Abstract:
The present invention relates to a pitching/throwing practice device for baseball and softball players, and to a method of using the device. It is a simple and inexpensive pitching/throwing practice device useful for indicating the accuracy, velocity, and consistency of the user&#39;s throwing motion for both baseball and softball players. More particularly, this invention includes a ball device that when used in conjunction with a target device aid the pitcher/thrower in correcting his throwing mechanics by providing visual and audible feedback.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/913,973, entitled “Pitcher&#39;s Tee, baseball throwing trainer”, filed Dec. 10, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TITLE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is titled “Pitcher&#39;s Tee”. The Pitcher&#39;s Tee was invented by Bryan Matthew LeBlanc, a resident of the United States, with the following residence address: 17317 Equestrian Trail, Odessa, Fl. 33556. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR 
       [0003]    The inventor did not disclose this invention more than one year prior to the filing of this nonprovisional application. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This present invention relates to a baseball/softball pitcher&#39;s pitching and throwing practice apparatus. Training for pitching and throwing of a baseball or softball requires development of correct muscle memory through repetitive exercises using correct form. This invention is designed to develop correct pitching and throwing muscle memory by providing instant audible and visual feedback to any user of the device. The audible and visual feedback aids the pitcher/thrower in correcting his or her throwing mechanics The apparatus provides feedback relating to accuracy, velocity, and consistency of the throwing mechanics Current training aids require the participation of another person to assist in training drills. This invention does not. Muscle memory can only be achieved with repetitive motion. This invention provides audible and visual feedback that rewards the pitcher/thrower and stimulate repetitive usage, which facilitates muscle memory. 
         [0006]    (2) Description of Related Art 
         [0007]    Numerous patents have been issued for softball and baseball pitching and throwing practice devices. Devices have been patented that enable a pitcher to better control his lower and upper body during the throwing motion. Other prior art devices have been patented that comprise a target for the pitcher or thrower to deliver a pitch or throw to and, typically, an enclosure such as a net to catch the ball. Other prior art includes devices to adjust the pitching strike zone. While many of the prior art pitching training devices are simply to operate, motorized devices have been patented that are complex and expensive. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,497,485 to Macosko for a baseball pitching target, 5,083,774 to Yalvac for a baseball pitching target device, 5,333,856 to Gery for a pitching practice apparatus, 5,516,115 to McLain for a portable ball practice target, and 5,803,841to Daskoski for a pitcher&#39;s training aid each show a baseball pitching device comprising an upright rectangular frame structure, a vertical target support structure, and a net assembly to catch balls thrown through a simulated strike zone. These devices merely provide a target for the pitcher without providing any feedback to assist in the correction of throwing mechanics 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,512 to Martin for a pitching coach discloses a mechanized apparatus with a control arm and a control panel to regulate said control arm to teach pitching position. This device attempts to teach throwing mechanics, but it is cumbersome and difficult to use. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,513 to Howard for pitching practice device with adjustable strike zone indicator, 4,473,227 to Klaus for baseball pitcher&#39;s practice device, and 5,348,291 to Scully for ball pitching trainer each disclose two laterally spaced, upwardly extending posts connected to a base with a defined strike zone within said laterally spaced , upwardly extending posts. These trainers are designed to be used on a baseball field so that the trainer is placed on home plate and the pitcher throws from the mound. These trainers would not be usable in a confined training space such as a bullpen. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,865 B2 to Shumann discloses a softball/baseball pitcher&#39;s pitching practice device and to a method of using said device wherein a target member and a securing member both have a width about equal to a home plate. The vertical target member of Shumann is composed of upwardly directed projections fastened perpendicularly to a securing member, having a length ranging from 5 to about 20 inches. These projectiles are such that a ball striking said target member is partially viewable from the opposite side of the approaching ball. This trainer is designed to be utilized on a baseball field so that the trainer is positioned on home plate and the pitcher to be trained is on the pitching mound. This trainer would not be effective in a small confined training area. 
         [0012]    U.S. patent publication US 2004/0053711 A1 to Conradi discloses a pitcher&#39;s motion training system and method wherein a top surface at rest in a horizontal position and momentary deflection position assumed in response to receiving a towel-strike. The horizontal top surface of Conradi is connected to a support via a tensioner that creates controllable dissipation of the energy from said towel strike. This publication discloses an apparatus for performing a well known baseball practice technique called the “towel drill” without the necessity of a pitching coach or second person to hold a glove. This training system is bulky and difficult to travel with or to store. Additionally, the target area is small and narrow and does not have enable the towel strikes to be targeted for an effective strike zone. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,106 B1 discloses a baseball with a rope tethered via predetermined locations. The rope includes both a loop and a frayed end. The ball contains at least one hole for attachment of the rope. This device is disclosed to be used during the “towel drill” to simulate realistic throwing mechanics The ball is retained within the hand while the frayed end is used to strike a person&#39;s palm during the “towel drill”. This invention does not provide audible and visual feedback because the frayed ends scatter when striking the palm of a hand Thus, accuracy and speed of a pitch/throw cannot be ascertained. 
         [0014]    Nothing in the prior art addresses the full range of a pitching/throwing motion, which includes: gripping the baseball properly, bringing the baseball up to the preferred throwing position with fingers on top of the baseball and elbow above the shoulder, achieving a proper leg stride length with the front foot, or following through and “snapping” the wrist at the baseball release point for maximum pitch velocity. The prior art fails to correct flaws in the overall pitching and throwing mechanics that exist in many baseball and softball players of all ages. There continues to be a need for pitching practice devices to assist baseball and softball players to improve their accuracy, consistency, and velocity of their throwing mechanics, which translate to improvements in accuracy, consistency, and velocity of a thrown baseball. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    One embodiment of the present invention, the Pitcher&#39;s Tee comprises a target device, a baseball device used to strike said target device, and a method for using the target and baseball device for training baseball players to pitch and throw. Another embodiment of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee comprises a target device that utilizes a softball to strike said target device, and a method for using the target and a softball for training softball players to pitch and throw a softball. The training methods involve the athlete executing a sequence of body movements within the constraints imposed by the target device and the softball. The constraints provide the athlete with audible and visual feedback that help develop muscle memory over repetitive usage. The training method for baseball differs significantly from the training method for softball due to differences in the mechanics of pitching a baseball versus pitching a softball. 
         [0016]    The target device comprises a base of sufficient size and weight to support a vertical post that is connected to a target support arm. The base and vertical post are sufficiently lightweight to enable the user to carry it from location to location. The target support arm comprises a plurality of foam protrusions extending horizontally from a base. The protrusions are spaced so that no more than one-half inch separates each protrusion. Each protrusion is composed of foam so that it is flexible and can bend from its horizontal position when struck and, yet, return to the starting position. The vertical support post is adjustable so that the height of the target support arm can be adjusted from 12 to 48 inches above the ground. 
         [0017]    The ball device comprises a baseball that has been modified so that a 6 to 12 inch cord is attached to one side of the baseball. The cord is attached to the ball so that it will not interfere with the user&#39;s ability to grip the ball. The cord is composed of a material that allows it to make a snapping noise when the ball is thrown and when it impacts the target area of the plurality of foam protrusions. The cord composition is such that the cord extends in a straight line when a pitch or throw is simulated. 
         [0018]    The method includes a pitcher/thrower gripping the ball device such that the cord extends from the baseball from a point between the index and middle fingers of the throwing hand The pitcher/thrower positions the target device at a position approximately 2 to 4 feet past the point that the foot of the pitcher/thrower would land during the pitching/throwing delivery so that the protrusions of the target support arm point toward the pitcher/thrower. As the pitcher/thrower performs the pitching/throwing motion, the pitcher/thrower must swing the ball device so that the cord strikes the center of the foam protrusions, which indicates a strike. This provides the pitcher/thrower with visual feedback regarding each pitch/throw. The pitcher/thrower does not throw or release the ball device during the method. The goal is to repeat the same pitching/throwing motion such that the pitcher/thrower can repeatedly strike the center foam target protrusion. This teaches the pitcher/thrower to have a consistent pitching/throwing motion, which leads to consistent pitching/throwing. When the cord of the ball device strikes any of the target protrusions, an audible snapping sound is heard. The volume increases as the impact velocity of the ball device increases. This provides the pitcher/thrower with audible feedback regarding each pitch/throw. 
         [0019]    The method requires that the target device be positioned to a height equal to the middle thigh of the pitcher/thrower. This position encourages the pitcher/thrower to bend at the waist to properly contact the middle protrusion of the target support arm of the target device. This position is the optimal position for a pitcher/thrower to release a ball. Thus, the Pitcher&#39;s Tee both improves the pitching/throwing delivery and imparts fundamental pitching/throwing mechanics onto the pitcher/thrower. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The invention is described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. In the Figures: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of the baseball target device and the baseball device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates a pitcher facing the front of the baseball target device gripping the baseball device and demonstrating how the baseball device would be pitched at the baseball target device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the softball target device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates a pitcher facing the front of the softball target device while gripping a softball and demonstrating how the softball would be pitched at the softball target device; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates the target device in a folded position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The invention is described in detail in the following paragraphs with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this detailed description of the invention, the disclosed embodiments and features are to be considered as examples, rather than being limitations to the invention. Modifications to particular examples within the spirit and scope of the present invention, set forth in the appended claims, will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, reference to various embodiments of the disclosed invention does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include every described feature. The various disclosed embodiments and features of the invention may be used separately or together, and in any combination. Terminology used herein is given its ordinary meaning consistent with the exemplary definitions set forth below. 
         [0027]    The present invention is directed to a pitching/throwing practice device and methods of using said device for baseball and softball to improve the accuracy and consistency of a pitcher/thrower.  FIG. 1  illustrates a baseball embodiment of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee. The target device is composed of a base member ( 14 ), a vertical post ( 16 ,  18 ), a vertical post cotter pin ( 22 ) and a horizontal target ( 20  and  12 ). Base member  14  is a horizontal base with two support feet that provide stability for the Pitcher&#39;s Tee. The support feet may be any desired length or angle to achieve stability for the vertical posts and the target area. Base member  14  supports vertical post  16 .  14  attaches to vertical post  16  via a T-shaped PVC section  32 .  32  may be connected to  14  and  16  by any mechanical means such as nuts, bolts, elbow and tee joints, glue, cement, nails, rivets, clamps, or any other connecting device or material.  14  must be able to rotate  90  degrees from  16  so that the Pitcher&#39;s Tee can be folded and stored easily. Vertical post  16  contains one hole that is a larger diameter than pin  22 . Vertical post  18  contains a number of holes that are of a larger diameter than pin  22 . Vertical post  18  has a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of  16  so that vertical post  18  slides within  16 . This allows  18  to telescope within  16  to adjust the height of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee. Pin  22  slides through the hole of  16  and a corresponding hole located on  18  to secure the height of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee to the optimum position, which is the middle of the thigh of the pitcher/thrower.  22  is a cotterless hitch pin or similar pin to allow for quick adjustment of the height of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee.  14 ,  16  and  18  may be made of any rigid material such as metal, wood, plastic, PVC, or hard rubber. 
         [0028]    The target support arm  20  is attached to vertical post  18  via a T-shaped PVC section  30  with a plurality of nuts, bolts, elbow and tee joints, glue, cement, nails, rivets, clamps, or any other connecting device or material in a manner that allows the target support arm  20  to pivot from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction.  20  may be made of any rigid material such as metal wood, plastic, PVC, or hard rubber.  30  is permanently attached to  20  using PVC glue. 
         [0029]    The flexible target area of  12  is comprised of  7  flexible protrusions.  12  attaches to  20 , which attaches to vertical post  18 . Flexible target area  12  is made of flexible material such as high-density foam or other material that allows it to maintain its shape upon being struck by a cord, string, or the hand of a pitcher/thrower. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  also illustrates the ball device for the baseball embodiment ( 10  and  28 ). A baseball ( 10 ) is modified by securing a rope ( 28 ) to it so that  28  protrudes from  10  at a point directly between the widest part of the seams. When a pitcher/thrower grips the baseball device with his index and middle fingers along the widest part of the seams (2 seam grip) or across the widest part of the seams (4-seam grip), the rope will protrude between the index and middle fingers of the pitcher near the second knuckle of each finger. This is the optimum point for the pitcher/thrower to achieve maximum acceleration of the rope during the throwing motion. And, this optimum position facilitates the movement of  28  in a straight line along the plane directly corresponding to the path of the baseball device. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates a baseball player using the Pitcher&#39;s Tee.  12  is positioned via  30  in a horizontal position so that the  7  flexible protrusions point toward the baseball player. The baseball player grips the ball device ( 10  and  28 ) and simulates a pitch. The baseball player attempts to strike  12  with  28 . The baseball player is not attempting to hit  12  with  10  and does not release the ball device during or after the pitching/throwing motion. The baseball player attempts to accelerate the ball device through a plane in space so that  28  strikes the center protrusion of  12 . When the baseball player executes a successful simulation, he will visually see the center protrusion of  12  bend or flex downward while the other protrusions of  12  do not move. This provides the baseball player with immediate visual feedback on his throwing motion. When the baseball player strikes  12 , an audible snapping sound occurs. The volume of the snapping sound is directly proportional to the speed at which  28  strikes  12 . This snapping sound provides immediate audible feedback to the baseball player relating to the velocity of the throwing motion at the release point. The baseball player is encouraged to snap the wrist at the anticipated release point to increase the volume of the snapping sound feedback. 
         [0032]    The baseball player should strive to repeatedly use the Pitcher&#39;s Tee to the point where he can consistently strike the center target. This teaches the baseball player correct throwing mechanics and will result in a repeatable throwing motion. The baseball player also learns how to increase his pitch velocity by learning the correct throwing mechanics that create the loudest snapping sound when  28  strikes  12 . 
         [0033]    The placement of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee is critical to the baseball player&#39;s correct usage. The Pitcher&#39;s Tee must be placed at a height so that  12  is at the baseball player&#39;s middle thigh. This position requires the pitcher to bend at the waist when simulating a throw in order to strike the center protrusion of  12 . For example, if  12  is too high, the baseball player will strike the target area with the rope prior to the proper release point. And, if  12  is too low, the baseball player will strike the rope onto the target area too late in the throwing motion. 
         [0034]    The Pitcher&#39;s Tee must be placed at a distance far enough away from the starting point of the pitcher/thrower so that the pitcher/thrower must take the appropriate length stride to allow him to strike  12  with the rope when simulating a pitch/throw. Proper pitching mechanics require a pitcher to stride from 80% to 90% of his height. For example, a pitcher that is 72 inches tall should stride so that his foot lands 57 to 65 inches from his back foot. The Pitcher&#39;s Tee may include a retractable measuring tape extending from the base of the device to allow a baseball player to mark off the appropriate starting position for their height. 
         [0035]    The Pitcher&#39;s Tee may be used on an actual pitching mound of a baseball field, in a bullpen, or at a training facility. If the Pitcher&#39;s Tee is used on a baseball field, then the target device should be placed so that a straight line can be drawn between the pitching rubber and the home plate intersecting the center of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee. Additionally, 12 should be placed at the pitcher&#39;s mid-thigh level. The pitcher should start by positioning his foot on the pitching rubber and simulating a pitch using the baseball device. This positioning forces the pitcher to maintain proper mechanics. 
         [0036]      12  may be painted or made from different colors to indicate which protrusions are most favorable to strike with the rope. For example, the center protrusion could be colored green to indicate a desired strike location. The protrusions on either side of the center protrusion could be colored yellow to indicate a less favorable strike area, and the outer most protrusions could be colored red to indicate the least favorable strike areas.  12  may be painted or colored to illustrate the shape of a home plate. A strike of  28  against the home plate could indicate a strike while a strike outside of the painted or colored home plate area could indicate a ball. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates the softball embodiment of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee. The target device is identical to the baseball embodiment except for the horizontal target ( 20  and  42 ). The horizontal target for the softball embodiment includes a flexible target area ( 42 ) that comprises  3  flexible protrusions instead of the  7  protrusions seen in the baseball embodiment. The flexible target area ( 42 ) is comprised of a flexible material such as high-density foam or other material that allows it to maintain its shape upon being struck by a cord, string, or the hand of a pitcher/thrower. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates a method of using the softball embodiment of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee.  42  is positioned via  30  in a vertical position so that the  3  flexible protrusions point vertically. The softball player grips a softball and simulates a pitch. The softball player attempts to strike the center protrusion at her release point. The softball player does not release the softball during or after the pitching motion. When the softball player executes a successful simulated pitch, she will visually see a single protrusion of  42  bend or flex downward while the other two protrusions of  42  do not move. This provides the softball player with immediate visual feedback of her throwing motion. Additionally, when the softball player strikes  42  with her hand or the softball, an audible snapping sound occurs. The volume of the snapping sound is directly proportional to the speed of the strike. This snapping sound provides immediate audible feedback to the softball player relating to the velocity of the throwing motion at the release point. The softball player is encouraged to snap her wrist at the anticipated release point to increase the volume of the snapping sound feedback. 
         [0039]    The softball player should strive to repeatedly use the Pitcher&#39;s Tee to the point where she can consistently strike the desired protrusion of the target device. This teaches the softball player correct throwing mechanics and will result in a repeatable throwing motion. The softball player also learns how to increase her pitch velocity by learning the correct throwing mechanics that create the loudest snapping sound when  42  is struck. 
         [0040]    The placement of the Pitcher&#39;s Tee is critical to the softball player&#39;s correct use. The Pitcher&#39;s Tee softball embodiment must be placed at a height so that  42  is at the player&#39;s middle thigh. Proper pitching mechanics require a softball pitcher to stride from 90% to 120% of her height. For example, a pitcher with a height of 5 feet 6 inches would stride 6 feet. The Pitcher&#39;s Tee softball embodiment should be placed approximately 6 feet from the starting position of a 5 foot 6 inch pitcher. The pitcher should start by positioning her foot on the pitching rubber and simulating a pitch. This positioning forces the pitcher to maintain proper mechanics The Pitcher&#39;s Tee can be used on an actual pitching mound of a softball field, in a bullpen, or at a training facility. 
         [0041]      42  may be painted or made from different colors to indicate which protrusions are most favorable to strike. For example, the center protrusion could be colored red to indicate an undesired strike location. The protrusions on either side of the center protrusion could be colored green to indicate a more favorable strike area. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates the Pitcher&#39;s Tee in a folded position. The base and target areas are able to rotate 90 degrees at  32  and  30 , respectively, so that the target device is folded, compact, and portable. This enables the Pitcher&#39;s Tee to easily be transported and stored.