Training bat

Abstract

A training bat comprising a first end forming a handle, a second end having a substantially uniform outer diameter, and at least one step portion, positioned between the handle and the second end, having an outer diameter, wherein the at least one step portion has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A training bat comprising: 
 a first end forming a handle;    a second end having a substantially uniform outer diameter; and    at least one step portion, positioned between the handle and the second end, having an outer diameter,    wherein the at least one step portion has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.    
     
     
         2 . The training bat of  claim 1  wherein the at least one step portion is comprised of a first step having an outer diameter and a second step having an outer diameter wherein the outer diameter of the second step is smaller than the outer diameter of the first step.  
     
     
         3 . The training bat of  claim 2  wherein the first step has a length and the second step has a length that is greater than the length of the first step.  
     
     
         4 . The training bat of  claim 3  wherein the second step has an outer diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the handle.  
     
     
         5 . The training bat of  claim 4  wherein the at least one step portion is constructed and arranged to reduce vibration in the bat when the bat is used to strike a ball.  
     
     
         6 . The training bat of  claim 5  further comprising a flange positioned between the handle and the at least one step portion.  
     
     
         7 . The training bat of  claim 6  wherein the at least one step portion has a length that is substantially one-half of the length of the second end.  
     
     
         8 . The training bat of  claim 7  having a weight that is greater than the weight of a conventional bat.  
     
     
         9 . The training bat of  claim 8  wherein the training bat is composed of aluminum.  
     
     
         10 . The training bat of  claim 8  wherein the training bat is composed of a single member of solid aluminum.  
     
     
         11 . A training bat comprising: 
 a first end forming a handle;    a second end having an outer diameter;    a first step having an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the second end; and    a second step having an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the first step,    wherein the first step is positioned between the second end and the second step.    
     
     
         12 . The training bat of  claim 11  wherein the length of the second end is longer than the length of the second step.  
     
     
         13 . The training bat of  claim 12  further comprising a flange positioned between the handle and the second step.  
     
     
         14 . The training bat of  claim 13  wherein the second step has an outer diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the handle.  
     
     
         15 . The training bat of  claim 14  wherein the second end has a substantially uniform outer diameter.  
     
     
         16 . The training bat of  claim 15  wherein the first step and the second step are constructed and arranged to reduce vibration in the bat when the bat is used to strike a ball.  
     
     
         17 . The training bat of  claim 16  wherein the training bat is composed of aluminum.  
     
     
         18 . The training bat of  claim 17  wherein the training bat is composed of a single member of solid aluminum.  
     
     
         19 . A training bat comprising: 
 a first end forming a handle;    a second end having an outer diameter;    at least one step portion, positioned between the handle and the second end, having an outer diameter,    wherein the at least one step portion has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second end; and    a flange positioned between the handle and the at least one step portion.    
     
     
         20 . The training bat of  claim 19  wherein the at least one step portion is comprised of a first step having an outer diameter and a second step having an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the first step.  
     
     
         21 . The training bat of  claim 20  wherein the first step has a length and the second step has a length that is greater than the length of the first step.  
     
     
         22 . The training bat of  claim 21  wherein the second step has an outer diameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of the handle.  
     
     
         23 . The training bat of  claim 22  wherein the at least one step portion is constructed and arranged to reduce vibration in the bat when the bat is used to strike a ball.  
     
     
         24 . The training bat of  claim 23  wherein the at least one step portion has a length that is substantially one-half of the length of the second end.  
     
     
         25 . The training bat of  claim 24  wherein the handle is further comprised of a butt-end having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the handle, positioned as a portion of the first end of the bat proximal to a user of the bat.  
     
     
         26 . A training bat comprising: 
 a first end forming a handle;    a second end having a substantially uniform outer diameter; and    means, positioned between the handle and the second end, for reducing vibration of the bat when the bat is engaged in striking a ball,    wherein the means for reducing vibration has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.    
     
     
         27 . A method of striking a ball with a training bat, the method comprising: 
 contacting a ball with a bat, the bat having a first end forming a handle, a second end having a substantially uniform diameter, and at least one step portion, positioned between the handle and the second end, having an outer diameter, wherein the at least one step portion has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.