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Angled hitting stand apparatus and method

Angled hitting stand apparatus and method description/claims

This document is a non-provisional patent application which is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/951,654, entitled “Angled Hitting Stand,” filed on Jul. 24, 2007, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

The present invention technically relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating ball-hitting practice. More particularly, the present invention technically relates to apparatuses and methods for facilitating batting practice. Even more particularly, the present invention technically relates to systems and methods for apparatuses and methods for facilitating batting practice with respect to a plurality of user heights, user arm lengths, and user arm or hand dominances.

The currently existing related art involves several apparatuses and methods for facilitating ball-hitting practice. Most conventionally, standard batting tees have a baseball or softball placed on top of a static vertical post. This related art arrangement is insufficiently ergonomic and, thus, does not promote rapid improvement of a user's game.

One such related art batter swing-training apparatus includes a ground frame section with a forward restraint and a ball tee. Another apparatus is a batting tee in which the mount for the ball is disposed lower than the other components for providing a level swing. Several other related art apparatuses involve a set of predetermined lines shown on a base.

The present invention provides a solution to the foregoing problems in an apparatus and corresponding methods for facilitating hitting practice with respect to a plurality of user heights, user arm lengths, and user arm dominances. The present invention angled hitting stand apparatus generally involves an operative combination of the following elements: a base having a tap hole for accommodating at least one fastening element; a cap having a seating feature and having at least one tap hole for correspondingly accommodating the at least one other fastening element; a lower elongated member having proximal and distal ends and at least one tap hole; an upper elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the upper elongated member proximal end being in telescoping relation with the lower elongated member distal end for accommodating a height of a user, the upper elongated member distal end having a ball-receiving portion, the ball-receiving portion comprising at least one feature, such as an angled cut-away and a beveled cut-away; an angling adapter for accommodating the lower elongated member proximal end, the angling adapter being in rotatable relation to the seating feature for accommodating an arm-length and arm-dominance of the user, the adapter having at least one recessed portion for facilitating angling of the apparatus in relation to the user and having at least one tap hole for accommodating at least one fastening element, in accordance with the present invention. The foregoing elements are operatively related in a manner which facilitates correct physical mechanics, i.e., ergonomically encouraging hitting from a swing slot region during a swing as employed by the user.

The present invention also generally involves a method of fabricating an angled hitting stand apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing a base having a tap hole for accommodating at least one fastening element; a cap having a seating feature and having at least one tap hole for correspondingly accommodating the at least one other fastening element; providing a lower elongated member having proximal and distal ends and at least one tap hole; providing an upper elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the upper elongated member proximal end being in telescoping relation with the lower elongated member distal end for accommodating a height of a user, the upper elongated member distal end having a ball-receiving portion, the ball-receiving portion comprising at least one feature, such as an angled cut-away and a beveled cut-away; and providing an angling adapter for accommodating the lower elongated member proximal end, the angling adapter being in rotatable relation to the seating feature for accommodating an arm-length and arm-dominance of the user, the adapter having at least one recessed portion for facilitating angling of the apparatus in relation to the user and having at least one tap hole for accommodating at least one fastening element, in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention also involves a corresponding method of facilitating hitting, i.e., training, by way of an angled hitting stand apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing angled hitting stand apparatus; placing a ball in the ball-receiving portion of the apparatus, thereby presenting the ball at an angle in a range of approximately 38 degrees to approximately 42 degrees, and thereby providing a proper swinging condition to the user by ergonomically encouraging the user to be properly disposed in relation to a swing slot region; striding toward the ball with a leading foot of the user; opening a leading hip of the user; pulling a knob of the bat toward the ball; holding a leading arm across the front of the user's body; bending the trailing arm and maintaining it proximate a midsection of the user; bending an elbow of the user at an angle of approximately a 45 degrees; and properly swinging the bat at the ball by the user, thereby moving the trailing arm into the swing slot region, the swing slot region being disposed between the user's midsection and the bat.

Advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, providing hitting and batting training to users of all sizes and arm dominances (left-handed, right-handed, or ambidextrous). Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent, in the section entitled “Mode(s) for Carrying-Out the Invention,” disclosed, infra.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing(s). Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawing(s).

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an angled hitting stand apparatus, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an angled hitting stand apparatus, wherein the apparatus accommodates right-handed users, left-handed users, as well as an ambidextrous users, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 a perspective view of an angled hitting stand apparatus in use, wherein the apparatus accommodates right-handed users, left-handed users, as well as an ambidextrous users, in accordance with the present invention.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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