Grip aid device for bats used for sports

Abstract

Grip aid devices and methods for developing proper technique and mechanics for gripping a bat used for sports are disclosed. The grip aid device may include first and second ridges on an elongated body. The first and second ridges are aligned parallel to a length of the elongated body and protrude outward from an outer surface of the elongated body. The second ridge is spaced about the circumference of the body from the first ridge. The grip aid device can be removably installed on a bat or can be fashioned integral with a bat handle. The opposing ridges of the grip aid device position the player's hands in a wrist-over-wrist alignment that enables the player to maintain a generally planar travel path of the bat through a hitting zone.

1 . A grip aid device comprising:
 an elongated body; and   a first ridge and a second ridge on the elongated body, the first ridge and the second ridge aligned parallel to a length of the elongated body, and the first ridge and the second ridge protruding outward from an outer surface of the elongated body,   wherein the second ridge is spaced about the circumference of the elongated body from the first ridge, the first ridge and the second ridge extend substantially along an entire length of the body, and the body comprises an inner surface defining an opening extending longitudinally through the body, and the opening is configured to receive a handle of a bat.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the grip aid device comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber and natural rubber. 
     
     
         4 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the grip aid device comprises silicone rubber. 
     
     
         5 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a slip agent applied to the inner surface of the body. 
 
     
     
         6 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the body has an elasticity in a range of about 700 psi to about 1000 psi. 
     
     
         7 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the body is comprised of a material selected to deform plastically to permit the handle of the bat to be received in the opening. 
     
     
         8 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the first ridge includes a first outer surface, the second ridge includes a second outer surface, and further comprising:
 a plurality of bristles on at least one of the first outer surface or the second outer surface. 
 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the second ridge is circumferentially spaced 175 degrees to 180 degrees from the first ridge. 
     
     
         11 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the body is configured to be removably installed on a bat. 
     
     
         12 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are capable of maintaining a player's wrists in a wrist-over-wrist alignment. 
     
     
         13 . A grip aid device comprising:
 a bat having a barrel, a handle contiguous with the barrel, and a knob positioned at an end of the handle;   a first ridge and a second ridge integral with the handle, the first ridge and the second ridge aligned parallel to a length of the handle, and the first ridge and the second ridge protruding outward from an outer surface of the handle,   wherein the second ridge is spaced about the circumference of the handle from the first ridge.   
     
     
         14 . The grip aid device of  claim 13  wherein the second ridge is circumferentially spaced 175 degrees to 180 degrees from the first ridge. 
     
     
         15 . The grip aid device of  claim 13  wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are capable of maintaining a player's wrists in a wrist-over-wrist alignment. 
     
     
         16 . A method for improving a player's grip, the method comprising:
 obtaining a grip aid device having an elongated body and a first ridge and a second ridge on the elongated body, the first ridge and the second ridge aligned parallel to a length of the elongated body, and the first ridge and the second ridge protruding outward from an outer surface of the elongated body, wherein the second ridge is spaced about the circumference of the elongated body from the first ridge;   installing the grip aid device on a bat;   properly aligning hands of a player on the grip aid device; and   swinging the bat through a hitting zone.   
     
     
         17 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the grip aid device does not include a third ridge. 
     
     
         18 . The grip aid device of  claim 1  wherein the grip aid device includes the first ridge and the second ridge as exactly two ridges.