Tapered Cork Device For Baseball Hitting Practice

Abstract

A baseball batting/hitting practice object that is shaped as a tapered cork device measuring 1½″ in height and covered with PVC imitation leather. The purpose of the tapered shape is to allow the batting practice pitcher throw the cork device straight, yet by holding it in various positions allows it to slice through the air in a manner that makes it curve or change direction to a controllable degree. This movement of the cork device simulates certain pitches thrown by a pitcher in a competitive baseball game. The small size of the cork device, combined with the movement when thrown forces the hitter to increase his concentration level in order to make contact with the cork device which ultimately should improve the hitter's skills. When hit by a conventional bat, the cork device is designed to travel only approximately between 75 to 100 feet depending on the hitter's age and strength. This is important since the cork device is intended for use on small playing areas such as backyards, inside gymnasiums (for winter baseball training) and on a portion of the playing field. The combination of cork and PVC imitation leather generates a similar sound as a regulation baseball when hit with a conventional wood or metal bat.

1 . A tapered cork object used as a batting practice device for baseball players and for recreational baseball entertainment which is smaller than a regulation sized baseball, which is comprised of compound cork, stitched PVC imitation leather and a bonding agent and designed to withstand being struck by a conventional baseball bat.  
   
   
       2 . A cork device as set forth in  claim 1 , consisting of an inner portion of compound cork made of wood cork particles and outer covering of PVC imitation leather, whereas the top (larger) portion of the device measures approximately 1⅝″ in diameter, bottom (smaller) portion of the cork measures approximately 1⅜″ in diameter, with the height being approximately 1½″.  
   
   
       3 . A cork device as set forth in  claim 1  that is extremely smaller than a regulation size baseball and has a tapered shape which allows it to curve to a controllable degree.  
   
   
       4 . A cork device as set forth in  claim 1  that has manufactured components of cork and PVC, when struck be a conventional baseball bat produces a similar sound as a regulation baseball.  
   
   
       5 . A cork device as set forth in  claim 1  that has a total weight of approximately 0.50 ounces, which restricts the flight distance of the cork device when hit with a baseball bat to a general maximum distance of approximately 75-100 feet depending on the strength of the hitter.