Patent Application
20230321508
The present invention relates generally to pitching aids and, in particular, to pitch training aids incorporating strategically positioned barriers for directing pitches of sports balls, increasing the pitching accuracy of users.
Pitch training apparatuses generally include targets and/or guiding mechanisms configured and positioned to train a pitcher to be able to pitch a sports ball (e.g., a baseball, softball, etc.) within a designated strike zone for a batter. However, there are many locations within a designated strike zone at which there is a greater likelihood that a batter will be able to make contact with a pitched ball. Standard pitch training apparatuses and systems, which aid the pitcher in aiming for the strike zone, will not aid in helping pitchers avoid pitching to these easier-to-hit areas. Additionally, it may be advantageous, on a case-by-case basis, for a pitcher to pitch outside of the strike zone. Standard pitch training apparatuses and systems would additionally not aid pitchers to pitch to these areas outside of the strike zone.
In view of the above, it is advantageous for a pitcher to be able to pitch to specific locations accurately and precisely within and outside of a designated strike zone. Furthermore, since a strike zone is based on the physical characteristics of a batter, the dimensions and position of the strike zone can change from batter to batter, and it is advantageous for a pitcher to be able to adjust accordingly to a dynamically changing strike zone over the course of a game.
For at least these reasons, a pitch training apparatus is needed for training pitchers to aim for designated areas within a strike zone and outside of a strike zone, and which is capable of dynamic alteration to enable the pitch training apparatus to be altered to redirect the aim of the pitcher.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a pitch training apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a stand including two support structures, and a barrier, positioned between the two support structures, configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier. The barrier is positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures. An outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.
According to various embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more securing mechanisms. The barrier is secured to each of the two support structures via the one or more securing mechanisms.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms includes one or more elastic bands configured to be secured to both the barrier and the stand, causing the barrier to be stretched between the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms are adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality of positions between the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, the two support structures each include a plurality of connection points for securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, for each of the two support structures, each of the plurality of connection points are spaced equidistant from adjacent connection points.
According to various embodiments, the barrier includes a plurality of connection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms to the barrier.
According to various embodiments, the barrier includes one or more of netting, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, glass, and/or other suitable materials.
According to various embodiments, the central form is rectangular, circular, oblong, triangular, rhomboid, and/or other suitable shapes.
According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion is configured to be removably secured to the central form.
According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions.
According to various embodiments, the shape of the barrier is a “T” shape.
According to various embodiments, the stand is configured to maintain a distance between the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, the sports ball is a baseball or softball.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using a pitch training apparatus is provided. The method includes assembling a barrier, wherein an outer edge of the barrier forms a shape, the shape having a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. The assembling includes securing the at least one protrusion to the central form. The method further includes securing the barrier to a stand. The stand includes two support structures. The barrier is secured to the two support structures via one or more securing mechanisms. The securing includes positioning the barrier over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the two support structures. The shape and position of the barrier is configured to train a user to pitch the sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms includes one or more elastic bands, and the securing includes securing the one or more elastic bands to both the barrier and to the stand, stretching the barrier between the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms are adjustable, enabling the barrier to be secured at a plurality of positions between the two support structures, and the method further includes repositioning and resecuring the barrier between the two support structures after securing the barrier between the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, the two support structures each include a plurality of connection points for securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the two support structures.
According to various embodiments, for each of the two support structures, each of the plurality of connection points are spaced equidistant from adjacent connection points.
According to various embodiments, the barrier includes a plurality of connection points for connecting the one or more securing mechanisms to the barrier, and the securing further includes securing the barrier to the stand includes securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the plurality of connection points.
According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion is configured to be removably secured to the central form, and assembling the barrier further includes removing a first protrusion from the central form, and securing a second protrusion to the central form.
According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions.
According to various embodiments, the shape of the barrier is a “T” shape.
Having thus described example implementations of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
Each figure shown in this disclosure shows a variation of the embodiments presented, and only differences will be discussed in detail.
Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Also, something may be shown or described as being to a first, second, third, or the like should not be taken to imply a specific order, unless otherwise stated. Further, although reference may be made herein to a number of measures, predetermined thresholds and the like such as dollar amounts, units, percentages and the like, according to which aspects of example implementations may operate; unless stated otherwise, any or all of the measures/predetermined thresholds may be configurable. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to dynamic systems and apparatuses for training a user to pitch a sports ball (e.g., baseball, softball, etc.). Example implementations will be primarily described in the context of pitch training systems and apparatuses for use with baseballs and softballs. It should be understood, however, that example implementations may be equally applicable to any of a number of other projectiles such as, e.g., footballs, ping pong balls, tennis balls, and the like. It is to be understood that, as used herein, “sports ball” could include any suitable targeted projectile for use in sports.
Referring now to
According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 is configured to train users (e.g., pitchers) to pitch a sports ball into designated zones. The zones are configured to aid in maximizing the user's ability to throw a pitch to secure a swing from a batter which also increasing a chance that the batter will miss the pitched sports ball during play, securing a strike.
According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 includes a stand 105 configured to secure a barrier 110 at a desired position.
According to various embodiments, the stand 105 includes a plurality of support structures 115. The stand 105, as depicted in the embodiment of
According to some embodiments, support structure 120 and support structure 125 are separate structures, each used to aid in securing the barrier 110 between the support structures 115. According to some embodiments, such as shown in
According to various embodiments, each of the support structures 115 includes a foot portion 135. The foot portion 135 is configured to aid in maintaining the stand 105 in an upright position. According to some embodiments, such as shown in
According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 is secured to the stand 105 between the support structures 115. The barrier 110 is configured to prevent a sports ball from passing through the barrier 110 when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier 110 such as, e.g., when pitched toward the barrier 110. The barrier 110 includes materials and/or configurations of materials suitable for preventing the sports ball from passing through the barrier 110. For example, the barrier 110 may include plastic, fiber, rope, rubber, wood, glass, metal, and/or other suitable materials. Some or all of the barrier 110 can be in the form of netting configured to receive the sports ball when the sports ball comes into contact with the barrier 110.
The barrier 110 is configured to be positioned over at least a portion of a designated strike zone 145 between the support structures 115. A strike zone is a designated area through which a pitched sports ball would be considered a strike even if a batter does not swing the bat. For example, in a configuration, the pitch training apparatus 100 may be positioned over a home plate 150, and the barrier 110 positioned over the home plate 150 at over a designated strike zone. According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 is configured to be repositioned based on the position/dimensions of the designated strike zone 145 and/or based on the areas at which it is desired to train the user to pitch the sports ball.
According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 includes an outer edge 155 which forms a shape. The shape of the barrier 110 can take various forms, depending on the dimensions needed for the desired pitch training of the user. Various shape configurations for the barrier are shown, in further detail, in
The shape has a central form 160 and at least one protrusion 165 extending from the central form 160. As shown in
According to various embodiments, the “T” shape is configured to enable pitching coaches and instructors to specifically force a user (e.g., a pitcher) of the pitch training apparatus 100 to pitch toward one or more designated zones of the strike zone 145 in, e.g., the sports of baseball and softball. Successful pitchers are able to consistently throw a pitch into the river (6″ off both sides of the home plate 150) of the home plate 150. According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 is further configured to properly train a user to pitch in the upper zone (rise) and lower zone (drop) sections of the strike zone 145, and trains users, through repetition, to not to throw pitches into the center of the strike zone 145.
In order to increase the precision and accuracy of a user's pitch, the shape and position of the barrier 110 are configured to train the user to pitch a sports ball so as to avoid the barrier 110. As shown in
According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 includes one or more securing mechanisms 170 configured to secure the barrier 110 to the plurality of support structures 115. According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 is secured to each of the support structures 115 via the one or more securing mechanisms 170.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms 170 includes one or more structures for causing the barrier 110 to be taut between the plurality of support structures 115. For example, as shown in
According to various embodiments, the support structures 115 are configured to maintain a set distance apart from each other. According to various embodiments, the support structures 115 maintain distance from each other through physical separating means (e.g., connection members 130, 140), via weighted support structures, weights added to the support structures 115, one or more anchor points on an underside of the support structures 115, and/or through other suitable means for maintaining the distance between the support structures 115. The support structures 115 can include metal, plastic, rubber, wood, PVC, and/or other suitable materials. According to various embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 is movable. For example, the pitch training apparatus 100 may include one or more wheels 190 coupled to the support structures 115 configured to enable the pitch training apparatus 100 to be rolled. In some embodiments, the pitch training apparatus 100 may include one or more handles configured to aid in lifting the pitch training apparatus 100.
According to various embodiments, the one or more securing mechanisms 170 are adjustable, enabling the barrier 110 to be secured at a plurality of positions between the support structures 115. According to various embodiments, one or more of the support structures 115 includes a plurality of connection points 180 for securing the one or more securing mechanisms 170 to the support structures 115. According to some embodiments, some or all of the plurality of connection points 180 are adjustably secured to the support structures 115, enabling the connection points 180 to be repositioned along the support structures 115. According to various embodiments, some or all of the plurality of connection points 180 are permanently affixed to the support structures 115. According to some embodiments, for some or all of the support structures 115, each of the plurality of connection points 180 are spaced equidistant from adjacent connection points 180. For example, the plurality of connection points 180 may be approximately 6″ apart. It is noted, however, that other distances may be used, while maintaining the spirit and functionality of the present disclosure.
According to various embodiments, the barrier 110 includes a plurality of connection points 185 for securing the one or more securing mechanisms 170 to the barrier 110, enabling the barrier 110 to be coupled to the support structures 115 via the one or more securing mechanisms 170 being coupled to the connection points 180 of the support structures 115 and the connection points 185 of the barrier 110.
According to various embodiments, some or all of the at least one protrusion 165 are permanently secured to the central form 160. According to some embodiments, some or all of the at least one protrusion 165 are removably secured to the central form 160. According to various embodiments, the central form 160 and/or the at least one protrusion 165 are configured such that the at least one protrusion 165 can be removed from and/or repositioned along the central form 160. According to various embodiments, the at least one protrusion 165 are secured to the central form 160 via the one or more securing mechanisms 170, as shown, e.g., in the pitch training apparatus 100 of
The connection points 180 of the support structures 115 and the connection points 180 of the barrier 110 can be of suitable design for coupling to the one or more securing mechanisms 170. The connection points 180 of the support structures 115 and the connection points 180 of the barrier 110 can be, for example, hooks, loops, grommets hook and/or loop fasteners, buttons and/or button receptacles, snap button fasteners, and/or other suitable connection points.
Referring now to
At 205, a barrier for the pitch training apparatus is assembled. According to various embodiments, the barrier has an outer edge which forms a shape. The shape has a central form and at least one protrusion extending from the central form. According to various embodiments, some or all of the at least one protrusion are permanently secured to the central form. According to some embodiments, some or all of the at least one protrusion are removably secured to the central form. According to various embodiments, assembling the barrier includes securing the at least one protrusion to the central form via one or more securing mechanisms.
At 210, the barrier is secured to the stand. According to various embodiments, the stand includes at least two support structures. The barrier is secured to the at least two support structures via one or more securing mechanisms. According to various embodiments, the securing includes positioning the barrier over at least a portion of a designated strike zone between the at least two support structures. According to various embodiments, the position and/or the shape of the barrier can be adjusted such that the shape and/or position of the barrier are configured to aid in training a user to pitch a sports ball so as to avoid the barrier.
According to various embodiments, the one or more protrusions are secured to the central form via the one or more securing mechanisms for securing the barrier to the support structures, and assembling the barrier, at 205, and securing the barrier to the stand, at 210, are performed in conjunction with each other.
According to various embodiments, the barrier and/or the at least two support structures include one or more connection points for connecting to the one or more securing mechanisms for connecting the barrier to the two or more support structures via the one or more securing mechanisms. According to various embodiments, securing the barrier to the stand includes securing the one or more securing mechanisms to the one or more connection points on the barrier and/or one or more of the at least two support structures. According to various embodiments, the one or more connection points includes a plurality of connection points for adjusting a position of the barrier between the two or more support structures. According to various embodiments, at 215, the barrier is removed from the stand, repositioned, at 220, and, at 210, secured to the stand.
According to various embodiments, the central form and/or the at least one protrusion are configured such that the at least one protrusion can be removed from and/or repositioned along the central form. According to various embodiments, once the barrier is removed from the stand, at 215, the one or more protrusions, at 225, are removed from the central form. Once removed, the protrusions, at 230, are altered. Altering the protrusions can include adding one or more protrusions, removing one or more protrusions, replacing one or more protrusions (e.g., replacing a first protrusion with a second protrusion, etc.), and/or repositioning one or more protrusions along the central form. Once the one or more protrusions are altered, the barrier, at 205, is assembled.
Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure are not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.
Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example implementations in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
