Ball-suspending device and modified ball

A device for practicing striking a standard sports ball that also has means to be held against gravity and released upon sufficient impact. A ball contains means for both retaining and releasing itself from a mating pivotable, attachment arm that is generally downwardly supported to allow the ball to be suspended above the ground, be struck, released and propelled in a preferred downward trajectory, e.g. a volleyball spike. The ball is usually retained on a minor portion of the upper 75 percent (relative to vertical) of the outer surface of the suspended ball so that its propelled trajectory and the striker's path are essentially not hindered before, during and after the strike and release.

BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to sports employing a ball and, more particularly, 
to volleyball. More specifically, the invention relates to a new device 
for improving one's skills for hitting and/or spiking the ball. 
BACKGROUND 
One of the skills used in playing the game of volleyball is spiking. The 
art of spiking involves one player (a setter) projecting the ball into the 
air while another player (a hitter) strikes the ball forward and downward 
over the net into the opposing team's court. Spiking can be examined in 
three basic steps, the approach, jump, and swing. The approach often 
involves complicated footwork enabling a hitter to put his/her body in the 
most desirable position for contact of the ball. The jump involves 
planting both feet on the ground at the same time while rotating the arms 
backward then forward in a lunging motion to achieve maximum vertical 
leap. The swing will desirably contact the projected ball at the peak of 
one's jump with his/her arm filly extended while snapping the wrist over 
the top with sufficient force to cause the ball to spin forward and 
downward with great velocity. These three steps, coupled with the variable 
of projecting or setting the ball, are very difficult to learn. 
Consequently, it is beneficial to isolate the setting of the ball, 
allowing the hitter to concentrate and focus on the approach, jump, and 
swing. Hence, a need exists to suspend a volleyball in the air for 
practicing the art of spiking. A ball-suspending device must not 
compromise the hitter's safety and it should simulate actual play. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,150 to Daly, Jr. et al. (1990) discloses a device using 
a standard volleyball placed into a plastic mesh bag that is suspended by 
flexible tubing attached to a circular backboard. The commercially 
available Pro Spike Trainer by American Athletics Inc. of Jefferson, Iowa, 
closely resembles U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,150. Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,742 
to Hargreave (1989) shows a device using a standard volleyball placed into 
a plastic mesh bag that is attached to semi-rigid tubing that rotates on a 
horizontal axle. The commercially available Hoop Spike by Riptide 
Volleyball of Yorksville, Ill., employs a four-legged strap that 
encompasses a standard volleyball. The four-legged strap is suspended from 
the top by a single strap that attaches to a horizontal backboard that is 
placed on a standard basketball rim. The Spike Master is another 
four-legged strap device that is commercially available from American 
Athletics Inc. of Jefferson, Iowa. Such a device encompasses a standard 
volleyball and the four-legged strap is suspended by two horizontal straps 
attached at opposite sides. Several of the above mentioned devices borrow 
techniques from the boxer's training device called a "speed bag" or a 
child's game called "tether ball". The speed bag is pivotably attached at 
the center of a circular horizontal backboard. The bag is hit with the 
arms rotating the fists about each other while rhythmically striking the 
front side. The game of tether ball consists of an eight foot pole having 
one end of a six foot rope tied to it's top and the other end tied to a 
playground ball. The game is played by striking the ball on the sides 
propelling it around the pole until the rope completely winds in-ending 
the game. Neither the attached tether ball nor the speed bag retaining 
devices are designed to be effectively hit over the top, i.e., striking at 
a downward angle from the point of attachment primarily on the upper 
hemisphere of the ball relative to vertical. Consequently, retaining a 
volleyball, for use as a hitting device, with mesh bags, straps, tubing, 
etc., creates several disadvantages. For instance, retaining the ball 
prevents the hitter from analyzing is/her progress through examination of 
ball trajectory and/or landing position within the playing field of the 
sport, e.g., volleyball court boundary or baseball foul lines; prevents 
the hitter from familiarizing himself/herself with correct contact; 
introduces the possibility of injury to the hitter by entanglement of 
his/her fingers or hand, or shock from a bat; requires a heavy base or 
strong frame members to distribute the force imparted by the hitter. 
Furthermore, such previously disclosed devices fail to meet important 
criteria--safety of the ball striker and realism of the ball's trajectory. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,950 to Keller (1975) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,390 to 
Dooley (1989) show a different approach whereby a volleyball is cradled 
from underneath on both sides, allowing the ball to be hit and released 
into the opposing court over its struck trajectory. While this method 
simulates a fair degree of realism, disadvantages are evident. First, the 
cradling device obstructs the swing path on opposite sides of the held 
ball presenting the possibility for injury to the hitter's hand and or 
arm, thus leaving little room for error when used by a beginner. Secondly, 
the frame types used for the cradle method do not facilitate easy 
reloading. To reload in the method of U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,950 one must 
lower the telescoping upper half of the device, place a ball in the 
cradle, and then raise the upper half to the desired height without 
disturbing the cradled ball. A step ladder may also be used. This device 
requires a second person to hold the frame at the upright to prevent 
tipping over. Finally U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,390 has a five ball dispenser 
for reloading the cradle quickly, but requires a ladder, which is awkward 
and time consuming. 
Such prior art devices do not always provide sufficient safety while 
simulating actual play. While these devices simulate a degree of realism, 
they compromise the hitter's safety by obstructing the hand-arm swing path 
at the sides and the reloading methods of these devices do not facilitate 
an efficient workout. Also, there is one common element among all of the 
discussed prior art--they all use a standard volleyball, i.e., a 
non-modified volleyball. 
Furthermore, in the sport of baseball or softball, one prior art practice 
device includes a tee supported upwardly from the ground with an upper end 
that cradles a standard ball at or very close to the bottom-most point of 
the lower hemisphere of the ball (relative to vertical), which allows the 
hitter to impact primarily the side surface of the ball. It is unusually 
difficult to propel the ball off the tee in a downward trajectory, such as 
hitting a "grounder," without hindering the hitter's swing path. Moreover, 
the tee provides no opportunity for the hitter to impact a moving ball. In 
any event, a need exists for devices that allow release of a moving or 
stationary ball upon impact accompanied by realistic trajectory of the 
propelled ball, yet still allow convenient loading, positioning and 
retainment of the ball prior to impact and reloading of another after 
impact. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Briefly, the invention includes a ball having an attachment fixture 
releasably attached to the ball that allows supported displacement of the 
ball. The attachment fixture includes means for the ball being retained 
and released from a generally downwardly hanging support having an area of 
attachment for attaching and detaching the ball. The ball is usually 
struck and released (and displaced) from a pivotable attachment arm 
connected to the support, while the ball is suspended above the ground or 
a floor against earth gravitational force. The arm attachment normally 
mates with the outer surface of the suspended ball at single or multiple 
area(s) of attachment, usually located on the upper 75 percent and 
preferably on the upper hemisphere of the ball (relative to vertical), but 
still a safe distance from contact by a ball striker--generally distal 
from the striking position. Usually during operation, the area of 
attachment (which can be a plurality of areas of attachment) in contact 
with the retaining means fixedly attached to the surface of the ball is 
located at least ten circumferential degrees from the ball striker's point 
of impact, i.e., a location generally distal from the striking portion--a 
distance providing sufficient safety for the hitter's swing path 
(including follow-through) to result in essentially no contact with the 
support or attachment arm. 
Preferably, a volleyball is modified to contain a magnetic retaining means 
fixedly attached on a minor portion of its outer surface that allows the 
modified volleyball to be attached to and released from a mating portion 
of the pivotable arm attachment which pivots about the support. Magnets 
and other retaining materials must be of sufficient strength to hold the 
weight of the ball from falling to the earth or floor from the generally 
downwardly directed ball-attaching means associated with or connected to 
the support. The device of the invention can serve as a training device 
where a player (e.g., student spiker) strikes the retained volleyball in a 
pre-struck position with sufficient force to release the volleyball from 
the supported attachment arm to be displaced to a struck position and 
causing the attachment arm to pivot clear of the trajectory path of the 
volleyball and the player's striking path. The volleyball can be 
effectively propelled in a multi-directional manner at a velocity up to 
about 200 miles per hour (mph) by forces as small as a slight tap (i.e., 
sufficient to overcome the anti-gravitational force of the retaining 
means) up to about 350 pounds, i.e., that generated by heavy hitters. The 
device can be operated by adjusting the height of the point or area(s) of 
attachment for the ball (relative to the floor or to a ceiling) to provide 
convenient and rapid reloading of the ball during the course of multiple 
practice strikes. The pivotable attachment arm is raised and lowered by 
support means that may include a sheave assembly having the pivotable 
attachment arm pivoting about the lower end of the sheave assembly and 
flexible rope, cable, and the like, controlled in an tangle-preventing 
manner about the central and/or upper portion to adjust the height of the 
suspended ball for loading and striking. A preferred sheave assembly 
allows the pivotable attachment arm to pivot or rotate through at least a 
360 degree arc, i.e., through a full circular arc that allows the 
ball-attaching end of the pivotable attachment arm to pass through an open 
central portion of the sheave assembly and continue around to return to 
its original position after ball impact and ball release. 
Advantages of the present invention include providing a device that allows 
a hitter to analyze his/her progress through examination of ball 
trajectory and landing position within the playing field of the sport, 
e.g., a boundary of a volleyball court, providing a device that permits 
the hitter to familiarize himself/herself with correct impact of the ball 
within the contact zone, providing a device that allows the hitter to 
practice a variety of techniques with clear-unobstructed swing path, 
providing a device that is quickly and easily reloaded, and providing a 
device or method that can be used by as little as one player or hitter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED DEVICE 
Although, several different types of sports balls can be utilized in the 
invention, FIG. 1 shows the general nature of a preferred embodiment of 
the invention for practicing striking a volleyball, particularly spiking 
the ball, i.e., a spike trainer, which uses a training volleyball 20 
adapted to be attached to and released from an area of attachment 
comprising attachment means such as pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 
which is pivotably connected to support means including a sheave ass'y 40 
used to adjust the height of an attached ball above a floor. The floor can 
be the earth's surface, such as an outside dirt or sand ground surface or 
a wood, asphalt, concrete, etc. surface sometimes located indoors. The 
support means can include the sheave ass'y 40 being suspended by a nylon 
cord 59, and nylon cord 59 threaded through a plurality of pulleys, shown 
hereinafter in FIG. 5, within the support means such as a frame ass'y 50. 
Any conventional means for raising and lowering the ball can be utilized 
in place of the sheave ass'y, including other extensions of the support 
means. Frame ass'y 50 can be slid into a mounting ass'y 60, and mounting 
ass'y 60 can be attached to a pole 91 mounted in some fashion to a floor 
and often supports a net 92. 
FIGS. 2 through 2-DS--Description of Volleyball 
The typical ball modified and utilized in the invention can be any ball 
normally utilized during the practice or playing of a sport such as 
baseball, softball, basketball, soccer ball, tennis ball, and the like, 
and particularly a sports ball meeting the manufacturing standards for its 
intended sport and use. The preferred embodiment utilizes a volleyball. 
The typical volleyball's construction includes a spherical butyl-rubber 
bladder having an air valve laminated therein. A plurality of canvas 
fabric pieces are laid upon the bladder and attached at the valve core. 
Normally eighteen panels of genuine or simulated leather are then applied 
over the canvas fabric with an adhesive solution, creating the outer 
layer. The outer layer may also be stitched into the bladder. The typical 
volleyball's maximum outer circumference ordinarily measures between 25 
and 27 inches, with a weight against the earth's gravitational force being 
in the range from about 6 to about 12 ounces when inflated within normal 
pressures, i.e., about four to about eight pounds of air pressure. 
FIG. 2 shows a volleyball 20 which generally fits the above descriptions. A 
preferred embodiment of volleyball 20 uses simulated leather panels for 
durability and ball retaining means such as one or more flexible magnetic 
panels 21 fixedly attached to the volleyball. In general, the attachment 
fixtures of the volleyball include retaining means for holding and 
releasing the ball usually covering a minor portion of the whole outer 
surface of the ball. This attachment fixture usually encompasses less than 
25 percent of the outer surface, i.e., a quadrasphere or less, and 
preferably less than about 10 percent of the outer surface, such as a 
panel of the ball. Panels 21 can be located on opposite sides of the ball. 
Panel 21 is applied to volleyball 20 with an adhesive solution and is 
centered between two simulated leather panels 22. The flexible magnets may 
be lighter or heavier than simulated or genuine leather, but are usually 
slightly heavier than the covering components of the volleyball. A one 
inch square by 1/16 inch thick flexible magnetic strip may weigh up to 10 
times that of a simulated leather strip having the same dimensions. 
Therefore, it is beneficial to minimize the size of the flexible magnet so 
as not to grossly increase the standard weight of the typical volleyball 
(or other sports ball). Flexible magnetic strips are made by bonding a 
magnetic powder, as for example, Strontium, Barium Ferrite, and the like, 
in a flexible vinyl binder. The magnetism is provided by magnetic poles 
that generally run parallel to the length of the strip. The more poles per 
inch the stronger the magnetic hold when in contact with a mating, 
ball-attaching surface, such as an iron-containing surface, for example, a 
steel surface. Panel 21 may be pre-cut from flat strips by Magnet Sales 
and Manufacturing Inc. of Culver City, Calif. Panel 21, although generally 
of sufficient strength to hold the ball against falling to the earth due 
to its own weight, would preferably have at least four magnetic poles per 
inch on one side, be 1/16 inch thick, and have a surface area usually 
between about 1 and about 12 sq. inches, and preferably between about 3 
and about 10 sq. inches. The above mentioned variables may be adjusted to 
achieve a desired or optimum ball-holding strength when attached to an 
area of attachment such as ball-attaching means on the pivotable 
attachment arm ass'y 30, as for example, a mating magnetic or metallic 
surface such as a steel plate 31 of the arm ass'y 30 shown hereinafter in 
FIG. 3-X. Magnetic panels 21 may be counter balanced by varying the 
bladder thickness and canvas fabric construction to strive for an 
essentially balanced sphere. Other attachment fixtures for the volleyball 
and other contemplated balls useful in the invention include retaining 
means such as hook and loop, suction cup, pneumatic cartridge and tube, 
handsqueeze pump and tube, releasable tacky surface, forced-air 
levitation, snap fastener, plug and orifice, linear fastener and magnetic 
levitation. 
In another embodiment, the releasable attachment of volleyball 20 may also 
be accomplished using any one of the following ball retaining means and 
attachment means. FIG. 2-B shows volleyball 20 that uses a hook and loop 
fastener combination. The loop side retaining means may occupy a panel 21A 
and be applied to volleyball 20 with an adhesive solution. The hook side 
can be located at the area of attachment, for example, replacing plate 31 
(FIG. 3-X) at the ball-attaching end of pivotable arm attachment ass'y 30. 
FIG. 2-C shows another retaining means wherein a simulated leather panel 
23 that has a hole cut out to expose an orifice 28. FIG. 2-CS shows an 
enlarged section view taken along lines 2-CS--2-CS of orifice 28 molded 
into a bladder 26 directly above an air valve 24 and an air valve housing 
27. An attachment means comprising a mating plug 29 adapted to fasten to 
and release from orifice 28 can also replace ball attaching plate 31 (FIG. 
3-X). FIG. 2-D shows yet another retaining means wherein leather panel 23 
exposes orifice 28. FIG. 2-DS shows an enlarged section view taken along 
lines 2-DS--2-DS of orifice 28 molded into bladder 26 at the opposite side 
of valve 24, which would facilitate counter balancing of volleyball 20. 
The above retaining means and attachment means are suitable for holding 
and releasing volleyball 20, but the flexible magnet retaining means and 
the iron-containing attachment means at or about the area of attachment 
are preferred because of their low profile, excellent durability, easy 
loading, and superb release threshold. Due to the relatively rapid release 
of the ball from the ball-attaching means, particularly with magnetic 
materials and other low instant threshold releasing materials, the striker 
encounters minimal inertial forces during impact, thus encountering 
minimal resistance other than that of the ball itself. The retaining means 
fixedly attached to other sports balls and mating attachment means can be 
prepared in a similar manner utilizing specific means readily apparent to 
one skilled in the art for adapting the means for the particular ball. 
FIGS. 3, 3-X--Description of Attachment Arm Ass'y 
FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of volleyball 20 and an attachment arm ass'y 
30. FIG. 3-X shows an exploded isometric view of volleyball 20 and 
attachment means including an attachment arm assembly 30 having a lower 
oriented ball-attaching means 10, an upper oriented pivotable means 12, 
and a connecting means, arm 33. The ball attaching means 12 in FIG. 3-X, 
shows steel plate 31, having a spherical surface matching (contouring) a 
minor portion of the outer surface of volleyball 20 at or about ball 
retaining means 21. Plate 31 can be integrally molded with a relatively 
flexible, shock absorbing material capable of withstanding incidental or 
accidental impacts due to a ball striker, particularly a part of a player 
hand or a bat, and the like. One example is a rubber dampener 32. Dampener 
32 is attached with adhesive or other fastening means over the lower end 
of a vertically oriented connecting means, arm 33, that has an arc usually 
within the range from 100 to 150 degrees about a radius of 2 to 12 inches, 
for example, a 125 degree arc about a 5 inch radius. The upper end of arm 
33 connects the lower ended ball-attaching means 10 to the pivotable means 
12. In one embodiment of the pivotable means, arm 33 is slid through a 
reinforcing collar 34 until it extends beyond the opposite end of collar 
34, the seams of which are then fillet welded the entire circumference at 
both ends of collar 34. A hole 34H is drilled through arm 33 and collar 34 
perpendicular to arm 33. Hole 34H has a diameter such that it creates a 
slip fit for a pivot 35 (such as 1/4-1/2 inch diameter) to be welded 
therein, thus forming a fulcrum portion of attachment arm ass'y 30 that 
pivots (such as by rotation) about a support. Counterbalancing means for 
balancing the weight of the volleyball for producing desired, 
predetermined suspension angles from vertical for the attached volleyball 
can be included in the attachment arm ass'y 30 by extending arm 33 past 
pivot 35. The inside diameter of the upper end of arm 33 has right-hand 
threads to receive one end of a piece of all-thread 37 with the opposite 
end of all-thread 37 having a rubber-coated lead counter weight 38 welded 
thereon. A wing nut 36 is threaded onto all-thread 37 between counter 
weight 38 and arm 33. 
Plate 31 can be fabricated from relative thin iron-containing sheet metal 
plating, such as about 0.01 to about 0.05 inch thick steel, preferably 
having an area equal to or greater than that of magnetic panel 21. It is 
preferred that the ball-attaching surface, such as plate 31 be corrosive 
resistant, such as being treated by galvanization, painting, and the like. 
Dampener 32 is cast in a mold using neoprene rubber having a durameter 
hardness of about shore A: 35-45, which is soft to the touch of the 
hitter's fingers when impacted with moderate energy. Dampener 32 may also 
be cast of such relatively soft materials as natural rubber, butyl rubber, 
EPDM, or a polyurethane elastomer over a lightweight inner-core of 
materials such as fiberglass, plastic, or wood. The shape of dampener 32 
can be transformed from that of plate 31 to form a relative match with arm 
33. The combined weight of plate 31 and dampener 32 is usually less than 
about 1/3 of that of volleyball 20. The distance between plate 31 and 
pivot 35 is normally in the range from about 2 to about 16 inches, and 
preferably about 8 to about 12 inches. The connecting means can be 
flexible or rigid material, for example, arm 33, as well as a collar 34, 
are preferably fabricated using a metal-containing bar or tubing such as 
cylindrical aluminum tubing. Pivot 35 can be made with, for instance, 
plastics or solid metals, such as aluminum cylindrical stock. All such 
parts may also be made of injection molded plastic, machined plastic, 
hardwood, steel, or any type of composite material having the strength to 
endure the stresses they may receive. The weight of counterweight 38 is 
usually greater than that of the combination of plate 31 and dampener 32 
but less than that of volleyball 20. A tension spring, positioned and 
attached between arm 33 and a receiving enclosure 44 (FIG. 4-X) for pivot 
35 so as to equal the desired counterbalancing displacement, may also be 
used in place of counterweight 38. 
FIGS. 4, 4-X--Description of Sheave Ass'y 
FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of volleyball 20, pivotable attachment arm 
ass'y 30, and height adjustment means connectable to the remainder of the 
support comprising a sheave ass'y 40 for raising and lowering the height 
of pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 from a floor. FIG. 4-X shows an 
exploded isometric view of sheave ass'y 40, pivot 35 (from FIG. 3-X) and a 
fragmentary view of arm 33. Pivot 35 is retained with a slip fit clearance 
between lower curved surface clamps 41L and 41R and an upper curved 
surface 44S which are fastened with a plurality of screws 42, thus forming 
a orifice within which pivot 35 can rotate. Alternatively, the orifice can 
be formed as a socket to allow a multi-directional pivot such as a sphere 
or ball shaped pivot (not shown) at the pivotable end 12 of pivotable 
attachment arm ass'y 30. A sheave 43 is held in an enclosure 44 with a hex 
bolt 45 inserted through a hole 44H, and a hole 43H, and fastened with a 
jam nut 47. A flexible string-type communicator such as nylon cord 59 is 
fed into a cord guide 44R around sheave 43 and exits a cord guide 44L. A 
cover plate 46 is placed onto the remaining extending threads of bolt 45 
and fastened with a hex nut 48. Sheave 43, with roller bearings, is a 
conventional item having an appropriate groove width for cord 59. Other 
flexible string-like communicators such as wire, rope, chain, any type of 
strap, and the like, may be used in place of nylon cord 59. Enclosure 44, 
clamps 41L, 41R, and cover plate 46 in the preferred embodiment can be 
injection molded using light weight durable plastic, but may also be made 
of sheet metal, aluminum, plastic, hard wood, etc. 
FIGS. 5, 5-A--Description of Frame Ass'y 
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of support means including frame ass'y 50 
and sheave ass'y 40. FIG. 5-A shows an enlarged section view taken along 
lines SA--SA of FIG. 5. FIG. 5-A shows a removable cap 53 that allows for 
the end of cord 59 to be fed through a hole 52A in a horizontally oriented 
tube 52, and a knot 59K tied to retain end of cord 59. An untied end 59U 
of cord 59 is slipped through a pulley 51. Pulley 51 is fed through hole 
52B and partially fed through a hole 52C, then fastened in place with a 
washer 51W and a hairpin cotter 51P or other equivalent means. FIG. 5 
shows end of cord 59U threaded through open end of tube 52 and fed 
downward into the curved end of a vertically oriented tube 54. Toward the 
lower end of tube 54, end of cord 59U is slipped through another, second 
pulley 51 that is fed through a hole 54C and partially fed through a hole 
54D and fastened in the same manner as described in FIG. 5-A. End of cord 
59U is then fed through a hole 54E into a preferably tubular handle 56, 
threaded through a string-tying means such as latch 58, and exits a handle 
56 through a hole 56H. 
Tube 52 is slid partially into tube 54 and fastened with a bolt and hex nut 
65 through holes 54A and 54B. An aluminum collar 55 is slid over tube 54 
about 12-18 inches from the lower end thereof, and the seams of which are 
fillet welded the entire circumference at each end. The lower end of tube 
54 has male threads to mate with a cap 57 having female threads. Cap 57 
can be mounted to a floor, post, mobile cart, etc., to allow rotation of 
tube 54. Handle 56 is secured to tube 54 in a hole 54E, that usually has a 
downward angle ranging from about 10 to about 90 degrees (preferably about 
30 to 60 degrees) from vertical. Handle 56 is fillet welded in place the 
entire circumference of the seam. Tubes 52 and 54 preferably have an 
outside diameter of about 1.5 to about 4 inches with a wall thickness such 
that frame ass'y 50 members are rigid enough to suspend volleyball 20, arm 
ass'y 30, and sheave ass'y 40 (FIG. 1), with a minimum amount of 
deflection. Nylon or plastic tubing such as materials of PVC (polyvinyl 
chloride), CPVC, ABS, etc., and metal-containing tubing including 
materials such as aluminum, light steel, titanium, and the like, may be 
used for frame ass'y 50. Latch 58 employs a rack and pinion combination, 
of a type commonly used in horizontal window blinds. 
FIG. 6--Description of Mount Ass'y 
FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of further support means including mount 
ass'y 60. A bushing 61 is inserted at each end of sleeve 62, and sleeve 62 
is welded to a bracket 63. Bracket 63 is mounted by sandwiching pole 
support 91 with bracket 63 and clamps 64, then fastened with bolts and hex 
nuts 65. A sleeve 62 has an inside diameter for a slip fit with the lower 
end of tube 54. 
Operation of Device 
Whether the device of the invention is a spike trainer, batting trainer, 
basketball rebound or dunk trainer, and the like, it is adapted for its 
desired use with any type of sport playing field or sport court, such as a 
baseball diamond and outfield foul lines, volleyball court and net, 
basketball court and hoop, etc. and may also be attached to a variety of 
fixed posts, e.g. cylindrical or square-cross sectional posts. 
The game of volleyball is played on a variety of surfaces including sand, 
grass, hardwood, etc. A typical court has a rectangular boundary of 
30'.times.60'. A 3'.times.36' net bisects the length of the court into two 
opposing sides. The top of the net is tightly suspended eight feet above 
ground between two poles at opposite sides of the court. The height of the 
net varies with age and gender. 
FIGS. 1, 3, 3-X, 5, 6, 10 Operation of Frame and Mount Ass'y 
In one embodiment, the spike trainer is fastened to one of the two poles 91 
supporting net 92 with mount ass'y 60 (FIG. 1). The lower end of frame 
ass'y 50 is slid into mount ass'y 60 and retained with threaded cap 57 
(FIG. 5). Volleyball 20 (FIGS. 3, 3-X) is releasably attached to plate 31, 
of arm ass'y 30, with magnetic panel 21 which is fixed attached to 
volleyball 20. Volleyball 20 and arm ass'y 30 are vertically raised to 
desired position above net 92 by drawing cord 59 through a plurality of 
pulleys 51 within frame ass'y 50, through sheave ass'y 40, then securing 
cord 59 with latch 58 (FIG. 5). FIG. 10 shows volleyball 20 may also be 
positioned about net 92 by rotating frame ass'y 50 about a vertical axis 
of support 91 using handle 56. Bushings 61 at each end of sleeve 62 (FIG. 
6) permit frame ass'y 50 to rotate easily with very little friction. After 
attachment of the ball and arrangement of the desired position, the hitter 
may practice the basic fundamentals of spiking. To reload volleyball 20 
the hitter releases cord 59 from latch 58 allowing gravity to lower 
pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 via sheave ass'y 40. Volleyball 20 may 
then be reattached to pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30. 
FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10--Operation of Pivotable Attachment Arm Ass'y 
FIG. 7 illustrates how the unique configuration of pivotable attachment arm 
ass'y 30 facilitates a safe and realistic-feeling during a player's 
impacting of the sports ball. As the hitter impacts volleyball 20, the 
ball is released from pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 at plate 31, i.e., 
at the area of attachment. After the ball is detached from the pivotable 
attachment arm, the pivotable arm 33 pivots upward, clearing the way for 
the hand-arm swing path. Rubber dampener 32, serves two purposes; to 
control and dampen the releasability of panel 21 from plate 31, and to 
protect the hitter's fingers or hand from injury by preventing contact 
with steel plate 31 or arm 33. Arm 33 serves as the vertical pivot member 
with which dampener 32 and plate 31 are held in place, suspending 
volleyball 20. Reinforcing collar 34 adds material and strength to the 
upper end of arm 33 for pivot 35. The length and curvature of arm 33 
facilitates an unobstructed swing path when approaching volleyball 20. 
Counterweight 38, locked in place with wing nut 36, is urged downward 
about pivot 35 by gravitational forces, thereby removing plate 31 and 
dampener 32 from the continuing swing path beyond the initial position of 
volleyball 20. 
In the invention, volleyball 20 (or any other ball used in the invention) 
is suspended from about the area of attachment in connection with the 
support means, preferably at or about the centroid of the area of 
attachment of the ball-attaching means of pivotable attachment arm ass'y 
30, at a predetermined suspension angle formed by the intersection of a 
central ray of an attached ball passing outwardly through both the 
centroid of the area of attachment and the centroid of the retaining means 
on the ball with the vertical central ray of the attached ball. Such a 
predetermined angle ranges from greater than about 0 to about 135 degrees, 
preferably about 5 to about 85 degrees, more preferably about 20 to about 
70 degrees, and most preferably about 25 to about 60 degrees. (In the case 
of multiple areas of attachment extending from the ball-attaching means 
and mating on the outer surface of the ball, the centroid of the areas of 
attachment can be a vector center. For example, when three areas of 
attachment, within the same hemisphere or quadrasphere of the ball, are 
located at or about the vertices of a equilateral triangle, the centroid 
is located at or about equidistant from the vertices. In the case of a 
square or rectangle, the centroid is located at or about the intersection 
of the diagonals.) The suspension angle is predetermined and set by the 
user (e.g., player or striker) prior to impact of the ball. The variable 
positioning of counterweight 38 can control the predetermined angle of 
suspension. Also, the predetermined angle of suspension can be controlled 
by angle-adjusting means incorporated into either the support means or the 
pivotable attachment arm ass'y. Angle-adjusting means can be adapted for 
the connecting means and/or the ball-attaching means in the pivotable 
attachment arm ass'y 30, such as relatively rigid, yet bendable material 
(e.g., flexible metal conduit) in arm 33 and dampener 32, and hinges, 
dials, set screws, and the like, to change the angle of a single or 
multiple piece arm 33 or dampener 32 relative to the ball when it is 
attached. 
FIG. 7 shows pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 at a predetermined 
suspension angle A of bout 45 degrees with c'weight 38 being turned 
clockwise on right-hand threads to its nearest distance to pivot 35. This 
creates the desired orientation for hitting at least partially on the top 
area of volleyball 20, i.e., over the top, normally within a contact area 
95 encompassing a less-than-hemispherical area of the outer surface of the 
ball, thus causing a relatively short, acute downward trajectory (e.g. 
less than about 60 degrees below the horizon). 
FIG. 8 shows pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30 at a predetermined 
suspension angle B of about 30 degrees with counterweight 38 being turned 
counter clockwise on right-hand threads to its farthest distance from 
pivot 35. This creates the desired orientation for hitting on a contact 
area 96 encompassing a vertically oriented, less-than-hemispherical area 
of the side of volleyball 20, causing a relatively longer more horizontal 
trajectory (and even obtuse trajectories, particularly in other sports 
such as baseball or softball). The adjustability of the suspension angle 
allows the hitter to manipulate the device for the least amount of 
resistance, particularly through the striking or contact zone, when 
impacting volleyball 20. This feature permits the spike trainer to achieve 
a high degree of safety (such as reduced risk of injury to player back 
muscles, etc.) while maintaining a realistic feel. 
FIG. 9 illustrates a modified and more preferred embodiment of the sheave 
assembly shown in FIGS. 4 and 4-X. Sheave assembly 70 of FIG. 9 
illustrates a height adjusting means connectable to the remainder of the 
support via an upper sheave apparatus 76 containing pulley 78 and cord 79 
located above the swing path of attachment means such as a rotating 
pivotable attachment arm ass'y 30A (similar to that of FIG. 3-X) after 
ball impact and ball release. Sheave assembly 70 provides lower located 
orifices 36L an 36R in which a pivot such as bolt pivot 35A through 
attachment arm ass'y 30A can rotate about a 360 degree range and thus 
allow the pivotable attachment arm and its ball-attaching means including 
the dampener and ball-attaching plate to travel freely and unhindered 
through a 360 degree arc between sufficiently separated sheave side 
enclosures 72 and 74 that connect the upper sheave apparatus with the 
lower orifices that also provide a fulcrum for the pivotable attachment 
arm ass'y 30A. Of course, bolt pivot 35A and orifices 36L and 36R can be 
substituted with alternative or equivalent pivot means including a ball 
and socket, and the like. Also, a bolt pivot, or other equivalents, can 
pass through an integral part of the attachment arm 30A, such as 
perpendicularly oriented rod 35B (with respect to arm 30A) shown as a 
detached part of FIG. 9-B. Such an integrated pivot rod 35B, having an 
orifice 35C therethrough, can fit between orifices 36L and 36R of sheave 
side enclosures 74 and 72, respectively, so that a bolt pivot can pass 
through the aligned orifices to allow movement (rotation) freely about a 
central longitudinal axis of a pivot bolt through an arc of at least 10, 
preferably at least 30, and most preferably at least 360 degrees, 
typically as a result of ball impact, release and displacement. 
Trajectory variations may also be coupled with different manipulations of 
volleyball spin similar to that of baseball pitchers. Note: Directional 
descriptions such as left or right are in reference to the hitter's point 
of view. FIGS. 9-A1, A2, A3 show contact points, ball rotation, and their 
initial trajectories. FIG. 9-A1 shows contact of volleyball 20 through the 
right side, creating a counter clockwise spin, about an essentially 
vertical axis, that causes the ball to curve left. FIG. 9-A2 shows contact 
of volleyball 20 over the top and through the middle, creating a forward 
spin, about a horizontal axis, that causes volleyball 20 to sink. FIG. 
9-A3 shows contact of volleyball 20 through the left side, creating a 
clockwise spin, about an essentially vertical axis, that causes the ball 
to curve right. The full trajectories of FIGS. 9-A1, A2, and A3, 
respectively, are indicated by long arrows A1, A2, and A3, respectively, 
in FIG. 10 within a volleyball court's boundary 93. When executing spin on 
volleyball 20 in FIGS. 9-A1 and 9-A3, the hand-arm swing path actually 
approaches and continues past the side of volleyball 20. The spike trainer 
facilitates the practice of these methods by providing a clear 
unobstructed swing path at the sides and top. 
Accordingly, the spike trainer of the invention provides a lightweight, 
easy loading, realistic-feeling device that encourages persons of almost 
any age to safely practice and improve upon the various techniques of 
striking a volleyball or propelling several other sport balls such as a 
baseball, softball or soccer ball. The inventive device can include a 
plurality of magnetic balls and various accessories to help a player 
achieve an efficient workout by himself/herself or with an entire team. 
While the above description contains many specificity's, these should not 
be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as 
an exemplification of one or more preferred embodiment(s) thereof. Other 
variations are possible. For example, the arm attachment assembly can be 
pivotably retained from a variety of frame types. In one frame type, a 
fold out frame may be mounted to a wall, with a net backdrop that returns 
the ball, thus creating a spiking cage for off-court warm-ups. Another 
configuration employs a mobile (e.g., wheeled) cart with a boom extending 
upward suspending the ball anywhere on the court: at the net, behind the 
10 foot line, or at the serving line. This cart could also have the net 
attachment and could then be alternately used as a mobile spiking cage. 
Still another configuration would utilize a collapsible, lightweight 
plastic frame that could be bagged and carried to a beach or park and 
mounted to a net support pole. Yet another configuration would utilize a 
horizontal rod hung from the ceiling retaining a plurality of pivoting arm 
assemblies at the net for team drills whereby a plurality of hitters can 
spike the ball. Furthermore, such volleyball-related configurations, such 
as the mobile cart, fold-up frame and spiking cage, can be readily 
modified or adapted for use in baseball, softball, basketball or soccer. 
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the 
embodiment(s) illustrated, but defined by the appended claims and their 
equivalents.