with a ball at an imaginary plate. Furthermore, Andrews claims a stand, a cross bar and a series of upstanding standards. Not only does Andrews illustrate the problem with the related art of focusing mainly on the contact between the ball and bat, but it also contains various moving parts which could easily compromise the safety of a swing training device. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,039 by Laseke, issued on Feb. 11, 1992 (“hereinafter Laseke”) includes a base, a vertical post, a baseball swing guide attached to the post and a pair of parallel swing guide connections. A ball holding cup is used to attach to the lower arm and a ball holder is attached to an upper arm with the vertically extending post telescoping. The multiplicity of parts increases the chances of unsafe conditions and the inability to adjust the height of the post and swing guide connectors makes use of each apparatus restricted to one size and shape athlete. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,276 by Hardison et al, issued on Jun. 21, 1994 (“hereinafter Hardison”) comprises a vertical support member and an arcuate guide which is semi-circular and may be positioned for a right or left handed hitter. A pivoting tee is attached to the vertical support member and an adjustable stop to the arcuate guide. The pivoting tee is one of the various parts subjecting a user to potential injury, particular a younger or less experienced user. As with Laseke, Hardison is not readily adjustable to different sized athletes. 
         [0022]    As evidenced above, related art has attempted to create training devices that solidify an athlete&#39;s swing, such as in golf, tennis or baseball, but have failed to deal with the problems of complexity, adjustability and safety. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    It is accordingly an object of the present invention to enable athletes, mainly baseball and softball players, to learn and practice the proper swing position and develop muscle memory for easy repetition of that position. The invention is of particular utility for indicating to the athlete whether or not each individual practice swing is correct and how to correct and further prevent any errors in form, barring of the lead arm or improper, premature extension of the lead arm or casting, for example. 
         [0024]    In one aspect of the present invention a portable cutout component may comprise an oval shape with a concave scalloped cutout in the center of each of a plurality of sides, for example four sides. The plurality of concave scalloped cutouts may serve to naturally and comfortably fit the component into the various positions to set a batter in the proper arm and hand position in relation to the torso. The basis of this aspect of the present invention serves a somewhat similar purpose as traditional batting aids in that it enables the batter to maintain proper hand and arm form. The cutout component, however does not require a coupling with a striking object such as a baseball or tennis ball or a striking devise, such as a baseball bat or a tennis racket. The concavities of the cutout component may fit to an arm and a torso size of children, adolescents or adults without requiring any adjustments. The cutout component may be inserted into the various positions with the concavities secured in contact with an arm and a torso of a batter. After the cutout component is inserted at a desired position in contact with the arm and torso of the batter, the batter may take practice swings as though the batter was using a striking object or device. Upon the practice swing the cutout component may be released from position and may take a path that indicates whether or not the swing was correct. The portable cutout component may be transported to any location at which a batter desires to practice. 
         [0025]    In another aspect of the present invention, a portable cutout component may be comprised of soft or flexible material. The material may further comprise a plurality of layers of flexible material to create a thickness and weight sufficient to create a flight path indicating correctness of a batter&#39;s swing while creating a softness to minimize injuries. The layers of the cutout component may cooperate to maximize safety and maximize versatility for use by batters of various ages. 
         [0026]    In another aspect of the present invention, a portable cutout component may further comprise an optional adjustable elastic lanyard for connection to a batter&#39;s clothing. The lanyard may be comprised of flexible, cord-like material and may be coupled with a clip. The clip may connect one end of the lanyard to the clothing of the batter while the other end of the lanyard may be coupled to the portable cutout component. The optional lanyard may be used for easy retrieval and repetition of a batter&#39;s practice swings without having to move from an original batting stance position. 
         [0027]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of training devices may be used simultaneously. A first training device cutout component may be inserted in a first position. The first position may be located between a batter&#39;s wrist and a batter&#39;s shoulder when the batter is holding his or her arm as though he or she were holding a baseball bat. A second training device may be simultaneously inserted in a second position. The second position may be located between a batter&#39;s elbow and a batter&#39;s ribs. The plurality of training devices may be used to further correct a batter&#39;s swing and position by simultaneously limiting incorrect motion at both the first and second position. 
         [0028]    In all aspects of the present invention the batter may track the progress and change in the travel path of the training device and note whether or not it is following the correct path. The correct path may be indicated when the cutout component travels straightforward towards the pitcher and lands in the area between the batter and the pitcher. By correcting the flight path of the training device the batter is, at the same time, correcting common batting errors. Common batting errors or swing actions that cause the training device to follow an incorrect flight path, indicative of poorly executed or weak swing are barring of the lead arm, improper or premature extension of the lead arm, and casting. Barring or improper lead arm extension causes the batter to also extend his or her back arm, thus causing the training device to fall and indicate an error, including improper swing launch position. Similarly, casting is when the batter throws his or her hands out away from his or her body prior to upper torso rotation in the swing, thus also causing the back arm to extend and the training device to follow a path that indicates error and/or a weak swing. The positioning of the cutout component is directed specifically at correcting these common batting position errors. 
         [0029]    Through repetitive use of the training device or training devices the batter may improve their batting style, mechanics, muscle memory and skills. Muscle memory is developed when a particular motion is repeated several times with accompanying realistic sensations to verify proper execution so as to enable a person to precisely reenact the motion in a competitive setting without the assistance of a training device. When using the training device or devices of the present invention the batter stands in a natural shoulder width stance training the batter&#39;s muscles to conform to, and become comfortable in, the appropriate batting stance position. Further, the proper movement of the batter&#39;s swing, which the training device(s) encourage the batter to complete, prevent the batter from barring or from incorrectly extending his or her lead arm (arm closest to the pitcher) back towards the catcher. As described above, if the batter does bar or extend his or her lead arm, the training device falls straight down in an incorrect flight path and indicates improper position. The repetitive use indicates batting swing errors and trains the muscles to automatically complete the proper hand positioning, arm swing and upper body rotation. 
         [0030]    Overall, the training device can fix common problems associated with a batter&#39;s swing, wild hand movements throughout the batting swing and other problems such as a barring of the lead arm, improper extension of the lead arm, casting and inconsistent swing. Through the use of the training device the batter can recognize such swing problems and can begin to correct them by consistently and repetitively using the device. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, descriptions and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective drawing depicting a right-handed batter from a side perspective, in a batting stance, with bat in hand and illustrates the batter&#39;s positioning of the inventive training device at both an elbow and shoulder location. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the batter in  FIG. 1  from an aerial point of view, depicting the same use of the training device at both elbow and shoulder locations as is done in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 3 . is a schematic showing of a training device from an aerial perspective, viewing the training device form above one of its upper corners. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a technical magnified showing of a lanyard insert component of a training device from side, aerial and angled perspectives. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a perspective illustration of the batter in  FIG. 1 , showing the batter with both training devices in position and a lanyard and a clip to connect to the batter&#39;s clothing. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a perspective illustration aerial view of the batter in  FIG. 1 , showing a proper flight path of the training device when the batter completes a swing and the direction of the path in respect to the base, the batter&#39;s stance, and the imaginary line from the batter&#39;s foot to a plate. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    The above described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiments, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it must be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and that is should not be taken as a limitation in the scope of the present apparatus and method of use. 
         [0038]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principals of the invention. 
         [0039]    Broadly, the present invention provides a device and method for improving a softball or baseball batter&#39;s swing and arm position for batting. The invention comprises a plurality of training devices. The training devices each comprise at least one cutout component. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective drawing depicting a right-handed batter from a side perspective, in a batting stance, with bat in hand, demonstrating the batter&#39;s positioning of an inventive training device  10  at both a first position  20  and a second position  30 . The training device  10  may comprise a cutout component  1 ,  2 . The cutout component  1 ,  2  may further comprise a plurality of convex sides  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70 . The convex sides  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  may be located with equal spacing between each convex side  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  and may be located around the perimeter of the cutout component  1 . The cutout component  1 ,  2  may be placed with the convex sides  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  coupled to a batter in a first position  20  and/or a second position  30 . A first position  20  may be located between a bicep or shoulder area  65 , as is generally known, of a batter and a wrist area  62 , as is generally known, of the batter  55 . The first position  20  may further comprise one convex side  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  coupled to a or bicep or shoulder area  65  of the batter  55  and an opposite convex side  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  coupled to the wrist area  62  of the batter  55 . When the cutout component  1  is placed in a first position  20  and a batter  55 , with a baseball bat  58 , or a generally known striking device, in hand practices a traditional batting swing, the cutout component  1  will be thrust forward and released from the first position  20 . Based on the path that the cutout component  1  travels and the spot on the ground which it lands, the batter  55  can determine whether he or she has successfully executed a correct swing; i.e. with hands “inside the ball” throughout the swing. 
         [0041]    Also referring to  FIG. 1 , a second position  30  may be located between an elbow area  64 , as is commonly known, of the batter  55  and a rib area  66 , as is commonly known, of the batter  55 . A cutout component  1  may be used simultaneously at the first position  20  and the second position  30  or may be used individually. The second position  30  may be used by placing the component between the elbow area  64  and the rib area  66 . The rib area  66  may further comprise a rib area on a side of the torso of the batter  55  closest to a catcher with two flat sides pointing horizontally and the convex sides  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  pointing vertically, parallel with the batter&#39;s body. In the second position  30  the batter can train his or her muscle memory to position his or her elbow closest to the catcher, generally the back elbow, to travel to this proper location after his or her swing launch, which in turn generates as much arm speed as possible and further assists the batter  55  in keeping his or her hands inside the ball, as known in the field of art. Whether used singly or multiply, the training devices work in the same manner to indicate the proper batting position and proper launch of the swing while training the batter&#39;s muscle memory. While  FIG. 1  depicts a baseball bat  58 , another embodiment of the present invention may use a different type of striking device, a long baton for example, or a batter  55  may use the training device  10  without a bat  58  or striking device, but instead cup his or her hands as though he or she were holding a device. The bat  58  is not necessary for all aspects of the present invention. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a batter from an aerial point of view, depicting a simultaneous use of training devices  10 ′ at a first location  20 ′ and a second location  30 ′ illustrates one preferred embodiment. A batter  55 ′ may stand in a traditional batting stance, for example as a right-handed batter  55 ′, and may place a cutout component  1 ′ at a first location  20 ′ and a second location  30 ′. The use of a plurality of main components  1 ′ simultaneously at the first location  20 ′ and the second location  30 ′ may allow the batter to rotate through his or her swing without losing the correct stance, arm and hand positioning. The simultaneous use of a plurality of training devices  10 ′ may serve a purpose of further enabling a batter  55 ′ to correct his or her swing. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 3 , illustrating an aerial perspective of a training device  10 ′ the training device  10 ′ may comprise a cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′. The cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may further comprise an oval shape and a plurality of convex sides  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′. The convex sides  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ may be located equidistant around the perimeter of the main component  1 ′,  2 ′. The convex sides  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ may be located at the center of each of the plurality of sides. The convex sides  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ may be of general shape and convexity so as to fit a batter of any age or size. The thickness of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may vary but may be of that sufficient for proper positioning at a first or second location, at least ½ inch for example. The cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may further comprise an insert  5 . The insert  5  may be located within the perimeter of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′. The insert  5  may be located anywhere within the perimeter, including closest to a convex side  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ or a non-convex side. The insert  5  may allow for an optional lanyard to be strung through the insert and connected to the batter  55 . 
         [0044]    In  FIG. 4 , a technical magnified illustration of a lanyard insert is depicted from side, aerial and angled perspectives. A main component  1 ′,  2 ′ of a training device  10 ′ may comprise an insert  5 ′. The insert  5 ′ may further comprise a tube  6  and a ring-flange  7  surrounding the tube  6 . The tube  6  may enable an optional lanyard to be strewn through the hollow center of the tube  6  so that one end of the lanyard is on one side of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ and a second end of the lanyard is located on the opposite side of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′. The ring-flange  7  of the insert  5 ′ may be located around the center portion of the tube  6 . The ring-flange  7  may be secured to the tube  6  to secure the insert  5 ′ coupled to the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′. 
         [0045]    Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is referenced in  FIG. 5 , a perspective illustration of a batter utilizing a plurality of training devices in a first and second position, demonstrating use of a lanyard and clip coupling the batter&#39;s clothing to the training devices. A training device  10 ′ may attach to a batter&#39;s clothing by an optional lanyard  80 . The lanyard  80  may be adjustable and may consist of flexible, cord-like material, a commonly known shock cord for example, that allows a cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ to fly on a path that indicates the correctness of the batter&#39;s swing yet remain within the reach to the batter  55 . The lanyard  80  may be connected to the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ by an affixation of a cord lock  14 . The lanyard  80  may be threaded through an insert  5 ′. The lanyard may further comprise a clip  9  at a second end. The clip  9  may be a commonly known connection device which couples the batter&#39;s clothing to the lanyard  80 . This optional coupling allows a batter to perform and practice numerous muscle memory training methods without having to repetitively chase and retain the training device  10 ′. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 6 , a perspective illustration aerial view of a batter, indicating a proper flight path of a training device when a batter completes a swing and the direction of the path in the respect to the base, the batter&#39;s stance and the imaginary line  12  from the batter&#39;s  55 ′ back foot  75 ′ to the outside corner of home plate  90 . A batter  55 , may use a plurality of training devices  10 ′ in a first position  20 ′ and a second position  30 ′. The first position  20 ′ may be located with a convex side  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ of the main component positioned on an inner wrist area  62 ′ of the batter  55 ′ and with an opposite convex side  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ positioned at a bicep or shoulder area  65 ′ of the batter  55 ′ so that the component is secured in the first position. The batter  55 ′ may then practice a traditional baseball swing and the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may be thrust from the first position  20 ′. Based on the path that the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ travels and the spot in which it lands, the batter  55 ′ may determine whether or not he or she has successfully executed a correct swing. 
         [0047]    If the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ flies straightforward towards the pitcher, as is generally known in the art, and lands in the area between the batter and the pitcher (to the left of a right-handed batter  55 ′), shown as reference  100 , the swing has been executed correctly. If the component  1 ′,  2 ′ lands towards an opposite batter&#39;s box  13  for a right-handed batter  55 ′, behind the batter  55 ′ (to the right of a right handed-batter), or anywhere behind the outside corner of home plate  90 ′ and an imaginary line  12  from the outside corner to the batter&#39;s back foot  75 , or somewhere other than in the area between the batter  55 ′ and the pitcher, then the swing was executed incorrectly and the batter  55 ′ is to reposition the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ as described above, and adjust his or her swing to correct the flight path of the training device  10 ′. 
         [0048]    In a different embodiment, a left-handed batter may use the training device  10 ′ whereupon the correct path would be to the right of the batter  55 ′. If the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ lands towards an opposite batter&#39;s box  13 , as is commonly known in the art, for a left-handed batter, behind the batter (to the left of the left-handed batter), or anywhere behind the outside corner of home plate  90  and an imaginary line  12  from the outside corner to the batter&#39;s back foot  75 , or somewhere other than in the area between the batter and the pitcher, then the swing was executed incorrectly and the batter is to reposition the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ as described above. By correcting the flight path of the training device  10 ′ the batter  55 ′ may be, at the same time, correcting common batting errors. 
         [0049]    In another preferred embodiment, the method of use for a training device  10 ′ comprises the steps of positioning a cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ at a first position  20 ′ and/or a second position  30 ′. The cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may comprise an oval shape with a scalloped perimeter. To position the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ a batter  55 ′ may place the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ in the first position  20 ′ whereupon a convex side  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ is coupled to a bicep or shoulder area  65 ′ of the batter  55 ′ and an opposite convex side  40 ′,  50 ′,  60 ′,  70 ′ is coupled to a wrist area  62 ′ of the batter  55 ′. The batter  55 ′ may position the component  1 ′,  2 ′ in the second position  30 ′ instead of the first position  20 ′, or simultaneously position a second cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ in the second position  30 ′ and a first cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ in the first position  20 ′. To position the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ in the second position  30 ′ the batter may position component  1 ′,  2 ′ with a flat side coupled with an elbow area  64 ′ of batter  55 ′ and the opposite flat side coupled to a rib area  66 ′ of batter  55 ′. 
         [0050]    Next, a batter may take a traditional batter&#39;s stance and swing with or without holding onto a bat  58 ′. As the batter  55 ′ swings, the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may be released from the first position  20 ′. The batter  55 ′ may note the path of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ to determine whether or not the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ traveled the correct path  100 , which may further indicate whether or not the batter&#39;s swing was correctly executed. The batter  55 ′ may then repeat positioning of the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ and repeat batting swings with a focus on maintaining the correct path  100 . Repetition of the swing and adjustment of the batter&#39;s arm position to create the correct path  100  will train the batter&#39;s muscle memory and strengthen the batter&#39;s skills. 
         [0051]    In a second preferred embodiment, the method of use for the training device  10 ′ may comprise the step of positioning a cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ at a first position  20 ′ and/or second position  30 ′. Next the batter  55 ′ may utilize an optional lanyard  80 ′ and string the lanyard  80 ′ through an insert  5 ′ within the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′. The batter  55 ′ may connect one end of the lanyard  80 ′ comprising a clip  9 ′ by securing the clip to the clothing of the batter  55 ′. The batter  55 ′ may secure the opposite end of the lanyard  80 ′ to the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ further comprising a cord lock  14 ′ to secure the lanyard  80 ′ in position. Next, the batter may take a traditional batter&#39;s stance and swing with or without holding a bat  58 ′. As the batter  55 ′ swings, the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ may be released from the first position  20 ′ and/or second position  30 ′, travel an indicative path and then hang securely to the side of the batter  55 . The batter  55 ′ may note whether or not the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ traveled the correct path  100  and then reposition the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ for easy repetition and muscle memory formation. The use of the lanyard  80 ′ relieves the batter  55 ′ from having to retrieve the cutout component  1 ′,  2 ′ after each practice swing. 
         [0052]    As demonstrated in  FIG. 1-FIG .  6 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates elements by which the traditional disadvantages of various hitting and batting training devices have been deficient. The scalloped shape of the training device, the versatility of the fit and the minimization of potential dangers and complex parts enable the present invention to overcome the problems of complexity, dependency on restraint and need for adjustments. 
         [0053]    The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the related art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element. 
         [0054]    The definitions of words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of the elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described in its various embodiments. 
         [0055]    Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas. 
         [0056]    While the invention has been described with respect to illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the device and means herein described without departing from the scope and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the described embodiment is to be considered merely exemplary and the invention is not to be limited except as specified in the attached claims.