Training device for batting and pitching

Abstract

A baseball training device for use in improving batting and/or pitching skills, particularly launching skills while batting and avoid rushing while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the knee of a wearer and forming a loop, and a signaling device secured to the elongated member, the signaling device adapted to generate a signal when the knee of the wearer with the training device bends that knee toward the other knee of the wearer.

It is claimed:  
     
         1 . A baseball training device for use in improving batting and/or pitching skills, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the knee of a wearer and forming a loop, and a signaling device secured to the elongated member, the signaling device adapted to generate a signal when the knee of the wearer with the training device bends that knee toward the other knee of the wearer.  
     
     
         2 . A baseball training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device includes upper band adapted to be about the thigh portion of the leg just above the knee of a wearer and lower band adapted to be about the calf portion of the leg just below the knee of a wearer.  
     
     
         3 . A baseball training device according to  claim 2 , wherein the device includes a flange extending from upper band and a flange extending from lower band and, an extension adjustably secured to each flange, each extension carrying an angle sensor, the extensions arranged to contact each other at desired angles of the knee.  
     
     
         4 . A baseball training device according to  claim 3 , wherein the angle sensor includes an electrical contact.  
     
     
         5 . A baseball training device according to  claim 1 , wherein contact of the angle sensor carried by one extension with the angle sensor of the other extension completes an electrical circuit and thereby generates a signal.  
     
     
         6 . A baseball training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle sensor includes a projection.  
     
     
         7 . A baseball training device according to  claim 6 , wherein contact of the angle sensor carried by one extension with the angle sensor of the other extension mechanically generates an audible sound.  
     
     
         8 . A baseball training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device includes a step device comprising a generally planar pad and, secured to the pad, a sensor device adapted to generate a signal when impacted by a user.  
     
     
         9 . A baseball training step device for use in improving batting skills and/or pitching skills, the step device comprising a generally planar pad and, secured to the pad, a sensor device adapted to generate a signal when impacted by a user.  
     
     
         10 . A baseball training step device according to  claim 9 , wherein the sensor device includes a sound generator and a foot-actuated pressure switch for activating the sound generator.  
     
     
         11 . A baseball training step device according to  claim 10 , wherein the pad is a resilient pad and includes recesses containing the sound generator and pressure switch.  
     
     
         12 . A baseball training step device according to  claim 11 , further including a power source interconnected with the pressure switch and the sound generator.  
     
     
         13 . A baseball training step device according to  claim 11 , further including a layer of wear resistant material overlying and covering the recess.  
     
     
         14 . A baseball training method for use in improving baseball skills, the method comprising providing a knee sensor device about the knee of a wearer and a pad device adjacent to the wearer, engaging in baseball activities while wearing the knee sensor device set to provide a signal when the knee of the wearer is in a particular position and stepping on the pad device while engaging in the baseball activities.