Patent ID: 7488265
Filing Date: 2009-02-10
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A training device for throwing a baseball, said training device comprising: (a) a plate assembly, the plate assembly comprising a balance plate and a sleeve, said balance plate comprising a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, a front edge and a rear edge, and a pivot axis extending midway between said front edge and said rear edge, said sleeve being positioned under said balance plate along said pivot axis to cause said balance plate to teeter about said pivot axis, (b) a support member pivotally coupled to said plate assembly, the support member comprising a strike plate which includes a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface and a T-shaped end, (c) wherein said support member further comprises an elongated support arm pivotally coupled to the plate assembly, said support arm comprising a flattened top surface and a flattened bottom surface, wherein the top surface of said elongated support arm is sized and shaped to support the contact surface of said sleeve, (d) wherein said sleeve is hollowed along its length so as to define an interior cavity that is generally rectangular in lateral cross-section, and (e) wherein said support member further comprises: (f) wherein said plate assembly is sized and shaped to teeter on said support member between a first position and a second position, the front edge of the balance plate being spaced away from the T-shaped end of the strike plate when the plate assembly is disposed in its first position and the front edge of the balance plate contacting the top surface of the T-shaped end of the strike plate when the plate assembly is disposed in its second position, and wherein a center line marking is provided on said flat top surface of said balance plate to indicate the location and orientation of a user's rear throwing foot, said center line marking extending along said pivot axis, said center line marking comprising a tape affixed to said balance plate.