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US 2014/0228156 A1Published application
Batting Practice Apparatus
AssigneeStrike Tec System, LLC
InventorDavid Riggle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A batting practice apparatus is arranged with a handle to be grasped by one person so a second person can practice hitting a ball, wherein the person grasping the apparatus positions the ball in a desired location and, when the second person strikes the ball with a bat, the kinetic energy associated with hitting the ball is dissipated, and the ball travels a reduced distance after being struck without having to pursue the ball a significant distance to retrieve it.
Claims25
A batting practice apparatus, comprising:
- a substantially hollow body member having an inner surface, a handle, a first opening distal to the handle, and a second opening proximal to the handle;
- a string having a first segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member longitudinally, a second segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the first opening, and a third segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the second opening;
- and a plunger positioned within the hollow body member and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the plunger;
- wherein the plunger, the hollow body member, and the string are operationally engaged to cause compression of the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string in the first direction, thereby increasing the diameter of the plunger and producing increased friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the hollow body member.
1 more element
A batting practice apparatus, comprising:
- a substantially hollow body member having an inner surface, a handle, a first opening distal to the handle, and a second opening proximal to the handle;
- a string having a first segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member longitudinally, a second segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the first opening, and a third segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the second opening;
- a plunger positioned within the hollow body member and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the plunger;
- and a compressing member positioned within the hollow body member between the plunger and the handle, and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the compressing member;
- wherein the compressing member is configured to contact and compress the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string in the first direction, the pulling force being exerted by the movement of a ball that is directly or indirectly attached to the string, such that through compression the diameter of the plunger increases producing increased friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the hollow body member.
2 more elements
A batting practice apparatus, comprising:
- a substantially hollow body member having an inner surface, a handle, and at least one opening positioned distal to the handle;
- a string having a first segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member longitudinally, and a second segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the at least one opening;
- and a plunger positioned within the hollow body member and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the plunger;
- wherein the plunger, the hollow body member, and the string are operationally engaged to cause compression of the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string in the first direction, thereby increasing the diameter of the plunger and producing increased friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the hollow body member.
1 more element
A batting practice apparatus, comprising:
- a substantially hollow body member having an inner surface, a handle, and at least one opening positioned distal to the handle;
- a string having a first segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member longitudinally, and a second segment protruding out of the hollow body member from the at least one opening;
- a plunger positioned within the hollow body member and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the plunger;
- and at least one compressing member positioned within the hollow body member between the plunger and the handle, and operatively engaged with the first segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the compressing member;
- wherein the compressing member is configured to contact and compress the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string in the first direction, the pulling force being exerted by the movement of a ball that is directly or indirectly attached to the string, such that through compression the diameter of the plunger increases producing increased friction between the plunger and the inner surface of the hollow body member.
2 more elements
A plunger for a batting practice apparatus having a hollow body member with an inner surface, a handle, a first opening distal to the handle, and a second opening proximal to the handle;
- and a string having a segment traversing an interior hollow space of the hollow body member longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening, the plunger comprising:
- an object formed from compressible material of lesser hardness than the inner surface of the hollow body member, of a size appropriate for positioning within the interior hollow space of the hollow body member, and configured for insertion of the string therethrough;
- wherein the plunger is operatively engaged with the segment of string, such that a pulling force exerted on the string in a first direction is translated to the plunger;
- and
- wherein the plunger, the hollow body member, and the string are operationally engaged to cause compression of the plunger when the pulling force is exerted on the string.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.