Abstract: A ball spinning device which has one or more balls, each ball having the surface appearance of a baseball. For an embodiment that has more than one ball, all balls are positioned in a straight line by connecting spindles. A power transferring spindle is sized and shaped so it can be connected to an electric motor which is capable of spinning the device at the same speeds as those of pitched baseballs. For each ball, its axis of rotation relative to its seam is determined by where spindles are joined to the ball with respect to its seam.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus includes a ground frame section with a forward motion restraint attached to the ground frame section. The forward motion restraint will be adjustable such that the forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels on the body of a user. The training apparatus will further include a ball launcher, a foot plate and a trigger attached to the foot plate for activating the ball launcher.

Abstract: A modified ball and modified bat are provided in which the ball is approximately a half-sphere and the bat has a constant diameter that is significantly reduced from the diameter of the designated hitting area on a conventional bat. Instructions are provided detailing the pitching methods necessary to thrown standard pitches, i.e. the fastball, knuckleball, screwball, slider, curveball, sinkerball, splitfinger fastball, and rising fastball. The methods include grip positions, arm motions and release techniques for such pitches. Due to the in-flight characteristics of the modified ball, the standard pitches are easier to throw, allowing a larger number of individuals to assist as pitchers in batting practice, for batters that need to become familiar with the standard pitches and the arm motions associated with such pitches. The reduced diameter bat causes the practicing batter to be more precise in the swing in order to make contact with the ball.

Abstract: A baseball training aid includes a hollow tubular member rotatably positioned on an adjustable height stand, for use in practice batting. The hollow tubular member is adjustably positioned to guide a bat during the initial movement of the bat by the batter. The apparatus can be configured as a bat guide, as a ball support, and for aligning the batting swing of a batter. A swing tube is pivotally secured to the base of the powertube apparatus, and may be adjustably positioned in relation to the hollow tubular member. A ball may be placed upon either the swing tube or on the hollow tubular member. The apparatus improves the power developed during a swing, by guiding the initial part of a swing in a forward direction, before the bat is rotated to meet the ball. The apparatus may be adjusted to suit the height and batting stance of the batter, and the hollow tubular member may be rotatably positioned and releasably secured to suit the needs of a variety of batters.

Abstract: A swing practicing device trains a hitter, such as a baseball batter, to improve the accuracy and power of his swing. A target is coupled to the terminal end of a target support, the target accepting swing impacts without separating from the target support. The target support extends from a base having a rounded bottom surface, the curves of the rounded surface in rotational engagement with the ground. Swing impacts at the target cause the apparatus to rotate from an upright position to a more horizontal position and then return to the upright position to accept repeated swing impacts. The device can include an inflatable air bladder within the target and target support, and can include an adjustable weight for its base. The device can also include an adjusting mechanism to adjust the vertical height of the target.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for training a player of a game in which an object is projected towards the player at a normal velocity range. Depending on the application of the training method, the normal range of velocity for the projected object in the game is determined. An apparatus is provided for projecting the object at a velocity greater than the normal velocity range. The object is projected towards the player at the velocity greater than the normal velocity range. This routine is repeated to improve ocular conditioning and physical objects of the game.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control system applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A ball feeder tube removably connects to the body, the ball feeder tube configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: A basketball safety apparatus which comprises sections of netting adapted to be used in conjunction with a basketball goal, movable pole support bases which are adapted to be positioned in proximity to the basketball goal and a driveway that connects to a street, and a plurality of poles adapted to be mounted vertically in the pole support bases. The sections of netting are connected to the vertically mounted poles or to the basketball goal. The netting has mesh size is sufficiently small to stop a basketball, and the poles and bases are mounted and arranged so that the netting forms a barrier in one or more directions from the basketball goal and across the driveway.

Abstract: A baseball training apparatus includes a body, a drive assembly connected to the body, the drive assembly configured to impart motion on to the ball, a ball interface device connected to the body, the ball interface device configured for movement between a first position in which the ball engages the drive assembly and a second position in which the ball is prevented from engaging the drive assembly, and a control system operably coupled to the ball interface device, the control system interacting with the ball interface device such that the ball interface device changes between first and second positions at a predetermined time interval for a predetermined duration. The control circuit applies the signal to the ball interface device at a predetermined frequency. A magazine removably connects to the body, the magazine configured to hold the balls and a ball projection means connected to the body, the ball projection means configured for projecting a ball upward from the body.

Abstract: A batting practice device for training a user to hit a ball. The batting practice device includes a stabilizing member, a connecting bar, a vertical post, a upper vertical member, a rotating arm and a ball. The stabilizing member is used for providing ballast for the batting practice device. The connecting bar couples the stabilizing member to the vertical post portion. In addition, the upper vertical member is rotatably coupled to the vertical post portion. The rotating arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rotating arm is coupled to the upper vertical member. The ball is coupled to the second end of the rotating arm. Thus a force asserted on the ball rotates the ball and rotating arm around the vertical post portion.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) including a switch manually operable to obtain the transmission of signals by a transmitter in the member to an apparatus for propelling an element (e.g. ball) toward an individual holding the member. The element is propelled by a propulsion mechanism in the apparatus toward the individual holding the member so that the individual can practice receiving the element (e.g. hitting the ball). The apparatus propels the element upon the receipt of the transmitted signals and prepares for the next element in the apparatus to be propelled upon a receipt of subsequent signals from the transmitter.

Abstract: A multi-function pool cue tool is shown. The tool has a three sided open channel design. One side of the tool has an abrasive material attached for flattening tips. The center piece has two different sized indentations for contouring different sized tips on cues. The center piece also has a contour gauge associated with each of the indentations for checking the roundness of the tips after dressing of the tip in the indentations. The second side of the tool has a knurled surface for knurling the surface of the flat tip. A pair of wheels interconnect the first and second sides of the tool and have a diameter that varies to a minimum midway between the sides, the wheels for knurling the rounded tips on cues.

Abstract: The novel umpire tool generally comprises a plate of durable material, the plate defining a hole therethrough. The umpire tool can be used for determining a bat's diameter in relation to an upper limit, typically set by a governing association or rule promulgator. Therefore the diameter of the hole defined within the durable plate is closely sized to the upper limit. A plate brush may be integrally provided so that the umpire tool can also be used to clean home plate. Similarly, a scraper may be integrally provided to clean mud and the like from home plate. Further, an insert may be provided for reducing the diameter of the hole and for measuring a bat's diameter in relation to a second different upper limit.

Abstract: A flying ball stopping net device including an elastic wire rod assembly which assumes an annular form when it is in a free state lying on a horizontal flat surface. The assembly first and second end members with intermediate members constituting transition members between the first and second members. A flying ball stopping net is provided closing a first end space surrounded by the first member. A flexible first connecting member interconnects the first and second members and counteracts the elastic restoring force of the wire rod assembly to enable imaginary extension planes of the first end space and a second end space to cross each other at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A Baseball Bat Choke-Up Device is provided which includes C-shaped ring with a hollow center cavity that runs longitudinally through the device. The C-shaped ring has both interior and exterior wall surfaces, and wherein the interior wall surface encircles and engages the handle portion of a baseball bat. The C-shaped ring can be separated longitudinally, allowing the Baseball Bat Choke-Up Device to be placed tightly into the desired position around the handle portion of a baseball bat. The C-shaped ring may be secured firmly in place with a Velcro-type fastener which extends from one side of the longitudinal split to the other.

Abstract: A hitting trainer which has a slanted surface mounted on a stand, and which the player will hit with a bat in order to develop strength and quickness.

Abstract: A member (e.g. baseball bat) includes a switch manually operable to obtain the transmission of signals by a transmitter in the member to an apparatus for propelling an element (e.g. ball) toward an individual holding the member. The apparatus includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted signals and includes a housing with a hollow passage. A ramp supported on the housing holds a plurality of the elements for sequential movement into the passage. The element in the passage is supported on one of the fingers of a rotary detainer. The detainer is normally prevented from rotating by a release mechanism coupled to the detainer. The detainer is rotated by the weight of the element when the release mechanism is decoupled from the detainer upon the reception of the transmitted signals. The element then moves downwardly in the passage to a propulsion mechanism which may comprise a pair of rollers for gripping the opposite ends of the element.

Abstract: An automatic throwing machine (10) includes a throwing arm (18) rotated by a worm gear (78) driven by a worm (76) carried on a rod (42). The rod is driven by an electric motor (32). An extension spring (68) is extensible as the arm is moved to store energy in the spring and create a torque on the throwing arm. The arm is configured for objects such as clay pigeons (P), baseballs (B), and hockey pucks (H) and the like. When the spring reaches an over-center position, the throwing arm is rapidly rotated to launch the object along a desired trajectory. A control (112) controls operation of the motor. A passive infrared detector (110) identifies people (X) near the device and controls the direction of discharge of the object so the object is thrown toward, or away from, the person depending upon the object being thrown. The detector further provides an interlock to prevent object release if there is a person in the direction the object is thrown who should not be there.

Abstract: An attachment for bats designed principally for use in batting practice, comprising a thin wall tube of rubber-like material of length approximating the length of the contact zone of the bat. In one embodiment, the tube is closed at one end with the closed end covering the end of the bat. An edge rim of greater thickness is present in one embodiment to protect the end from tearing and in other embodiments, raised patterns are present on the external surface of the tube.

Abstract: When spun by an electric drill, this device allows a batter to practice reading the spin on a pitched baseball. The device creates this spin, without a baseball being pitched. The device is inexpensive, single person operated, small area safe, and serves more than one batter at the same time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing hitting a ball with a striking instrument. The apparatus comprises a ball having a portion which extends outwardly from the spherical body of the ball and which is driven into the ball when the ball is struck correctly with a striking instrument.

Abstract: The present invention includes a training aid for providing an audible or visual indication of a properly thrown sports ball. The device preferably includes an elongated hollow, tubular member with closed ends and an inner dowel which is freely moveable longitudinally within the hollow tube. The ends of the hollow tube in the preferred embodiment can alternatively include plugs, weights, magnets, or bolts, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted or changed for varying levels of sound, weight, resistance, release points or other training needs. One end of the tubular member preferably includes an upwardly curving handle replicating the lower end of a sports ball, and an upper curved handle is located at a predetermined distance from the lower handle, replicating the top of the sports ball.

Abstract: A ball striking device is adapted to be mounted on a vertical mounting surface having retention structure thereon. The device includes a clip removably attached to and suspended from the retention structure of the vertical mounting surface. A mounting member having a substantially horizontally extending support arm provided with a free end and a substantially vertically extending pivot leg is engageable with the clip in order that the mounting member is swingably supported relative to the clip and the vertical mounting surface. A ball is attached directly to the free end of the support arm and is adapted to be struck by a moving object. An elastic arrangement extends between the pivot leg and the vertical mounting surface for establishing the position of the ball before being stuck and controlling the return of the ball after being struck.

Abstract: A ball for warmup and therapy having a solid homogeneous body of molded elastomeric material of a size easily grasped in the palm of the hand, a weight of between 1-1.7 pounds, a hardness of 50-70 Shore A durometer and a percentage rebound of 65-90%. For therapy and warmup, the ball is generally used by grasping the ball in the palm of the hand and throwing or tossing this at a desired distance and angle, preferably using a full overhand motion, and catching the ball with any preferred hand as it bounces back to the user. This process is repeated as many times as the user is allowed, able or feels comfortable with.

Abstract: A ball bat grip for improving the gripping action of a batter for baseball or softball, which is useful for left handed or right handed players and which allows the grip to be comfortably adjusted for alignment of the knuckles. The grip includes independent upper and lower grip portions, manually moveable, made of a vinyl, rubber, or rubber-like material for aiding in the gripping power and frictional engagement with a bat surface, whether wood or aluminum bat. The upper and lower grip portions may be installed at the factory or provided with slots for joining the segments onto an existing bat. Finger channels may be included in both the upper and lower grip portions, with the upper grip portion longer, to allow a player to choke up or move the upper hand away from the end of the bat during batting. In an alternative embodiment a single elongated grip is used that can accommodate and receive both hands of the batter.

Abstract: The present invention includes a training aid for providing an audible indication of a properly thrown sports ball. The device includes an elongated hollow, tubular member with closed ends and an inner dowel which is freely moveable longitudinally within the hollow tube. The ends of the tubes can alternatively include plugs, weights, magnets, or bolts, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted or changed for varying levels of sound, weight, resistance, release points or other training needs. One end of the tubular member includes an upwardly curving handle replicating the lower end of a sports ball, and an upper curved handle is located at a predetermined distance from the lower handle, replicating the top of the sports ball. The upper curved handle is preferably adjustable along the length of the tubular member, thereby allowing with the same device, the distance between the handles to be increased or decreased to replicate various sized sports balls, namely a baseball, softball, football, and/or the like.

Abstract: A training ball for use by a pitcher in practicing throwing a curve ball and a method for using the training ball as described. The training ball has a first ball having approximately the size, weight, and surface of a regulation baseball, for being held and thrown by the pitcher, and a counterweight connected to the first ball at a fixed distance and position, to provide a mass balancing the mass of the first ball at a balance point approximately at the surface of the sphere defined by the surface of the first ball. The first ball may be a modified regulation baseball. The counterweight may be a second ball approximately identical in size and weight to the first ball. The method for using a training ball includes gripping and throwing the first ball as a curve ball, whereby the training ball will fly with a 12-6 spin toward the pitcher's target if the training ball is properly thrown.

Abstract: Portable safety system for isolating an on-deck batter during a baseball or softball game comprises one or more poles, a length of cord long enough to surround an on-deck area, structure to support the cord and a fastening system for fastening the ends of the cord to the poles or to each other. The safety system may be free-standing and entirely supported by poles, or partly supported by a backstop commonly found on baseball fields in addition to one or more poles. The poles may have holes, brackets, a spring loaded roller, or part of a hook and loop system to support the cord. The fastening system comprises hooks, hook and loop material, or similar structures. The poles also contain structural elements to help in securely wrapping the cord around the poles for storage and transport. The safety system is lightweight, portable, inexpensive, and easy to assemble and disassemble.

Abstract: A device to support baseballs used by a pitcher during batting practice. The devices comprises a container for supporting a quantity of baseballs. An upright support member supports the container above a baseball field. Detachable connecting apparatus detachably connects the container to the upright support member. An anchor device is connected to the upright support member for securing the upright support member at a location permitting the pitcher to retrieve a baseball from the container to throw during batting practice.

Abstract: A ball or object ejecting device is disclosed which is useful as an automatic pitching machine. The device includes a support guide for supporting a ball to be ejected, a flexible impacting member for impacting against a supported ball at a large velocity for thereby forcibly ejecting the ball from the support guide, an actuating mechanism for cyclically actuating the impacting member in a predetermined cycle period, a mechanism for supplying a plurality of balls, one at a time, to the support means in the predetermined cycle period, and the actuating means also actuates the ball supplying mechanism simultaneously as it actuates the impacting member.

Abstract: An automated batting swing training apparatus for providing a continuous, successive supply of predominantly vertically tossed balls for a batter to hit. The apparatus includes a ball projector that propels balls for the batter to hit. The balls are propelled from the ball projector in a predominantly vertical direction. A ball stopping backstop includes a section to absorb the force of the balls resulting from being hit by the batter. The automated batting swing training apparatus further includes a detachable guide channel that connects to the backstop, collects the balls from the backstop, and directs the balls to a channel arm that returns the collected balls to the ball projector, where they may again be hit by the batter.

Abstract: A collapsible pitching screen assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongate container. There are a pair of elongate, spaced apart uprights collapsibly mounted within and extending upwardly from the container proximate respective ends of the container. A crossbar is detachably interconnected between respective upper portions of the uprights. There is a flexible barrier including upper and lower ends and a pair of sides that extend between the upper and lower ends. The upper end of the barrier is attached to the crossbar and each side of the barrier is attached to a respective one of the uprights such that the side is restricted from separating from the upright and the barrier is movable between a raised condition wherein the crossbar is connected between the uprights and a collapsed condition wherein the crossbar is detached from the uprights and disposed in the container.

Abstract: A two colored baseball or softball for practice. One half of the outer surface is a dark color and one half is light to make the ball more difficult to see than a standard ball. When used for practice, the ball requires players to concentrate intensely in order to hit or field it successfully because of the difficulty of seeing it clearly. During games when a light colored ball is used, it is much more visible and players are able to hit and field it better because they are used to practicing with the two colored practice ball.

Abstract: A system for determining the performance of a first piece of sport equipment mounts the first piece of sports equipment such as a bat, golf club, tennis racket, or hockey stick having known characteristics of a Moment of Inertia, a weight, and a location of a Center of Mass for impact by a second piece of sports equipment which has a known Coefficient of Restitution in a mounting device. The mounting device is arranged to freely move the first piece of sports equipment from a predetermined starting position when the first piece of sports equipment is impacted substantially at a center of a predetermined impact area thereof by the second piece of sports equipment moving at a velocity "v".

Abstract: A sport swing training device has a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the stanchion is attachable to the base assembly. The stanchion further includes a spring to permit tipping of the stanchion when the stanchion is attached to the base assembly, and an adjustable seat secured to the second end of the stanchion. A restraining clutch is attachable to the base assembly such that when attached, the restraining clutch limits the range of tipping of the stanchion during a pre-swing stage and, a swing stage for hitting a ball. The device also includes an adjustable seat plate to which the seat is connected and at least one adjustable extension having opened and locked positions for controlling the range of rotational movement of the seat plate.

Abstract: A machine for employing the recoil effect of four rubber cords (F) to propel balls at a target for hitting by a batter or as a game of accuracy. The rubber cords are secured to two support poles (A) inserted into the ground and stabilized by four guide wires (D) staked at the front and rear of each pole. These guide wires are offset to the outside of each pole about two feet. An alignment device (B) consisting of a 4'.times.5' mat with a line drawn up its center is used to properly align the support poles with a target (C). A harness (G) having a hole in the middle about 1" in diameter or a pouch into which a ball is placed is also attached to the four rubber cords. The harness is folded over the ball and drawn by hand to a aiming rod (E) which is staked at the end of the center line of the alignment device away from the target. By adjusting the aiming rod left or right and aligning the calibrations on the harness (H) with those on the aiming rod (I), accuracy in hitting the target can be achieved.

Abstract: A starting pad, a landing pad and a target are spaced along a beam. The device may be used to train an athlete, such as a baseball pitcher, to accurately repeat a sequence of coordinated leg, arm and torso movements. The athlete stands on the starting pad and grips a suitable striking implement, such as a hand towel. The athlete executes a sequence of movements in the manner required by the sport, beginning with the athlete stepping off the starting pad and ending with the athlete stepping onto the landing pad. During the movement sequence, the athlete swings the implement in the manner of the sport to which the sequence pertains and attempts to strike the target with the implement. For example, a baseball pitcher begins a delivery with a leg lift on the starting pad and strides to the landing pad while swinging the implement as though it were a baseball in an attempt to strike the target.

Abstract: In a batting practice range where a pitching machine is installed to automatically pitch a ball toward a batter's box, hitting zones such as out zones, hit zones and home run zones are provided in front of the batter's box to detect a ball driven into either one of them from the batter's box for judging the ball as "Out", "Hit" or "Home run". An upright board is installed behind the batter's box and provided with a strike sensor for detecting vibration caused by a ball pitched by the pitching machine and struck the upright board and for judging the ball as "Strike". If a ball pitched by the pitching machine is not detected as any one of "Out", "Hit", "Home run" or "Strike" within a predetermined time, the ball is Judged as a foul ball.

Abstract: A baseball batter training kit is provided which includes a plurality of baseballs each having different colored indicia on the baseball. A baseball batter is required to recognize and identify the color of the indicia after the baseball is pitched, causing the batter to focus on the ball as it is delivered by the pitcher toward the hitting zone.

Abstract: A ball tossing device includes a ball tossing mechanism for mechanically tossing a ball into the air, a timer assembly, and a remote manual actuating mechanism for remotely actuating the timer assembly for releasing the ball tossing mechanism to toss the ball into the air upon the expiration of a predetermined time interval. The device further includes a launching tube which is alternatively positionable in a first position for launching the ball in a vertical direction or a second position for launching the ball in an upward and outward direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to baseball equipment, and more particularly to a baseball bat and a baseball which are provided with an audible signal generating element. A hollow tube is positioned in the baseball bat and in the baseball, the hollow tube receiving a sliding element which moves between opposite ends of the tube as the baseball bat and baseball move through the air. A spring mounted in each of the opposite ends of the tube facilitates movement of the sliding element inside the tube as it bounces off the springs. When air is admitted into the hollow tube through a fittingly engaged plug, the audible signal is enhanced.

Abstract: A weighted training ball for baseball and softball batting training which has a solid body of molded elastomeric material and a regulation circumference of between approximately 9-16 inches. The body is weighted to have a greater than regulation weight of between approximately 7.5-20 ounces. The body is also softer than regulation baseballs and softballs, with a type A-2 Shore durometer of between approximately 40-70.