Patent Publication Number: US-5250016-A

Title: Baseball throwing device for muscle development, rehabilitation and training

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This present invention relates in general to baseball. More specifically, this invention relates to a training device used in developing or rehabilitating the muscles associated with throwing. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Previous invention, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,471 issued on Jul. 11, 1989 to Albert M. Haysoom, was used in training and warm-ups, consisting of a ball with a circle of elastic cord through the ball. To set up, the end portion of the loop is inserted through and around the bar, following which the baseball is inserted through such loop end portion and pulled to create a hitch. The use of this apparatus is to simulate pitching movements for the youth. Limitations of the prior art are as follows: 
     1. By having the elastic tubing through the ball, the hand of the pitcher on the baseball is pinched by the tubing and is constricted from movement. 
     2. The elastic tubing cannot be replaced when wear or damage occurs, since the invention&#39;s cord is undetachable once it&#39;s threaded through the baseball. 
     3. Because the tubing is used for a harness, the elastic band is more apt for damage. 
     4. The previous invention does not allow for additional bands to be attached. 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention has been designed so that it may be used to strengthen or rehabilitate all the muscles associated with throwing. This invention is versatile because it can be used to simulate pitching/throwing along with performing wrist exercises, arm exercises, rotator cuff exercises, shoulder exercises, tricep exercises and more. (note: add additional bands for more intensity) 
     This invention can be used by the little leaguer up through the professional athlete, because the intensity of the workout can be increased by elongating the elastic band and by adding additional elastic bands. For instance, one elastic band may be enough for an endurance workout, but for advanced training, a second elastic band can be attached to intensify the workout. 
     Another object of my invention is the canvas-like harness. The canvas-like material used for the harness provides a durable stronghold when using the current invention. Another object of the invention is the sturdy frame which enables the ball to move freely without elastic band interference; therefore simulating the act of throwing precisely. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the baseball throwing device embodying my invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the hand frame and attachments: 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing various components embodying my invention. 
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 and 3 illustrate an isometric view of the Baseball Throwing Device that can be used to develop or rehabilitate the muscles associated with throwing. 
     The present invention comprises of an official or simulated baseball 1, 1/4&#34; steel or plastic frame 2, padding 4,5, swivel hook 6 which hooks to an eye screw 7. The eye screw 7 has been inserted into a 3/8&#34; W×2&#34; L plastic rod 8. The combination of the eye screw 7 and plastic rod 8 is inserted partially into 3/8&#34; W elastic tubing 9. The elastic tubing 9 is 5&#39; L. Double snaphook 10 hooks to the eye screw 7 at one end and to the harness rings 11 at the other. The harness is comprised of a canvas-like strap 12 and steel rings 11. The strap 12 is looped through the rings 11 and sown so that the rings 11 are secured. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the hand frame and attachments. The hand frame is made of 1/4&#34; W steel or plastic rod 2 in the shape of home plate. The baseball 1 has a 1/2&#34; W×6&#34; L threaded pipe secured through the middle, allowing for the baseball to spin freely on the steel frame 2. The padding 4,5 is for comfort. The swivel hook 6 allows for attachment to the eye screw 7. The eye screw 7 is inserted into the plastic rod 8 and the plastic rod 8 is inserted approximately 1 inch into the elastic tubing 9. 
     FIG. 3 shows the various components of the invention. The baseball 1 is where the user would place his/her hand to simulate pitching or to exercise. Relative to the invention being used for softball, a softball may replace the baseball. The eye screw 7, plastic rod 8, elastic tubing 9 combination can be referred to as an elastic band 7,8,9. The user has the option of using additional elastic bands 7,8,9 for greater tension. Another advantage of having the elastic bands as separate components is that the bands can be replaced if damaged. The elastic bands 7,8,9 will be available for purchase as separate components. The harness 11,12 made of a canvas-like material can be anchored around trees, posts, or other immobile objects that the strap may fit around.