Bunt master

Abstract

The main features of this invention are the patented finger grips and the catching net. The finger grips are designed to provide consistent hand/finger placement on the bat while bunting. The net enables the individual who is bunting to receive instant feedback as to the success or failure of the bunt. If the bunt is successful, the batter will have caught the ball in the net. The bat's weight and length are the same as used in the game of baseball. As the batter continues to improve with this invention, their muscle memory will develop making them a better bunter. Since the bat uses plastic balls, the net also allows the bat to be used indoors without increased risk of household damage. The net can also hold several small plastic balls simultaneously which will save time and increase the number of practice bunts a player can take in a desired time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]U.S. Patent Documents1)3,268,226 8 / 1966Martino273 / 26 B2)D0351,86810 / 1994PendergrassD21 / 725Non U.S. Patent Sources3)Leland Bunt Sock Training Aid:http: / / www.onlinesports.com / pages / I,MW-SJBUNT1.html4)The Bunt Cup: http: / / www.bunt-cup.com / 5)SSK Bunt Trainer:http: / / www.wasupply.com / EADINhome.aspx?SearchText=ShowSelected&T1=TRB60ASTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]In baseball, bunting the ball is an offensive maneuver utilized by the batter. The goal of a bunt is to minimize the distance the ball travels. This is accomplished in three steps. First the batter must “square around”. By this, he must pivot on the front foot and slide the back foot up a few inches. The shoulders are almost square to the plate. Next, he must hold the bat so it is parallel with the front of the plate; the height of the handle is lower than the bat head. The batter's top hand is then slid up ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The bat is designed with finger grips to ensure consistent finger placement. It also incorporates a net to “receive the ball”. This will help teach them to catch or receive the ball instead of pushing or swinging at it. The net provides the batter with instant feedback on each and every attempt. If the ball is caught in the net, then they have made contact with the ball at the desired location using proper mechanics.

[0014]It is designed to be used with plastic balls of varied size. Small balls provide better hand-eye coordination development. Because it catches the ball instead of hitting it, and utilizes plastic balls for the delivery method, this design can be used indoors year round or during inclement weather as well as outdoors.

Problems solved by technology

Lastly, the batter has to make contact with the ball using the head or top part of the bat.

While coaching, I have noticed many of the kids do not know how to bunt, or do not consistently use proper technique.

Unfortunately, in baseball, when it comes to working on offensive skills, the emphasis has been focused on how to hit the ball.

As a result, the ability to effectively bunt appears to have become a lost art.

However, if they spend even 30 minutes in an entire season being shown how to and working on the mechanics of bunting, I would be surprised.

Twisting will affect the bat placement causing you to miss the ball.

By having the ability to transfer the cup from bat to bat, the user could easily put it in the wrong location, thus teaching improper placement.

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