Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: A pitcher's screen comprising a lower screen having opposite ends and a base secured to the lower screen. An upper screen is pivotally connected to the lower screen midway between the ends. The upper screen is movable in relation to the lower screen adjacent one of the ends and in the same plane as the lower screen adjacent the other ends and in the same plane as the lower screen. A ball basket removably connected to the lower screen remote from the upper screen whereby both left handed and right handed pitchers may be protected during batting practice without moving the base and the balls and may be conveniently stored.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus includes a ground frame section with a forward motion restraint attached to the ground frame section. The forward motion restraint will be adjustable such that the forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels on the body of a user. The training apparatus will further include a ball launcher, a foot plate and a trigger attached to the foot plate for activating the ball launcher.

Abstract: A motion training device is comprised of a plurality of targets attached to respective adjustable arms. The arms are attached to a support. The targets define a path for a part of the user's body to travel along. A method for using the motion training device is comprised of moving the targets to desired positions relative to each other to define a preferred path, and moving the part of the body being trained, such as a hand or foot, to strike all the targets in the proper sequence.

Abstract: A throwing exercise apparatus using a sphere with an internal polar passageway to deliver end portions a non-elastic band of which one end portion circumscribes the outer surface of the sphere and extends to the other end portion where they are joined together by a fastener. The band is then joined by an elastic member to an anchor so that in use there is established a path of elastic resistance along a tangential line formed by the wrapped part of a strap mid portion in response to an applied force comprising both translation and rotational motions of the sphere. The motions of the sphere bring about rotation of the internal polar passage in an end-over-end fashion.

Abstract: A portable pitching machine for pitching balls to a batter. The portable pitching machine convertible from a storage mode to an in use mode. When in the storage mode, the portable pitching machine configured for storage within a container. The portable pitching machine having a frame, a plurality of elastic connectors, a pair of uprights extending from the frame, and a pocket for containing a ball. The portable pitching machine having a seat upon which a user sits, wherein interposed between the seat and the uprights is the open top container.

Abstract: A transmitter in a member (e.g. bat) transmits signals when a switch on the bat is pressed. A pop-up apparatus receives the signals. A member in the apparatus prevents an element (e.g. ball) from being popped upwardly in a first positioning of the member and provides for the element pop-up in a second positioning of the member. Normally disposed in the first position, the member is operable to the second position by the received signals. The apparatus includes a housing and a bin pivotally coupled to the housing to hold the element. The bin provides for a substantially vertical element pop-up in a first pivotal position and for an element pop-up with a horizontal component in a second position. In the vertical pop-up, a player hits the ball with the bat. In the other pop-up, the player catches the ball.

Abstract: A sports swing training apparatus, for use with a sports implement, is lightweight, portable, and easily manufactured. A first embodiment of the training apparatus includes a main body member having a core portion with a central opening formed therein, for placement surrounding a sports implement, which may be a golf club. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wings extending outwardly from a central core portion thereof when the body is inflated. In use, the wings provide wind resistance to assist a user in improving his or her swing. In another embodiment, the training apparatus is a unitary member formed from closed-cell plastic foam.

Abstract: A pitching machine that includes a support frame, a ball tube assembly adapted to store and launch the ball. The ball tube assembly is multi-curved and configure such that the ball rolls in the ball tube assembly due to gravity towards a ball rest end for launching. The pitching machine includes a release assembly positioned along the ball tube assembly, the release assembly configured to release the ball from a storage position to a firing position. The pitching machine includes a ball firing assembly positioned beyond the release assembly and along the ball tube assembly, the ball firing assembly configured to launch the ball after being released by the release assembly. The pitching machine includes a control unit adapted to be used by the hitter, the control unit connected to the release assembly and the ball firing assembly to activate the release assembly and the ball firing assembly.

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

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving batting skills, particularly bat directing skills while batting, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the wrist of a wearer and forming a loop, and a bat knob receiving member depending from the elongated member, the bat knob receiving member having a generally circular opening adapted to receive the knob of a baseball bat when the wearer of the training device swings the baseball bat.

Abstract: A portable pitching machine for pitching balls to a batter. The portable pitching machine convertible from a storage mode to an in use mode. When in the storage mode, the portable pitching machine is configured for storage within a container. The portable pitching machine having a frame, a plurality of elastic connectors, a pair of uprights extending from the frame, and a pocket for containing a ball. The portable pitching machine having a seat upon which a user sits, wherein interposed between the seat and the uprights is the open top container.

Abstract: A hand-held ball hitting training device includes a resilient semi-flexible rod bendable upon impact by a bat, a handle component attached on one opposite end of the rod, a ball simulation component attached on the other opposite end of the rod, a hand grip-defining sleeve disposed about the handle component and captured between outer and inner annular collars formed thereon, a securement element fitted over the rod and adjacent to the inner collar of the handle component and having a longitudinal split in a side thereof, and an anchor strap having a first loop portion fitted about the handle component adjacent to the inner collar and seated in an annular recess in the handle component and under the securement element and a second loop portion attached to the first loop portion and extending outwardly therefrom through the split in the securement element.

Abstract: A throwing exercise apparatus using a sphere with an internal polar passageway to deliver end portions a non-elastic band of which one end portion circumscribes the outer surface of the sphere and extends to the other end portion where they are joined together by a fastener. The band is then joined by an elastic member to an anchor so that in use there is established a path of elastic resistance along a tangential line formed by the wrapped part of a strap mid portion in response to an applied force comprising both translation and rotational motions of the sphere. The motions of the sphere bring about rotation of the internal polar passage in an end-over-end fashion.

Abstract: The preferred scoreboard of this invention includes an electronic controller, an antenna, a power source, and commercially available electromechanical display devices, inside a weatherproof case, and two alternative remote control units, one a full function remote control, and the other a partial function, or “umpire,” remote control. The electronic controller includes a microprocessor, an RF receiver section, a power control section, and a display control section. It may also include, and preferably does include, an address selection section and a battery voltage measurement section. The RF receiver section receives pulsed or coded radio frequency signals from the remote controls, and converts them to binary DC signals for the microprocessor. The microprocessor decodes the input and controls the display control section. The display control section controls the switching of power to individual electromagnets in the electromechanical display devices.

Abstract: A compact ball launching activity device has an upper and lower member. The upper member having multiple funnel shaped openings that are positioned on the sides of the upper member. The upper member also has one funnel shaped opening positioned at the top of the upper member. The device includes a launch system having an angled feeder tray and flywheel. The balls enter the side funnels of the upper member and are collected on the angled feeder tray. The balls fall through a hole in the feeder tray to a launch channel. The flywheel propels the balls through the launch channel, up and out of the funnel positioned at the top of the ball launching activity device.

Abstract: A throwing training apparatus includes at least one, but preferably two approximately parallel planar guides that are positioned behind a user relative to a throwing target. The guides have at least a portion that is planar, wherein the throwing target is in the plane of the planar portion. In one embodiment, the planar guides may be configured as tubular arcs of, e.g., approximately 180 degrees, such that the have a C shape. While a user moves his or her hand in a throwing motion, the planar guides provide tactile feedback to the user indicating when the user is breaking a desired planar throwing motion. With repetition of the throwing motion using the present invention, one may develop muscle memory of the proper throwing form, which will enable one to consistently throw with the proper form without the aid of the training apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for teaching a batter to swing a bat in a premeditated plane to and through an invisible target that simulates the point of contact where a round bat will meet and greet a round ball squarely. A batter's training tool that facilitates a batter to swing a bat with finesse, confidence, accuracy, speed and strength. Through repeated practice, the batter becomes physically and psychologically habituated to maintain the correct swing form for improved contact.

Abstract: A swing trailer having a first plate rotatably attached to a second plate and a foot placement device on top of the first plate, and a first stop on the first plate and a second and a third stop on the second plate. The engagement of the first stop with the second and third stops limit rotation of the first and second plates to approximately 90°.

Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for training an athlete to throw a ball. The device includes an elbow guide, ball guide, pole, and base structure. The pole is coupled with the base structure. The elbow guide and ball guide are attached to the pole.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the skills of a sports person comprises two diverging guidelines at least one of which is resilient and tensioned. A reciprocating line extends between and is connected to each guideline whose length is equal to or greater than the minimum spacing of the guidelines and less than the maximum spacing of the guidelines. A ball is connected to and generally coaxial with the reciprocating line, the arrangement being such that when the ball is struck the reciprocating line is moved by its connection with the ball along the guidelines in the direction of their divergence until restrained from further movement by forces imposed on the line caused by the increased spacing between the guidelines and stretching of the resilient guideline(s). The ball and reciprocating line are returned to their starting positions (or positions close thereto) along the guidelines in the direction of their convergence through reactive forces generated between the reciprocating line and the resilient guideline(s).

Abstract: A baseball-training device that improves the accuracy and power of a batter's swing. The device comprises a wheeled base, telescoping vertical stand, and an automotive tire. The wheeled base provides mobility for the device. The telescoping vertical stand has a top arched portion that supports the automotive tire. The telescoping vertical stand also comprises a hinge means and a tensioning means. The tire is capable of being hit by a baseball bat on a marked side tread portion of the tire so that the motion of the baseball bat is resisted by a natural resilience of the tire and the tensioning means. The device is easy to manufacture and relatively inexpensive, thereby making it available to all baseball or softball player enthusiasts. The device is of a durable, long life construction and able to sustain repeated attempts by practicing hitters.

Abstract: A ball-tossing device is disclosed including a declining ball alley having side walls for ball containment, a ball entrance end capable of securing a ball track extension, wherein the ball track extension is bracketed to a rear end for supplying additional balls, a motor assembly for receiving and further containing the balls from the entrance end, a declining front ball track attached to the ball alley for receiving balls from the motor assembly, and an adjustable ball angle deflector at a bottom end of the ball track, wherein the adjustable ball angle deflector allows for an outward projection of balls having varying weights to a user.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving pitching skills, particularly skills relating to a consistent release point while pitching, the device comprising an elongated member which is adjustable in length, and a sensory device secured to the elongated member, the sensory device adapted to emit energy so as to define a space which can be sensed by the hand of pitcher.

Abstract: A baseball practice facility for practicing individual skills in baseball. The baseball practice facility includes a plurality of station areas being designed for receiving users to practice individual skills in baseball. A plurality of walkways are positioned around each of the station areas. The walkways are designed for permitting the users to walk between the station areas. A plurality of ball delivery assemblies are selectively positioned in the station areas. Each of the ball delivery assemblies is designed for launching a ball at one of the users for testing a particular skill of the associated one of the users.

Abstract: A water sliding baseball game is a water-based baseball or softball game. The game may be played according to the general rules of baseball or softball, but includes enhancements to incorporate the use of water, thus allowing sliding and increased fun, while also reducing the risk of injury and pain associated with repeated sliding into bases on grass or dirt surfaces. The game is played on a vinyl tarp having a substantially square playing area and substantially conforming to the terrain or surface over which it is placed. The bases are made of a non-absorbent material. Tubing, with multiple water ports, is routed along the baselines and hooked up to a garden hose. When the water is turned on, it provides a gentle spray all over the infield and outfield areas, thereby providing the proper conditions for instructing on base sliding skills, with the spraying water facilitating base sliding.

Abstract: A backboard panel encompassing a large central section, comprising of baseball bats equally spaced horizontally and parallel to each other. With a parallel rebound horizontal board directly above the central section of bats, and a second horizontal rebound parallel board directly below the central section comprising the bats.

Abstract: A method is provided for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator of the type having at least two wheels and a video display component.

Abstract: A mobile practice device for practicing the swinging motion of a baseball bat includes a holding apparatus (14) and strike zone restriction apparatus (16), the strike zone restriction apparatus (16) being supported by and maintained at a distance from and underlying ground surface by the holding apparatus (14). The strike zone restriction apparatus (16) includes a vertical side wall that restricts the swing of the baseball bat (12) by a practicing batter (18).

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

Abstract: A T.V camera in center field beyond the playing field directed at the home plate along a main axis. The camera senses the baseball in the strike zone. A second T.V. camera directed at the home plate in direction perpendicular to the main axis, which also senses the baseball in the strike zone, but in an area between the front end limits of the home plate. The two T.V. cameras are connected in series and serve to control the scoreboard and show on the scoreboard when the baseball in its passage by the strike zone constitutes a strike.

Abstract: Golf balls having a core including a material formed from a controlled-isomer polybutadiene, a crosslinking agent, and a free-radical initiator, or a reaction product thereof, and a cover having a plurality of dimples disposed about the core, wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene includes at least about 10 percent to 80 percent trans-isomer and no more than about 5 percent vinyl-configuration polybutadiene and wherein the controlled-isomer polybutadiene has both an absolute molecular weight of at least about 250,000 and a polydispersity of no more than about 3 prior to crosslinking. In particular, golf balls having a compression below about 80 without significant loss of resilience can be advantageously prepared with such materials. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: An improved pitching machine is provided. The invented pitching machine may be capable of consecutively throwing balls that each have a different predetermined trajectory, rotational velocity, and velocity, without resetting the machine. The machine may be capable of simulating a pitch sequence, as thrown by a pitcher in a game situation, which may effectively train batters. The machine includes a pair of rotating belts that are vertically spaced and extend parallel to each other and generally horizontally. Once a ball is seized between the belts, the ball is rapidly conveyed by the belts and thrown in a predetermined direction and at a selected velocity. The velocity of the belts may be independently adjusted for imparting a predetermined rotational velocity on balls conveyed by the belts, for throwing balls of different predetermined trajectories. A control system is provided for selecting a pitch type for each ball thrown by the machine.

Abstract: A baseball-like game played within an enclosed mesh net facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action. The inventive baseball-like game is designed to be played in a time span of approximately one hour. The inventive facility eliminates foul zones, and has designated safe zones and home run zones located on the mesh net sides of the facility. Innings in the game are determined by a set number of pitches, rather than by the number of outs generated. Outs that are generated count as points for the fielding team. Walks that occur are counted as points for the batting team.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: A baseball is provided for repeated use with a pitching machine. The baseball has a smooth surface upon which a plurality of dimples or indentations are provided, said indentations being spaced in a regular pattern. These indentations serve to induce turbulent airflow over the surface of the baseball, thereby reducing the drag on the ball and serving to stabilize the flight of the ball. The ball further includes a plurality of slot-shaped depressions formed in a pattern similar to the stitch pattern of an actual baseball and wherein the inner surfaces of said slot-shaped depressions are colored with a dye or paint such that the rotational velocity of the baseball may be observed when the ball is in flight.

Abstract: A swing practicing device trains a hitter, such as a baseball batter, to improve the accuracy and power of his swing. A baseball-shaped target is coupled to the terminal end of a target support, the baseball-shaped target accepting swing impacts without separating from the target support. The target support extends from a base having a rounded bottom surface, the curves of the rounded surface in rotational engagement with the ground. Swing impacts at the baseball-shaped target cause the apparatus to rotate from an upright position to a more horizontal position and then return to the upright position to accept repeated swing impacts. The device can include an inflatable air bladder within the baseball-shaped target and target support, and can include an adjustable weight for its base. The device can also include an adjusting mechanism to adjust the vertical height of the baseball-shaped target.

Abstract: Hitting practice training equipment is disclosed having an hitting instrument such as a bat paddle or racket, an apparatus for propelling a game piece such as a ball or puck in front of an individual holding the hitting instrument, and a transmitter remote from the hitting instrument for initiating the propelling apparatus to propel a game piece in front of the individual. The propelling apparatus includes a receiver for receiving signals transmitted by the transmitter to initiate a game piece being propelled in front of the individual. The individual actuates the transmitter when they wish to initiate the operation of the game piece propelling apparatus, and may send different signals from the transmitter to propel a game piece in a different manner for each of the different signals. The individual may also activate the transmitter using voice commands.

Abstract: A ball/puck automatic shooter apparatus for varying the directions from which the balls/pucks are being launched. The ball/puck automatic shooter apparatus includes a conventional base member, a conventional ball/puck release magazine including a first motor and rollers for holding and launching balls/pucks, a conventional power source, and a conventional vertically-disposed ball/puck feeder member being attached to the ball/puck release magazine, wherein the improvement comprises a dispensing chute being rotatably attached to a dispensing end of the ball/puck release magazine; and also includes an assembly for rotating and positioning the dispensing chute; and further includes an assembly for selective launching of the balls/pucks from the ball/puck release magazine.

Abstract: A transmitter disposed on the hand of an individual sends signals when a switch also disposed on the individual's hand is manually actuated between first and second states. The switch may be disposed on one of the individual's fingers and the transmitter may be formed from integrated circuits and may be disposed on the individual's wrist. The signals from the transmitter are received by apparatus which propels elements (e.g. balls) toward the individual. The individual then attempts to hit the element with a member such as a bat.

Abstract: A manually operated switch on a member (e.g. baseball bat) provides, when closed, for a signal transmission by a transmitter in the member to propulsion apparatus. The propulsion apparatus includes a receiver and a housing which has a hollow passage and supports a ramp. The ramp holds elements (e.g. balls) which are sequentially released into the passage when a detainer is rotated by a release mechanism. The release mechanism is actuated when a receiver in the housing receives signals from the transmitter. When released, the element then moves downwardly in the passage to a propulsion mechanism which may include a pair of rollers for gripping the opposite ends of the element. The rollers are actuated by motors connected in circuits with an energy source (e.g. battery) and variable impedances (e.g. rheostats). The impedance values change in accordance with the manual operation of a knob in the housing exterior.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.

Abstract: Multiple axes are employed to impart predetermined velocities and rotational components to the projected object. Projection of the object may be synchronized with a displayed video image to simulate the throwing of an object. The accurate-automated-multi-axis machine for projecting objects may be employed as an integral component in a projectable object manufacturing process.

Abstract: A high precision ball launch system includes a major link, minor link, drive device, ball release mechanism, and support base. The major link is pivotally attached to the support base and rotated about a major axis by the drive device. A minor axis of the minor link is pivotally attached to one end of the major link. The ball release mechanism is attached to one end of the minor link. The ball release mechanism is preferably positioned on the minor link such that a center of the ball passes through the major axis. The major link is rotated in one direction and the minor link is rotated in the opposite direction. A second embodiment of the high precision ball launch system includes a pair of linear translating drive surfaces, at least one drive device, and a carriage. Each linear translating drive surface includes a linear drive surface, a drive wheel, and an idler wheel.

Abstract: A swing practicing device trains a hitter, such as a baseball batter, to improve the accuracy and power of his swing. A baseball-shaped target is coupled to the terminal end of a target support, the baseball-shaped target accepting swing impacts without separating from the target support. The target support extends from a base having a rounded bottom surface, the curves of the rounded surface in rotational engagement with the ground. Swing impacts at the baseball-shaped target cause the apparatus to rotate from an upright position to a more horizontal position and then return to the upright position to accept repeated swing impacts. The device can include an inflatable air bladder within the baseball-shaped target and target support, and can include an adjustable weight for its base. The device can also include an adjusting mechanism to adjust the vertical height of the baseball-shaped target.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for training a player of a game in which an object is projected towards the player at a normal velocity range. Depending on the application of the training method, the normal range of velocity for the projected object in the game is determined. An apparatus is provided for projecting the object at a velocity greater than the normal velocity range. The object is projected towards the player at the velocity greater than the normal velocity range. This routine is repeated to improve ocular conditioning and physical objects of the game.

Abstract: A T.V camera in center field beyond the playing field directed at the home plate along a main axis. The camera senses the baseball in the strike zone. A second T.V. camera directed at the home plate in direction perpendicular to the main axis, which also senses the baseball in the strike zone, but in an area between the front end limits of the home plate. The two T.V. cameras are connected in series and serve to control the scoreboard and show on the scoreboard when the baseball in its passage by the strike zone constitutes a strike.