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 baseball hitting-pitching practicing device for permitting a user to practice pitching a ball into a strike zone. The baseball hitting-pitching practicing device includes a base member that has an upper surface. An elongate support member is provided that has first and second opposed ends with the first end being mounted to the base member. The support member may extend perpendicularly away from the base member and a pair of spaced zone members is slidably mounted on a portion of the elongate support member for defining a strike zone, whereby a user pitches a baseball adjacent to the strike zone. Each of the zone members comprises a generally planar plate.

Abstract: A portable target and backstop apparatus for sports activities incorporating a combination of features for assisting players or athletes in developing desired skills and to increase their proficiency and for assisting coaches or teachers in observing, evaluating and critiquing the player's speed, body mechanics and technique for instructional and corrective purposes is disclosed. The device has a wheeled target panel having a target area and includes a video recording device and a speed detection device. A netted backstop provides protection from, and a collection for, errant balls or pucks advanced toward the device.

Abstract: A pitching practice device for indicating and simulating the height and width of a strike zone for a typical batter, the device having a base slightly wider than home plate and two laterally spaced, upwardly extending posts connected to the base, the posts each having a plurality of slidably engaged sleeves that are independently adjustable to indicate the top and bottom of the strike zone, and the posts and sleeves having contrasting colors.

Abstract: A backstop with a mounted plate attached to a tubular-like brace which simulates a Strike-Zone. A fiber-glass cover attaches to the tubular-like brace and catches any balls off the plate area. This device allows for pitching and hitting practice or the playing of many variations of the game of baseball. The molded plate is the hitters's Strike-Zone and is the target for the pitcher to pitch to. It also acts as a training device for hitters to see where their strike zone is instead of guessing. The mounted plate is adjustable to match the Strike-Zone of different size batters. The tubular structure of the backstop telescopes down because the upper half tubing is smaller than the lower base half allowing for easy transporting and storage.

Abstract: An invention relating to a device and method for training all types of pitchers. The coach observes a pitch, approximating its natural apogee. This point should be at about 12 to 15 feet from the mound/release point. The Pitcher's Box pitcher training system is placed at the approximate point of apogee and adjustments in height and width are made to accommodate the ability of the pitcher, placing the target object as near as possible to the apogee height with the target object being no closer than 12 inches to the top of the enclosed section itself. The coach instructs the pitcher to pitch at and through the target object to the target zone at home plate. The pitcher is able to remove the stigma of distance from the pitch, enabling the subject to work on mechanics, conditioning, strength and repetition. For advanced work by accomplished subjects more than one Pitcher's Box can be used in tandem to establish control and placement, desired movement, and to map movement and reactions.

Abstract: A pitching practice device for indicating and simulating the height and width of a strike zone for a typical batter, the device having a base slightly wider than home plate and two laterally spaced, upwardly extending posts connected to the base, the posts each having a plurality of slidably engaged sleeves that are independently adjustable to indicate the top and bottom of the strike zone, and the posts and sleeves having contrasting colors.

Abstract: A target detects the location of an impact of an object against a material by using various sensors. One utilization of the target is for a baseball or softball target whereby strikes and balls are detected depending upon the location of the impact of the ball against the target. The determination of the strikes and the balls is then provided to the thrower of the ball using some type of output device.

Abstract: A foldable net includes a flexible frame that may be formed from a single wire or form a plurality of flexible tubes connected end-to-end. The frame is arranged to have an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion forms a base that supports the upper frame portion in a generally upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface with the base extending in a forward direction relative to the upper frame portion. A fabric section is connected to the frame and arranged for a projectile to be incident thereon. A plurality of straps is connected between portions of the frame to constrain it to a predetermined configuration for supporting the fabric in a position for receiving the projectile.

Abstract: A ball detection device includes a frame with a hitting member connected to a center of the frame. A plurality of detection members are connected between corners of the hitting member and the frame. A CPU is electrically connected to the detection members and a display member. When the hitting member is hit by a ball, the detection members are pulled and send a respective signal according the tension the detection member is applied to the CPU and a corresponding information is displayed on the display member.

Abstract: A device for training a baseball pitcher has a baseball catching element operative for catching a baseball, a baseball throwing element operating for throwing a caught baseball in accordance with a catapult principle, and a drive connecting with the baseball throwing element and actuating the baseball throwing element when the baseball is received by the baseball throwing element.

Abstract: A device for training a baseball pitcher has a baseball catching element operative for catching a baseball, a baseball throwing element operating for throwing a caught baseball in accordance with a catapult principle, and a drive connecting with the baseball throwing element and actuating the baseball throwing element when the baseball is received by the baseball throwing element.

Abstract: A target for an object thrown, struck or otherwise projected by a user. The target includes a number of uprights pivotally mounted to a base. A user projects an object at the uprights in an attempt to knock them down. The target optionally includes a reset mechanism for remotely raising the uprights back into their raised position after they have been knocked down, and a storage bin for storing and transporting equipment.

Abstract: A new and improved training device for baseball/softball pitchers. It is a practice with a three-dimensional rigid metal frame (1) separated in thirds by vertical adjustable metal dividers (2,3). The frame and adjustable dividers are able to securely support colored mesh netting (4) with open mouth and is mounted on a cylinder (5) that is slidably received within the outer cylinder (6) and locked into place by a tension clip (7). Four hinged support legs (8, 9, 10, 11) with ground spikes (12, 13, 14, 15) are connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder (6) and are used for ground support and stability.

Abstract: An invention relating to a device and method for training all types of pitchers. The coach observes a pitch, approximating its natural apogee. This point should be at about 12 to 15 feet from the mound/release point. The Pitcher's Box pitcher training system is placed at the approximate point of apogee and adjustments in height and width are made to accommodate the ability of the pitcher, placing the target object as near as possible to the apogee height with the target object being no closer than 12 inches to the top of the enclosed section itself. The coach instructs the pitcher to pitch at and through the target object to the target zone at home plate. The pitcher is able to remove the stigma of distance from the pitch, enabling the subject to work on mechanics, conditioning, strength and repetition. For advanced work by accomplished subjects more than one Pitcher's Box can be used in tandem to establish control and placement, desired movement, and to map movement and reactions.

Abstract: A target device is positionable in an infinite number of positions within a sports goal having left and right upright members and a crossbar connecting the upright members. The device includes a main body generally comprised of a sheet material. A pair of spaced apart adjustable straps engaging an upper portion of the main body and are used for suspending the main body from the crossbar of the goal. An elastic cord extends through a lower portion of the main body and has first and second ends for attaching to the left and right upright members, respectively.

Abstract: A shooting target system comprising a substantially vertical post having a target assembly comprising a double faced target, a stub shaft and a pivot shaft, the target assembly rotatably mounted upon the post wherein the post further releasably captures the target assembly at each one of a plurality of positions spaced vertically upon the post.

Abstract: A baseball pitcher's training device, which comprises a first display surface having an image of a life size baseball catcher crouched behind home plate, similar to the position a catcher assumes during a baseball game. The display surface further comprises a plurality of apertures positioned within the average strike zone. The device further comprises a second display surface comprising an image of a standard home plate. The second display surface extends from a lower edge of the first display surface in a manner such that the image of the catcher appears to be crouched behind the home plate. Users of this pitcher's training device can practice throwing baseball pitches through the apertures on the first display surface to thereby increase effectiveness during a baseball game.

Abstract: A strike zone indicator apparatus has a mount positioned in relation to a home plate and away from possible interference. First projectors connected to the mount project first beams related to the home plate. A measurer takes particular individual players measurements and a processor connected to the measurer and to the first projectors creates individualized upper and lower limits of strike zones according to the particular individual players measurements. Second beam projectors are connected to the processor for projecting second beams intersecting with the first beams for establishing above the preexisting home plate the upper and lower limits and the strike zones based on the particular individual players measurements from the measurer.

Abstract: A simulated image of a batter facing a pitcher is provided for use in pitching practice. The lower portion of the batter includes one or more stakes which are inserted into the ground and provide a stable support. By positioning the simulated batter in an appropriate place near “home plate”, a pitcher can use the batter as a reference to determine the location of the strike zone. The size of the batter can be adjusted to vary the size of the strike zone. A ball detection apparatus and audio output can be provided to indicate when a pitch is detected and whether the pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A baseball pitching target having a base with a pair of vertical channels integrated thereon for insertion therein of a foldable simulated batter figure. To maintain the batter figure in an upright position there is behind the figure, also integral with the base, a vertical hollow main frame for receiving therein a tube adjustable in height with a back support/hook assembly at its upper end for attachment to the extended batter figure. This main frame also has an upper shoulder having a pivot thereon for insertion of a hole thereabout at one end of a swingable spring-loaded arm further having a glove target at its other end. Thus, all the player sees is the batter figure without distracting elements, adjustable in height to define a strike zone, and a glove target attached to an arm swingable when hit and automatically returnable to its original position.

Abstract: A throwing and catching net comprising a frame supporting a net having one or more layers of lattice adapted to cause a ball thrown at the net to rebound in an unpredictable manner, wherein in use, catching, throwing and/or batting skills can be practiced. A method of using the same.

Abstract: A sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object after the sports object strikes the sports apparatus is also disclosed. The sports apparatus includes a frame defining an opening therethrough and an elastomeric sheet stretched about the frame and covering the opening. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations through the sheet and is secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the sports object and bounces the sports object back from the sports apparatus. A method of building a sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object and a hand-held sports racket for striking a sports object are also disclosed. Other embodiments and features of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable net includes a flexible frame that may be formed from a single wire or form a plurality of flexible tubes connected end-to-end. The frame is arranged to have an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion forms a base that supports the upper frame portion in a generally upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface with the base extending in a forward direction relative to the upper frame portion. A fabric section is connected to the frame and arranged for a projectile to be incident thereon. A plurality of straps is connected between portions of the frame to constrain it to a predetermined configuration for supporting the fabric in a position for receiving the projectile.

Abstract: Light indication apparatus for baseball includes a first light source for emitting first coherent and intense light rays of a first color in a first direction and a second light source for emitting second coherent and intense light rays of a second color in a second direction. The first and second light rays intersect entirely within a preselected volume. A baseball can be identified by an observer of said first and second light rays as being substantially within said volume when said first and second light rays shine on said object simultaneously.

Abstract: A new baseball and softball practice device for improving a ball player's skills in pitching, throwing, and hitting. The inventive device includes a length of protective nylon netting. A support frame is provided that is comprised of a pair of opposed folding legs. The support fame includes a top panel and a pair of lower support panels. The support frame is positionable in front of the protective nylon netting. A target is secured between the pair of opposed folding legs of the support frame.

Abstract: A sponge ball game system including a playing field with a plate having a front edge and parallel side edges and angled rear edges. The playing field includes linear foul lines with arcuate lines therebetween. The arcuate lines include a pitching/base hit line, a double line and a home run line. The field also has two rectangular batting boxes on opposite sides of the plate.

Abstract: A baseball pitching and training apparatus includes a pair of laterally spaced upright support members. Movably mounted between the support members is a target frame or strike zone. The target frame or strike zone can be adjusted vertically up and down within the support members. To secure the pitching and throwing training apparatus in an upright position for practice, there is provided a pair of fold-out legs that are each movable between a stowed position within the basic frame structure of the training apparatus and an operative position where the legs engage an underlying support area, such as a ground surface.

Abstract: A sports analysis and testing system includes a plurality of high-speed digital video cameras, each aimed at a player from a different perspective to record their movements and those of a ball in play. In a baseball application, a programmed computer interfaced to the video cameras and various optional sensors includes application software to generate performance statistics as a function of the pitch, hit, and bat swing. If previously obtained batter performances data are available, the system may also be used to generate a database containing historical performance statistics, including real-time measurements of many characteristics, including pitched and batted ball speeds and trajectories, bat swing timing, speeds, and swing angles, location over the plate, and ball-bat contact location.

Abstract: A system for measuring and analyzing body mechanics of a subject includes receivers, transmitters, a display and a processor. The processor which includes a controller which controls the timing of signals from the transmitters so that a signal from each of the transmitters contains an encoded signature which unambiguously identifies the signal as coming from that particular the transmitter. The processor also include a detector which detects signal transmissions as the signal transmissions arrive at the receivers, a signature determinator which recognizes the signature and determines from which particular transmitter the detected signal originated, a local timer which measures a temporal delay between times of emission of the signals from the transmitters and their detection at the receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for rebounding balls that includes a frame and a net structure within the frame, and has an upright position, a rear down position, and a front down position so as to allow the apparatus to be used in a variety of positions. The frame is unitary and tubular and comprises a front section that is planar and vertically rearwardly inclined, and a rear section that has an upper portion diverging downwardly rearwardly from the front section of the frame and forms an acute angle therebetween and a lower portion diverging downwardly rearwardly from the upper portion of the rear section of the frame. The net structure comprises a front net section that is planar, positioned within, and sized to conform to, the front section of the frame, and a rear net section positioned within, and sized to conform to, the rear section of the frame, and which is independent of the front net section of the net structure, with the net structure being secured in taut condition within the frame by rubber straps.

Abstract: A bounce back hockey net for use with a hockey puck is disclosed. The hockey net includes a three dimensional frame defining a target area and an elastomeric sheet secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations positioned over at least 50% of the surface area of the sheet. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the hockey puck and bounces the hockey puck back from the hockey net. A sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object after the sports object strikes the sports apparatus is also disclosed. The sports apparatus includes a frame defining an opening therethrough and an elastomeric sheet stretched about the frame and covering the opening. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations through the sheet and is secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the sports object and bounces the sports object back from the sports apparatus.

Abstract: A practice device for baseball pitchers which allows the pitcher to adjust size and location of the strike zone for varying degrees of difficulty. The pitcher's training aid includes an upright rectangular frame structure made up of a horizontal base structure, a vertical target support structure, and at least one non-vertical brace member. Two horizontal support members are slidably mounted on the opposing vertical sides of the target support structure thereby defining the boundaries of a strike zone through which a ball may pass. The vertical height of the strike zone is adjusted by manipulating the positions of the two horizontal support members along the sides of the target support structure. The strike zone has a first net contiguously attached thereto to catch all the baseballs pitched within the strike zone.The pitcher's training aid also includes a second net assembly which allows for adjustment of the width of the strike zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of sports training equipment, particularly to a device and methods for training baseball players. A pitcher's training device in accord with the present invention provides a tarpaulin mounted to a frame. Various targets are positioned on the tarpaulin. Lead lines, which are attached to the frame beneath the targets, are extended out toward the pitcher. The pitcher then throws the baseball towards the target, using the lead lines as a guide to the throw.In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method of training a baseball pitcher is also provided. The frame is positioned around home plate. A lead line is attached to the tarpaulin directly below at least a first target and extended toward the pitcher. A triangle is defined by three targets. A baseball is thrown at the triangle by a pitcher. The lead lines define an alley for the pitcher to throw the ball.

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 rebound net 10 having a reinforced periphery 20 that can be removably attached to a structure surrounding a door opening of domestic garage. The net 10, while attached to the structure 24, substantially closes the opening 22. The periphery 20 of the rebound net 10 is removably attached to the structure 24 by a first means 26 of an eye bolt 28 and a snap hook 30, a second means 40 of a J-type screw hook 42 and an adjustable strap 44 and a third means 54 of an anchor pin 56 and a shock cord hooks 58. Tension on the rebound net 10 is adjusted by the adjustable strap 44.

Abstract: A pro pitching device (10) comprising a backboard target (12) having a bull's-eye central aperture (14). An assembly (16) is for elevating the backboard target (12) in an adjustable vertical position above the ground (18). A person (20) can stand at a distance away from the backboard target (12) and throw a ball (22) towards the backboard target (12) and into the bull's-eye central aperture (14). A facility (24) is for stopping the ball (22) after entering the bull's-eye central aperture (14) and allowing the ball (22) to fall gently to the ground (18).