Abstract:
A sports training target system is disclosed. The system includes a target anchor having a support post that includes a slight angle in the forward direction. The system includes a target section having at least one target arm which is rotatably secured to the anchor support post. When a ball is thrown by a pitcher and it strikes the target arm, the target section will partially rotate around the anchor support post. The angle in the support post, together with gravity, will force the taret section back to its original position facing the user.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a sports training system and, more particularly, to a practice target system and method for developing accurate throwing abilities for example, of a baseball by a baseball pitcher or football by a quarterback. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In order to succeed in sports such as baseball and softball, a person typically must possess the ability to accurately throw a ball. Such an ability is particularly necessary for a pitcher in either of these sports. A pitcher must practice for many hours to develop and maintain accurate throwing abilities. 
   The traditional method of practicing pitching techniques requires both a pitcher and a catcher. The pitcher throws the ball to the catcher who provides a target with his mitt. This method of training can be successful, but it may be difficult for a pitcher to find second player with adequate skills to assist with the training. This severely limits when the pitcher can practice and for how much time he can practice. In addition, this method of practicing pitching lacks accuracy since it requires the catcher to make a subjective determination about whether or not the ball passed within the strike zone while at the same time attempting to catch a ball traveling at a high velocity. Accordingly, there is a need for a device which can allow a pitcher to practice pitching techniques without the aid of another player that can give the pitcher accurate feedback as to his proficiency level. 
   Once the pitcher&#39;s skills becomes more adept, the pitcher must practice not only pitching the ball within the strike zone, but also pitching the ball within a specific section of the strike zone. For example, the pitcher may want to fine tune his or her skills by practicing throwing pitches that are low and inside. Consequently, there is a need for a device which will allow a pitcher to target points within the strike zone so that he can fine tune his pitching skills. 
   In order to become a proficient pitcher, a player must also practice for many hours. The tedium of repetitive throwing can be particularly difficult to younger players who are just beginning to learn to pitch. It would be desirable to have an apparatus that can keep a player&#39;s interest focused on pitching at the target. 
   Pitchers can be trained wherever there is adequate open space to throw the ball. Training can occur at a baseball field, an empty lot, or even in a backyard. Ideally, a system for training pitchers should be lightweight, yet sturdy, and collapsible for easy transportation and storage. 
   Many practice targets are limited to a single sport. As a result, the targets can go unused for much of the year. It would be an advantage if a training target system could be used for a variety of sports. For example, similar type of repetitive training and accuracy requirements exist for football quarterbacks as for baseball pitchers. Additionally, target practice for shooting fire arms requires aiming practice to improve firing accuracy. It would be preferable if a sports training target system could be adapted to multiple sports. 
   For the above reasons, targets which allow a pitcher to practice throwing a ball have been proposed in the related art. Typical examples of training systems of the prior art can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,803,841 and 5,803,842. However, none of these prior art pitching targets achieve the advantages of the present invention. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a sports training target system. The system includes a target anchor that has an anchor base and a support post which extends upwardly from the anchor base at a slight angle in the forward direction. A target section having at least one target arm is rotatably attached to the anchor support post. When a pitcher or quarterback throws and strikes the target arm, the target section will rotate at least partially around the anchor support post. The angle in the support post, together with gravity, will force the target section to rotate back to its original position facing the pitcher or quarterback. 
   Preferably, the target section has four target arms extending outwardly from a center hub such that the target arms define the four corners of a batter&#39;s strike zone and has a figure of a catcher with a mit in between. Preferably, breakable disks, such as clay skeet disks, are removably attached to the outer portion of the target arms. Therefore, when a pitcher aims directly at the target disk, a successful pitch will result in a broken disk and a rotating target section. 
   Alternative embodiments of the present invention include target sections for football or firearms training. A target section for football may include a figure of a receiver for catching and may have different positioning on the target arms. A target section for firearms training may include figures of game animals on the target arms. 
   The features of the various embodiments of the present system can be used to train the user to locate their throws or shots at specific locations. The system also forces concentration on every throw or shot to hit and rotate the target. All ages and ability levels practice longer and with more intensity, when breakable targets are incorporated with a trainer to add to the experience. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sports training target system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is front view of a target section of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is rear view of the target section of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of a target anchor base. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of a back stop anchor base. 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of a back stop of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a partial front view of the back stop embodiment of  FIG. 6  in an unassembled state. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The components of the sports training target system of the present invention can be best understood in connection with a review of the attached figures. Referring to  FIGS. 1–7 , the sports training target system includes a target which allows the user to train by throwing or shooting at a particular spot. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a sports training target system is disclosed. The sports target system of  FIG. 1  is discussed here in terms of use by a baseball pitcher, however, this system can be used for other sports such as football or firearms practice, as is or with modifications discussed herein. A pitching target comprising a target anchor  40  and a target section  10  is assembled to face a pitcher. A pitcher (not shown) throws the ball toward the target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  on target section  10 . Target section  10  is rotatably secured to target anchor  40  such that if the pitcher throws a ball and hits a target plate  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 , the target section will rotate in the direction the ball is moving. Preferably, target disks  20  can be placed over the target plates and removably secured there. It is believed that attaching breakable disks will increase the interest level and therefore the focus of the pitcher. Preferably, a collapsible and portable backstop  90  is positioned behind the target to stop balls which pass by the target. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , an embodiment of the target section of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the target section includes a center hub  24  and target arms comprising extension bars  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  and target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the target section contains four target arms. In this embodiment, the target plates define the four corners of a batter&#39;s strike zone. However, a target section may be composed of fewer or more target arms. A target section could comprise simply a single target arm. 
   A traditional home plate in baseball is seventeen inches wide, and this defines the approximate width of the strike zone. In this most preferred embodiment for use with baseball pitchers, target plates  16  and  18  are positioned to have centers approximately seventeen inches apart. Similarly, target plates  12  and  14  are positioned to have centers approximately seventeen inches apart. In this most preferred embodiment, disks  12  and  16  are positioned approximately twenty-two inches apart, as are disks  14  and  18 . This approximates a strike zone for a batter of about twenty-two inches in height. 
   Preferably, center hub  24  and target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  are made from steel plate and are cut in circular configurations of approximately four and one quarter inches in diameter. The target plates are preferably welded to the extension arms  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  such that approximately one inch of the bar extends onto the back side of the target plate. However, the plates may be removeably secure to the extension arms if desired. Target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  are shown as round circular plates in  FIG. 2 . However, it should be recognized that these target plates can be of any number of various shapes and configurations. For example, when the target section is intended for use for firearms practice, the target plates may be shaped as turkeys or other game animals. Preferably, target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  can be painted orange, such that they stand out for some distance. 
   Preferably, breakable disks  20  are attached to the forward facing portion of target plates  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  such that they face toward the pitcher. Breakable disks can be attached to the target plates using bands  22 . Bands  22  can be a variety of elastic type bands or other means of attachment including clips, ties, brackets, or other attachment mechanisms such as are known to persons of skill in the art. 
   Breakable disks  20  are preferably clay disks such as the skeet used in firearm shooting practice. However, target disks  20  are not limited to clay disks, but can be made from other materials that would break upon contact with a fast-moving ball. Similarly, although disks  20  are shown to be circular, there is no limitation on the shape or configuration of the target disks. 
   In a most preferred embodiment of the training system for use with baseball, a figure (not shown) of a catcher holding an upward mitt may be positioned over center hub  24  between the target plates. This catcher figure more closely simulates the actual conditions of pitching practice. Similarly, a figure of a wide receiver can be used in embodiment for training quarterbacks to throw footballs. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a rear view of the target section  10  of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A securing sleeve  30  is affixed to the back side of center hub  24 . Securing sleeve  30  in the most preferred embodiment comprises a pipe nipple, approximately 3 inches long and made from 1¼″ pipe. Bearings (not shown) of approximately ¾″ internal diameter can be placed inside securing sleeve  30 , preferably attached by a forced fit. End caps  26  and  28  can be attached to the outside of securing sleeve to insulate the bearings from the weather. End caps  26 ,  28  can be simply washers or other type of simple covers. Extension arms  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38  are secured, preferably by welding, to the back side of center hub  24  on opposing sides of the securing sleeve  30 . Preferably, extension arms are made of round steel bar of approximately ¾″ in diameter. However, other sizes, shapes and materials can be used. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of a target anchor  40  is shown. In this embodiment, the target anchor comprises a support post  42 , an installation bar  44 , and stake portions  48  and  56 . Each of these pieces of the target anchor are made from three quarters inch round steel bar. 
   In a preferred method of manufacturing the target anchor  40 , a two-foot section of three quarters inch bar is welded perpendicular to a four foot piece of round three quarters inch bar at approximately one foot from one end of the four foot bar. The two-foot section is then bent at ninety degrees in the middle, approximately one foot from the four foot bar. This forms the installation bar  44  and the back side stake  56 . That portion of the round bar extending beyond installation bar  44  can then be bent to a slight angle α. Preferably, the angle a is between two and ten degrees. More preferably, the angle α is between about four and about six degrees. That portion of the bar that extends beyond installation bar  44  becomes the support post  42  and the shorter portion becomes the forward stake  48 . Stakes  48  and  56  can be sharpened to have a point  52 ,  54 . In the most preferred embodiment, a stiffening plate  50  can be installed underneath the installation bar  44  between stakes  48  and  56  to give additional rigidity and durability to the anchor base. 
   Preferably, a height adjustment collar  58  is positioned around support post  42 . Height adjustment collar  58  allows positioning of the target section  10  to accommodate players of different sizes and ages, from as small as Pee Wee league players up to the major league players. In a most preferred embodiment, the height adjustment collar  58  is a set collar containing a tightening bolt  60 . Bolt  60  can be loosened to adjust the height and tightened to secure the target section  10  at the appropriate position. Additionally, bolt  60  can act as a bumper for the target section to prevent rotation of the target section beyond about 90° from the forward-facing position. 
   Installation of the target system begins with installation of the anchor base  10 . The anchor base is positioned such that forward stake  48  and support post  42  are facing in the direction of where the thrower will be standing. Rear stake  56  is placed behind stake  48 . Points  52  and  54  are placed in the ground, and one can step on installation bar  44  to push the anchor base into the ground for firm, secure anchoring during use. Height adjustment collar  58  is then set at appropriate position, and the securing sleeve  30  is then placed over the anchor support post  42  and lowered down onto the height adjustment collar  58 . When in position, the target section  10  should be able to partially rotate around the anchor support post  42 , but upon release, should rotate back to a position where the target plates face the pitcher as a result of the forward angle a on the bar and the configuration of the target arms. 
   Preferably, the target system further includes a backstop  90 . Preferably, the backstop is collapsible and portable such that it can be picked up and moved to wherever the target is to be used. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , in a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the backstop anchor includes a support post  72 , an installation bar  74 , and stakes  78  and  86 . Most preferably, the backstop anchor  70  is identical to the target anchor  10  with the exception that the backstop anchor  70  does not include the slight angle a from the vertical. This allows for additional simplicity in manufacturing of the system. Two backstop anchors  70  are utilized in the preferred embodiment of backstop  70 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , vertical net support members  92  and  94  are preferably tubing members. These can be thin-walled metal pipe, PVC pipe, or other similar types of tubing materials. Most preferably, vertical net support members  92  and  94  and elbows  98  and  102  are constructed from nominal three quarter inch rigid PVD schedule  40  n-metallic conduit. Vertical net support members  92  and  94  are preferably approximately six feet long. Elbows  98  and  102  (preferably 90° elbows) are attached to the upper ends  104  and  106  with support members  92  and  94 . Vertical net support members  92  and  94  are placed over ends  88  of backstop anchor bases  70  and allowed to slide down to where they contact installation bar  74 . Anchor  70  can then be placed in the ground at approximately six feet apart. Net  100  of suitable mesh and material such as would be known to those skilled in the art is then placed over vertical net support members  92  and  94 . 
   A horizontal net support member  96  is also approximately six feet in length and made from the same tubing as the vertical net support members  92  and  94 . Preferably, horizontal net support member  96  includes couplings  108  and  100  at opposite ends of member  96 . Preferably, net support member  96  and couplings  108  and  110  are constructed from nominal three quarter inch rigid PVC schedule  40  n-metallic conduit. After installation of the upper portion of net  100  over horizontal member  96 , elbows  98  and  102  are adapted to be received within couplings  108  and  100  of horizontal net support member  96 . Preferably, vertical support member  96  is removably secured to vertical members  92  and  94 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , in a most preferred embodiment, support members  92 ,  94 , and  96  are banded together by elastic bands  120  and  122 . Preferably, elastic bands  120  and  122  are about 14″ long and constructed from elastic bungee cord material. Preferably, elastic bands  120  and  122  are attached internally on one end to horizontal net support member  96  and on the other to vertical net support members  92  and  94 , respectively. 
   In a most preferred embodiment, support members  92 ,  94 , and  96  are banded together as follows. First, elastic band  120  is threaded through a nominal three eights inch flat washer (not shown). A knot is tied in elastic band  120  such that the knot cannot pass through the washer. The end portion of elastic band  120  opposite the washer is then inserted through a coupling  108 . With the washer inside coupling  108 , coupling  108  is rigidly affixed, such as by glue or pipe cement, to horizontal net support member  96 . Next, the open end of elastic band  120  is inserted through elbow  98  and out the opposite side. The open end of elastic band  120  is then inserted through a nominal three eights inch second washer (not shown) and a second knot is formed such that the band  120  cannot be removed from the second washer. Elbow  98  is then rigidly affixed to vertical net support member  92  capturing the second washer inside. This process is repeated to a band net support member  94  to member  96 . In this embodiment, back stop  90  can be disassembled for storage by twisting member  96  and removing it from elbows  98  and  102 . Vertical members  92  and  94  can then be folded to be parallel with horizontal member  96  with the net  100  still attached. This allows backstop  90  to be conveniently rolled up and put away. 
   It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.