BASEBALL PITCHING TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A training device for assisting a user in achieving a proper throwing motion of one or more baseball pitch types is provided. The device includes a main body with a central portion and first and second end portions provided on the upper and lower ends of the central portion to define an elongated cylindrical shape. The device can also include a guide strip provided on the exterior surface of the main body and extending vertically along the central portion. The device may by thrown by a user using the same form and mechanics as a traditional baseball and can be used to train proper throwing mechanics by allowing a user to visually identify the rotational axis of the pitch after release. The elongated shape and increased height of the device enables a user to easily identify the rotational axis and make adjustments until proper mechanics are achieved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[own This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/725,704, filed on Aug. 31, 2018, to Brent L. Holman, entitled “Baseball Pitching Training Device,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball pitchers, especially younger pitchers, often have difficulty learning to properly throw “off-speed” type pitches, such as breaking balls and changeups. Proper mechanics and form for these types of pitches can be difficult to repeat consistently, and it can often be difficult for pitchers to visualize why a pitch might be thrown improperly or inefficiently. Accordingly, a need exists for a baseball pitching training device that can assist users in teaching the proper technique, feel, and mechanics for throwing breaking ball and changeup pitches. Additionally, a need exists for such a training device that can enable the user to receive visual feedback as to whether the pitch was thrown properly and effectively.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a baseball training device that can be used to assist baseball pitchers in achieving the correct mechanics, grip, and feel for throwing certain types of baseball pitches, including but not limited to, breaking ball pitches and changeup pitches. The training device of the present invention may be held, gripped and thrown in the same manner as a traditional baseball and can provide instant visual feedback as to whether the pitch was thrown correctly.

According to one embodiment, the training device can include a main body portion having a central portion and first and second end portions located on each end of the central portion. Collectively, the central portion and first and second end portions provide the main body portion with an elongated cylindrical shape having a height greater than its diameter. The elongated, non-spherical shape of the training device can enable a user to visually identify the rotational spin axis of the training device after it has been thrown and inform the user whether the desired pitch thrown with the training device was thrown correctly.

According to one embodiment, the training device can be configured with the approximate look and feel of a standard baseball. The training device can have a circumference around its center portion approximately equal to 9.00-9.25 inches, a diameter at its center portion approximately equal to 2.86-2.94 inches, and a weight approximately equal to 5.00-5.25 ounces. The foregoing characteristics can allow the training device to be gripped and thrown in the same manner that a user would grip and throw a standard baseball.

According to one embodiment, the training device can have a height that is greater than its diameter in order to provide the training device with an elongated, cylindrical shape. According to one embodiment, the training device can have a height of approximately 4 inches. The non-spherical shape can enable a user to easily identify the rotational axis of spin of the training device once it has been thrown to indicate whether the user threw the desired pitch correctly.

According to one embodiment, the training device can include a guide strip provided around the exterior of the main body portion and extending vertically along the center portion and the first and second end portions. The guide strip can be used to indicate the proper locations for a user the place his or her fingers when gripping the training device. The guide strip can also represent a midline axis of rotation for the training device when thrown and provide visual feedback to the user with respect to the rotational axis of spin of the training device.

The training device of the present invention can be gripped and thrown in the same manner as a standard baseball and used to assist a user in developing proper form and mechanics for various types of baseball pitches. According to one embodiment, the training device can be held using the traditional grip for throwing a breaking ball type pitch. The training device may then be thrown by the user in the same manner that a traditional breaking ball type pitch is thrown. The elongated shape of the training device encourages the user to throw the training device with a downhill motion and utilize the proper “hooking” motion of the user's wrist during release of the pitch to create optimal forward rotational spin. Upon release, the elongated shape and guide strip can provide immediate visual feedback as to whether the user achieved the desired vertical and forward rotational spin axis for a breaking ball type pitch and therefore assist in training the user in developing the proper mechanics for the breaking ball type pitch.

According to another embodiment, the training device can be held using the traditional grip for a circle changeup type pitch. The training device may then be thrown by the user in the same manner that a traditional circle changeup type pitch is thrown. The elongated shape of the training device can encourage the user to throw the training device with their hand staying behind the baseball and then pronate during release. The elongated and cylindrical shape of the training device can also provide a greater surface area for the user's hand (and particular, the third, fourth and fifth end fingers) to remain in contact with the training device and encourage greater pronation during release to provide the optimal rotation and spin associated with a circle changeup. In addition, the training device can provide immediate visual feedback to the user as to whether the user threw the pitch with proper mechanics. In particular, when used in connection with the training of a circle changeup pitch, the training device should be released and have a generally horizontal type rotation that symbolizes the desired arm-side run effect of a proper changeup pitch.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawing figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball pitching training device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a baseball pitching training device being held with a breaking ball grip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 5 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being held with a breaking ball grip;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 5 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being held with a breaking ball grip;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 5 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being held with a breaking ball grip;

FIG. 9 is a frame-by-frame perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of

FIG. 5 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being thrown with breaking ball mechanics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a baseball pitching training device being held with a circle changeup grip in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 10 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being held with a circle changeup grip;

FIG. 12 is a frame-by-frame perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of

FIG. 10 illustrating the baseball pitching training device being thrown with changeup mechanics in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the baseball pitching training device of FIG. 1 illustrating the varying rotational axes of a breaking ball in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The present invention is directed to a baseball training device 10 that can be used to assist baseball pitchers in achieving the correct mechanics, grip, and feel for throwing certain types of baseball pitches. According to one embodiment, training device 10 can be specifically implemented to facilitate the training of a proper or correct breaking ball pitch and/or a circle changeup pitch, each of which are commonly known in the sport of baseball. As described in greater detail below, training device 10 can teach pitchers to throw a proper breaking ball or change up by providing guides to the optimal grip for each pitch, by facilitating the repetition of proper mechanics, and by providing instant visual feedback as to whether the user threw the pitch correctly. It is also recognized that training device 10 can be implemented to facilitate the training of many other different baseball pitch types depending on the preferences of the user.

Turning to FIGS. 1-4, a schematic representation of the training device 10 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, training device 10 can include a main body portion 12 having a central portion 14 and first and second end portions 16 and 18 provided at the ends of central portion 14. Main body portion 12 can have a generally cylindrical shape defined at its upper and lower ends by first and second end portions 16 and 18 and central portion 14 extending between first and second end portions 16 and 18. As shown in FIG. 1, first and second ends 16 and 18 can have a generally flattened shape extending generally laterally and perpendicularly across central portion 14; however, in certain embodiments of the present invention (not shown), first and second end portions 16 and 18 can have a more rounded or curved profile, such as that similar to the shape and curvature of a standard baseball, or any other desirable shape or profile. According to one embodiment (not shown) both first and second end portions 16 and 18 have a degree of curvature substantially similar to the degree of curvature of a standard baseball.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-4, central body portion 14 can be generally cylindrical with a constant diameter extending between first and second ends 16 and 18. As also shown in FIGS. 1-4, central body portion 14 can have a generally elongated shape when compared to a standard baseball so that training device 10 has a height greater than its width or diameter to provide a cylindrical (rather than spherical) shape. In addition, in alternative embodiments (not shown), central portion 14 can have a narrowing diameter as it approaches first and second ends 16 and 18, such that central portion 14 provides curvature similar to a standard baseball.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, training device 10 can be configured to approximate the look and feel of a standard baseball. A standard baseball has a circumference of approximately 9.00-9.25 inches, a diameter of approximately 2.86-2.94 inches and a weight of approximately 5.00-5.25 ounces. Accordingly, main body portion 12 (and particularly central portion 14) can have a circumference of approximately 9.00-9.25 inches and a diameter of approximately 2.86-2.94 inches to provide a similar feel to that of a standard baseball when being gripped and thrown by a user. Baseball training device 10 can also have a weight approximately equal to that of a standard baseball (i.e., approximately 5.00-5.25 ounces) to simulate the feel of throwing a standard baseball. However, it is recognized that training device 10 can be configured with a circumference, diameter and weight greater than or less than that of a standard baseball in alternative embodiments of the present invention. For example, it is common for training baseballs to have a weight greater than that of a standard baseball in an effort to increase arm strength of the user, and training device 10 can be designed in a similar fashion according to certain embodiments. Training device 10 can also have other features (such as texture, material, seams, stitches, appearance and feel) that may assist a user in throwing training device 10 with the same motion, mechanics, and feel of a standard baseball.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, training device 10 can have a diameter D approximately equal to 3 inches (matching that of a standard baseball) and a height H approximately equal to 4 inches. The elongated height H (as compared to that of a standard baseball) can be utilized to assist in providing the user with the proper grip and throwing motion of certain pitches and provide instant visual feedback as to whether the user threw the desired pitch correctly, as described in greater detail below.

As further shown in FIGS. 1-4, training device 10 can have a guide strip 20 extending entirely or partially around the exterior of main body portion 12. As shown, guide strip 20 can be an elongated strip (approximately 0.5-1.5 inches wide; however, any suitable width can be used) extending longitudinally or vertically across each side of central portion 14 and each of first and second ends 16 and 18. As described in greater detail below, guide strip 20 can be used to indicate the proper locations for a user to place their fingers and grip training device 10. According to certain embodiments and/or certain uses of training device 10, guide strip 20 can also represent a midline axis of rotation for training device 10 when thrown and provide visual feedback to the user with respect to the correctness of the user's throw. Guide strip 20 may be printed, painted or otherwise integrally formed on the surface of training device 10. Guide strip 20 may be of a color that is similar to or contrasting from the color of the remainder of main body portion 12 in order to provide clear visual feedback with respect to the rotational axis of spin of training device 10. Guide strip 20 may also be configured as a raised surface on the exterior of training device 10 to enable a user to more easily feel guide strip 20 when using it as a guide for proper hand/finger placement. While illustrated in the figures as having only a single guide strip 20, it will be appreciated that the training device 10 may optionally include two or more guide strips 20, for example of differing positions and/or colors, in order to provide multiple modes of visual feedback.

When using training device 10, a user may throw training device 10 in the same manner that a traditional baseball would be thrown so that training device 10 rotates with the same motion and axis of rotation. The elongated and non-spherical shape of training device 10 allows the user to easily identify the rotational axis of training device 10 as it is traveling through the air towards the target. This provides immediate visual feedback to the user and can indicate to the user whether the proper rotation was achieved for a desired pitch. For example (and as described in greater detail below), when throwing a curveball or breaking ball pitch, the user desires to achieve a largely vertically orientated and forward axis of rotation following release of the pitch. Training device 10 allows a user to immediately recognize whether this orientation and direction of rotation was achieved because the cylindrical elongated shape of training device 10. If the desired axis of rotation is not achieved, the user can continue to use training device 10 to practice achieving the proper orientation and directional rotation. After achieving the desired axis of rotation, the user may then apply the exact same mechanics to a baseball. As described herein, training device 10 can have a substantially similar feel (diameter, weight, texture, etc.) to facilitate the ease of transfer between training device 10 and an actual baseball.

Turning now to FIGS. 5-9, training device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as being used in connection with the teaching of a proper breaking ball (or curveball) pitch. As best illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, when training device 10 is used in connection with the training of a breaking ball pitch, the user can grip training device 10 by placing his or her index and second fingers across guide strip 20 on one side of central portion 14 near the lower, second end portion 18, and then place his or her thumb on the opposing side of central portion 14 across guide strip 14. As further shown in FIGS. 5-8, the user's remaining figures can be position beneath the lower, second end portion 18. The grip and finger placement shown in FIGS. 5-8 can be designed to generally align with the finger placement on a baseball for a standard breaking ball grip.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the user can throw training device 10 with the same arm motion and mechanics used to throw a baseball. As best illustrated by FIG. 9, the elongated central portion 14 of training device 10 encourages the user to throw training device 10 with a downhill motion and utilize the proper “hooking” motion of the user's wrist during release of the pitch to create optimal forward rotational spin. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, when gripping training device 10 with the proper breaking ball grip, the user's hand creates a “C” shape around training device 10 and the elongated shape of training device 10 urges the user to get “on top” of the training device 10 and throw it downhill, which is intended to translate to the proper throwing motion and mechanics of a breaking ball pitch. Training device 10 naturally teaches the correct throwing mechanics and feel for a breaking ball pitch, which after multiple repetitions using training device 10, can be transitioned to a regular baseball.

In addition, upon release of training device 10, the guide strip 20 should be aligned with the rotational axis of the tool 10 if the pitch is thrown properly. This, along with the non-spherical shape of training device 10 can provide immediate visual feedback as to whether the user executed the breaking ball pitch correctly. FIG. 13 provides multiple illustrations of training device 10 schematically illustrating the rotational axis angle of a breaking ball. As shown, a near vertical (or 12-6, in reference to positons on a clock face) rotation represents the optimal rotation for a breaking ball. This is achieved when the user throws the pitch with a downhill motion and gets “on top” of the training device 10 (or baseball). As the angle of rotation becomes slightly more horizontal (1-7 and 2-8 axes where the user does not fully get on top of the device), the effectiveness of the breaking ball generally decreases and becomes least effective at a near horizontal (3-9) rotation (where the user releases the pitch with his or her hand on the side of the device 10). Training device 10 allows the user to visually identify the rotational axis each time the user throws a breaking ball using training device 10 due to the elongated and cylindrical shape of training device 10 and guide strip 20. As a result, the user can identify when he or she is throwing a breaking ball with an improper rotational axis (e.g., 3-9 directional spin) and practice throwing a breaking ball with a more optimal rotational axis (e.g., 12-6 spin or 1-7 spin).

Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, training device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as being used in connection with the teaching of a proper circle changeup pitch. As best illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, when training device 10 is used in connection with the training of a circle changeup pitch, the user can grip training device 10 by placing his or her third, fourth and fifth fingers across guide strip 20 on one side of central portion 14 near the lower, second end portion 18, his or her thumb on the opposing side of central portion 14 across guide strip 14, and his or her index finger across second end portion 18. The grip and finger placement shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be designed to generally align with the finger placement on a baseball for a standard circle changeup grip. As further illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, training device 10 can be held in a generally horizontal orientation (as opposed to a vertical orientation as shown with respect to the breaking ball grip illustrated in FIGS. 5-8).

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the user can throw training device 10 with the same arm motion and mechanics used to throw a regular baseball. As best illustrated by FIG. 12, the elongated central portion 14 of training device 10 encourages the user to throw training device 10 with their hand staying behind the baseball and then pronate during release. The elongated central portion 14 and cylindrical shape of training device 10 provides a greater surface area for the user's hand (and particular, the third, fourth and fifth end fingers) to remain in contact with the training device 10 and encourage greater pronation during release to provide the optimal rotation and spin associated with a circle changeup. In addition, training device 10 provides immediate visual feedback to the user as to whether the user threw the pitch with proper mechanics. In particular, when used in connection with the training of a circle changeup pitch, the training device 10 should be released and have a generally horizontal or “Frisbee” type rotation that symbolizes the desired arm-side run effect of a proper changeup pitch.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 12 (and described above), training device 10 can be used to teach pitchers to properly throw a breaking ball pitch and a circle changeup pitch by encouraging proper grip and throwing mechanics for each pitch and by providing immediate visual feedback as to whether the pitch was thrown correctly. Training device 10 can be used in connection with a number of different teaching methods, depending on the particular requirements and attributes of the pitcher, trainer and/or coach. For example, according to one embodiment, training device 10 can be used by throwing a particular pitch (e.g., breaking ball or changeup) in several repetitions (such as 6-8 repetitions, however, any number is considered within the scope of the present invention) with training device 10. After the desired number of repetitions has been completed, the user can then switch to a regular baseball and repeat the same pitch (e.g., breaking ball or changeup) for a desired number of repetitions. The result of using baseball training device 10 can assist in creating the muscle memory for properly throwing the desired pitch and allow the user to continue that muscle memory when transitioning to a regular baseball to train and/or teach the user to throw with the optimal mechanics.

Training device 10 can also be suitably adapted to be utilized in the sport of softball in order to assist softball pitchers in in achieving the correct mechanics, grip, and feel for throwing certain types of softball pitches according to certain alternative embodiments (not shown) of the present invention. According to one such embodiment (not shown), this softball training device 10 can be configured with a circumference, diameter and weight similar to that of a traditional softball, but with an elongated height in accordance with the embodiments described above.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A baseball training device:

a main body portion comprising: a central portion; a first end portion defining one end of said main body portion; and a second end portion defining an opposing end of main body portion, wherein said central portion extends between said first and said second end portions;

wherein said main body portion has a non-spherical shape;

wherein said baseball training device is configured for training a proper throwing motion for one or more types of baseball pitches.

2. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said baseball training device is configured for teaching proper throwing mechanics for a breaking ball pitch.

3. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said baseball training device is configured for teaching proper throwing mechanics for a circle changeup pitch.

4. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said baseball training device is configured to visually indicate an axis of rotation of said baseball training device one thrown by a user.

5. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said main body portion has an elongated, cylindrical shape, and wherein a diameter of said main body portion is generally constant along the length of said main body portion.

6. The baseball training device of claim 1 further comprising a guide strip extending vertically along said central portion between said first and said second end portions.

7. The baseball training device of claim 6, wherein said guide strip continues to extend across each of said first and said second end portions to form a continuous guide strip around the entirety of main body portion.

8. The baseball training device of claim 6, wherein said guide strip is configured to provide one or more visual indicators for the placement of a user's hand and fingers when gripping said baseball training device.

9. The baseball training device of claim 6, wherein said guide strip is configured as a raised surface on an exterior of said main body portion.

10. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said central portion is configured as an elongated cylinder.

11. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said first and said second end portions have a flattened shape and extend generally perpendicular with respect to said central portion.

12. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said first and second end portions have a degree of curvature approximately equal to the degree of curvature of a standard baseball.

13. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said baseball training device has a height extending from an outer edge of said first end portion to an outer edge of said second end portion, and a diameter defined at its central portion, wherein said height is greater than said diameter.

14. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein said diameter is approximately 3 inches and said height is approximately 4 inches.

15. The baseball training device of claim 13, wherein said height is greater than 4 inches.

16. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said baseball training device has a weight of between approximately 5.00 and 5.25 ounces.

17. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said central portion is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter of between approximately 2.86 and 2.94 inches.

18. The baseball training device of claim 1, wherein said central portion is cylindrical in shape and has a circumference of between approximately 9.00 and 9.25 inches.

19. A baseball training device for assisting a user in achieving a proper throwing motion of one or more baseball pitch types, said baseball training device comprising:

a main body portion having a central portion and first and second end portions located on each end of said central portion, wherein said main body portion has an elongated cylindrical shape; and

a guide strip provided around an exterior surface of said main body portion and extending vertically along said central portion between said first and said second end portions;

wherein said main body portion has a height extending between said first and second end portions and a diameter at its central portion, and wherein said height is greater than said diameter.

20. The baseball training device of claim 19, wherein said baseball training device has a weight of between approximately 5.00 and 5.25 ounces.