Patent Document

This is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/909,355, entitled Baseball Swing Training Apparatus and Method of Using Same, filed on Jul. 18, 2001 now abandoned, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to athletic training devices and more specifically to baseball swing training devices for developing a short compact swing. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The application of the continued study of body mechanics has resulted in numerous devices purporting to maximize the desired effect of a particular motion. Such devices are particularly evident in the sporting industry. However, as the motions required in each sport provide a unique set of mechanics, the instruments are typically specifically tailored to improving a precise motion for a particular sport and often a specific motion. 
     For example, in baseball or softball, several attempts have been proposed to allegedly improve a batter&#39;s swinging motion. One such device focuses on training the batter to shift his weight during his swing and can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,856 to Morse. This reference discloses a pair of straps spaced apart by an elongated two-piece connective member having a length adjustable portion with a release buckle and an elastic portion. Such straps are respectively connected to the lead forearm and lead leg above the knee. By moving the lead arm rearwardly and upwardly at the beginning of the swing, the lead leg, which is coupled to the lead arm, is pulled upwardly and rearwardly such that the batter must shift his or her weight to the back leg to maintain a balanced stance. As the swing progresses, the lead arm is lowered and the batter is able to shift his weight forward to the front leg. The length of such device must accommodate the placement of the two straps on the lead arm and lead leg which results in a significant slackened portion as the batter advances through the swing. While such section is slackened, the device does not assist the batter&#39;s swing motion. The focus of such device is on weight transfer and does not improve upper body swing mechanics. 
     Another such device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,416 to Smull et al. This bottom swing developer includes a harness having a pair of loops through which the arms are placed. The loops are worn against the body and connected across the torso in front and back of the batter. A restraining member having a predetermined length connects the wrist of the top hand to the harness to purportedly restrict the top hand from dominating the batting swing. Such device appears to constrict the batter&#39;s swing by inhibiting a complete follow through due to restraining the top hand from turning over and preventing the top arm from fully extending. 
     In addition to weight transfer and maintaining equal balance in the hands, it is often desirable in baseball or in softball, to develop a short compact swing such that the arms are kept in tight to the body for a significant portion of the swing path enabling the batter to guide the bat with increased accuracy in relation to the incoming ball and get the bat around in a hurry by avoiding wasted motion. Such a swing avoids casting related injuries such as bad backs and being hit by pitches due to an overextension of the arms. By developing a short compact swing, the distance the bat must travel is reduced and thus the batter may also benefit from increased swing speed. 
     One such device which attempts to address swing characteristics is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,142 to Gillespie et al. The training device disclosed in Gillespie includes a belt encircling the chest of the batter and second belt for encircling the batter&#39;s upper arm. The two belts are connected by a short length of material to secure the encircled upper arm close to the body in a locked in position throughout the swing while allowing the respective forearm to produce some movement to effect a swing of the bat. The device alleges to promote proper hip and top hand action to generate more power. However, it is apparent that the batter is severely restricted in his swing and can not direct his hands across his chest as is desirable in a short compact swing. 
     Another device which takes an alternative approach to improving swing characteristics is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,209 to Mollica. Such device is used in lieu of a conventional bat and includes a handle connected to a cylindrical stem extending from the handle and terminating in a stop. A weighted member is slidably mounted to the stem and allegedly moves into a correct position upon establishing a proper swing. Incorrect movement of the weighted member is purported to indicate an error in the swing. Since such training device is used in lieu of a baseball bat, the user is prevented from practicing while hitting an actual ball. 
     Another common theme appearing in each of these devices is the lack of any indication of the proper starting position. As the initial set up of the swing path is critical in developing a consistent swing, a lack of indication of the proper starting position is a serious shortcoming. 
     What is needed and heretofore unavailable is an easy to use baseball swing training device which provides an indication of the proper starting position and builds muscle memory to develop a short compact swing for increased hitting accuracy. Such device should inhibit introduction of poor swing characteristics and also be relatively inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and adjustable to any number of body profiles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a batting swing training apparatus is provided having an adjustable elongated tensioning member interposed between a first adjustable attachment member which may be connected to the lead arm of the batter at a point above the elbow and a second attachment member which may be connected to the trailing arm of the batter at the wrist during use. Such an apparatus may be donned to impart muscle memory and train a batter in the proper swing mechanics by inducing a tension at critical swing positions to produce a proper initial swing position and subsequent motion through critical points during the swing. 
     Methods for using such apparatus to provide a visual indicator of a proper starting position, prevent unwanted casting motion, and accelerating through the contact point of the swing are also described herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial view, in enlarged scale, of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is sectional view, in enlarged scale, taken along lines  3 — 3  shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of a batter, in reduced scale, illustrating the attachment points of the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial top view, in enlarged scale, of a batter in an initial batter&#39;s stance and wearing the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an elevated front view of a batter gripping a bat while wearing the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is an elevated front view of the batter wearing the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating an improper alignment; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of a batter assuming an initial batter&#39;s stance and wearing the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 beginning a swing motion; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 in a quarter swing position; 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 just prior to striking a baseball; 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 in a full contact position; 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 in a three-quarter swing position; and 
     FIG. 14 is a front view of the batter shown in FIG. 8 completing the swing. 
    
    
     Numerous advantages and aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and attached drawing figures referenced therein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, a baseball swing training device, generally designated  30 , includes an adjustable, elongated, elastic tensioning member  32  comprising adjacent sections having a first attachment member  34  attached to one of its sections and a second attachment member  36  attached to the opposing section. The training device is connectable to the leading arm  40  and trailing arm  42  of a batter  43  to develop a proper swinging motion by reinforcing a batter&#39;s muscle memory corresponding to a preferred batting swing. For purposes of this invention “baseball” will be understood to refer to any baseball-like game, such as softball, over-the-line, stickball and the like. “Leading arm” will be understood to mean that arm on the side from the ball is delivered. For example the leading arm of a right handed batter is the left arm. 
     The tensioning member  32  is constructed of a single piece of an elastic material with a cloth covering and preferably is a section of a bungee cord which can purchased from Bungee International Mfg. Corp in Chatsworth, Calif. The tensioning member  32  is preferably about 12 to 20 inches long in an unstretched condition and may stretch up to a length 36 inches long. These unstretched and stretched lengths have been found to accommodate a wide range of batter physiques, however, it will be appreciated that other combinations of such lengths may be selected to suitably accommodate different sized batters. It will further be appreciated that alternative stretch resistance characteristics of the tensioning member may be selected to provide a desired tension throughout the swing. The tensioning member is divided into two variable length sections including a first section forming an adjustable loop  38  and a second section providing a stretchable length of cord  40  terminating in an anchor loop  42 . Such anchor loop is formed by doubling back a relatively short length of the tensioning member in the stretchable section  39  and securing the loop with a clamping ring  41 . 
     Separating the sections at an intermediate point along the length of the tensioning member is a slip ring assembly  44  including a pair of metallic rings which allows a portion of the cord in either section to be passed through to adjust the size of the adjustable loop  38  making its respective diameter smaller or larger as desired and respectively lengthening or shortening the length of the cord  40 . The slip ring assembly  44  pinches the tensioning member and frictionally retains the two adjacent sections of the tensioning member  32  so that no slippage will occur and maintain the respective sections in a desired configuration. By separating the rings in the slip ring assembly, a length of the tensioning member  32  may pass through the rings to adjust the overall length of the tensioning member. The tensioning member and slip ring combination may also be purchased at Bungee International Mfg. Corp in Chatsworth, Calif. It will be appreciated that the adjustability of the tensioning member  32  provides a training device  30  that is suitable for both children and adults. 
     A portion of the adjustable loop  38  is connected to the first attachment member  34  via a double slotted clip  46 . More specifically, a section of the adjustable loop passes through one slot of the double slotted clip and a portion of the attachment member  34  passes through the other slot. The first attachment member itself is formed of a multi-layered band. The band includes four layers that are typically stitched together, adhered, or pinned or a combination of any of these three binding devices. For illustrative purposes, pins  47  are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. These four layers cooperate to form an open ended loop allowing the batter to place his leading arm within the loop. The innermost first layer is a neoprene lining  48  to be placed against the batter&#39;s skin or uniform providing a cushioning layer. The second layer  50  is a nylon or woven cloth providing strength and terminates at one in a link  52  such as those available from XMSurf More Products located in San Clemente, Calif. These links have angled sides to better resist complete removal of a strip of material placed therein. The third layer  54  provides a bonding surface or anchor for the fourth layer  56  which includes a first fastener  58  formed with a pile material. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the third layer extends beyond the neoprene and woven cloth layers on one end to provide an extension  60  from which a second fastener  62  complementary to the first fastener  58  is secured preferably by a suitable means such as stitching. The first fastener includes a series of hooks on its outer surface as is typically provided in Velcro® fasteners. The first fastener  58  is dimensioned to pass through the link  52  and double back onto the second fastener in an overlapping arrangement to close the loop around the batter&#39;s leading arm  40  just above the elbow and resting against the elbow pit  71  (FIG.  4 ). The length of the first fastener  58  is sufficient to provide additional adjustability depending on the needs of the individual batter. A relatively tight but comfortable fit is preferred which ensures maximum assistance from the swing training device and thus should be adjusted until a snug fit is accomplished. 
     Connected to the opposing end of the tensioning member  32  is the second attachment member  36  which is similar in construction but is dimensioned to be placed around the wrist  74  of the trailing arm  42  of the batter  43  in training. Typically, the dimensions are not as great and this attachment member is smaller in its maximum diameter than the maximum diameter of the first attachment member  34  because it is only required to fit on the batter&#39;s wrist  74 . More specifically, the anchor loop  42  of the stretchable section  39  is attached to a double slotted clip as previously described for the first attachment member. All other components of the second attachment member  36  are the same as for the first attachment member except for the dimensions and in referring to the figures, like components are like numbered. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4-14, the operation of the training device  30  will now be described in detail. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a batter  43  preparing to practice a right handed hitting motion dons the training device  30  by placing the first attachment member  34  just above the elbow  70  of the leading arm  40  of the batter. More specifically, the attachment of the first attachment member  34  is as follows. Assuming both attachment members are initially unfastened, meaning the second fastener  62  is not connected to the respective first fastener  58 , the batter  43  wraps the first attachment member  34  around the lead arm  40  just above the elbow  70  with the neoprene layer  48  facing inwardly and abutting the skin or uniform. The free end of the first fastener  58  is threaded through the clip  52  such that the hooks are facing outwardly. The free end is moved outwardly to fold back onto and mesh with the pile material of the complementary second fastener  58  forming a closed loop with a cushioning inner layer  48  around the batter&#39;s upper arm abutting the elbow pit  71  (FIG.  4 ). As desired, the snugness of the fit may be adjusted by loosening the first fastener  58  from the second fastener  62  and repositioning the amount of overlap of the first fastener with respect to the second fastener and then reattaching the complementary fasteners. When a desired comfort level has been attained, the first attachment member should be abutting the elbow pit  71  of the lead arm  40 . 
     In a similar manner, the open looped second attachment member  36  is wrapped around the wrist  74  of the trailing arm  42  with the neoprene lining  48  on the inside contacting the skin or shirt of the batter. The batter  43  grasps the free end of the first fastener  58  and threads it through the clip  52  of the attachment member  36  (FIG.  1 ). By folding the first fastener  58  back onto and overlapping the second fastener  62  and placing it thereagainst to fasten the second attachment member  36  to the trailing arm  42  such that the loop is closed and abutting the trailing wrist  74 . If an adjustment is desired for a tighter fit, the first fastener  58  may be temporarily released from the second complementary fastener  62  by its free end and pulled through the clip  52  to reduce the diameter of the second attachment member loop. After both attachment members  34  and  36  have been adjusted to provide a comfortable fit, the right handed swinging batter  43  will have the training device  30  positioned as illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     While the training device  30  is sized to fit a wide cross section of batter proportions with respect to the attachment members  34  and  36 , the tensioning member  32  is also adjustable as to its initial unstretched length for additional adjustability. By sliding the rings of the slip ring assembly  44  away from one another, a section of the tensioning member  32  may be slid through both rings and either reduce the length of the stretchable cord  39  or increase the length as desired. The adjustable loop  38  will increase or decrease accordingly. It will be appreciated that this tensioning member  32  adjustment procedure could be performed with the training device  30  worn or unworn. 
     While the incorporation of a bat  76  into the swing training procedure is not necessary to develop the desired muscle memory it assists in a more realistic feel for actual game situations and thus the remaining portion of the swing process will assume the batter  43  is grasping a baseball bat  76  in a conventional fashion as is shown in FIG. 6 for illustrative purposes. With both hands on the bat and the second set of knuckles  78  substantially aligned, the tensioning member  32  will be positioned in a relationship with the forearm  80  of the batter&#39;s leading arm  40  (FIGS.  5  and  6 ). At this time, there is little if any tension in the tensioning member  32 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 8, the batter  43  assumes the initial starting position or “loaded” position. In this position, the bat  76  is in a substantially vertical position and both hands have been brought up to the batter&#39;s chest  82  and moved rearwardly away from the direction of a pitcher (not shown). Typically, the batter&#39;s feet will point forwardly and flare slightly outwardly away from the batter&#39;s vertical centerline. In the loaded position, the elbows are flared outwardly as well thereby stretching the tensioning member  32  and inducing tension along its length. The hands are tucked up tight against the body and are positioned proximate the rearmost armpit  84 . As seen from above as in FIG. 5, the tensioning member  32  is substantially parallel with the leading forearm  80 . Thus, the batter  43 , when in the loaded position, may simply look down to view the tensioning member  32  the relationship with the leading forearm  80 . This is an illustration of a substantially correct starting position. 
     On the other hand, if the batter  43 , while in the loaded position, looks down and sees that the tensioning member  32  is not substantially parallel with the leading forearm  80 , as illustrated in FIG. 7, then an adjustment is required. A typical reason for such misalignment is that the second set of knuckles  78  on the batter&#39;s respective hands are not substantially aligned. A slight adjustment bringing the second set of knuckles into alignment results in the parallel relationship between the tensioning member  32  and the leading forearm  80 . Advantageously, the training device  30  provides an early indication that the subsequent swinging motion may not be optimized by providing a relationship between the tensioning member  32  and leading forearm  80  easily visible to the batter  43 . While the correct grip is a positive precursor to the remainder of the swing, additional points along the batter&#39;s swing are critical as well such as the initial motion in reaction to the pitcher&#39;s motion. 
     While in the proper starting position (FIGS. 5,  6  and  8 ), the increased length of the tensioning member  32  between the leading arm  40  and the trailing wrist  74  presents a tensile force perceivable to the batter  43  drawing the batter&#39;s elbows inwardly. The first motion of the batter  43 , upon initiating the swing, is to move the leading arm  40  in a linear motion across the chest region  82  toward the pitcher. The connection between the leading arm  40  and trailing wrist  74  via the tensioning member  32  ensures the trailing arm  42  will follow the leading arm  40  in the same linear motion across the chest  82  of the batter  43  initially. Advantageously, this reduces the tendency to develop a “casting” motion or move the hands away from the body instead of across the chest  82 . As it is desirable to avoid full arm extension prior to reaching the back of home plate with the bat  76 , the training device  30  advantageously prevents the undesirable casting motion which introduces arm extension prior to the appropriate point in a desirable swing position. 
     Once a correct starting position is indicated (FIGS.  5  and  6 ), the batter  43  may begin either a practice swing to begin build muscle memory imparting a short compact swing or actually hit baseballs hurled by a pitcher or batting machine. Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 14, the batter  43  will begin to drive the knob  86  of the bat  76  toward the inside of an imaginary or teal baseball flight path. At this point the bat  76  is moving in a substantially linear direction and the shoulders and upper torso begin to turn toward the pitcher. The parallel relationship between the tensioning member  32  and the leading forearm  80  is substantially maintained up through this point in the swing. 
     Referring now to FIG. 10, the batter  43  has turned further toward facing the pitcher including continuing turning the torso  82  to face the pitcher and bringing the hips around as well. The knob  86  of the bat  76  is still being driven toward a spot slightly inward of the path of the ball (not shown). The trailing wrist  74  and leading elbow  70  move closer together as the hands begin to extend away from the body. The inward motion of the trailing wrist  74  and/or leading elbow  70  decreases the length of the tensioning member  32  reducing the tension imparted to the batter  43  by the training device  30 . At this point, no tension is needed and the batter  43  progresses through the swing motion in a normal manner preparing to make contact with the ball while continuing to rotate toward the contact point. The batter  43  has avoided any casting motion. 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, illustrating a swing position slightly prior to contact with the ball. The knob  86  of the bat  76  has been driven to slightly inside the path of the ball and the batter  43  is preparing to snap the top or trailing wrist  74  through and “hammer” through the ball. In other words, the batter&#39;s leading hand is palm down and the trailing hand is palm up as the wrists begin to rotate in relation to the respective forearm and induce a rotational motion and acceleration into the bat  76  bringing the contact surface of the bat  76  into a fully extended position. The hands have essentially ceased moving away from the body as the leading arm  40  is substantially straightened out. The tip of the bat  76  begins to travel in an arc as opposed to the previous linear motion produced in the earlier stages of the swing. The acceleration of the bat tip increases the impact force placed on the ball. This swing provides the shortest distance for a quicker swing speed while producing significant acceleration at the point of contact. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates the batter&#39;s swing position at the contact point with the ball. As the trailing arm  42  enters into a straightened positioned substantially locking the elbow, the tensioning member  32  is again stretched a second time inducing tension between the attachment members  34  and  36 . Due to the connection between the leading arm  40  and the trailing arm  42  and travel path of the arms, the tensioning member  32  pulls on the second attachment member  36  located on the trailing wrist  74  to pull the trailing hand through the contact point and snap the wrist  74  through causing the bat to travel in a rapid fashion through an arc imparting significantly improved swing acceleration to the bat  76  through the contact point to drive the ball its maximum distance. 
     Referring now to FIG. 13, the batter  43  continues with the follow through as the trailing wrist  74  of the top hand is straightened out as the trailing arm  42  is also straightened out fully extending the reach of the bat  76  which forms an outwardly projecting extension of the leading arm  40 . At this point the tensioning member  32  is again taut and substantially parallel to the leading forearm  80 . 
     A continued follow through to the end of the swing motion with the leading arm  40  and trailing arm  42  coming together and the intermediate member  32  is slackened and does not interfere with the normal follow through (FIG.  14 ). 
     It will be appreciated that the tensioning member  32  does not interfere with the swing of the batter  43  but instead provides feedback at three key points along the batter&#39;s swing including the initial loaded position, initial swing motion across the chest  82 , and just prior to the top hand hammer through prior to and during contact with the ball. By providing such feedback, the proper motion is reinforced at critical points along the swing to build muscle memory of the correct swing over repeated training sessions. At other less critical points along the swing the tensioning member is slack and does not interfere with the batter&#39;s swing motion. 
     Continued usage of the training device  30  builds muscle memory and proper swing motion such that the batter  43  will develop an improved swing that eventually becomes the batter&#39;s natural swing even without using the training device  30 . Advantageously, the short compact swing developed by training with the training device  30  reduces the time between the start of the swing and the contact point by enforcing muscle memory to avoid unnecessary or wasted motion providing a swing with the shorter distance to the contact point. The reduction of unnecessary or sloppy motion provided by the in tight motion increases the bat control resulting in increased accuracy of the bat placement as well. Additionally, by shortening the swing path the batter  43  is able to view the ball longer after being pitched enabling more selective positioning of the striking center of the bat to place or drive the ball with greater accuracy. 
     While several forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 1