L-SCREEN FOR PROTECTING A PITCHER

Abstract

An L-screen for protecting a pitcher during batting practice is disclosed. The L-screen may include a plurality of panel frames configured to be interrelated with one another so as to form an L-shape. A solid protection panel may be mounted within each of the panel frames. The protection panel may be transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through the protection panel and may have adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter. Additionally, the L-screen may include support structure mounted to and configured to support the L-screen.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an L-screen for protecting a pitcher during batting practice and particularly to an L-screen with transparent panels configured to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter while providing an unobstructed view through the L-screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball players take batting practice to prepare for a game or to simply develop or improve their swing. During batting practice, a pitcher typically stands on or near the pitcher's mound and throws multiple pitches to a batter, with each pitch generally being delivered at a reduced speed to allow the batter to make solid contact with the ball. As a result, the pitcher is highly susceptible to being struck by a low line drive hit in the direction of the pitcher's mound. Accordingly, it is common for a pitcher pitching batting practice to stand behind a protection screen, often configured as an L-shaped device and referred to as an “L-screen.” Known L-screens typically include an L-shaped frame with netting secured within or around the frame to deflect balls hit towards the pitcher. As is generally understood, the “L-shape” of the L-screen allows the pitcher to pitch over a horizontal or short portion of the L-screen while standing behind a vertical or tall portion for protection

In many instances, the coach of a baseball team may pitch batting practice. As such, it is essential that the coach have an unobstructed view of the batter so that the coach can properly instruct the batter with regard to his/her stance or swing. Additionally, it also important that the batter taking batting practice have an unobstructed view of the pitcher. For example, being able to carefully view the pitcher's throwing motion can enable the batter to improve his/her timing and reaction as the pitch is delivered.

Regarding both of the scenarios described above, it has been found by the present inventors that the netting in a conventional L-screen provides a coach pitching batting practice with a less-than-optimal view of the batter and provides a batter taking batting practice with a less than optimal view of the pitcher. As such, player instruction, as well as player self-improvement, can be significantly hindered. Moreover, it has also been found that the netting used in L-screens often fails to provide adequate protection for a pitcher. For example, portions of the netting can tear, which may create openings in the netting large enough for a baseball to penetrate. Additionally, the netting may deteriorate over time, which can result in failure of the netting and place the pitcher in danger of being harmed by a hit baseball passing through the L-screen.

Accordingly, there is a need for an L-screen that provides both adequate protection for the pitcher and an unobstructed view through the L-screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present invention.

In general, the present invention is directed to an L-screen for protecting a pitcher during batting practice. In particular, the present invention is directed to an L-screen with transparent protection panels such that the panels may provide an unobstructed view through the L-screen. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the L-screen may be portable, lightweight, collapsible, and can be used by both right and left-handed pitchers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an L-screen includes first, second and third panel frames configured to be attached to one another so as to form an L-shape; the second panel frame being rotatably attached to a first side of the first panel frame and rotatable between an open position and a closed position; the third panel frame being rotatably attached to a second side of the first panel frame and rotatable between a closed position and an open position; a solid protection panel is mounted within each of the panel frames, the protection panel being transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through the panel and having adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter; a pair of removable legs are mounted to the first and second panel frames and configured to support the L-screen, wherein the legs are offset from one another; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the panel frames together in the closed position.

In this aspect of the present invention, each of the protection panels may include a high impact polymer material.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, each of the protection panels may include a solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, each solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate may have a thickness of less than about 0.25 inch.

In this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include a mounting device configured to mount the protection panels within the panel frames, wherein the mounting device comprises a plurality of mounting brackets extending inwardly from the panel frames or a lip extending inwardly from the panel frames.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include at least one rubber gasket disposed between the mounting device and the protection panels.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, the size of each protection panel is smaller than the inner perimeter of the panel frame in which the protection panel is mounted such that a gap exists between each panel frame and its corresponding protection panel.

In this aspect of the present invention, each of the legs may include at least one downwardly extending element, the downwardly extending element being configured to provide stability for the L-screen.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include at least one retaining pin configured to maintain the L-screen in the open position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an L-screen may include a plurality of panel frames configured to be interrelated with one another so as to form an L-shape; a solid protection panel mounted within each of the panel frames, the protection panel being transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through the protection panel and having adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter; and support structure mounted to and configured to support the L-screen.

In this aspect of the present invention, each of the protection panels may include a high impact polymer material.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, each of the protection panels may include a solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, each solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate may have a thickness of less than about 0.25 inch.

In this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include a mounting device configured to mount the protection panels within the panel frames, wherein the mounting device comprises a plurality of mounting brackets extending inwardly from the panel frames or a lip extending inwardly from the panel frames.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include at least one rubber gasket disposed between the mounting device and the protection panels.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, the size of each protection panel is smaller than the inner perimeter of the panel frame in which the protection panel is mounted such that a gap exists between each panel frame and its corresponding protection panel.

In this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include a locking mechanism configured to lock the panel frames together in a closed position.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, the locking mechanism may include a handle.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, the support structure includes legs securable to the panel frames for supporting the L-screen in an open position.

In this aspect of the present invention, the legs may be mounted to the panel frames so as to be offset from one another.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, each of the legs may include at least one downwardly extending element, the element being configured to provide stability for the L-screen.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, the L-screen may also include at least one retaining pin configured to maintain the L-screen in an open position.

In this aspect of the present invention, the panel frames may be removably attached to one another.

Also in this aspect of the present invention, the panel frames may include a first panel frame, a second panel frame, and a third panel frame, the first and second panel frames being rotatably attached to one another, the third panel frame configured to be removably attached to the first panel frame or the second panel frame.

Further in this aspect of the present invention, the panel frames may be rotatably attached to one another.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-screen in an open position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-screen in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, particularly illustrating the disassembly of several components of the L-screen and the rotational attachment of the panel frames of the L-screen;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-screen in a closed position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a blown up view of a portion of an L-screen in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, particularly illustrating the mounting configuration of a protection panel within a panel frame and a retaining mechanism for maintaining the panel frames in the open position;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of support structure for an L-screen in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism for locking an L-screen in a closed position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-screen locked into a closed position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, particularly illustrating the locking of both the panel frames and support structure in the closed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an L-screen in which one of the panel frames may be detached from the other panel frames in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of an L-screen in which one of the panel frames may be detached from the other panel frames in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a blown up view of a portion of an L-screen in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, particularly illustrating a mounting configuration for a protection panel within a panel frame and a retaining mechanism for maintaining the panel frames in the open position; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a locking mechanism for locking an L-screen in a closed position in accordance with an aspect of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention, not by way of limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an L-screen is provided for protecting a pitcher during batting practice. Thus, the L-screen is very durable, being capable of withstanding the impact of a baseball hit by a batter. The L-screen according to the present invention also enhances the ability of a coach to instruct his players during batting practice. In particular, the protection panels mounted within the L-screen are transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through the L-screen. Additionally, the L-screen may be designed to be lightweight, thereby making the L-screen extremely portable. Further, the L-screen may be collapsible or foldable into a relatively compact size. As such, the L-screen can be stored in numerous locations, such as in the trunk of a car or in an equipment locker at a baseball facility.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an L-screen generally 10, for protecting a pitcher during batting practice in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The L-screen 10 may include a plurality of panel frames. For example, as shown, the L-screen 10 includes a first panel frame 12, a second panel frame 14, and a third panel frame 16. Additionally, protection panels 18 are mounted within each panel frame 12,14,16. Each protection panel 18 is transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through the panel 18 and is configured to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by batter. Further, the L-screen 10 includes support structure configured to support the L-screen 10 in an upright position, as exemplified by the legs 36.

Generally, the panel frames 12,14,16 may be configured to be interrelated with one another so as to form the shape of a capital “L.” In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, each of the panel frames 12,14,16 is rotatably attached to another of said frames. For example, the second and third panel frames 14,16 may be rotatably attached to first and second sides 20, 22 of the first panel frame 12, respectively, such that the frames 14,16 rotate between an open “L-shaped” position (FIG. 1) for use during batting practice and a closed “compact” position (FIG. 3) for storage and transport. Thus, referring to FIGS. 1-3, the second panel frame 14 may be rotatable (in the direction of the arrow) between the open position (FIG. 1), wherein the second panel frame 14 is extended outward horizontally from and is substantially coplanar with the first panel frame 12, and the closed position (FIG. 3), wherein the second panel frame 14 is adjacent to and substantially parallel with the first panel frame 12. Similarly, the third panel frame 16 may be rotatable (in the direction of the arrow) between the open position (FIG. 1), wherein the third panel frame 16 is extended outward vertically from and is substantially coplanar with the first panel frame 12, and the closed position (FIG. 3), wherein the third panel frame 16 is adjacent to and substantially parallel with the first panel frame 12.

It should be appreciated that the L-screen 10 may include any suitable retaining mechanism configured to maintain the panel frames 12,14,16 in the open position. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, retaining pins 58 are inserted through aligned retention passages 60 disposed on adjacent panel frames 12,14,16. Thus, for example, a retaining pin 58 may be inserted into the aligned passages 60 of the first and third panel frames 12,16 to prevent the third panel frame 16 from rotating with respect to the first panel frame 12. In a further embodiment, one of the aligned passages 60 may include a groove, cavity or similar opening (not illustrated) formed along the inside of the passage 60 and configured to receive and retain a corresponding tab, protrusion or similar extension (not illustrated) located on an end of the retaining pin 58. In such an embodiment, the retaining pin 58 may be inserted into the aligned passages 60 of the panel frames 12,14,16 and then rotated to lock the tab, protrusion or similar extension of the retaining ping 58 into the groove, cavity or similar opening of the passage(s) 60.

Further, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the panel frames 12,14,16 may be rotatably attached to one another by any suitable means. Generally, any attachment mechanism that allows rotational, folding or pivotal motion between the adjacent panel frames 12,14,16 may be utilized within the scope of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, hinges 26 are secured between the panel frames 12,14,16 to provide rotational attachment.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that all of the panel frames 12,14,16 need not be rotatably attached to one another. In alternative embodiments, shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the first and second panel frames 12, 14 are rotatably attached to one another and the third panel frame 16 is configured to be removably attached to the first panel frame 12 or the second panel frame 14. In such embodiments, the L-screen 10 may be quickly adapted to accommodate either left or right-handed pitchers. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the embodiment of the L-screen 10 depicted in FIG. 1 may also accommodate both left and right-handed pitchers by simply rotating the L-screen 10 180 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8A, it should be appreciated that the third panel frame may be removably attached to the other panel frames by any suitable means known in the art. As shown in FIG. 8, attachment brackets 82 are utilized to mount the third panel frame 16 to the first or second panel frames 12,14. For example, each attachment bracket 82 may define holes configured to be aligned with corresponding attachment holes 84 formed in the panel frames 12,14,16 such that a retaining pin, nut/bolt combination, or other suitable fastening mechanism may be inserted through the aligned holes to properly secure the third panel frame 16 in an upright position. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 8A, multiple retaining pins 58 are utilized to removably attach the third panel frame 16 to one of the other panel frames 12,14. In such an embodiment, the L-screen 10 may include additional components to provide further stability for the third panel frame 16 during use of the L-screen. For example, the third panel frame 16 may include downwardly extending tabs 86 configured to be received into corresponding slotted brackets 88 mounted to the first and second panel frames 12,14. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that various other configurations may be utilized within the scope of the present invention. For instance, in further embodiments, spring-loaded mounting mechanisms or snap-type mounting mechanisms may be used to secure the third panel frame 16 to the first or second panel frames 12,14.

In yet another embodiment, all of the panel frames 12,14,16 may be removably attached to one another. For example, the panel frames 12,14,16 may be configured to be secured together to form the “L-shaped” L-screen 10 and also configured to be disassembled into a plurality of separate components. In such an embodiment, attachment brackets 82, retaining pins 58, or any other suitable attachment means may be used to removably attach the panel frames 12,14,16 together.

One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the panel frames 12,14,16 may be formed from various materials. For example, the panel frames 12,14,14 may be formed from various metals, such as steel or aluminum. Alternatively, the panel frames 12,14,16 may be formed from various plastics, such as PVC, various composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, or generally any other suitable material. Additionally, the cross-section of the panel frames 12,14,16 may have any suitable geometry. For example, the panel frames 12,14,16 may have a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal or other similar shaped cross-section. Further, the cross-section of each panel frame 12,14,16 may be hollow, solid, partially solid, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, it may be desirable to choose a lightweight panel frame material with a cross-section designed to minimize the overall weight of the panel frames 12,14,16. As such, the L-screen 10 may be easily transported and stored between uses. For instance, in one embodiment, the L-screen 10 may have a total weight of less than about 50 pounds, such as less than about 40 pounds or less than about 25 pounds. It should be appreciated, however, that the weight of the L-screen 10 is not entirely dependent on the panel frames 12,14,16, and thus, the total weight may vary depending on the weight of other L-screen components, such as the protection panels 18.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the L-screen 10 is in an open position, the combination of the first and second panel frames 12,14 defines a horizontal portion of the L-screen 10. Further, the combination of the first and third panel frames 12,16 defines a vertical portion of the L-screen 10. In general, the size and/or height of the vertical portion may be chosen such that a pitcher of any size/height may stand behind the L-screen 10 and be fully protected. Additionally, the height of the horizontal portion may be chosen such that any size/height pitcher may complete his/her throwing motion and pitch a baseball over the open portion of the L-screen 10. Of course, it should be appreciated that the sizes and/or heights of the horizontal and vertical portions may be varied from L-screen to L-screen depending on the anticipated user. For example, it may be desirable to have an L-screen 10 of a certain size/height for use by children and L-screens 10 of differing heights/sizes for use by adults.

Further, as has been generally described above, a preferred L-screen includes three panel frames 12,14,16. However, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the L-screen 10 may include any number of panel frames, For example, the L-screen 10 may only include two panel frames. In such an embodiment, one frame may form the tall, vertical section of the “L-shape” and another may form the shorter section, or vice versa. In still another embodiment, the L-screen 10 may include more than three panel frames, such as four, six or eight panel frames.

The L-screen of the present invention also includes a protection panel 18 mounted within each panel frame 12,14,16. In general, each protection panel 18 may include a solid, continuous plate of clear or transparent material. As such, the protection panels 18 provide an unobstructed view through the L-screen 10. This transparency is desirable to provide complete protection for a pitcher during batting practice. For instance, a fully transparent protection panel 18 can ensure that the pitcher has a clear view of the baseball immediately before and after it is hit by a batter. As such, the pitcher may possess the greatest amount of time possible to react to a line-drive hit back towards the pitcher's mound. For example, the unobstructed view of the transparent protection panel 18 may give a pitcher sufficient reaction time to ensure that his/her throwing arm and/or other body parts are safely behind the L-screen 10 prior to a hit baseball reaching the pitcher's location.

Moreover, a clear or transparent protection panel 18 can also maximize the effectiveness of player instruction. For example, as described above, it is often the case that the coach of a baseball team pitches batting practice to enable the entire team to take batting practice without the necessity of switching pitchers. Additionally, coaches often meet with players one-on-one to provide individualized batting practice and, thus, may be required to pitch out of necessity. In both scenarios, the coach will typically give his/her players instruction related to their batting stance, swing, timing, or the like. Thus, it may be particularly desirable for a coach to have the fully unobstructed view provided by the transparent protection panels 18 of the present invention to permit the coach to render the most effective instruction for his/her players.

Various transparent materials may be used within the scope of the present invention to form the protection panels 18. In general, the material chosen for the protection panels must be capable of withstanding the impact of a baseball hit by a batter. In other words, the material chosen must have adequate strength to withstand the force of a baseball hit by a baseball bat. Thus, it should be appreciated that the protection panels 18 may be formed from various high impact plastic or polymer materials. In a preferred embodiment, each protection panel 18 may be formed from a solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate. In alternative embodiments, the protection panels 18 may be formed from solid, transparent plates of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) or any other suitable material so long as the desired characteristics according to the current invention are present.

It should be readily appreciated that the required thickness needed to enable a protection panel 18 to have adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter will generally vary depending on the panel material chosen. Additionally, the thickness of the protection panel 18 may vary depending on the desired weight of the L-screen 10. In particular, as indicated above, it may be preferable that the L-screen 10 be relatively lightweight so that it can be easily transported to and from a baseball field. Thus, in one embodiment, the thickness of the protection panel 18 may be less than about 1 in., such as less than about 0.5 in., or less than about 0.25 in. In a preferred embodiment, it has been found that an approximately 0.1875 in. thick polycarbonate plate can provide a lightweight protection panel 18 that has adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter. One of ordinary skill in the art should also appreciate that the rigidity of the protection panels 18 may vary depending on the material chosen. For example, the protection panel 18 may be formed from a rigid or a semi-rigid transparent material.

Moreover, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the protection panels 18 may be rectangular in shape to generally fit within the rectangular shaped panel frames 12,14,16. However, it should be appreciated that the protection panels 18 may have any suitable shape depending generally on the configuration and shape of the panel frames 12,14,16. For instance, if the panel frames 12,14,16 are designed so as to be circular or triangular in shape, it may be desirable to have circular or triangular shaped protection panels 18, respectively, to fit within the frames 12,14,16 and provide sufficient protection for the pitcher.

Each protection panel 18 may be mounted within a panel frame 12,14,16 by any suitable means. In one embodiment, a plurality of mounting brackets 32 may extend inwardly from each panel frame 12,14,16 to permit the protection panels 18 to be secured within the frames 12,14,16. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the mounting brackets 32 may be aligned with a plurality of holes (not illustrated) formed in the protection panels 12,14,16 such that a retaining pin, a bolt/nut combination or similar fastening device may be inserted through the holes to secure the protection panels 18 to the panel frames 12,14,16. Regardless of the fastening device used, however, it may be preferable to include rubber gaskets 33 between each protection panel 18 and each mounting bracket 32 and/or between each protection panel 18 and each fastening device to act as a shock absorber/buffer and to at least lessen the concentration of stress at each mounting location. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the mounting brackets 32 may be formed as an integral component of each panel frame 12,14,16 or may be separately secured to the panel frames 12,14,16, such as by welding.

Various other mounting configurations may be used within the scope of the present invention to mount the protection panels 18 within the panel frames 12,14,16. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, each panel frame 12,14,16 may include an inwardly extending lip 92 around its inner perimeter to which a protection panel 18 may be mounted. In particular, mounting holes (not illustrated) formed in the lip 92 may be aligned with a plurality of holes (not illustrated) formed in the protection panels 12,14,16 such that a retaining pin, a bolt/nut combination or similar fastening device may be inserted through the aligned holes to secure the protection panels 18 to the lip 92. Additionally, it should be appreciated that a rubber gasket 33 may be included between each protection panel 18 and each fastening device and/or between each protection panel 18 and the lip 92.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9, in one embodiment, it may be preferable for each protection panel 18 to have dimensions slightly smaller than the dimensions of the inner perimeter of each panel frame 12,14,16 such that a gap 34 exists between the protection panels 18 and the panel frames 12,14,16. Depending on the rigidity of the panel material chosen, this may permit the protection panel 18 to slightly flex or yield when impacted with a baseball. Further, the gap 34 between the protection panels 18 and the panel frames 12,14,16 may also provide stability for the L-screen 10 during windy conditions by allowing a portion of the wind to penetrate through the L-screen 10. It should be appreciated, however, that in alternative embodiments the protection panels 18 may be mounted within the panel frames 12,14,16 such that the entire perimeter of each protection panel 18 is secured to or contacts the inner perimeter of each panel frame 12,14,16.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 8, the L-screen 10 of the present invention also includes support structure mounted to a bottom portion of the L-screen 10. In general, the support structure may include any suitable support mechanism configured to provide vertical support and stability for the L-screen 10 when the screen is in an open, upright position. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure includes a pair of support legs 36 securable to the corners of the first and second panel frames 12,14.

As shown in FIG. 5, each support leg 36 includes a laterally extending base 38 configured to provide stability for the L-screen 10 and a pair of vertically extending mounting posts 40 configured to secure each leg 36 to a portion to the L-screen 10. For example, the posts 40 on each leg 36 may be configured to be attached to the first and second panel frames 12,14 by aligning through-holes 42 (FIGS. 2 and 7) formed in the panel frames 12,14 with openings 44 formed in the posts 40. In such an embodiment, a retaining pin, a nut/bolt combination, or any other suitable fastening mechanism may be utilized to secure each leg 36 to the panel frames 12 14. However, it should be appreciated that, generally, the legs 36 may be mounted or secured to the L-screen 10 by any suitable means known in the art. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the legs 36 or any other support structure utilized need not be removably secured to the L-screen 10, but rather, may be permanently attached to the L-screen 10.

In one embodiment, the support legs 36 may be configured so that the mountings posts 40 are not centered on the laterally extending base 38, thereby creating an offset construction in each leg 36. Such an offset construction may provide even further stability for the L-screen 10 when the screen is in an upright, vertical open position. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, one leg 36 may be secured to the L-screen 10 such that the shortest section of the base 38 extends in one direction away from the L-screen 10 and the other leg 36 may be secured to the L-screen 10 such that its shortest section extends in the other direction away from the L-screen 10.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that each leg 36 may include one or more downwardly extending elements 46, such as a spike, stake or the like. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the leg 36 includes a downwardly extending element 46 at each end of the laterally extending base 38. One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the downwardly extending element 46 may be configured for penetration into the ground on which an L-screen 10 is placed, such as a baseball field, to further provide stability for the L-screen 10. Thus, it should be appreciated that the downwardly extending element(s) 46 may generally be of any length such that the element(s) 46 is suitable for its intended purpose. In a particular embodiment, the downwardly extending elements 46 may be sufficiently long so as to provide stability for the L-screen 10 during certain weather conditions, e.g. during windy conditions. Further, in an alternative embodiment, metal stakes (not illustrated) may be provided to pin or otherwise secure the L-screen 10 to the ground and, thereby, stabilize the L-screen 10 during use.

As described previously, the panel frames 12,14,16 of the present invention may be movable or rotatable from an open “L-shaped” position to a closed “compact” position. Particularly, in one embodiment, the panel frames 12,14,16 may be configured to be folded or rotated together into a very compact structure (FIG. 3), wherein the frames 12,14,16 may be disposed substantially parallel and adjacent to one another. As shown in FIG. 2, the second and third panel frames 14,16 may be rotated towards the first panel frame 12 (illustrated by the arrows) and into the closed position. Accordingly, the L-screen 10 may be collapsed down into a very manageable size, which can permit the L-screen 10 to be stored in a relatively small location in between uses. Moreover, since the L-screen 10 may be designed to be relatively lightweight, the compactness of the L-screen 10 can allow the L-screen 10 to be easily transported by one person to and from a baseball field for practice.

To improve the portability of the L-screen 10, the L-screen may also include a locking mechanism 48 configured to lock the panel frames 12, 14, 16 into the closed position. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a suitable locking mechanism 48 for securing the panel frames 12,14,16 together in the closed position. The locking mechanism 48 includes a U-shaped bracket 50 with an inner width W. In a preferred embodiment, the inner width W may be slightly larger than the overall width W₁ (FIG. 3) of the panel frames 12,14,16 in the closed position so as to permit the bracket 50 to be placed over and around the panel frames 12,14,16 and thereby prevent rotational movement of the frames 12,14,16 and maintain the L-screen 10 in the closed position.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the locking mechanism 48 may also include a handle 52 to facilitate quick and easy transport of the L-screen 10 to and from a practice location. In one embodiment, the handle 52 may be configured to be attached to one of the panel frames 12,14,16. As such, the handle 52 may be utilized to secure the bracket 50 around the panel frames 12,14,16 and lock the locking mechanism 48 into place (FIG. 7). Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, a vertical member 54 of the handle 52 includes a threaded end 56 configured to be received into a corresponding threaded female component (not illustrated) of one of the panel frames 12,14,16. Thus, as the threaded end 56 is screwed into a panel frame 12,14,16, the locking mechanism 48, particularly the bracket 50, may be pulled down and locked around the panel frames 12,14,16 (FIG. 7). Of course, the handle 52 may be grasped or gripped by one's hand for lifting and transporting the L-screen 10.

It should also be appreciated that various other locking mechanism configurations may be used to lock the panel frames 12,14,16 together in the closed position. Thus, an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism 48 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In general, the locking mechanism 48 may be configured as described above except that, contrary to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the bracket 50 includes inwardly extending flanges 57. The inwardly extending flanges 57 may be designed to slide under and contact a bottom face 78 (FIG. 7) of the outer panel frames in the closed position. Thus, when the handle 52 is screwed into the first panel frame 12, the bracket 50 may extend over, as well as under, a portion of the second and third panel frames 14,16 to maintain the L-screen 10 in the closed position. This configuration may be particularly desirable for use with an embodiment of the L-screen 10 in which one or all of the panel frames 12,14,16 are separated from the others in the closed position. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a VELCRO band or similar device may be used to wrap around the panel frames 12,14,16 to further secure the frames together in the closed position.

Moreover, in still another embodiment, the locking mechanism 48 may be configured to lock the support structure, such as the legs 36, simultaneously with the panel frames 12,14,16 to permit the entire L-screen 10 assembly to be secured together in the closed position. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the legs 36 may be placed on top of the panel frames 12,14,16 so that the bracket 50 may be positioned over and around both the legs 36 and the panel frames 12,14,16. The handle 52 may then be screwed into one of the panel frames, such as the first panel frame 12, to lock the bracket 50 in place and secure the legs 36 and panel frames 12,14,16 for easy transport and storage.

While the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present invention as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. An L-screen for protecting a pitcher during batting practice, the L-screen comprising:

first, second, and third panel frames configured to be attached to one another so as to form an L-shape;

said second panel frame being rotatably attached to a first side of said first panel frame and rotatable between an open position and a closed position;

said third panel frame being rotatably attached to a second side of said first panel frame and rotatable between said open position and said closed position;

a solid protection panel mounted within each of said panel frames, said protection panel being transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through said protection panel and having adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter;

a pair of removable legs mounted to said first and second panel frames and configured to support said L-screen, wherein said legs are offset from one another; and

a locking mechanism configured to lock said panel frames together in said closed position.

2. The L-screen of claim 1, wherein each of said protection panels comprises a high impact polymer material.

3. The L-screen of claim 1, wherein each of said protection panels comprises a solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate.

4. The L-screen of claim 3, wherein each of said solid, transparent plates of polycarbonate has a thickness of less than about 0.25 inch.

5. The L-screen of claim 1, comprising a mounting device configured to mount said protection panels within said panel frames, wherein said mounting device comprises a plurality of mounting brackets extending inwardly from said panel frames or a lip extending inwardly from said panel frames.

6. The L-screen of claim 5, comprising at least one rubber gasket disposed between said mounting device and said protection panels.

7. The L-screen of claim 1, wherein the size of each of said protection panels is smaller than the inner perimeter of said panel frame in which said protection panel is mounted such that a gap exists between each of said panel frames and its corresponding protection panel.

8. The L-screen of claim 1, wherein each of said legs includes at least one downwardly extending element, said at least one downwardly extending element configured to provide stability for said L-screen.

9. The L-screen of claim 1, comprising at least one retaining pin configured to maintain said panel frames in said open position.

10. An L-screen for protecting a pitcher during batting practice, the L-screen comprising:

a plurality of panel frames configured to be interrelated with one another so as to form an L-shape;

a solid protection panel mounted within each of said panel frames, said protection panel being transparent so as to provide an unobstructed view through said protection panel and having adequate strength to withstand the impact of a baseball hit by a batter; and

support structure mounted to and configured to support said L-screen.

11. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein each of said protection panels comprises a high impact polymer material.

12. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein each of said protection panels comprises a solid, transparent plate of polycarbonate.

13. The L-screen of claim 12, wherein each of said solid, transparent plates of polycarbonate has a thickness of less than about 0.25 inch.

14. The L-screen of claim 10, comprising a mounting device configured to mount said protection panels within said panel frames, wherein said mounting device comprises a plurality of mounting brackets extending inwardly from said panel frames or a lip extending inwardly from said panel frames.

15. The L-screen of claim 14, comprising at least one rubber gasket disposed between said mounting device and said protection panels.

16. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein the size of each of said protection panels is smaller than the inner perimeter of said panel frame in which said protection panel is mounted such that a gap exists between each of said panel frames and its corresponding protection panel.

17. The L-screen of claim 10, comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock said panel frames together in a closed position.

18. The L-screen of claim 17, wherein said locking mechanism includes a handle.

19. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein said support structure comprises legs securable to said panel frames for supporting said L-screen in an open position.

20. The L-screen of claim 19, wherein said legs are mounted to said panel frames so as to be offset from one another.

21. The L-screen of claim 19, wherein each of said legs includes at least one downwardly extending element, said at least one downwardly extending element configured to provide stability for said L-screen.

22. The L-screen of claim 10, comprising at least one retaining pin configured to maintain said L-screen in an open position.

23. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein said panel frames are removably attached to one another.

24. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein said panel frames comprise a first panel frame, a second panel frame, and a third panel frame, said first and second panel frames being rotatably attached to one another, said third panel frame configured to be removably attached to said first panel frame or said second panel frame.

25. The L-screen of claim 10, wherein said panel frames are rotatably attached to one another.