Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6443859
-
Patent Number
6,443,859
-
Date Filed
Friday, December 22, 200023 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, September 3, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Sewell; Paul T.
- Aryanpour; Mitra
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 473 417
- 473 422
- 273 387
- 273 393
- 273 398
- 124 48
- 124 50
- 124 78
-
International Classifications
- A63B6900
- A63B7100
- F41B1500
-
Abstract
A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control system applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A ball feeder tube removably connects to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body. A baseball training set includes a plurality of balls, a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, a ball interface device connected to the body, a control system coupled to the ball interface device to apply a signal to the ball interface device and a ball feeder tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic training equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a baseball training apparatus for projecting a ball or holding a ball in an elevated position so that the ball can be hit by a baseball bat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Baseball is a popular sport among all ages in today's society. One of the more challenging aspects to the sport of baseball, particularly for younger players, is swinging a bat to hit a ball that is tossed in the air. Hitting a ball, which is tossed into the air, is one of the most difficult activities to perform for young children with developing motor skills. In order to practice the skills required to hit a baseball, typically a minimum of two people, a pitcher and a batter, are required. In order to allow a single person to practice hitting, a number of conventionally known devices have been developed to suspend or project a ball in the air for hitting. These devices typically include a base having a ball support such as a tee. In tee devices, the ball is placed at the end of a vertically positioned tee where it is hit by a batter. These devices can also include contact levers which when hit by a bat strike and propel the ball positioned at the end of the tee. Other commercially known devices include a mechanism for projecting a single ball from a base. The projection mechanisms can include a strike pad that is manually hit by a user's bat or the user's foot to cause a single ball to be tossed in the air. Alternatively, the mechanism can be a ball support connected to a spring that is manually compressed and held in compression by a pin. When the pin is released, typically by a second user, the spring projects a ball into the air. Other mechanisms can include mechanical or mechanical/pneumatic assemblies that provide a container for a single ball and a time delay between the actuation of a pedal by the user and the projection of the single ball into the air. Other commonly known devices project balls sequentially over long distance in a generally horizontal direction.
Existing ball supporting or ball projecting devices have a number of drawbacks. First, existing ball projecting devices typically project only one ball after contact or actuation by the user. Therefore, the user must reload the device after each ball is projected and then manually re-actuate the device for each ball. This requires a single user to leave a ready batting position to re-actuate the device and then return to the batting position to strike the next ball. This repeated movement in and out of the ready batting position often disrupts the continuity of the batter's stance and swing, and can negatively affect the batter's concentration, particularly for the novice user. Second, many devices provide little or no time between the actuation of the device and the projection of the ball, thereby requiring the user to quickly reach a ready batting position following actuation of the device and then swing a bat at the ball. The lack of sufficient time between actuation of the device and ball projection increases the difficulty level of using the device and can promote poor batting stance and swing practices. Third, the known devices that provide a time delay between the actuation of a pedal by the user and the projection of a single ball into the air provide no warning to the user when the ball will be projected from the device. The lack of a warning signal allows users, particularly young children, to become distracted, leave the ready batting position or lose concentration. Existing ball projection devices for projecting multiple balls sequentially are large, expensive machines which project the balls in a generally horizontal direction and over long distance. Such devices can be unsafe and are not suitable for operation by children, particularly young children. Moreover, such devices are configured for professional use or for use by more advanced athletes.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a baseball training apparatus capable of holding a plurality of balls and projecting the balls in a generally vertical direction, one at a time at a predetermined time interval, following a single actuation signal. A plurality of single ball projections at a predetermined time interval between projections following a single actuation signal allows the user to establish a ready batting position and maintain that position during multiple swings of a bat. It also allows the user to develop continuity between swings, and more easily adjust his or her batting position. What is needed in part is a baseball training apparatus that provides the user with an audible warning signal that a ball is about to project from the apparatus. A warning signal will assist the user in concentrating and focusing on the ball just prior to the ball's projection. Also, it would be advantageous to provide a baseball training apparatus that is lightweight, inexpensive and easy to operate. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a baseball training apparatus that is durable, safe to use and suitable for outdoor use. What is also needed is a baseball training apparatus that is capable of adapting to the user's skill level. This can range from a tee ball mode of operation where a ball is positioned in a stationary and elevated position that aids the user in developing the initial batting skills to an automatic ball projection mode of operation where a plurality of balls are automatically projected upward one at a time over an extended duration for hitting by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball. The baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, and a ball interface device. The drive assembly is configured to impart motion to the ball. The ball interface device is connected to the body. The ball interface device is configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly. A control system is operably coupled to the ball interface device. The control system interacts with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration.
According to another aspect of the invention, a baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball includes a control system applying a signal to a ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. According to another aspect of the invention, a baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball includes a ball feeder tube removably connected to a body. The ball feeder tube is configured to hold the balls. A ball projection means is connected to the body. The ball projection means is configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.
The present invention also provides a baseball training set. The baseball training set includes a plurality of balls, a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, and a ball interface device. The drive assembly configured to impart motion to the ball. The ball interface device is connected to the body. The ball interface device is configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly. The baseball training set further includes a control system coupled to the ball interface device. The control system applies a signal to the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermine duration. A ball feeder tube has first and second ends. The first end of the tube removably connects to the body and the tube is configured to hold at least one of the balls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a baseball training apparatus in the automatic ball projection mode of operation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is an exploded, perspective view of the baseball training apparatus of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken substantially along line
3
—
3
of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is a transverse, sectional view of the baseball training apparatus taken substantially along line
4
—
4
of
FIG. 3
;
FIG. 5
is a top view of the baseball training apparatus of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 6
is a bottom view of the baseball training apparatus of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of a baseball training apparatus in the tee ball mode of operation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8
is a longitudinal sectional view of the baseball training apparatus taken substantially along line
8
—
8
of
FIG. 7
;
FIG. 9
is an electronic circuit diagram of the control system of a baseball training apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10
is a flow chart showing the activity of the control system during the ball projection mode of operation.
FIG. 11
is a perspective view of a baseball training apparatus in an automatic ball projection mode of operation in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12
is an electronic circuit diagram of the control system of a baseball training apparatus in accordance with another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13
is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a baseball training apparatus in accordance with another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14
is a longitudinal sectional view of the baseball training apparatus of FIG.
13
.
FIG. 15
is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a baseball training apparatus in accordance with another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a baseball training apparatus constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at
10
. The apparatus
10
has two modes of operation, an automatic projection mode wherein balls
12
are individually projected upward from the apparatus
10
for striking by a bat
14
and a tee ball mode. The two modes of operation allow the apparatus
10
to be easily adapted to match the user's needs and the user's stage of development. The apparatus
10
generally includes a base
16
, a cover
18
, a drive assembly
20
, a ball interface device and a ball feeder tube
22
. The base
16
comprises a circular disk
24
having an upper surface
26
, and underside
28
and a ring
30
. Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 6
, the disk
24
further includes at least one drain hole
32
. The upper surface
26
is contoured to allow water, such as rain water, to drain from the base
16
. The drain hole
32
can be formed in a variety of shapes or sizes. The underside
28
includes a plurality of outwardly extending support surfaces
34
to provide balanced and level support to the base
16
. The support surfaces
34
are integrally formed with the disk
24
. In alternative embodiments, the support surfaces
34
can be formed in different shapes and can also be formed as separate pieces connected to the disk
24
. Referring to
FIG. 2
, the ring
30
projects upwardly and perpendicularly extends from the perimeter of the disk
24
to facilitate connection of the disk
24
to the cover
18
. In an exemplary embodiment, the base
16
and the cover
18
are made of hard plastic. Other conventional materials can also be used such as, for example, wood or aluminum. The base
16
further includes a ramp
36
, a power supply
38
and a control system
40
.
Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 3
, the ramp
36
includes a frame
44
having a bottom surface
46
, inlet and outlet sides
48
,
50
positioned perpendicular to the bottom surface
46
and an arcuate top surface
52
. The ramp
36
further includes two arcuate rails
54
upwardly extending from the top surface
52
. The rails
54
are positioned parallel to one another and are spaced apart by the top surface
52
of the frame
44
. The ramp
36
preferably further includes an opening
56
extending through the top surface
52
to the bottom surface
46
. The opening
56
is configured to enable water or small objects entering the apparatus
10
to pass below the top surface
52
of the ramp
36
. The bottom surface
46
of the ramp
36
is connected to the disk
24
. The rails
54
support the ball
12
as it exits a ball feeder tube
22
and comes into contact with the rails
54
at inlet side
48
until the ball
12
exits the rails
54
near the outlet side
50
. The spaced apart configuration of the rails
54
allows the rails
54
to only support objects of the size of the ball
12
. Smaller objects entering the apparatus
10
and contacting the ramp
36
pass between the rails
54
and away from contact with the drive assembly
20
. The size of the ball feeder tube
22
, and the ball inlet and the ball outlet openings
62
,
64
of the cover
18
inhibit objects larger than the ball
12
from entering the apparatus
10
. The spaced apart feature of the rails
54
prevents the apparatus
10
from projecting unintended objects dropped therein and thus assists in ensuring safe operation of the apparatus
10
. According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramp
36
is made of hard plastic, but other conventional materials such as wood, aluminum, etc. can be used.
Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 6
, the power supply
38
includes a power supply case
66
and a removable lid
68
. The power supply case
66
is connected to the disk
24
at a power supply opening
70
. The power supply case
66
is positioned adjacent to the ramp
36
and upwardly extends from the disk
24
. The power supply case
66
is configured to hold at least one battery
42
. In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply case
66
is sized to hold four 1.5 volt batteries. Other battery combinations and sizes can be also used. The lid
68
removably connects to the power supply case
66
at the underside
28
of the disk
24
, thereby making the battery
42
accessible from the underside
28
of the disk
24
. The power supply
38
is operably coupled to the drive assembly
20
, the control system
40
and a ball interface device.
Referring to
FIG. 11
, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the apparatus
10
further includes a power cord assembly
250
. The power cord assembly
250
, is electrically coupled to the base
16
at the drive assembly
20
and the control system
40
. The power cord assembly
250
enables the apparatus
10
to operate under power supplied by a remote power source. The power cord assembly
250
includes a cord
252
and a plug
254
. The apparatus
10
can be configured with one or both of the power supply
38
(
FIG. 2
) and the power cord assembly
250
.
Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 9
, the control system
40
includes a microcontroller
72
, a plurality of transistors
126
,
128
,
130
, a piezo-electric sound emitting chip
74
and a pushbutton
76
. The control system
40
further includes a control circuit case
78
(see FIG.
2
). Referring to
FIG. 9
, the control system
40
further includes a circuit board
79
having the microcontroller
72
, the transistors
126
,
128
,
130
and the piezo-electric chip
74
. Referring to
FIG. 2
, the control circuit case
78
is connected to the upper surface
26
of the disk
24
adjacent to the ramp
36
and protects circuit components from water or debris. The pushbutton
76
is positioned above the control circuit case
78
and is operably coupled to the control system
40
. In an exemplary embodiment, the pushbutton
76
is configured for foot actuation of the apparatus
10
by the user. The pushbutton
76
includes a flange that seals the pushbutton
76
against the cover
18
when the pushbutton
76
is not depressed. The flange prevents moisture and debris from entering the apparatus
10
at the pushbutton
76
. Further discussion of the control system
40
and its logic is provided below.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 12
, the control system further includes a voice recognition module
260
and a fourth transistor
262
. The voice recognition module
260
and the fourth transistor
262
are connected to one another and to the microcontroller
72
. The voice recognition module
260
is configured to convert a verbal sound or command into a command signal which is sensed by microcontroller
72
. In one embodiment, the microcontroller
72
then initiates a signal to the ball interface device causing the ball interface device to change positions.
Referring to
FIGS. 1
,
2
and
5
, the cover
18
is a generally circular structure having a center portion
82
, a ball outlet region
84
and a rim
86
. The center portion
82
has an upwardly extending convex shape and includes two openings, the inlet opening
62
positioned at one side of the center portion
82
and a tee opening
88
positioned at the top of the center portion
82
. The ball outlet region
84
is formed to, and positioned adjacent to, the center portion
82
. The ball outlet region
84
upwardly extends from the rim
86
and includes the ball outlet opening
64
positioned substantially opposite the ball inlet opening
62
. The ball inlet and outlet openings
62
,
64
are sufficiently sized to allow the ball
12
to freely pass into and exit from the apparatus
10
. In an exemplary embodiment, the ball
12
is 2.75 inches in diameter. The rim
86
outwardly extends in a generally horizontal plane from the center portion
82
and from either side of the ball outlet region
84
. In an exemplary embodiment, the rim
86
is approximately 2.875 inches wide and extends at least ninety degrees around the perimeter of center portion
82
and from either side of the ball outlet region
84
.
The rim
86
includes a ball recess
90
, a pushbutton opening
92
and speaker opening
93
(see FIG.
5
). Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 5
, the ball recess
90
allows the rim
86
to support a plurality of the balls
12
particularly for when the apparatus
10
is used in the tee ball mode of operation. The pushbutton opening
92
allows the pushbutton
76
to upwardly extend past the rim
86
. The sound produced by the sound emitting chip
74
(
FIG. 9
) passes through the speaker opening
93
of the cover
18
. The cover
18
is configured to removably connect to the ring
30
of the base
16
. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover
18
and the base
16
of the apparatus
10
have a diameter of 14 inches and a height of 6 inches. The cover
18
is made of hard plastic, but other materials such as wood, aluminum, etc. can be used.
Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the drive assembly
20
includes a drive assembly motor
94
, an axle
96
, a wheel
98
, a flywheel
100
and a housing
102
. The motor
94
is connected to the cover
18
. The motor
94
is a dc motor coupled to the axle
96
and connected via wires to the power supply
38
and the control system
40
. The motor
94
converts electrical energy of the battery
42
to rotational mechanical energy applied to the axle
96
. The axle
96
is connected to the center of the wheel
98
. In an exemplary embodiment, the wheel
98
includes an inner plastic hub and an outer foam covering
104
. The wheel
98
rotates in response to rotation of the axle
96
caused by the motor
94
and imparts motion to each ball
12
coming in contact with the wheel
98
.
The flywheel
100
is also connected to the axle
96
and is positioned adjacent to the wheel
98
. In an exemplary embodiment the flywheel
100
has a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the wheel
98
to ensure that the flywheel
100
does not contact the ball
12
during operation. The flywheel
100
provides additional weight to the drive assembly
20
thereby increasing the inertia of the drive assembly
20
and allowing the drive assembly
20
to resist a reduction in speed when the wheel
98
contacts the ball
12
. The flywheel
100
also allows the drive assembly
20
to quickly return to normal operating speed after the wheel
98
contacts and projects the ball
12
. The flywheel
100
is typically made of metal, but other flywheel materials, such as a ceramic material, can be used. The housing
102
is connected to the cover
18
and encompasses the drive assembly
20
leaving only the lowest portion of the wheel
98
exposed for contact with the ball
12
. In an exemplary embodiment, the wheel
98
extends through the housing
102
by approximately one quarter of an inch. The housing
102
insulates sound emitted from the drive assembly
20
during operation and limits the exposure of the rotating components of the drive assembly to only the outer foam covering
104
of the wheel
98
. This feature prevents potential injury in the event that a user, specifically a child, inserts an extremity (e.g. arm) through the ball inlet opening
62
or the ball outlet opening
64
of the cover
18
and into the apparatus
10
. The housing
102
is made of hard plastic, but other materials, such as wood and aluminum, can be used. Alternatively, the drive assembly
20
can include a second wheel for contacting and projecting the ball
12
. In another alternative embodiment, the motor
94
can be an ac motor powered by a remote power source. In another alternate embodiment, the drive assembly
20
can be a spring loaded actuation device having an automatically reset feature. In yet another embodiment, the drive assembly
20
can include a reciprocating motor connected to chamber configured to hold a pressurized fluid, such as air, where the pressurized fluid is periodically released to project the ball
12
.
Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 8
, in an exemplary embodiment, the ball interface device is a pivotable bracket assembly
91
including a ball interface motor
103
and a pivotable bracket
95
. The ball interface motor
103
is coupled to the base
16
and the pivotable bracket
95
. The ball interface motor
103
is electrically coupled to the power supply
38
and the control system
40
(FIG.
2
). The bracket
95
includes an arcuate member
97
and a lever
99
. The arcuate member
97
is positioned between the rails
54
of the ramp
36
adjacent to the inlet side
48
of the ramp
36
. The lever
99
is pivotally connected to the output of the ball interface motor
103
and is fixedly connected to the arcuate member
97
. The arcuate member
97
is configured to operate between a first and second position. In the first position, the arcuate member
97
is positioned in a substantially horizontal position such that the arcuate member
97
supports the lowest ball and prevents the remaining balls
12
within the ball feeder tube
22
from continuing to travel into the apparatus
10
and from contacting the wheel
98
. In the second position, the bracket
95
pivots enabling the single ball
12
in contact with the arcuate member
97
to travel further along the ramp
36
and to contact the wheel
98
. Upon receipt of a signal from the control system
40
, the ball interface motor
103
is configured to transfer the bracket
95
between the first and second positions.
Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14
, in an alternative exemplary embodiment the ball interface device is a solenoid
108
connected to the cover
18
and coupled to the control system
40
and the power supply
38
. The solenoid
108
includes a pin
110
movable between a first position in which the ball
12
is allowed to engage the wheel
98
and a second position in which the ball
12
is prevented from engaging the wheel
98
. The pin
110
functions as a gate. In the first position, the solenoid
108
raises the pin
110
allowing a single ball
12
to roll along the rails
54
of the ramp
36
under the force of gravity, pass under the pin
110
and contact the wheel
98
. In the second position, the solenoid
108
lowers the pin
110
preventing one or more of the balls
12
from contacting the wheel
98
. Alternatively, the ball interface device can be a gate or a door movable between the first and second positions.
Referring to
FIG. 15
, in another alternative embodiment, the control system can include a mechanical actuation and timing device
300
for controlling the operation of the ball interface device, such as the bracket assembly
91
.
FIG. 15
illustrates one possible embodiment for a mechanical activation and timing device
300
, other configurations for a mechanical activation and timing device can be used and would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the mechanical actuation and timing device
300
can include a cam shaft assembly
302
having at least one cam lobe
304
and a ball interface device linkage
306
. The cam shaft assembly
302
is coupled at one end to the motor
94
. The coupling of the motor
94
to the cam shaft assembly
302
can be accomplished through a variety of gears, pulleys, belts or other means for achieving the desired number of revolutions per minute of the cam shaft assembly
302
. The at least one cam lobe
304
is positioned such that the profile of cam lobe
304
contacts the ball interface linkage
306
. The ball interface linkage
306
is coupled to the ball interface device. The mechanism activation and timing device
300
is configured to reposition the ball interface device at a predetermined interval from the actuation of the apparatus
10
. The mechanical actuation and timing device
300
can also be used to reposition the ball interface device at a specific predetermined interval or frequency.
Referring to
FIGS. 1 through 3
, the ball feeder tube
22
is an elongate, hollow cylinder having a first end
112
and a second end
114
. In the automatic ball projection mode, the second end
114
of the ball feeder tube
22
removably connects to the cover
18
at the ball inlet opening
62
, and the first end
112
of the tube
22
is positioned at a higher elevation than the second end
114
. In an exemplary embodiment, a reinforcing bracket
116
connects the second end
114
of the tube
22
to the cover
18
at the ball inlet opening
62
. The reinforcing bracket
116
increases the strength and durability of the apparatus
10
. The tube
22
further includes a passage
118
near the first end
112
of the tube
22
. The passage
118
is sized to permit the ball
12
to enter the tube
22
. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube
22
is a magazine capable of holding up to five balls. Alternate magazine sizes are contemplated. The second end
114
of the tube
22
is sized to allow the ball
12
to freely exit the tube
22
. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube
22
is made of plastic, but other materials, such as wood, aluminum, etc., can be used.
Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8
, in the tee ball mode of operation, the second end
114
of the tube
22
is removably inserted into the tee opening
88
of the cover
18
. The first end
112
of the tube
22
includes a concave support surface
120
for maintaining the ball
12
above the apparatus
10
. The first end
112
further includes a tapered section
122
positioned adjacent to and directly below the support surface
120
. In an exemplary embodiment, the tapered section
122
is made of a flexible, resilient material capable of absorbing the force of a bat swung by a user that strikes the tapered section
122
. In another exemplary embodiment, the first end
112
of the tube
22
is open and tapered to allow a ball to rest at the second end
114
of the tube
22
, when the tube
22
is in the tee ball mode of operation.
The apparatus
10
is configured principally for outdoor use, therefore the control circuit case
78
and the power supply case
66
are constructed to prevent moisture and debris from contacting the control system and the power supply
38
. The opening
56
(see
FIG. 3
) of the ramp
36
and the drain hole
32
(see
FIG. 6
) in the disk
24
allow water, such as rain water, that enters apparatus
10
through ball inlet opening or the ball outlet openings
62
,
64
(see
FIG. 2
) to drain out of the apparatus
10
. Additionally, the flange of the pushbutton
76
seals out water and debris from entering the apparatus
10
at the pushbutton opening
92
(see FIG.
5
). Additionally, the flange of the pushbutton
76
seals out water and debris from entering the apparatus
10
at the pushbutton opening
92
(see FIG.
5
).
Referring to
FIG. 9
, a representative embodiment of the control system
40
circuit diagram is illustrated. Other circuit diagrams are available and would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The microcontroller
72
includes internal integrated logic, an internal clock, memory for storing a timer event and a processor for comparing time to the value of the timer event. The microcontroller
72
is coupled to the pushbutton
76
, the power supply
38
, the motor
94
, the piezo-electric chip
74
and the ball interface device. The microcontroller
72
sends out positive voltage signals, according to the microcontroller's internal logic to a first transistor
126
connected to the motor
94
, a second transistor
128
connected to the piezo-electric chip
74
and a third transistor
130
connected to the ball interface device. The positive voltage signals cause the motor
94
, the piezo-electric chip
74
or the ball interface device to activate or re-position. The piezo-electric chip
74
emits a “beep” sound when actuated in order to warn the user that the ball
12
is about to be projected from the apparatus
10
. This is achieved without the need for adding speakers to the control system
40
. Thus, the piezo-electric chip
74
provides an inexpensive and effective warning signal function to the apparatus
10
. In an alternative embodiment, at least one audio speaker is included in the control system
40
for emitting audible warning signals or messages to the user.
Referring to
FIG. 10
, one exemplary embodiment of control system
40
integrated logic is illustrated. Other logic configurations are available, are contemplated, and would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 9
, the control system
40
integrated logic begins with the pushbutton
76
. When the pushbutton
76
is not pressed, nothing will occur, as shown at block
200
. If pushbutton
76
is pressed, internal timer within the microcontroller
72
is activated, as shown at
202
, the motor
94
receives a signal from the microcontroller
72
to activate, as shown at
204
, and a timer event, stored in the microcontroller
72
, is set at a first predetermined duration. In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined duration is set at approximately seven seconds, as shown at
206
. Other duration settings can be used. The microcontroller
72
then determines if time equals the timer event (e.g., seven seconds), as shown at
208
. If time does not equal the timer event, nothing further will occur. If time does equal timer event, the microcontroller
72
sends a signal to activate the piezo-electric chip
74
, as shown at
210
. In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller
72
signal to the piezo-electric chip
74
causes the chip
74
to emit a beeping sound at an increasing frequency until the chip
74
is reset. The microcontroller
72
also resets the timer event to a value equal to the previous timer event value plus a second predetermined duration. In an exemplary embodiment, the second predetermined duration is approximately three seconds, as shown at
212
, but other duration settings can be used. The microcontroller
72
then determines if time equals the time event (e.g., ten seconds), as shown at
214
. If time does not equal time event, nothing further will occur. If time equals the timer event, the microcontroller
72
sends a signal to re-position the ball interface device, as shown at
216
. The microcontroller
72
signal to re-position the ball interface device holds the ball interface device in a repositioned state for a third predetermined duration equivalent to the time required for one ball
12
to the pass of the ball interface device and contact the wheel
98
. When the third predetermined duration expires, the ball interface device returns to its original position. In an exemplary embodiment, the third predetermined duration is approximately one quarter of a second, but other duration settings can be used. The microcontroller
72
resets the piezo-electric chip
74
, as shown at
218
. The microcontroller
72
also resets timer event to a value equal to the previous timer event value plus a fourth predetermined duration. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth predetermined duration is set at approximately three seconds, as shown at
220
. Other duration settings can be used. The microcontroller
72
then determines if time is greater than a total cycle time. In an exemplary embodiment, the total cycle time is approximately thirty-four seconds, as shown at
222
. If time is not greater than thirty-four seconds, the microcontroller
72
returns to
208
and determines if time equals the time event and steps
208
through
220
are repeated. If time is greater than thirty-four seconds, the microcontroller
72
stops the motor
94
, as shown at
224
, stops the timer, as shown at
226
, and resets the timer event, as shown at
228
. This automatic shutdown feature of the control system
40
preserves the life of the battery
42
.
In summary, the control system
40
logic causes the apparatus
10
to function in the following manner. The user activates the apparatus
10
by pressing the pushbutton
76
once. Once activated, the control system
40
starts an internal timer and the motor
94
. The control system
40
then provides a seven second warm-up period for the user to attain a ready batting position. At seven seconds, the apparatus
10
emits a beeping sound that increases in frequency for three seconds until first ball is projected from the apparatus
10
at a total time of ten seconds, at which time the beeping sound stops. Also, at ten seconds, the ball interface device repositioned for approximately one quarter of a second allows a single ball
12
to pass the ball interface device and contact the wheel
98
. The beeping sound emitted by the apparatus
10
provides the user with an accurate warning signal of when the ball
12
will be projected from the apparatus
10
. Three seconds later, the apparatus
10
re-initiates the beeping sound for a duration of three seconds, at which time a second ball is projected from the apparatus
10
. This cycle repeats itself for a third, fourth and fifth ball. After the fifth ball is projected, the apparatus
10
automatically shuts down.
In the tee ball mode of operation, the second end
114
of the tube
22
is removably inserted into the tee opening
88
of the cover
18
. The ball
12
is placed on the first end
112
of the tube
22
for hitting with the bat
14
by the user. In the automatic ball projection mode of operation, the second end
114
of the tube
22
is removably attached to the ball inlet opening
62
and the bracket
116
. The user activates the apparatus
10
by pressing the pushbutton
76
, with a foot, a hand or the bat
14
. The apparatus
10
proceeds to emit a warning signal seven seconds later. The warning signal continues for three seconds at which time the ball interface device changes positions allowing the ball
12
to pass under the pin
110
of the ball interface device, and roll along the ramp
36
under the force of gravity until the ball
12
contacts the exposed portion of the wheel
98
. The wheel
98
imparts motion on to the ball
12
causing the ball
12
to travel along the rails
54
of the ramp
36
and continue upward and exit the apparatus
10
through the ball outlet opening
64
, where the ball
12
can be hit by the user. Three seconds later the warning signal reinitiates for a duration of three seconds at which time a second ball is projected from the apparatus
10
. The warning signal and ball projection cycle repeats for a third, fourth and fifth ball. After the fifth ball is projected by the apparatus
10
, the apparatus
10
automatically shuts down.
While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art, for example, the apparatus can be powered by a remote power source through a converter and an extension cord. According to another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus can be activated by a remote control device. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball, comprising:a body having a ball inlet opening, a ball outlet opening and a pathway for guiding the ball through the body; a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion to the ball; a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly; a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, wherein the control system interacts with the ball interface device by applying a signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between the first position and the second position at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration, thereby causing impartation of motion to the ball; and a sound transducer coupled to the control system configured for emitting a warning signal.
- 2. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interval of the signal to the ball interface device from the control system is at least two seconds, the duration of the signal is at least approximately 0.25 seconds, and the frequency is at least approximately two seconds.
- 3. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control system automatically shuts off the drive assembly at a predetermined shutdown time.
- 4. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an actuation device connected to the body and coupled to the control system.
- 5. The baseball training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the actuation device is a push button connected to the body.
- 6. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power supply connected to the drive assembly and the control system.
- 7. The baseball training apparatus of claim 6, wherein the power supply includes at least one battery.
- 8. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ball feeder tube having first and second ends, the first end of the tube removably connected to the body, the tube configured to store at least one of the balls.
- 9. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control system is a mechanical activation and timing device.
- 10. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cord assembly coupled to the drive assembly and the control system, the cord assembly configures for connecting to a remote power source.
- 11. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an arcuate ramp connected to the body, the ramp defining the pathway for guiding the ball through the body.
- 12. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control system applies a sound emitting chip signal to the sound transducer at a second predetermined frequency for a second predetermined duration and the control system further applies the sound emitting chip signal at a third increasing frequency during the second predetermined duration.
- 13. The baseball training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a rim for holding at least one of the balls.
- 14. A baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball, comprising:a body having a ball inlet opening, a ball outlet opening and a pathway for guiding the ball through the body; a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion to the ball; a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly; a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, wherein the control system interacts with the ball interface device by applying a signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between the first position and the second position at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration, thereby causing impartation of motion to the ball; and at least one audio speaker coupled to the control system and configured for emitting a warning signal or at least one audible message.
- 15. A baseball training apparatus for use with at least one ball, comprising:a body having a ball inlet opening, a ball outlet opening and a pathway for guiding the ball through the body; a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion to the ball; a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly; and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, wherein the control system interacts with the ball interface device by applying a signal to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between the first position and the second position at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration, thereby causing impartation of motion to the ball, the control system further includes a voice recognition module, the module configured to convert a verbal command into a signal, which is applied by the control system to the ball interface device.
- 16. The baseball training apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a ball feeder tube having first and second ends, the first end of the tube removably connected to the body, the tube configured to store at least one of the balls.
- 17. The baseball training apparatus of claim. 15, farther comprising an arcuate ramp connected to the body, the ramp defining the pathway for guiding the ball through the body.
- 18. The baseball training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body includes a rim for holding at least one of the balls.
- 19. A baseball training apparatus for use with a plurality of balls, comprising:a body having a ball inlet, a ball outlet and a pathway for guiding the ball through the body; a ball feeder tube removably connected to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls; a ball delivery means coupled to the body; a ball projection means coupled to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball generally vertically from the body; and a control system coupled to the ball projection means and the ball delivery means, the control system providing an actuation signal to the ball delivery means at a first predetermined frequency, wherein the ball delivery means is a solenoid coupled to the control system and the ball projection means is a wheel coupled to a dc motor, the wheel is configured to impart motion onto the ball.
- 20. The baseball training apparatus of claim 19, wherein a distal end of the ball feeder tube is formed to support the ball when the ball feeder tube is removably connected to the body, such that the ball feeder tube is positioned in a substantially vertical position.
US Referenced Citations (29)