Patent Application
20250083017
The present disclosure relates to baseball and softball training devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a baseball and softball training device having a redistributed mass for improving pitching outcomes.
The biomechanics of baseball pitching have been studied extensively to increase the effectiveness of pitchers against hitters. In addition to increases and changes in velocity, the movement of the ball perpendicular to the ball's velocity vector, known as the break, is also important in deceiving hitters. This movement is derived from both the Magnus effect, which generates a sideways force on a spinning ball, as well as surface irregularities caused by the seam of the ball. Two other commonly tracked metrics are the spin rate (RPM) and the spin efficiency, expressed as a percentage. The spin efficiency, in particular, is based on a comparison of the spin axis orientation with respect to the ball's direction of travel. A 100%-efficient spin features the spin axis exactly perpendicular to the ball's direction of travel, whereas a 0%-efficient spin features the spin axis perfectly aligned with the ball's direction of travel. The latter occurrence is called gyro spin.
Using the above metrics, data-driven analytics can be assessed for pitchers as measured by the flight path of the ball and identified as a vertical or horizontal break. These metrics are determined using flight-tracking instrumentation provided by sports analytic manufacturers such as Trackman, Rapsodo, and Hawkeye. Nevertheless, anomalies in vertical and horizontal break can occur among pitches even when consistently thrown by skilled pitchers, with measurable spin rates and efficiencies remaining effectively constant. The mechanisms of this phenomenon, referred to as seam-shifted wake, are poorly understood, and the training methods for correcting seam-shifted wake are limited.
When instructing pitchers, for example, it can be difficult to account for minute differences in releases which introduce these anomalies associated with seam-shifted wake. This, in turn, affects performance whenever a pitcher and a catcher expect a certain flight path, but do not realize the break required to fool the hitter due to release flaws. Traditional training methods rely on high-speed video to help both coaches and players identify the factors that contribute to variance in pitching. Alternative training devices aimed at giving pitchers visual feedback may further alter the shape of the ball or otherwise paint lines on the ball to indicate visually how the ball is spinning with respect to the seams. To date, however, there is a lack of devices that provide proprioceptive feedback to accompany the haptic (e.g., seam) feedback from release of the ball. Proprioceptive feedback could provide immediate guidance to the pitcher on what needs adjustment while training the pitcher based on feel rather than sight.
Accordingly, there is a need for a baseball and softball training device that provides proprioceptive feedback during the release of the ball to improve pitching outcomes. The baseball and softball training device disclosed herein addresses these and other problems.
In some embodiments, a ball training device comprises a ball, a first weight on a first side, and a second weight on a second side, opposite the first weight, wherein the first and second weights are positioned along a first axis associated with throwing a two-seam fastball, the weights spinning longitudinally along the first axis. In some embodiments, the first and second weights extend through the center of the ball along the axis. The first and second weights may comprise tungsten, other heavy metals and materials, or combinations thereof. Each of the first and second weights, in some embodiments, weigh 1-oz. and a body of the ball to which the first and second weights are coupled weighs 3-oz. The weight of the ball training device thereby preserves a total 5-oz. regulation weight for a baseball. The ball training device provides proprioceptive feedback regarding the ball's moment of inertia to improve pitching spin-rate and efficiency.
In some embodiments, a ball training device comprises a ball, a first weight on a first side, and a second weight on a second side, opposite the first weight, wherein the first and second weights are positioned along a second axis, associated with a four-seam fastball, the second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the ball.
In some embodiments, a ball training device comprises a ball, at least one female receiver, and a weight for mating with the female receiver. In some embodiments, a ball may comprise a first threaded female receiver and a second female threaded receiver, with a weight configured to mate with each of the first and second threaded female receivers. In some embodiments, each weight may comprise a hex key receiver or Allen wrench receiver so as to be removably threaded into the respective threaded female receiver. In some embodiments, the ball training device comprises a plurality of varying weights, allowing a user to alter the overall weight of the baseball, depending on the one or more weights inserted.
In some embodiments, a ball training device for pitchers comprises a first ball portion couplable to a second ball portion, with a weight interposed therebetween and centered on an axis between the first and second ball portions.
Use of two embodiments of the ball training device, each having orthogonal moment of inertia axes to the other, provides a complete range of increased or decreased moment of inertias that can be obtained for any standard pitch.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
As previously discussed, there is a need for a baseball and softball training device that provides proprioceptive feedback to the pitcher during the release of the ball to improve pitching outcomes. The ball training device disclosed herein solves these and other problems. While examples disclosed herein may relate to, or describe, baseballs, it will be appreciated that softballs may also be used, with the weight of the softball and weights therein adjusted to meet regulation standards.
As shown in
In some embodiments, though without limitation, each of the first and second weights 104, 106 weigh 1-oz. and a body of the ball 102 to which the first and second weights 104, 106 are coupled weighs 3-oz. The weight of the ball training device 100 thereby maintains a total 5-oz. regulation weight for a baseball. It will be appreciated, however, that the first and second weights 104, 106 may vary, in some embodiments, providing that each is substantially identical to one another in weight and the combination of the first and second weights 104, 106 with the body of the ball 102 adds up to 5 oz. The first and second weights 104, 106 may likewise be adjusted to add up to the regulation weight for a softball, cricket ball, or other ball used in bat-and-ball games, or according to a user's preferences for the overall weight of the ball training device 100 which can be more or less than 5 oz. While two weights 104, 106 are described, a single weight may be used, as discussed later herein, that extends the length of the spin axis 108 without departing herefrom.
The ball 102 may comprise seams along a surface of the ball 102 and a leather jacket as known in the prior art for baseballs. In this way, the ball training device 100 features natural ball grips and places standard loads on the user's throwing arm (e.g., elbow and shoulder joint). Accordingly, the ball 102 imitates the look, weight, and feel of a standard baseball except for adjusted proprioceptive feedback indicative of the ball's 102 moment of inertia such that a pitcher with practice can increase his or her spin rate and spin efficiency.
In general, the moment of inertia is defined as the ratio of the net angular momentum (L) of a system to its angular velocity (ω) around a principal axis (the spin axis). This relationship can be represented mathematically as I=L/ω. As depicted in
The moment of inertia as shown along the first spin axis 108 is aligned with how a pitcher practices to throw a two-seam fastball. The two-seam fastball is a common pitch thrown in such a manner that with every rotation of the baseball, two seams come into view. Late-breaking action can be added to the pitch by varying the pressure of the index and middle fingers on the baseball. The ball training device 100 provides the user with proprioceptive feel off their hand that indicates whether the ball 102 is properly thrown as aligned with the correct axis for a two-seam fastball. In other words, the ball should be spinning along the first axis 108. If the ball 102 is thrown incorrectly, the pitcher will feel the offset/angled weight or “wobble” as the ball 102 leaves the pitcher's hand (the proprioceptive feedback).
As shown in
In some embodiments, a ball training device comprises a ball, a first threaded female receiver and a second threaded female receiver opposite the first threaded female receiver. The first and second threaded female receivers are configured to receive one or more threaded weights therein. For example, each of the first and second weights, as described earlier, may further comprise threaded portions that correspond to the first and second threaded female receivers and may further comprise a drive or recess on a top surface of the first and second weights so as to receive a hex key or Allen wrench therein, or other configuration so as to allow the insertion and removal of the at least one weight. In some embodiments, only one aperture is needed on the ball 202 and the weight 204 may extend through the center of the ball 202 along an axis, and be secured therein using a locking or threaded mechanism.
The user may insert and remove the first and second weights from the threaded receivers of the ball using a tool such as a hex key, Allen wrench, or screwdriver to apply rotational force to the drive that is converted to linear movement along the first or second threaded female receivers. The first and second weights may each weigh, without limitation, between 1 oz to 3 oz such that the moment of inertia of the ball can be incrementally varied by the user to adjust the corresponding proprioceptive feedback to the pitcher upon release of the ball from the hand. In some embodiments, the ball training device may have a total weight as much as 9 oz. The user may thereby easily adjust the weight of the ball training device by substituting first and second weights of varying mass within the ball. While specific weights are used as examples herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not so limited and variation of the weights will not depart herefrom. Additionally, while threaded examples were provided, it will be understood that other removably insertable methods may be used without departing herefrom.
Referring to
In order to ensure proper alignment for assembly, the first ball portion 302 may further comprise a lip 312 extending from a first mating surface 314, the lip 312 configured to mate with a groove 316 in the second mating surface 318 of the second ball portion 304. In other words, the first ball portion 302 and second ball portion 304 are aligned with the first mating surface 314 facing the second mating surface 318. As the two ball portions 302, 304 are pressed toward each other, the lip 312 mates with the groove 316 and the two mating surfaces 314, 318 abut one another. The two ball portions 302, 304 may be secured to one another using adhesives, heat fusion, chemical fusion, or otherwise methods to prevent the ball portions 302, 304 from separating from one another and the weight 306 from exiting. While discussed as being permanently coupled, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms that would allow the ball portions 302, 304 to be selectively decoupled are also contemplated herein. For example, in some embodiments, the lip 312 may extend sufficiently so as to comprise threads on at least one surface. Those threads may mate with corresponding threads in the groove, allowing the two ball portions 302, 304 to effectively screw together. Twist locks or other mechanisms may also be used. As shown in
Each ball portion 302, 304 may comprise one or more hollow portions 320, 322 to offset the weight added by the weight 306 to ensure either regulation weight (e.g., 5 oz) or other weight as desired by the user, which may include total weights not corresponding to a regulation weight. As shown, the first ball portion 302 may comprise a first weight receiver 324 having the first weight aperture 308 and a second weight receiver 326 having the second weight aperture 310. The weight receivers 324, 326 span the hollow portions 320, 322, respectively, so as to cradle the weight along the desired spin axis of the ball training device 300. However, hollow portions 320, 322 are not required and may be replaced with materials that are light in weight sufficiently to offset the weight of the weight 306.
It will be appreciated that the first and second weights 104, 106 of the ball training apparatus 100 and the weight 306 of the ball training apparatus 300, when oriented along the second spin axis 110, increase the moment of inertia on the first spin axis 108 and decrease the moment of inertia on the second spin axis 110. In practice, use of the multiple ball training devices 100, 200, 300, each having orthogonal axes along which the first and second weights 104, 106 and at least one weight 204, and weight 306 are coupled, respectively, provides a complete range of increased or decreased moment of inertias to be obtained for any standard pitch. The user may thus train on both two-seam fast balls, four-seam fastballs, and all related pitches (other than knuckleballs) by using embodiments of the ball training device 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein.
In other words, redistribution of the weight within the ball 102, 202, 328 increases the moment of inertia of the balls 102, 202, 328 when utilizing a spin axis that is perpendicular to the moment of inertia axis and decreases the moment of inertia when throwing the ball 102, 202, 328 with a spin axis that is aligned with the moment of inertia axis. Altering the inertial feel of the ball 102, 202, 328 as it is pitched provides proprioceptive feedback on the moment of inertia axis relative to the pitch direction of the ball 102, 202, 328, without interfering with traditional throwing mechanics. Use of the ball training device 100, 200, 300 demonstrates both improved spin rates and spin efficiency for pitchers.
Accordingly, the ball training device 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein solves the problems in the prior art by providing a ball training device that provides immediate, proprioceptive feedback and feel to improve pitching outcomes, rather than relying solely on visual cues.
It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/581,315, filed on Sep. 8, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63581315 | Sep 2023 | US |
