Abstract: The present invention comprises an entertaining targeting game for all ages that enhances hand-eye coordination and provides target practice and a method of playing such a game. The device consists of an electronic target striking device for removable attachment to a ground-engaging mat. The target striking device has visual and audible strike indicating means and the mat has score display means. Additional embodiments are anticipated.

Abstract: Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.

Abstract: Provided are articles comprising targets useful in aiding persons desiring to improve their baseball pitching skills. An article according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a target area that corresponds substantially in size with the strike zone in American baseball, and the target area is divided into quadrants each of a contrasting color with respect to one another. A plurality of characters, such as numbers, are disposed about the periphery of the target area.

Abstract: A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus and method capable of determining the time and location of a projectile's impact is disclosed. In another embodiment, an apparatus and method capable of determining the time and location of a projectile's impact as well as the direction from whence the projectile came is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for practicing pitching a baseball. The apparatus can be configured to receive pitches thrown into a specific designated area of the strike zone and to reject pitches not thrown to the specific designated area. The apparatus alters the position of the strike zone to compensate for the positioning of a catcher behind home plate. The apparatus more accurately identifies the strike zone, and areas outside the strike zone, to which a pitcher should practice throwing pitches.

Abstract: A baseball practice system for training one in pitching, throwing, fielding, catching, and batting. The practice system is portable and collapsible having a removable pitching component on one side and a batting and netting on the other side. The pitching component has a strike-zone opening and one or more pockets in a catch sack in back of the strike-zone opening. The netting is of an elastic material suited to rebound a ball thrown on the netting for the purpose of practicing throwing, catching, and fielding. A ball component, attached to elastic cords, is suspended outward and downward from a forward extending member adjacent to the top of the baseball practice system. An adjustment and locking member adjacent to the rear of the forward extending member adjustably secures in place an upper cord which is attached to a ball.

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: One embodiment of an adjustable pitching target includes a base which secures a central target stand which contains a plurality of target holders and flexible targets that create a frontal, visual, strike zone at which the pitcher throws the ball and which yields a physical, visual, reaction as the pitched ball encounters and passes through the visual strike zone's targets.

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: 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 system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind home plate, and is selectively movable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively moved up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin may be controlled from a practice pitching area.

Abstract: A apparatus for improving pitching mechanics of a pitcher has a base, a member extending vertically upwardly from the base, a boom extending horizontally outwardly from the member, and a first indicator affixed to the boom for corresponding in relative location to a position where the pitcher's lead foot or lead shoulder should be positioned. A second indicator is connected to the boom for corresponding in relative location to the desired release point of a pitch by the pitcher. The member is adjustably positioned in height relative to the base.

Abstract: A multi-sports ball return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball hit, kick, thrown or strike into it directly to a user and is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball return net system has a frame and a net mounted across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow and a lower U-shape channel or hammock. A ball propelled into the U-shape pillow drops down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.

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 system for training a batter to automatically swing at pitched balls corresponding to strikes and to refrain from swinging at pitched balls not corresponding to strikes, the device including a visual reference member suspended between a pitcher's mound and a home plate where the batter is located, at a location in front of the plate, so that the trajectory of a pitch from a pitcher's release point proximate the pitcher's mound to a point in a strike zone proximate the home plate consistently passes through a portion of the visual reference member.

Abstract: Described herein is a combination pitching aid and batting tee apparatus. The apparatus includes a base having a front and a rear, a stand extending upwardly from the base, a support rod extending upwardly from the stand, and an arm extending outwardly from the support rod. The arm includes a target associated therewith that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The apparatus includes a screen having a top end and a bottom end and a support assembly having a top end and a bottom end that extends upwardly from the base. The bottom end of the screen is attached near the front of the base and the top end of the screen is attached to the support assembly. The support rod can be replaced with a batting tee.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed particularly adapted to assist a baseball pitcher in developing accuracy and controlling the velocity of his pitches. The device provides an adjustable strike zone comprising a real catcher's mitt. A velocity meter that records the actual velocity of the pitched ball is an additional feature. Also, there is a net and frame apparatus that stops pitches, including a trough to collect pitched baseballs. The entire apparatus is portable, and can be disassembled and reassembled at any desired site.

Abstract: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

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: A system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Abstract: A collapsible pitching target is described in which a target is located substantially in front of a backstop and preferably includes one or more spot targets.

Abstract: A pitch training system for indicating whether a thrown baseball has passed through a strike zone includes a zone assembly for detecting a baseball passing through the zone assembly. The zone assembly indicates when the baseball passes through a strike zone as determined by the zone assembly. A backstop is aligned with and positioned a distance from the zone assembly. The backstop intercepts the baseball thrown through the zone assembly.

Abstract: A pitching practice apparatus includes a frame unit having a rectangular frame member, X-axis and Y-axis sensor units mounted on the frame member, a control unit connected to the sensor units and to a sound generating device, and a net body provided on the frame unit. The sensor units are operable so as to form sampling regions for sensing entry of a ball into the frame member. The control unit determines position of the ball entering into the frame member, and compares the ball position with preset parameters to determine whether the ball is a good ball or a foul ball. Ball information determined by the control unit is shown on a display device. The sound generating device is used to generate a sound output corresponding to status of the ball that was thrown into the frame member as determined by the control unit.

Abstract: This is a device for training a pitcher in establishing his or her direct line to home plate during initial set-up of delivery of a pitch to home plate. Once the direct line to home plate has been established the training device then teaches the proper body mechanics as the pitch is delivered in the relationship of the follow through position. The device also teaches the pitcher of throwing a pitch to a specific area of home plate.

Abstract: A baseball practicing apparatus includes two opposite upright frames, two opposite longitudinal rods mounted between the upright frames and provided with a plurality of first emitters and a plurality of first receivers respectively, and two opposite transverse rods mounted between the upright frames and provided with a plurality of second emitters and a plurality of second receivers respectively. Thus, the pitching position of the baseball is detected exactly by provision of the emitters and receivers, so that the user can judge and calibrate the pitching position of the baseball, thereby facilitating the user practicing the pitching skill. In addition, the baseball practicing apparatus detects and displays the pitching position and the velocity of the baseball simultaneously, thereby enhancing the amusement effect.

Abstract: A training device is disclosed particularly adapted to assist a baseball pitcher in developing accuracy and controlling the velocity of his pitches. The device provides an adjustable strike zone comprising a real catcher's mitt. A velocity meter that records the actual velocity of the pitched ball is an additional feature. Also, there is a net and frame apparatus that stops pitches, including a trough to collect pitched baseballs. The entire apparatus is portable, and can be disassembled and reassembled at any desired site.

Abstract: A ball retriever comprising a main member forming a first closed loop, a base member forming a second closed loop with the main member foldably attached to the base member, a fabric portion smaller in area than a spatial plane defined by the first loop, straps connecting the fabric portion to the main member, and a support to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main member and the base member.

Abstract: A portable bucket for carrying baseball equipment (such as bases, gloves, balls) that is attached to a pitching target. The bucket, a bottom mounting bracket, a top mounting bracket and an extendable frame provide support for the pitching target. The pitching target can be folded and snapped to the lower mounting bracket when the invention is being carried. The target is positioned for play by fully extending the frame, unsnapping the pitching target from the lower mounting bracket, rotating it, unfolding it, and then fastening it to the extendable frame. Also attached to the bucket could be tubes for carrying baseball bats or holding a tee for tee-ball, or wheels to assist in transport.

Abstract: A vandal resistant sports goal net clip, or fastener, for attaching nets to the frames of sports goals. The fasteners are difficult to remove by hand and require the use of a separate tool to attach and remove the net from the frame. Sports goal assemblies and methods of securing nets to goal frames are also disclosed.

Abstract: Pitching practice targets teach a pitcher to deliver accurate pitches. A tripod assembly is attached to one end of a body. The height of the pitching practice target can be adjusted by telescoping first and second body extensions inserted into the body's opposing end and telescoping lower legs inserted into the upper legs of the tripod assembly. The upper legs are hingedly attached to the body so that they can be folded up when not in use. An arm collar attaches one end of an arm to the second body extension. A target is suspended from the arm by chains hung from chain hooks. A target retainer connects the bottom edge of the target to the body's opposing end. The opposing end of the arm is bent at an angle and forms a triangular structure in conjunction with an arm support.

Abstract: A training bat system for increasing the batting skills of a baseball player. The training bat system includes a tubular member having a center bore, a plurality of weight members removably positioned within the center bore, an inner cap secured to an inner end of the tubular member, and an outer cap secured to the outer end of the tubular member. A compression spring is preferably positioned between the weight members and the inner cap for maintaining the weight members non-movably adjacent one another. The tubular member in the preferred embodiment has an outer diameter similar to a handle grip of a baseball bat. The tubular member's outer diameter over the area of the bat used for hitting a ball is much smaller than a conventional bat. The tubular member's length is similar to a conventional bat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable net device comprising a main member forming a first closed loop, a base member forming a second closed loop and defined by front and non-front sections where a main member bottom section is attached to the base member front section, a fabric member having front and non-front sections where the fabric member front section is connected to the main member, a connecting member to selectively attach the fabric member non-front section to the base member non-front section in a detachable attachment format, and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.

Abstract: An air mattress has a resilient front panel, an opposed rear panel and at least one interior panel extending therebetween dividing the mattress into ball and strike chambers. A ball air valve attached to the rear panel at the ball chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the ball chamber. A strike air valve attached to the rear panel at the strike chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the strike chamber. Signaling devices alert when a strike or ball air valve activates informing a user whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A lightweight backstop, equipment set, method of defining a playing field and method of playing a baseball related game is provided. The invention integrates a ball stopping backstop, attached strike zone, foul line ropes and base hit markers with methods and means for defining and marking a playing field scaled to the size and number of players. A separate strike zone is attached to the backstop by means allowing the players to quickly change the vertical position of the strike zone and acoustical responses generated by balls hitting the strike zone. Players may also adjust the sound generated by balls missing the strike zone, but striking the backstop net. One embodiment of the disclosed game eliminates base running and ball throwing near batters after the ball has been struck. The entire equipment set is light weight, easy to move, and simple to assemble.

Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed including a barrier member, a net, and a frame. The barrier member has two opposed major surfaces and an aperture passing through the opposed major surfaces. The net is positioned adjacent one of the major surfaces of the barrier member such that the net covers the aperture. The frame supports the barrier member in a generally planar and substantially vertical orientation.

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: A sports training target system is disclosed. The system includes a target anchor having a support post that includes a slight angle in the forward direction. The system includes a target section having at least one target arm which is rotatably secured to the anchor support post. When a ball is thrown by a pitcher and it strikes the target arm, the target section will partially rotate around the anchor support post. The angle in the support post, together with gravity, will force the taret section back to its original position facing the user.

Abstract: A training device comprising a target member, having a target face, a target arm and target support facilitates a training regiment for soccer, baseball, football and hockey players. The target support is coupled to a goal post or cross-bar of a goal. The target member is adjustably joined to the target support such that the target member and corresponding target face may be positioned in a plurality of locations without uncoupling the target support. The target face can be positioned in a plurality of positions throughout a vertical plane and may also be adjusted in a direction parallel to the target arm. The adjustability of the target face provides a versatile training device which can be arranged in numerous configurations to maintain fresh training regiments. In practice, multiple training devices maximize the effectiveness of the training. Other features include target face illumination means, counters and speakers for transmitting audio outputs.

Abstract: A throwing and catching training apparatus for sports is disclosed. The throwing and catching training apparatus provides an upright, rigid target panel having a plurality of elastomeric bumpers connected to the target panel wherein the bumpers are adaptable to deflect a thrown projectile in a random direction. A pair of support structures are connected to the target panel for supporting the target panel in an upright position. The target panel may have a cut-out portion extending through the target panel for further defining a target. An elastic mesh netting may be connected to the target panel and extend across the cut-out portion of the target panel in order that a thrown projectile may spring back from the target panel after engaging the elastic mesh netting. The shape of the bumpers allows the thrown projectile to deflect back to the user in a random direction.

Abstract: A portable ball retriever comprises a first member forming a first closed loop, a second member forming a second closed loop with the first member foldably attached to the second member, supports fitted between the first and second members to sustain the first member against the second member, a fabric cover attached to the first member to substantially cover the first closed loop with a central portion of the cover severed along a line to secure a first opening and a drapery corresponding to the first opening, a fabric catch partially attached to the fabric cover to communicate with the first opening, and straps connecting a rear portion of the fabric catch to the second member.

Abstract: A pitcher's screen comprising a lower screen having opposite ends and a base secured to the lower screen. An upper screen is pivotally connected to the lower screen midway between the ends. The upper screen is movable in relation to the lower screen adjacent one of the ends and in the same plane as the lower screen adjacent the other ends and in the same plane as the lower screen. A ball basket removably connected to the lower screen remote from the upper screen whereby both left handed and right handed pitchers may be protected during batting practice without moving the base and the balls and may be conveniently stored.

Abstract: A pitcher's motion training system and method are provided The system comprises a target with a top surface at rest in a horizontal position, and a momentary deflection position assumed in response to receiving a towel-strike. A support is included with a base for interfacing with the ground and a height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a strut mounted to the base and a telescoping member slideably engageable with the strut. The system further comprises a tensioner interposed between the target and the support. The tensioner creates tension between the target top surface and the support in the deflection position.

Abstract: A leather pitching target simulates the sound of a pitched ball hitting a catcher's mitt and forms a visual indentation where the ball strikes the target. An air-filled layer of padding may be sandwiched between a leather target sheet and a durable backing material. A square or rectangular quilted pattern of stitching may bind the layers together. A differently colored block U-shaped pattern of squares forms the inside, outside, and bottom of the strike zone. Each time the ball hits the target, pressure from the impact levels out the previous impression and creates a new one where the new pitch hit the target.

Abstract: A passive pitching target comprises a portable device including a resilient rectangular laminar backstop indentable by a baseball pitched at a velocity of 100 km/hr (62 mph); the target is higher than it is wide, and rests with its base supported on the ground; one planar face of the backstop is fully covered with a laminar resilient pad of synthetic resinous material having a specified resilience to ensure that a pitched baseball striking the target's planar surface is returned to the pitcher at a location of choice, either less than one-half the distance from where the pitch was thrown, to mimic a “bunt”, or, in the general vicinity of the location from where the ball was pitched; the pad is dimensioned for height and width the same as the backstop and is removably affixed in contact with the face of the backboard; the resilient pad, in turn is fully covered with a removably affixed synthetic resinous sheet of material overlying the resilient pad and in intimate contact therewith, the target forming an inde

Abstract: A ball catching device includes a glove, a holding portion, an operation unit, a press plate, and two clamping brackets. The holding portion includes two symmetric holding boards combined with each other. The operation unit is mounted on the holding portion and includes a control lever, a movable rod, a compression member, a washer, and a push block. Thus, the ball catching device can be operated easily and conveniently, thereby greatly facilitating the user practicing catching the ball. In addition, the ball catching device can catch the ball rigidly and stably.

Abstract: A passive pitching target comprises a portable device including a resilient rectangular laminar backstop indentable by a baseball pitched at a velocity of 100 km/hr; the target is higher than it is wide, and rests with its base supported on the ground; one planar face of the backstop is fully covered with a laminar resilient pad of synthetic resinous material having a specified resilience to ensure that a pitched baseball striking the target's planar surface is returned to the pitcher at a location of choice, either less than one-half the distance from where the pitch was thrown, to mimic a “bunt”, or, in the general vicinity of the location from where the ball was pitched; the pad is dimensioned for height and width the same as the backstop and is removably affixed in contact with the face of the backboard; the resilient pad, in turn is fully covered with a removably affixed synthetic resinous sheet of material overlying the resilient pad and in intimate contact therewith, the target forming an i

Abstract: A baseball pitch practicing rack includes two opposite frame seats, a front crossbar mounted between the two opposite frame seats, a rear crossbar mounted between the two opposite frame seats, two opposite U-shaped support foot frames each pivotally mounted on a bottom of a respective one of the two opposite frame seats, and a main frame pivotally mounted between the two opposite frame seats. The main frame is provided with a plurality of swing boards, so that the user can pitch the baseball toward the swing boards to hit one of the swing boards, so as to practice the pitching accuracy.

Abstract: A leather pitching target simulates the sound of a pitched ball hitting a catcher's mitt and forms a visual indentation where the ball strikes the target. An air-filled layer of padding may be sandwiched between a leather target sheet and a durable backing material. A square or rectangular quilted pattern of stitching may bind the layers together. A differently colored block U-shaped pattern of squares forms the inside, outside, and bottom of the strike zone. Each time the ball hits the target, pressure from the impact levels out the previous impression and creates a new one where the new pitch hit the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio-controlled two-wheeled vehicle toy in which a number of parts can be reduced by a simple structure and a traveling stability can be improved.