The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 22, 2010, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to baseball training apparatus, and in particular, to an apparatus for training of pitching a baseball.
Baseball and softball have remained popular sports throughout recent history. The pure exhilaration of playing a classic game with your teammates is something that many people cannot resist. However, for one to become skilled at baseball or softball takes a great deal of time and practice, especially when it comes to pitching the ball. More games are won and lost on pitching than almost any other factor of the game. Accordingly much teaching and coaching time is spent on pitching; much to the chagrin of the pitchers, as pitching practice is typically very tedious and boring.
One (1) way to improve pitching skills is to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of a pitched ball. Having a coach or other training staff available is one (1) method of observing this skill; however, having dedicated training personnel is not feasible for most players. This is particularly a problem for the young or beginning athlete who is trying to hone their pitching skills in the off-season away from athletic coaches. This need has led to the development of personal training apparatus suitable for practicing and assessing the skills required for being a successful pitcher.
While these training apparatus may achieve their intended purpose and objectives, each suffers from at least one (1) disadvantage or deficiency related to design or utilization. Particularly, these apparatus lack specifically designated target zones for a pitcher to aim based on in-game situations. Additionally, these apparatus lack the ability to retain a large number of balls neatly for retrieval at the commencement of a training session. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is that they do not provide a support frame that is simple and easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport to a training location, such as an empty ball field or a batting cage. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is the use of complicated sensors and color schemes that can lead to confusion during training and are prone to failure. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is the requirement of a support stand for use. Additionally, these apparatus often have rigid target zones which limit usage of the apparatus to those having a certain skill level. According, none of these training apparatus have adequately addressed these disadvantages.
The inventor has therefore recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for an apparatus in which pitching practice can be performed and skills be improved and a method of use thereof. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present embodiments to solve at least one of these problems.
The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing a training aid for baseball pitching that provides a means for pitchers of any age, from little league to professionals, to improve their pitching in a manner which is easy, entertaining, and effective. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a resilient flexible target having a plurality of target zone openings disposed through a front surface corresponding to a plurality of locations of a pitched ball, a plurality of upper apertures along an upper edge, a plurality of lower apertures along a lower edge, and a plurality of mesh pockets affixed to a rear surface of the target aligned with each of the plurality of target zone openings for retaining the pitched ball after passing through any one (1) of the plurality of target zone openings. A rectangular frame is provided for supporting the target in a substantially vertical plane. A first elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is provided and is attachable around an upper portion of the frame, such that the first elastic cord end hooks connect to an opposing pair of the plurality of target upper apertures. A second elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is also provided and is attachable around a lower portion of the frame such that the second elastic cord end hooks connect to an opposing pair of the plurality of target lower apertures.
In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of target zone openings include at least a center zone corresponding to a strike zone, a right zone corresponding to a right outside of said strike zone, a left zone corresponding to a left outside of said strike zone, an upper zone corresponding to an upper outside of said strike zone, and a lower zone corresponding to a lower outside of said strike zone.
In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient flexible target includes a plurality of target zone openings disposed through a front surface corresponding to a plurality of locations of a pitched ball, a plurality of mesh pockets affixed to a rear surface aligned with each of the plurality of target zone openings for retaining the pitched ball after passing through any one (1) of the plurality of target zone openings, a plurality of upper apertures disposed along an upper edge for suspending the target from a support structure, a weighted lower edge for providing a downward tension upon the target for biasing the target in a substantially vertical plane. An elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is provided for attaching an upper end of the target to the support structure. The elastic cord insertingly attaches through the plurality of target upper apertures and the end hooks connect to the support structure.
Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment.
Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
Referring now to
The apparatus 10 generally includes a frame 20 which supports suspension of a target 30 that provides a target zones for a pitcher to aim. The target 30 includes up to sixteen (16) rectangular openings 42 which function as various pitching scenarios which are encountered when pitching to a batter. The frame 20 can be disassembled into a plurality of pieces for storage (see
The target 30 measures approximately seventy (70) inches by forty-two (42) inches, yet it can be appreciated that other dimensions that correspond to varying skill levels can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus 10. The target 30 is fabricated from a durable, flexible material such as, but not limited to: vinyl, canvas, or the like and is provided in various colors and patterns. An upper and lower perimeter edge of the target 30 has a plurality of target upper apertures 33 and a plurality of target lower apertures 34, respectively, which can be reinforced by inserted grommets.
The target upper apertures 33 secure the upper portion of the target 30 to an upper portion of the frame 20 by an elastic cord 45 and the target lower apertures 34 secure a lower portion of the target 30 to a lower portion of said frame 20 by another elastic cord 45. The elastic cords 45 are bungee-type cords which stretch to an expanded length that corresponds to the width of the frame 20 and suspends the target 30 tautly against the frame 20. It can be appreciated that other restraining or suspending devices can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus 10, such as a plurality of elastic bands, clips, hooks, or similar fasteners. Each elastic cord 45 includes an end hook 46 at opposing ends which are insertingly attached within a selected upper or lower aperture 33, 34. While the plurality of upper and lower apertures 33, 34 are available, only a single pair of upper apertures 33 and a single pair of lower apertures 34 are utilized with each elastic cord 45. The target 30 can also be suspended from a batting cage or similar support structure in lieu of utilization of the frame 20. In this alternative support, the elastic cords 45 are wrapped through each respective upper and lower aperture 33, 34 and connected to the structure to suspend the target 30.
The openings 42 on the target 30 are situated in various target zones which simulate various positions for balls 12 to be aimed (also see
The guides 22 are a pair of rigidly affixed, inverted “L”-shaped members which provide a guide for the elastic cord 45 to prevent the cord 45 from unintentionally being removed from the “U”-shaped member 21 while hooked to the target 30 when suspended from the frame 20. In use, the elastic cord 45 is wrapped around the rear side of the upper portion of the “U”-shaped member 21 (see
Each “T”-portion upper aperture 27 is integral to a “T”-portion 26 which is an extension of the lower member 25. The “T”-portion 26 measures approximately three-and-a-half (3½) inches in height. The “T”-portion 26 also includes a “T”-portion side aperture 28. The horizontal rod 29 has opposing tapered ends to provide a friction fit when inserted into each respective “T”-portion side aperture 28. The horizontal rod 29 joins and secures the frame 20 into a unitary member. Frontward and rearward extending portions of the lower member 25 measure approximately fifty (50) inches in length and contact a level surface, such as the standing surface of the batter's box 11. The lower members 25 also have a slightly upwardly inclined middle portion to assist in balancing the frame 20.
It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only two particular configurations have be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus 10, it is installed and utilized as indicated in
The method of installing the apparatus 10 can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following. Acquiring the apparatus 10 and interconnecting the “U”-shaped member 21 to the vertical members 23, interconnecting the vertical members 23 to the lower members 25, and interconnecting the horizontal member 29 to the lower members 25 to erect the frame 20. Positioning the frame 20 on a generally level surface. Suspending and attaching an upper portion of the target 30 from the frame 20 by routing a first elastic cord 45 against a rear upper surface of the frame 20 and through each guide 22 upon the “U”-shaped member 21 and attaching each end hook 46 to a selected pair of target upper apertures 33 on the front target surface 31. Securing a lower portion of the target 30 from the frame 20 by routing a second elastic cord 45 against a rear lower surface of the frame 20 and attaching each end hook 46 to a selected pair of target lower apertures 34 on the front target surface 31.
An alternate method of installing the apparatus 10 can be achieved by performing the following steps. Acquiring the apparatus 10. Suspending and supporting the upper portion of the target 30 from a native support structure by routing a first elastic cord 45 through each target upper aperture 33 and around the structure. Supporting the lower portion of the target 30 to the structure by routing a second elastic cord 45 through each target lower aperture 34 and around the structure.
The alternate embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the alternate target 50, it can be installed as indicated in
A method of installing the alternate target 50 can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following. Acquiring the alternate target 50 and interconnecting the “U”-shaped member 21 to the vertical members 23, interconnecting the vertical members 23 to the lower members 25, and interconnecting the horizontal member 29 to the lower members 25 to erect the frame 20. Positioning the frame 20 on the generally level surface. Suspending and attaching an upper portion of the target 30 from the frame 20 by routing a first elastic cord 45 against a rear upper surface of the frame 20 and through each guide 22 upon the “U”-shaped member 21 and attaching each end hook 46 to a selected pair of target upper apertures 33 on the front target surface 31. Positioning the weight rod 52 through the sleeve 51 to retain a lower portion of the alternate target 50 with a downward tension from the frame.
An alternate method of installing the alternate target 50 can be achieved by performing the following steps. Acquiring the alternate target 50. Suspending the upper portion of the alternate target 50 from a native support structure by routing a first elastic cord 45 through each target upper aperture 33 and around the structure. Positioning the weight rod 52 through the sleeve 51 to retain the lower portion of the alternate target 50 in a downward tension from the support structure.
The method of utilizing the apparatus 10 can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following steps. Selecting a particular target zone 35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Throwing a ball 12 at the selected zone 35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Collecting the thrown ball 12 in the mesh pocket 40 attached behind the selected zone 35, 36, 37, 38, 39. Retrieving the ball 12 as desired. The apparatus 10 can be disassembled as needed for storage and transport.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.
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