Batting practice device and method

Abstract

A device for practicing and improving a hitter's swing. The device is for use with a ball and bat and includes a support arm and a suspension member having a first end coupled with the support arm and a second end releasably coupled with the ball such that when the ball is coupled with the suspension member, force transmitted to the ball from the bat disengages the ball from the suspension member such that the ball displaces from the batting device.

1 . A batting practice device for use with a ball and bat comprising: 
 a support arm; and    at least one suspension member having a first end coupled with said support arm and a second end releasably coupled with the ball such that when the ball is coupled with said suspension member, force transmitted to the ball from the bat disengages the ball from said suspension member such that the ball displaces from the batting device.    
   
   
       2 . The batting practice device according to  claim 1  further comprising a base connectable with said support arm configured to retain said support arm at a predetermined vertical position above said base.  
   
   
       3 . The batting practice device according to  claim 2  wherein said support arm is adjustably connectable with said base allowing for rotation.  
   
   
       4 . The batting practice device according to  claim 1  wherein said suspension member is a predetermined length from said first and second ends.  
   
   
       5 . The batting practice device according to  claim 4  wherein said suspension member second end is coupled to a connector releasably coupling the ball.  
   
   
       6 . The batting practice device according to  claim 5  wherein said connector comprises a hook pile and a loop pile.  
   
   
       7 . The batting practice device according to  claim 5  wherein said connector comprises a magnet and steel.  
   
   
       8 . The batting practice device according to  claim 5  wherein said connector comprises a plug and a socket.  
   
   
       9 . The batting practice device according to  claim 5  wherein said connector comprises a friction/suction cup.  
   
   
       10 . The batting practice device according to  claim 5  wherein said connector comprises a lasso.  
   
   
       11 . The batting practice device according to  claim 1  wherein said suspension member is a variable length from said first and second ends.  
   
   
       12 . The batting practice device according to  claim 11  wherein said suspension member second end is coupled to a connector releasably coupling the ball.  
   
   
       13 . The batting practice device according to  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a hook pile and a loop pile.  
   
   
       14 . The batting practice device according to  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a magnet and steel.  
   
   
       15 . The batting practice device according to  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a plug and a socket.  
   
   
       16 . The batting practice device according to  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a friction/suction cup.  
   
   
       17 . The batting practice device according to  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a lasso.  
   
   
       18 . The batting practice device according to  claim 1  wherein said suspension member comprises an elongated bar having a first end movably coupled to said support arm and a second end coupled to a connector.  
   
   
       19 . A batting practice device for use with a ball and bat comprising: 
 a base;    a support arm connectable with said base configured to remain at a predetermined vertical position above said base; and    at least one suspension member having a first end coupled with the support arm and a second end releasably coupled with the ball such that when the ball is coupled with said suspension member, force transmitted to the ball from the bat disengages the ball from the suspension member such that the ball displaces from the batting device.    
   
   
       20 . A batting instructional device configured for customization by a hitter for controlling a line of sight from the hitter's eyes to a ball during a swing of a bat, the device comprising: 
 a mat having a surface;    a hitter alignment reference indicated on said mat surface;    a plurality of ball reference areas indicated on said mat;    a support arm; and    at least one suspension member having a first end coupled with said support arm and a second end releasably coupled with the ball, whereby the ball is positioned vertically above one of said ball reference areas such that when the ball is coupled with said suspension member, force transmitted to the ball from the bat disengages the ball from said suspension member such that the ball displaces from the batting device.    
   
   
       21 . The batting instructional device according to  claim 20  wherein said plurality of ball reference areas comprise: 
 foul ball areas;    a preferred hit area;    an early hit area; and    a late hit area.    
   
   
       22 . A method for practicing swinging a bat and contacting a ball comprising: 
 providing a ball;    providing a bat; and    releasably suspending said ball.    
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22  further comprising: 
 providing a hitting area reference mat having a plurality of areas;    placing said mat on a surface; and    suspending said ball over one of said areas of said hitting area reference mat.    
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising adjusting said suspended ball height a predetermined distance above said mat.