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&#39;s location on the top surface of the base unit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to training or practice equipment. It finds particular application in a baseball environment as a pitcher&#39;s mound and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is also amenable to other applications where a compact, portable ramp is desired.  
           [0002]    Because practicing is a major component of excelling in any sport, it is critical to a player and coach to simulate accurate game-like conditions while practicing. Specifically, when practicing and warming-up for pitching, it is important for the player to be able to simulate the conditions and variables normally faced in game situations. One very critical component of the game of baseball is the pitcher&#39;s mound. The official rules of the game regulate the pitching mound dimensions corresponding to the sport and more specifically, the league of the sport being played. For example, the height of the pitching mound, the dimensions of the pitcher&#39;s rubber and even the slope of the front of the mound are just a few defined constants that are regulated by the official rules of the sport. When accurately reproduced on a practice field, the pitcher will become accustomed to game-like conditions thus focusing on perfecting the mechanics of the art of pitching.  
           [0003]    Whether due to darkness, winter seasons or inclement weather, many times, actual outdoor field practice is prohibited. Sometimes when outdoor practice is not practical, it is possible to practice indoors. However, practicing indoors is generally not conducive to replicating game-like conditions as the regulation pitching mound is usually not available indoors.  
           [0004]    Prior art workers have devised many types of portable pitching mounds. For the most part, the prior art portable pitching mounds comprise bulky molded fiberglass shells in part, at least, covered with a resilient material, an artificial turf material, or the like. Examples of such mounds are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,306,718 and 4,749,223.  
           [0005]    The present invention overcomes problems in the prior art and others.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a practice device includes a base unit having a top surface, a 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&#39;s location on the top surface of the base unit.  
           [0007]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a handle connected to, integral with, or molded into the base unit.  
           [0008]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device further includes a carrying strap connected to the base unit.  
           [0009]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ramp is collapsible from the extended orientation to the storage orientation where the ramp in the storage orientation is comparably sized to the base unit.  
           [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises a home plate removably attached to the base unit.  
           [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises a means for measuring a distance from a designated location on the base unit to a location on a playing surface such as a tape measure and the like.  
           [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises a means for anchoring the base unit to a playing surface such as a spike, rubber mat, and the like.  
           [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, designating means comprises a pitching rubber such as a replaceable rubber corresponding to the practice event.  
           [0014]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a portable pitching mound includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a connected handle. A ramp is removably connected to the upper surface and angles between the upper surface of the base and a playing surface. A pitching rubber is connected to the upper surface of the base and a retractable measuring device is provided that measures a distance from the pitching rubber to a location on a playing surface.  
           [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the pitching mound includes a height adjusting mechanism connected to the lower surface of the base.  
           [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the ramp is collapsible.  
           [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the base includes a lateral movement inhibitor such as a spike, a non-slip pad and the like.  
           [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a device comprises a platform, and a collapsible ramp removably connected to one side of the platform where the collapsible ramp forms a top to the platform when the device is in a stored configuration. A pitching rubber is connected to said platform and a target such as a home plate is removably attached to the platform opposite the collapsible ramp. A measuring device capable of measuring a distance between the pitching rubber and the target when the device is deployed on a playing surface is also provided. Operatively connected to the device, a means for reducing slippage, such as a rubber pad, is also included.  
           [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the measuring device includes a tape measure and the like.  
           [0020]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, means for reducing slippage includes a spike and the like.  
           [0021]    The above aspects and other embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention are more readily understood from a review of the attached drawings and the accompanying specification and claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components. The drawings are only for the purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus that suitably practices an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary collapsible ramp.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus with a collapsible ramp in a stored position.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus in relation to a home plate.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus with a home plate in a stored position.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus assembled with a hinged ramp.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus including an adapter. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    Referring to FIG. 1, a portable pitching mound generally indicated by reference number  100  includes a base unit  102 , a pitching rubber  104  and a collapsible ramp  106  constructed of multiple individual sections  108 ,  110 .  
         [0031]    The base unit  102  is preferably rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, dimension A is 76 centimeters (30 inches). The width of the base unit  102 , dimension B, of the present embodiment is 84 centimeters (33 inches). It is understood that the dimensions of the base unit  102  may vary without changing the scope of the invention.  
         [0032]    The base unit  102  is constructed from a lightweight plastic material. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the base unit  102  may be constructed from other suitable materials including, but not limited to, rubber, fiberglass, polymer, wood, metal, metal alloy and the like. It is further contemplated that the base unit  102  may be rubber coated irrespective of the base construction material used.  
         [0033]    Referring again to FIG. 1, the base unit  102  includes a handle  112  to increase the portability of the pitching mound when in the stored position. As illustrated, handle  112  is a suitcase type handle protruding from a sidewall of the base unit  102 . However, it is contemplated that the location of handle  112  may vary. It is further contemplated that the type of handle may vary in size and type from the suitcase type handle  112  illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, collapsible handles, carrying straps, cutouts, indented grips and the like may be used in place of handle  112  to effectuate the portability of the pitching mound. Moreover while the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes only one handle  112 , it is contemplated that additional handles or straps may be disposed in a variety of sizes and locations on the base unit  102  to increase the mobility of the pitching mound.  
         [0034]    As illustrated, a pitching rubber  104  is adjustably connected to the upper surface of the base unit  102 . For example, in youth league rules, the pitching rubber  104  has a dimension C of 10 centimeters (4 inches) and a dimension D of 46 centimeters (18 inches). Additionally, the pitching rubber  104  is preferably adjustably mounted with a dimension E of 30 centimeters (12 inches). Alternatively, it is contemplated that the pitching rubber  104  is interchangeable with pitching rubbers of different sizes in order to comply with the rules of the specific sport and league. For example, the dimensional size of the pitching rubber  104  may vary from the youth league pitching rubber discussed above to a professional league pitching rubber which has a C dimension of 15 centimeters (6 inches) and a D dimension of 61 centimeters (24 inches). Additionally, pitching rubber  104  is adjustable thus increasing or decreasing dimension E in order to further adapt to the rules of the specific sport and league being played, for example softball, baseball, kickball and the like.  
         [0035]    Further, the preferred embodiment includes a pitching rubber  104  constructed of a rubber or fiberglass core with a solid molded rubber cover. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the core of pitching rubber  104  may be constructed of different materials including, but not limited to, rubber, fiberglass, polymer, wood, metal, metal alloy and the like.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 1, the height F between the mounting surface of base unit  102  to the top of the pitching rubber  104  is variable to simulate various conditions and to comply with the rules of the specific sport and league being played. Continuing with the example, overall height F is 15 centimeters (6 inches) which is the official height for youth league baseball. It is contemplated that the overall height F can be adjusted to accommodate all sports and leagues as well as future league rule changes.  
         [0037]    In one embodiment, height F is selected via adjusters  114  that may be extended or retracted to level the pitching mound as well as maintain height F. Adjusters  114  are threaded into a complimentary shaped part of base unit  102  or upper ramp section  108 . One ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate that these adjusters  114  could be replaced other devices known or to be discovered in the art including, but not limited to, spacers, spring loaded adjusters, pinned units and the like. Additionally, adjusters  114  are equipped with spikes  116  to secure the portable pitching mound to a playing surface. It is contemplated and understood that the spikes  116  could be replaced with other known or to be discovered anchoring means including non-slip pads, weighted feet and the like.  
         [0038]    Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the collapsible ramp  106  comprises two individual ramp sections, an upper ramp section  108  and a lower ramp section  110 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this collapsible functionality allows the ramp  106  to reduce in length permitting the lower ramp section  110  to be received in the base unit  102  for storage while the upper ramp section  108  fits on top of the base unit  102  forming a lid. Alternately, lower ramp section  110  may be received into upper ramp section  108  for storage. In either case, the upper ramp section  108  of the preferred embodiment has dimensions A′ and B′ generally corresponding to dimensions A and B respectively of the base unit as described above.  
         [0039]    The upper ramp section  108  includes two removable braces  118  disposed on the under side of the upper ramp section  108 . As shown in FIG. 1, the braces  118  are equipped with adjusters  114  as described above. These braces  118  support the collapsible ramp from the pitcher&#39;s physical weight. Alternatively, the braces  118  can be disposed on the lower ramp section  110  or at an interface between the upper and lower sections.  
         [0040]    As best illustrated by FIG. 2, the upper ramp section  108  and lower ramp section  110  are connected together utilizing a tongue-and-groove connecting arrangement. Lower ramp section  110  includes a tapered or angled portion  210  on one end to facilitate uniform contact with the ground or surface on which the pitching mound rests. The opposite end of lower ramp section  110  includes the tongue portion  220  of the tongue-and-groove connecting arrangement. Also as shown in FIG. 2, the mating end of the upper ramp section  108  includes the groove portion  230  of the tongue-and-groove connecting arrangement. Once the two sections are physically connected forming the tongue-and-groove bond, pinholes  120  are aligned between the sections. Pins  240  are inserted through the pinholes  120  to secure the bond between the ramp sections thus forming continuity between the sections. Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes the tongue-and-groove technique of connecting the ramp sections, it is contemplated that additional connecting techniques could be used to form a continuous slope from the multiple ramp sections  108 ,  110 . Artisans can appreciate that lower ramp section  110  may alternatively be press-fit, snapped, Velcroed, pinned and the like to upper ramp section  108 .  
         [0041]    Continued reference to FIG. 2 illustrates the same pinned arrangement to secure the upper portion  250  of the upper ramp section  108  to the base unit  102 . Once the upper ramp section  108  is physically connected to the base unit  102  as shown in FIG. 2, the pinholes  120  are aligned between the sections. Pins  240  are inserted through the pinholes  120  to secure the bond between the sections. Although the preferred embodiment utilizes the pinning technique of connecting the upper ramp section  108  to the base unit  102 , it is contemplated that additional connecting techniques could be used to lock the sections together. In other embodiments, the upper ramp section  108  is press-fit, snapped, Velcroed and the like to bond the connection. One skilled in the art can appreciate the numerous techniques of connecting the upper ramp section  108  to the base unit  102 .  
         [0042]    Although two ramp sections are illustrated, it is contemplated that the slope could be formed utilizing any number of collapsible ramp sections. In the alternative embodiments, the ramp sections may utilize the same locking arrangement as described herein. Additionally, all connecting arrangements described herein may be utilized regardless of the number of ramp sections included.  
         [0043]    Now referring to FIG. 3 and as previously described herein, a lid  310  to base unit  102  is created by the upper ramp section  108  when the collapsible ramp is in the stored position. Continued reference to FIG. 3 shows that the base unit  102  of the preferred embodiment includes a measuring device  320  to accurately measure distances when assembling and setting up the pitching mound  100  on a playing surface. The measuring device  320  includes a measurement tape  330  that includes distance measurements corresponding to different sports and/or leagues.  
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the measuring device  320  includes a conventional measuring tape  330  with at least 15.25 meters (50 feet) of retractable measuring tape. The measuring device may be manually rewindable, spring-loaded or otherwise retractable as is known to those skilled in the art. The measuring device  320  and measuring tape  330  enables accurate distancing of the portable pitching mound during set-up.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 4, the measuring tape  330  includes distance markings  450  that correspond to different sports and/or leagues. Moreover, other types of measuring equipment may be substituted with no loss of functionality, such as laser range finders, pre-measured string colored to indicate various distances and the like.  
         [0046]    Continued reference to FIG. 4 shows the relationship of a base, such as a home plate  460  to the pitching rubber  104  in a standard set-up. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the desired distance between the pitching rubber  104  and home plate  460  as depicted by distance G of FIG. 4 is variable and corresponds to the sport and league of the particular sport. For example, the pitching distance G measured from the front of the pitching rubber  104  to home plate  460  for a full-sized field (ages 13 and up) is 18.44 meters (60 feet 6 inches). Alternatively, the distance G is decreased to usually 14.2 meters (46 feet) for players of the age of 9 or 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the home plate  460  is equipped with a cut-out  470  capable of receiving one end of the measuring tape  330  to secure the tape while setting up the pitching mound adjustable to any length and height.  
         [0047]    Now referring to FIG. 5, home plate  460  stores on the underside of the base unit  102 . The home plate  460  includes Velcro which mates to Velcro on the underside of the base unit  102  causing the home plate  460  to be removably attached. One skilled in the art can appreciate that other forms of attaching may be utilized including, but not limited to, press-fit, snaps, guide rails and the like.  
         [0048]    Another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6 shows that lower ramp section  110 ′ may be permanently hinged to upper ramp section  108 ′ allowing the collapsible ramp to fold onto itself for storage. In this embodiment, the lower ramp section  110 ′ is connected to the upper ramp section  108 ′ by a hinge  610 . Similarly, upper ramp section  108 ′ is connected to the base unit  102 ′ by a hinge  620 . In this embodiment, the lower ramp section  110 ′ is hinged onto the upper ramp section  108 ′. The upper ramp section  108 ′ is then folded onto the top of the base unit  102  to form a lid on the base unit  102 ′ as shown in as previously described and illustrated in FIG. 3.  
         [0049]    As illustrated by FIG. 7, an optional adapter  710  connects to the base unit  102  opposite the collapsible ramp  108 ,  110 . The adapter  710  creates additional area on the pitching surface to compensate for taller users. An L-shaped locking mechanism  720  is used to connect the adapter  710  to the base unit  102 . Although an L-shaped locking mechanism  720  is illustrated, one ordinarily skilled in the art would appreciate that other attachment mechanisms may be used to fix the adapter  710  to the base unit  102 .  
         [0050]    The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments and selected alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to persons ordinarily skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description of the invention. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.