Training bat and method

Abstract

The training bat of the present invention has a length and weight substantially equivalent to that of a conventional bat. The training bat is comprised of a barrel section, a handle, and a transition section intermediate to the barrel section and the handle section. The barrel section has a diameter which is smaller than that of a conventional bat. However, the barrel section also includes a weighted member such that the training bat has a weight which is substantially equivalent to that of a conventional bat. The present invention also provides a swing training method which utilizes the training bat described above. The method involves a batter swinging at a baseball with the training bat having the reduced diameter barrel section. Next, the batter swings at the baseball with a conventional bat. That step is followed by the batter swinging at a ball having a smaller diameter such as a golf ball using the training bat and then using the conventional bat.

1 - 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . The training bat of  claim 11 , further wherein said barrel section includes a weighted member such that the weight of the training bat is substantially equivalent to that of said respective conventional bats having a length substantially equivalent to the length of said training bat.  
   
   
       6 . The training bat of  claim 11 , said barrel section made from a material selected from the group consisting of wood, aluminum, aluminum-titanium alloys, beryllium, and plastic composite.  
   
   
       7 . The training bat of  claim 11  further comprising an elongated rod in a drilled out portion of said barrel section.  
   
   
       8 . The training bat of  claim 7  wherein said elongated rod extends the length of said barrel section.  
   
   
       9 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A training bat comprising: 
 a barrel section having a diameter of approximately 1⅝ inches; and    a transition section having first and second ends, said transition section having a decreasing diameter from said first end to said second end, said first end being operatively connected to said barrel section where said diameter of said first end is substantially equivalent to said first diameter of said barrel section; and    a handle section having a first end with a second diameter, said first end of said handle section being operatively connected to said second end of said transition section where said diameter of said first end of said handle section is substantially equivalent to said second end of said transition section;    wherein said training bat has a length and a weight which are substantially equivalent to the length and weight of a respective corresponding conventional Little League, baseball, or softball bat.