CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is entitled to the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/087,689, filed Dec. 4, 2014, entitled “Baseball/Softball Hitting Apparatus,” which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The baseball/softball hitting apparatus relates to the field of athletic training devices, specifically a standalone apparatus to repeat the proper bat swing technique to hit a baseball or softball (e.g., a regulation size baseball or softball as per recognized baseball/softball organizations such as Major League Baseball, Little League Baseball, etc.) at the optimum contact point.
SUMMARY Several baseball and softball hitting devices are readily available, however, this apparatus is a standalone apparatus where the moving ball approaches the batter from the direction a pitched ball would; the ball glides through the hitting plane triggering the batter's swing. The apparatus allows the batter to focus on a proper swing technique enabling muscle memory to develop an optimum swing using legs, hips, and arms to create a swing that is fast, direct, and powerful. The apparatus only requires the batter and automatically recycles the ball for the next swing; only one ball is used so there is nothing to pick up when done.
In embodiment #1, the apparatus is a self-contained, standalone apparatus that places the emphasis on hitting a baseball or softball moving toward the player from the direction the pitcher would be throwing, allowing the player's head to face forward as if hitting a ball thrown by a pitcher. This apparatus has a metal frame with a rectangular base 6′ wide and 3′ long. From the back corners of the base, two 3′ vertical poles are connected together with a horizontal pole. From the front two corners of the base, 6′ vertical poles support a 3′ canopy extended forward. Other dimensions can be used such as a 5′ to 7′ width and height or a 3′ to 4′ canopy. Various size configurations can be used ranging from 3′ to 7′ for both width and height. An 8′ to 20′ guide wire hangs in a V-shape from the front of the canopy and is secured to the sides of the canopy using eyebolts either by threading the guide wire through the eyebolt itself or using quick link chain connectors; other types of connectors can be used to support the guide wire such as conduit hanger. Depending on the width and height configuration the guide wire rope would need to accommodate at strike point at least from 1′ above the ground to 1′ below the top of the canopy. The guide wire is guided along the sides of the canopy and down the front vertical pole where it is connected to a sliding bracket. The sliding brackets on each of the front vertical poles allow the guide wire to adjust the ball's contact point to the desired height. Offsetting the sliding brackets slightly alters the direction the ball approaches the batter, as if the ball coming into the batter or away from the batter. In the center of the guide wire at the low point of the V-shape is a 3″ loop used to secure the ball assembly. Although the 3″ loop at the bottom of the V-shape works well, the loop can range from 1″ to 4″ to allow minimal to some ball assembly sway movement. A 6′ wide fabric is draped from the front edge of the canopy to the back horizontal pole; the fabric sags between 2′ and 2½′ from the top of the canopy at the point where it crosses the front vertical pole; any excess fabric is distributed towards the center. Although 6′ wide fabric works well as a dampening device , other fabric widths can be used to accommodate various height and width configurations additionally other material such as netting can be used. The fabric's sag absorbs the impact of the hit ball and allows the ball to swing back and reestablish the contact point as the batter is preparing for another swing. The ball assembly is encased in several protective layers of padding to prevent any metal parts from making contact with the bat. The ball is free to rotate within the ball assembly so the same side of the ball is not always impacted by the bat.
In embodiment #2, the apparatus is a self-contained, standalone apparatus that places the emphasis on hitting a baseball or softball moving toward the player from the direction the pitcher would be throwing, allowing the player's head to face forward as if hitting a ball thrown by a pitcher. This apparatus frame has a metal frame with an “H” shaped base 3′ wide with 24″ to 30″ long front feet and 18″ to 24″ long back feet. Although an “H” shaped base can be used, other base configurations can be used to provide a stable platform for the unit, such as parallel or “V” shaped footings with or without a horizontal stabilization connection. From the base, two 6′ vertical poles support a 3′ canopy extended forward. Although vertical poles with a canopy extension works well, other configurations such as poles at an angle, or curved bends forming a canopy to support the dampening fabric and guide wire assembly can be used. Other dimensions can be used such as a 3′ to 6′ width or 5′ to 7′ height or a 3′ to 4′ canopy extension; the length of the unit can range from 3′ to 7′. An 8′ to 20′ guide wire hangs in a V-shape from the front of the canopy and is secured to the sides of the canopy using eyebolts either by threading the guide wire through the eyebolt itself or using quick link chain connectors; other types of connectors can be used to support the guide wire such as conduit hanger. The guide wire is guided along the sides of the canopy and down the vertical pole where it is connected to a sliding bracket. In angled or curved configurations, the guide wire is secured to the frame and canopy extension at one or more points using eyebolts in order to clear the batter's bat extension during the swing, and then is secured to the sliding brackets. The sliding brackets on each of side of the poles allow the guide wire to adjust the ball's contact point to the desired height. Although a conduit hanger is used, other means can be used to adjust the guide wire, such as multiple notched hooks. Offsetting the sliding brackets alters the direction the ball approaches the batter, as if the ball coming into the batter or away from the batter. In the center of the guide wire at the low point of the V-shape is a 2″ to 3″ loop used to secure the ball assembly. A 6′ wide fabric is draped from the front edge of the canopy to the bottom of the vertical poles 6″ to 18″ above the base. In angled or curved configurations the fabric extends from the front edge of the canopy to the bottom of the side poles 6″ to 18″ above the base. The fabric wraps 12″ to 18″ around each side the front edge of the canopy, has little to no sag and any excess fabric is distributed towards the center. The bottom edge of the fabric is rolled around a 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe, secured by tie wraps, to a point 6″ to 18″ above the base; other types of plastic or metal pipes can be rolled along the bottom edge of the fabric to provide the necessary weight to bring the fabric back to the bottom. The bottom side edge of the fabric has a 2″ wide Velcro band attached 4″ to 6″ inward on the edge of the fabric, creating a 6″ to 8″ diameter loop fitting loosely around the vertical poles sliding through a 3″ to 4″ slit in the fabric securing the loop; in angled or curved side poles the same configuration is used. The fabric absorbs the impact of the hit ball and allows the ball to swing back and reestablish the contact point as the batter is preparing for another swing. The ball assembly is encased in several protective layers of padding to prevent any metal parts from making contact with the bat during the swing. The ball is free to rotate within the ball assembly so the same side of the ball is not always impacted by the bat. The ball swings pendulum style, fixing itself back to the contact point while the batter prepares to take another swing.
The batter uses the movement of the ball to trigger the swing just before the ball reaches the strike zone contact point. The batter can utilize a timing step (if he/she uses one), loads and initiates hip rotation allowing the torso to follow, then extending the arms having the bat strike the ball at the optimum point. The ball's flight off the bat and into the fabric provides immediate feedback relative to the ball being hit ideally or not; providing feedback on the ball's hit direction. The minimum time the ball spends in the strike zone induces the batter to have a swing that is direct to the ball thus improves bat speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1—Depicts the front view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 2—Depicts the side view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 3—Depicts the back view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 4—Depicts the front leg extensions connected from the base connectors.
FIG. 5—Depicts the eyebolt connector with the guide wire assembly running through it in a fixed (non-removable) manner.
FIG. 6—Depicts the eyebolt connector using a quick link to attach the guide wire assembly in a removable manner.
FIG. 7—Depicts the slide-guide assembly attached to the guide wire end using an aluminum spring snap link in a removable manner.
FIG. 8—Depicts the slide-guide assembly attached directly to the guide wire end in a non-removable manner.
FIG. 9—Depicts the guide wire center loop to which the ball assembly is attached to.
FIG. 10—Depicts the ball assembly attached to the guide wire center loop using a quick link.
FIG. 11—Depicts the unpadded ball assembly using a galvanized steel chain-link fence tension band.
FIG. 12—Depicts the padded ball assembly using a galvanized steel chain-link fence tension band.
FIG. 13—Depicts the ball assembly attached to the central guide wire loop using a bolt and nut.
FIG. 14—Depicts an unpadded ball assembly using a horse-shoe bracket attached to the center loop using a quick link.
FIG. 15—Depicts an unpadded ball assembly using a ⅜″ holed sheet metal bar configured in a U-shape.
FIG. 16—Depicts the front view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 17—Depicts the side view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 18—Depicts the back view of an embodiment of the apparatus.
FIG. 19—Depicts the Velcro band attached to the edge of the fabric and looped around the vertical pole.
FIG. 20—Depicts the dampening fabric wrapped over and around the front of the canopy.
FIG. 21—Depicts the dampening fabric Velcro attachment strips used to secure the fabric over and around the front of the canopy.
FIG. 22—Depicts the dampening fabric wrapped around along the side of the canopy with the guide wire eyebolt attachment protruding through a slit in the fabric.
FIG. 23—Depicts the bottom back of the dampening fabric weighted by a rolled pipe and secured to the poles using Velcro loops.
FIG. 24—Depicts the Velcro loops attached to the fabric looping around the pole near the bottom of the dampening fabric.
FIG. 25—Depicts the base back feet utilizing “L” shaped stabilization bars.
FIG. 26—Depicts the ball assembly anchor bolt fitting through the eye-nut support.
FIG. 27—Depicts the ball assembly eye-nut support padding secured by a bolt running through the top end of the padding and under the eye-nut support.
FIG. 28—Depicts the Quick Link attachment to the eye-nut support of the ball assembly.
FIG. 29—Depicts the ball assembly leather sleeve cover over the padded eye-nut support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiment #1 FIG. 1—The apparatus front view. Rectangular base 6′×3′ [1], with front footing connectors [2] (feet not shown). The guide wire assembly hanging in a V-shape [3] from the front edge of the canopy [4] with the ball assembly attached [5]. The shade cloth [6] is draped from the front of the canopy to the back side of the frame. The front edge of the canopy is wrapped in foam [7] to spread out the ball's impact in order for the fabric to regain its original shape quickly; additionally helps fabric from fraying.
FIG. 2—The apparatus side view. The vertical 6′ high pole [8] with the 3′ canopy extension [9]; and on the back side of the frame a 3′ vertical pole [10]. The shade fabric [6] draped from the top front edge of the canopy [4], to a point between 2′ and 2½′ (from the top of the canopy) to the intersection with the front vertical pole [11]; the fabric continues to drape over the back side horizontal pole [12]. The guide wire assembly [3] hangs from the front of the canopy [4] and runs along the canopy sides, down to the vertical pole side-guide. The slide-guide [13] can slide up and down the vertical pole [8] to adjust the ball contact point height. 48″ bungee straps [14] are wrapped around the two vertical poles [8] pulling the front vertical pole [8] slightly towards the back vertical pole [10] in order to help reduce vibration when the ball is struck; it also deters someone from entering between the two vertical poles.
FIG. 3: The apparatus back view. The frame, 6′ wide with the 3′ canopy extension [9] in the front and the horizontal pole also 6′ wide in the back [12]. The shade fabric [6] draped from the front edge of the canopy over the back horizontal pole [12]. Although a 4-way connector [15] is shown on the back base, a 3-way connect would work just as well.
FIG. 4: The front 18″ leg extensions [16] connected via front footing connectors [2].
FIG. 5: The eyebolt [17] connector with the guide wire assembly [3] running through it in a fixed (non-removable) manner.
FIG. 6: The eyebolt [17] using a quick link [18] to attach the guide wire assembly [3] in a removable manner. The quick link [18] opens allowing the wire assembly to be removed.
FIG. 7: The slide-guide assembly [13]—the guide wire [3] end is attached to the front vertical poles [8] using conduit hanger with bolt and wingnut [19]. The slide-guide can be loosened and moved up and down the vertical pole to adjust the ball contact point height. The guide wire end is attached to the slide-guide using an aluminum spring snap link [20] which allows the guide wire to be removed without having to remove the entire slide-guide.
FIG. 8: The guide wire [3] end attached directly to the slide-guide [13], allowing a more fixed guide wire position. Although the guide wire can still be removed, the entire slide-guide must be removed in order to do so.
FIG. 9: The guide wire center loop [21] prevents the ball assembly [5] from sliding up the guide wire sides and refocuses the ball assembly [5] to automatically ready itself
FIG. 10: The ball assembly [5] attached to the guide wire center loop [21] using a 900+ lb. quick link [22]. The foam [23] above slips over the center loop and quick link.
FIG. 11: The initial ball assembly [5] variation using the galvanized steel chain-link fence tension band [24]. The top of the band is connected to the guide wire center loop [21]. The anchor bolt [25] is a single entry point axis allowing the ball to spin.
FIG. 12: The ball assembly [5] wrapped to prevent metal parts from contacting the bat, exposing only the upper connection point.
FIG. 13: The ball assembly [5] attached to the central guide wire loop [21] using a 1¼″ bolt and nut [26].
FIG. 14: The exposed (pre-wrapped) ball assembly [5]—allowing the ball to rotate can be assembled using a horseshoe shaped bracket attached to a ⅜″ center holed galvanized support [27]; the horseshoe bracket is then attached to the guide wire center loop [21] using a 900+lb. quick link [22].
FIG. 15: The ball assembly [5], (pre-wrapped) allowing the ball to rotate, can be assembled using a ⅜″ holed sheet metal bar [28], which is then bent to create a U-shape extending at least 1½ ″4″.
Frame and Canopy
The apparatus frame features 1⅜″ 17-Gauge Galvanized Steel Chain-Link Fence Top Rail pipe with 1⅜″ metal connectors fastened by ¼″×2″ cap screws (or eyebolts) and ¼″ nylon lock nuts. Although this embodiment uses metal connectors, other embodiments can utilize other connection devices such as bent pipe and connector sleeves, or metal pole clamps. Although 1⅜ ″ 17-Gauge Galvanized Steel Chain-Link Fence Top Rail pipe works well, other size and types of pipe, such as 1¼″ stainless steel tubing, hard plastic, or other rigid materials can be used. The apparatus has a horizontal rectangular base [1] 6′ wide by 3′ long—(See FIG. 1). Other embodiments can have widths that range from 5′ to 7′ and lengths that can range from 3′ to 4′ up to 6′ including feet attachments [16]. The front edge of the base [1] is connected using a 4-way connector [2] on the left and right sides, enabling an 18″ extension footing [16]—(See FIG. 4). The back edge of the base is connected using a 3-way connector, but can utilize a 4-way with an 18″ extension footing for added stability when used on a hard solid surface such as concrete. Wheels can be attached along the front or back edges, or footing extensions. A pipe 6′ tall stands vertically [8] from the left and right front base 4-way connectors[2], these pipes support a canopy [9] extending forward 3′ using a 2-way “L” connector; the canopy top side connection is fastened with a 2″ eyebolt and ¼″ nylon lock nut [17]—(See FIGS. 2, 4).
The front edge of the canopy [4] is connected using a 6′ wide (corresponding to the base width) pipe with a 2-way “L” connector; the left and right edge of the canopy connection is fastened with a 2″ eyebolt and a ¼″ nylon lock nut. Although the canopy works well with no back edge, a back edge pipe (corresponding to the base width), can be added using for example, pipe clamps, or by replacing the 2-way “L” connector with a 3-way connector; the eyebolts are used as previously described. A 3′ pipe stands vertically [10] from the left and right back edge connectors of the base and are connected together using a 2-way “L” connector and a 6′ foot pipe (corresponding to the base width) [12]—(See FIG. 3). The back vertical poles [10] and front vertical poles [8] are wrapped with a 48″ flat strap bungee cord [14], pulling the front vertical pole [8] slightly towards the back vertical pole [10] in order to help reduce vibration when the ball is struck; it also deters someone from entering between the two vertical poles—(See FIG. 2). Although this embodiment uses a bungee strap [14] to wrap the front and back vertical poles together, other connection means can be used, for example a metal pole fastened by pole clamps or connectors. Although other types of netting or fabric can be used, Sun Screen Shade Cloth [6] works well to absorb the impact of the ball and regain its shape quickly. The 6′ wide by 10′ to 15′ long shade cloth [6] extends from the front edge of the canopy [4] wrapping around the pipe and is secured using an adhesive and tie-wraps, also grommets can be used to protect from fraying. The shade cloth [6] is draped having a drop of 2′ to 2½′ from the top of the canopy [4] at the point where the fabric crosses the front vertical poles [11], and is draped over the back horizontal pole [12] and is secured with tie-wraps—(See FIG. 2). Although a drop between 2′ and 2½′ works well for a 6′ tall canopy height, the drop would be adjusted to be about 30% to 40% of the height used. The front edge of the canopy (horizontal pipe) [4] is wrapped in foam pipe insulation [7] over the shade cloth to evenly spread out the ball's impact allowing the shade cloth to fall back into shape quickly also as padding and to minimize the fabric movement and fraying—(See FIG. 1).
Guide Wire
The guide wire assembly [3] ranges from 10′ to 20′ long depending on the frame size and anchor points used; it is attached to the frame using the eyebolts [17] used to secure the frame connectors—(See FIG. 5), or if the guide wire [3] is to be removed for storage purposes a 3/16 (900 lb. or stronger) quick link [18] can be used to attach the guide wire to the eyebolts [17]—(See FIG. 6). Other connection means can be used for securing the guide wire to the frame, such as welded rings or wire clips. Although a thinner (or thicker) grade wire rope or cable can be used, the ⅜″ vinyl coated wire rope [3] works well, providing the necessary weight to remain relatively stable and to maintain momentum as the ball swings. A ⅜″ aluminum (sized for the wire rope used) sleeve [29] is slipped through each end of the guide wire creating a loop between 2″ and 3″ long [21], in the center of the guide wire [3]; the sleeve is crimped to secure it—(See FIG. 9). If the eyebolts [17] are to be used to secure the guide wire to the frame (versus the quick link [18]) two eyebolts are inserted on each side of the guide wire prior to locking the ends. At the end of each side of the guide wire [3], a loop between 1½″ and 2½″ is created using a ⅜″ aluminum sleeve [30]; the sleeve is crimped to secure it—(See FIG. 8). The guide wire assembly [3] is attached to the frame at the back side of the canopy edge (on the 2-way “L” connector) using an eyebolt [17] or a quick link [18]; and on the front edge of the canopy [4] (on the 2-way “L” connector) using an eyebolt [17] or a quick link [18]—(See FIGS. 2). The guide wire is allowed to hang in a V-shape [3] at the front of the canopy—(See FIG. 1). The two end loops at the end of the guide wire [3] are attached to the left and right front vertical poles [8] using conduit hanger [13] with bolt and wingnut [19]—(See FIG. 8). Although this embodiment uses a conduit hanger [13], other means of connecting the guide wire end loops to the frame can be used, such as pole clamps or clips. If the guide wire [3] is to be removed for storage a 3⅛″ aluminum spring snap link [20] can be used to attach each guide wire loop to the conduit hanger—(See FIG. 7). Although connecting the guide wire [3] to the vertical pole [8] works well, allowing easy access to adjust the ball assembly height, the same connections can be used, only connecting them to the canopy top [9], especially for smaller height frames.
Ball Assembly
In an embodiment, the baseball or softball assembly includes a ⅜″×4″ anchor [25], such as a concrete anchor, placed through a hole centered on a metal support, such as a galvanized steel chain-link fence tension band [24]; the anchor is free to rotate within the hole allowing the ball to rotate—(See FIG. 11). The anchor [25] is fastened to the ball through a ¼″ hole drilled at least two inches into the ball and filled with super adhesive. The remaining portion of the anchor is wrapped with at least three layers of 20 mil pipe tape and ½″ foam pipe insulation [31], other padding means can be used to prevent the metal from being exposed, such as a rubber tube [32] slipped over the anchor before securing it to the ball. The upper portion of the metal bracket is wrapped with 20 mil pipe tape (2 layers). The entire assembly is then encased into a rubber sleeve which is then wrapped in strong tape, such as duct tape—(See FIG. 12), and then a cover, made for example out of leather, is slipped over (and bonded) the entire support assembly from the ball upward leaving only the top of the support bracket exposed. The ball assembly [5] is then attached to the single guide wire loop [21] using a 1¼″ bolt and nut—(See FIG. 13). Although the ball assembly [5] uses steel chain-link fence tension band [24], other connection structures are possible. For example, an assembly allowing the ball to rotate, can use a horseshoe shaped bracket [27] attached to a ⅜″ center holed galvanized support; the horseshoe bracket [27]—(See FIG. 14) is then attached to the guide wire center loop [21] using a 900+lb. quick link [22]—(See FIG. 10). Another example, still allowing the ball to rotate, uses a ⅜″ hole sheet metal bar [28], which is then bent to create a U-shape extending at least 1½″×4″—(See FIG. 15); it is then attached to the guide wire center loop [21] using a 900+lb. quick link [22] or bolt and nut [26]. In all cases, the ball assembly should be wrapped in order to avoid metal to bat contact should the batter strike the upper part of the ball assembly.
Embodiment #2 FIG. 16—The apparatus front view. “H” Shaped base 3′ wide with, with 24″ front feet [40] with wheels attached [41] and 24″ hind feet [42]. The guide wire assembly hanging in a V-shape [43] from the front edge of the canopy [44] with the ball assembly attached [45]. The 6′ wide shade cloth [46] is draped from the front of the canopy [44] to bottom of the vertical poles [47] 6″ to 18″ up from the bottom of the base; the excess (width) fabric is distributed towards the center. The front edge of the canopy [44] is wrapped in foam [48] as padding and to minimize the fabric movement and fraying. The bottom edge of the fabric is rolled around a 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe [49] to add drag and weight in order to pull the fabric back into its original position.
FIG. 17—The apparatus side view. The “H” shaped base, supporting 6′ vertical poles [47] and a 3′ canopy extension [50]; the front feet have a wheel assembly attached [41]. The shade fabric [46] wraps 12″ around the front of the canopy [51] and is secured using 2″ wide by 6″ long Velcro strips [52]. The fabric is draped from the top front edge [44] of the canopy, to the bottom of the vertical poles 6″ to 18″ [47] above the base. The bottom side edge of the fabric has a 2″ wide Velcro band attached, creating a 6″ diameter loop [53] fitting loosely around the vertical pole [47], sliding through a 3″ to 4″ slit in the fabric [54] securing the loop. The guide wire assembly [43] hangs from the front of the canopy [44] and runs along the canopy sides [50], down to the vertical pole side-guide [55]. The slide-guide [55] can slide up and down the vertical pole [47] to adjust the ball contact point height.
FIG. 18: The apparatus back view. The frame, 3′ wide with the 3′ canopy extension [50] in the front. The “H” shaped base has 24″ hind feet [42]; an additional horizontal attachment can be added to the hind feet in an “L” configuration [56] inwards as a stabilizer especially when used on a hard surface such as cement. The 6′ wide shade fabric [46] draped from the front edge of the canopy [44] to the bottom of the vertical pole [47] 6″ to 18″ above the base; the excess fabric is distributed towards the center. The bottom edge of the shade fabric [46] is rolled around a 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe [49] secured by tie-wraps, adding weight to help return the fabric to the original (down) position after the ball strikes the fabric. The sides of the fabric is secured to the vertical poles by a loosely fitting Velcro band [53] which slides through a 3″ to 4″ slit in the fabric [54] securing the loop. The Velcro bands [53] slide up the pole as the ball strikes the fabric, allowing the 6′ wide fabric [46] to expand and absorb the energy of the ball.
FIG. 19: The “H” shaped base with 18″ hind feet [42] and 24″ front feet [40] with a wheel assembly [41] attached. The 2″ wide Velcro band [53] is attached to the edge of the fabric 4″ to 6″ inward and is then looped around the vertical pole [47] creating a 4″ to 8″ loosely fitting loop, sliding through a 3″ to 4″ slit [54] in the fabric to secure the loop.
FIG. 20: The top of the canopy [44] is wrapped in the 6′ wide fabric, around the sides [51] 12″ with the excess fabric distributed towards the center. The fabric [46] is wrapped over the front of the canopy [44] and is secured using three 2″ wide by 4″ Velcro strips placed horizontally long the edge [56]. Although three strips work well, various configurations using one, two or four strips also would work well. The guide wire [43] runs along the canopy extension [50] under the fabric.
FIG. 21: The top side canopy fabric is 6′ wide , the 2″ wide by 4″ (horizontal) [56] 6″ (vertical) [52] Velcro strips are evenly spaced 6″ to 8″ apart and placed along the edge of the fabric [46] and the opposite Velcro strip is placed about 6″ down the fabric; vertically [52] for the two sides and horizontally [56] for the front side, such that when the fabric is wrapped around the top of the canopy [51] the two Velcro strips meet and are secured. Although three horizontal strips [56] are used, one 30″, two 15″, or four 4″ strips can work just as well, with the excess fabric distributed between the gaps towards the center.
FIG. 22: The fabric [46] is wrapped around along the sides of the canopy [51] 8″ to 18″ and is secured by a 6″ long 2″ wide Velcro strip placed vertically [52]. The eyebolt [57] using a quick link [58] to attach the guide wire assembly [43] fits through a small slit made in the fabric, allowing the guide wire to run on the underside of the canopy [50]. The same can be achieved using only the eye-bolt or any other means of securing the guide wire along the underside of the canopy.
FIG. 23: The 6′ wide shade fabric [46] draped from the front edge of the canopy [44] to the bottom of the vertical pole [47] 6″ to 18″ above the base. The bottom edge of the shade fabric [46] is rolled around a 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe [49] secured by tie-wraps, adding weight to help return the fabric to the original (down) position after the ball strikes the fabric. The sides of the fabric is secured to the vertical poles [47] by a loosely fitting Velcro band [53] which slides through a to 4″ slit [54] in the fabric securing the loop. The Velcro bands [53] slide up the pole [47] as the ball strikes the fabric, allowing the 6′ wide fabric [46] to expand and absorb the energy of the ball.
FIG. 24: The 2″ wide Velcro band [53] is attached to the edge of the fabric 4″ to 6″ inward and is then looped around the vertical pole [47] creating a 4″ to 8″ loosely fitting loop, sliding through a 3″ to 4″ slit in the fabric [54] to secure the loop. When the ball strikes the fabric, the Velcro loops slide up the vertical pole, allowing the fabric to absorb the impact and slow down the ball and swing it back towards the batter.
FIG. 25: The back feet [42] can utilize an “L” shape [56] to help stabilize the unit, especially when used on a hard surface such as concrete.
FIG. 26: The ball assembly [45] ⅜anchor bolt [59] fitting through the ½″ eye-nut [60]. The anchor bolt [59] fits loosely through the eye-nut [59] allowing the bolt (to which the ball is attached) to freely rotate, allowing the ball to be struck on various points all the way around the ball.
FIG. 27: The galvanized eye-nut [60] is encased by two layers of rubber, in this case 1½″ inside a 2″ rubber coupling [61]. A 2″ bolt [62] runs through the top side of the rubber coupling [61] ½″ to ¾″ from the top, running under the top of the eye-nut [60]. This prevents the padding from sliding upwards exposing the eye-nut [60] once the ball is hit. The rubber padding [61] prevents the bat from striking the metal eye-nut [60] in the event the batter misses the ball. Although two rubber couplings [61] work well, other padding such as urethane foam or memory foam can be work just as well as a replacement for the inside most (1½″ coupling).
FIG. 28: A ⅜″ 2200 lb. Quick Link [63] is attached to the top of the eye-nut [60] allowing the ball assembly to attach to the guide wire loop [64]. The eye-nut padding is secured using a 2″ bolt running through the diameter of the couplings ½″ to ¾″ from the top, through the underside of the eye-nut [62] preventing it from sliding upwards when the ball is struck.
FIG. 29: A layered representation of the ball assembly. An 8″ leather sleeve [65] is adhered to the rubber coupling [61] padding encasing the ball assembly. A ½″ foam pad is wrapped around the anchor bolt [59]; other rubber material can be used to wrap around the anchor bolt. The ball is attached to the anchor bolt [59] using a super adhesive. This is a layered representation, the leather sleeve [65] is intended to cover most of the anchor bolt padding, about ½″ above the ball, all the way up to the ⅜″ Quick Link [63].
Frame and Canopy
The apparatus frame features 1⅜″ 17-Gauge Galvanized Steel Chain-Link Fence Top Rail pipe with 1⅜″ metal connectors fastened by ¼″×2″ cap screws (or eyebolts) and ¼″ nylon lock nuts. Although this embodiment uses metal connectors, other embodiments can utilize other connection devices such as bent pipe and connector sleeves, or metal pole clamps. Although 1⅜″ 17-Gauge Galvanized Steel Chain-Link Fence Top Rail pipe works well, other size and types of pipe or tubing, such as 1¼″ stainless steel tubing, hard plastic, or other rigid materials can be used. The apparatus has an “H-shaped” horizontal base 3′ wide by 4′ long; total length of both front [40] and back feet [42] including the wheels [41]—(See FIG. 19). Other embodiments can have base widths that range from 3′ to 6′ and lengths that can range from 3′ to 5′ (total length of both front and back feet). The front [40] and back [42] feet are connected using a 4-way connector with a horizontal pole connecting the two sets of feet and a vertical pole [47] rising out of the top connector on each side.—(See FIG. 17). Although vertical poles work well, other configurations such as angled poles, or curved pipe can be used. The back set of feet [42] can utilize a horizontal pole using a 2-way “L” connector [56] for added stability when used on a hard solid surface such as concrete—(See FIG. 25) and the front feet [40] can have wheels [41] attached for mobility—(See FIG. 16). A pipe 6′ tall stands vertically [47] from the left and right base 4-way connectors, these pipes support a canopy [50] extending forward 3′ using a 2-way “L” connector; the canopy top side connection is fastened with a 2″ eyebolt [57] and ¼″ nylon lock nut—(See FIG. 17). The front edge of the canopy [44] is connected using a 3′ wide (corresponding to the base width) pipe with a 2-way “L” connector; the left and right edge of the canopy connection is fastened with a 2″ eyebolt [57] and a ¼″ nylon lock nut. Although this embodiment uses in individual joint connectors for the frame, the frame can be made of bent pipe decreasing the number of actual connection points. Although other types of netting or fabric can be used, Sun Screen Shade Cloth works well as a dampening fabric [46] to absorb the impact of the ball and regain its shape quickly—(See FIG. 18). The 6′ wide by 10′ long fabric [46] is used as a damping device to slow the ball down and return it to the striking point. The fabric [46] wraps around the canopy poles [51] from the underside and over the top of the pole—(See FIG. 20). The fabric [46] wraps 12″ around the front sides of the canopy [51] on each side and is secured by 2″ wide by 6″ long Velcro vertical strips [52]—(See FIG. 20); on the front edge the fabric is secured using three horizontally [56] placed 4″ strips distributing the excess fabric towards the center—(See FIG. 21). The shade cloth fabric [46] is draped with little or no sag to the bottom of the vertical poles [47] about 8″ up from the base.—(See FIG. 17). The bottom edge of the shade fabric [46] is rolled around a 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe secured by tie-wraps [49], adding weight to help return the fabric [46] to the original (down) position after the ball strikes the fabric—(See FIG. 23). Although 1″ SCH 40 PVC pipe [49] works well, other means of adding weight can be used, such as small weights attached to the fabric. The sides of the fabric [46] is secured to the vertical poles [47] by a loosely fitting Velcro band [53] attached to the fabric [46], which slides through a 3″ to 4″ slit in the fabric [54] securing the loop—(See FIG. 24). The Velcro bands [53] slide up the pole [47] as the ball strikes the fabric [46], allowing the 6′ wide fabric to expand and absorb the energy of the ball. The front edge of the canopy [44] (horizontal pipe) is wrapped in foam pipe insulation [48] over the shade fabric as padding and to minimize the fabric movement and fraying—(See FIG. 16).
Guide Wire
The guide wire assembly [43] ranges from 10′ to 20′ long depending on the frame size and anchor points used; it is attached to the frame using the eyebolts [57] used to secure the frame connectors—(See FIG. 5), or if the guide wire is to be removed for storage purposes a 3/16 (900 lb. or stronger) quick link [58] can be used to attach the guide wire to the eyebolts [57]—(See FIG. 6). Other connection means can be used for securing the guide wire to the frame, such as welded rings or wire clips. Although a thinner (or thicker) grade wire rope or cable can be used, the ⅜″ vinyl coated wire rope works well, providing the necessary weight to remain relatively stable and to maintain momentum as the ball swings. A ⅜″ aluminum (sized for the wire rope used) sleeve is slipped [66] through each end of the guide wire creating a loop between [64] 2″ and 3″ long, in the center of the guide wire; the sleeve is crimped to secure it—(See FIG. 9). If the eyebolts [57] are to be used to secure the guide wire to the frame (versus the quick [58] link) two eyebolts are inserted on each side of the guide wire prior to locking the ends. At the end of each side of the guide wire [43], a loop between 1½″ and 2½″ is created using a ⅜″ aluminum sleeve; the sleeve [30] is crimped to secure it—(See FIG. 8). The guide wire assembly [43] is attached to the frame at the back side of the canopy edge (on the 2-way “L” connector) using an eyebolt [57] or a quick link [58]; and on the front edge of the canopy [44] (on the 2-way “L” connector) using an eyebolt [57] or a quick link [58]—(See FIG. 17). The guide wire [43] is allowed to hang in a V-shape at the front of the canopy—(See FIG. 16). The two end loops at the end of the guide wire [43] are attached to the left and right front vertical poles [47] using conduit hanger [13] with bolt and wingnut [19]—(See FIG. 8). Although this embodiment uses a conduit hanger [13], other means of connecting the guide wire end loops to the frame can be used, such as multiple notched hooks, pole clamps or clips. If the guide wire [43] is to be removed for storage a 3⅛″ aluminum spring snap link [20] can be used to attach each guide wire loop to the conduit hanger [13]—(See FIG. 7). Although connecting the guide wire to the vertical pole works well, allowing easy access to adjust the ball assembly height, the same connections can be used, connecting them to the canopy sides [50], especially for smaller height frames.
Ball Assembly
In an embodiment, the baseball or softball assembly [45] includes a ⅜″×4″ anchor bolt [59], such as a concrete anchor, placed through a hole centered on a metal support, such as a galvanized ½″ eye-nut [60]—(See FIG. 26). The bolt [59] is free to rotate within the hole allowing the ball to rotate. The anchor bolt [59] is secured to the ball using a super adhesive or bonding agent—(See FIG. 29). The eye-nut [60] is wrapped encased with a 1½″ rubber sleeve inside a 2″ rubber sleeve [61]—(See FIG. 27). The double sleeve encasement is secured to the inside loop of the eye-nut by a 2″ bolt [62] running through the diameter of the sleeve [61] under the top side of the eye-nut [60] preventing the sleeve [61] to side upward once the ball is struck—(See FIG. 27). Although a double rubber coupling sleeve [61] provides the necessary padding, other padding, such as ½″-1″ urethane rubber foam wrapped by a single rubber sleeve can be used. The remaining portion of the anchor is covered by ½″ rubber pipe, although other means of coving the anchor can be used, such as ½″ foam pipe insulation [69]—(See FIG. 29). The entire assembly is then encased by an 8″ leather sleeve [65] enclosing the area from the top of the ball to the top of the eye-nut assembly—(See FIG. 29) The leather sleeve [65] is secured to the rubber sleeve [61] using an super adhesive. The ball assembly [45] is then attached to the guide wire loop [64] using a ⅜″ Quick Link [63]—(See FIG. 28). Although the ball assembly [45] uses a metal eye-nut [60], other means can be used to secure the ball to a rotating assembly which can attach to the guide wire loop [64], such as a fabricated ball made with a built-in rotating sleeve which extends upward and can be attached to the guide wire loop [64]; additionally other material can be used other than metal, such as plastic or rubber. In all cases, the ball assembly [45] should be padded and must be able to withstand the impact of a swing should the batter strike the upper part of the ball assembly.
Additional and/or Alternative Embodiments Adding hinges to the frame or the connectors can allow the entire frame to fold “accordion style” for storage or mobility purposes. The telescoping poles can use a “telescope style” allowing the top half of the pole to fit into the bottom half for storage or mobility purposes. The base can have other configurations such as a v-shape footing, parallel feet extensions, or curved feet extensions. The frame can utilize angled poles to support a canopy. The frame can utilize curved poles to support a canopy. The frame can incorporate the canopy extension as part of the angled pole configuration. The frame can incorporate the canopy extension as part of the curved pole configuration. Adding wheels to the base or foot extensions can allow the apparatus to be moved easily. Placing an inertial/motion sensor inside the baseball can allow an application to be linked via smart phone or tablet, providing the batter instant information such as information about each swing relative to ball speed off the bat and optimal strike point. Adding sensors to the front canopy, facing the fabric, can allow an application to be linked via smart phone proving the batter instant information about the ball's general trajectory relative to being hit to left, center or right field; this would allow the batter to see where he/she is hitting to, for example “hitting oppo”, “line drive up the middle”, or “pulling the ball”. An indicator, such as a light, can be added to the back side of the canopy providing instant feedback (from the application) to the player, identifying if he/she hit to the intended target field location. The ball assembly, allowing the ball to rotate, can be assembled using a horseshoe shaped bracket attached to a ⅜″ center holed galvanized support; the horseshoe bracket—(See FIG. 14) is then attached to the guide wire center loop using a 900+lb. quick link—(See FIG. 10). The ball assembly, allowing the ball to rotate, can be assembled using a ⅜″ holed sheet metal bar, which is then bent to create a U-shape extending at least 1½″×4″—(See FIG. 15). The support is then attached to the guide wire center loop using a 900+lb. quick link._The ball assembly, allowing the ball to rotate, can be assembled using a ½″ holed eye-nut—(See FIG. 26). The eye-nut can be attached to the guide wire center loop using a ⅜″ 2200+lb quick link—(See FIG. 28). The ball can have a built-in core allowing a high strength screw to fasten in addition to the high strength bonding agent. A synthetic ball can be fabricated from plastic, rubber, or other material allowing it to connect to the guide wire loop. A synthetic oversized or weighted ball can be fabricated from plastic, rubber, or other material allowing it to connect to the guide wire loop. A frame extension can be attached to position a camera (e.g. smartphone or tablet) to capture a side view of the batter's swing. A small device such as a storage box or pouch can be attached to the outside edge of the canopy, allowing the ball to be stored and/or locked protecting it from the elements when not in use. A small attachment can be added to the frame, allowing the frame to be secured to another object for storage, security purposes.
