Pitching Practice Apparatus and Related Methods

The present application relates generally to a sports training apparatus. More particularly, the application relates to a throwing practice apparatus that is easy to assembly and robust, and that allows a person to practice throwing accuracy without assistance, and methods of using the same.

A key skill in baseball, softball, cricket, football, and relating sports is throwing accuracy. Particularly in the case of baseball and softball pitches, accuracy and consistency of pitches are of critical importance. Pitch location practice is a crucial part of a pitcher's training and development. Training tools for training pitching accuracy are often cumbersome to move and assemble.

Many pitching targets that are presently available also tend to succumb to wear and tear fairly rapidly. The durability of pitching targets is a critical factor for long-term usability. Many current designs lack robust construction and fail to withstand the repetitive impact of high-velocity pitches. Many existing pitching targets use netting as a backing to the target for stopping the ball. The netting commonly breaks down and fails. Such targets do not include features that allow them to withstand the force of repeated impacts from fast-moving baseballs or softballs. As a result, frequent replacements or repairs are necessary, leading to increased costs and inconvenience for users.

Many existing pitching target designs involve intricate assembly procedures, making them time-consuming and labor-intensive to set up. This complexity can discourage frequent usage, reducing the opportunities for consistent training.

Existing pitching target designs also have limitations with regard to stability. Many current pitching targets are prone to tipping over or shifting during intense training sessions, which can disrupt the pitcher's focus and disrupt a session. Furthermore, their instability can lead to safety concerns, such as potential injury from falling equipment.

Portability is a further issue with existing throwing and pitching target designs. The portability of pitching targets is often overlooked in existing designs. Some targets are bulky and challenging to transport, limiting their use to specific locations. This restricts training opportunities for players who require the flexibility to practice in different environments, both indoors and outdoors.

Considering these drawbacks, it is evident that there is a clear need for an improved baseball pitching target that addresses the aforementioned limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome these challenges by introducing a novel design that offers enhanced durability, stability, portability, and ease of setup.

The present application is directed to a throwing or pitching target. The proposed baseball pitching target, as detailed in the accompanying patent application, features a stable base (e.g., having a polygonal base, an H-shaped base, or other appropriate base design), removable wheels for portability, an upright frame that holds the pitching target, flexing shock-absorbing springs connecting the upright frame to the stable base, at least one vertical frame member in the upright frame, at least one removable cross member in the upright frame, and a net with vertical and horizontal sleeves operable to be connected to the upright frame. These components work together to provide a stable and portable target, capable of withstanding high-velocity pitches while easily set up and repair.

The foundation of the pitching target is a base structure having a foot print in a range of about 5 square feet to about 8 square feet. The combination of the base shape design and the inclusion of shock-absorbing springs between the base and the upright frame allows the base to have a reduced footprint without the pitching target tipping over or being displaced during use. The design ensures that the target remains steady during practice sessions. The base may have a polygonal shape (e.g., rectangular, square, pentagon, etc.), a polygonal shape with radiating elements (e.g., a square or rectangle with radiating arms, similar to a Maltese cross), an H shape, a cross shape, or other stable base shape. Additionally, the base incorporates at least two removable wheels, allowing for easy transportation and positioning on various playing surfaces. The portability of the target enables flexibility in training scenarios, facilitating use both indoors and outdoors.

To enhance the target's durability and absorb the impact of pitched balls, at least one damping or shock-absorbing spring may be positioned vertically and connect the based to the upright frame. A plurality of vertically oriented shock-absorbing springs or one or more vertically-oriented springs and other pivoting structures (e.g., hinges) may be connect the base to the upright frame. The springs serve as a damping and cushioning mechanism, absorbing the energy of the thrown ball hitting the target, thereby preventing the pitching target from tipping over and reducing the strain on the target when hit by high-velocity pitches. As a result, the target can withstand the repetitive impact, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacement of the net.

The target may include two cross member between the vertical members of the frame, which form two sides of a rectangular frame for securing a net for the pitching target. At least one of the crossmembers (e.g., the top cross member) may be removable to allow the net to be attached and removed for easy assembly. In some embodiments, both cross members may be removable to allow sleeves in the net to be positioned over both the vertical members and the cross members.

The net used in this pitching target is specially crafted to facilitate easy assembly and replacement when needed. It features two vertical sleeves that pass over the two upright members of the base, ensuring proper alignment and stability. The net also incorporates two horizontal sleeves through which the removable cross members are inserted. The cross members are inserted through horizontal sleeves located on the net, serving as the horizontal boundaries of the target. After placement in the horizontal sleeves, the cross members are connected to the upright members of the base. The upright members may have two sets of assembly holes positioned along their lengths that serve as connection points for both the upper and lower the crossmembers. The assembly holes may be positioned such that the upper and lower crossmembers frame the net and hold it in the proper vertical positions. The crossmembers may have corresponding receiver holes in each end thereof that are alignable with the assembly holes of the upright members. The crossmembers may be connected to the upright members after alignment by a fixation element, such as a nut and bolt combination or locking pin (e.g., a quick release pin, a Clevis pin, a Lynch pin, or other appropriate locking pin design) that is passed through the assembly holes and the receiver holes of the crossmember and holds the crossmember in alignment with the assembly holes of the upright members. The net is properly positioned in the frame when the upright members are positioned in the vertical sleeves of the net, the upper and lower crossmembers are positioned in the horizontal sleeves of the net, and the crossmembers are aligned with the assembly holes and fixed in position by fixation elements inserted through the assembly holes and into the receiver holes at each end of the cross member. The vertical and horizontal sleeves secure the net in place, preventing unwanted movement during use. The net is held secure in the desired position, forming a rectangular shape within the target frame.

In some embodiments, the net may be structured to be taut when installed in the frame. In other embodiments, the net may be structured to have some slack and looseness to add damping and cushioning when a ball strikes the net at high velocity. In further embodiments, the net may have a closed or open-ended tunnel-like structure that allows the balls pitched into the net to be collected at or near a distal end of the tunnel-like structure. In embodiments having an open tunnel-like structure, the balls may be easily retrieved from the open distal end of the tunnel-like structure of the net.

The throwing target described above offers several advantages over prior designs. The base with removable wheels provides stability and portability, allowing for easy setup and repositioning. The shock absorbing springs help minimize the impact on the target, ensuring its longevity and durability. The removable cross member(s) and the net with vertical and horizontal sleeves enable precise positioning and a secure fit that prevents failure and reduces wear and tear on the net. Collectively, these features contribute to a reliable and effective training tool, providing athletes (e.g., pitchers) with a reliable and durable practice tool.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a throwing target that can be assembled simply and efficiently.

It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a throwing target that is durable and requires infrequent repair.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a throwing target having a target net that is secured to the pitching target reliably and that can be quickly and efficiently replaced.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a pitching target that is simple and quick to execute, requiring minimal or no tools.

Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those having skill in the art from the description and disclosure provided herein.

The above-described objects, advantages, and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

The present invention concerns throwing targets that provide several advantages. The throwing targets include a base with removable wheels provides stability and portability, allowing for easy setup and repositioning, shock-absorbing springs help minimize the impact on the target, ensuring its longevity and durability, removable frame elements that allow for quick and efficient installation of a target net, and a target net with vertical and horizontal sleeves enable precise positioning and a secure fit that prevents failure and reduces wear and tear on the net. Collectively, these features contribute to a reliable and effective training tool, providing athletes with a reliable and durable practice tool.

provides views of the throwing target structure.illustrate the construction of the frame, the base, and the connecting springs,and frame support barthat form the pitching target structurethat enables ease of assembly and durability. The target comprises an H-shaped base, with the two armsandconnected by central memberthat together form a stable structure in a relatively small footprint. Armof the baseis equipped with a set of receiversandfor receiving removable wheelsand(see). The wheelsandenable the target to be conveniently moved to various locations. The attachment of wheelsandallow for easy transportation and positioning of the target.

The basehas a shape design that provides stability in a relatively small footprint. The basemay have a polygonal shape (e.g., rectangular, square, pentagon, etc.), a polygonal shape with radiating elements (e.g., a square or rectangle with radiating arms, similar to a Maltese cross), an H shape, a cross shape, or other stable base shape. In the examples shown in, the base has an H-shape. The base includes two side membersandconnected by a cross-member. The base may be comprised of rigid material, such as a light weight metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, or other appropriate material).

Additionally, the baseincorporates at least one wheel receiver for connected to at least one removable wheel for transporting the target. The example shown inincludes wheel receiversand, which may be cylindrical sleeves into which axles of the removable wheels can be pressure fitted. The removable wheelsandmay have bushings (e.g., comprising nylon, urethane, or other relatively smooth, rigid) that surround the axles of the removable wheel, can be pressure fit into the wheel receiversand, and allow the axles to spin with little friction. The removable wheels may have a diameter in a range of about 3 inches to about 6 inches to allow for easy rolling on various playing surfaces.

The damping springsandmay be connected to the cross memberof baseand may oriented vertically and secured to cross-memberby bolts that mate with a complementary receiver (e.g., a nut) in the inferior portion of the spring. The damping springsandmay be connected to the framethrough support memberby bolts that mate with a complementary receiver (e.g., a nut) in the superior portion of the spring. The inclusion of damping springsandbetween the baseand the upright frameallows the baseto have a reduced footprint without the pitching target tipping over or being displaced during use. The damping springs also serve to absorb the impact force generated by high velocity impacts, minimizing potential damage to the target and enhancing durability.

The framemay include two cross memberandbetween the vertical membersand, which together form a rectangular frame for securing a net for the pitching target. At least one of the crossmembers (e.g., the top cross member) may be removable to allow the net to be attached and removed for easy assembly. In the example shown in, both cross membersandmay be removable to allow sleeves in the net to be positioned over both the vertical members,and the crossmembers,. The vertical membersandmay have two sets of assembly holes positioned along their lengths that serve as connection points for both the upper and lower the crossmembers. The vertical members include an aligned upper set of assembly holesandand a lower set of assembly holesand. The assembly holes may be positioned such that the upper crossmemberand lower crossmemberframe the netand hold it in the proper vertical positions. The crossmembers,may have corresponding receiver holes in each end thereof that are alignable with the assembly holes of the upright members.

The upper crossmembermay have receivers in each end thereof that are alignable with the upper assembly holesand. The upper crossmembermay be connected to the upper assembly holesandby fixation elementsand. The fixation elements,may be a nut and bolt combination or locking pin (e.g., a quick release pin, a Clevis pin, a Lynch pin, or other appropriate locking pin design) that is passed through the assembly holesandand the receiver holes of the crossmemberand holds the crossmemberin alignment with the assembly holesand

The lower crossmembermay have receivers in each end thereof that are alignable with the lower assembly holesand. The lower crossmembermay be connected to the lower assembly holesandby fixation elementsand. The fixation elements,may be a nut and bolt combination or locking pin (e.g., a quick release pin, a Clevis pin, a Lynch pin, or other appropriate locking pin design) that is passed through the assembly holesandand the receiver holes of the crossmemberand holds the crossmemberin alignment with the assembly holesand

The net structure(see) may comprise a durable and flexible material, such as nylon, high density polyethylene, and/or other appropriate materials. The net structurefeatures two vertical sleevesandthat are passed over the vertical membersand, respectively. Additionally, the net structurehas an upper horizontal sleeveand a lower horizontal sleevethrough which the removable cross membersandmay be inserted, respectively. The horizontal sleevesandand vertical sleevesandmay comprise a durable and flexible material, such as nylon, high density polyethylene, and/or other appropriate materials. Once inserted, the cross membersandmay be securely attached to the vertical membersand, forming a rectangular framethat holds the netin place. This configuration provides a well-defined throwing target (e.g., a practice strike zone) and facilitates easy replacement or adjustment of the netwhen necessary.

The netfeatures two vertical sleevesandthat pass over the two vertical membersand, ensuring proper alignment and stability. The netalso incorporates two horizontal sleevesandthrough which the removable cross members are inserted. The cross membersandare inserted through horizontal sleevesandlocated on the net, serving as the horizontal boundaries of the target. Theses features allow the netis properly positioned in the frameand secured in place, preventing unwanted movement during use. The netis held secure in the desired position, forming a rectangular shape within the target frame.

In some embodiments, the netmay be structured to be taut when installed in the frame (see, e.g.,). In other embodiments, the netmay be structured to have some slack and looseness to add damping and cushioning when a ball strikes the net at high velocity (see, e.g.,). In further embodiments, the netmay have a closed or open-ended tunnel-like structure that allows the balls pitched into the net to be collected at or near a distal end of the tunnel-like structure.

The present invention includes a method of assembling a pitching target structurethat incorporates the components described above and shown in. The horizontal crossmembersandmay be inserted into the horizontal sleevesand, respectively, to prepare the netfor coupling to the vertical membersand. The vertical sleevesandmay be passed over the vertical membersandpositioning the netthereon. The netmay be positioned such that (1) the crossmemberis aligned with the alignment holesandallowing the fixation elementsandcan be inserted through the alignment holesandand the receivers in the ends of the crossmember, and (2) the crossmemberis aligned with the alignment holesandallowing the fixation elementsandcan be inserted through the alignment holesandand the receivers in the ends of the crossmember. The framecan thereby be constructed with the netreliably and securely attached to the framewithout risk that the netbeing dislodged from the frame, even with repeated high velocity impacts by a ball thrown by an athlete (e.g., a baseball).

After prolonged use of the net, the netmay sustain wear and tear warranting replacement. The netcan be replaced by reversing the steps of the assembly to remove the crossmembersandfrom the vertical membersand, remove the crossmembersandfrom the worn net, inserting the crossmembersandinto a new net, sliding the vertical sleevesandover the vertical membersand, and connecting the crossmembersandto the vertical membersandto reform the framewith the new netattached thereto.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.