Abstract:
An apparatus to allow a user to practice throwing a sports object without the need for multiple throwing objects or a throwing partner is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sack having an open end and a closed end, and a strap attached to the open end. The user may insert his hand, holding the sports object, into the open end of the of the sack and then strap the apparatus to his or her wrist using the strap. The user can then repeatedly throw the sports object at full range of motion and the sports object will be deposited in the sack, easily retrievable by the user for repeated throwing.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/409,298 filed Nov. 2, 2010. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    The present invention was not developed with the use of any Federal Funds, but was developed independently by the inventor. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing the throwing of objects used in sports, such as for example, a baseball, football, or discus. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball. Although the invention is described as it would be used practicing the pitching of a baseball, the invention is not limited thereto and contemplates practicing the throwing of any object used in sports. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One well known apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball is known as the “CANVAS CATCHER” and consists of an upright frame with a piece of canvas mounted on the frame. A single opening is formed in the canvas. The width of the opening is generally equivalent to the width of a regulation home plate. A pitcher practices by throwing a ball into the opening. This device has been available and successfully marketed for many years. A variation of the “CANVAS CATCHER” is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,912, which discloses a method and apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball that more accurately identifies the strike zone, and areas outside the strike zone, to which a pitcher should practice throwing pitches. Another training method for pitching baseballs is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,169, which discloses a baseball practice system for training one in pitching, throwing, fielding, catching, and batting. The practice system is portable and collapsible having a removable pitching component on one side and a rebounding netting on the other side. The pitching component has a strike-zone opening and one or more pockets in a catch sack in back of the strike-zone opening. The netting is of an elastic material suited to rebound a ball thrown on the netting for the purpose of practicing throwing, catching, and fielding. A ball component, attached to elastic cords, is suspended outward and downward from a forward extending member adjacent to the top of the baseball practice system. An adjustment and locking member adjacent to the rear of the forward extending member adjustably secures in place an upper cord which is attached to a ball. Baseball pitching training devices have also been developed to assist athletes in learning, practicing and perfecting a baseball pitching motion using a practice glove, such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,563,183 and 7,244,197. The glove is worn on the pitching hand and has a pair of finger portions and a pair of extending directional indicator elements removably positioned thereon. The indicator elements extending as independent elongated flexible band ribbons attached on the ends of the index finger portion and adjacent finger portion. By practicing the pitching motion, the relative position of the indicator bands confirms and teaches proper pitching arm and hand position through the multiple pitching sequence of the pitching action. 
         [0005]    The most traditional and well-known method for practicing pitching of a baseball is to throw to a partner at a fixed distance away from the pitcher. The problem with this method as well as several of the other known methods for practicing pitching a baseball is that they generally require outdoor space to perform the training method, and/or require a partner. Outdoor space is not always available to safely throw a baseball, for example in metropolitan areas and/or when the weather is not conducive to throwing a baseball. Also, a partner may not be readily available to practice pitching when desired. Further, bounce back screens and catch nets limit what an athlete can do in regards to practicing and training. Bounce back screens can only be used as fielding practice while catch nets receive and hold balls thrown into it. These products are space consuming, expensive, and very limited in functionality. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide improved apparatus for practicing sports. A further object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball without the need for a throwing partner and while providing full release of the ball when practicing a method of the invention. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of practicing pitching of a baseball that can be achieved indoors, in limited space, is independent of the weather conditions, and does not require a partner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is an object of the invention to provide a sports training apparatus for use by a thrower to practice throwing a sport object comprising a sack for receiving the sport object, said sack comprising an open end and a closed end, and an arm fastener attached to the open end of the sack. The arm fastener can contain hook and loop tape, and may also contain leather or elastic. The sack may further comprise a first sack material that is sufficiently durable to receive said sport object without substantial breakage at a full strength throwing velocity of the thrower, and is sufficiently flexible such that said sport object remains near said closed end of said durable sack after said sport object is thrown by the thrower. The sport object can be a baseball, a football, a discus, or a shotput. The first sack material can be spandex, nylon or a durable mesh. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of the invention, the sack comprises a near section, a middle section and a far section, the middle section is coupled to and situated between said near section and said far section, the near section is coupled to the arm fastener; the near section and the far section comprise a first sack material and the middle section comprises a second sack material which is less flexible than the first sack material. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention the sack comprises a near section and a far section, the near section is coupled to the arm fastener; the near section comprises a first sack material and said far section comprising a second sack material, wherein said second sack material is more flexible than said first sack material. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of the invention, the sack has a length and is sufficiently sized in said length to prevent the closed end of the sack from interfering with the thrower&#39;s body after said sport object has been thrown. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention, the sack is tapered at said closed end to allow the sack to gradually absorb the force of said object after the thrower releases the sport object into the sack. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the invention, a sports training apparatus for use by a thrower to practice throwing a sport object comprises a sack for receiving the sport object and a strap comprising a leather strap, an elastic wristband, and hook and loop tape. The sack comprises an open end, a closed end, a near section comprising a first sack material, and a tapered far section comprising a second sack material, wherein said first sack material is a durable mesh and said second sack material is sufficiently durable to receive said sport object without substantial breakage at a full strength throwing velocity of the thrower, and is sufficiently flexible such that said sport object remains near said closed end of said durable sack after said sport object is thrown by the thrower. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a drawing generally showing a thrower with an embodiment of the invention secured to the thrower&#39;s wrist, with the ball in the position it rests after the throwing motion is completed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the invention showing the securing strap in the unsecured position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  showing the securing strap in the secure position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an orthogonal view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a diagonal view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    A preferred embodiment of the invention described herein will be referred to as the “Throw Pro.” The Throw Pro works as a catching mechanism for an object typically thrown in sports, such as a baseball. With ball in hand, the Throw Pro is then pulled over the hand and secured along the wrist or other portion of the throwing arm. After the Throw Pro is in place, the player can release the ball with the same fluidity as throwing to a partner. 
         [0022]    In many sports, perfecting the art of throwing an object is key to being successful at the throwing position. For example, baseball pitchers study body mechanics and motion to increase velocity and accuracy of their pitches, and to develop the longevity to pitch several pitches injury free. From the start of the pitching motion through release of the ball involves perfecting the motion of countless muscles and body parts. The key to developing the appropriate muscles and perfecting the pitching motion is through repetition, hard work, and consistency of the pitching form. Similarly, in sports such as football and discus throwing, practicing the form of throwing is critical to perfecting the art. The Throw Pro provides the athlete with a tool that can be used virtually at any time in any place to simulate the throwing motion through release of the ball, and enable him/her to retrieve the ball from the catching sack quickly so that the motion can be repeated, and practice can be continued safely and efficiently without the need for throwing partner. 
         [0023]    As shown in the drawings and described herein, once the ball is released, the sack, preferably comprised, at least in part, of nylon and/or spandex, will catch (or stop) the ball after release at a sufficient distance to allow the ball to be caught without interfering with any part of the body&#39;s follow through. If the distance is too long, it will cause the ball to wrap and hit against the throwers back; too short will cause limited freedom to throw the ball and impeded the ability to have 100% release from the hand at full velocity. Preferably, the distance the ball is caught by the sack is generally about 6 inches. The Throw Pro is designed to play catch in whatever fashion you choose, without changing your natural throwing motion. Being tested through thousands of repetitions, the Throw Pro effectively creates a throwing aide that otherwise has not yet been accomplished. 
         [0024]    Throw Pro allows the freedom of throwing objects thrown in sports, such as a baseball, without the need of a throwing partner or multiple objects. One object is all you need. Then just secure the Throw Pro and begin throwing. Long toss, pitching mechanics, velocity, repetition, and off speed work, are just a few of the essential pitching practice techniques that can be used with the Throw Pro. Don&#39;t have a throwing partner? Too cold outside? Raining? Whatever is getting in the way of being able to practice day in and day out, the Throw Pro will allow the ability to practice your craft any day you choose, not allowing the weather, or the absence of a partner get in your way. With ball in hand, the user secures the Throw Pro over the hand and to the wrist or arm. The user then simulates the pitching motion of his/her choice, ending with full release of the ball into the Throw Pro sack, which catches the ball after release. Using an actual ball is much more preferable for developing proper pitching mechanics as opposed to the negative effects of simulating the throwing motion with an empty hand. Furthermore, simulating the throwing of a ball in one&#39;s hand without releasing it is known to cause injury and is strongly discouraged in the art. 
         [0025]    The Throw Pro, as worn by a human user, is shown in  FIG. 1 . The Throw Pro comprises a sack portion  10  and a strap  12 . The sack  10  has an open end  14  and a closed end  16 . The strap  12  is affixed and coupled to the open end  14  of the sack  10 . When the Throw Pro is worn by the user, the user&#39;s hand is inserted into the open end  14  of the sack  10 . The strap  12  is then wrapped around the wrist of the user to secure the Throw Pro to the user&#39;s arm. A ball  18  is also shown in  FIG. 1 . The ball  18  is shown at or near the closed end  16  of the sack  10 . In order to get the ball  18  into the sack  10 , the user holds the ball  18  in his or her hand, then inserts his or her hand into the open end  14  of the sack  10 , and then wraps the strap  12  around his or her wrist. The ball  18  is then in the user&#39;s hand, ready to be thrown. Once thrown, the ball  18  lands and then rests at or near the closed end  16  of the sack  10  as shown. Although the ball  18  depicted in  FIG. 1  is a baseball, persons having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be used, or configured to be used, with other sports objects that are typically thrown, such as a football, a discus, or a shot put. 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2 through 5 , views of an embodiment of the Throw Pro devices are shown at various levels of magnification and different stages of use. As shown in the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIGS. 2 through 5 , the sack  10  is divided into three sections: a near section  20 , a middle section  22  and a far section  24 . The sections may be made of different material. It may be preferable to construct the near section  20  of a semi-transparent netting or mesh material so that the user can see his hand while throwing. It may be preferable to construct the middle section  22  of a more rigid material to maintain its form and/or allow the middle section to allow the middle section  22  of the sack  10  to contour around the user&#39;s bent hand to provide more freedom-of-feel with the ball  18  throughout the pitching motion. The far section  24  may be made of a more flexible or durable material, such as nylon or spandex, to allow the ball  18  to rest at the closed end of the sack  10  rather than bouncing back. Catching the ball in the sack  12  helps to strengthen the shoulder of the user as a result of the deceleration of the arm motion. This part of throwing is where a lot of injuries occur, hence, the invention can help avoid injuries associated with this phase. 
         [0027]    Persons having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the three-section sack  10  as shown in  FIGS. 2 through 5  is not required to practice the invention, and that the invention can be practiced with a sack  10 , made from a single material having only a single section. In embodiments with or without the middle section, the sack  10  may be tapered from the open end  14  where the hand sits in Throw Pro to the closed end  16  of the sack  10  to provide a chamber that gradually stops the thrown object. Tapering a portion of the sack will allow the material to gradually absorb the force of the impact of the throw and may increase the useful life of both the object and the Throw Pro. One desirable benefit of the ball  18  remaining in the sack  10  after release is that it forces the pitchers arm to follow through across the body, which connotes proper pitching technique. This feature is very helpful for training younger players (as well as older players) on proper pitching mechanics, and to promote accuracy and prevent injury. The Throw Pro also allows coaches to work with several throwers at once in close quarters, and to observe and critique their pitching motion from every angle around the pitcher without the risk of being hit with an errant ball. It also allows pitchers who are rehabilitating from an injury to throw at their leisure and at varying speeds depending on the injury and rehab schedule. Existing products are unable to emulate the game-speed training functionality when compared to the Throw Pro. Accordingly, the Throw Pro provides several benefits well beyond those available through known practicing and training aids. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the sack  10  of the embodiment of the invention are made up of a durable combination of durable mesh and, for the baseball embodiment, preferably measures about 12 inches in length, 3 inches wide and, most preferably measures 10 inches in length. 
         [0029]    A strap  12  or other known arm fastener for securing an article to one&#39;s wrist or arm (such as those used for various types of gloves) may be used along the open end of the Throw Pro to secure it to the thrower&#39;s arm. The strap  12  in  FIGS. 2 and 5  in an open position, and in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  in a closed position. The strap preferably resembles the strap used to fasten a batting glove to a hand, and is preferably made of leather and contains hook and loop tape (such as that sold under the brand name Velcro) to create a circular structure tightly surrounding the wrist of the user, such that the strap  12  secures the Throw Pro to the user and the Throw Pro does not detach from the user when the ball  18  is thrown. The strap  12  can also contain an elastic band, which allows for further customized fit. 
         [0030]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment, like the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-6 , comprises a sack  110  and a strap  112 . The sack  110  is comprised of a near section  120  and a far section  124 . The near section  120  has an open end  114 , and the far section  124  has a closed end  116 . In this embodiment, the near section  120  is made of a semi-transparent netting or mesh material for venting and so the user can see the ball. In this embodiment, the far section  124  is made of a flexible cotton material for arresting the ball and to provide cushion to help stop the ball. In this embodiment, the near section  120  is sewn to the elastic wristband and is five inches in diameter. The far section  124  tapers from 5 inches in diameter down to 2 and ⅞ inches in diameter. The strap  112  is connected to the open end  114  of the near section  120  of the sack  110 . The strap  112  comprises a leather strap  130  with hook and loop tape to cinch the strap to the user&#39;s wrist, and an elastic band  132 , similar to the strap found in baseball batting gloves. In this embodiment, the elastic wristband is 1.75×2.75 inches. 
         [0031]    Persons having skill in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the invention can be modified slightly. This would include the potential altering of the relative sizes of the semi-transparent mesh section versus the opaque stronger material used for arresting the object. The semi-transparent material could be used only for a section of the middle section of the device, with the remainder of the middle section using an opaque material that can be the same as, or different from the opaque material used for the far section. The opaque material can be constructed from a lighter color to allow for tracing form, or a darker color. Persons having skill in the art will also recognize that other materials for the sack portion, other than those listed herein, will be acceptable to perform the functions of the sack and, in certain embodiments, the functions of the sack&#39;s sections. The dimensions can also be altered to support other sports objects, such as a football or a discus. 
         [0032]    The straps depicted herein are examples of arm fasteners for securing the device to a wrist or another part of a user&#39;s arm. As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , as compared to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the strap can vary in length, materials, or other aspects. Other manners of securing the device to a wrist are known in the art and can be substituted for the strap as depicted and described. Furthermore, the device could be used along with an interactive device such as a video game system, either as a controller itself using specially adapted material in the sack to detect velocity or other measures of throwing quality, or in conjunction with a camera-based video system such as Microsoft&#39;s Kinect for the Xbox 360. Furthermore, the specific materials set forth in the description of the embodiments of the invention are not necessary to practice it, and persons having skill in the art will be aware of other material that performs similarly as described that can be substituted for the disclosed materials.