DUAL HANDLE BASEBALL BAT

Abstract

An exercise training device in the form of a baseball bat or other sports-related equipment that has been modified to have dual handles. The device is adapted to be attached to a weight resistance system in order to perform abdominal exercises while doing baseball or other sports-related motions and plyometric movements.

Description

This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/302,030 filed on Feb. 5, 2010

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an exercise device in the form of a baseball bat that has been modified to have dual handles in order to perform abdominal exercises while doing baseball related motions and plyometric movements.

2. Description of the Related Art

Exercise devices are commonly used to develop muscles that are used in certain athletic activities such as baseball, golf, hockey or tennis. In the building and training of muscles useful for improving performance of a baseball player or other athletes, various exercises are typically performed which strengthen muscles useful for improving, for example, hitting distance.

General batting practice using a pitcher or a pitching machine is sometimes inefficient particularly with newer players who may be unable to hit the ball. In this case, the batter gets little accuracy or muscle strength training. Additionally, a pitcher or a pitching machine does not add any resistance to the swing in order to strengthen muscles, such that the batter can obtain a more powerful swing.

Swinging a baseball bat involves a batter holding the bat using both their hands, one on top of the other. The hand closest to the knob of the bat is called the bottom hand and the other hand is called the top hand. The bottom hand guides the bat during the swing and affects the batter's accuracy of the swing. The top hand pushes the bat during the swing and provides the power behind the swing. During a swing of the bat, the batter uses many different muscle groups that affect the power of the swing, such as the abdominal core, legs, hips, shoulders and arms.

The abdominal core is the foundation for the body and the stronger the abdominal core, the stronger an individual's body will be overall. It would behoove the batter to have a strong abdominal core, in order to enhance the batter's swing. An individual can do sit-ups or use exercise equipment to strengthen their abdominal core, but such exercises do not involve baseball related motions and do not assist in further development of baseball related skills.

Thus, a need exist for an improved device that strengthens an individual's abdominal core while assisting the user in further developing sports related skills.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, as embodied and broadly described herein, a device is disclosed that strengthens the abdominal core and comprises a first end, a second end and a longitudinal body that extends between the first and second end. The longitudinal body comprises a first handle and a second handle, wherein the first handle is adjacent the first end, and the second handle is separated from the first handle but not adjacent the second end. The second end is adapted to have a coupling device, such as a ring or clip, that allows the device to be connected to a weight pulley system or other weight resistance system.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the features of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a second embodiment of the invention where the modified barrel is configured to detachably couple to the first handle.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating another embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of rings or hooking devices.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the use of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Core strength is essential to athletic performance. An important factor in improving and maximizing athletic performance is building a strong core. Athletic performance normally involves unstable environments, such as hitting or throwing a ball from an awkward position. A strong core improves balance and stability, and the strength of the core will dictate the ease or difficulty in which a person can perform such athletic movements. Core muscles are exerted when an individual performs a baseball swinging motion. Thus, increasing an individual's core strength is essential to improving an individual's performance of a baseball swinging motion.

The present invention has been designed to help individuals develop core strength while performing baseball related motions and plyometric movements. The invention can be used to perform different exercises that will strengthen the core by mimicking a baseball swing and other baseball related movements. A stronger core will not only improve an individual's ability to perform baseball related skills, but a strong core will also assist in preventing the occurrence of bodily injury due to repeated baseball related motions.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 is shaped in the form of a baseball bat. The device 10 comprises a first end 11, a second end 12 and a body 13 extending between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The body 13 comprises a first handle 14 and a second handle 15, wherein the first handle 14 is adjacent the first end 11 and the second handle 15 is separated from the first handle 14 and near the second end 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second handle 15 in located at the middle of the barrel 16 of the baseball bat device 10. However, in other embodiments, the second handle 15 can be located at different locations of the barrel 16. The second handle 15 allows an individual to grip the baseball bat with one hand on each handle 14, 15 separating their hands while performing a baseball swinging motion. The device 10 can be configured to have a first ring 26 or other attachment device attached to the second end 12, such that the device 10 can be connected to a weight pulley system or other weight resistance system. A variety of grips can also be added to one or both handles to increase comfort and grip. Typical baseball bats are made of wood or aluminum. The present invention can be made of different materials, such as but not limited to wood, aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or a combination thereof.

Using the present invention connected to a weight resistance system allows an individual to further strengthen their core. In using weight resistance training, while performing baseball related motions with an individual's hands gripping the first handle 14 and second handle 15, an individual's core will be isolated. Continued use results in improved core strength and improved ability in performing baseball related movements. Other core strengthening or plyometric motions can be used to further isolate an individual's core. For example, the core can be isolated by separating an individual's hands by holding the invention at the first handle 14 and second handle 15, aligning the arms and hands with the shoulders, and standing with the legs separated to shoulder width. By maintaining this position, the core will be isolated while performing exercises with the present invention. Good athletic posture and balance is the result of a strong core. The invention having the first handle 14 and second handle 15 assists in aligning the user's body into a good athletic posture and balanced position in order to develop a strong core. Separating an individual's hands on the first handle 14 and second handle 15 of the present invention, used in connection with a weight resistance system, and performing baseball related skill motions, will not only improve core strength, but will also increase overall athletic performance.

The present invention can also be used to correct and/or develop proper baseball swinging mechanics. Swing mechanics can be worked on by attaching the ring 26 to a weight resistance system 41, as shown in FIG. 4. Resistance training allows individuals to work on muscle groups exerted during a baseball swinging motion, for example, the top hand. The top hand can be exercised by gripping the second handle 15 with the top hand, while the bottom hand is gripping the first handle 14. During a swinging motion, the top hand pushes the bat through the swinging motion and provides the power in the swing. Pushing the top hand through the swinging motion, while the bat is connected to a weight resistance system 41, strengthens the top hand, and a strong top hand will improve an individual's ability to generate power and bat speed during a baseball swinging motion. This resistance training will strengthen an individual's top hand which is vital to maximize and improve baseball swinging mechanics, while also strengthening the individual's core. Secondary muscle groups, such as legs, hips, arms and shoulders, can also be strengthened when performing the exercises to strengthen the top hand and the core. Resistance training corrects and/or develops proper swing mechanics because the resistance on the bat assists users to follow a certain swing path. Repeated use of the invention while performing baseball swinging motion will also develop the core's muscle memory, which improves an individual's ability to activate the important muscle groups to produce a strong and accurate quick swing.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the device can be configured to comprise a plurality of rings 26 or hooking devices attached on different locations of the body 13 in order for the device 30 to be connected to a weight resistance system at the plurality of rings 26. The configuration of the embodiment in FIG. 3 allows the device 30 to be used with an increased resistance or a dual motion resistance while performing a baseball swinging motion.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the body 13 may be formed of two individual pieces, a base 21 and a top 22 that are adapted to be connected together. In some embodiments, the manner in which the base 21 and the top 22 are adapted to be connected together comprise a screw 23 extending from one of the base 21 or the top 22 and one of the top 22 or base 21 having a corresponding threaded hole 24 to receive the screw 23. In other embodiments, the base 21 and top 22 can be connected by using clamps, or the outer surface of one of the base 21 or top 22 is threaded and the inner area of the top 22 or base 21 is adapted to receive the threaded outer surface. This would allow the modified barrel 16, comprising the second handle 15, to be detached from the base 21, comprising the first handle 14, and then attaching a second top 25 to the base 21, wherein the second top 25 has not been modified to have a second handle 15 or a first ring 26. This would result in the invention resembling a typical baseball bat and may be used to perform baseball related activities, such as but not limited to, hitting off a tee or hitting Wiffle® balls. In other embodiments, the second top 25 may comprise a weighted barrel which again results in the invention resembling a typical baseball bat, but is heavier than a typical baseball bat. Attaching the weighted barrel allows users to perform baseball related motions with a bat that is heavier than what is typically used.

The invention, when in the form of a baseball bat, has dimensions similar to a typical baseball bat. An example of approximate dimensions of the invention in the form of a baseball bat is as follows:

• • Weight of bat with ring 26 on second end 12 is approximately 29.25 ounces
  • Length of bat without the ring 26 is approximately 34 inches
  • Length of bat with the ring 26 is approximately 36 inches
  • Length of the second handle 15 on the modified barrel 16 is approximately 4 inches
  • Length from the base of the knob to the modified barrel 16 is approximately 25 inches
  • Length of body 13 from end of the second handle 15 to the second end 12 is approximately 5 inches, with the ring 26 is approximately 7 inches
  • Diameter of the base of the first handle 14 is approximately 1.5 inches
  • Diameter of the end of the modified barrel 16 is approximately 2 inches
  • Circumference of the modified barrel 16 at the center of the second handle 15 is approximately 4.75 inches
  • Circumference at the start point 17 of the modified barrel 16 is approximately 7.5 inches
  • Circumference at the end point 18 of the modified barrel 16 is approximately 8 inches
  • Circumference of body at the second end 12 is approximately 8 inches
  • Circumference of widest part of knob 7.25 inches

However, the invention can be formed having various dimensions in order for both adults and youths to be able to use the invention.

The present invention is described herein with reference to certain embodiments, but it is understood that the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the embodiments herein show a device formed in the shape of a baseball bat. However, the present invention is not limited to be in the shape of a baseball bat. In other embodiments, the invention can be formed to have alternative shapes, such as but not limited to, a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a golf club, or the like.

Claims

1. A sports training device comprising:

a body;

a first end;

a second end, wherein said body extends between said first end and said second end;

a first handle on said body adjacent said first end; and

a second handle on said body and separate from said first handle, said second handle also separate from said second end, wherein said second handle is adapted to have a circumference that is greater than the circumference of said first handle.

2. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein said body is in the form of a baseball bat.

3. The sports training device of claim 1, further comprising a ring attached to said second end, wherein said ring is adapted to be connected to a weight resistance system.

4. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein said body has a variable circumference that increases along said body from said first end towards said second end.

5. The sports training device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rings attached to different locations of said body.

6. The sports training device of claim 5, wherein said plurality of rings can be connected to one or more weight resistance systems, such that the resistance can be increased or resistance is present in a dual motion environment.

7. The sports training device of claim 1, wherein said body is formed of the material comprising wood, aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or a combination thereof.

8. A sports training device comprising:

a body;

a first end;

a second end, wherein said body extends between said first end and said second end;

a first handle on said body adjacent said first end, said body further comprising a base and a top, wherein said base and said top are adapted to be removably attached; and

a coupling device adapted to couple said base and said top.

9. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said coupling device is configured such that one of said base or said top comprises a screw extending from one of said base or said top and the other of said top or said base comprises a hole adapted to receive said screw.

10. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said top further comprises a second handle.

11. The sports training device of claim 10, wherein said top is configured to have a circumference greater than said base, said second handle configured to have a circumference that is greater than said first handle and less than said top.

12. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said first handle is on said base.

13. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said top is adapted be replaced with a weighted second top, such that the combination of said base and said weighted second top is heavier than the combination of said base and said top.

14. The sports training device of claim 8, further comprising a ring attached to said second end, wherein said ring is adapted to be connected to a weight resistance system.

15. The sports training device of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of rings attached to different locations of said body.

16. The sports training device of claim 15, wherein said plurality of rings can be connected to one or more weight resistance systems, such that the resistance can be increased or resistance is present in a dual motion environment.

17. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said coupling device is configured such that one of said base or said top comprises an outer threaded surface and the other of said top or said base comprises a threaded inner surface to receive said outer threaded surface.

18. The sports training device of claim 8, wherein said base or said top is formed of the material comprising wood, aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or a combination thereof.

19. A method of using a sports training device to strengthen an abdominal core, comprising:

providing said sports training device comprising a first handle and a second handle, wherein said first and second handles are shoulder width apart;

connecting said sports training device to a weight resistance system;

gripping said first handle of said device using a first hand;

gripping said second handle of said device using a second hand, such that said hands are shoulder width apart;

performing a rotational motion using the upper body only, such that the abdominal core performs the majority of the exertion.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said first hand gripping said first handle such that the palm of said first hand is face-down, and said second hand gripping said second handle such that the palm of said second hand is face-up.