Abstract: A rebounding device for sports balls including a frame defining a frame opening, a net disposed within the frame opening, a cable extending around a perimeter of the net and a cable tensioning system configured to tension the cable around the perimeter of the net and thereby pull the net taut within the frame opening.

Abstract: A training apparatus for baseball training includes a base and training attachments that may be attached to the base to allow a user to practice a variety of training techniques. The base may be modular so that it has an adjustable width and disassembles into separate components. At least one training attachment is designed to train a batter to properly incorporate thrust into a swinging motion when swinging a baseball bat. The attachment has a pivotally mounted member with a contact element attached to the top end of the member. The member pivots forward and downward when the user's knee contacts the contact element when properly executing a swinging motion. Thus, the training attachment provides direct and immediate feedback to the user regarding the user's batting form. Other training attachments may be used for hitting balls and for pitching to targets strategically placed around a strike zone.

Abstract: Described herein are illustrative embodiments of an ice hockey target training apparatus for training users to shoot pucks into a standard sized NHL goal, and methods for retrieving pucks from behind such apparatus. The apparatus may include a blocking surface including a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion coupled by a coupling mechanism. The first blocking portion may be configured to be coupled to a goal and to cover at least a portion of the upper portion of the goal. The second blocking portion configured to cover at least a portion of the lower portion of the goal. The coupling mechanism may be configured to move the second blocking portion relative to the first blocking portion to access the base of the goal to retrieve the scoring media from within the goal while the first blocking portion remains coupled to the goal.

Abstract: A baseball pitching training apparatus is for practicing accuracy and consistency in throwing a baseball or softball. The apparatus has a durable target with a plurality of target zone openings and a plurality of mesh pockets, with one pocket attached to a rear side of the target behind a target zone opening. In use, the user aims a baseball at a selected target zone in order to train pitching situation accuracy and consistency. The target also includes a plurality of apertures along top and bottom edges to facilitate suspension from a structure. The bottom edge of the target can alternately have a sleeve for supporting a weighted insert to maintain the position and shape of the target in a substantially vertical plane when suspended from support structure.

Abstract: Methods and kits for practicing pitching and evaluating pitching proficiency using a backstop are provided herein. In various embodiments, the backstop may include a target-defining assembly to define a plurality of target regions. In various embodiments, a pitcher may selectively throw balls through the plurality of target regions, e.g., based on pitching contexts provided by the balls. In various embodiments, a plurality of baskets may be mounted adjacent the plurality of target regions, to allow a pitcher to track pitches and evaluate pitching proficiency. In some embodiments the pitching contexts provided by the balls are pitching instructions provided directly on the balls.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in practicing pitching and aiming a baseball which includes a target screen having a first attachment apparatus for attaching the target screen to a structure, a first aperture, and a frame attached to the target screen and being positioned at a perimeter of the first aperture thereby reinforcing the target screen around the perimeter of the first aperture against impacts from thrown baseballs. The frame has a rigid construction and defines an opening generally having the shape and size of a baseball strike zone. A plurality of elastic members subdivide the opening, and thus the strike zone, into nine sections to aid a player in aiming for different locations within the strike zone. The opening and first aperture communicate such that thrown baseballs which pass through the first aperture also pass through the opening.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a throwing target method. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.

Abstract: The invention is to help aspiring pitchers develop a better approach to pitching in three ways. 1) Enables pitchers to focus on the part of the plate where they want to throw the pitch. 2) Makes it easier for the pitcher to communicate with the catcher concerning location. 3) Visually reprimands the pitcher for throwing pitches in the wrong location.

Abstract: A training cage for throwing practice, comprises a frame having a height, width and depth. The training cage also comprises a strike zone indicator that defines the boundaries of a strike zone and a pitch locator. The pitch locator is configured such that when the pitch locator is in cooperation with the strike zone indicator, the strike zone is defined by at least one strike area pass through that defines an area that allows a ball thrown within the strike zone to pass through the strike zone indicator and at least one strike area barricade that defines an area that obstructs the ball thrown within the strike zone from passing through the strike zone indicator. Moreover, the pitching cage comprises a target having a target surface that is suspended in a second designated position located behind the strike zone indicator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating baseball strike zone detection. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes transmitting radar pulses by a phased-array of transmitting antennas in a radar beam pattern, detecting reflected radar pulses of the transmitted radar pulses at multiple receiving antennas, calculating multiple positions of a projectile based on detecting the reflected radar pulses, determining whether an incursion through a three-dimensional strike zone characterized by batter-specific settings has occurred based on the multiple positions, and providing an indication of the incursion determination for presentation to a user.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a throwing target. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual representation of and unique, universal definition for a strike zone, said strike zone having a plurality of sub-zones. The strike zone representation allows for a signaling methodology to be developed in which a coach may discretely communicate signals during a game to his pitcher (ex.—baseball or softball pitcher) which request both a specific type and location for a particular pitch, based upon the game situation. Further, implementation of said signaling methodology based upon said strike zone representation allows for a performance factor to be determined for the pitcher. The performance factor may be determined based on results generated through use of the signaling methodology and may provide a universally-recognized gauge or measure of a pitcher's command of his pitches.

Abstract: A foldable device for use in supporting sports nets or the like, the foldable device including: a) a selectively foldable support ring including pivotally secured substantially arcuate sections; and b) a foldable support stand for engaging the ring and having a first open position and a second closed position; and c) at least a part of the ring forming at least one handle when said support stand is in the second position.

Abstract: A training device for ball sports includes a frame member which supports both an elastic surface for rebounding a ball, along with an inelastic surface which absorbs the kinetic energy of the ball and allows it to drop to the ground, which is designed as a combination apparatus that includes both a ball rebounding surface and a ball stopping surface, in order to provide a variety of training activities and which may be transported easily by a coach or an individual using it for practice.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: A training cage for throwing practice, comprises a frame having a height, width and depth. The training cage also comprises a strike zone indicator that defines the boundaries of a strike zone and a pitch locator. The pitch locator is configured such that when the pitch locator is in cooperation with the strike zone indicator, the strike zone is defined by at least one strike area pass through that defines an area that allows a ball thrown within the strike zone to pass through the strike zone indicator and at least one strike area barricade that defines an area that obstructs the ball thrown within the strike zone from passing through the strike zone indicator. Moreover, the pitching cage comprises a target having a target surface that is suspended in a second designated position located behind the strike zone indicator.

Abstract: A sensing home plate, structurally assembled from a home plate main body, and a sensing device disposed therein. The sensing device is assembled from a power supply circuit, a signal transmitting circuit, a fine tuning circuit, a signal receiving circuit, and an acousto-optic circuit. The signal transmitting circuit transmits signals, and forms a sensing area on the upper side of the home plate main body. When a baseball passes through or contacts the sensing area causing interference therewith, then a signal is received by the signal receiving circuit, and the acousto-optic circuit emits sound and light as a means to indicate such. The present invention can thus be used in the sport of baseball to accurately determine whether or not the ball pitched by the pitcher is a strike (good pitch) or ball (bad pitch), thereby assisting the chief umpire in making decisions, and reducing judgmental errors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual representation of and unique, universal definition for a strike zone, said strike zone having a plurality of sub-zones. The strike zone representation allows for a signaling methodology to be developed in which a coach may discretely communicate signals during a game to his pitcher (ex.—baseball or softball pitcher) which request both a specific type and location for a particular pitch, based upon the game situation. Further, implementation of said signaling methodology based upon said strike zone representation allows for a performance factor to be determined for the pitcher. The performance factor may be determined based on results generated through use of the signaling methodology and may provide a universally-recognized gauge or measure of a pitcher's command of his pitches.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a throwing target. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.

Abstract: A practice device for training baseball players, softball players, and umpires. The device trains batters to help the batter identify when to swing or not swing at a pitched based on a combination of what the ball-strike count is on the batter and where the pitched ball will pass through the strike zone for that batter.

Abstract: A multiplayer game, having rules with aspects of the games of Four Square and Volleyball, is played with an apparatus that can optionally be respectively disassembled and set up.

Abstract: Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.

Abstract: A target apparatus includes a front member. An is aperture formed through front member and there is a collapsible frame member having a first pair of leg members and second pair of leg members, a first one of the second pair of leg members pivotally attached at one end thereof to a first one of the first pair of leg members and a second one of the second pair of leg members is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a second one of the first pair of leg members. A mechanism engages at least one of such second pair of leg members and one of an outer edge of the front member and one of the first pair of leg members for retaining the apparatus in an upright position. A flap is connected along an upper edge thereof to a back surface of the front member for deadening an object thrown thru the aperture.

Abstract: A practice device for baseball/softball players and umpires. It is used to help the hitter identify where the strike zone is and know where his or her sweet spot is located. This invention allows a hitter to focus on the location of each pitch without being distracted with the need to actually hit the ball. It consists of a free standing upright rectangular frame an attached home plate, a loop material catch panel that fits inside the frame. A three colored adjustable loop material strike zone. Plastic baseballs covered with Velcro hook material. Tally rings attached to the top of the frame for scoring and a weighted bat handle for the batter to grip.

Abstract: Provided are articles comprising targets useful in aiding persons desiring to improve their baseball pitching skills. An article according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a target area that corresponds substantially in size with the strike zone in American baseball, and the target area is divided into quadrants each of a contrasting color with respect to one another. A plurality of characters, such as numbers, are disposed about the periphery of the target area.

Abstract: A pitching practice apparatus includes a frame unit having a rectangular frame member, X-axis and Y-axis sensor units mounted on the frame member, a control unit connected to the sensor units and to a sound generating device, and a net body provided on the frame unit. The sensor units are operable so as to form sampling regions for sensing entry of a ball into the frame member. The control unit determines position of the ball entering into the frame member, and compares the ball position with preset parameters to determine whether the ball is a good ball or a foul ball. Ball information determined by the control unit is shown on a display device. The sound generating device is used to generate a sound output corresponding to status of the ball that was thrown into the frame member as determined by the control unit.

Abstract: A portable bucket for carrying baseball equipment (such as bases, gloves, balls) that is attached to a pitching target. The bucket, a bottom mounting bracket, a top mounting bracket and an extendable frame provide support for the pitching target. The pitching target can be folded and snapped to the lower mounting bracket when the invention is being carried. The target is positioned for play by fully extending the frame, unsnapping the pitching target from the lower mounting bracket, rotating it, unfolding it, and then fastening it to the extendable frame. Also attached to the bucket could be tubes for carrying baseball bats or holding a tee for tee-ball, or wheels to assist in transport.

Abstract: An air mattress has a resilient front panel, an opposed rear panel and at least one interior panel extending therebetween dividing the mattress into ball and strike chambers. A ball air valve attached to the rear panel at the ball chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the ball chamber. A strike air valve attached to the rear panel at the strike chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the strike chamber. Signaling devices alert when a strike or ball air valve activates informing a user whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A strike zone trainer is described having a bottom horizontal member, a left vertical upright connected at a left side of the bottom horizontal member, a right vertical upright connected at a right side of the bottom horizontal member, and a top horizontal member connecting top portions of the left and right vertical uprights together. The bottom horizontal member, the left vertical upright, the right vertical upright, and the top horizontal member define a frame surrounding a strike zone for a batter. The trainer includes a left indicator indicating a left edge of the strike zone, a right indicator indicating a right edge of the strike zone, a top indicator indicating a top edge of the strike zone, and a bottom indicator indicating the bottom edge of the strike zone.

Abstract: A game machine that enables the playing of an enjoyable ball game within a limited space, particularly a baseball-related game. This game machine comprises a target (10) on which is displayed wording such as “single base hit”, a ball supply section (20a), a home base (112a) for a right-handed batter and a home base (112b) for a left-handed batter provided in a batting area (110), and a batter's box (114) therebetween. This game machine uses a predetermined evaluation means to detect whether a ball (200) hit by a player (300) using a bat (210) has hit the target (10), and displays an evaluation result on an on-base status display section (60a) and a numerical value display section (60b).

Abstract: A ball throwing practice system for improving a ball player's skills that includes a collapsible support frame having a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs, with the second pair of legs being pivotally coupled to one of the first pair of legs to permit pivoting of the second pair of legs with respect to the first pair of legs. The system also includes a target assembly secured to the support frame for defining a passage therethrough for representing a zone for an accurately thrown ball to pass through. Preferably, the target assembly comprises a pair of substantially horizontally oriented plate members disposed in a spaced relationship, with a lower one of the plate members being located below an upper one of the plate members. The lower plate member may be suspended below the upper plate member by a plurality of cords.

Abstract: A portable baseball pitcher's practice target device having a target panel with sub-target areas representing the upper, lower, inside, outside and center of an imaginary strike zone of a baseball batter. The user of the target device practices pitching baseballs toward the target with the objective of concentrating on the sub-target areas to improve the user's pitching accuracy and skill. The target device has a frame that supports the target and a back panel for collecting pitched balls that enter through the sub-target areas. A powered apparatus is included for returning baseballs that have passed through the sub-target areas and resilient surfaces for returning balls that do not enter the sub-target areas.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a collapsible pitcher's practice cage including a frame and a fabric enclosure. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion. The frame second portion is pivotally coupled to the frame first portion so that the frame second portion is movable between a first position, where frame second portion is substantially perpendicular to frame first portion, and a second position, where frame second portion is substantially parallel to frame first portion. The fabric enclosure includes a rear wall and a bottom wall and is foldably coupled to the frame. Particularly, the rear wall is coupled to the frame first portion and the bottom wall is coupled to the frame second portion so that when the frame second portion is in the first position, the rear wall is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, and so that when the frame second portion is in the second position, the rear wall is substantially parallel to the bottom wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of sports training equipment, particularly to a device and methods for training baseball players. A pitcher's training device in accord with the present invention provides a tarpaulin mounted to a frame. Various targets are positioned on the tarpaulin. Lead lines, which are attached to the frame beneath the targets, are extended out toward the pitcher. The pitcher then throws the baseball towards the target, using the lead lines as a guide to the throw.In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method of training a baseball pitcher is also provided. The frame is positioned around home plate. A lead line is attached to the tarpaulin directly below at least a first target and extended toward the pitcher. A triangle is defined by three targets. A baseball is thrown at the triangle by a pitcher. The lead lines define an alley for the pitcher to throw the ball.

Abstract: A baseball pitching apparatus having an unique light weight tubular steel frame separable into components parts and a fabric drape the makes it easy to transport, erect, use and disassemble. The frame and fabric drape combination hold the target area erect while effectively dissipating the energy and redirecting the baseball without any complicate mechanical or electrical mechanisms.