Tether Pivotally Attached For Orbital Revolution Patents (Class 473/429)
  • Patent number: 11766597
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of baseball training devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a baseball training device that is comprised of a base, first and second frame member, horizontal frame member, and vertical frame member that is further comprised of a baseball on each end. The vertical frame member rotates around the horizontal frame member and is stopped by a plurality of bristles that are fastened to the interior of the first and second frame members. When the rotation is stopped, one baseball is securely held within the bristles while the other baseball is teed up at the top of the device, allowing a user to strike the device indefinitely. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Inventor: Gilbert Bernard
  • Patent number: 11285374
    Abstract: A batting tee and/or hitting training device is provided that includes a platform, a support extending upwardly from the platform and a holder disposed on the support opposite the platform for holding the ball to be hit. The support additionally includes a cross-beam disposed on the support adjacent the holder. The cross-beam can be positioned at an angle with regard to the support, such that the cross-beam has an upward slope from one end to the other. This slope enables the batting tee to provide the individual with a guide for an upward swing path of the bat towards the ball disposed on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Wilson Hunt International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Hunt, Matthew Klein
  • Patent number: 11083948
    Abstract: A tennis-stroke trainer device is an apparatus that allows a user to perform various tennis strokes repetitively. The apparatus includes a frame, a training ball, a pair of length-adjustable fasteners, and an elastic cord. The frame offset and rotates the training ball around a post. The post is preferably a tennis post. The frame includes a U-shaped bracket, a cantilever arm, a counterfort arm, and a hook. The U-shaped bracket offsets and mounts both the cantilever arm and the counterfort arm with the post. The hook stretches the elastic cord along the cantilever arm. The training ball is preferably a large foam ball and serves as a target for the user. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners mounts the U-shaped bracket with the desired post. The elastic cord retracts the cantilever arm and the counterfort arm, and consequently the training ball after the training ball has been hit by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Swartwood
  • Patent number: 10406419
    Abstract: A batting practice stand has a length-adjustable post that has a ball-receiving cone at one end and L-shaped slots through its sidewall at its opposite end. By axially sliding the post into an opening of the base and rotating, the L-shaped slots engage a bar within the base opening to secure the post to the base. A compressible washer or stopper is provided in the bottom portion of the base to facilitate connection between L-shaped slots of the post and bar within the base. Legs extend outwardly from between flanges of the sidewall of the base. Between the flanges, the base defines socket openings that receive curved detent buttons extending from the proximal ends of each of the legs. Pins extend across the flanges and through the legs, and are engaged by slots defined in the curved detent buttons. The legs are rotatably moved from a storage position aligned with the legs substantially parallel to one another to a stand support position with the legs at angles to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Rukket, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan L. Dickerson
  • Patent number: 10315091
    Abstract: A wearable baseball tee having a tee device for holding a ball at a position away from the body of the user. The wearable baseball tee is configured to be worn on the body of a user and allows the user to swing a bat at the ball held away from the body of the user. The process of using the wearable baseball tee is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Phillip Scott
  • Patent number: 10125936
    Abstract: A solar charged light apparatus for use on a hard surface, the apparatus includes a light body, having one or more lights contained within the body; a power source to power the one or more lights; and one or more solar panels secured to the body to charge the power source; an elongated stand having the light body secured to a top end of the stand, the stand having a base to support the stand on a hard surface; and one or more spikes to support the stand within a ground surface; the elongated stand can be oriented in a first position and a second position; the first position orients the one or more spikes to be used for support; and the second position orients the base to be used for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Dale Lee Boehm, Gloria Ann Aguilera
  • Patent number: 9731181
    Abstract: A ball shooting training apparatus comprises a support member. An arm receiving strut is coupled to the support member and extends in a rearward direction, and is configured for receiving an upper arm of a user. A guide support configured for receiving a forearm of the user is coupled to the support member and extends upward to a distal end to form a substantially 90 degree angle with the arm receiving strut. A support rod is coupled to the support member and extends upward from the arm receiving strut. A shot completion engagement is disposed at or near the distal end of the support rod, and in front of and above the distal end of the guide support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Albert R. Klunick
  • Patent number: 9352203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tension basketball shooting motor skill acquisition apparatus, comprising a horizontal-shaft, a rotating-arm, a sphere and a ball-axle passing through the sphere, wherein the horizontal-shaft and the ball-axle are connected via the rotating-arm, the sphere rotates around the ball-axle, the sphere, and the ball-axle and the rotating-arm rotate around the horizontal-shaft together, there is at least one device or spring between the sphere (or a fixed part of the sphere) and the rotating-arm which limits or releases the rotation of the sphere around the ball-axle; a hinge fixed on the sphere, a fingers-plate with a laser transmitter going though it connected to the hinge, wherein the fingers-plate rotates around the hinge. By means of the fingers-plate, the hinge, the sphere and the ball-axle rotating together around the horizontal-shaft and under extreme tension and guide of laser beam, the whole process of shooting at the basket is simulated orientationally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Yingfeng Huang
  • Patent number: 9283458
    Abstract: A soccer training device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking of a soccer ball. The invention develops a soccer player's ball control using all parts of the foot including: first touch, striking, dribbling, trapping, rolling, and passing. The invention is made up of 5 main parts: Tethered Soccer Ball, Adjustable Rope, X-Y Rotation device, Base Plate and a Digital Counter/Timer which keeps track of the rotations. The training device comprises a weighted ground level base plate that supports the X-Y rotation device. The horizontal and vertical rotating axis apparatus extends upward and outward attaching to a tethered soccer ball. The ball attachment is connected to the apparatus with a rope. When kicked, the device allows for the ball to move across the floor in an uniform 360° motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Allan Achkar
  • Patent number: 9198399
    Abstract: A pet toy assembly provides entertainment and exercise for a pet. The assembly includes a frame having a middle section and a plurality of legs. Each of the legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the middle section to support the middle section above a ground surface. A tether is attached to and extends downwardly from the middle section. The tether is movable relative to the middle section. A target object is attached to a distal end of the tether with respect to the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Cinnamon L. Grooms
  • Patent number: 9011277
    Abstract: An apparatus for an athlete to train or practice ball-striking techniques. The apparatus comprises a base, a stand, an arm, and a bearing assembly connected to a tethered ball via a rope. The athlete may strike or volley the ball in order to produce a substantially circular orbit about the bearing assembly, indicating proper form and technique. If the athlete strikes the ball with improper form or technique, the ball may orbit the bearing assembly in a substantially non-circular orbit, such as an oval. The ball may be any suitable ball from a number of sports where correct form and technique for striking or volleying a ball is desired. By way of example, the ball may be preferably a soccer ball, a volley ball, a baseball, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dominic Schell
  • Patent number: 8932155
    Abstract: A sports ball training assembly for repetitively practicing sporting techniques in a small area, such as, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or batting a baseball. A telescoping arm attaches to the ball, extending and retracting to create different positions to strike the ball. A spring attaches to the telescoping arm. The spring has sufficient elasticity to return the ball to equilibrium position after the ball is propelled forward. The elasticity of the spring and the elevation of the ball can be adjusted by enclosing various sections of the spring with a tube that slides along the longitudinal axis of the spring. As the rigid tube moves along the spring, the spring's characteristics change. A second spring portion enhances stability and control of the ball, and allows the ball to return to the user. A base and a base shaft provide structure to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Moore
  • Publication number: 20140323248
    Abstract: A portable training apparatus for assisting a user in developing ball batting skills is provided for use by either right or left handed batters. The apparatus releasably attaches to an existing structure, such as a chain-link fence. A post has a foot and a plurality of stabilizing members for attaching the post to a fence. A rotational means supplies the user a ball to hit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kristopher Muller
  • Publication number: 20140256475
    Abstract: It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a batting training apparatus for simulation ball trajectory prior to, during, and after the ball is impacted by a piece of sporting equipment such as a baseball bat. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a ball connected to a rotating tab wherein the tab is secured to a bearing configured to rotate within a bearing housing. The bearing housing may be mounted to a vertical support structure such as a pole or post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Randy Lee Hymer
  • Publication number: 20140213392
    Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. When using the connector-magnet, the user can also select the amount of force required to dislodge the connector-magnet from a metallic component on the vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Buono, Eric Buono
  • Patent number: 8777781
    Abstract: A variable gravity training device allows a user to train skills in controlling a sports device. The training device has a stationary base, a movable support bar, and a sports device, for example, a ball, a badminton birdie, or a volley ball affixed to the end of the bar. The support bar is weighted, so that the amount of force required to move the sports device is reduced. The weighted bar also reduces the speed with which the sports device returns to its home position. The force adjustment means is adjustable, so that, with training, weights may be removed, so that the conditions governing the sports device correspond to real playing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Variable Gravity Patents, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A Marks, Steven Leen
  • Publication number: 20140057742
    Abstract: An apparatus for an athlete to train or practice ball-striking techniques. The apparatus comprises a base, a stand, an arm, and a bearing assembly connected to a tethered ball via a rope. The athlete may strike or volley the ball in order to produce a substantially circular orbit about the bearing assembly, indicating proper form and technique. If the athlete strikes the ball with improper form or technique, the ball may orbit the bearing assembly in a substantially non-circular orbit, such as an oval. The ball may be any suitable ball from a number of sports where correct form and technique for striking or volleying a ball is desired. By way of example, the ball may be preferably a soccer ball, a volley ball, a baseball, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Dominic Schell
  • Publication number: 20130157785
    Abstract: A sports practicing system includes: a lever arm including an aperture; at least one ball secured to the lever arm; a pivot about which the lever arm rotates; an upper member to which the pivot is connected, the upper member including first and second ends; a base for placement on a ground, the base supporting the upper member; and an elastic strap stretched from the first end of the upper member to the second end of the upper member, an inner portion of the strap intersecting the pivot so the strap deflects the lever arm and the ball when the lever arm rotates about the pivot due to the ball being struck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Robert W. Connors
  • Publication number: 20130012340
    Abstract: A swing training device. A plurality of legs is pivotally connected to a base. A bottom support tube is rigidly connected to the base. A height adjustment tube is inserted into the bottom support tube. The height of the height adjustment tube is controlled by a height adjustment controller. A lower band holder is rigidly connected to the upper end of the height adjustment tube. A band tube is positioned between the lower band holder at its lower end and an upper band holder at its upper end. A plurality of elastic bands are connected between the lower band holder and the upper band holder. A pivot piece is rigidly connected to the upper band holder. A rotation stick having a hittable ball is pivotally connected to the pivot piece. The bottom support tube, the height adjustment tube and the band tube form a rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: David Kanner, Anthony C. Fick
  • Patent number: 8262516
    Abstract: A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jose Fuentes
  • Patent number: 8182371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tether tennis game apparatus which includes a hollow pole that has a helix formation extending externally therefrom along an operative top segment of the pole. The helix formation defines a helical guide path within which a loop formation, that is formed at one end of a flexible line which has a ball connected at its other end and that can be located around the pole, is displaceable. An indicator arrangement including an elongate indicator element, located for axial displacement within the pole, and a trigger arrangement is operable on the pole to indicate a winner of a game played with the apparatus and which occurs when the loop formation, at the end of a flexible line, reaches an end of the helical guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Swingball Limited
    Inventor: Neville Marshall Norman
  • Patent number: 8118685
    Abstract: An indoor and outdoor golf swing practicing device for a user is disclosed. The device comprises at least one hard board having a plurality of holes, at least one hinge means having a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm and a pivot arm, a plurality of wedges mounted to the hard board, at least one hanger bolt, at least one extension spring, at least one golf ball, a plurality of supporting pads attached to opposing first and second ends of an inner surface of the first hinge arm, a set of plurality of pads fixed to at least one end of the plurality of wedges proximate the hinge means and a plurality of pads fixed to the at least one hard board. A carpet is placed partially over the device to facilitate a user to stand on the hard board to practice their swing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Claudio Monge, Morena Monge
  • Publication number: 20110319203
    Abstract: This present invention is a sports device for practicing hitting a ball/ball-like object/puck, comprising an arm member mounted rotatably and substantially horizontal on a base in hitting practice mode, with the ball/ball-like object/puck positioned at the outer end of the arm member by a plurality of elastic members. The height of the ball/ball-like object/puck from the surface the hitter stands on is easily adjusted by a plurality of height adjusting members. The preferred embodiment of the arm member is multi-sectional. With the base substantially contiguous to the surface the hitter stands on, the present invention is used to practice driving and chipping in golf; and slap-shot and back-hand in ice hockey; and shooting in field hockey. When practicing hitting in golf and hockey, the player is free from constantly bending to position or retrieve the ball/ball-like object/puck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Krishna Ramcharan
  • Publication number: 20110319200
    Abstract: The present invention is a sports device for practicing hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object comprising an arm member mounted rotatably and substantially horizontal on a base in hitting and fielding practice mode, with a ball/ball-like object positioned at the outer end of the arm member either by a plurality of elastic members, or just freely. The preferred embodiment of the arm member is multi-sectional. The present invention is used in baseball to practice hitting by having the ball/ball-like object in a plurality of stationary positions, or offering the hitter a variety of pitches ranging from fast ball and slow pitch to curve ball by manually or mechanically rotating the ball/ball-like object clockwise or counter clockwise at various speeds at different positions. When the ball/ball-like object is hit into free flight it is used to practice fielding. The height of the ball/ball-like object is easily adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Krishna Ramcharan
  • Patent number: 8083618
    Abstract: A football kicking apparatus having a football and a stand with one end supported by a ground surface and a second end positioned above the ground support surface by a distance greater than the length of the football. The football is positioned within a sling which, in turn, is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis to the second end of the stand. In practice, a soccer style football kicker kicks the football which, after multiple rotations about the second end of the stand depending upon the force of the kick, will reposition itself for a subsequent kick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Kickingfun, LLC.
    Inventors: Rick Coscarelli, Ryan Coscarelli
  • Publication number: 20110287871
    Abstract: A ball game training apparatus includes a positioning device, a first pivot device connected to the positioning device and turnable relative to the positioning device in X-axis direction, a second pivot device connected to the first pivot device and turnable relative to the first pivot device in Y-axis direction, and a driven device connected to the second pivot device and turnable relative to the second pivot device and having a force-receiving ball disposed remote from the second pivot device and strikable to move by an external force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Francis Chung Hwa PAN, Chin-Chieh Chu, Fu-Chin Chuang
  • Publication number: 20110269579
    Abstract: A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Francis J. Henkel
  • Patent number: 7959527
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice assembly with acoustic return mechanism is provided for use by a ball hitter. The ball hitting practice assembly includes a rigid vertical shaft, having a first and second end; a weighted and/or anchored base coupled to the vertical shaft at said shaft's second end; a rigid horizontal shaft, having a first and second end, coupled at its first end to the vertical shaft's first end; a ball which is suspended from a cord, having a first and second end, said first end being attached to the horizontal shaft's second end, said ball being attached to said cord's second end; and a horizontal acoustic return mechanism that sounds when struck by the ball in practice of the present invention and then returns the ball to the hitter after each hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Ken Pitre
  • Patent number: 7935006
    Abstract: An apparatus for soccer kicking practice comprises a soccer ball having a hidden attachment point and means of removably attaching a tether to the ball wherein the tether comprises a handle connecting a cord and elastic strip to a soccer ball in a manner allowing the ball to freely rotate with respect to the cord and the handle providing kicking and spinning of the ball and return of the ball to the user in a controlled manner. The device is designed to be readily attached or detached from the soccer ball for training or play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Ryan Maina
  • Publication number: 20110065533
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tethered ball game system comprising a vertical pole secured in its one end such as to the ground, a ball, a tether which in the one end is connected to connecting means of said system, and in the other end is connected to said ball, and a water unit with connecting means for connecting the water unit to a pressurised water supply, said water unit is suitable for spraying water, wherein the tethered ball game system comprises direction control means prepared for directing said sprayed water in one or more directions, said directions are being controlled in dependency of the movement of the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Mogens Rud Svendsen
  • Publication number: 20110021295
    Abstract: A football kicking apparatus having a football and a stand with one end supported by a ground surface and a second end positioned above the ground support surface by a distance greater than the length of the football. The football is positioned within a sling which, in turn, is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis to the second end of the stand. In practice, a soccer style football kicker kicks the football which, after multiple rotations about the second end of the stand depending upon the force of the kick, will reposition itself for a subsequent kick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: KICKINGFUN, LLC.
    Inventors: Rick Coscarelli, Ryan Coscarelli
  • Patent number: 7824282
    Abstract: A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: Lester Elmer Wycoff
  • Patent number: 7811183
    Abstract: A ball kicking-training apparatus has a base which vertically supports a post having a rotatable axle whose top end is provided with a ball and socket device. The ball component of the ball and socket device is attached to an arm whose opposite end is attached to the ball to be kicked by the user of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Robert D. Ohle
  • Publication number: 20100130312
    Abstract: A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jose Fuentes
  • Patent number: 7691013
    Abstract: A tennis training device comprises a ball, a rope, and a hollow pole, the ball being coupled with a portion of a first end of the rope, a part of the rope being in a cavity of the pole, the rope being knotted at or near the second end of the rope. The training device may be coupled with a support. A method of training various tennis shots comprises the steps of obtaining the training device; adjusting a length of a first portion of the rope which is outside the pole between an first end of the pole and the first end of the rope; holding the pole to set the ball at a selected height; and allowing a player to hit the ball with a tennis racquet. Multiple trainers may participate the training with the training devices and allow a player to practice a combination of different tennis shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Steven A Emerson
    Inventor: Steve Emerson
  • Publication number: 20100009784
    Abstract: A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Lester Elmer Wycoff
  • Patent number: 7517291
    Abstract: A device (10) for practicing playing a ball game, such as tennis, comprises an arm (29) one end portion of which carries a ball (31), such that the ball (31) is rotatable retained relative to the arm (29), and a remote end portion of which is secured to a face of a toothed pulley wheel (25) which is rotatable mounted on a swingable link means (16, 17, 18) pivotally mounted on a shaft (13). A second, larger, toothed pulley wheel (14) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (13), there being resilient means (23) for restraining such rotation. The toothed pulley wheels (14, 25) are engaged by a toothed endless belt (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: In-Q-Bator Limited
    Inventor: Christopher J. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7115052
    Abstract: Sport ball training devices and methods for releasably holding a tennis ball or other sport ball at an appropriate height for the practice of striking the ball, either directly or indirectly with a racket or the like. An embodiment may have a support device with a base and an adjustable vertical tubular assembly for the support of a transverse arm from which a ball sling is suspended. A retainer member of the ball sling circumferentially holds a sport ball. An embodiment of the retainer member may be made from an elastometric material that lightly squeezes the ball with sufficient force to restrain it, but releases easily when the ball is hit so that the trajectory of the ball is not affected by the presence of the retainer member nor is the racquet significantly affected by the presence of the ball sling generally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Pro Tennis Training, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Wardle, James M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6978974
    Abstract: A collapsible piñata support assembly includes a base that has a top wall having has a fill opening extending therethrough. A sleeve is mounted in the top wall. A telescoping pole has a top end and a bottom end that is removably extendable into the sleeve. An arm has a first end and a second end. The arm has a wall extending therein for receiving the top end of the pole. The arm has a first positioned between the wall and the first end of the arm and a second orifice positioned adjacent to the second end of the arm. The tether extends through the arm such that a hanging end extends outwardly of the second orifice and a pulling end extends outwardly of the first orifice. A fluid may be positioned within the base and a piñata may be selectively attached to the hanging end of the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony C. Marasco
  • Patent number: 6976926
    Abstract: A ball striking practice device is described in which a ball tethered to a pole can be struck by a player with a bat or racquet and will wrap around the pole and resile outwardly where it can be struck again. The device's service life is improved by providing a flat triangular ball positioner while aligns the tether cord in straight lines to pole attachment points, forming the cord from a flexible metal strand, preferably sheathed, constructing the positioner from an elastomeric or fabric web material, and seating the cord in a recess or insert in the ball. The device is excellent for batting or kicking practice in sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, squash and handball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Richard LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6716119
    Abstract: A sports ball striking practice device holds a variety of sports balls for striking practice purposes. The sports ball striking practice device includes a threadable tether, a rigid sleeve, a ball insert, and a sports ball. The ball insert is placed through the sports ball to form a channel having a sufficient diameter to accept the tether. The tether has a first end piece that is threadable through the rigid sleeve and the ball insert. The first end piece is attachable to a first strap. The tether has a second end piece with a permanent attachment to a second strap. The first and second straps are attachable to a pole or other similar upright object. The sports ball may be struck repeatedly by a striking device as the tether wraps and unwraps around a pole or other similar object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnathan Weisz, Richard LaPointe
  • Patent number: 6688994
    Abstract: A batting aid that may easily be installed upon fixed or temporary structures, made up of a main frame that slidably supports a tube which in turn supports a ball for a batter to hit. The ball is fixed to the tube by a wire cable that extends through the ball, and is in turn mounted to the tube. The tube is height adjustable so that batters of differing stature and ages can easily practice upon balls at varied heights. The assembly is strong in construction so that a practicing batter is able to hit the ball hard and not cause damage or require another player to throw balls over the plate or return balls to the batter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew M. Matulek, Ronald C. Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20040009832
    Abstract: A batting aid that may easily be installed upon fixed or temporary structures, made up of a main frame that slidably supports a tube which in turn supports a ball for a batter to hit. The ball is fixed to the tube by a wire cable that extends through the ball, and is in turn mounted to the tube. The tube is height-adjustable so that batters of differing stature and ages can easily practice upon balls at varied heights. The assembly is strong in construction so that a practicing batter is able to hit the ball hard and not cause damage or require another player to throw balls over the plate or return balls to the batter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew M. Matulek, Ronald C. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 6659891
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the ball striking practice device comprises a base having an upper surface provided with a slot and lateral grooves, a lower surface provided with a lower lateral groove, and side walls provided with protruding lugs. A pivoting post is attached to the base and a ball is secured to a top of the pivoting post. A resillent band is positioned in a circumscribing groove of the ball and attached to the top of the pivoting post. A lateral pivoting post retaining shaft is located in the lower lateral groove for attaching the pivoting post to the base. A closed end resilient stop band is stretched across the upper surface of the base in two pairs of the lateral grooves, circumscribes the protruding lugs and secures the lateral pivoting post retaining shaft to the base. Thus, a travel of the pivoting post in the slot is predetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Ivor Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6656063
    Abstract: Practice ball hitting device with a hollow housing made of molded rigid plastic material having a parallel pair of spaced apart triangular side planes joined at their perimeter by a flat plane that forms a bottom and inwardly angled sides, the flat sides having a removed U shaped section at the apex portion of the triangular planes, an S shaped low mass arm having an integral, horizontally disposed shaft, the shaft being slip fit into sockets on the inside face of said U shaped cut out section, said S shaped arm terminating at each end in a ball shape, and said lower section of said housing capable of retaining water which acts as a stabilizing element. An optical encoder on the end of the shaft interacts with a photo diode to measure number of rotations of the shaft. A microprocessor translates the number of rotations into distance the ball is hit. A numeric display or an audible sound tells the distance the ball has been hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Prichard
  • Patent number: 6565459
    Abstract: A stand for a vertical pole support for a tether ball type game includes a base which can contain ballast and a lid, through which the pole passes and a formation on its floor for receiving the end of the pole. The lid and base are attached by a two stage attachment arrangement. The first stage includes inter-engageable tongue and groove formations which are capable of attachment and detachment by application of finger pressure, and the second stage includes locking devices at points around the periphery of the base container for a positive lock of the lid to the base, so that the first stage cannot be broken other than by the use of excessive force having regard to the conventional use of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: European Sports Merchandising BV
    Inventor: Ian Gavin Gormley
  • Patent number: 6514161
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice device featuring a practice ball slidably locateable upon a tether. The tether is attached to a support structure thereby placing the practice ball in a target position to be hit by a user. The support structure may be any versatile pole or pole like structure upon which fasteners at the ends of the tether will attach. The best mode features cuffs mounted at both ends of the tether which open and reengage to provide an easy encircling mount to the support structure for the tether. The ball is slidably mounted to the tether and is positioned in a target position for striking by a user by a ball positioner also located on the tether in a fixed position that is either adjustable or permanent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Minniear
  • Patent number: 6475108
    Abstract: A soccer kicking training device used for placement on a surface and for allowing a soccer ball to be kicked thereof. The soccer ball kicking training device includes a base with stationary base connector and horizontal and vertical members, two ball holder means, a height adjustment means, and a ball. The base is supported by a surface in a horizontal plane with weighted material used to help stabilize the device. The stationary base connector is attached to the base and provides height adjustment. A vertical member and horizontal member slides freely inside the stationary base connector, which provides further height adjustments to the soccer kicking training device. A top and side ball holder by which a ball can be mounted and/or attached, by which a player standing on a surface can kick a stationary ball. The soccer kicking training device has quick setup and is easily transportable to and from the soccer field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Chris David Sarenana, Sr., Betty Romero Sarenana
  • Patent number: 6435990
    Abstract: A training device for improving the batting skills of a baseball player constructed of two parallel bars that are held apart by a pair of U-shaped arms such that an open space is created between the parallel bars. The location of the arms relative to the parallel bars can be changed to accommodate either right or left handed hitters. The arms space the parallel bars apart sufficiently to create an open space between the arms through which a swung baseball bat can slide. The interior facing surfaces of the bars each have a series of rubber or plastic teeth that protrude therefrom. These rubber or plastic teeth function to prevent damage to the bat when it is swung through the open space and also to cushion the impact on the student's hands if the swing is not level. A baseball is teed up at the end of the open space on the lower of the two bars. The lower bar has a swivel attachment with the upper end of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Curtis C. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20020111233
    Abstract: A ball striking practice device comprising an elongated base having a, longitudinal slot centered longitudinally and laterally, a post having an end pivotally secured to the base at a location in the slot spaced below the upper surface for pivotal movement in its longitudinal direction between a first, starting position and a second, remote position, and means for supporting a ball to be hit at the other end of the post. Adjustable resilient stop means transverse the upper surface in positions across the slot to define the starting and remote positions of the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony L. Lloyd