HITTING DECK, HITTING MAT OR TRAINING SYSTEM, DEVICE OR METHOD

A baseball mat that in one embodiment has a plurality of indicia formed in a pattern that enables at least one or both a left-handed and a right-handed batter to know where to place a batting tee. In another embodiment, the batting mat comprises an interval system that enables a player to measure an interval or distance between a player's feet when the player is situated in a batting area associated with the batting mat. The interval system may have foot landing zones to assist the player in placing his or her feet. In another embodiment, a hitting deck graphic is used to define the plurality of indicia either alone or with direction indicia that enable a user to know or understand a direction in which a ball will be hit.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a hitting mat or hitting deck and, more particularly, to a hitting mat for training players to hit a ball.

2. Description of the Related Art

Batting is a well known offensive technique utilized in various situations in baseball and softball. In order to train players to hit a baseball, batting mats or decks have been provided which support or receive a batting tee so that the player can hit a baseball that is situated on the tee. Some of the mats have predetermined spots for placing the batting tee. The batting tee supports the ball in a stationary position above the ground so that a batter can hit it. Two such systems include the Pitch Location Mat from Muhl Tech Baseball located in Wharton, Tex., and Papa Jack's Hitting Mat from Gap to Gap located in Tampa, Fla. One batting tee is the batting tee offered by Joe H. Tanner Baseball Products LLC of Sarasota, Fla., 34240, the assignee of this application. Patents relating to this device include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,163; 6,682,445 and 7,281,998, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

One problem with the batting mats of the past is that they did not provide an accurate, repeatable and adjustable indication, training or guidance for multiple players of different sizes as to where the batter should stand and place his or her feet relative to each other and relative to the batting mat.

Still another problem with the prior art batting mats is that they were not ambidextrous and typically could not be used by both a left-handed and a right-handed hitter, but rather, a dedicated mat for each type of hitter was offered.

Another problem with is that the prior art mats did not allow a player to measure a distance between his or her feet when in a hitting position relative to the mat.

What is needed, therefore, is a system and method that overcomes these and other problems of the prior art devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a hitting mat having a plurality of indicia arranged in a predetermined pattern to guide both a left-handed and a right-handed hitter where to place a batting tee.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hitting mat having a plurality of indicia arranged in the predetermined pattern which provides or defines an X pattern.

Another object of the invention is to provide a graphic indicia that provides a representation of a field and/or a direction indicia that identifies an area of the field where the hitter should or can expect to hit a ball that is placed on the batting tee used with the indicia.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a mat having an interval system, rule or ledger that can be used by at least one of either a right-handed hitter or a left-handed hitter.

Another similar object of the invention is to provide a mat having an interval system that can be used by both a right-handed or a left-handed batter.

Still another object of one embodiment of the invention is to provide an interval system in the form of a scale or a ruler to provide a player with the ability to measure a distance between a player's feet when the player is situated in operative relationship with the batting mat and to assist the player in consistently placing his or her feet relative to the plurality of indicia, home plate and/or the batting mat. In one aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, the hitting deck mat having a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement locations adapted to identify or define a plurality of points of contact, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed, and each of the plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be hit if the hitter hits the ball off of the batting tee after the batting tee is placed on or near one of the plurality of tee placement or points of contacts locations, the plurality of indicia being arranged in a predetermined pattern to facilitate training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of the direction, area or sector.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, and the hitting deck mat further comprising an interval system adapted to define an interval or distance between the hitter's feet.

In still another aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, the hitting deck mat having a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement or points of contact locations, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed, and each of the plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be hit if the hitter hits a ball off of the batting tee after the batting tee is placed on or near one of the plurality of tee placement locations, the direction indicia comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of the field where the ball should be hit by the hitter.

In yet another aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a hitting deck graphic for use with a hitting deck, comprising a home plate graphic of a home plate, and a stadium graphic of a baseball field associated with or juxtaposed to the home plate graphic.

In another aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises a method for training a batter to hit a ball to an area of a baseball field, the method comprising the steps of providing a hitting deck for positioning on a surface, providing a plurality of locations on the hitting deck for the batter to place a batting tee, enabling the batter to position his feet at a predetermined interval relative to the hitting deck, providing a plurality of indicia at the plurality of locations, respectively, each of the plurality of indicia identifying an area on the hitting deck where a batting tee may be placed.

In yet another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises a batting station comprising a surface, and a plurality of indicia or points of contact applied to or embodied in the surface for training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of a direction, area or sector.

In still another aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises an applicator for providing or defining a batting trainer, the applicator comprising a device for creating or adapting a surface to have a plurality of indicia or points of contact for training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of a direction, area or sector.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a batting mat in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view of another embodiment showing a batting mat illustrating features of an interval system used on a plurality of edges of the mat;

FIG. 2A is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the interval system on one edge of the mat;

FIG. 3A is a view showing features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a view showing a plurality of indicia or points of contact in a predetermined pattern;

FIG. 3C is a view of the plurality of indicia or points of contact in a predetermined X pattern;

FIG. 3D is a view similar to FIG. 3A illustrating an indicia key;

FIG. 4A is a view showing use of an interval system in combination with a portion of the plurality of indicia or points of contact for a right-side hitter;

FIG. 4B is a view showing use of an interval system in combination with a portion of the plurality of indicia or points of contact for a left-side hitter;

FIG. 4C is a view of the predetermined pattern of FIG. 3B without the interval system;

FIGS. 5A-5I are enlarged views showing each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact; and

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate features of the key shown in FIGS. 1 and 3D.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed invention and of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art having had the benefit of the present disclosure that other embodiments according to the present teachings that depart from the specific details disclosed herein remain within the scope of the appended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6B, various embodiments of methods and apparatus facilitate teaching a right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and/or a left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to hit a ball, such as a softball or baseball. FIG. 1 shows a hitting deck system 10 comprising a hitting deck or mat 12. The hitting deck or mat 12 may be manufactured from a synthetic turf-like material, such as, for example, astroturf, a rubber polymer material, a plastic material, such as a heavy duty vinyl material, a neoprene, a polyisoprene or similarly type of material. In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 is a single one-piece construction with various graphics applied thereto, integrally formed therein, or otherwise embodied, secured, or integral with the hitting deck or mat 12.

In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 is adapted for placing on a surface 14, such as a floor, the ground, on a baseball field, such as a home plate area (not shown) of a baseball field or the like. For ease of illustration of use, FIG. 1 illustrates the hitting deck or mat 12 placed between a right-handed or right-side batter box area 16 and a left-handed or left-side batter box area 18 as shown. Also for ease of illustration, a conventional right-handed or right-side batter box boundary 16a is shown partially bounding the right-handed or right-side batter box area 16, and the left-handed or left-side batter box area 18 is shown bounded by a conventional left-handed or left-side batter box boundary 18a. In the illustration being described, a front edge 12a of the hitting deck or mat 12 is positioned toward an area, such as a field area of a baseball field (not shown), where a ball will be hit.

In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 further comprises an image or graphic of a home plate 20 having a conventional shape. The home plate 20 includes a front side 20a, a right side 20b, a left side 20c, a right angled portion 20d and a left angled portion 20e that defines the home plate 20. Note that the front side 20a is associated and generally opposed to and parallel with the front side or edge 12a of the hitting deck or mat 12. In the illustration being described, the home plate 20 is dimensioned to have the same dimensions as a conventional home plate, which is 17 inches (20a) by 8.5 inches (20b) by 12 inches (20c)×12 inches (20d).

One advantageous feature of one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 wherein the hitting deck or mat 12 comprises a feet spacing guide or training aid in the form of an interval, guide or placement system 21. In one embodiment, the interval, guide or placement system 21 comprises at least one first scale or ruler 22 associated with or located at a first edge 12b of the hitting deck or mat 12 and at least one second scale or ruler 24 associated with or located at a second edge 12c of the hitting deck or mat 12. Thus, the at least one first scale or ruler 22 is associated with or adjacent to the right-handed batter box area 16 and the at least one second scale or ruler 24 is associated with or adjacent to the left-handed batter box area 18 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. It should be understood that while the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate each side or edge 12b and 12c having an associated interval, guide or placement system 21 comprising the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the hitting deck or mat 12 could be provided with the interval, guide or placement system 21 situated only on one edge 12b. For example, FIG. 2A shows an example of the interval, guide or placement system 21 comprising the at least one first scale or ruler 22 at the first edge 12b only. Another hitting deck or mat 12 may have the interval, guide or placement system 21 only on the second edge 12c.

In the illustration being described, each of the at least one first and second scale or ruler 22 and 24 comprises a scale, ruler, placement, guide or measurement indicia located in proximate relationship to at least one of the first edge 12b or second edge 12c, respectively, of the hitting deck or mat 12. In one illustrative embodiment, the at least one first and second scale or ruler 22 and 24 comprises a numeric scale or numeric ruler associated with at least one or both of the sides or edges 12b, 12c. Again, it should be appreciated that while the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-2A illustrate the at least one first and second scale or ruler 22 and 24 associated with the first edge 12b and the second edge 12c, respectively, and each batter box area 16 and 18, respectively; however, the hitting deck or mat 12 could be provided with the at least one first and second scale or ruler 22 or 24 only associated with one of the edges 12b or 12c, as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

In the illustration being described, the at least one first scale or ruler 22 comprises the first numeric ruler 26 and the at least one second scale or ruler 24 comprises the second numeric ruler 28. The first and second numeric rulers 26 and 28 are marked off in inches as shown. In one embodiment, the first and second numeric rulers 26 and 28 start at zero inches at beginning ruling edges 26a and 28a, respectively, which begin at an edge 12d of the hitting deck or mat 12. In the illustration being described, the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 progress in inches to the front edge 12a of the hitting deck or mat 12 as shown. Although not shown, the at least one first and second scale or ruler 22 and 24 could begin at the other end or at any point between the edges 12a and 12d, such as where a lead or forward foot FF is placed.

Advantageously, the hitting deck system 10 comprises the interval, guide or placement system 21 which facilitates training either a right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or a left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 where to place the player's feet (which are shown in phantom in FIG. 1) and also are adapted to enable the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to separate his or her feet a predetermined interval or distance. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is ambidextrous in that it enables both the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to accurately position his or her feet a particular distance or interval apart. While the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 are shown as numeric rulers, it should be understood that they could comprise other means or indicia for facilitating proper or predetermined feet placement and alignment, such as color coding, alphabetic coding, graphics, etc.

As will be described later herein with respect to other embodiments, the hitting deck system 10 further comprises a plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i which define a plurality of tee placement locations defined as points of contact where a batting tee BT(shown schematically in FIG. 1) can be placed. The hitting deck system 10 is adapted to train the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to position his or her feet relative to the home plate 20 and the at least one or a plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. The at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 are adapted to cause at least one of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to position himself or herself in operative or preferred relationship relative to the plurality of tee placement locations or points of contact 40a-40i as will be described in more detail later herein.

One advantage of the first and second scale or numeric rulers 26 and 28, which are in the form of at least one numeric scale or ruler in the illustration being described, is that they enable a determination of a distance D1 (FIG. 1) between the right-side or right-handed hitter or player's P1 lead or forward foot FF and a trailing foot TF and a distance D2 between the left-side or left-handed hitter or player's P2 lead or forward foot FF and a trailing foot TF. This is advantageous particularly to guide or train the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to consistently position his or her feet a predetermined distance apart relative to the home plate 20. The hitting deck or mat 12, therefore, is adapted to facilitate training the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to accurately position their feet a predetermined distance apart in at least one or both of the batter box areas 16 and 18. The interval, guide or placement system 21 also provides guidance to the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 in positioning their feet in a predetermined or desired relationship relative to the home plate 20 and a plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, which are described later herein.

Referring back to FIG. 1, to further facilitate enabling at least one of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to accurately position his or her feet with respect to at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24, the hitting deck or mat 12 may further comprise at least one or a plurality of foot landing zones adapted and designed to guide the at least one of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and/or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 where to land or place his or her lead or forward foot FF relative to the hitting deck or mat 12. In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 comprises at least one first foot landing zone 32 associated with the right-handed batter box area 16 and at least one second foot landing zone 34 associated with the left-handed batter box area 18. In the illustration being described, the at least one first and second foot landing zones 32 and 34 are integral with the at least one of the first and second scale or numeric rulers 26 and 28, but it should be understood that they could be separate or apart therefrom if desired.

In one illustrative embodiment, each of the at least one first and second foot landing zones 32 and 34 provides or defines a color-coded graphic, image, portion or area on the hitting deck or mat 12. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one first and second foot landing zones 32 and 34 are integral with the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, for example, for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, the foot landing zone 32 is color coded red, while the color coded foot landing zone 34 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 is blue as shown. Of course, other colors or types of indicia could be used, such as alignment marks or graphics.

Again, one important feature of the embodiment being described is that the foot landing zones 32 and 34 are adapted to guide the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to land or place a lead or forward foot FF in a desired or predetermined position relative to the hitting deck or mat 12 and/or home plate 20 and relative to the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i as described later.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the hitting deck system 10 further comprises the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement locations, hitting locations or points of contact areas where, for example, the batting tee BT (shown schematically in FIG. 1) may be placed or a ball (not shown) may be hit. In one embodiment, the batting tee BT may be the batting tee mentioned earlier and offered by Joe H. Tanner Baseball Products LLC of Sarasota, Fla., 34240, and illustrated in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,358,163; 6,682,445 and 7,281,998, all of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

The plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i facilitate providing instruction to the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 about where a ball should or will likely be hit and/or training the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to hit a ball (not shown) in a particular direction toward a particular area or section of the baseball field. As will be described in more detail later herein, note that each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprises a direction indicia, such as direction indicia 40a1 associated with the indicia or point of contact 40a. Each direction indicia 40a1-40i1 indicates a general direction, area or sector where the ball should be hit if, for example, the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 hits the ball either when the ball is generally over the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i or the ball is hit off the batting tee BT located on or near the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. Thus, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i define tee placement locations to guide a user where to place the batting tee BT as well as the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i as well as suggested direction of what part of the field the ball placed on the batting tee BT over what indicia should be hit.

FIGS. 1, 3A-3D and 4A-4C illustrate the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i arranged in at least one or a plurality of predetermined patterns, such as predetermined pattern PP (FIG. 3C), to facilitate training at least one or both of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to hit the ball to at least one direction, area or sector of the baseball field. The at least one or the plurality of predetermined patterns, such as predetermined pattern PP, are defined to provide an entire hitting or contact zone to train at least one or both of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to hit the ball to the at least one direction, area or sector of the field. In the illustration, the predetermined pattern PP is in the form of an X and defines an X pattern as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D.

Advantageously, portions of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i may be provided on the hitting deck or mat 12. For example, the hitting deck or mat 12 may comprise the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i in combination with either one or both of the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A-3D, for use by both the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. Alternatively, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, or a subset thereof, may be used in combination with one of the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 for use by one of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 (FIG. 4A) and the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 (FIG. 4B). The plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i may also be used alone (i.e., without the interval, guide or placement system 21 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4C) or in combination with the interval, guide or placement system 21 or with one or both of the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 described earlier herein and as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2A.

The plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprise indicia or points of contact graphics 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and 40e which are used by the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and the plurality of indicia or points of contact graphics 40f, 40g, 40c, 40h and 40i which are used by the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. Note that the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and 40e generally lie in a first plane PL1 (FIG. 3B) while the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40f, 40g, 40c, 40h and 40i lie in a second plane PL2, as best illustrated in FIG. 3B. As mentioned earlier, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i may be arranged in the X pattern, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3B. Alternatively, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40e may be provided alone with one of the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24, such as is described earlier herein for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, as shown in FIG. 4A, or for a left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2, as shown in FIG. 4B. Likewise, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40f, 40g, 40c, 40h and 40i may be provided on a mat (not shown) alone or in combination with the at least one second scale or ruler 24 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. Again, FIGS. 4A illustrate use of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40e with only the at least one first scale or ruler 22 associated only with the edge 22a as shown. The embodiment of FIG. 4A. also shows the foot landing zone 32, but that is optional as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5A-5I, details of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i will now be described. In one illustrative embodiment, note that the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprises a direction indicia 40a1-40i1, respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3C. As mentioned earlier, direction indicia 40a1-40i1 visually represents an area of the field where the ball is expected to be hit or should be hit by the hitter if the ball is hit at approximately a hitting area just above the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. In one illustrative embodiment, each direction indicia 40a1-40i1 comprises a graphic sector or image 40a1i-40i1i, respectively, which visually represents a sector or area of the field where the ball should be hit by the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. In the illustration being described, each direction indicia 40a1-40i1 is formed or overlaid in the sector, area or segment associated with the graphic image of the baseball field, such as the image of the infield graphic image or area 40a3 and outfield graphic image or area 40a4 associated with the indicia or point of contact 40a as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

In the illustration being described, each of the graphic sectors 40a1i-40i1 is color-coded to facilitate guiding or identifying the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 may comprise a color-coded right-side hitter graphic 44 (FIGS. 1 and 6A) and a color-coded left-side hitter graphic 46 (FIGS. 1 and 6B) that provide a key that shows the color codes associated with the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. In the illustration being described, note that the graphic 44 for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 is red and the graphic 46 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 is blue. This corresponds to the colors used for the at least one first and second foot landing zones 32 and 34. The color-coding of the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 corresponds to the color-coded graphics 44 and 46 and, therefore, provides the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 a key for use of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, and the direction indicia 40a1-40i1, which provides an indication of the direction, area or sector where the ball should be hit if the ball is contacted generally above the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i when, for example, the ball is hit off the batting tee BT placed on or near the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. Thus, for example, if the batting tee BT is placed on or near the indicia or point of contact 40a and a ball is placed on the batting tee BT, the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 can expect that if he or she hits the ball off the batting tee BT, then that ball should travel to the general direction, area or sector of right field (RF) as indicated by the color coding or direction indicia 40a1 in FIGS. 1, 3A-3D and 5I. Likewise, if the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 hits a ball off a batting tee BT that is placed on or near the indicia or point of contact 40h, then the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 can expect that the ball should be hit in a general direction of right-center field (RC), area or sector defined by the direction indicia 40h1 indicated by the color coding as shown in FIGS. 1, 3A-3D and 5H.

As alluded to earlier herein, the hitting deck or mat 12 may comprise the foot landing zones 32 and 34 which facilitate causing the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to generally align his lead or forward foot FF in proper relationship to the home plate 20 and also in proper relationship to the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, which facilitates ensuring the accuracy of the general direction, area or sector where the ball should be hit as identified by the direction indicia 40a1-40i1.

While the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i have been shown and described as comprising color-coded direction indicia 40a1-40i1 and the graphic images of home plate 40a2-40i2, infield areas 40a3-40i3 and outfield areas 40a4-40i4, respectively, it should be understood that other indicia or means may be provided for identifying the general direction, area or sector where the ball should be hit, such as direction indicator lines, arrows and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5I, further features of each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i will now be described. FIG. 5A illustrates the indicia or point of contact 40a that is located on the hitting deck or mat 12 shown in FIG. 1. This indicia or point of contact 40a is used by the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 to provide information to the player P1 wherein the ball should go if it is hit off the batting tee BT placed on indicia or point of contact 40a as mentioned earlier or to train the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 to hit the ball into right field (RF). Thus, the indicia or point of contact 40a comprises the direction indicia 40a1 that defines a general direction, area or sector where the ball should be hit if, for example, the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 hits the ball off of the batting tee BT after the batting tee BT is placed on or near the indicia or point of contact 40a. the other direction indicia 40b1-40i1 operate in substantially the same manner.

Thus, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i guide the player where to place the batting tee BT and provide guidance and training as to where the ball will or should go when hit from each of the locations. Thereafter, the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 positions himself or herself in the right-handed batter box area 16 and with his or her front foot FF generally positioned in the first foot landing zone 32 and if the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 hits the ball off of the batting tee BT, the ball should go toward or in the direction indicated by the direction indicia 40a1-40e1. The same holds true for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 and the general direction indicia 40f1, 40g1, 40c5 (described later), 40h1 and 40i1 and their respective indicia or point of contact 40f, 40g, 40c, 40h and 40i, respectively.

As mentioned earlier, note that each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i are comprised of multiple images or graphics that define a stadium graphic. In this regard, each plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprises the home plate graphic image or area 40a2-40i2, the infield graphic image or area 40a3-40i3, the outfield graphic image or area 40a4-40i4 and the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5A-5I. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates the indicia or point of contact 40a having the direction indicia 40a1 that indicates the right field (RF) sector or segment as mentioned earlier. The indicia or point of contact 40a further comprises the home plate graphic image or area 40a2, the infield graphic image or area 40a3 and the outfield graphic image or area 40a4, all of which cooperate to provide representation of a baseball field, and each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40b-40i also comprise similar graphics as shown in FIG. 3. The inventors have found that these graphics or indicia provide the batter with a visual graphic or image to help the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 understand where the ball will be hit in relation to the field.

FIGS. 5B-5I illustrate the other plurality of indicia or points of contact 40b-40i, respectively. These plurality of indicia or points of contact 40b-40i also comprise their respective home plate graphic image or area 40b2-40i2, the infield graphic image or area 40b3-40i3 and the outfield graphic image or area 40b4-40i4 and direction indicia 40a1-40i1, respectively.

It should be understood that each of the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 for the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, respectively, is enlarged relative to the stadium graphic of the entire stadium as represented by the images of the baseball stadium or field comprised of the infield area, such as infield graphic image or area 40a3 and the outfield graphic image or area 40a4. Also, each home plate image, such as home plate graphic image or area 40a2 for the indicia or point of contact 40a, is enlarged in scale relative to the images of the infield graphic image or area 40a3 and outfield graphic image or area 40a4. In the illustration being described, the home plate graphic image or area 40a2 is shown in combination with the infield graphic image or area 40a3 and outfield graphic image or area 40a4 for each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i , but it should be understood that any one of the home plate image, infield image or outfield image could be used either alone or in combination with the directional indicia 40a1.

Advantageously, each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprises at least one of the hitting deck graphics or indicia 40a2-40i2, 40a3-40i3 and 40a4-40i4, and each of the hitting deck graphics or indicia 40a2-40i2, 40a3-40i3 and 40a4-40i4 is unique because each comprises at least one of the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 for identifying the direction, area or sector of the baseball field where the ball should be hit if the batting tee BT is situated at or near the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i and the batter hits the ball off of the batting tee BT. As explained earlier, for example, if the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 places the batting tee BT at the indicia or point of contact 40a and hits a ball off the batting tee BT while the batting tee BT is on or near that indicia or point of contact 40a, it is expected that the ball will be driven toward right field (RF) as indicated by the direction indicia 40a1. Likewise, if the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 hits a ball off of the batting tee BT when the batting tee BT is situated on or near the indicia or point of contact 40g, then the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 would expect that the ball would travel toward the left center field (LC) as indicated by the direction indicia 40g1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5G.

It is important to note that the foot landing zones 32 and 34 (FIGS. 1-3D) facilitate improving the accuracy of the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 because they cause the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 to be positioned in a predetermined location relative to the hitting deck or mat 12 and the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i.

Another important feature and use of the color-coded direction indicia 40a1-40i1, is that the direction indicia 40a1, 40b1, 40c1, 40d1 and 40e1 comprise a first color for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and the direction indicia 40f1, 40g1, 40c1, 40h1 and 40i1 comprise a second color different from the first color for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. This facilitates providing at least one of or both the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 with visual guidance as to which of the predetermined indicia 40a-40i the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 should use, as well as where the ball will be hit as described earlier herein. In the illustration, the red direction indicia 40a1-40i1 identify indicia for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, whereas the blue direction indicia 40a1 -40i1 identify indicia for the left-side or left-handed hitter or batter P2. Note that these colors correspond to the colors defined by the color-coded right-side hitter graphic 44 and the color-coded left-side hitter graphic 46.

Regarding the indicia or point of contact 40c (FIG. 5C) which is associated with a front side 20a of the home plate 20, note that it has directional indicia 40c1 for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and direction indicia 40c5 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. The combination of the directional indicia 40c1 indicate to the right-side hitter that if a ball is hit off the batting tee BT that is situated generally on the indicia or point of contact 40c, it will be hit toward center field (CF). Likewise, the direction indicia 40c5 informs the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 that if a ball is hit of the batting tee BT situated on the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, it should be expected to travel toward the center field (CF) area.

In the embodiment being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 is an integral one-piece construction having the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i, with the directional indicia 40a1-40i1 integrally formed in the material comprising the hitting deck or mat 12. As mentioned earlier, at least one or a plurality of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i could be provided in a single decal or sticker or separate decals or stickers, for example, which could be applied to the hitting deck or mat 12. It should also be understood that features of the embodiments described herein, such as the plurality of indicia or points of contact could be printed, painted, embossed, drawn or otherwise applied to a hitting station, surface or area. For example, a stencil, template, die, mold, embosser or imprinter could be provided that is adapted to define or apply the predetermined pattern PP for applying the predetermined pattern PP directly to a surface, such as the turf, carpet, wood, ground, pavement, concrete or the like.

In the illustration being described, the hitting deck or mat 12 may comprise the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i in the predetermined pattern with the direction indicia 40a1-40i1, respectively, and without the interval, guide or placement system 21 described earlier herein. Alternatively, the interval, guide or placement system 21 could be used alone (i.e., without the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A or one of the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 or 24 may be used alone (i.e., without the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i) or in combination with the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i and with or without the direction indicia 40a1-40c1 or foot landing zones 32 and 34.

The method and process for training a batter to hit a ball to an area of a baseball field using the hitting deck system 10 will now be described. First, the hitting deck or mat 12 is provided and positioned on the surface 14, such as at an actual home plate area of a baseball field (not shown). The plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i are provided on the hitting deck or mat 12 as described earlier herein. The hitter or player P1 or P2 places the batting tee BT on one of the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. As mentioned earlier herein, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40e are intended for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, while the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40f, 40g, 40c, 40h and 40i are intended for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. The hitter or player P1 or P2 situates a lead foot or forward foot FF in the appropriate foot landing zone 32 or 34, depending on whether the hitter or player P1 or P2 is right-handed or left-handed, respectively. Once situated in the batting box area, either right-handed batter box area 16 for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or left-handed batter box area 18 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2, the hitter or player P1 or P2 is aligned or positioned relative to the hitting deck or mat 12 and the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. The hitter or player P1 or P2 can then swing a conventional baseball bat (not shown) and hit the baseball.

As mentioned earlier, the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 for the placement indicia being used, such as the direction indicia 40a1 for the indicia or point of contact 40a for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, will provide the hitter or player P1 with information as to where the ball should be hit. This facilitates training the hitter or player P1 to hit the ball to a desired area. For example, if the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 had placed the batting tee BT on the indicia or point of contact 40d, then the direction indicia 40d1 of indicia or point of contact 40d would indicate to the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 that the ball should be hit to left-center (LC) field. If, however, the hitter or player P1 hit the ball to a different area other than left-center (LC) field, such as toward third base, which is left of this area, then the hitter or player P1 would know that he “pulled” the hit, which can be an indication, for example, that the hitter or player P1 is “hanging back” on his right foot during the swing.

Advantageously, the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i comprises the direction indicia 40a1-40i1, respectively, for at least one or a plurality of the traditional areas of the baseball field as shown. For example, the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 may comprise a right field (RF) indicia for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, such as the direction indicia 40a1 in FIG. 5A, and a right field (RF) indicia for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2, such as direction indicia 40i1 in FIG. 5I, a right center (RC) field indicia for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1, such as direction indicia 40b1 in FIG. 5B, and a right center (RC) field indicia for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2, as indicated by direction indicia 40h1 in FIG. 5H. The center field (CF) indicia is provided by the direction indicia 40c1 (FIG. 5C) for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and 40c5 for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 as indicated in FIG. 5C. The left center (LC) field direction indicia 40d1 for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 is illustrated in FIG. 5D and direction indicia 40g1 (FIG. 5G) illustrates the left center (LC) field direction indicia for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2. The left field (LF) direction indicia for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 is illustrated as 40e1 of FIG. 5E and the left field (LF) direction indicia for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 is illustrated in FIG. 5F as 40f1. Advantageously, the direction indicia 40a1-40i1 may comprise at least one or all of the indicias mentioned and may cover the entire field from right field (RF), right center (RC) field, center field (CF), left center (LC) field and left field (LF) or some portion thereof.

Advantageously, the system and method described herein allows a hitter or player P2 or P2 to know where the baseball should be hit based on where it is pitched or based upon where the hitter or player P1 or P2 hits the ball, for example, off a batting tee BT. In one embodiment the hitting deck or mat 12 could be provided with only predetermined plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i in a predetermined pattern, such as the X pattern shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The hitting deck system 10 could be provided for at least one or both of the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2 or as is shown and described herein a unique and ambidextrous hitting deck or mat 12 that can be used by both right and left-side hitters, thereby eliminating the need to provide multiple mats (i.e., one for the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 and one for the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2.

Another advantageous feature of the embodiments being described is that the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 and the foot landing zones 32 and 34 show the hitter or player P1 or P2 exactly where to place his or her foot each time they get into the batter box area 16 or 18. The interval, guide or placement system 21 defined by the at least one first and second scales or rulers 22 and 24 facilitate training the hitter or player P1 or P2 to consistently place his or her feet a predetermined or desired distance apart and at a predetermined position relative to home plate 20 and the plurality of indicia or points of contact 40a-40i. Further advantageous features include the following features that may be taken alone or in any combination:

    • The interval, guide or placement system 21 that allows a hitter or player P1 or P2 to know the precise distance between a forward foot (FF) and a trailing foot (TF).
    • The numeric interval, guide or placement system 21 that identifies the exact distance between a forward foot (FF) and a trailing foot (TF) when lining up in the batter box area 16 or 18.
    • The interval, guide or placement system 21 on both sides of the hitting deck or mat 12, allows a hitter or player P1 or P2 from either right or left side to use this one hitting deck or mat 12 (ambidextrous).
    • The numeric interval, guide or placement system 21 on both sides of the hitting deck or mat 12, allows a hitter or player P1 or P2 from either right or left side to use this one hitting deck or mat 12 (ambidextrous).
    • The color coded area on an interval, guide or placement system 21 comprising the foot landing zones 32, 34 that allows a hitter or player P1 or P2 to know where the forward foot (FF) should be placed.
    • The color coded area on a numeric interval, guide or placement system 21 comprising the foot landing zones 32, 34 that allows a hitter or player P1 or P2 to know where the forward foot (FF) should be placed.
    • The dual interval, guide or placement system 21 (FIG. 1), running on both sides of the hitting deck or mat 12 (ambidextrous).
    • The dual numeric interval, guide or placement system 21 having numeric scales 26, 28 running on both sides of the hitting deck or mat 12 (ambidextrous).
    • The “X” pattern to identify the entire hitting zone from both right and left sides of the home plate 20 (ambidextrous)
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i that serves two purposes, by showing the tee placement and the location the ball should be hit based on the unique tee placement.
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i that serves two purposes, by showing the tee placement and the location the ball should be hit using a color coded system.
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i using an enlarged home plate 20 self-contained within the image of an entire baseball stadium.
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i using a self-contained stadium graphic.
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i using an enlarged home plate 20.
    • The custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i using an enlarged home plate 20 combined with a self-contained piece of art that identifies an entire baseball field.
    • The self contained custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i that indicates the locations to hit to each area of the field for both the right-side or right-handed hitter or player P1 or the left-side or left-handed hitter or player P2, such as left field (LF), center field (CF), right center (RC) field and right field (RF).
    • The self-contained custom graphic or plurality of indicia 40a-40i that indicates the dual nature of a tee placement in the middle of the contact zone, showing that the ball should be hit to center field (CF) from both right and left side of the home plate 20.

Another embodiment of the invention may comprise an applicator for providing or defining a batting trainer, the applicator comprising a device for creating or adapting a surface to have a plurality of indicia or points of contact for training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of a direction, area or sector. The applicator is at least one of a die, mold, embosser, imprinter, template or stencil. As with prior embodiments, the plurality of indicia or points of contact comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of a field where the ball should be hit by at least one of the right-side hitter or the left-side hitter. This graphic sector may be color codes. Also, the graphic sector may comprise a first color for the right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein the first and second colors are different. Each of the plurality of indicia or points of contact may comprise a stadium graphic of a baseball field and a direction indicia identify the direction, area or sector of the baseball field where the ball should be hit.

While the system, apparatus and method herein described constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise system, apparatus and method, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising:

a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, said hitting deck mat having a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement locations adapted to identify or define a plurality of points of contact, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed; and
each of said plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be hit if said hitter hits said ball off of said batting tee after said batting tee is placed on or near one of said plurality of tee placement or points of contacts locations;
said plurality of indicia being arranged in a predetermined pattern to facilitate training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of said direction, area or sector.

2. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said direction indicia comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of the field where said ball should be hit by said hitter.

3. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 2 wherein said graphic sector is color coded.

4. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 3 wherein said graphic sector comprises a first color for said right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

5. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 3 wherein said graphic sector is integrally formed or applied to said hitting deck mat.

6. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a stadium graphic of a baseball field and said direction indicia identify said direction, area or sector of said baseball field where said ball should be hit.

7. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises an enlarged home plate graphic.

8. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 6 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a home plate graphic that is enlarged relative to said stadium graphic.

9. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a stadium graphic comprising an enlarged home plate self an image of an entire baseball field when combined indicate a point of contact within the entire contact or hitting zone.

10. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of indicia comprises a right field indicia, right center field indicia, center field indicia, left center field indicia and left field indicia for at least one of said right-side hitter or said left-side hitter.

11. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 10 wherein said plurality of indicia comprises a right field indicia, right center field indicia, center field indicia, left center field indicia and left field indicia for both of said right-side hitter or said left-side hitter.

12. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hitting mat comprises an image of a home plate with said predetermined pattern of said plurality of indicia being arranged relative thereto, said predetermined pattern defined to provide an entire hitting or contact zone to train at least one of said right-side hitter or left-side hitter to hit the ball to at least one of right field, right center field, center field, left center field and left field.

13. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 12 wherein said predetermined pattern is defined such that said plurality of indicia are arranged to provide an entire hitting or contact zone to train both said right-side hitter and left-side hitter to hit the ball to at least one of right field, right center field, center field, left center field and left field.

14. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 12 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

15. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 13 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

16. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

17. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hitting deck mat further comprises an interval system adapted to define an interval or distance between said hitter's feet.

18. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hitting deck mat further comprises an interval system that identifies a distance or position between a hitter's feet when said hitter is using said hitting deck mat.

19. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 18 wherein said interval system comprises at least one scale, ruler or indicia located in proximate relationship to at least one of a first side or a second side of said hitting deck mat.

20. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 19 wherein said at least one scale, ruler or indicia comprises a foot landing zone adapted to guide said hitter where to land or place at least one foot.

21. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 20 wherein said foot landing zone is adapted to guide said hitter to land or place a lead or forward foot and is color coded for at least one of a right-side hitter or a left-side hitter.

22. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 18 wherein said interval system comprises at least one first scale, ruler or indicia associated with a first side and at least one second scale, ruler or indicia associated with at least one second side.

23. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 22 wherein said interval system comprises at least one first scale, ruler or indicia located in proximate relationship to a first side of said hitting deck mat and at least one second scale, ruler or indicia located in proximate relationship to a second side of said hitting deck mat.

24. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 23 wherein each foot landing zone is color coded for at least one of a right-side hitter or a left-side hitter.

25. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 19 wherein said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia each comprise a foot landing zone adapted to guide said hitter to land or place at least one foot.

26. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 20 wherein said foot landing zone is adapted to guide said hitter to land or place a lead or forward foot and is color coded for at least one of a right-side hitter or a left-side hitter.

27. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 22 wherein said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia are numeric rulers.

28. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 22 wherein said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia are numeric rulers.

29. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 17 wherein said hitting deck mat further comprises an interval system that identifies a distance or position between a hitter's feet when said hitter is standing in hitting relationship to said hitting deck mat.

30. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 1 wherein said hitting deck mat is a one-piece integral construction made of polyisoprene.

31. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 23 wherein said hitting deck mat comprises a home plate graphic of a baseball home plate, said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia becoming generally aligned with a first side of said home plate and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia becoming generally aligned with a second side of said home plate.

32. A hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising:

a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, and
said hitting deck mat further comprising an interval system adapted to define an interval or distance between said hitter's feet.

33. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said interval system comprises at least one scale, ruler or indicia located in proximate relationship to at least one of a first side or a second side of said hitting deck mat.

34. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 33 wherein said at least one scale, ruler or indicia comprises a foot landing zone adapted to guide said hitter where to land or place at least one foot.

35. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 34 wherein each foot landing zone is color coded for at least one of a right-side batter or a left-side batter.

36. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 34 wherein said foot landing zone is adapted to guide said hitter to land or place a lead or forward foot of said hitter and is color coded for at least one of a right-side batter or a left-side batter.

37. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said interval system comprises at least one first scale, ruler or indicia associated with a first side of said hitting deck mat for a right-side hitter and at least one second scale, ruler or indicia associated with at least one second side of said hitting deck mat for a left-side hitter.

38. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 37 wherein said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia each comprise a foot landing zone adapted to guide said hitter to land or place at least one foot.

39. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 38 wherein said foot landing zone is adapted to guide said hitter to land or place a lead or forward foot and is color coded for at least one of said right-side batter or said left-side batter.

40. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 37 wherein said at least one first scale, ruler or indicia and said at least one second scale, ruler or indicia are numeric rulers.

41. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said interval system is a numeric ruler associated with at least one side of said hitting deck mat.

42. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said interval system comprises a first numeric ruler associated with a first side of said hitting deck mat and a second numeric ruler associated with a second side of said hitting deck mat.

43. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 42 wherein said first numeric ruler is associated with said first side for a right-side hitter and said second numeric ruler is associated with said second side for a left-side hitter.

44. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 42 wherein said hitting deck mat comprises a home plate graphic of a baseball home plate, said numeric ruler becoming generally aligned with a first side of said home plate and said second numeric ruler becoming generally aligned with a second side of said baseball home plate.

45. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 41 wherein said hitting deck mat further comprises a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement locations or points of contact, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed each of said plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be contacted if said hitter hits a ball off of said batting tee after said batting tee is placed on or near one of said plurality of tee placement or points of contact locations;

said plurality of indicia being arranged in a predetermined pattern to facilitate training at least one of a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of said direction, area or sector.

46. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 42 wherein said hitting deck mat further comprises a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement locations or points of contact, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed each of said plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be hit if said hitter contacts or hits a ball off of said batting tee after said batting tee is placed on or near one of said plurality of tee placement or points of contact locations;

said plurality of indicia being arranged in a predetermined pattern to facilitate training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of said direction, area or sector, said predetermined pattern being located between said first and second numeric rulers.

47. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 45 wherein said direction indicia comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of the field where said ball should be hit by said batter.

48. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 47 wherein said graphic sector is color coded.

49. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 48 wherein said graphic sector comprises a first color for a right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

50. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 47 wherein said graphic sector is integrally formed or applied to said hitting deck mat.

51. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 46 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a stadium graphic of a baseball field and said direction indicia identify said direction, area or sector of said baseball field where said ball should be hit.

52. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 47 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises an enlarged home plate graphic.

53. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 51 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a home plate graphic that is enlarged relative to said stadium graphic, wherein when combined form a point of contact and directional graphic.

54. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 47 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a stadium graphic comprising an enlarged home plate and an image of an entire baseball field, wherein when combined form a point of contact and directional graphic.

55. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 47 wherein said plurality of indicia comprises a first indicia comprising a right field indicia, a second indicia comprising a right center field indicia, a third indicia comprising a center field indicia, a fourth indicia comprising a left center field indicia and a fifth indicia comprising a left field indicia for at least one of said right-side batter or said left-side batter.

56. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 46 wherein said plurality of indicia comprises a first indicia comprising a right field indicia, a second indicia comprising a right center field indicia, a third indicia comprising a center field indicia, a fourth indicia comprising a left center field indicia and a fifth indicia comprising a left field indicia for each of said right-side batter or said left-side batter.

57. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said hitting mat comprises an image of a home plate with a predetermined pattern of a plurality of indicia being arranged relative thereto, said predetermined pattern defined to provide an entire contact or hitting zone to train both a right-side hitter or a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of right field, right center field, center field, left center field and left field.

58. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 57 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

59. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein said hitting deck system further comprises a batting tee for use in combination with said hitting deck mat.

60. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 45 wherein said hitting deck system further comprises a batting tee for use in combination with said hitting deck mat.

61. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 32 wherein the plurality of indicia are provided in the form of a stencil.

62. A hitting deck system for training a hitter, comprising:

a hitting deck mat for placing on a surface, said hitting deck mat having a plurality of indicia adapted to identify a plurality of tee placement or points of contact locations, respectively, where a batting tee can be placed; and
each of said plurality of indicia each comprise a direction indicia indicating a general direction, area or sector where a ball should be hit if said hitter hits a ball off of said batting tee after said batting tee is placed on or near one of said plurality of tee placement locations;
said direction indicia comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of the field where said ball should be hit by said hitter.

63. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein said graphic sector is color coded.

64. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 63 wherein said graphic sector comprises a first color for a right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

65. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein said graphic sector is integrally formed or applied to said hitting deck mat.

66. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a point of contact and directional graphic of a baseball field and said direction indicia identify said direction, area or sector of said baseball field where said ball should be hit.

67. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises an enlarged home plate graphic.

68. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprises a point of contact and directional graphic comprising an enlarged home plate with an image of an entire baseball field.

69. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein said plurality of indicia comprises a right field indicia, right center field indicia, center field indicia, left center field indicia and left field indicia for at least one of a right-side batter or a left-side batter.

70. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 64 wherein said hitting mat comprises an image of a home plate with a predetermined pattern of said plurality of indicia being arranged relative thereto, said predetermined pattern defined to provide an entire contact or hitting zone to train at least one of said right-side hitter or left-side hitter to hit the ball to at least one of right field, right center field, center field, left center field and left field.

71. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein a predetermined pattern is defined such that said plurality of indicia are arranged to provide an entire contact or hitting zone to train both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit the ball to at least one of right field, right center field, center field, left center field and left field.

72. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 70 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

73. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 70 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

74. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 70 wherein said predetermined pattern is an X pattern of said plurality of indicia.

75. The hitting deck system as recited in claim 62 wherein said hitting deck mat comprises an interval system indicia located on or integral with said hitting deck mat.

76. A hitting deck graphic for use with a hitting deck, comprising:

a home plate graphic of a home plate; and
a stadium graphic of a baseball field associated with or juxtaposed to said home plate graphic.

77. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 76 and further comprising:

a direction indicia for identifying a direction, area or sector of said baseball field.

78. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 76 wherein said point of contact and directional graphic of said home plate is enlarged relative stadium graphic of said baseball field.

79. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 78 wherein said enlarged home plate with an image of an entire baseball field.

80. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 77 wherein said direction indicia comprises at least one of the following: a first indicia comprising a right field indicia, a second indicia comprising a right center field indicia, a third indicia comprising a center field indicia, a fourth indicia comprising a left center field indicia or a fifth indicia comprising a left field.

81. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 80 wherein said third indicia comprising a center field indicia, comprises a plurality of segments or sectors adapted for both a right-side batter or a left-side batter.

82. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 80 wherein said direction indicia is formed in a sector, area or segment associated with an area of the baseball field.

83. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 80 wherein the direction indicia comprises a first color for a right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

84. The hitting deck graphic as recited in claim 82 wherein said sector is integrally formed or applied to said hitting deck.

85. A method for training a batter to hit a ball to an area of a baseball field, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a hitting deck for positioning on a surface;
providing a plurality of locations on said hitting deck for the batter to place a batting tee;
enabling said batter to position his feet at a predetermined interval relative to said hitting deck;
providing a plurality of indicia at said plurality of locations, respectively, each of said plurality of indicia identifying an area on said hitting deck where a batting tee may be placed.

86. The method as recited in claim 85 wherein each of said plurality of indicia comprise direction indicia adapted to show or train at least one of a right-side hitter or a left-side hitter a location on the baseball field where a ball will be hit if the ball is hit off said batting tee when that batting tee is place where the indicia is located on said hitting deck.

87. The method as recited in claim 86 wherein said plurality of indicia each comprise a sector representation of a portion of the baseball field.

88. The method as recited in claim 87 wherein said sector representation is color coded.

89. A batting station comprising:

a surface; and
a plurality of indicia or points of contact applied to or embodied in said surface for training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of a direction, area or sector.

90. The batting station as recited in claim 89 wherein said plurality of indicia or points of contact comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of the field where said ball should be hit by at least one of said right-side hitter or said left-side hitter.

91. The batting station as recited in claim 90 wherein said graphic sector is color coded.

92. The batting station as recited in claim 91 wherein said graphic sector comprises a first color for said right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

93. The batting station as recited in claim 89 wherein each of said plurality of indicia or points of contact comprises a stadium graphic of a baseball field and a direction indicia identify said direction, area or sector of said baseball field where said ball should be hit.

94. An applicator for providing or defining a batting trainer, said applicator comprising:

a device for creating or adapting a surface to have a plurality of indicia or points of contact for training both a right-side hitter and a left-side hitter to hit a ball to at least one of a direction, area or sector.

95. The applicator as recited in claim 94 wherein said device is at least one of a die, mold, embosser, imprinter, template or stencil.

96. The applicator as recited in claim 94 wherein said plurality of indicia or points of contact comprises a graphic sector that visually represents an area of a field where said ball should be hit by at least one of said right-side hitter or said left-side hitter

97. The applicator as recited in claim 96 wherein said graphic sector is color coded.

98. The applicator as recited in claim 97 wherein said graphic sector comprises a first color for said right-side hitter and a second color for a left-side hitter, wherein said first and second colors are different.

99. The applicator as recited in claim 94 wherein each of said plurality of indicia or points of contact comprises a stadium graphic of a baseball field and a direction indicia identify said direction, area or sector of said baseball field where said ball should be hit.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150290515
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 15, 2014
Publication Date: Oct 15, 2015
Inventors: Andrew John Menard (Sarasota, FL), Andrew Beattie (Sarasota, FL)
Application Number: 14/253,290
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101); A63B 71/06 (20060101);