Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
448P34CA
CA 02148832 2003-11-27
IMPROVED BATTING PRACTICE DEVICE USING EXTENSIBLE MEMBER
Backctround Of The Invention
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sporting equipment and
more particularly to an improved batting practice device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art exhibits a number of training devices for
improved batting performance. One example is that of batting-
tee-type devices. The batting-tee devices exhibit a vertical
support member upon which a ball is placed. A batter can then
swing at the stationary ball on top of the support member
thereby removing the need for a pitcher. Some designs have
exhibited an elastic support member which is integral with a
ball-shaped region at the top of the support member. One such
device which teaches an integral support and ball-shaped
region is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,846,472. Such an
integral batting tee device removes the need for retrieving
batted balls. However, one problem with batting tees is that
they do not lend themselves to the practice of hitting a
moving object. Furthermore, in that it is desirable to gain
proficiency in hitting balls at various locations of the
strike zone, time is wasted in adjusting the batting tee to a
desired height position.
1
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WO 94/21337 PCT/US94/03088 ~.~:~-:':,
An answer to the problems inherent in stationary batting tees
has been addressed by the introductian of hand-held batting
practice devices. These devices are typically characterized by
exhibiting a gripping portion, a connecting portion, and an impact ,
portion. In operation, the hand-held batting practice devices
require a holder and a batter. one individual holds the gripping
portion of the device and extends the device so that the impact
portion of the device is in a desired location foe the batter to
practice his or her swing. Sy the holder moving and accelerating
the device, a batter can practice hitting different types of
pitches at various locations, of the strike zone.
one hand-held batting practice device is disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 2,765,170. The device has a helical spring which is
connected to a gripping region located at one end of the helical
spring, the other end of the helical spring being connected to a
ball. However, one drawback at the device taught in U.S. Patent
No. 2,765,170 is that the device is held such that it descends, as
apposed to extending laterally, from th~ holder's hands. In that
the device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,765,140 descends from the
holder's hand, the holder is placed in closer proximity to the
batter which increases the probability of a holder being accidently
struck by a bat. ~ -
Other hand-held batting practice devices are disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. 3,921,976, 4,5x3,965 and 4,846,172. These deViCeB ate
intended to be held such that the ball or impact regions of the
devices extend laterally away from the holder and toward the
batter. However, one problem with these devices is that the
holder's hand, elbow and shoulder can be subjected to significant
stress and strain as a result of impact-produced torque.
U.S. Patent No. 4,846,472 does seek to seduce the impact-
produced shock experienced by a holder's hands. However, the
device taught in U.S Patent No. 4,846,472 teaches a singular
tubular extension which is connected at one end to a grip region.
f~~', WO 94121339 PCT/US94103088
3
At the end opposite to the grip region is located an opening to the
tubular extension and it is upon this opening that a ball is
positioned in a rest position. The ball is secured to the device
by means of an elastic cord or str~.ng. A screw connects the one
end of the string to the grip at a location inside of the tubular
extension. ~ second screw coneects the other end of the string to
the balk In that a bat will most often impact both the ball and
that part of the tubular extension proximate the ball, significant
tongue will still be expsrienc~d at the grip region. I~urthermor~,
string and screw connections have a history and propensity of
a _
becoming disengaged when exposed to significant stresses over time.
Thus, a need exists for a simple, easily used and durable
hand-held batting practice device which will tend to minimize the
reaction forces impacted to the holder of the device, and such a
device is set forth herein.
A practice device in accordance with this invention for
enabling a batter to practice his batting skills as well as eye and
hand coordination comprises a relatively stiff, elongate tubular
member having first and second ends, with a handle located on the
first end, and the second end being open. An elongate, flexible,
ball-supporting member is utilized in telescopic relation with the
tubular member, with a ball being tightly secured on one and of the
ball-supporting member. The other end of the ball-supporting
member is slidably disposed in the interior of the relatively stiff
tubular member, with the ball--supporting member being readily
movable between a compacted position in which most of its length is
contained in the in~erior of the tubular member, and an expended
position in which only a relatively small amount of the length of
the ball-supporting member remains inside the tubular membe:. The
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W~ 94/21337 PCT/US94103088
,;, , ~S'~ ~ 'r. ~.. ~ ,
ball is preferably made of urethane foam, foam rubber or similar
material which will absorb a degree of the impact shock. '
I advantageously utilize a locking means on the end of the
tubular shaped, relatively rigid member, which locking means
preferably takes the form of a rotatable collar. This arrangement
enables the user to secure the flexible member, on occasion, in the
extended position, such that the ball will be appropriately
positioned for being struck by an implement swung by a batter.
When not in use, the resilient, flexible ball-supporting member can
be compacted for storage by returning it to the interior of the
,.
tubular shaped, relatively rigid member. '
In the interests of safety, I anchor s nylon cord or the like
in the interior of the relatively stiff outer member, which cord is
attached to the end of the flexible member disposed in a telescopic
relation with the outer member. The nylon cord is of a carefully
selected length, such that it prevents the flexible member from
entirely coming out of the outer member.
To prevent the resilient, flexible ball-supporting member from
taking a permanent bend or being crushed, I utilize on its interior
an elongat~ member having a controlled amount of flexibility.
Accordingly, a tirst obi~ct of the present invention is. to
provide a durable, lightweight batting practice device for helping
a batter improve his hand/eye coordination.
hnother object of the pres~nt invention is to provide a hand-
held batting practice device which is constructed to minimize the
occurrence of injury to the holder of the device, and which is
extensible from a compacted condition to enable a ball utilized on
the end of the device to be placed at a considerable distance from
the holder, for the holder's safety.
Still another object of the present inv_ntion is to provide a
highly effective, durable, easily affordable batting practice
device which is of simple construction, and which can be readily
compacted for the purposes of shipping or storage.
CA 02136326 2004-09-16
Yet another object of my invention is to provide a batting
practice device that is safe to use, and which effectively
resists deformation that would impair its ability to be
compacted.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to
provide a flexible, resilient member operatively disposed in a
relatively rigid tubular member, with the arrangement being such
that the tubular member, the flexible member and the connecting
means comprise a torque reduction means for reducing the torque
experienced by an individual holding the handle of my device
when the target is struck by an implement or striking member
swung by a second individual.
In accordance with another embodiment, a sport practice
device for developing ball-hitting skills, said device having a
target end and a holding end, said device to be held by a first
individual at said holding end such that said target end is
pointed toward a second individual having a striking instrument
for making contact with a target connected to said target end,
said device having means for reducing the torque experienced by
the first individual when said target is impacted by a striking
instrument held by a second individual, said device comprising:
a substantially rigid tubular shaft, which includes said holding
end of said device, said tubular shaft further including a
connecting end opposite to said holding end; a flexible member
having a diameter less than that of said tubular shaft, said
flexible member having one of its ends inserted into said
tubular shaft at said connecting end the other end of said
flexible member being said target end; connecting means
connecting said tubular shaft portion of said device at a
location approximately half-way between said target end and said
holding end such that when the second individual strikes said
target end with a striking instrument while said device is held
CA 02136326 2004-09-16
5a
by the first individual at said holding end a bending moment is
translated to said location approximately half-way between said
target end and said holding end; and wherein said striking
instrument is a bat.
These and other objects, features and advantages will be
more apparent from a study of the appended drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of
the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained by
reference to the following detailed description when considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an illustration of a typical use of my device,
wherein one person holds the target member, and the other person
swings a bat at the target member;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a typical device in
accordance with the present invention, revealing a condition in
which the flexible, ball-supporting member has been moved into
its compacted position inside the relatively stiff outer member;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration revealing the
flexible, resilient ball-supporting member of Figure 2 when it
has been moved outward into its extended position;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary view, revealing my novel collar
member in the tightened condition;
WO 94/21337 ~ ~ ~ PCTIUS94/03088 ;.'a
.f '
. <;; :"#
Figure 5 is a view resembling Figure 4 but showing the collar
having been removed from the collect
Figure 6 is a view, partly in section and illustrating a
preferred form of a device utilized to assure that the flexible
ball-supporting member has resilience, and for preventing it from
taking on a permanent bend, with this figure also revealing a stout
cord utilized as a safety means inside the relatively rigid tubular
member, for preventing the flexible member from becoming separated
' from the tubular member to which the handle is attached: and
Figure 6a is a fragmentary view of a preferred way of affixing
the end of the stout cord utilized as a 'safety measure, to a
location inside the handle end of the relatively stiff outer
member, in this instance a rivet being utilized for this purpose.
When referring to the drawings, it should be understood that
like reference numesrals designate identical or corresponding parts
throughout the respective figures.
With initial reference to Figure l, it will be seen from this
figure that 1 have shown a batting practice device 10 fn accordance
with this invention, involving a tubular shaft 12 of generally
rigid material, upon the end of which is utilized a handls 14.
Contained inside the shaft 12 is a flexible member 18, upon the
outer end of which is a target member 28, typically in the
configuration of a baseball, although I am not to be limited to
this. The tubular shaft 12, which may hereinafter be referred to
as the first member, the handle 14 and the target member 28 are
shown in greater detail in Figure 2. The relationship of these
members to the extensible member 18 is shown in Figure 3, and I a~ay
hereinafter refer to the flexible member 18 as the second member.
In Figure 1 it is to be seen that the batting practice device
is being held by a person 38, with the device 10 being held in
a
WO 94IZ1337 '~ PCTIUS94l03088
7
approximately a horizontal attitude for the convenience of the
batter 40. As visible in this figure, the batter 40 is holding a
bat 42, which he swings with the intent of striking the target 28,
which is spherical in shape, and in the preferred instance, closely
resembles a baseball. The target member 28 is typically made of
' urethane foam, foam rubber or similar material.
It is to be understood that the flexible second member 18
forms the support for the ball-shaped member 28, which is firmly
affixed to the free end thereof. A,6 will b~ obvious, the 'person 38
assisting the batter can hold the device 10 by the handle 14, and
support the ball-shaped member 28 in a position for being swung at
with an implement held by the batter 40. In the instance depicted
in Figure 1, the implement being swung by the person 40 is a
baseball bat 42, although the implement utilized in other sports
could be used as well in conjunction with this invention.
As should be quite apparent, the holder 38 can move and swing
the device 10 in such a manner that batter 44 can effectively
practice hitting various types of pitches at various spsads and
locations in the strike zone. As an option, I can utilise a cord
33 at the end of handle member 14, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, to
be secured around the wrist of the holder 38 to the device i0.
Such a cord can also be used as a means to hang the device 10 up on
a rack or hanger when the device is not in use or is in storage.
It is to be understood that the device 10 of the present
invention eliminates the need to chase balls and pitch balls, and
increases the amount of time to practice and concentrate on
improving batting technique. The device is ideal for younger
players such as little leaguers in that a player can be instantly
corrected as to how to better hit a pitch and thereby improve
stance, swing, and hand/eye coordination. Because the device 10 is
in accordance with this invention extensible, the ball or target 28
can be disposed at a safe distance from the holder 38, to prevent
him from being struck by the bat 42 during batting practice.
WO 94121337 ~ 13 6 3 ~~ ~ 1'CTIUS94103088 ~~.:,.,,~
~, ., 8 ,
With reference now to related Figures 2 and 3, it will be seen
now in further detail that the present novel batting practice
device l0 is largely constituted by the relatively rigid first
member 12 and the flexible second member 18. A handle 14 may be
secured to the end of the member 12. Although I am not to be
limited to any particular material, I prefer the use of PVC
material in the construction of th~ member 12, because of its
rigidity, lightness, durability and inexpensiveness. In Figure 2
the device l0 is shown in its compacted position, in which the
flexible member is entirely contained within the rigid member 12,
which of course is the position suitable for shipping as well as
storage.
From Figure 3 it can be readily seen that the device 1~ is of
an extensible nature, with the flexible, resilient second member 18
being of a length such that it can be ~ntirely contained within the
relatively rigid, tubular-shaped first member 12. Hy appropriate
means , the target member or ball a8 is tightly s~ceared at the out~ar
end o! the flexible member 18. 1.s should now be entirely clear,
when the member 18 is in the extended position shown in Figures 1
and 3, the target member or ball 28 is readily employable for
helping a batter improve his hand and eye coordination. Because of
the relatively great length of the extended device, it can be
safely held for the convenience of the batter, without jeopardizing
the safety of the: person holding the device 10.
In the protatype of the present invention, shaft 12 was
twenty-seven inches long, but obviously I am not to be limited to
this dimension.
With continuing reference to Figures 2 and 3, it is to be
understood that the handle 14 is preferably of one-piece
construction, being for example molded roam rubber or other easily
grippable and shock absorbing material. The handle 14 is
preferably inserted over the holding end of the elongate tubular
member or shaft 12, and secured in place by the use of a suitable
2~~s3~
WO 94121337 PfrTIUS94/03088
' 9
glue or cement. I may optionally provide a plug on the outer end
of the handle, utilized for a purpose to be described at greater
length hereinafter.
In the prototype of the present invention the handle 14 was
mpproximatsly 4 3/4 inches long, but obviously I am not to be
limited to this dimension. As previously mentioned, I may utilize
an exterior cord mttached to the handle 14.
The flexible member 18, also referred to as the second member,
is operatively associated with tubular shaft 12, with the free end
of the member 18 being easily accommodated in the interior of the
f first member 12 , as is apparent from the several figures. The
flexible member 18, which may also be referred to as the ball-
supporting member, has an external diameter which is less than the
Internal diameter of the hollow legion of shaft 12, in order that
it may be readily accommodmted within the interior of shaft 12.
Ths member l8 is resilient, msmning that it will return to its
original straight cohdition after bending as m result of being
struck. This member is preferably roads of flexible plastic tubing
or a material having similar physical properties. For reasons of
structural integrity, a portion of the flexible member 18 remains
inside shaft 12 when the flexible member has been moved to the
extended position, and in this region I prefer to utilize a
suitable plug or elongate spacer, such as of vinyl os wood, that is
approximately five inches long. This detail will be discussed at
greater length hereinafter.
Jas visible in Figures 4 and 5, I prefer to use a locking means
in the form of a rotatable collar 44, which is internally threaded,
with Figure 5 revealing internal threads 46, which are intended to
threadedly engage the threads 48 forming a part of collet 50 that
is firmly attached tc the end of the shaft 12. Although any of a
number of different threads could be used, I prefer to use an Acme
thread, with approximately five threads per inch. In this way,
after the collar 44 has been tightened, it may be loosened either
WO 94/21337 ~ ~ ~ ~ 10 PCT/gJS94/03088
by a lady or a child, far the coarse thread I prefer to use is
relatively easy to loosen.
To permit the collar 44 to effectively tighten the end of the
collet 50 around the flexible member 18, I prefer to utilize a
plurality of slots 52 in the nature of saw cuts at spaced locations
around the periphery of the end of the collet, with the curved
interior of the upper end of the collar 44 serving to cause the
portions of the collet between the slots 52 to move into a very
tight relationship with the sidewall of the flexible member 18. To
provide additional gripping power, I prefer to utilize a rubber
grommet 54 between the shaft of member 18, and the slotted end of
the collet 50. In this way, when the collar 44 has be~n
sufficiently rotated in the tightening direction, the grom:aet 54 is
caused to grip the member la very tightly.
As by now should be obvious, the versatility of this
arrangement is such that the collar 44 can be tightened so as to
lock the flexible m~a~ber 18 in the fully extended position, a
partially extended position, or the compacted position, whichever
is appropriate in a given instance.
The collar 44 is shown in the removed position in Figure 5
only for reasons of clarity, far in normal use, it is only
necessary to loosen the collar in order to be ~sble to move the
flexible member 18 into or out of the shaft 12. As is entirely
obvious, attar the member 18 has been moved to the desired
position, it is then necessary to tighten the collar, to prevent
the flexible member from moving away from that position.
I have found with extensive use, an ordinary flexible member
18 tended to take on a degree of permanent set, adversely affecting
its appearance and utility, and in same instances impairing i:.s
ability to be received in the hollow shaft 12. Therefore, in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, I utilize
suitable internal means for minimizing deflection and assuring
resilience, or in other words, preventing the member 18 from
tending to take on, or to remain in, a bent condition.
PCTlUS94103088
'_."~ W~94121337 ~~ ~~~~~
In the preferred embodiment of this invention depicted in
Figure 6, I reveal that the sidewall of the member 18 is relatively
thin, with a relatively stiff, resilient rod 60 extending down the
central interior portion of the member 18. The rod 60 can, far
example, be of acetal delrin and be .312 inches in diameter, which
of course is considerably smaller than the dimension of the
interior of the member 18. The interior dimension of the member 18
is typically on the order of 1/2 inches. The resilient rod 60
could also be made of steel.
In order for the relative rigidity of the rod 60 to be passed
along to the member 18, I utilize a number of spacer members 62,
such as of vinyl, although I am not to be limited to this material.
The spacer members 62 should have an outer diameter relatively
closely approximating the.interior dimension of the member 18, and
be disposed at intervals of approximately six inches along trie rod
60, although I am not to be limited to this.
with reference to Figure 6, it is to be seen that I utilize a
comparatively long plug or spacer 64 at a location adjacent the
inner end of the member 18. The reason for the long spacer 64 at
this location is two-fold, with one being to psovide a firm surface
against which the collar 4~ may be tightened. An additional reason
is to prevent bending of tha member 18 at the location where the
member 18 emerges from the collar 44. Without the long spacer 5d _
in the interior of the member 18 at this location, there is a
tendency for the member 18 to take on a permanent deformation,
which .is of course to be avoided.
It is to be understood that a batter may strike the ball 28
with a considerable amount of force, thus requiring the ball to be
firmly attached to the end of the flexible member 18 if dislodgment
is to be prevented. I may prefer to drill holes in the end of the
member 18, so that at the time of manufacture, when the end of the
member 18 is glued or cemented inside the interior of the ball 28,
there will be a considerable amount of contact surface and holding
power.
WO 94/21337 213 ~ ~ ~ ~ PCTIUS94/03088
12 '
In the preferred instance, I mald the ball 28 in place at the
end of the flexible member 18 by the use of a water blown urethane
foam, in conjunction with which a two-part mold (not shown) is
utilized. Each half of the internal portion of the mold is
configured to resemble a baseball, so that when the end of the
member 18 is inserted into the mald, and the urethane material is
poured into the mold, the result is a baseball-shaped component
tightly molded to the end of the flexible rcember. As is obvious,
the material out of which the ball 28 is molded tends to enter the
several holes that were formed in the end of the member is, causing
the ball 28 to grip the end of the member 18 very tightly.
In order to provide a tough covering or hide around the ball
so formed, I typically spray a flexible vinyl coating onto both
interior surfaces of the mold halves before the urethane is poured.
In this way, when th~ mold halves are opened approximately ona
minute after the urethane is poured, it will be seen that a
baseball-shaped component has been molded in a highly satisfactory
manner to the end or the flexible shaft member 18.
Another consequence of the batter striking the ball 28 with
great ferocity is the possibility of the flexible member 18 coming
entirely out of the shaft portion 12, despite the collar member 44
having been securely tightened. To this end, I utilize a strong
nylon cord 70 of limited length on the inside of the member 12,
with one end of this cord being attached to the end of the handle
14, such as by a.riyet ?2 fastened to the end of the member 12, as
shaven in Figures 5 and 6a. As an alternative, the one end of the
cord 70 could be affixed to the handle end of the device by means
of a plug driven into the end of member 12. A loop 74 is formed on
the other end of the cord 70, to permit it to be readily attached
to the end of the flexible member 18, thus Lo form a posztive means
for preventing member 18 from entirely se;~arating from the rigid
member 12. .
213fi3~~~
<s..~ WO 94121337 PCT/US94/03088
a '3
The sturdy nylon cord 70 is of a carefully chosen length, and
is loosely contained in the end of the member 12 when the device is
in the compacted condition. However, it is to be clearly
understood that at such time as the user pulls out the inner member
18 to its functional length, the nylon cord ?0 effectively prevents
the member 18 from entirely coming out of the member 12.
Hecause the member 18 is of resilient, flexible material, this
represents a torque reducing means in that mast of the load
resulting from the target or ball 28 being impacted by the
implement 42 is absorbed, and not transmitted to the handle 14 _
located at the holding end of the tubular member 12. Further, the
target 28 being made of urethane faam, rubber or other shock
absorbing material, th~ initial shock experienced by the device 10
is considerably reduced. As previously mentioned, the handle l4 is
made of a shock absorbing material (e.g. rubber) to reduce the
amount of vibration experienced by an individual holding the device
when the target a8 is impacted by a striking object, such as the
implement 42.
Inasmuch as my device is readily movable from a compacted
position into an extended position, it provides a maximum amount of
safety to the holder of the device, in that the holder of the
device may be far removed from the arc through which the batter 40
swings the implement 42.
As should now be readily apparent, my novel device is designed
to minimise the amount of shock and torque experienced by a holder
when the target 28 of the device 10 is impacted by a bat 42 or
other striking object.
The foregoing detailed description is intended to be
illustrative and non-limiting. l9any changes and modifications are
possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is understood
that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein and stil l be within the scope of the appended
claims.
