Abstract: A training device including a spherical body made of any combination of foam, rubber, cork, twine, leather or any known material used in the construction of a baseball or game play ball affixed to a flight control apparatus by a coupling means. Said ball consisting of a second element including a skirt or flight apparatus resembling a shuttlecock designed for movement, distance and speed control. Said ball consisting of a third element including an inset coupling means. The device being used to fine tune and exercise the muscular-skeletal mechanics related to field sports. The device may be used as a practice and drill specific device or as a child's toy much like a badminton shuttlecock to be thrown, caught or hit.

Abstract: A pitching machine contains a pitching arm that vertically rotates at a speed of about 5 to 15 rpm, picks up a ball from the ball cradle at a pick-up point in its rotation, and then releases the ball at a release point in its rotation to provide a first velocity component to the ball. The pitching machine also contains a wheel that vertically rotates at a speed of about 300 to 3000 rpm. The wheel is positioned at the release point of the pitching arm to provide a second velocity component to the ball and to pitch the ball at an initial launch angle.

Abstract: Baseball and softball hitters who use conventional or stationary batting tees during practice sessions hit a ball that is sitting still and not rotating like a ball thrown by a human, another problem is that hitters who try to learn how to hit from stationary or conventional batting tees, either knowingly or unknowingly change their balance and sometimes their stance between swings when the stationary tee is moved to a new location, they do this in order to make it easier to hit balls of different locations to opposite fields but doing it this way is detrimental to proper mechanics.

Abstract: A pivoting frame assembly for use with a pitching machine. The pitching machine for pitching balls. The pivoting frame assembly for supporting the pitching machine above a ground surface. The pivoting frame assembly having a first portion for supporting the pitching machine and a second portion configured for contacting a ground surface, these first and second portions pivotally connected to one another.

Abstract: A baseball hitter batting practice apparatus incorporates an unbalanced and potentially non-planar plurality of targets which are mounted onto a spindle. The spindle rotates about a central generally horizontal axle. The unbalanced targets in one embodiment are spaced at ninety-degree intervals from an adjacent target, thereby causing the spindle to first spin in one direction after a target has been struck, and then to oscillate or rock alternately clockwise and counterclockwise before finally coming to a rest. Striking selected targets in accord with the method of the invention teaches a batter to pull-the-trigger at the appropriate time. A novel support further enhances the utility of the spindle and targets by enabling the spindle to be coupled to many diverse supporting poles and structures.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for training the overhand throwing motion. The apparatus comprises a first end having a first altitude relative to a throwing surface; an opposing second end having a second altitude relative to the throwing surface; and an unobstructed guiding surface interconnecting the first end to the second end and defining a slope there between.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for training an athlete to throw a ball, and particularly to a device and method that provides guides for optimally positioning an athlete's throwing hand and elbow prior to initiation of the throwing phase for throwing a ball.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, kits and methods for an automated ball feeding device for a ball throwing machine. The present invention provides an automatic ball feeding and throwing apparatus having a ball holding container with one or more sides and a bottom in communication with a propeller. The propeller is positioned to communicate with a rotatable support mast that has a ball channel and supports a ball ejection mechanism. The ball channel extends from the ball holding container to the ball ejection mechanism. The ball is fed by the propeller through the ball channel to the ball throwing apparatus regardless of the pivot angle or rotational angle of the ball ejection mechanism.

Abstract: A process for more accurately delivering a hitting device to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process (with no step forward of the front foot or leg) until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the hitting device such that the distal end of the hitting device is below the shoulders and the hitting device is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the hitting device directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the hitting device to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.

Abstract: A grip training device is used to teach a person the proper grip of a ball in usage. More specifically, the grip training device may take the form of a baseball having finger position indicia on it. The finger position indicia may be constituted in several different ways, including by depressions sized and arranged to receive the fingers. The arrangement of the indicia shows how to grip the baseball for throwing different pitches.

Abstract: An improved multi-adjustable batting practice tee featuring a base assembly with an improved tube assembly thereby enhancing tube movement and overall batting tee stability is disclosed. The base assembly is configured to have standard dimensions for a “HOME PLATE” in accordance with the rules of Major League baseball. The base assembly includes a continuous channel positioned across the entire horizontal plane of the base assembly that includes an inner-locking guide rail system for enhanced batting tee stability.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently dropping the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it drops the balls in the magazine via an overhead ball release canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is released by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a harness attachable circumferentially around a waist area of an athlete. A mechanical resistance attachment guide is coupled to the harness and oriented circumferentially relative to the waist area of the athlete when the harness is worn by the athlete. The mechanical resistance attachment guide provides a circumferentially moveable approximately constant radius attachment location relative to an axis of rotation of the athlete throughout a rotational athletic swing. A vertical anchor plane is defined between the axis of rotation of the athlete and an anchor point located perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the athlete. At least a portion of the mechanical resistance attachment guide remains within the vertical anchor plane throughout the rotational athletic swing. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A substantially hollow practice bat is disclosed, and is useable by baseball players and other athletes in training and/or rehabilitation sessions to develop stronger and more precise swinging habits. A user typically stands in a pool of water approximately chest-deep. He or she swings the device in an approximation of a proper swing for the sport. The device includes holes that tend to minimize turbulence that a standard bat would generate, yet provides both resistance and good haptic feedback to the user. These features develop or redevelop strength and consistency in the user's swing. Analogous training benefits are obtained for many activities, such as batting, golfing, and tennis.

Abstract: A muscle memory training apparatus for training a ball player in proper elbow elevation at the beginning of a throw includes a frame; an elbow support cup assembly mounted to and projecting forwardly from the frame; a spring-loaded reel mounted to the frame a distance above the support cup assembly and having a retracting line secured to a ball mounted to the frame; and a fastening mechanism connected to the frame for fastening the apparatus to an anchoring object at a suitable elevation. A method of using the muscle memory training apparatus includes the steps of: securing the apparatus to a selected anchoring structure such that the elbow support cup is substantially at the user shoulder level; placing the user elbow in the elbow support cup; grasping the ball; and throwing the ball forwardly from the apparatus, so that the ball is subsequently retracted by the spring-loaded reel.

Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: A practice device for training baseball players, softball players, and umpires. The device trains batters to help the batter identify when to swing or not swing at a pitched based on a combination of what the ball-strike count is on the batter and where the pitched ball will pass through the strike zone for that batter.

Abstract: A baseball glove with integrated illumination means and circuitry that can control the pattern and timing of the illumination means to produce a lightshow. The lightshow may be triggered by the glove catching a ball, or by a separate switch. Optionally, the lightshow may be accompanied by audio signals.

Abstract: A novel ball hitting training device configured to hold two bats together in a secure configuration. Also provided is a method of using the device to increase bat speed; strengthen the arm, core, and grip; and improve, and receive feedback on, bat swing technique. The training device allows the user to assess if his hands and grip are optimally positioned to deliver maximum power to the ball upon contact. The device provides two pockets, each having a bat handle end and a bat head end. The pockets are connected to each other between the bat handle ends and the bat head ends. Each bat handle end includes a bat handle opening, such that each pocket can receive a bat through the bat handle opening. A fastener near the bat handle end cinches the device around the bats, which may allow for the twisting of the bats such that the handles are touching and the knob of one bat is closer to the bat handle openings than the knob of the other bat.

Abstract: An instructional ball having a football-shaped body shaped as an ellipsoid having a longitudinal axis and a generally circular transverse cross section and a core.

Abstract: A training device guides the throwing arm of a person in a ball throwing movement in a forward throwing direction. The training device comprises a base arranged to be supported on the ground, an upright support member extending upwardly from the base and a guide member on the upright support member which has a generally concave inner surface extending upwardly and forwardly from a generally vertical starting end to a generally horizontal releasing end. The user grasps a ball in the hand of their throwing arm and displaces the ball alongside the guide member from the starting end to the releasing end in a ball throwing movement to throw the ball in the forward throwing direction of the training device.

Abstract: A method of training a baseball pitcher comprising the steps of providing a data processor, providing data capture devices which function to capture pitching data relating to the pitcher's pitching motion at a first location and which function to capture ball arrival data relating to the arrival of the pitched ball at a second location. The method further comprises providing a database storage device for storing predetermined pitching data and inputting personal data into said data processor. The method also includes capturing pitching data by said data capture devices relating to said pitcher's pitching motion at the first location, capturing ball arrival data by said data capture devices as the ball arrives at the second location, and inputting said pitching data, ball arrival data and predetermined pitching data into said data processor. The pitching data, ball arrival data and predetermined pitching data are processed in the data processor to generate output data.

Abstract: A ball returning backstop assembly includes a backstop that collects a thrown ball and a ball return assembly that returns the collected ball. The ball return assembly includes a housing that supports a linkage for propelling the collected ball and a motor for driving the linkage. The housing includes a tube that receives the collected ball, with the linkage having a piston that is slidable within the tube to propel the ball out of the tube. The motor is electrically connected to switches that control when the motor drives the linkage. One switch being configured to turn the motor on when the collected ball is ready to be returned and the other switch being configured to turn the motor off after the ball is propelled out of the tube.

Abstract: A unique playing field and method of playing extreme baseball, a game of traditional baseball modified by rules to allow two teams to play at the same time on the same field, is disclosed.

Abstract: A batting training device includes a telescopic prop, a base, a plurality of support members, and a limiting unit. The telescopic prop has top and bottom ends. The base is connected to the bottom end of the prop. Each of the support members has a pivot end pivoted to the base, and a ground contacting end opposite to the pivot end. Each of the support members is pivotable upwardly relative the base from an unfolded position to a folded position. The limiting unit is provided on the base and has a plurality of blocking portions. The blocking portions are movable relative to the base between a blocking position and an unblocking position.

Abstract: A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.

Abstract: A fully articulated batting tee including a first support post with a telescoping stem for height-adjustable support of a baseball. The first support post extends downward from the ball to the ground to provide a first point of ground-support. A lateral support assembly comprises a plurality of lateral struts joined at one end to the first support post and extending laterally therefrom to a second support post. A pivoting coupling is mounted on the second support post, and the coupling includes a plurality of collars for insertion of corresponding struts (each of the collars slidably supports a corresponding one of the lateral struts therein). The second support post extends downward to a practice plate and is anchored thereto, thereby providing a second point of ground-support. The combination of height-adjustment, lateral adjustment and pivoting provide a fully articulating batting tee that can position the ball anywhere over or around the practice plate.

Abstract: Bat grip devices and methods are disclosed that are provided for developing swing technique for batting in sports such as baseball and softball. The invention in some embodiments may comprise a bat grip device having a plurality of grip retention elements. The plurality of grip retention elements may be integral with a handle conforming surface and positioned longitudinally along the axis of the handle conforming surface. The longitudinal axis of the handle conforming surface may coincide with and be the longitudinal axis of a handle of a bat. A fulcrum element may be configured between the upper and lower plurality of grip retention elements. In some embodiments the fulcrum element comprises a hand positioning fulcrum element designed to assist in achieving the objectives of the present invention. In still further embodiments, the fulcrum element may comprise a bat acceleration element corresponding to the center of gravity of the bat.

Abstract: An athletic training apparatus to train a player with or without a coach is disclosed. The machine includes a collapsible frame, a striking structure, a coaching cage, and one moveable member. The collapsible frame provides a height adjustment mechanism to allow partial collapsibility of the frame during storage or movement. The striking structure couples detachably to the collapsible frame. A player or coach selects the striking structure in accordance with desired goals of an athletic training session. The coaching cage is incorporated within the collapsible frame. The coaching cage assists the coach to in real-time provide an unobstructed view of a player's body position and player motion; thereby, coach's real-time observations and feedback train a player's movements to achieve a hit to a defined target or objective. A movable member transports the collapsible frame between a first location and a second location with minimal disassembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a training aid to promote well balanced pitching techniques for any sport that requires a pitching motion related to but not limited to baseball and softball including a pitching tunnel structure and a pitching target and ball containment system.

Abstract: A pair of interlocking batting gloves which may be worn by a batter during practice and during play to improve the batter's grip on the bat. A first of the two gloves in which each glove has a disc magnet attached to the outer peripheral edge of the index finger and a second of the two gloves has a polar opposite magnet attached to the outer peripheral edge of the little finger. The magnets thus positioned connect and lock together providing the proper grip for the batter, aligning the middle knuckles of the left and right hands. The attractive magnetic force will connect the gloves when the magnets overlap their magnetic fields, thus eliminating the need for the batter to have previous knowledge of how to grip the bat correctly. The magnetic connection draws the left and right hand together aligning the middle knuckles of the left and right hand forming proper grip for swinging a bat.

Abstract: An automatic feed mechanism for use with a batting aid device having a first end configured to receive a ball and a second end configured to drop the ball from the batting aid device. The automatic feed mechanism includes a substantially enclosed tubular member configured to receive a ball from the batting aid device and defining an internal support surface configured to support the ball, a wheel coupled to and positioned at least partially within the tubular member and having a rotational axis orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the tubular member, and a motor configured to rotate the wheel at least a portion of a full rotation; wherein as the wheel rotates, the wheel is configured to engage and advance the ball through the tubular member in a direction from the first end toward the second end of the batting aid device.

Abstract: A substantially hollow practice bat is disclosed, and is useable by baseball players and other athletes in training and/or rehabilitation sessions to develop stronger and more precise swinging habits. A user typically stands in a pool of water approximately chest-deep. He or she swings the device in an approximation of a proper swing for the sport. The device includes holes that tend to minimize turbulence that a standard bat would generate, yet provides both resistance and good haptic feedback to the user. These features develop or redevelop strength and consistency in the user's swing. Analogous training benefits are obtained for many activities, such as batting, golfing, and tennis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrally weighted baseball cover and system, method and apparatus for quickly delivering the cover and placing it onto an area of a baseball field, such as one or more of the infield areas, such as home base area, first base area, second base area, third base area, pitcher's mound area and/or bullpen areas.

Abstract: A baseball batting device includes an elongate lever arm having opposed proximate and distal ends. The device includes a fulcrum lowerly adjacent the lever arm for separating the proximate or distal end of the lever arm from a ground surface during use. The lever arm is rotatable about the fulcrum between a first position in which the distal end is adjacent a ground surface and a second position in which the distal end is separated from the ground surface. A downward force exerted on the proximate end moves the lever arm from the first position to the second position. The lever arm distal end is configured to support a baseball when the lever arm is at the first position and to release the baseball when the lever arm is at the second position. The fulcrum and distal end are adjustable so as to modify the path of a tossed ball.

Abstract: Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.

Abstract: A batting cage device comprises vertically arranged first and second panels forming an included angle with a ball tethered between the panels to enable a hitter to hit the ball into one of the panels from which it will rebound with various spins and other characteristics to improve the skill of the batter or hitter.

Abstract: A tiltable portable baseball tee unit is provided. The unit includes a base shaped to seat removably a bucket; includes a hitting tee assembly; and, includes a handle assembly. The base is mounted on a wheel-axle assembly such that the handle assembly can be used to tilt the base and hitting tee onto the axle and wheel and to pull the baseball tee to a desired location. The handle assembly and the hitting tee assembly can be folded into stored configurations to facilitate storage of the unit.

Abstract: A game ball with a generally spherical inner ball and a cover substantially covering the inner ball. The inner ball has first and second halves divided by an imaginary equatorial plane. There are circumferentially spaced openings in the first half of the inner ball and openings in the cover aligned with the openings in the inner ball. The game ball curves away from the openings when thrown and thus may be used for learning how to throw and hit breaking pitches.

Abstract: A batter training and protection system is shown. A protector for protecting an infield area is provided with a plurality of indicia situated thereon or integrally formed therein to define a plurality of target areas, respectively. The indicia may comprise a plurality of material segments, a plurality of colors, patterns, graphics or the like in order to define the plurality of target areas at which a player may practice bunting a baseball.

Abstract: A pitching screen which provides a first pitching lane and a second pitching lane in a single pitching screen configuration to allow both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers to pitch without repositioning the pitching screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pitching machine arranged specifically to pitch small diameter balls utilized in baseball and softball training and practice exercises for increasing a batter's proficiency for regular batting play. The pitching machine includes a body housing one or more electric motors to turn one or more wheels which, in turn, can project a ball toward a batter. The pitching machine includes a feeder tube configured to capture and store a number of balls for use with the pitching machine, and which can be reversibly attached to the pitching machine for automatic feeding of stored balls to the one or more wheels. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine is configured to pitch balls smaller than standard baseballs or softballs.

Abstract: A practice device for softball pitchers. The device is designed to help a pitcher develop better throwing mechanics by teaching proper spin, release, and follow through for various breaking pitches. Using the device consistently helps a pitcher improve technique, which would ultimately enhance performance in game situations. The device consists of a tripod stand, having an adjustable boom arm at its top, a wedge shaped frame and bracket with a short post assembly to which a regulation sized softball is attached. The side of the bracket opposite the soft ball features a short, right angled mounting bracket. The vertical portion of the bracket features a hole in its center and thus could be secured to the post on the booms stand filter assembly via a wing nut.

Abstract: A recreation range system (10) including a field (11) and a rotatable range carousel (13).

Abstract: A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Abstract: A sheath (40) is formed with weighted portions (90) and attaching members (80) for attaching the sheath to the blade portion of a cricket bat. The weighted portions can be formed using receiving sections to accept weighted objects which are held in the receiving sections using weighted objects.

Abstract: A bat conditioning device for breaking in or seasoning softball or baseball bats. A preferred conditioning device includes a handle having a first end and a second end, a grip attached to the first end of the handle, and a head attached to the second end of the handle having an impact response that mimics that of a regulation softball. In the preferred form, the head is a regulation softball. The bat conditioning device is of a length that allows softball bats to be broken-in by striking a bat held in one hand of a user, with the conditioning device being held in the other hand.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrally weighted baseball cover and system, method and apparatus for quickly delivering the cover and placing it onto an area of a baseball field, such as one or more of the infield areas, such as home base area, first base area, second base area, third base area, pitcher's mound area and/or bullpen areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for calculating the distance of a ball placed into motion comprising, a means for positioning a ball at a desired height for striking, a means for measuring force exerted upon the ball when struck, a means for measuring launch angle relative to a horizontal playing field which a ball travels upon impact, a means for calculating distance the ball would travel if not restricted using the measured force and launch angle, and a means to display the calculated distance.