Abstract:
The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training apparatus for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions in the movement sequence of the human body associated with throwing a baseball during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase to conserve stress or strain in the arm and leg muscles. The apparatus has a frame comprising two vertical post assemblies connected at the top by a horizontal cross beam assembly. Light bag weights are suspended from the cross beam assembly and wires tensioned by circular pulley wheels are attached to the vertical post members. The pitcher learns his body mechanics from pitching with the said wires attached to his body and following a pitching line indicated by the light bag weights and gauging his position by calibration marks on the pitching mound.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    NOT APPLICABLE 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    NOT APPLICABLE 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    All too often promising baseball and other sports careers can be cut short due to injury sustained from improper training methods. There is no good reason why this cannot be prevented from happening. 
         [0004]    There are several prior art references related to baseball and in particular teaching a pitcher how to improve his pitching abilities. Representative examples of them can be found in the following patents: Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,883, Williams. U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,078. Hayson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,471 and Hurley U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,395. The Williams patents teach a device that will help a pitcher achieve proper foot alignment as the pitcher delivers the pitch. These patents do not attempt to teach the pitcher how to achieve an efficient, effective and non-stress producing pitching throw. Hayson teaches a method for training and warming up baseball pitchers using a baseball attached to a cord and the pitcher simulating a pitching movement. It does not teach the pitcher how to gauge his body movement within the delivery motion of throwing a baseball. Hurley teaches a device that trains the pitcher in the appropriate alignment of the legs to give them their direct line during the pitching motion to home plate. It does not teach baseball pitchers how to conserve stress or strain to those muscles used in pitching. 
         [0005]    For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an apparatus that can train a pitcher not only in how to pitch a baseball but also in how to do so without incurring injuries as a result of lax and improper training methods. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This present apparatus is a training device to teach a baseball pitcher in the proper body mechanics of how to use muscles associated with throwing a baseball so as to conserve stress or strain to those muscles. This apparatus aims to eliminate recurrent stress and strain to athletes muscles and body mechanics during training. By using this apparatus the baseball pitcher or other athlete can learn how to recognize his body motion and obtain feedback on the forces and mechanics used in pitching a baseball. The present invention is directed to an apparatus to instruct or train a pitcher in the proper body mechanics of throwing a baseball and has been developed to assist students to maximize their throwing potential that satisfies the need to eliminate the repetitive stress syndrome problem of more conventional throwing methodologies. Proper body mechanics are essential to correct repeated delivery of a pitch, control, velocity, and to prevent injury. The apparatus comprises a collapsible frame structure having two vertical and height adjustable post assemblies connected at the top ends of each vertical post assembly by a horizontal cross beam. Three light bag weights are suspended from the crossbeam at defined intervals and can be adjusted for height. The apparatus also comprises a pitching mound which is secured to the ground. Four wires or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords are secured at one end by harnesses to each of the two wrists and two ankles of the trainee pitcher. The other end of each of the wires or flexible elastic stretchable cord is in turn secured to each of four circular pulleys two of which are attached to each vertical post assembly that can be adjusted to vary the tension in the wires or flexible elastic stretchable cords either separately or in coordination with the other wires to provide a resistance means. There are also two mirrors attached to each of the two vertical post assemblies and calibrated markings on the pitching mound to indicate position to the pitcher. The apparatus is designed to be manufactured with different materials and to have an electronic device and software means to provide precise and measurable information to the pitcher. In addition, the apparatus provides a method for a baseball pitcher to learn how to pitch a baseball without incurring injury. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of the training apparatus, showing the primary frame structure in an assembled condition with the component training devices attached thereto. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows the apparatus being used by the trainee pitcher with the wires or the flexible elastic stretchable cords attached to the circular pulleys. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows an isolated view, shown in partial sections, illustrating the mound components. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows an overhead view of the mound platform. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus which shows a portion of the construction of the apparatus that is collapsible and can be reconfigured for height and length. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the harness attached to each wire or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords and the clip that is attached to each of the wrists and ankles of the baseball pitcher using the apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows another view of the apparatus being used by the trainee pitcher with the wires or the flexible elastic stretchable cords attached to the circular pulleys. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    This is an apparatus to teach a pitcher the proper body mechanics when throwing a baseball so as to conserve stress or strain to those muscles used in pitching/throwing the baseball. Specifically it will teach the pitcher the correct body movement to avoid incurring injuries that could jeopardize a baseball career. It will teach the pitcher to become spatially aware of the pitcher&#39;s position and movement of arms, legs and torso throughout the delivery of the pitch in order to avoid injury to the pitcher that may result from improper body mechanics. It will also teach the pitcher to be aware of the forces involved in pitching a baseball in all parts of the pitcher&#39;s body either through feeling the resistance tension in his arms and legs or through diagnostic computerized information displayed on a monitor or through a printout to give precise readings on forces incurred and speed of movement. 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  generally shows a training apparatus to train a baseball pitcher at  100 . This training apparatus  100  has a primary frame structure which includes two vertical post assemblies  128  and  129  and a horizontal cross beam assembly  116 . One circular pulley each of  105  and  106  is attached by a fastening element to the upper part of each vertical post member. In addition, one circular pulley each of  107  and  108  is attached by a fastening element to the lower part of each vertical post member. Light bag weights  113 ,  114  and  115  are suspended from the horizontal cross beam assembly  116 . Each of four wires or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords  109 ,  110 ,  111  and  112  are attached one to each pulley as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 . A pitching mound  117  as shown in  FIG. 3  is inserted on the ground at the base of the apparatus and between both the vertical post assemblies and underneath the cross beam member. The pitching mound has calibrated markings  131  at pre-set equidistant intervals along the longitudinal axis as shown in  FIG. 4 . The pitching mound is comprised of a pitching plate  118 , a landing slope  119  and a backstep slope  120 . A mirror  121  and  122  is attached to each upper vertical post assembly. There are two base members  123  and  124  placed on the ground and into which the vertical post assemblies are inserted. 
         [0017]    In the present specification and claims, the word “elastic stretchable cords” is used in the broader sense to include elongated, highly flexible and elastic elements whether or not they incorporate numerous fibers or strands. 
         [0018]    It is comprised, in part, of a pitching mound  117 , such as is used in baseball, and which can be made from a variety of materials including wood. The apparatus uses a calibrated, non-biased, repetitive approach that by feel allows the user to learn toe-to-finger muscle memory. It is based on fluid movement and the elimination of thought mechanics. It gives the user a specific and adjustable wind amount that engenders both flexible and measurable energy to the ankles and wrists. With the two points of aerial contact to the wrists and corresponding points of contact to the ankles, the user can learn to increase his feel, gauge his improvement and relax his mind. This training apparatus  100  has been designed so that it may be used to strengthen and conserve usage of all the muscles associated with throwing a baseball. This training apparatus  100  is versatile because it can be used to aid baseball pitching/throwing along with performing wrist movement exercises, arm exercises, rotator cuff exercises, shoulder exercises, triceps exercises and more such as leg exercises, and torso exercises. This training apparatus  100  can be used by the little leaguer, up through the professional athlete, because the intensity of the workout can be increased by increasing the tension of the connecting wires or flexible elastic stretchable cords attached to the pitcher&#39;s wrists and ankles. As an athlete gets stronger the tension can be increased to increase output. The subject apparatus provides a training device for a baseball pitcher, which is lightweight, portable, easily erected and can be used indoors in a gymnasium or outdoors on a practice field. 
         [0019]    The training apparatus includes four wires encased in rubberized tubing or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords  109 ,  110 ,  111  and  112  which have a means to be attached at one end and are wrapped around each of four circular pulley wheels  105 ,  106 ,  107  and  108  as shown in  FIG. 2  which can be adjusted for increasing or decreasing of tension in the said wires or cords, depending on the tension desired, and which have a harness  127  (such a those used by mountain climbers to secure ropes) at the other end that attaches either to the ankles and wrists of a person using the training apparatus and that hook onto clips  132  attached to the wrists and ankles of the said person using the training apparatus as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Two of each of the circular pulley wheels  105 ,  106 ,  107  and  108  are attached to each vertical post assembly  128  and  129  and are adjustable as to the distance they are spaced apart with respect to each other on each vertical post assembly. The two upper circular pulley wheels  105  and  106  on each vertical post assembly  128  and  129  can be adjusted in height by being removed and inserted into calibrated notches  130  created in the upper part of the vertical post members. The two lower circular pulley wheels  107  and  108  on each vertical post assembly  128  and  129  can also be adjusted in height by being removed and inserted into calibrated notches  130  created in the lower part of each vertical post member. This allows for height adjustment as required by the pitcher. 
         [0020]    When a pitcher practices a throw of a baseball, the pitcher stands on the pitching mound  117  that is secured to the ground by a securing means. The purpose of the securing means is to prevent the pitching area from shifting during use. 
         [0021]    There are three light bag weights  113 ,  114  and  115  suspended from the cross beam assembly  116 . One light bag weight  114  is suspended above the uppermost ridge of the mound above the pitching plate  118 . Another light bag weight  113  is suspended above the backstep slope  120  at the half way distance down the pitching mound directly behind where the pitcher stands. The last light bag weight  115  is suspended above the backstep slope three quarters of the distance from the uppermost ridge of the mound to the end of the mound directly behind where the pitcher stands. The light bag weights drop down from above from the horizontal cross beam member  116  and can be adjusted for height as required. 
         [0022]    The training apparatus  100  also includes mirrors  121  and  122  attached to each vertical post assembly  128  and  129  along the longitudinal axis to enable the pitchers to maintain alignment along a central position and to gauge their mechanical body motion in pitching the baseball. 
         [0023]    There are calibrations  131  longitudinally marked on the pitching mound to let the pitcher know where he/she is on the portable pitching mound on the backstep slope area  120 , pitching plate  118  and the landing slope area  119 . These calibrated markings are continued on through to the periphery of the landing area permitting the user to check his stride length. 
         [0024]    The pitcher will have each of the four wires or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords  109 ,  110 ,  111  and  112  attached to each of the pitcher&#39;s ankles and wrists at a required tension. The pitcher starts his/her motion at the uppermost ridge of pitching mound  117 . The pitcher will commence movement by having his/her throwing hand in contact with the light bag weight  113  suspended from the cross beam assembly  116  that is directly behind the direction of throwing at the half way distance down the backstep slope directly behind where the pitcher stands. The pitcher will wind his body to throw the baseball and aim to make contact with the light bag weight  114  suspended directly above the upper ridge of the mound. In other words, the pitcher will hit the light bag weight  113  behind the pitcher with his throwing hand and then hit the light bag weight  114  suspended at the front of pitcher with the same throwing hand as the target area for releasing the ball. 
         [0025]    The training apparatus  100  can have an additional embodiment whereby it can also be constructed to have a primary frame structure including a pair of base members  123  and  124 , first and second vertical post assemblies  128  and  129  which are each comprised of one lower vertical post member  101  and  102  and one upper vertical post member  103  and  104  each lower vertical post member  101  and  102  attachable to the respective base member  123  and  124  and an upper vertical post member  103  and  104  telescopically received within the lower vertical post members  101  and  102  and selectively positionable relative thereto to adjust a height of a top end of the upper vertical post member  103  and  104  using rods  133  insertable in holes in the said posts, and a horizontal cross beam assembly including an elongate horizontal cross beam assembly  116  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The top ends of the upper vertical post members are provided with receptacles  125  and  126  for receipt of outboard ends of the horizontal cross beam assembly so that the horizontal cross beam assembly spans between the spaced apart vertical post assemblies at a selected, adjusted height above the floor. The base members  123  and  124  are specifically structured to rest on a flat surface with the extending feet sections providing stability. The frame structure of the training apparatus  100  is fully collapsible and can be reconfigured for height and length.  FIG. 5  does not shown all the components of the apparatus. 
         [0026]    This structure is just one example of elements operable in the training apparatus. 
         [0027]    Another embodiment of the training apparatus will include an electronic measuring device operated by generic software which said electronic measuring device will measure the tension applied to the four wires or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords  109 ,  110 ,  111  and  112  in order to provide the pitcher via an electronic display with information as to the forces tensioned in the said four wires or elastic cords, forces imparted to the wires or cords through the pitch delivery motion of the pitcher and speed of delivery of a pitch. 
         [0028]    In accord with another aspect of the training apparatus  100 , a method of training a baseball pitcher is also provided, attaching four wires or in the alternative four flexible elastic stretchable cords  109 ,  110 ,  111  and  112  individually to each of the ankles and wrists of the pitcher and each wire attached at the other end to each of four circular pulley wheels  105 ,  106 ,  107  and  108 . The pitcher stands on the inclined pitching mound  117  and makes contact with the light bag weight  113  behind the direction of throwing with his throwing hand. The pitcher then executes a winding throwing motion to pitch a baseball. The pitcher makes contact with his throwing hand with the light bag weight  114  above the highest ridge of the mound  117  and releases the baseball at that point of contact. The pitcher obtains information by electronic means or by spatial awareness of his body movement of the manner of his execution of the baseball pitch and learns how to conserve his body from stress and strain incurred through the mechanics of pitching a baseball. 
         [0029]    The previously described versions of the present apparatus have many advantages, including teaching the pitcher&#39;s mind how to control his body. It corrects for the flawed mechanics inherent in the teaching methods used for baseball pitchers. It is an apparatus that allows the user to easily adopt the most efficient, effective and non-stress producing pitching throw based on extensive research of body mechanics and the kinetics of the throwing motion. 
         [0030]    In addition, this invention relates to the field of exercise and training equipment and more particularly to a collapsible, portable, lightweight training device, which can be used with equal effectiveness by either left or right-handed pitchers and can be used indoors in a gymnasium or outdoors on a practice field. 
         [0031]    It is not necessary for all embodiments of the invention to have all the advantages of the invention or fulfill all the purposes of the apparatus. 
         [0032]    While the instant apparatus has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures may be made from the instant disclosure. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. 
         [0033]    In the Summary above and in the Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the apparatus. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the apparatus in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the apparatus, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the apparatus, and in the apparatus generally. 
         [0034]    The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e. contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also one or more other components. 
         [0035]    Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).