TRAINING ARTICLE FOR THROWING AND CATCHING
The present throwable article is a toroidal-shaped ring of tightly-rolled elastic-knit fabric, such as by using knee-high sport socks. The number of layers in the roll may vary, but preferably include 15-30 layers or more of rolled fabric, such that the cross-sectional ring is a solid and relatively tight mass. Size and shape may be varied, but it is contemplated that the size will preferably be kept about equal to or less than a softball such as 3-½ to 4-½ inches outer diameter, and with a weight of about 3-5 ounces. The throwable article is useful for training and/or for live games. It can be tailored in size, shape, weight, and functional characteristics for any game, any age and any environment.
This applications claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60/751,689, filed Dec. 19, 2005, entitled TRAINING ARTICLE FOR THROWING AND CATCHING, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates to an article for throwing and catching, and methods related to same. More particularly, the present article relates to a training article that can be thrown and caught, with reduced risk of injury to the participant and yet that simulates the weight and feel of a thrown baseball or softball.
Baseball and softball are often considered to be America's favorite sports. However, many people (especially children) become “afraid” of a ball when learning the game due to the risk of being injured when catching a baseball or softball. Specifically, traditional baseballs and softballs are relatively hard, such that they can jam a finger or bruise a hand when incorrectly caught. Young players often become afraid of catching a ball due to being injured, whether it is because of a bad bounce from a rolling grounder or whether it is from a ball that is potentially thrown “too hard” for their skill capability. As a result, they instinctively learn to turn away or close their eyes when the ball is coming at them.
It is desirable to provide a throwable article (e.g., a ball-simulating article) which emphasizes fun and learning while reducing risk of injury. It is desirable to provide a ball that fits a small hand of a young child. It is desirable to provide a ball-simulating article that can be throw and, when thrown, provides a natural axis of rotation so that the thrown article provides a truer and more natural motion through the air and when rolling along the ground. It is desirable to be able to provide a low-cost, throwable article while providing control over size, weight, spin, throwability, catchability, roll-ability, hit-ability, and also durability. Also, it is desirable to provide a catchable device that is soft enough to be caught without injury yet hard enough to be thrown in a way that simulates a traditional baseball or softball. Aside from the medical aspects of injured fingers, wrists and hands, it is noted that softball is becoming a very popular sport for girls and women. However, many girls and women are sensitive to a disfiguring injury, especially to their face or hands. Accordingly, they tend to become “afraid of the ball” relatively more easily.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONThe present invention focuses on a throwable article that can be thrown or caught in a manner that simulates a baseball or softball, yet that reduces risk of injury and that emphasizes the fun of a catching and throwing game. It is a durable, low-cost article having an appropriate size and weight for participants of a particular game. I, the present inventor, discovered that the present throw ring satisfies the above criteria with surprising and unexpected results, as described below.
In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention focuses on a throwable article having a palm-sized, donut-shaped ring (also called a “toroidal ring”) made from a rolled tube of stretchable material and having a construction suitable for throwing and being caught. In a preferred form, the ring has a maximum outer diameter of about 3½ to 4½ inches, a height of about 1½ to 2 inches, a cross-sectional circular diameter of about 1½ to 2 inches and a weight of about 3 to 8 ounces. The size, shape, density, and weight can be varied depending on the age level, level of skill, and desired properties based on the game being played.
In another aspect of the present invention, a throwable article includes a throw ring made from rolled cloth.
In another aspect of the present invention, a throwable article includes a throwable ring covered with fabric having a diameter of less than about 6 inches, a weight of about 3 to 8 ounces and a compressibility of about 20%-40% when compressed using a 10 pound weight.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method includes throwing and catching a cloth ring in a manner simulating playing catch with a baseball. In a narrower aspect, the method includes providing and using a baseball glove to catch the ring.
In another aspect of the present invention, a game includes throwing a ring between a player's legs.
In another aspect of the present invention, a game includes throwing a soft but throwable ring at a player's torso and, upon catching the torso, scoring points.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
The present throwable articles (see
The illustrated throwable article 10A (
Using the sock 10B shown in
It is contemplated that other mandrels or fixtures can be used for the same purpose. For example,
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
It is contemplated that the present throwable article 10 (or 10A) can be varied for particular age groups and particular sports. For example, heavier (or lighter), larger (or smaller) shapes and sizes can be readily made. It is noted that most baseballs and softballs are about 7 to 8 ounces and range in palm size. The present throwable article 10 (or 10A) can be made to be similar weight if desired. Further, it can be constructed at low-cost and made from existing materials which are readily accessible to most consumers.
It is also contemplated that stiffer or harder or water-resistant outer coatings and/or harder or heavier inner core materials can be added to the article 10 (or 10A). Further, the compressibility can be changed by changing the stretchability of the material used, and also by wrapping each layer tighter (or looser) during the rolling process. It is contemplated that an article 10 (or 10A) can be made with a foam-molded inner, a rubber inner, or a plastic inner, and that it could be covered with a cloth outer. Notably, the present invention is very durable, washable, repairable and capable of homemade construction . . . although a consistent product made to commercial standards is more preferable.
As noted above, the present rolled toroidal shape can be made in different ways. It can include a single sock, or two or more socks, whether rolled in series or pulled inside each other and then rolled. Also, a particular sock can be made longer, shorter, or have different stretchiness. Also, the sock can be rolled very tightly or more loosely.
The present invention includes not only the article 10 (or 10A), but use of the article 10 (or 10A) in a ball game and/or for training purposes (
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
1. A throwable article comprising:
- a palm-sized, donut-shaped ring made from a rolled tube of stretchable material and having a construction suitable for throwing and being caught.
2. The article defined in claim 1, wherein the ring has a maximum outer diameter of about 3½ to 4½ inches, and a height of about 1-½ to 2¼ inches.
3. The article defined in claim 2, wherein the ring has a weight of about 3-8 ounces.
4. The article defined in claim 3, wherein the ring has a weight of about 4-5 ounces.
5. The article defined in claim 3, wherein the ring defines natural axis of rotation and includes an inner hole aligned with the natural axis.
6. The article defined in claim 1, wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and, when bisected along a plane containing the natural axis, defines circular cross sections spaced on opposite sides of the natural axis, each circular cross section being about 1½ to 2 inches diameter.
7. The article defined in claim 1, wherein the stretchable material includes stretched knit material.
8. The article defined in claim 3, wherein the ring has a weight of about 3-8 ounces.
9. The article defined in claim 1, wherein the rolled tube forms at least 15 layers of the stretched material.
10. A throwable article comprising:
- a throw ring made from a rolled tube of cloth.
11. The article defined in claim 10, wherein the rolled tube forms at least 15 layers of rolled material.
12. The article defined in claim 10, wherein the throw ring weighs at least about 3 to 8 ounces and defines an outer diameter of less than about 4½ inches.
13. The article defined in claim 10, wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and a hole aligned with the natural axis, with inner portions of the cloth pushing inward and substantially closing the hole.
14. A throwable article comprising:
- a throw ring covered with fabric having an outer size of at most about 6 inch diameter, a weight of about 3 to 8 ounces and a compressibility of about 20% to 40% when compressed with a 10 pound weight.
15. The article defined in claim 14, wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and a hole aligned with the natural axis, with inner portions of the cloth pushing inward and substantially closing the hole.
16. The article defined in claim 14, wherein fabric comprises stretchable knit material.
17. A method comprising steps of:
- throwing and catching a cloth ring of sufficient weight and size to be thrown and caught in a manner simulating playing catch with a baseball.
18. The method defined in claim 17, including a step of catching the ring by using a baseball glove.
19. The method defined in claim 17, including a step of hitting the ring with a bat.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 28, 2006
Publication Date: Jun 21, 2007
Inventor: Mark R. Acton (Springfield, MI)
Application Number: 11/563,952
International Classification: A63B 67/14 (20060101);