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  Ball hitting stance training deviceUSPTO Application #: 20060142099Title: Ball hitting stance training device Abstract: A ball hitting stance training device (1) having a top surface (12), which is preferably covered with an abrasive top surface material (2), preferably turf, having a target area (3) for placement of the stride foot, and a bottom surface (13). Support elements (7) having a plurality of spikes (6) are secured to the bottom surface (13) in order to raise the ball hitting stance training device (1) above the ground and keep the ball hitting stance training device (1) from sliding on the ground. The top surface (12) may have a handle opening (4) for easy transportability and a storage opening (5) for hanging the ball hitting stance training device (1) on a wall. An optional removable batting tee (8) and audio feedback device (10) may also be included on the ball hitting stance training device (1). (end of abstract)
Agent: Edward M. Livingston, Pa - Naples, FL, US Inventor: Douglas Trucks USPTO Applicaton #: 20060142099 - Class: 473452000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game In Which Play Involves Base Running (e.g., For Baseball, Cricket, Etc.), Foot Positioner (e.g., Stance, Stride Device, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060142099. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to ball hitting stance training devices, more particularly, a ball hitting stance training device that teaches proper body form when a person is up to bat. [0002] As in almost every sport, proper form and technique is essential to succeeding; baseball is no exception. In baseball, a comfortable stance and a proper loading phase are the key elements in successfully hitting the ball. [0003] For a batter to develop batting skills, it is necessary that he or she learn a proper stance with respect to the home plate, a proper stride toward the pitcher's mound, the proper landing position for the stride foot as he or she swings the bat at the pitched ball and the ability to maintain his or her balance both during and after the swing of the bat. [0004] When getting into the proper stance, the batter must have good plate coverage, maintain a depth in the batters box which emphasizes the strengths of the batter and have either an open, closed or square batting stance. Although most hitting coaches prefer the square batting stance wherein the batter's feet are parallel to the plate, a batter may find the open or closed stance more beneficial. [0005] Perhaps more importantly, however, a batter must maintain the proper balance while in his or her stance and keeping the proper balance throughout the swing. When the batter begins his or her swing, which is referred to as "the loading phase", the batter will slightly take his or hands back toward his or her back shoulder at shoulder height. [0006] The loading phase begins with the batter's stride, which is the step he or she takes with his or her leading foot (the foot nearest the pitcher's mound as the batter stands facing home plate) away from his or her stationary pivot foot toward the back of the pitchers' mound to generate momentum towards the ball. [0007] It is imperative that the stride foot move toward the pitcher, rather than towards third base. If the batter steps away from the imaginary line between his or her rear foot and the pitcher's plate towards third base, his or her bat coverage of the plate is reduced and he or she loses his or her ability to hit pitches in the middle or outer half of the plate because the batter's weight is shifted away from the hitting zone, thereby reducing his or her power. Additionally, the batter is in an exposed, unprotected position in the event a pitch hits the batter. With the proper stride toward the pitcher, the batter is in a position to turn his or her back and buttocks to the pitcher in the event the batter anticipates a pitch hitting him or her. [0008] In addition, it is also imperative that when the stride foot lands on the ground the toe is pointed toward the plate. The position of the feet, specifically the lead foot, is the key to a good swing. With the stride foot moving toward the pitcher and the toe pointed toward the plate when the foot touches the ground, the batter's shoulders are properly aligned and the batter's weight is balanced as the hips turn, leading to the focusing of the batter's energy thorough the bat and into the strike zone. [0009] On the other hand, if the toes are pointed toward the pitcher when the stride foot lands or the batter has stepped toward third base, rather than in a line toward the pitcher's mound, the front shoulder begins to open too soon, causing the batter's weight to move away from the strike zone and toward the batter's heels. The batter's weight, therefore, is not balanced over his or her original stance and, as a result, the batter is not in a position to strike the ball with maximum force in the strike zone. Additionally, the batter is, once again, in an exposed position with respect to pitches which may hit him or her. [0010] Thus, the proper stance, stride and balance are the key elements to successful hitting. However, many batters find it difficult to master the proper stance and loading phase, even after much training and practice. [0011] In addition, the proper landing position for the stride as the batter swings at a pitched ball and the ability to maintain his or her balance both during and after the swing of the bat are essential in delivering a good swing. [0012] Thus, there exists the need for a device which teaches proper body form and stance when a person is preparing to bat a baseball. [0013] The relevant prior art includes the following patents: TABLE-US-00001 Patent No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor Issue/Publication Date 5,385,343 Davis, Sr. 01-31-1995 4,194,735 Wilson 03-25-1980 6,422,872 Outlaw 07-23-2002 6,500,078 Williams et al. 12-31-2002 5,226,865 Chin 07-13-1993 5,645,511 Le Roux et al. 07-08-1997 5,158,512 Irwin et al. 10-27-1992 5,037,094 Johnson 08-06-1991 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that teaches proper body form for a batter. [0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that is easy to use. [0016] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that is sturdy. [0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that is lightweight. [0018] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that is easy to carry. [0019] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a ball hitting stance training device that is easy to store. [0020] The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a ball hitting stance training device comprised of a raised planar board having a stride foot target area on the top of the board. The targeted area provides the proper reference point for the stride foot. An optional batting tee and an optional audio feedback device further provide instruction as to proper batting technique. [0021] To use the present invention, the user places the ball hitting stance training device on the ground such that it is perpendicular to the pitching mound and parallel to home plate. Then, the user steps onto the board and positions his or her feet within the target and swings at a pitch. If the user has an unbalanced swing technique or an incorrect stride, he or she will fall off the board. [0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. Continue reading... Full patent description for Ball hitting stance training device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Ball hitting stance training device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Ball hitting stance training device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Golf ball Next Patent Application: Durable high performance hockey stick Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Ball hitting stance training device patent info. 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