Abstract:
A baseball pitching training apparatus is for practicing accuracy and consistency in throwing a baseball or softball. The apparatus has a durable target with a plurality of target zone openings and a plurality of mesh pockets, with one pocket attached to a rear side of the target behind a target zone opening. In use, the user aims a baseball at a selected target zone in order to train pitching situation accuracy and consistency. The target also includes a plurality of apertures along top and bottom edges to facilitate suspension from a structure. The bottom edge of the target can alternately have a sleeve for supporting a weighted insert to maintain the position and shape of the target in a substantially vertical plane when suspended from support structure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 22, 2010, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to baseball training apparatus, and in particular, to an apparatus for training of pitching a baseball. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Baseball and softball have remained popular sports throughout recent history. The pure exhilaration of playing a classic game with your teammates is something that many people cannot resist. However, for one to become skilled at baseball or softball takes a great deal of time and practice, especially when it comes to pitching the ball. More games are won and lost on pitching than almost any other factor of the game. Accordingly much teaching and coaching time is spent on pitching; much to the chagrin of the pitchers, as pitching practice is typically very tedious and boring. 
     One (1) way to improve pitching skills is to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of a pitched ball. Having a coach or other training staff available is one (1) method of observing this skill; however, having dedicated training personnel is not feasible for most players. This is particularly a problem for the young or beginning athlete who is trying to hone their pitching skills in the off-season away from athletic coaches. This need has led to the development of personal training apparatus suitable for practicing and assessing the skills required for being a successful pitcher. 
     While these training apparatus may achieve their intended purpose and objectives, each suffers from at least one (1) disadvantage or deficiency related to design or utilization. Particularly, these apparatus lack specifically designated target zones for a pitcher to aim based on in-game situations. Additionally, these apparatus lack the ability to retain a large number of balls neatly for retrieval at the commencement of a training session. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is that they do not provide a support frame that is simple and easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport to a training location, such as an empty ball field or a batting cage. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is the use of complicated sensors and color schemes that can lead to confusion during training and are prone to failure. Another disadvantage of these apparatus is the requirement of a support stand for use. Additionally, these apparatus often have rigid target zones which limit usage of the apparatus to those having a certain skill level. According, none of these training apparatus have adequately addressed these disadvantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has therefore recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for an apparatus in which pitching practice can be performed and skills be improved and a method of use thereof. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present embodiments to solve at least one of these problems. 
     The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing a training aid for baseball pitching that provides a means for pitchers of any age, from little league to professionals, to improve their pitching in a manner which is easy, entertaining, and effective. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a resilient flexible target having a plurality of target zone openings disposed through a front surface corresponding to a plurality of locations of a pitched ball, a plurality of upper apertures along an upper edge, a plurality of lower apertures along a lower edge, and a plurality of mesh pockets affixed to a rear surface of the target aligned with each of the plurality of target zone openings for retaining the pitched ball after passing through any one (1) of the plurality of target zone openings. A rectangular frame is provided for supporting the target in a substantially vertical plane. A first elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is provided and is attachable around an upper portion of the frame, such that the first elastic cord end hooks connect to an opposing pair of the plurality of target upper apertures. A second elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is also provided and is attachable around a lower portion of the frame such that the second elastic cord end hooks connect to an opposing pair of the plurality of target lower apertures. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of target zone openings include at least a center zone corresponding to a strike zone, a right zone corresponding to a right outside of said strike zone, a left zone corresponding to a left outside of said strike zone, an upper zone corresponding to an upper outside of said strike zone, and a lower zone corresponding to a lower outside of said strike zone. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient flexible target includes a plurality of target zone openings disposed through a front surface corresponding to a plurality of locations of a pitched ball, a plurality of mesh pockets affixed to a rear surface aligned with each of the plurality of target zone openings for retaining the pitched ball after passing through any one (1) of the plurality of target zone openings, a plurality of upper apertures disposed along an upper edge for suspending the target from a support structure, a weighted lower edge for providing a downward tension upon the target for biasing the target in a substantially vertical plane. An elastic cord having end hooks disposed on opposing ends is provided for attaching an upper end of the target to the support structure. The elastic cord insertingly attaches through the plurality of target upper apertures and the end hooks connect to the support structure. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental front view of a baseball pitching training apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental rear view of the baseball pitching training apparatus, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a frame, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the frame, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a target, according to the preferred embodiment; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate target, according to an alternate embodiment in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 baseball pitching training apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 batters box 
               
               
                 12 
                 ball 
               
               
                 20 
                 frame 
               
               
                 21 
                 U-shaped member 
               
               
                 22 
                 guide 
               
               
                 23 
                 vertical member 
               
               
                 24 
                 vertical member aperture 
               
               
                 25 
                 lower member 
               
               
                 26 
                 T-portion 
               
               
                 27 
                 T-portion upper aperture 
               
               
                 28 
                 T-portion side aperture 
               
               
                 29 
                 horizontal member 
               
               
                 30 
                 target 
               
               
                 31 
                 front target surface 
               
               
                 32 
                 rear target surface 
               
               
                 33 
                 target upper aperture 
               
               
                 34 
                 target lower aperture 
               
               
                 35 
                 center zone 
               
               
                 36 
                 left zone 
               
               
                 37 
                 right zone 
               
               
                 38 
                 upper zone 
               
               
                 39 
                 lower zone 
               
               
                 40 
                 mesh pocket 
               
               
                 41 
                 entrance strip 
               
               
                 42 
                 opening 
               
               
                 45 
                 elastic cord 
               
               
                 46 
                 end hook 
               
               
                 50 
                 alternate target 
               
               
                 51 
                 sleeve 
               
               
                 52 
                 weighted rod 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 , and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within  FIG. 6 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , depicting a baseball pitching training apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes an apparatus  10  that provides a means for a baseball pitcher to practice and improve pitching skills by practicing control and situational pitching scenarios. 
       FIG. 1  shows an environmental front view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2  shows an environmental rear view of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is positionable within the boundaries of a batter&#39;s box  11 , yet other locations can be utilized without limiting the scope or method of use of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  generally includes a frame  20  which supports suspension of a target  30  that provides a target zones for a pitcher to aim. The target  30  includes up to sixteen (16) rectangular openings  42  which function as various pitching scenarios which are encountered when pitching to a batter. The frame  20  can be disassembled into a plurality of pieces for storage (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The frame  20  is preferably fabricated from sixteen (16) gauge metal tubing for strength and durability. 
     The target  30  measures approximately seventy (70) inches by forty-two (42) inches, yet it can be appreciated that other dimensions that correspond to varying skill levels can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The target  30  is fabricated from a durable, flexible material such as, but not limited to: vinyl, canvas, or the like and is provided in various colors and patterns. An upper and lower perimeter edge of the target  30  has a plurality of target upper apertures  33  and a plurality of target lower apertures  34 , respectively, which can be reinforced by inserted grommets. 
     The target upper apertures  33  secure the upper portion of the target  30  to an upper portion of the frame  20  by an elastic cord  45  and the target lower apertures  34  secure a lower portion of the target  30  to a lower portion of said frame  20  by another elastic cord  45 . The elastic cords  45  are bungee-type cords which stretch to an expanded length that corresponds to the width of the frame  20  and suspends the target  30  tautly against the frame  20 . It can be appreciated that other restraining or suspending devices can be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 , such as a plurality of elastic bands, clips, hooks, or similar fasteners. Each elastic cord  45  includes an end hook  46  at opposing ends which are insertingly attached within a selected upper or lower aperture  33 ,  34 . While the plurality of upper and lower apertures  33 ,  34  are available, only a single pair of upper apertures  33  and a single pair of lower apertures  34  are utilized with each elastic cord  45 . The target  30  can also be suspended from a batting cage or similar support structure in lieu of utilization of the frame  20 . In this alternative support, the elastic cords  45  are wrapped through each respective upper and lower aperture  33 ,  34  and connected to the structure to suspend the target  30 . 
     The openings  42  on the target  30  are situated in various target zones which simulate various positions for balls  12  to be aimed (also see  FIG. 5 ). The center portion of a front target surface  31  includes a center zone  35  which generally forms the boundaries a ball  12  must pass in order to be considered a strike. The center zone  35  has up to three (3) rectangular openings  42  upon each longitudinal side, each measuring approximately three (3) to six (6) inches in width and eight (8) to ten (10) inches in length. A continuous border surrounds the perimeter of the center zone  35  to visually show the desired strike area. Offset approximately four (4) inches from the outer perimeter edges of each side of the center zone  35  is a left zone  36  and a right zone  37 , respectively. Each outside zone  36 ,  37  provides a target for the pitcher to practice inside and outside pitches. The outside zones  36 ,  37  each have up to three (3) rectangular openings  42  for the ball  12  to pass through. Each outside zone  36 ,  37  measures approximately twenty-eight (28) inches in length by five (5) inches in width. The front target surface  31  also includes an upper zone  38  and lower zone  39  which provide a target for the pitcher to practice high or low pitches, respectively. The upper zone  38  and lower zone  39  each have a pair of rectangular openings  42  which measure approximately eleven (11) inches in width by five (5) inches in height. 
       FIG. 2  shows a plurality of mesh pockets  40  attached to a rear target surface  32 . A single mesh pocket  40  is aligned with and matches a particularly zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  and holds a plurality of balls  12  after being thrown through the openings  42  of the particular zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Each mesh pocket  40  is suitably sized to retain up to five (5) balls  12  and allows the pitcher to calculate the amount of intentional or intentional strikes thrown within a particular zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Each mesh pocket  40  is durable enough to hold balls  12  thrown at high speeds and flexible enough for easy removal of the balls  12  from inside. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the frame  20  and  FIG. 4  shows a side view of the frame  20 . The frame  20  provides an upright structure for supporting the target  30 . The frame  20  includes a generally inverted “U”-shaped member  21 , a pair of elongated vertical members  23 , a pair of lower members  25 , and a horizontal member  29 . The tubular “U”-shaped member  21  is approximately forty-five (45) inches in width, seventeen (17) inches in length, and two (2) inches in diameter. The “U”-shaped member  21  includes a pair of guides  22  disposed upon each upper front surface. 
     The guides  22  are a pair of rigidly affixed, inverted “L”-shaped members which provide a guide for the elastic cord  45  to prevent the cord  45  from unintentionally being removed from the “U”-shaped member  21  while hooked to the target  30  when suspended from the frame  20 . In use, the elastic cord  45  is wrapped around the rear side of the upper portion of the “U”-shaped member  21  (see  FIG. 2 ) and attached at both ends to a selected pair of target upper aperture  33  on the target  30 . Each end of the “U”-shaped member  21  is tapered to provide a friction fit when inserted into a vertical member aperture  24  disposed on each vertical member  23  upper end. The vertical members  23  measure approximately fifty (50) inches in length and are inserted into a “T”-portion upper aperture  27  disposed on each lower member  25 . The lower end of each vertical member  23  is tapered to provide a friction fit when inserted into each respective “T”-portion upper aperture  27 . 
     Each “T”-portion upper aperture  27  is integral to a “T”-portion  26  which is an extension of the lower member  25 . The “T”-portion  26  measures approximately three-and-a-half (3½) inches in height. The “T”-portion  26  also includes a “T”-portion side aperture  28 . The horizontal rod  29  has opposing tapered ends to provide a friction fit when inserted into each respective “T”-portion side aperture  28 . The horizontal rod  29  joins and secures the frame  20  into a unitary member. Frontward and rearward extending portions of the lower member  25  measure approximately fifty (50) inches in length and contact a level surface, such as the standing surface of the batter&#39;s box  11 . The lower members  25  also have a slightly upwardly inclined middle portion to assist in balancing the frame  20 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the target  30 . Each rectangular opening  42  of each zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  includes a plurality of integral entrance strips  41  that provide a pass-through surface for placement of various indicia which can designate individual openings  42  for coaching or instructional purposes. The indicia are preferably alphanumerical characters that correspond to and identify the zones  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . The entrance strips  41  are loose enough to allow balls  12  to pass through, yet strong enough to withstand impact from high speed, thrown balls  12 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the alternate target  50 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The alternate target  50  is also utilized for the pitcher to train throwing location and includes a sleeve  51  and a weighted rod  52 . The alternate target  50  also includes the zones  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39  and target upper apertures  33 . However, in lieu of the target lower apertures  34 , a sleeve  51  is sewn-into or otherwise provided along a bottom edge. The sleeve  51  is suited for insertion and support of a weighted rod  52  which weighs down the alternate target  50  tautly when suspended from a support structure. The sleeve  51  is integral to the material utilized for the alternate target  50  and the weighted rod  52  is preferably fabricated from heavy rubber and has a weight suitable to downwardly pull the alternate target  50 . The alternate target  50  can be suspended by the frame  20  or batting cage or similar support structure. 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only two particular configurations have be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it is installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
     The method of installing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following. Acquiring the apparatus  10  and interconnecting the “U”-shaped member  21  to the vertical members  23 , interconnecting the vertical members  23  to the lower members  25 , and interconnecting the horizontal member  29  to the lower members  25  to erect the frame  20 . Positioning the frame  20  on a generally level surface. Suspending and attaching an upper portion of the target  30  from the frame  20  by routing a first elastic cord  45  against a rear upper surface of the frame  20  and through each guide  22  upon the “U”-shaped member  21  and attaching each end hook  46  to a selected pair of target upper apertures  33  on the front target surface  31 . Securing a lower portion of the target  30  from the frame  20  by routing a second elastic cord  45  against a rear lower surface of the frame  20  and attaching each end hook  46  to a selected pair of target lower apertures  34  on the front target surface  31 . 
     An alternate method of installing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing the following steps. Acquiring the apparatus  10 . Suspending and supporting the upper portion of the target  30  from a native support structure by routing a first elastic cord  45  through each target upper aperture  33  and around the structure. Supporting the lower portion of the target  30  to the structure by routing a second elastic cord  45  through each target lower aperture  34  and around the structure. 
     The alternate embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the alternate target  50 , it can be installed as indicated in  FIG. 6 . 
     A method of installing the alternate target  50  can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following. Acquiring the alternate target  50  and interconnecting the “U”-shaped member  21  to the vertical members  23 , interconnecting the vertical members  23  to the lower members  25 , and interconnecting the horizontal member  29  to the lower members  25  to erect the frame  20 . Positioning the frame  20  on the generally level surface. Suspending and attaching an upper portion of the target  30  from the frame  20  by routing a first elastic cord  45  against a rear upper surface of the frame  20  and through each guide  22  upon the “U”-shaped member  21  and attaching each end hook  46  to a selected pair of target upper apertures  33  on the front target surface  31 . Positioning the weight rod  52  through the sleeve  51  to retain a lower portion of the alternate target  50  with a downward tension from the frame. 
     An alternate method of installing the alternate target  50  can be achieved by performing the following steps. Acquiring the alternate target  50 . Suspending the upper portion of the alternate target  50  from a native support structure by routing a first elastic cord  45  through each target upper aperture  33  and around the structure. Positioning the weight rod  52  through the sleeve  51  to retain the lower portion of the alternate target  50  in a downward tension from the support structure. 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing a series of steps including, but not limited to, the following steps. Selecting a particular target zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Throwing a ball  12  at the selected zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Collecting the thrown ball  12  in the mesh pocket  40  attached behind the selected zone  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 . Retrieving the ball  12  as desired. The apparatus  10  can be disassembled as needed for storage and transport. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.