BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The disclosed technology regards a sports pitching and hitting training apparatus useful in assisting individuals in pitching into, or hitting through, a zone of interest (e.g., a hitting or strike zone).
Boys and girls starting at age 4 are playing some form of baseball or softball. Worldwide, there are over 3 million young people ages 4 to 21 participating in organized baseball and softball. The ability to hit and pitch a baseball or softball are learned skills.
The disclosed technology teaches the best area to hit the ball through the technique of muscle memory. Using the disclosed technology, visualization and practice swinging through the “hitting zone” will assist the user in rapidly gaining experience in this skill area. Because of its novel design and features, the disclosed technology works well for both right handed and left handed hitters.
The disclosed technology further teaches pitchers, through simple visualization where the “strike zone” is located, and allows them to practice throwing through the visualized strike zone or other zone of interest to increase their skill level.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
The disclosed technology regards a sports pitching and hitting training apparatus useful in practicing pitching into a zone of interest (e.g., a strike zone), and hitting through a zone of interest (e.g., a hitting zone). The apparatus generally includes a vertical pole, a base affixed to an end of the vertical pole, and first and second horizontal poles, the first and second horizontal poles being affixed or removably affixed to the vertical pole. The vertical pole may have a plurality of apertures extending along the length of the vertical pole, for receiving, securing and supporting an end of each of the horizontal poles. These apertures may include an internally threaded barrel with a disk-shaped head about a circumference of the barrel.
In some embodiments, and particularly useful for pitching practice, the apparatus includes a pair of vertical zone indicators removably and movably positioned on the first horizontal pole. The vertical zone indicators each have a receiving channel at their top end to receive the horizontal pole and provide a point of suspension for the vertical zone indicators from the horizontal pole, which further define a zone of interest with the horizontal poles.
In embodiments hereinafter discussed, the vertical pole may include first and second telescopically engaged vertical pole segments, with the first vertical pole segment being affixed to the base, and the second vertical pole segment telescopically extending from the first vertical pole segment between a first storage position, and a second extended position.
In some embodiments the base of the disclosed technology may include a support structure having dimensions greater than the outer diameter of the vertical pole, and three or more legs extending from and removably affixed to the support structure. In other embodiments the base may include a plurality of legs hingedly affixed to the vertical pole by a ring, with movable support arms to secure the vertical poles in an extended position.
In some embodiments the horizontal poles include a threaded fastener and a spring, extending from the end of each horizontal pole, the spring providing flexibility to the poles in the event the same are contacted by a bat or ball, wherein the threads of the fastener are sized and configured to be securely and removably received in the apertures of the vertical pole.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a pair of vertical zone indicators removably and movably positioned on the first horizontal pole, wherein each of the vertical zone indicators comprise a receiving channel at their top end to receive the horizontal pole and provide a point of suspension for the vertical zone indicators from the horizontal pole, to further define the zone of interest.
The disclosed technology further regards a method of training for sports pitching and hitting. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing an apparatus including a vertical pole, a base affixed to an end of the vertical pole, and first and second horizontal poles, the first and second horizontal poles being removably affixed to the vertical pole, wherein the horizontal poles form a zone of interest; and (2) throwing a ball into the zone of interest, and/or swinging a bat through the zone of interest.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The disclosed technology, and the advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, without the vertical indicators.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, in a configuration for transport and storage.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the base of the embodiment of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7A is a side view of the spring, fastening means and horizontal pole, as affixed to the vertical pole, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein the horizontal pole is in an extended position.
FIG. 7B is a side view of the spring, fastening means and horizontal pole of the embodiment of FIG. 7A, wherein the horizontal pole is in a stored position.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vertical pole and base of the disclosed technology, in the stored position, showing (in dashed lines) movement of the legs of the base between a first extended position and a second, stored position.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A, in the extended position, showing movement of the legs of the base between a first extended position and a second, stored position.
FIG. 9A is a side view of an embodiment of the first vertical pole segment of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 9B is a top view of the embodiment of the first vertical pole segment of FIG. 9A.
FIG. 9C is a side view of an embodiment of the second vertical pole segment of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 9D is a top view of the embodiment of the second vertical pole segment of FIG. 9C.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the base of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the support structure of the base of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the leg of the base of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10D is a bottom view of the leg of FIG. 10C.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of affixation means for the carrying strap of an embodiment of the disclosed technology, as affixed to the base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of affixation means for the carrying strap of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A, as affixed to the vertical pole of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 11C is another side view of the affixation means of FIG. 11B.
FIG. 11D is a side view of the vertical pole of FIG. 1, with support structure for the affixation means of FIGS. 11B and 11C.
FIG. 12A is a top view of an embodiment of a horizontal pole of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 12B is a side view of another embodiment of a horizontal pole of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 12C is top view of the embodiment of the horizontal pole of FIG. 12B.
FIG. 12D is a top view of an embodiment of a vertical indicator of the disclosed technology.
FIG. 12E is a side view of an embodiment of another vertical indicator of the disclosed technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 8B, embodiments of the sports pitching and hitting training apparatus of disclosed technology include a vertical pole 1 affixed at an end to a base 2, a pair of horizontal poles 31, 32 removably affixed to the vertical pole, and a pair of vertical zone indicators 4 movably positioned on and removably secured to the first horizontal pole 31.
The vertical pole 1 may have a first vertical pole segment 11 telescopically engaged with a second vertical pole segment 12, wherein the first vertical pole segment is affixed to the base at a first end. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, 4, 8A and 8B, the second vertical pole segment telescopically extends from the first vertical pole segment at its second end, between a first storage position (shown in FIGS. 4 and 8A) suitable for transport, and a second extended position (shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8B) when the apparatus is in use. The extended position may vary depending on the height of the user, and desired position of the zone of interest. In some embodiments the second vertical pole segment has an outer diameter only slightly less than the inner diameter of the first vertical pole segment, so that the second vertical pole segment may extend from the first vertical pole segment, and maintain the extended position. In other embodiments, fastening means are provided to secure the second vertical pole segment in the extended position relative to the first vertical pole segment, and/or in the storage position. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, fastening means suitable for use in the disclosed technology may include one or more spring buttons 121 affixed to the second vertical pole segment, positioned to fasten the second vertical pole segment in an extended or storage position relative to the first vertical pole segment, and wherein the first vertical pole segment comprises one or more apertures 111 through which the button may protrude and secure the position of the second vertical pole segment relative to the first vertical pole segment. In this embodiment, the button should be sized, configured and secured to or integrated with the second vertical pole segment so as not to impede the movement of the second vertical pole segment relative to the first vertical pole segment, when depressed. Other fastening means may also be suitable to secure the second vertical pole segment to the first vertical pole segment.
As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, the vertical pole or vertical pole segments may have a plurality of apertures 13 extending along the length thereof, for receiving, securing and supporting an end of the horizontal poles 31, 32. The apertures may be positioned along the vertical pole at two or more positions. Multiple apertures positioned along the length of the vertical pole allow variations in the size of the zone of interest, as the position and number of apertures of the vertical pole (and the position of the second vertical pole segment relative to the first vertical pole segments) provide a plurality of affixation points for the horizontal poles.
The apertures along the vertical pole may be threaded to receive in threaded engagement a threaded end portion of a horizontal pole. In some embodiments, the apertures include an affixed, internally threaded barrel 131 with a disk-shaped head 132 about the circumference of the barrel. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a portion of the barrel and the head may protrude out from the surface of the vertical pole a distance to provide sufficient length of support to counterbalance the weight of the horizontal pole, and hold the horizontal pole in a horizontal position, with the barrel ending flush with the interior wall of the vertical pole. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, a portion of the barrel head may protrude into the interior vacuous area of the vertical pole, with the disk-shaped head flush with the exterior surface of the vertical pole. Both configurations would apply when the vertical pole is segmented, wherein the barrels of the first vertical pole end flush with the interior wall of the first vertical pole segment, and the disk is flush with the exterior wall of the second vertical pole segment, to facilitate sliding engagement of the second vertical pole segment relative to the first vertical pole segment. In another embodiment, portions of the barrel head may protrude into the interior vacuous area of the vertical pole and out from the exterior surface of the vertical pole to provide the necessary support.
The vertical pole (or the second vertical pole segment) may be closed at its top, such as by a rounded cap 14 affixed to a top thereof, to avoid injury and damage.
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 10A-10D, the base 2 may include a support structure 21, such as a plate, made of wood or other material, having dimensions or diameter greater than the dimensions or outer diameter of the vertical pole. Three or more legs 22 may extend from the support structure. The legs may be removably affixed to the support structure, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of slots 211 extending radially outward and through all or most of the depth of the support structure, the slots having a polygonal or other shape, the number of slots corresponding with the number of legs and being sized and shaped to receive a first end of the legs. As shown in FIG. 10B, an innermost wall 211A of each slot, perpendicular to a central axis of the support structure, may have one or more posts 212 extending radially outward from the wall.
Further, each of the legs comprise a plurality of apertures 221 at a first end, parallel with the longitudinal axis of the leg, and a plurality of apertures 222 at a second end, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg, the apertures being sized and positioned to receive the post(s) of the slots and secure the legs within the slots. When the legs are positioned with the posts of the slots received within the apertures 221 at the first end, the legs are supported in an extended position and extend horizontally from the support structure, thereby stabilizing the apparatus (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2 and 10A). When the legs are positioned with the posts of the slots received within the apertures 222 at the second end, the legs are supported in a stored position and extend vertically from the support structure, thereby compacting the apparatus for transport and storage (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
As shown in FIG. 8A, the base may further include a cylindrical structure 23 integrated with or affixed to the top face of the support structure, and received within the vacuous interior of the vertical pole or its first vertical pole segment. The cylindrical structure may be solid or hollow. In this embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical structure is at or slightly less than the interior diameter of the vertical pole/first vertical pole segment, so that the cylindrical structure securely supports the vertical pole. To further secure the vertical pole to the cylindrical structure, fastening means 23A (e.g., screws, bolts) may extend through the wall of the vertical pole into the cylindrical structure. In some embodiments a plurality of hooks 24 may be positioned about base, affixed about the circumference of the support structure.
In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the base 2 may have a plurality of legs 25, hingedly affixed about the vertical pole (or its first vertical pole segment) by means of a ring 26, having a plurality of support structures 27 extending therefrom, with a pin rotationally affixing each leg to a support structure. A second pin or bar 28 may be affixed at the end of each support structure, to limit the rotational movement of each leg. The legs may be hollow or solid poles, or any other elongated structure, and may each comprise two or more telescoping poles to allow varying heights of the apparatus, and to facilitate efficient transport and storage. In the embodiment shown, the legs are further supported and rotational movement controlled by a plurality of cross arms 28, the cross arms being hingedly affixed to each pole (by a ring slidably engaged with the pole, or otherwise), and to a central support structure or pole 29, affixed to and extending from the bottom of the vertical pole (by a ring slidably engaged with the central support structure, or otherwise). In this embodiment each of the legs may terminate in a foot 251, such as a spherical structure with a cylindrical structure protruding from a portion of the surface thereof, the cylindrical structure sized and configured to be received in and secured to a terminus vacuous area at the end of each leg.
In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the base 2 may have a plurality of legs 22, hingedly affixed about the vertical pole (or its first vertical pole segment), wherein the legs rotate between an extended position (with the legs perpendicular to the axis of the vertical pole), and a storage position (with the legs parallel with the axis of the vertical pole).
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12A, each of the first and second horizontal poles 31, 32 comprises a spring 33 affixed to an end of the pole, and fastening means 34 (e.g., a threaded screw or bolt) secured at the end of the spring, the fastening means designed and configured to be received and secured within the apertures of the vertical pole. The spring should have tension sufficient to support the weight of the horizontal pole, with sufficient flexibility to allow a bat or ball to hit the pole, at full force, without breaking the pole or dislodging it from the aperture. The horizontal poles may be made from graphite, or other suitable, light weight, durable material, wherein the length of the pole (with affixation means) has a length of between about 30-40″.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the horizontal poles 31, 32 may be affixed to the vertical pole, with a rotatable elbow provided between the spring and point of affixation, so that the horizontal pole may extend horizontally when in use (see FIG. 7A), but be repositioned vertically for purposes of storage (see FIG. 7B).
In some embodiments, the horizontal poles have a colored segment 35 (created by paint, colored material, tape, etc.) between 10″ and 15″ from the point of affixation to the vertical pole to the horizontal pole, wherein the colored segment is a different color (e.g., orange) than the remainder of the horizontal pole (e.g., which may be colored black) to easily distinguish a zone of interest, and may be between about 15″-20″.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 12B and 12C, the horizontal poles may be slidably and movably secured to the vertical pole by means of a ring 36 or other structure, designed and configured to secure to the vertical pole by affixation means 37. As provided in the embodiment shown, the ring structure may provide rotational movement of the horizontal pole about the vertical pole, so that it may rotate a distance in the event it is hit (see FIG. 12C), wherein a non-rotatable affixation might result in injury to the user or destruction of the horizontal pole. For example, the horizontal pole may be hingedly affixed to the ring so that it may move from one position, perpendicular to the ring, to a second position, if the horizontal pole is contacted with sufficient force, for example by a bat or ball. In this configuration, a magnet, spring or other structure may be affixed to the horizontal pole and the ring to cause the pole to return to the perpendicular position after the force of contact dissipates.
The pair of vertical zone indicators 4 removably and movably positioned on the first horizontal pole may be made from a flexible material, such as for example fabric, or a rigid material, such as for example wood or graphite (see FIGS. 12D and 12E). Each of the vertical zone indicators have a recess at a securing end thereof, formed as for example a loop at the end of the flexible material, or an eye hook or similar affixation means affixed to the end of a rigid vertical zone indicator, creating a recess sized and configured to receive the horizontal pole and provide a point of suspension for the vertical zone indicators from the horizontal pole. By their position along the horizontal pole, the vertical pole indicators form a zone of interest with the horizontal poles. The vertical zone indicators, or portions thereof, may be colored similar to the coloration of the colored segment of the horizontal poles, allowing a player to view the zone of interest from a distance.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 11A-11D, a shoulder strap 5 may be incorporated with the apparatus for ease of transport. As shown in FIG. 11A, the shoulder strap may be affixed to the base by a pin 51 rotatably secured within an aperture of the support structure, having a ring 52 hingedly mounted to the pin, facilitating rotational positioning of the strap. As shown in FIG. 11B, the second end of the strap may be rotationally affixed to a ring 53, sized to fit about the vertical tube, or the first vertical tube segment. The ring may be segmented, wherein the segments are affixed by means of a pin or otherwise, and may be secured in position on the vertical tube by means of a pin 54 (shown in FIG. 11C), allowing the ring to be tightened and affixed, or loosened and removed. As shown in FIG. 11D, a collar may be formed on the surface of the vertical pole, or a recessed portion 55 may be formed about the circumference of the vertical pole, or both, to support the ring in position on the vertical tube.
The disclosed technology further regards a method of using the sports pitching and hitting apparatus as herein described. In this method, the legs of the base are positioned in an extended position, defined by the embodiment of the apparatus as hereinabove described. When the vertical pole includes a plurality of vertical pole segments, the second vertical pole segment is pulled away from the first vertical pole segment to a desired height. Each of the horizontal poles are positioned along the vertical pole, by securing the fastening means of the horizontal poles in the desired apertures along the vertical pole, so that the top and bottom of the zone of interest is defined by the position of the first horizontal pole and the second horizontal pole, respectively. Alternatively, with embodiments wherein the horizontal poles are affixed to rings, the rings are positioned about and secure to the vertical pole. Finally, if desired, the vertical zone indicators are positioned on the first horizontal pole, at the left and right sides of the zone of interest, wherein the recesses of the vertical zone indicators receive the horizontal pole.
To accommodate right handed hitters, the vertical pole is positioned on the left side of a plate when viewed from the pitching position (or the right side of the batter), with the horizontal poles extending from the pole over the plate (towards the batter); the vertical pole may be positioned on the right side of the plate (left side of the batter) to accommodate left handed hitters. Once in position, a user may throw a ball, aiming at the zone of interest; a batter may be positioned on an opposing side of the apparatus of the disclosed technology and attempt to swing through the zone of interest at the ball. By such means, the pitcher is able to aim a ball at a zone of interest, to improve accuracy, and/or a hitter is able to practice hitting a ball, through a zone of interest. In either case, visual clarity (and in some instances physical contact with a horizontal pole or vertical indicator) is provided to evidence any error in the trajectory of a thrown ball or the swing of a bat.
The disclosed technology further regards a method of disassembling the sports pitching and hitting apparatus as herein described. In this method, if used, the vertical zone indicators are removed from the first horizontal pole, by removing the horizontal pole from the recesses of the vertical zone indicators. Each of the horizontal poles are then removed from the vertical pole, by withdrawal of the fastening means of the horizontal pole from the apertures of the vertical pole, by removal of the horizontal pole rings from the vertical pole, or by repositioning the horizontal poles in the vertical position (depending on the embodiment of the apparatus). When the vertical pole includes a plurality of vertical pole segments, the second vertical pole segment is pushed into the vacuous area of the first vertical pole segment until it reaches the storage position. In some embodiments, the horizontal poles may be stored within the vacuous area of the vertical pole. Finally, the base is positioned in the stored position, as defined by the embodiment of the apparatus as hereinabove described.
Although only a few embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in detail, it should be appreciated that the invention may be implemented in many other forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20180099198
