Abstract: A portable pitching mound with a plurality of mound sections. The plurality of mound sections are assembled by inserting a lower edge of one mound section into a receiving slot of another mound section. The configuration of the receiving slot forms an opening larger than the lower edge of the mound section to be received therein. The larger size of the opening allows the lower to be positioned anywhere above the opening of the receiving slot and upon lowering the weight of the mound section and gravity causes the lower edge to slide downwards and towards the adjoining mound section. Assembly does not require any tools or connection members such as screws, bolts, clamps, clasps, pins, adherent or adhesive surfaces, or the like.

Abstract: A bullpen mound includes a first mound section, a second mound section, and bridge section that couples to the first and second mound sections. Each of the first and second mound sections includes a base piece, an H-piece, a nose piece, a drive tray, and a landing tray. The base piece and the H-piece, when coupled together, form a first drive tray receptacle for receiving the drive tray. The H-piece and the nose piece, when coupled together, form a first landing tray opening for receiving the landing tray.

Abstract: A bullpen mound includes a first mound section, a second mound section, and bridge section that couples to the first and second mound sections. Each of the first and second mound sections includes a base piece, an H-piece, a nose piece, a drive tray, and a landing tray. The base piece and the H-piece, when coupled together, form a first drive tray receptacle for receiving the drive tray. The H-piece and the nose piece, when coupled together, form a first landing tray opening for receiving the landing tray.

Abstract: A pitching mound form having a flange structure and a wall structure coupled to the flange structure such that the wall structure extends substantially perpendicular from a plane of the flange, wherein the flange structure and the wall structure form a substantially rectangular cavity, wherein the wall structure has a first height at a first end of the rectangular cavity and a second height at a second end of the rectangular cavity, and wherein the wall structure has the first height for a predetermined length from the first end and then tapers at a predetermined slope to the second end.

Abstract: A modular pitching mound includes a removable drive area, a removable landing area, a modular level and sloped section, and a modular mound skirt section. The removable drive area includes an area for a pitching rubber. The modular level and sloped section that, when assembled, supports the removable drive area in a first position and at least encircles the removable landing area. The removable drive area and/or the modular level and sloped section includes a removable mechanism for assisting with removal of the removable drive area from the modular level and sloped section. The modular mound skirt section couples to and encircles the modular level and sloped section.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound that offers the strength and durability of a traditional dirt mound that is compatible with turf fields and will not create an edge lip on a baseball field.

Abstract: A pitching mound includes a level area, a sloped area, and surrounding areas. The level area includes a replaceable drive area. The sloped area has a slope from a first end of the sloped area that abuts to the level area to a second end of the sloped area. The sloped area includes a replaceable landing area. The surrounding areas encircle the level area and the sloped area.

Abstract: An invertible mound assembly for a game field, to convert the game field between activities such as baseball that require a raised mound and other activities such as soccer or football that require a continuous flat field surface. An invertible mound body having a raised surface on one side and a flat surface on the other is supported on a base structure in a recess in the game field. When disposed downwardly the raised surface is received in the recess while the base structure supports the flat surface of the mound body level and flush with the surface of the game field. When inverted and placed back on the base structure, the flat surface of the mound body is disposed downwardly and the raised surface of the mound body is disposed upwardly to form a mound that projects above the level of the game field.

Abstract: A pitching mound includes a level area, a sloped area, and surrounding areas. The level area includes a replaceable drive area. The sloped area has a slope from a first end of the sloped area that abuts to the level area to a second end of the sloped area. The sloped area includes a replaceable landing area. The surrounding areas encircle the level area and the sloped area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber comprising: a rubber body with a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block; wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of 50% or less of block width; and wherein the rubber body has a Shore A hardness of about 80-95. Preferred pitching rubbers comprise a rectangular block with an overall weight ranging from 30-50 pounds, and/or a rubber body comprising cis-1,4 polyisoprene, and/or providing no insert, such as a PVC or aluminum insert, for placement in and supporting of the hollow core during use. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber with a solid rubber body having a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block, wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of about 50% or less of block width, and wherein the rubber has a Shore A hardness of about 75+/?5, a tensile strength ranging from about 8-12 MPA, and an elongation at break of about 300-600%. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: A pitching mound includes a level area, a sloped area, and surrounding areas. The level area includes a replaceable drive area. The sloped area has a slope from a first end of the sloped area that abuts to the level area to a second end of the sloped area. The sloped area includes a replaceable landing area. The surrounding areas encircle the level area and the sloped area.

Abstract: An invertible mound assembly for a game field, to convert the game field between activities such as baseball that require a raised mound and other activities such as soccer or football that require a continuous flat field surface. An invertible mound body having a raised surface on one side and a flat surface on the other is supported on a base structure in a recess in the game field. When disposed downwardly the raised surface is received in the recess while the base structure supports the flat surface of the mound body level and flush with the surface of the game field. When inverted and placed back on the base structure, the flat surface of the mound body is disposed downwardly and the raised surface of the mound body is disposed upwardly to form a mound that projects above the level of the game field.

Abstract: A pitching mound includes a level area, a sloped area, and surrounding areas. The level area includes a replaceable drive area. The sloped area has a slope from a first end of the sloped area that abuts to the level area to a second end of the sloped area. The sloped area includes a replaceable landing area. The surrounding areas encircle the level area and the sloped area.

Abstract: A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about ½ inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound includes a base portion and a skin formed over the base portion. The base portion may include a foam core to reduce the weight of the mound. The skin may be a rigid skin to improve durability, such as sheet metal. The foam core may include a forward portion and a rearward portion selectively removably secured to one another. The forward portion is sloped downward away from the rearward portion. The rearward portion provides a substantially horizontal upper surface. A pitching rubber is secured to the metal skin on the substantially horizontal surface. Artificial turf may be secured to the forward sloped surface of the forward portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable pitching mound that offers the strength and durability of a traditional dirt mound that is compatible with turf fields and will not create an edge lip on a baseball field.

Abstract: A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about ½ inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a base with a lower peripheral edge that is flush to the ground and an arcuate cross section to form a shell. A warning mat is attached to at least a portion of the base. Attached to the base and covering the warning mat is a layer of frictional material.

Abstract: An artificial pitching mound. The artificial pitching mound includes an artificial pitching rubber and artificial pitching stride component fillable with microbeads or pellets. The artificial pitching mound reduces repetitive movement injuries for baseball and softball pitchers. The artificial pitching mound also allows positive muscle memory development with a surface that duplicates the feel of natural turf during practice session and allows the athlete's muscles to react the same on both the artificial surface and natural turf.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber with a solid rubber body having a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block, wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of about 50% or less of block width, and wherein the rubber has a Shore A hardness of about 75+/?5, a tensile strength ranging from about 8-12 MPA, and an elongation at break of about 300-600%. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: A portable pitching rubber adapted to be firmly but removably mounted to an underlying surface without damaging the underlying surface. The pitching rubber includes a pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, two longitudinal side surfaces, two transverse side surfaces and a plurality of spikes extending from the bottom surface of the pad. The spikes are directed at acute angles towards adjacent longitudinal side surfaces.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces. Each shell piece has a forward and rearward end with opposite side portions and an upper surface and opposite underside. The shell pieces when placed side by side interlock to one another to form an arcuate shell member. At least one of the plurality of shell pieces have retractable wheels secured therein such that the shell piece is moveable to facilitate transportation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber comprising: a solid rubber body with four rectangular sides and two elongated ends; having a surface area of about 648 in2 to about 744 in2; and having a density ranging from about 0.04 to about 0.06 pounds per cubic inch. A preferred pitching rubber further has a void in each of the elongated ends, which voids together comprise a volume of less than 15% of the volume of the solid rubber body. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces. Each shell piece has a forward and rearward end with opposite side portions and an upper surface and opposite underside. The shell pieces when placed side by side interlock to one another to form an arcuate shell member. At least one of the plurality of shell pieces have retractable wheels secured therein such that the shell piece is moveable to facilitate transportation.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces. Each shell piece has a forward and rearward end with opposite side portions and an upper surface and opposite underside. The shell pieces when placed side by side interlock to one another to form an arcuate shell member. At least one of the plurality of shell pieces have retractable wheels secured therein such that the shell piece is moveable to facilitate transportation.

Abstract: A turf accessory placement device adapted for use with turf. The turf accessory placement device has a base. The base has a top, bottom and sides between the top and bottom. The turf accessory placement device has grip spikes extending from the bottom of the base which are adapted to grip the turf. The grip spikes have spike shanks projecting from the base in the same direction at an angle between one degree and eighty-eight degrees downward from a plane along the bottom of the base.

Abstract: A frame for measuring a pitcher's circle includes a housing for engagement with a pitcher's plate, a measuring line and a guide rod. The measuring line is swivel connected to a centering member on the housing, with its free end connected to the guide rod. The measuring line has a predetermined length such that the tip of the guide rod represents the radial distance of the pitcher's circle when the measuring line is fully extended from the centering member. The pitcher's circle is marked out by simply walking the guide rod about the pitcher's plate. A leveling member is provided on the guide rod to ensure that the guide rod is kept at 90° vertical to prevent measuring inaccuracies.

Abstract: A pitching training aid includes a mat, a pitching rubber attached to the mat and indicia displayed on the mat to instruction a baseball player on how to pitch a baseball. The indicia includes the steps of “start,” “rocker,” “pivot/balance” and “step/release.” The indicia also includes a series of arrows which instructs the baseball player on the sequence of the steps. A straight line extends from the pitching rubber down a center of the mat to show where the “step/release” position should be. A top surface of the mat has an artificial grass surface and a bottom surface of the mat includes a nonskid material to prevent the mat from sliding during use. The mat may include two pitching rubbers and two sets of indicia on opposites ends thereof with one pitching rubber and indicia being used to instruct right hand pitchers and the other pitching rubber and indicia being used to instruct left handed pitchers.

Abstract: A portable pitching rubber adapted to be firmly but removably mounted to an underlying surface without damaging the underlying surface. The pitching rubber includes a pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, two longitudinal side surfaces, two transverse side surfaces and a plurality of spikes extending from the bottom surface of the pad. The spikes are directed at acute angles towards adjacent longitudinal side surfaces.

Abstract: A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable pitching mound for use indoors or outdoors. The portable pitching mound has a height setting mechanism and a plurality of wheels for portability. The portable pitching mound is comprised of a supported base frame unit with an anti-sink device that supports a non-collapsible and non-removable single downward sloping ramp section, the surface of which is covered with artificial turf and contains a conventional pitching rubber. The portable pitching mound has a height setting mechanism that allows the mound to adjust to different heights or slopes to comply with the official baseball rules regarding the height of the mound. Wheel connection features allow for easy portability without any disassembly of the ramp or framed unit. A utility handle pull is also attached to assist in the rolling of the mound on the two wheels provided.

Abstract: A pitching rubber having a pad and a plurality of angled spikes connected to the pad and extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the pad for insertion into a surface, including artificial turf, carpeting and matting, so as to provide a stationary and portable pitching rubber for use both indoors and outdoors. Methods of making and using the portable pitching rubber of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound that includes three flat panels, sequentially attached to each other. The flat panels are pivotally attached to each other such that they fold in upon each other when not in use.

Abstract: An artificial pitching mound. The artificial pitching mound includes an artificial pitching rubber and artificial pitching stride component fillable with microbeads or pellets. The artificial pitching mound reduces repetitive movement injuries for baseball and softball pitchers. The artificial pitching mound also allows positive muscle memory development with a surface that duplicates the feel of natural turf during practice session and allows the athlete's muscles to react the same on both the artificial surface and natural turf.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces that when placed in side by side relation form an arcuate shell member. Each individual shell piece has an interlocking means so that each shell is attached to an adjacent shell. Once all of the shell pieces are in side by side relation, a centrally located supporting cap is attached to the rearward end of each of the plurality of shell pieces to provide additional support.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a pitching mound includes a first platform being covered with an elastic material, a second platform being covered with artificial turf like material and the first platform being slightly raised with respect to the second platform.

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: A low profile, baseball training aid device to provide a proper target for the pitcher and a positioning aid for the catcher receiving the pitcher's throw. The device, preferably fabricated of a thermoplastic material, comprises a base section mounting a pair of side sections, where the side sections define pitching locations within and outside the ‘strike’ zone to thereby provide a more precise targeting location for the pitcher. In a preferred embodiment, the side sections may be provided with a color distinguishable surface to visually distinguish the respective side sections from the base section.

Abstract: A baseball pitcher's training device for training a pitcher in controlling his body mechanics during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phases of baseball pitching. The training device includes a collapsible balance beam that can readily be shortened to improve its portability, shipping and storage and is adjustable in length to accommodate users of different height. The device is also provided with a removable mound that is tapered in a forward direction to give the user a feeling of actual mound use when positioned thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base unit having a top surface, a collapsible ramp connected to the base unit movable between an extended orientation sloping from the base unit to a playing surface and a storage orientation and indicia for designating a player's location on the top surface of the base unit.

Abstract: A portable, modular, and durable pitching mound to be used both indoors and outdoors. Embodiments include a support surface and a plurality of mound segments which may be reversibly attached in order to form a complete pitching mound, and optionally, an anchoring apparatus used to stabilize the present invention. Support ribs are contained within each mound segment to provide structural integrity. The pitching mound is meant to increase the efficiency of baseball games and practice, and to conserve recreational and interscholastic resources.

Abstract: A sports training aid for indoor use, configured as a pitching rubber, a base, and/or a home plate. Each embodiment includes a textured or non-textured surface material for providing a platform upon which a user may stand, an optional substrate material attached to the underside of the surface material, and a plurality of suction devices attached to the underside of the substrate material for securing the training aid to a smooth surface. The suction devices may be mounted on or in the surface material, integral with the substrate material, or they may be a plurality of individual suction devices attached to the underside of the surface material or to the underside of the substrate material.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure leg drive of a pitcher as the pitcher as delivering a pitch is presented. The device comprises a pressure gauge integrated into a pitching rubber to provide a pressure profile of the leg drive utilized by the pitcher during delivery of a pitch. This device would be useful in evaluating pitchers, in determining if a pitcher has recovered from injury, to determine if a pitcher is tiring during a game, and to provide a general indication of the pitchers ability to throw hard. The device could also be used a training device, and used to coach pitchers into developing a strong leg drive. The device may further be used in conjunction with additional sensors to determine the turnover ratio of a pitcher, the time from when the front foot hits the front of the mound to when the back foot comes off the pitching rubber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase. The device comprises a portable balance beam and a simulated pitching “rubber” mounted thereon from which the pitcher initiates his pre-pitch movements. The balance beam provides a limited width foot landing area after pitch delivery to limit lower and upper body movement and ensure alignment with the plate to improve pitch accuracy. This embodiment is used primarily for pitch delivery from the stretch position. A second embodiment includes an enlarged mound platform area which is removably placed over the end of the balance beam/rubber area of the first embodiment to provide a more stable pitching area and is used for delivery from the full wind-up position.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus the AB Challenger Apparatus, is an exercise device which is comprised of light cylindrical straight and curved components, which are easily assembled by the use of cylindrical joints. The apparatus described herein is particularly recommended for strengthening all abdominal muscles, serratus anterior, chest muscles, anterior deltoids, flexor groups of the hand and leg muscles.

Abstract: An illuminated ping pong game comprises a table which comprises at least one table leg. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises a net securely fastened to a the table along a median thereof. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises at least two player's paddles utilized by at least one first player and second player. At least one player's paddle comprises a first player's paddle which comprises a first player's paddle handle having a first player's paddle handle ON/OFF cap positioned at a bottom distal end of a first player's paddle handle cylinder forming a first player's paddle handle cavity therein. The first player's paddle handle further comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator integrally associated therewith. The first player's paddle handle illuminator comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator light positioned at a top distal end within the first player's paddle handle cavity.

Abstract: The present invention details a system for training a baseball pitcher to properly position a drive leg and a lead leg at the middle of the delivery. The system comprising: a support base. A vertically adjustable support arm is attached to said support base. A stirrup is attached to the vertically adjustable support arm. The device is adjustable so that the stirrup can be positioned to allow the pitcher to place a lead foot of the lead leg in the stirrup while the lead leg forms a right angle. The stirrup allows the lead foot to slide in direction of a target.

Abstract: A removable pitching rubber comprised of a pitching pad and a rigid metal plate secured to the pad, at least one metal post extending downwardly from the plate for insertion into a prearranged ground anchor embedded in the ground so as to provide a stationary mount for the pitching rubber. In one embodiment of the invention, a pair of spikes extend downwardly from the bottom of the plate relatively adjacent the ends of the plate, with the spikes, when embedded in the ground, serving to prevent the movement of the outer edges of said pitching pad and plate.

Abstract: A portable pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces. Each shell piece has a forward and rearward end with opposite side portions and an upper surface and opposite underside. The shell pieces when placed side by side interlock to one another to form an arcuate shell member. At least one of the plurality of shell pieces have retractable wheels secured therein such that the shell piece is moveable to facilitate transportation.