Swing trainer device, system and method

Abstract

A device, system, and method for training a user to hit a ball with a ball bat. The device and system including a main section having a light source for emitting a light energy, and an upper portion extending from the main section and configured to be received on at least a portion of a knob of the ball bat. The device may be received onto the knob, such that the light energy is generally emitted collinear with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ball bat. As such, a user can obtain an indication of the user's body and ball bat position. For instance, the user can hold the ball bat in a first position, projecting the light energy at a position behind the user. Further, the user can transition the ball bat to a second position, projecting of light energy in front of the user.

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: 
     
         1 . A swing training device for a ball bat, with the ball bat including a bat head, a handle, and a knob located on a portion of the handle, the swing training device comprising:
 a main section having a light source for emitting a directional projection of light energy; and   an upper portion extending from the main section and configured to be received on at least a portion of the knob of the ball bat,   wherein, with the device being received onto the knob of the ball bat, the light source is operable to emit the projection of light energy is generally collinear with or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ball bat.   
     
     
         2 . The swing training device from  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion of the device comprises an annular sleeve that is configured to grasp onto an exterior surface of the knob to secure the device to the ball bat. 
     
     
         3 . The swing training device from  claim 2 , wherein the annular sleeve includes an internal-facing surface and an external-facing surface, with the internal-facing surface being shaped to interface with the exterior surface of the knob. 
     
     
         4 . The swing training device from  claim 3 , wherein the internal-facing surface has a convex shape. 
     
     
         5 . The swing training device from  claim 1 , with the main section further having a power source for providing power to the light source. 
     
     
         6 . The swing training device from  claim 1 , wherein the light source is a laser. 
     
     
         7 . The swing training device from  claim 1 , further including a manual switch for activating the light source. 
     
     
         8 . A method of using, by a user, a swing training device for a ball bat, with the swing training device including a light source for emitting a directional projection of light energy, the method including
 attaching the swing training device onto a portion of a knob of the ball bat;   activating the light source, such that the directional projection of light energy is emitted towards away from the knob of the ball bat;   holding the ball bat in a first position, such that the projection of light energy is directed onto a ground surface at a position behind the user;   transitioning the ball bat to a second position, such that the projection of light energy is directed at a position in front of the user.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the second position is directed onto a ground surface at the position in front of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the second position is directed onto a ball that is to be hit by the user swinging the ball bat. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first position is used during a loading phase of the user's swing of the ball bat. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the second position is used during a launch phase of the user's swing of the ball bat.