Method of using a forming grid with a fielding practice bat

Abstract

A fielding practice bat is disclosed having a frame, preferably U-shaped, integrally connecting a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the fielding practice bat has a length, weight and balance equivalent to a conventional baseball bat. The head portion is generally tear-drop in shape and has a width no greater than 12 inches. In addition, the head portion is interwoven with a plurality of main strands of elastic tubing and a plurality of cross strands of elastic tubing. In the preferred embodiment, a single piece of elastic tubing comprises the main strands and cross stands of elastic tubing wherein the piece of elastic tubing is woven through holes in the frame. A forming grid is also disclosed comprising a matrix of cells. The forming grid is used with the fielding practice bat by stringing the head portion of the fielding practice bat with one or more first strands, laying the forming grid over the one or more first strands, and weaving one or more second strands through the forming grid thereby securing the forming grid to the head surface of the fielding practice bat. The main and cross strands of the fielding practice bat are interwoven through the cells of the forming grid such that each cell contains a single intersection between a main strand and a cross strand, thereby dampening the vibration of the strands upon contact with the ball.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.