CA2168200A1 - Sports target - Google Patents
Sports targetInfo
- Publication number
- CA2168200A1 CA2168200A1 CA 2168200 CA2168200A CA2168200A1 CA 2168200 A1 CA2168200 A1 CA 2168200A1 CA 2168200 CA2168200 CA 2168200 CA 2168200 A CA2168200 A CA 2168200A CA 2168200 A1 CA2168200 A1 CA 2168200A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- opening
- tarp
- target
- net
- ball
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
- A63B2024/0037—Tracking a path or terminating locations on a target surface or at impact on the ground
- A63B2024/0046—Mechanical means for locating the point of impact or entry
- A63B2024/005—Keeping track of the point of impact or entry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B2063/002—Targets or goals for ball games variable in size
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use as a sports target. The sports target comprises a tarp and means for attaching said tarp to a support structure. The support means can be a free standing frame or straps or the like for attachment to an existing object such as a goal net etc.. One or more openings are provided in said tarp through which it is intended to throw, kick, hit or shoot a ball, puck or like object.
Means are provided, said means adapted to cover a part of said openings, to adjust the size and location of the opening(s) to accomodate different ages and skill levels. Net means is provided behind said opening to retain a ball, puck or like object thrown, hit, shot or kicked through said opening.
Means are provided, said means adapted to cover a part of said openings, to adjust the size and location of the opening(s) to accomodate different ages and skill levels. Net means is provided behind said opening to retain a ball, puck or like object thrown, hit, shot or kicked through said opening.
Description
~ ~_ 21682~
Title: SPORTS TARGET
Inventor: Robert M. Campbell BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention This invention relates to apparatus for use as targets for various sporting activities and, more particularly, to devices designed to provide a target for baseball pitchers to practice throwing the ball in the strike zone.
Description of the Prior Art The use of a practice target is not uncommon in many sports. In hockey various devices have been used that can be attached to the net so that the players can practice shooting.
These range from a piece of plywood with holes cut in it to circular styrofoam targets about a foot in diameter that are attached to the goalposts.
In baseball it is known for the pitcher to practice the accuracy of his pitches by throwing into a net or at a target representing the strike zone or a part of the strike zone.
Rudimentary targets such as bushel baskets or plates hung against a fence have been used. Devices used to measure the speed and accuracy of pitches use a strike zone painted on a tarp to which appropriate sensory devices are connected to measure the speed and location of the ball as it hits the target. None of these prior art devices provide a device in which the size and location of the target zone can be easily adjusted for different ages or skill levels.
SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a simple device that can be used as a target to practice accurately throwing, shooting, hitting or kicking a ball or other object.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device where the location of the target zone can be easily adjusted.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use as a sports target. The sports target comprises a tarp and means for attaching said tarp to a support structure. The support means can be a free standing frame or straps or the like for attachment to an existing object such as a goal net etc.. One or more openings are provided in said tarp through which it is intended to throw, kick, hit or shoot a ball, puck or like object. Means are provided, said means adapted to cover a part of said openings, to adjust the size and location of the opening(s) to accomodate different ages and skill levels. Net means is provided behind said opening to retain a ball, puck or like object thrown, hit, shot or kicked through said opening.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of a target according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a back view of the target of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the target of Fig. 1 showing a self standing frame for the target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, a target, generally indicated at 1, consists of a generally rectangular tarp 2 made of a material sufficiently durable to withstand repeatedly having a ball or other object thrown or hit at it. A heavy duty tarp typically used for truck tarps has proven to be practical. The tarp 2 has top 3, bottom 4 and opposite side 5, 6 edges. Along each of said top, ` 2168200 bottom and side edges means are provided to attach the tarp 2 to a frame (not shown) or other support means for the tarp. In the embodiment shown which is intended for a baseball application, the means for attachment consists of providing sleeves 7, 8, 9, 10 along each of said top, side and bottom edges. The corners 11 of the tarp 2 are cutout to permit frame members to be inserted into the sleeves. Any suitable materials may be used for the frame (wood, metal or plastic). In the preferred embodiment as best shown in Fig. 3 the frame is constructed of 1~" ABS pipe pieces that are detachable to permit transport and storage.
Centrally disposed in tarp 2 is a generally rectangular opening 12 behind which is a net 13 or other means to retain any balls thrown into the opening 12. The strike zone in baseball is defined as "that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the top of the knees" (The Official Rules of Baseball 1995). Home plate is 14"-17" wide. The opening 12 therefore is preferably slightly wider than 14"-17" to simulate the width of home plate.
Where other dimensions are used the size of opening 12 can be suitably changed without departing from the scope of the invention.
However in order for the target to be used by players of different age groups the vertical height of the opening 12 and the distance from bottom edge 4 should be selected to accommodate all age groups. In order to make opening 12 simulate the strike zone for any particular age group, one or more flaps 14 are provided that can be used to cover part of the opening. In Fig. 1 one flap 14 i8 shown covering the bottom of opening 12 . Means are provide for connecting the flap 14 to tarp 2. In the embodiment shown, Velcro strips 15 are sewn around the outside of opening 12. Corresponding Velcro strips 18 are sewn along the sides 20 and 21 of flap 14 on the back side of the flap so that the flap 14 can be used to cover a part of opening 12. To provide greater adjustment in flap 14, it has been found that providing Velcro strips 19 along the front of 216820~
sides 20 and 21 of flap 14 permits the top 22 of flap 14 to be rolled or unrolled to expanded or reduce the exposed area of opening 12. Preferably a second flap (not shown) similar to flap 14 is provided to cover the upper part of opening 12. These two flaps permit the opening 12 to be adjusted so the height of the opening and its distance from the ground approximates the height and location of the strike zone of the players using the target. A
third intermediate flap (not shown) can also be provided to divide the opening 12 into two sections so that a player can practice throwing high and low strikes and avoid the middle of the strike zone. Net 13 is provided with sufficient slack so that the balls stay in the net and don~t bounce out.
As best illustrated in Fig. 2, net 13 is attached to around opening 12 on the back of tarp 2 in a fashion that will reduce the chance of it coming unattached. In the preferred embodiment belting 25 is sewn over top of net 13 and tarp 2 around opening 12 to hold the net 13 in place and to reinforce the edges of opening 12 to prevent them from becoming ripped or torn and insure only balls thrown into opening 12 are retained in net 13.
Slots 26 can be provided in sleeve 7 along the top edge 3 of tarp 2 to permit support members 33 to be attached to the top frame member 32 as shown in Fig. 3. Bottom frame member 31 can be spiked or weighted to the ground to prevent the target from moving when struck by a pitch. Supports 33 retain the target 1 in a vertical position when pinned to the ground as illustrated in Fig.
3 by spike 34. The target is preferably constructed to permit support members 33 to support the target at different angles so that the target can be used for different applications.
In use for baseball, target 1 would be set up as shown in Fig. 3. Nominal dimensions of tarp 2 suitable for a baseball application are 5 ft wide by 6 ft high. Flaps 14 would be adjusted to the strike zone of the age and skill of the players practising.
A pitcher could align himself with the target to simulate pitching from the pitcherls mound. Pitches that are not strikes would hit `~ 2168200 tarp 2 and fall to the ground. Pitches in the strike zone would be retained in net 13. The target can be utilized at home plate, in the bullpen or in any open area such as the outfield, backyards etc. Another variation is to place a batter in front of the target.
The pitcher can practice pitching to a batter without needing an umpire or catcher to determine balls and strikes. It will also assist the batter to determine when he has swung at pitches out of the strike zone.
While the preferred embodiment is illustrated for use with baseball, the present invention can be adapted for other sports such as hockey, golf, soccer, tennis etc by adapting the shape and size of the tarp, size, shape and location of the opening and the frame/support means consistent with the objectives for other sports.
It will be appreciated that the above description related to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
Title: SPORTS TARGET
Inventor: Robert M. Campbell BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention This invention relates to apparatus for use as targets for various sporting activities and, more particularly, to devices designed to provide a target for baseball pitchers to practice throwing the ball in the strike zone.
Description of the Prior Art The use of a practice target is not uncommon in many sports. In hockey various devices have been used that can be attached to the net so that the players can practice shooting.
These range from a piece of plywood with holes cut in it to circular styrofoam targets about a foot in diameter that are attached to the goalposts.
In baseball it is known for the pitcher to practice the accuracy of his pitches by throwing into a net or at a target representing the strike zone or a part of the strike zone.
Rudimentary targets such as bushel baskets or plates hung against a fence have been used. Devices used to measure the speed and accuracy of pitches use a strike zone painted on a tarp to which appropriate sensory devices are connected to measure the speed and location of the ball as it hits the target. None of these prior art devices provide a device in which the size and location of the target zone can be easily adjusted for different ages or skill levels.
SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a simple device that can be used as a target to practice accurately throwing, shooting, hitting or kicking a ball or other object.
It is another object of the invention to provide a device where the location of the target zone can be easily adjusted.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use as a sports target. The sports target comprises a tarp and means for attaching said tarp to a support structure. The support means can be a free standing frame or straps or the like for attachment to an existing object such as a goal net etc.. One or more openings are provided in said tarp through which it is intended to throw, kick, hit or shoot a ball, puck or like object. Means are provided, said means adapted to cover a part of said openings, to adjust the size and location of the opening(s) to accomodate different ages and skill levels. Net means is provided behind said opening to retain a ball, puck or like object thrown, hit, shot or kicked through said opening.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of a target according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a back view of the target of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the target of Fig. 1 showing a self standing frame for the target.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to Fig. 1 and 2, a target, generally indicated at 1, consists of a generally rectangular tarp 2 made of a material sufficiently durable to withstand repeatedly having a ball or other object thrown or hit at it. A heavy duty tarp typically used for truck tarps has proven to be practical. The tarp 2 has top 3, bottom 4 and opposite side 5, 6 edges. Along each of said top, ` 2168200 bottom and side edges means are provided to attach the tarp 2 to a frame (not shown) or other support means for the tarp. In the embodiment shown which is intended for a baseball application, the means for attachment consists of providing sleeves 7, 8, 9, 10 along each of said top, side and bottom edges. The corners 11 of the tarp 2 are cutout to permit frame members to be inserted into the sleeves. Any suitable materials may be used for the frame (wood, metal or plastic). In the preferred embodiment as best shown in Fig. 3 the frame is constructed of 1~" ABS pipe pieces that are detachable to permit transport and storage.
Centrally disposed in tarp 2 is a generally rectangular opening 12 behind which is a net 13 or other means to retain any balls thrown into the opening 12. The strike zone in baseball is defined as "that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the top of the knees" (The Official Rules of Baseball 1995). Home plate is 14"-17" wide. The opening 12 therefore is preferably slightly wider than 14"-17" to simulate the width of home plate.
Where other dimensions are used the size of opening 12 can be suitably changed without departing from the scope of the invention.
However in order for the target to be used by players of different age groups the vertical height of the opening 12 and the distance from bottom edge 4 should be selected to accommodate all age groups. In order to make opening 12 simulate the strike zone for any particular age group, one or more flaps 14 are provided that can be used to cover part of the opening. In Fig. 1 one flap 14 i8 shown covering the bottom of opening 12 . Means are provide for connecting the flap 14 to tarp 2. In the embodiment shown, Velcro strips 15 are sewn around the outside of opening 12. Corresponding Velcro strips 18 are sewn along the sides 20 and 21 of flap 14 on the back side of the flap so that the flap 14 can be used to cover a part of opening 12. To provide greater adjustment in flap 14, it has been found that providing Velcro strips 19 along the front of 216820~
sides 20 and 21 of flap 14 permits the top 22 of flap 14 to be rolled or unrolled to expanded or reduce the exposed area of opening 12. Preferably a second flap (not shown) similar to flap 14 is provided to cover the upper part of opening 12. These two flaps permit the opening 12 to be adjusted so the height of the opening and its distance from the ground approximates the height and location of the strike zone of the players using the target. A
third intermediate flap (not shown) can also be provided to divide the opening 12 into two sections so that a player can practice throwing high and low strikes and avoid the middle of the strike zone. Net 13 is provided with sufficient slack so that the balls stay in the net and don~t bounce out.
As best illustrated in Fig. 2, net 13 is attached to around opening 12 on the back of tarp 2 in a fashion that will reduce the chance of it coming unattached. In the preferred embodiment belting 25 is sewn over top of net 13 and tarp 2 around opening 12 to hold the net 13 in place and to reinforce the edges of opening 12 to prevent them from becoming ripped or torn and insure only balls thrown into opening 12 are retained in net 13.
Slots 26 can be provided in sleeve 7 along the top edge 3 of tarp 2 to permit support members 33 to be attached to the top frame member 32 as shown in Fig. 3. Bottom frame member 31 can be spiked or weighted to the ground to prevent the target from moving when struck by a pitch. Supports 33 retain the target 1 in a vertical position when pinned to the ground as illustrated in Fig.
3 by spike 34. The target is preferably constructed to permit support members 33 to support the target at different angles so that the target can be used for different applications.
In use for baseball, target 1 would be set up as shown in Fig. 3. Nominal dimensions of tarp 2 suitable for a baseball application are 5 ft wide by 6 ft high. Flaps 14 would be adjusted to the strike zone of the age and skill of the players practising.
A pitcher could align himself with the target to simulate pitching from the pitcherls mound. Pitches that are not strikes would hit `~ 2168200 tarp 2 and fall to the ground. Pitches in the strike zone would be retained in net 13. The target can be utilized at home plate, in the bullpen or in any open area such as the outfield, backyards etc. Another variation is to place a batter in front of the target.
The pitcher can practice pitching to a batter without needing an umpire or catcher to determine balls and strikes. It will also assist the batter to determine when he has swung at pitches out of the strike zone.
While the preferred embodiment is illustrated for use with baseball, the present invention can be adapted for other sports such as hockey, golf, soccer, tennis etc by adapting the shape and size of the tarp, size, shape and location of the opening and the frame/support means consistent with the objectives for other sports.
It will be appreciated that the above description related to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
Claims
1. A sports target comprising a tarp, means for attaching said tarp to a support structure, one or more openings in said tarp, means to adjust the size and location of said opening(s) said means adapted to cover a part of said openings and net means for retaining a ball, puck or like object thrown, hit, shot or kicked through said opening.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2168200 CA2168200A1 (en) | 1996-01-26 | 1996-01-26 | Sports target |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2168200 CA2168200A1 (en) | 1996-01-26 | 1996-01-26 | Sports target |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2168200A1 true CA2168200A1 (en) | 1997-07-27 |
Family
ID=4157444
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2168200 Abandoned CA2168200A1 (en) | 1996-01-26 | 1996-01-26 | Sports target |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2168200A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7252604B2 (en) | 2004-08-13 | 2007-08-07 | Arthur Birss | Target apparatus for a sport goal |
| US9199148B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2015-12-01 | Robert Krohl | Apparatus for improving the accuracy of shots on goal |
-
1996
- 1996-01-26 CA CA 2168200 patent/CA2168200A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7252604B2 (en) | 2004-08-13 | 2007-08-07 | Arthur Birss | Target apparatus for a sport goal |
| US9199148B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2015-12-01 | Robert Krohl | Apparatus for improving the accuracy of shots on goal |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |