Baseball training device

Abstract

A baseball pitcher's training device, which comprises a first display surface having an image of a life size baseball catcher crouched behind home plate, similar to the position a catcher assumes during a baseball game. The display surface further comprises a plurality of apertures positioned within the average strike zone. The device further comprises a second display surface comprising an image of a standard home plate. The second display surface extends from a lower edge of the first display surface in a manner such that the image of the catcher appears to be crouched behind the home plate. Users of this pitcher's training device can practice throwing baseball pitches through the apertures on the first display surface to thereby increase effectiveness during a baseball game. The combination of the image of the catcher and the image of home plate simulates the actual baseball game and increases the effectiveness of the practice time because the user will be practicing throwing the pitch to a catcher's mitt in various areas in the strike zone. Furthermore, the device comprises a support structure that is collapsible so as to facilitate transportation and storage of the device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/242,842, filed on Oct. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to sports training devices, in particular, concerns a pitcher's training device used to practice baseball pitches.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Baseball players, and in particular pitchers, practice throwing pitches in order to increase their accuracy and consistency. These pitchers are responsible for throwing a variety of pitches, such as fastballs and curveballs, and the pitcher aims for different areas of the strike zone in order to be most effective. Oftentimes, live catchers and batters are unavailable when pitchers need to practice, leaving the pitcher unable to practice their pitches.

[0006] To address this concern, several different pitcher's training devices have been developed. These devices usually comprise a surface with a single or multiple targets. Using these devices, the pitcher practices throwing strikes by aiming and throwing at the target(s). One example of such a device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671. This invention comprises a tarpaulin through which a plurality of apertures is positioned. The apertures are positioned within and slightly outside a box to act as a target for the user. The tarpaulin is supported on all sides and sits perpendicular with respect to the ground with the aid of a supporting structure. The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671 also comprises a bag attached on the side of the tarpaulin that faces away from the user. This bag acts to retain a baseball once the user has successfully thrown it through an aperture.

[0007] The tarpaulin included in the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671 is uniform in color. Use of this device may be problematic because, while the pitcher might become skilled with throwing at this uniform surface with the pitch, the pitcher is less familiar with throwing to a catcher in a game situation. Thus, during a game, the pitcher's accuracy might be degraded due to the relatively unfamiliar target, thereby reducing the pitcher's effectiveness.

[0008] Furthermore, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671 is approximately six feet tall and seven feet wide. This large structure could potentially be obtrusive or be an eyesore unless it can be moved and stored away out of sight. Unfortunately, its large frame makes moving the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671 very burdensome. Additionally, the support structure included in the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671 is rigid and does not collapse. Thus, unless the user has a large amount of storage space, the user might be inconvenienced by the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,671. Hence from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there is a need for a pitcher's training device that better simulates pitching during an actual baseball game and is more portable and better suited for storage when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The pitcher's training device of the preferred embodiments of the present invention satisfy the aforementioned needs. In one aspect, the pitcher's training device comprises a first display surface comprising an image of a life size catcher crouched in a manner similar to the position in which a catcher typically assumes behind the home plate during a baseball game. The first display surface further comprises a plurality of targets positioned on the display surface. Preferably, the targets are positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body. The first display surface is supported by a support structure in a manner such that the display surface is substantially upright and planar. Preferably, the supporting structure is also collapsible in a manner such that the display surface becomes nonplanar.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a second display surface that comprises an image of a standard home plate. Preferably, the second display surface extends from a lower edge of the first display surface in a manner such that the image of the catcher on the first display surface appears to be crouched behind the image of the standard home plate on the second display surface. In another embodiment, each of the targets on the first display surface comprises an aperture that is sized for a baseball to pass through. In yet another embodiment, netting is attached around the periphery of each aperture in a manner so as to retain a thrown baseball once the baseball passes through the aperture. Preferably, an image of a catcher's mitt is formed around the periphery of the aperture so that the target simulates a real catcher's mitt.

[0011] In another aspect, the pitcher's training device comprises a first surface wherein the first surface displays a life size image of a catcher. Preferably, the first surface further comprises a plurality of targets positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body. Preferably, the first surface is substantially planar such that the image may be displayed. The device further comprises a supporting structure that supports the first surface. The supporting structure comprises two vertical legs to which the first surface is mounted and at least one horizontal leg which supports the vertical legs wherein the supporting structure is collapsible such that the first surface becomes nonplanar. In one embodiment, the legs of the supporting structure comprise light weight, hollow plastic tubing. In another embodiment, at least one horizontal leg comprises a first section and a second section wherein the first and second sections are joined together by a pivot hinge that allows the first and second sections to pivot with respect to each other along the axis of the hinge.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of training baseball pitchers. The method comprises providing a first surface that displays a life size image of a catcher. Preferably, the first surface further comprises a plurality of targets positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body and the first surface is substantially planar such that the image may be displayed. The method further comprises positioning the first surface a predetermined distance from the person so as to allow the person to simulate pitching a baseball to a catcher. In one embodiment, the first surface is positioned at a predetermined distance from the pitcher wherein the predetermined distance is the typical distance between the home plate and the pitching mount so as to allow the pitcher to simulate pitching a baseball to a catcher.

[0013] The user of the pitcher's training device of the present embodiments practices throwing pitches at the targets to thereby increase the user's effectiveness during the baseball game. In one embodiment, the targets are apertures sized to permit a baseball to pass through. Using this device, the user throws the pitch in substantially the same way during practice and during a game because the user is throwing at an image of the catcher that closely resembles an actual catcher. Advantageously, this increases the effectiveness of the practice time and the pitcher becomes even more effective during a game. Furthermore, the collapsibility of the device allows the user to conveniently transport and store the device away when not in use. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pitcher's training device;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pitcher's training device of FIG. 1 taken along the lines 2-2;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a detail view of the pitcher's training device of FIG. 2 taken along the line 3 illustrating a typical pivot joint;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pitcher's training device of FIG. 1 taken along the lines 4-4 illustrating the collapsible support structures;

[0018] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are side views of the pitcher's training device of FIG. 4 taken along the lines 5A-5A and 5B-5B illustrating the collapsible support structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. Referring initially to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a pitcher's training device 100 is illustrated. In particular, the pitcher's training device 100 includes a display surface 102, a supporting structure 104 and a plate surface 106. Both the display surface 102 and the plate surface 106 extend between various components of the supporting structure 104. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the pitcher's training device 100 simulates the view that a baseball pitcher would see during a baseball game such that the user may more effectively practice pitching.

[0020] In one embodiment, the supporting structure 104 is comprised of two side members 114a, 114b, a lower frame member 122, an upper back brace 116, and a lower back brace 118. The two side members 114a, 114b each comprises a base 124a, 124b, a side frame 126a, 126b, a top joint 128a, 128b, and a truss 130a, 130b. As will be described below, the supporting structure holds the display surface 102 in a substantially upright manner such that a pitcher may practice throwing pitches at the display surface 102.

[0021] The supporting structure 104 preferably is made out of individual straight sections of plastic tubing with an outer diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. At each corner of the supporting structure 104, the sections of plastic tubing are joined together by corner pieces (not shown). The corner pieces are also constructed out of plastic tubing, but are formed with bends that correspond to the desired final angle of its respective corner. The corner pieces have an inner diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. In order to construct the supporting structure 104, the ends of the straight sections of plastic tubing fit inside the corner pieces. The plastic tubing is retained inside the corner pieces because of the interference fit between the two members.

[0022] The display surface 102 comprises a thin, flexible, and collapsible material such as vinyl or rubber. In one embodiment, the display surface 102 measures approximately four feet tall and four feet wide. The display surface 102 extends between the two side members 114a, 114b, and is connected to the side frames 126a, 126b. In one embodiment, a portion of the display surface 102 wraps around the side frames 126a, 126b and then the display surface 102 is sewn onto itself such that the supporting structure 104 holds the display surface 102 taut. In another embodiment, an upper edge 120 and a lower edge 121 of the display surface 102 comprises a plurality of apertures through which a cord is threaded (not shown). The cord is then tied around the side frame members 126a, 126b in order to provide added tautness to the display surface 102.

[0023] A plurality of apertures 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e are positioned on the display surface 102. Preferably, the apertures 108a-e are simulations of actual catcher's mitts that are circular with a diameter the size of the pocket of the catcher's mitt (e.g. approximately 6.0 inches) such that a regulation size baseball can fit therethrough. Preferably, the apertures 108a-e are positioned at various locations within a standard strike zone. The width of a strike zone is typically defined as the width of home plate and the height is the distance between the batter's knees and chest. The height of the strike zone will vary according to the dimensions of the batter, and this device is intended for pitchers to throw strikes to batters of different sizes, with different batting stances. The apertures 108a-e are positioned according to the average dimensions of a batter. In one embodiment, one aperture 108b is positioned in the center of the average strike zone, one aperture 108a is positioned in the upper outside corner of the average strike zone (for a right handed hitter), one aperture 108c is positioned in the lower outside corner of the average strike zone, one aperture 108d is positioned in the upper inside corner of the average strike zone, and one aperture 108e is positioned in the lower inside corner of the average strike zone. It will be appreciated that the apertures 108a-e could be positioned at various locations on the display surface 102 where a pitcher would need to practice throwing without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an image 110 is included on a front side 112 of the display surface 102. In one embodiment, the image 110 represents a life size baseball catcher in a crouched positioned as the catcher would be posed during a game. The image 110 helps to simulate the view that a baseball pitcher would see during a baseball game. In one embodiment, the image 110 can be a photograph of an actual catcher in a crouched position. Using this device 100, the user will be throwing a pitch toward the catcher's image 110 in substantially the same way that the user will be throwing a pitch toward an actual catcher during the actual baseball game. Thus, pitching practice involves the same throwing technique that the user will employ during the game. Therefore, the image 110 allows the user of the pitcher's training device 100 to practice more effectively as it more closely simulates game conditions.

[0025] Furthermore, each aperture 108a-e may be surrounded by an image of a catcher's mitt 134. These representations of the catcher's mitt 134 further simulate the actual baseball game, allowing the user to envision throwing a pitch into the catcher's mitt 134 at the specified target locations.

[0026] FIG. 1 also shows the plate surface 106. The plate surface 106 comprises a flexible, collapsible material such as rubber or vinyl. On the plate surface 106, a full size image of a home plate 136 is positioned. The plate surface 106 extends outward from the display surface 102 and lies adjacent to the lower frame member 122. In one embodiment, the plate surface 106 is attached to the lower frame member 122 by folding the plate surface 106 over the lower frame member 122 and sewing the plate surface 106 to itself.

[0027] Since the width of the strike zone is determined by the width of home plate, the image of home plate 134 allows the user to throw the pitch in substantially the same way that the user will throw the pitch during the game. Advantageously, this allows the user to practice pitching more effectively.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a rear side 138 of the pitcher's training device 100. As shown, the pitcher's training device 100 further comprises a plurality of retainers 140a-e. In one embodiment, the retainers 140a-e are nets made out of nylon or another similar material, and the retainers 140a-e are closed at their lower end 142a-e. The retainers 140a-e are attached around the periphery of the apertures 108a-e on the rear side 138 of the pitcher's training device. In one embodiment, the retainers 140a-e are sewn to the rear side 138 of the display surface 102. The retainers 140a-e capture a thrown baseball when it enters one of the apertures 108a-e. Advantageously, the user does not have to chase a thrown baseball when it is thrown through the apertures 108a-e. Also, the retainers 140a-e allow the user to assess which target was successfully hit with the thrown pitch.

[0029] Furthermore, FIG. 2 illustrates additional features of the supporting structure 104. For example, the lower back brace 118 comprises a first member 164 and a second member 165. The trusses 130a, 130b similarly comprise a first member 168a, 168b and a second member 169a, 169b. The lower frame member 122 comprises a first member 172 and a second member 173. Moreover, the upper back brace 116 comprises a first member 176 and a second member 177.

[0030] On the lower back brace 118, a pivot joint 158 joins a first end 166 of the first member 164 to a first end 167 of the second member 165. A pivot joint 158 also joins a first end 170a, 170b of the first member 168a, 168b to a first end 171a, 171b of the second member 169a, 169b on the truss 130a, 130b. Additionally, on the lower frame member 122, a pivot joint 158 joins a first end 174 of the first member 172 to a first end 175 of the second member 173. Finally, on the upper back brace 116, a pivot joint 158 joins a first end 178 of the first member 176 to a first end 179 of the second member 177. As will be described in greater detail below, the typical pivot joint 158 can either allow the supporting structure 104 to collapse or the pivot joint 158 can provide rigidity to the supporting structure 104.

[0031] FIG. 2 also illustrates a plurality of hinges 144 on the supporting structure 104. A first hinge 144 is located at a first end 125a, 125b of the base 124a, 124b while a second hinge 144 is located at a second end 162a, 162b of the base 124a, 124b. Similarly, a third hinge 144 is located at a second end 182 of the first member 176 of the upper back brace 116. Additionally, a fourth hinge 144 is located at a second end 183 of the second member 177 of the upper back brace 116. Finally, a fifth hinge 144 is located at a first end 129a, 129b of the top joint 128a, 128b. The typical hinge 144 is widely known in the art and allows two sections of the support structure 104 to pivot with respect to each other along the axis of the hinge 144. As will be described below, the hinges 144 allow the pitcher's training device 100 to collapse.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a typical pivot joint 158. For illustrative purposes, the joint between the first and second members 164, 165 of the lower back brace 118 is shown, but it will be appreciated that all other pivot joints 158 on the support structure 104 are substantially the same. The pivot joint 158 comprises a hinge 144 and a slider 146. As described above, the hinge 144 is widely known in the art and allows two sections of the support structure 104 to pivot with respect to each other along the axis of the hinge 144. The slider 146 is generally cylindrical with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the hinge 144 such that the slider 146 may slide over and encompass the hinge 144. The slider 146 also comprises a small aperture 160 at a first end 161 of the slider 146.

[0033] The second member 165 (or any other respective supporting member with a pivot joint 158) comprises a button 163 at the first end 167 of the second member 165 as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the button 163 has a half dome shape and the button 163 is biased outward from the center of the second member 165. The diameter of the button 163 is substantially the same as the diameter of the aperture 160 on the slider 146.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, when the slider 146 is positioned only over the first member 164, the hinge 144 allows the first member 164 and second member 165 to pivot with respect to each other about the axis of the hinge 144. As will be described below, this type of pivoting is crucial when collapsing the pitcher's training device 100.

[0035] When the axes of the first and second members 164, 165 are aligned, the slider 146 is able to slide over the hinge, and as it does, the first end 161 of the slider 146 makes contact with the button 163 and biases the button 163 toward the center of the second member 165. Then, when the slider 146 is slid further down toward the second member, the button 163 and aperture 160 align, making the button 163 bias away from the center of the second member 165. As a result, the button 163 biases itself into the aperture 160 such that the slider is secured in place because it cannot slide over the button 163. In this position, first and second members 164, 165 are unable to pivot about the hinge 144 because the slider supports both members 164, 165. As will be described below, the support from the slider 146 allows the pitcher's training device 100 to stand in an upright position such that the user can practice pitching baseballs.

[0036] The aforementioned slider 146 and hinge 144 combination is but one configuration of the pitcher's training device 100. It will be appreciated that an ordinary person skilled in the art could modify this configuration of the pitcher's training device to make it collapse in a different way, and yet not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the collapsibility of the pitcher's training device 100. To collapse the pitcher's training device 100, the user first shifts the sliders 146 on the upper back brace 116, the lower frame member 122, and the lower back brace 118 into a position such that the sliders 146 do not encompass their respective hinges 144. As stated above, this allows the individual supporting structures to pivot about the hinges 144. Then, the user brings the side members 114a, 114b together causing the upper back brace 116, the lower back brace 118, and the lower frame member 122 to pivot at their respective pivot joints 158. The hinges 144 located on first and second ends 125a, 125b, 162a, 162b of the base members 124a, 124b also allow the lower frame member 122 and the lower back brace 118 to pivot with respect to the side members 114a, 114b. Similarly, the hinges 144 located at the second end 182 of the first member 176 and the second end 183 of the second member 177 allow the upper back brace 116 to pivot and collapse.

[0038] FIG. 5A illustrates the next steps in collapsing the pitcher's training device 100. First, the user must collapse the trusses 130a, 130b by shifting the sliders 146 in a position such that the sliders 146 do not encompass their respective hinges 144. Then, the user pivots the base 124a, 124b toward the side frames 126a, 126b thereby causing the first member 168a, 168b of the truss 130a, 130b to pivot toward the second member 169a, 169b of the truss 130a, 130b. Last, the user must roll up the plate surface 106.

[0039] A fully collapsed pitcher's training device 100 is shown in FIG. 5B. As shown, the collapsed training device 100 is very compact as compared to the fully upright training device 100. In one embodiment, the collapsed training device 100 measures a half foot long, four feet tall, and a half foot wide.

[0040] The fully upright training device 100 might be considered obtrusive or visually unappealing when not in use, yet storing it fully upright might prove difficult because the user might have inadequate storage space. Advantageously, the compact size of the collapsed training device 100 allows the user to more easily store it away.

[0041] Also, the user of this device may want to transport the training device 100. In its fully upright state, the training device 100 might likely be too cumbersome for transport. For example, the large size of the training device 100 might prevent it from fitting in a car, and it might even prove to be difficult to move by hand. However, the training device 100 becomes much more portable upon collapsing the training device 100.

[0042] In conclusion, the pitcher's training device 100 allows a baseball pitcher to practice pitching baseballs. The image of the catcher 134 and home plate 136 simulate the view that a pitcher would have during a baseball game. Thus, during practice, the user is able to throw in substantially the same way as the user would throw during an actual baseball game. Advantageously, practicing pitches using the device 100 becomes very effective, and the user's pitching accuracy and consistency. Also, the collapsibility of the pitcher's training device 100 allows the user to store or transport it. Advantageously, the user is less likely to be inconvenienced by the pitcher's training device 100.

[0043] Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has shown, described, and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Consequently, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing discussions, but should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly for practicing baseball pitches, comprising:

a first display surface comprising an image of a life size catcher crouched in a manner similar to the position in which a catcher typically assumes behind home plate during a baseball game;

a plurality of targets positioned on said display surface, wherein the targets are positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body; and

a supporting structure that supports the display surface in a manner such that the display surface is substantially upright and planar, wherein said supporting structure is collapsible such that the display surface becomes nonplanar.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly further comprising a second display surface, said second display surface comprises an image of a standard home plate, wherein said second display surface extends from a lower edge of the first display surface in a manner such that the image of the catcher on the first display surface appears to be crouched behind the image of a standard home plate on the second display surface.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said targets comprises an aperture that is sized for a baseball to pass through.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein netting is attached around the periphery of each said target in a manner so as to retain a thrown baseball once the baseball passes through the aperture.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein an image of a catcher's mitt is formed around the periphery of each target so as to make the target simulate a catcher's mitt.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first display surface shows a photographed image of a life-size catcher.

7. The assembly of claim 3, wherein a first target is located in the center of the strike zone, a second target is located at the inside upper corner of the strike zone, a third target is located at the inside lower corner of the strike zone, a fourth target is located at the outside upper corner of the strike zone, and a fifth target is located at the outside lower corner of the strike zone.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting structure further comprises two vertical legs to which the first display surface is mounted and at least one horizontal leg which supports the vertical legs.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each supporting structure comprises a plurality of lightweight hollow tubes.

10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each vertical leg is connected to the horizontal leg via a pivot joint.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein at least one horizontal leg comprises a first and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are joined together by a pivot joint.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first display surface is approximately 4 feet wide and 4 feet long.

13. An assembly for practicing baseball pitches, comprising:

a first surface wherein the first surface displays a life size image of a catcher wherein the first surface further comprises a plurality of targets positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body wherein the first surface is substantially planar such that the image may be displayed; and

a supporting structure that supports the first surface with two vertical legs to which the first surface is mounted and at least one horizontal leg which supports the vertical legs wherein the supporting structure is collapsible such that the first surface becomes nonplanar.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one of the targets comprises an aperture that is sized to allow a baseball to pass through.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein netting is attached around the periphery of the targets in a manner so retain a thrown baseball once the baseball passes through the aperture.

16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein a first target is located at the center of the strike zone, a second target is located at the inside upper corner of the strike zone, a third target is located at the inside lower corner of the strike zone, a fourth target is located at the outside upper corner of the strike zone, and a fifth target is located at the outside lower corner of the strike zone.

17. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first surface displays the life size image of a catcher crouched in a manner similar to the manner in which a typical catcher crouches behind home plate during a baseball game.

18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein at least one horizontal leg further comprises a first section and a second section wherein the first and second sections are joined together by a pivot hinge that allows the first and second sections to pivot with respect to each other along the axis of the hinge.

19. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the first surface further comprises an image of a catcher's mitt positioned around each aperture.

20. A method of training a person to pitch baseballs, comprising:

providing a first surface, wherein the first surface displays a life size image of a catcher wherein the first surface further comprises a plurality of targets positioned within an average strike zone around the catcher's body wherein the first surface is substantially planar such that the image may be displayed;

supporting the first surface in a manner such that the first surface is substantially upright and planar and permits a person to throw a baseball at the targets around the catcher's body;

positioning the first surface a predetermined distance from the person so as to allow the person to simulate pitching a base ball to a catcher.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein positioning the first surface a predetermined distance comprises placing the surface the distance from the home plate and the pitcher's mount in a baseball game.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises an image of a standard home plate, wherein the second surface extends from a lower edge of the first surface so that the image of the catcher on the first display surface appears behind the home plate.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein providing the first surface comprises providing a first surface having targets that comprises a plurality of openings sufficiently sized to permit a baseball to pass through.