EA003178B1 - Ball hitting practice apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A ball hitting practice apparatus (10,150), said apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid member (15,200) having a first end and a second end: a first hinge (20,160) that can be suspended from a frame (40) and attached at or near said first end such that said first hinge constrains said substantially rigid member to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis; and a ball mounting assembly (25,192) suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially rigid member is mounted to said first hinge such that said first hinge constrains said second end to rotate in a substantially vertical plane. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said frame has a vertical support structure (60) that is substantially in said vertical plane. 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially rigid member has a weight that is less than a weight of a combination of said ball mounting assembly and a ball (35,80,120,140) attached to said ball mounting assembly. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a combination of said substantially rigid member, said ball mounting assembly, and a ball (35,80,120,140) attached to said ball mounting assembly has a center of gravity that is below said second end of said substantially rigid member. 6. The apparatus at claim 1 wherein said first hinge is secured to said frame. 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said frame comprises a substantially horizontal support structure (50,170) onto which said first hinge is secured. 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said frame further comprises a substantially vertical support structure (60) having an upper end and a lower end, and wherein said substantially horizontal support structure has a first end and a second end, said first end of said substantially horizontal support structure being secured near said upper end of said substantially vertical support structure, and wherein said first hinge is secured near said second end of said substantially horizontal support structure. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said frame further includes a base (70), said substantially vertical support structure being secured to said base for supporting said substantially vertical support structure. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said base comprises a plurality of legs. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said legs comprises collapsible legs. 12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said substantially vertical support structure has an adjustable height. 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said substantially vertical support structure is telescopic to allow adjustment of said height. 14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said substantially horizontal support structure has an adjustable length. 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said substantially horizontal support structure is telescopic to allow adjustment of said length. 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ball mounting assembly comprises: at least one shaft (74); and at least one tubular member (76) adapted to rotate around each of said at least one shaft, wherein said at least one tubular member allows for releasable mounting of a ball (35,80,120,140). 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said shaft comprises an element selected from a group consisting of a rope and a rod. 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein a releasable fastener is fixed to at least a portion of said tubular member for facilitating releasable mounting of said ball. 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said releasable fastener comprises two complementary halves (78,79), a first of said halves being fixed to said tubular member and a second of said halves being fixed to said ball. 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said releasable fastener comprises a hook and loop type fastener. 21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said portion of said tubular member is concave for increasing contact surface between said two halves. 22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said releasable fastener comprises a piercing half (132) and a pierceable half (134). 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said piercing half comprises at least one pointed member and said pierceable half comprises rubber. 24. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein at least one suction cup is secured to said tubular member for detachable mounting of said ball. 25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially rigid member has a length that is adjustable. 26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially rigid member is a rod comprising a material selected from a group consisting of foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, a soft material, and any combination thereof. 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said rod comprises an aluminum inner rod and a soft material that surrounds at least a portion of said aluminum rod. 28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said rigid member comprises: an upper elongated portion (16) attached to said first hinge; and a lower elongated portion (18) suspended from said upper portion and capable of movement that is independent from movement of said upper portion. 29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said upper and lower elongated portions are attached together using a ball-and-socket type fastener. 30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said upper and lower elongated portions are attached together using a cylinder-and-socket type fastener. 31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said upper and lower elongated portions are attached together using at least one hook. 32. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hinge comprises: a first part; and a second part that is rotatable about said first part and that is attached to said first end of said substantially rigid member. 33. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hinge comprises: a first part that allows said rotation of said substantially rigid member about said substantially horizontal axis; and a second movable part including a spring element that allows said rigid member to move in and out of a substantially vertical plane. 34. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hinge comprises: a movable part for allowing a swinging motion of said substantially rigid member about said substantially horizontal axis; and a spring element attached to said substantially rigid member to allows said substantially rigid member to move in and out of a substantially vertical plane. 35. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hinge comprises a movable part for allowing a swinging motion of said substantially rigid member in a substantially vertical plane, and wherein said substantially rigid member comprises a spring element to allow a lateral motion of a portion of said substantially rigid member. 36. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ball mounting assembly comprises a ball mounting device (29,70,100,130,196) suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member. 37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said ball mounting device comprises: a tube (72) having a longitudinal axis; a plurality of extending shafts (74); and a plurality of tubular members (76) adapted to rotate around each of said shafts, wherein said at least one tubular member allows for releasable mounting of a ball (35,80,120,140). 38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein a releasable fastener is fixed to at least a portion of said tubular member for facilitating releasable mounting of said ball. 39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said releasable fastener comprises two complementary halves (78,79), a first of said halves being fixed to said tubular member and a second of said halves being fixed to said ball. 40. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ball mounting assembly comprises: a tether (30,90,194,220) suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member; and a ball mounting device (29,70,106,130,196) suspended from said tether. 41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said tether is adjustable in length. 42. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said tether comprises an elastic string. 43. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said tether comprises a non-elastic string. 44. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ball mounting assembly (25,192) is releasably suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member. 45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said ball mounting assembly (25,192) comprises: a tether (30,90,194,220) suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member; and a ball mounting device (29,70,106,130,196) suspended from said tether. 46. The apparatus of claim 45 wherein said tether has an upper end with an object (230) attached and said second end of said substantially rigid member has a passage (207) adapted to hold said object until said tether has a tension that is greater than a threshold tension. 47. A method for practicing hitting a ball (35,80,120,140), said method comprising: providing a ball hitting practice apparatus (10,150) comprising: a substantially rigid member (15,200) having a first end and a second end; a hinge (20,160) capable of suspension from a frame (40) and attached near said first end of said substantially rigid member such that said substantially rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis; and a ball mounting assembly (25,192) suspended from said second end of said substantially rigid member; mounting said ball on said ball mounting device; positioning said ball at a height; allowing said ball to fall while attached to said ball mounting device; and hitting said ball with a hitting device. 48. The method of claim 47 wherein said hitting said ball causes said ball to dismount from said ball mounting device. 49. The method of claim 47 wherein said hitting device is selected from a group consisting of a bat, a club, a racket, a stick, a bare hand, and a gloved hand. 50. The method of claim 47 wherein said positioning includes causing said substantially rigid member to rotate on said hinge about said axis in a substantially vertical plane. 51. The method of claim 47 where

Description

Background to the invention

Known devices for practicing blows to the ball, in which the balls are suspended on cords attached to horizontal supporting elements. For example, US Pat. No. 5,271,618 to the name Μα1 \ νίΙζ discloses a device for practicing bat punches, including a horizontally extending metal pipe to which a ball is suspended by a cord. The cord passes through the center hole of the ball. A knot is formed at the end of the cord that holds the ball on the cord. In another example, US Pat. No. 5,624,113 discloses a portable system for striking with a bat, which can be attached to a chain link guard. Other systems in which balls are suspended on cords attached to a horizontal support member are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,184,816, US Pat. No. 5,445,561, US Pat. No. 5,683,315, US Pat. No. 5,743,820, US Pat. No. 5,383,686 and in British patent No. 175926.

However, in each of the above systems, it is difficult to ensure the successive passage of the ball, which is suspended at the end of the elastic cord, through the same zone or along the same zone.

In other known devices for performing exercises with the ball, the balls are attached to rigid elements. For example, US Pat. No. 5,833,555 teaches a training device in which the ball returns to its original position by gravity, and US Pat. No. 5,700,203 discloses a golf training device that uses a training ball kit. Although the ball must follow the same path in these systems, it does not reproduce the natural movement of the free or attached ball.

In some known devices, balls are suspended on cords and tubes. For example, US Pat. No. 5,531,438 discloses a device for practicing bat punches that includes a ball tied to the end of a cord and a soft plastic tube that covers a portion of the cord directly above the ball. In another example, US Pat. No. 5,338,026, discloses a backswing rig that includes an attached ball mounted under a basketball hoop. Although, according to both references, the ball is suspended by using a cord and a tube, the ball does not move successively along the same or similar path.

Finally, US Pat. No. 5,373,056 teaches a baseball skill device in which the ball is suspended by a U-shaped tethered system, which itself is held by two horizontal shoulders, which are also arranged in a U-shaped configuration. Unfortunately, the U-shaped attachment system is visually distracting and mechanically complex, and the U-shaped shoulders can significantly add weight to the top of the device, potentially destabilizing it.

Therefore, it would be desirable to create a device for practicing blows to the ball, which can provide a consistent supply on the same or similar path.

It would also be desirable to create a device for practicing blows to the ball, which can consistently provide a smooth and natural delivery of the ball to the user.

In addition, it is desirable to create a device for practicing blows to the ball, which allows for consistent playback of a certain number of innings of various types.

In addition, it would be desirable to create a stable device for practicing blows to the ball, which is simple to manufacture and use.

It would be even more desirable to create a device for practicing blows to the ball, including a unit for attaching the ball, which can be disconnected.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide a device for practicing blows to the ball, which can provide a consistent supply of the ball along the same or similar path.

The purpose of this invention is also to provide a device for practicing blows to the ball, which can provide a smooth and natural consistent delivery of the ball to the user.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a device for practicing blows to the ball, which can provide consistent playback of a certain number of innings of various types.

Another objective of this invention is to create a stable device for practicing blows to the ball, which is simple to manufacture and use, and which visually does not distract attention.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a device for practicing blows to the ball, including a node for attaching the ball, which can be disconnected.

According to this invention, a device for practicing blows to a ball is provided, which includes a substantially rigid element, a hinge, and an assembly for securing the ball. A substantially rigid element has a first, upper end and a second, lower end. The hinge can be held by the frame, and the upper end of the essentially rigid element is attached to the hinge so that this element can rotate around a virtually horizontal axis. The ball mount assembly is suspended from the lower end of a substantially rigid member.

Methods have also been developed for manufacturing and using a device for practicing blows to the ball.

Brief Description of the Figures

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in all of which like numbers refer to like parts, and in which in FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an illustrative embodiment of a construction of a ball impact device according to the present invention;

in FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of another illustrative embodiment of a construction of a ball impact device according to the present invention;

in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, partially in height, of the hinge zone between two elongated parts that make up the substantially rigid member shown in FIG. 2 and made in accordance with the present invention, in FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of an illustrative base of a ball impact device according to the present invention;

in FIG. 3b is a side elevational view of an illustrative vertical support structure and mechanism for adjusting its length, made according to the invention;

in FIG. 4 is a height view of an illustrative embodiment of a ball mount assembly (front view) and lower end of a rigid member (side view) to which the assembly is suspended according to the present invention. This view corresponds to that part which is surrounded by the dashed rectangular outline shown in FIG. 2;

in FIG. 5 is a height view of another illustrative embodiment of a ball mount assembly (front view) and lower end of a rigid member (side view) to which the assembly is suspended according to the present invention;

in FIG. 6 is a height view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a construction of a ball mount assembly (front view) and a lower end of a rigid member (side view) to which the assembly is suspended according to the present invention;

in FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of the ball impact apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 according to the present invention;

in FIG. 8 is a front partial elevational view of the ball impact apparatus shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 according to the present invention;

in FIG. 9 is a partial plan view from above of the ball impact device shown in FIG. 2 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 2 according to the present invention;

in FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative embodiment of a construction of a ball impact device according to the present invention;

in FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the ball impact device of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 according to the present invention;

in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative lower end of a substantially rigid member according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to better understand the invention presented here, the following is a detailed description thereof.

In FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for practicing ball shots made according to this invention. The device 10 includes at least 1) a substantially rigid element 15 having a first end 17 and a second end 19, 2) a hinge 20 attached to or near the first end 17 so that the second end 19 rotates around actually a horizontal axis, and 3) a node 25 for securing the ball. Preferably, the second end 19 rotates in a substantially vertical plane. Most preferably, the element 15 is elongated and rotates in a virtually vertical plane. Would be preferable. so that the element 15 can also have a shape that is not elongated, for example an L-shaped shape, since such a shape can rotate around an actually horizontal axis.

The ball mount assembly 25 includes a suspension element 30 and a ball mount device 29 that hangs from the suspension element 30. In one embodiment, the structure 15 is longer than the assembly 25. As will be described in more detail below, the ball 35 may be attached to node 25 in various ways.

A number of measures can be taken that contribute to the smooth and natural movement of the ball when the ball is attached to the assembly 25 for securing it. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially rigid element can be made of two or more substantially rigid parts 16 and 18 connected by a second hinge 21 in such a way that each of the parts 16 and 18 can move relative to the other part. In one embodiment, the design shown in FIG. 3, the second hinge 21 allows movement only in the vertical plane or parallel to this vertical plane, which has already been created by the hinge 20. In this case, the hinge 21 can be a cylinder-socket connector that includes a cylinder 27 and a socket 29. Here, the cylinder only rotates in a nest around its longitudinal axis. This serves to limit the rotation of the lower part to a virtually vertical plane. The lower and upper parts can also be connected by one or more hooks. In another embodiment, the second hinge 21 is a ball-socket connector that allows rotation in the vertical plane and outside this plane defined by the first hinge.

The natural movement of the ball can also be improved if the weight of the substantially rigid element is less than the total weight of the ball and ball attachment assembly attached to it. Preferably, the combination of the substantially rigid member, the ball attachment assembly, and the ball itself (when attached to the assembly) has a center of gravity which is lower than the lower end of the substantially rigid member.

As, for example, shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 may also include a frame 40 for securing the hinge 20. In one embodiment, the frame 40 includes a substantially horizontal support structure 50 to which the hinge 20 is mounted. The device 10 may also include a substantially vertical support structure 60 for holding the structure 50. The structure 60 has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64. In this case, the end 52 of the horizontal structure 50 may be attached to the end 62 or may be close to this end of the vertical structure 60, and the hinge 20 may be be attached to the end 54 or to be near the end of the horizontal structure 50. The frame 40 may also include a base 70 for supporting vertical structure 60.

It will be preferred that any of the substantially horizontal and substantially vertical structures 50 and 60 be made of one component, or of two or more components. In addition, it will be preferable that these components are not necessarily oriented in the same direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the substantially horizontal support structure 50 essentially includes components 55, 56, and 57.

The base 70 may be located in a substantially vertical plane of rotation or close to it. As, for example, shown in FIG. 3a, the base 70 may include two or more supports 72 (which may be sliding). When used to practice baseball techniques, the base 70 can be located behind the plate of the house so that the device 10 can easily be used by players striking with both left and right hands. Other types of substrates can also be used, including substrates filled with water or sand.

Both support structures 50 and 60 may have an adjustable length to accommodate different user height. As, for example, shown in FIG. 1, these structures can be telescopically connected. For fixing sections of telescopic structures, locking means such as fingers and / or mechanical bandages or clamps can be used. As, for example, shown in FIG. 3b, the vertical support structure 60 includes a locking structure 65 that rotates around the hinge 66 and can be inserted through the outer component 67 through the hole 68 for engagement with the inner component 69. To tighten the connection between the inner and outer structural components 67 and 69 so that to prevent them from beating relative to each other, an adjustable collar 63 can also be used.

The ball mount assembly 25 includes a ball mount device 29, but it may include one or more other components, such as a suspension element 30. The suspension element 30 may have an adjustable length using a variable length loop adjustable by any suitable locking means, including a cord clip or a simple assembly 32. The assembly 25 for securing the ball is suspended from the lower end 19 of the member 15.

In FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary ball holding device 70 that includes a vertically suspended tube 72, several rods 74 that partially extend horizontally, and several tubular elements 76 that are held by the rods 74. Preferably, the elements 76 are adapted to rotate around each of the rods 74. The tubular elements 76 may provide removable fastening of the ball 80. The rods 74 may be made of any material that is sufficiently rigid to hold the tubular element and 76. Preferably, the rods 74, such as cable (e.g., made of nylon) or a rod, provided the possibility of rotation of the tubular member 76. As shown in FIG. 4, the same cable can be inserted through the tube 72 to form a loop 73 for attaching it to the suspension element 90.

To facilitate the detachable fastening of the ball 80, a detachable fastener between the device 70 and the ball 80 may be used. The fastener may include two complementary halves 78 and 79. The first half 78 is attached to the tubular element 76, and the second half 79 to the ball 80. One of such fasteners, it is a hook-and-loop-type part (usually called UEZCO®), the hook part being preferably attached to the device 70 and the loop part being attached to the ball 80. Part of the tubular element 76 can be concave for increasing the contact surface between the two halves of the fastener. Preferably, the tubular element 76 or any other part of the device 70 (including the entire device 70) can be replaced.

In FIG. 5 illustrates another illustrative removable device 100 for securing a ball. The device 100 includes at least one cup 102 that is attached to the tubular member 104. In this embodiment, the cup 102 is used in place of the tubular member with a concave portion. The tubular element 104 may be suspended by means of a substantially horizontal rod 103, which may be part of a large supporting structure, for example a triangular structure 105. The structure 105 does not have to be triangular, but it must provide a suspension element 104, and preferably practically horizontally. Alternatively, the tubular member 104 may rotate around the rod 103.

Preferably, the inner radius of curvature of the cup 102 substantially coincides with the outer radius of curvature of the ball 120. The concave shape of the cup 102 serves to increase the surface area of contact with the ball 120. A removable fastener is used to facilitate attachment of the cup 102 to the ball 120. It is preferred that The fastener consisted of two halves. The first half 106 is attached to the inner surface of the cup 102, and the second half 108 to the ball 120. One of such parts is a hook-and-loop part (for example, UESKO®) with a hook part, preferably attached to the device cup 102, and with a hinge part attached to the ball 120.

It would be preferable that the removable fastener is optionally formed on the inside of the cup 102 and at the surface of the ball 120. It is preferred that the cup 102 can be removably attached to the ball 120 using suction. In this case, it is preferable that the cup 102 is attached to the virtually smooth surface of the ball 120. When there is suction between the cup and the ball, the ball is held in place. When striking the ball, the suction is eliminated and the ball is detached.

In FIG. 6 shows another type of ball mount device that includes a different type of detachable fastener. The ball holding device 130 includes a removable fastener which itself includes a punch half 132 and a punch half 134. The punch half 132 is preferably attached to the lower end 136 of the ball holding device 130, and the punch half 134 is attached to the ball 140. Punch half 132, which according to FIG. 6 is installed in punched half 134, includes at least one pointed element (for example, a spike). The punched half is preferably made of a permeable material, for example rubber, which can withstand a large number of punctures. When the spike pierces the rubber, it will be held there until the ball is hit with a striking device, such as a bat. It would be preferable that the punching half is optionally used with the shaft and with the rotatable tubular member described above. It is only necessary that the punching half be suspended from the ball holding device, as shown in FIG. 6.

The substantially rigid member of this invention may be a bar made of a material that preferably has a low weight and is generally rigid and / or ductile. Materials that can be used to construct a substantially rigid element can be foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, or the like. In addition, a combination of these materials may also be used. For example, a substantially rigid element may include an aluminum bar coated with foam, rubber or plastic material to prevent the possibility of injury. In addition, the substantially rigid element may have a length that can be adjusted.

In FIG. 7 shows an enlarged partial front elevational view of the ball impact device 10, in which the hinge 20 is shown in particular. The hinge 20 is preferably mounted close to the end 54 of the horizontal structure 50 to the upper end 17 of the element 15, so that the direction of the element 15 in a substantially vertical plane 11. As best shown in FIG. 8, the hinge 20 may include a pin 24 (rod-shaped member) having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis 23 around which the lower part can rotate

22. This ensures that the element 15, which is attached to the lower part 22, rotates essentially in a vertical plane 11.

The upper part 26 can be made integrally with the structure 50, or it is attached to this structure. In FIG. 9 shows a top view of the hinge 20 and the structure 50. It would be preferable that the hinge 20 could be anything, which greatly restricts the rotation of the element 15 around a substantially horizontal axis.

The hinge 20 may be designed so as to also provide limited movement of the element 15 outside the vertical plane 11. For example, between the hinge 20 and the element 15 or inside the lower part 22, a spring element (not shown) can be attached. Such movement outside the plane is desirable to prevent injury if a person hits the element 15 in a direction that is outside the vertical plane 11.

In addition, it is preferable that the hinge 20 has a low weight. Thus, the hinge 20 should be small, while it is preferable that it be made of lightweight material, for example plastic. In order to reduce the weight of the hinge 20, in addition, in some part of the hinge 20, channels can be formed or drilled. For example, the lower portion 22 includes channels 28. As best shown in FIG. 8, an element 15 can be inserted into one of the channels 28 and secured by a group of screws 31 or something similar.

In FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the construction of a ball impact device according to the invention. The device 150 includes a hinge of a type other than the hinge shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the horizontal support structure 170 (for example, a horizontal rod with adjustment on the back of the child) acts as one half of the hinge, and the clamp 180, to which the element 190 is attached, is rotatably mounted on the horizontal support structure 170. In FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the area surrounding the hinge 160.

As previously described, device 150 also includes a ball mount assembly 192 that includes a suspension member 194 and a ball mount device 196. The suspension element may be an elongated flexible component that is suspended from the bottom of the element 190 from which the ball holding device 196 is hung. In one embodiment, the suspension element 194 can be adjusted in length and can be made from an elastic or inelastic cord or cable.

As shown in FIG. 10, the element 190 rotates in a substantially vertical plane 198. However, it can be appreciated that only the lower end of the element 190 (where the ball mount assembly 192 is attached) can rotate in the vertical plane. For example, as shown in dash-dotted outline in FIG. 10, the element 190 may be attached to the hinge 160 at an angle. In this case, only the lower end of the element 190 rotates in a virtually vertical plane 199. It is clear that in this way can be installed any essentially rigid element according to this invention.

The ball mount assembly made in accordance with this invention may be a removable type assembly. As, for example, shown in FIG. 4-6, the ball mount assembly may include a suspension member suspended from a substantially rigid element at the lower divided end, and a ball mount device hanging from the suspension element. These figures also show that the suspension element may have an upper end with a detachable object, such as a spherical part attached to it. The lower divided end of the rigid element may have a longitudinal channel adapted to hold the object until the suspension element has a tension exceeding the threshold tension value. When the threshold tension value is reached, the object will begin to slide along the channel.

Since the suspension element can be separated from the substantially rigid element, the device is safer than inseparable training devices. For example, if the striker hits the suspension element during a swing and entangles the bat in it, the distinguishing feature of the possibility of disconnection ensures that the frame does not tip over and that the striker does not injure itself in any other way.

It can be appreciated that the threshold tension value is at least partially determined by the amount by which the substantially rigid element must be bent before an object can slip out. Thus, the threshold value can be reduced by increasing the size of the channel, the stiffness of the essentially rigid element, or reducing friction between the object and the channel.

In FIG. 4-6 also show that a split end 205 can be formed by forming a longitudinal groove 207 at the end of a standard pipe. Alternatively, the split end 205, or the entire rigid member 200, may be formed using any conventional molding technique. The longitudinal groove 207 preferably has a thickness that is less than the diameter of the spherical part 230, so as to prevent the spherical part 230 from falling out of the end 205. However, the upper end of the longitudinal groove 207 has a thickness that is larger than the diameter of the spherical part 230 so that provide the ability to manually insert or remove the spherical part 230 from the end 205.

In FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative lower end 205 of a substantially rigid member 200 with a hollow plug 240 attached to an end 205, and an upper end 210 of a suspension member 220 with a spherical member 230 attached to an end 210. As described above, member 200 may be made of a material such as foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber or something like that. Hollow plug 240 may also be made of any of these materials. One of the acceptable plastic materials is sold under the trademark ΌΕΕΚ.ΙΝ® by Ε.Ι. Ei ΐοηΐ Be No Tokig Apb Sotrapu, Wilmington, Delaware.

The plug 240 may be attached to the end 205 by any suitable means, including glue 250 or a group of screws (not shown). As shown in FIG. 12, the upper surface of the plug 240 is inclined to the central spherical part 230 at the upper end of the channel 270. It would be preferable that the plug 240 are two semi-annular parts not attached to each other, each of which is attached to the opposite inner surfaces of the end 205. Since these parts do not attached to each other, they can be separated when the spherical part 230 is pulled in a lower direction from the position shown in FIG. 12.

The spherical part 230 may be attached to the upper end 210 of the suspension element 220 by threading the end 210 through the spherical part 230, as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the spherical part 230 and the suspension element 220 may be formed of the same material. However, it would be preferable that the suspension element 220 could hang from any object, including an object having a non-spherical shape. When a spherical member 230 is used, the tip 260 of the suspension member 220 preferably has a sufficient thickness so that this tip 260 does not slip through the spherical member 230 even when tension is applied to the suspension member 220.

It would be preferable that the element 200 could be combined with the suspension element 220. For example, the element 200 and the suspension element 220 could be made of a cable, in which the upper part, which forms the element 200, is reinforced, for example, a nylon cable can be strengthened by means of it coating or impregnation with resin (or by heating it), while the lower part remains flexible. In this case, the hinge between the element 200 and the suspension element 220 simply represents a transition zone between them. In this case, the element 200 and the suspension element 220 may not be removable.

Also created a way to practice blows to the ball. In accordance with the method, a device for practicing blows to the ball with a device for securing the ball is taken, the ball is mounted on the device intended for securing it, the ball is placed at a predetermined height, the ball can fall when it is attached to the device for securing it, and the ball is struck on the ball with a striking device. The device for practicing blows to the ball may be any of the design options that are shown or discussed above. Preferably, when the ball is hit with sufficient force, the ball is separated from the ball holding device, as also shown above. Means for striking which can be used according to this invention are, but are not limited to, a bat, a club, a racket, a stack, a naked hand, and a gloved hand.

When using the device, the ball must be positioned properly. For example, when the ball is positioned correctly, it should be able to fall, causing the rotation of the essentially rigid element on the hinge around a virtually horizontal axis. As shown above, the lower end of the element preferably moves in a substantially vertical plane.

In one embodiment of the invention, the ball can be positioned by lifting it to a height determined by the user. When the height is much greater than the lowest point along the ball’s path, the ball can fall due to gravity and pass this point (for example, directly above the stove at home or in front of it) in an arc with high speed. When the ball is not raised to a lower height, it will pass this point at a lower speed. In this case, the speed of the ball passing the lowest point of the arc can be adjusted. It would be preferable that the ball could be lifted by an automatic device driven by an electric motor, or by any number of non-automated devices.

An advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to provide the movement of the ball attached to the device for securing the ball, mainly sequentially in the vertical plane or outside it, but its movement is limited by the passage of a basically rigid element, which is preferably made elongated. For example, if the ball is raised to a height in the vertical plane of the device and then dropped, the movement of the ball during its course will initially occur in the plane. However, if the ball is raised in the same position, and then it is hit in a direction that is outside the plane, the movement of the ball will include movement outside the plane. Alternatively, the ball can also be raised and released in a position outside the vertical plane. At the same time, it can be estimated that when a device is used to practice blows to a baseball, a certain number of innings of various types can be sequentially reproduced by this device (for example, along a curve, outside, inside, etc.).

It can be assumed that the combination of a basically rigid element and an upper hinge, at least in part, determines the ability of the device to provide consistent but variable reproduction. This seems to be especially true when the basically rigid element is longer than the ball mount.

When at least one of the actually vertical and horizontal support structures has a length that can be adjusted, the method may further include adjusting this length in order to adapt the device to a specific person who is practicing striking. Similarly, when the ball mount assembly includes a ball mount device and a suspension element of adjustable length, the method may further include adjusting the suspension element to provide a length acceptable to a particular practitioner.

Thus, it is obvious that a device and methods have been developed that can be used to practice blows to the ball. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced differently from the described embodiments of the construction, which are presented for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, while the present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (63)

CLAIM 1. A device (10,150) for practicing strikes on a ball, containing an essentially rigid element (15, 200), having a first end and a second end; the first hinge (20, 160), which can be suspended from the frame (40) and attached at or near the said first end in such a way that the first hinge rotates said essentially rigid element around its essentially horizontal axis; node (25, 192) for attaching the ball, suspended to the second end of the above-mentioned essentially rigid element. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the said essentially rigid element is attached to the first hinge in such a way that the first hinge allows the second end to rotate in a substantially vertical plane. 3. The device according to claim 2, in which said frame has a vertical support structure (60), which is essentially in said vertical plane. 4. The device according to claim 1, in which the aforementioned essentially rigid element has a weight that is less than the weight of the aggregate of said unit for fixing the ball and ball (35, 80, 120, 140) fixed in the unit for fixing the ball. 5. The device according to claim 1, in which the combination of the essentially rigid element, the node for fixing the ball and the ball (35, 80, 120, 140) fixed in the node for fixing the ball, has a center of gravity that is below the second end of the essentially rigid an item. 6. The device according to claim 1, in which the said first hinge is attached to the frame. 7. The device according to claim 6, in which said frame comprises a substantially horizontal support structure (50, 170) to which said first hinge is attached. 8. The device according to claim 7, in which said frame further comprises a substantially vertical support structure (60) having an upper end and a lower end, in which the substantially horizontal support structure has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is substantially the horizontal support structure is attached near said upper end of the substantially vertical support structure, and in which the first hinge is attached near the second end of the substantially horizontal support structure. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said frame further includes a base (70), and a substantially vertical support structure is attached to said base to hold a substantially vertical support structure. 10. The device according to claim 9, in which the said base contains many supports. 11. The device according to claim 10, in which the said supports are sliding supports. 12. The device according to claim 7, in which the mentioned essentially vertical support structure has an adjustable height. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein said substantially vertical support structure is made telescopic to allow adjustment of said height. 14. The device according to claim 7, in which the said essentially horizontal support structure has an adjustable length. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein said substantially horizontal supporting structure is made telescopic to allow adjustment of said length. 16. The device according to claim 1, in which the said node for attaching the ball contains at least one rod (74); at least one tubular element (76) adapted to rotate around each of the at least one rod, and the said at least one tubular element allows the ball to be removably attached (35, 80, 120, 140). 17. The device according to clause 16, in which the said rod contains an element selected from the group consisting of a cable and rod. 18. The device according to claim 16, wherein the removable fastener is attached at least to a portion of said tubular member to facilitate detachable mounting of the ball. 19. The device according to claim 18, wherein said removable fastener comprises two halves (78, 79) that complement each other, the first of said halves being fixed to the tubular element, and the second of said halves being fixed to the ball. 20. The device according to claim 19, in which the said removable part is a hook-loop fastener. 21. The device according to claim 19, in which the said part of the tubular element is made concave to increase the contact surface between the two halves. 22. The device according to claim 19, wherein said removable fastener comprises a piercing half (132) and a punched half (134). 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein said piercing half comprises at least one pointed element, and said piercing half contains rubber. 24. The device according to clause 16, in which at least one suction cup is attached to said tubular element for removable mounting of the ball. 25. The device according to claim 1, in which the mentioned essentially rigid element has a length that can be adjusted. 26. The device according to claim 1, in which the aforementioned essentially rigid element is a rod consisting of a material selected from the group consisting of foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, soft material and any combination thereof. 27. The device according to p. 26, in which the said rod consists of an aluminum inner bar and a soft material that surrounds at least part of the aluminum bar. 28. The device according to claim 27, wherein said rigid element comprises an upper elongated portion (16) attached to said first hinge; the lower elongated part (18), suspended from the said upper part and moving independently of the movement of the upper part. 29. The device according to p. 28, in which the aforementioned upper and lower elongated parts are connected to each other using a ball-socket type fastener. 30. The device according to p. 28, in which the aforementioned upper and lower elongated parts are connected to each other using a cylinder-socket type fastener. 31. The device according to clause 29, in which the aforementioned upper and lower elongated parts are connected to each other using at least one hook. 32. The device according to claim 1, in which said first hinge comprises a first part; the second part, which is made with the possibility of rotation around said first part and which is attached to said first end of the essentially rigid element. 33. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first hinge comprises a first part that allows said substantially rigid element to rotate around a substantially horizontal axis; the second movable part, including a spring element, which provides the possibility of moving said rigid element in a substantially vertical plane and outside it. 34. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first hinge comprises a movable part for providing oscillatory motion of said substantially rigid element about a substantially horizontal axis; a spring element attached to said substantially rigid element in order to allow the said substantially rigid element to move in an essentially vertical plane and outside it. 35. The device according to claim 1, in which the said first hinge contains a movable part to provide the possibility of oscillatory movement of the above-mentioned essentially rigid element, essentially in a vertical plane, and in which the essentially rigid element contains a spring element to allow lateral movement of the part essentially hard element. 36. The device according to claim 1, wherein said ball holder comprises a device (29, 70, 100, 130, 196) for attaching a ball suspended to a second end of said substantially rigid element. 37. The device according to p, in which the said device for attaching the ball contains a pipe (72) having a longitudinal axis; several protruding rods (74); several tubular members (76) adapted to rotate around each of said rods, wherein said at least one tubular member provides a removable mount for the ball (35, 80, 120, 140). 38. The apparatus of Claim 37, wherein the detachable fastener is attached to at least a portion of said tubular member to facilitate detachable mounting of the ball. 39. The apparatus of Claim 38, wherein said detachable fastener comprises two complementary halves (78, 79), wherein the first of said halves is fixed to the tubular element, and the second of said halves is fixed to the ball. 40. The device according to claim 1, wherein said ball mount comprises a suspension element (30, 90, 194, 220) suspended from the second end of said substantially rigid element; a device (29, 70, 106, 130, 196) for attaching the ball, suspended from said suspension element. 41. The device according to p. 40, in which said suspending element can be adjusted in length. 42. The device according to p, in which the aforementioned suspending element contains an elastic string. 43. The device according to p, in which the aforementioned suspending element contains a non-elastic string. 44. The device according to claim 1, in which the said node (25, 192) for attaching the ball is removably suspended from the second end of the said substantially rigid element. 45. The device according to claim 44, in which said node (25, 192) for attaching the ball comprises a suspension element (30, 90, 194, 220) suspended from the second end of the essentially rigid element; a device (29, 70, 106, 130, 196) for attaching the ball, suspended from said suspension element. 46. The device according to claim 45, in which the suspending element has an upper end with an attached object (230), and the second end of the substantially rigid element has a channel (207) designed to hold said object until the suspending element has tension exceeding the threshold tension value. 47. A method of practicing strikes on a ball (35, 80, 120, 140), in which a device (10, 150) is installed for practicing strikes on a ball, containing an essentially rigid element (15, 200) having a first end and a second end; a hinge (20, 160), which can be suspended from the frame (40) and attached near the said first end of the substantially rigid element so that the substantially rigid element rotates around a virtually horizontal axis; node (25, 192), for attaching the ball, suspended from the second end of said substantially rigid element; fix the ball on the said device for fixing the ball; place the ball on top; provide the ability to drop the ball when it is attached to the device for mounting the ball; hit the ball with the means for striking. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein striking the ball causes it to separate from the ball holder. 49. The method according to claim 47, wherein said means for striking is selected from the group consisting of a bat, a putter, a racket, a stack, bare hands and gloved hands. 50. The method according to p. 47, wherein the said placement includes bringing into rotation a substantially rigid element at said hinge about an axis in a substantially vertical plane. 51. The method according to claim 47, wherein said placement involves lifting, at least, said ball in such a manner that the ball is raised to a height determined by the user. 52. The method according to claim 51, wherein lifting the ball involves lifting said node to fix the ball by means of an automated device. 53. The method of claim 47, wherein said striking the ball involves striking the ball while rotating said substantially rigid element. 54. The method according to claim 47, wherein said ball is a baseball, and said frame has a base (70) and a house slab located on the ground under said hinge, and the installation of the device includes such an installation that the base of the frame is actually located behind foundation of the house. 55. The method according to claim 47, wherein said installation includes mounting in said device a hinge attached to a frame that contains a substantially horizontal support (50, 170). 56. The method according to claim 55, wherein said installation includes mounting said device, which further comprises a substantially vertical support (60), has a 19 upper end and a lower end, wherein said substantially horizontal support has a first end and a second the end, with the first end of the horizontal support attached near the upper end of the above-mentioned essentially vertical support, and in which the said hinge is mounted near the second end of the above-mentioned essentially horizontal support. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein at least one of said substantially vertical and horizontal support structures has a length that can be adjusted, the method further comprising adjusting said length to adapt the device to the user. 58. The method according to claim 47, wherein said ball mount comprises a device (29, 70, 106, 130, 196) for fixing the ball and a suspension element (30, 90, 194, 220) having an adjustable length, the method further includes adjusting said adjustable length. 59. A device (10, 150) for practicing strikes on a ball for its use by striking, wherein the device comprises a frame (40) containing a base (70), an essentially vertical support structure (60) attached to said base, and , a horizontal support structure (50, 170), having a first end and a second end, and attached substantially to a vertical support structure; a hinge (20, 160) attached near the said second end of the substantially horizontal support structure; essentially rigid element (15, 200), having an upper part and a lower part, while the upper part is attached to the hinge in such a way that the lower part rotates around a horizontal axis; node (25, 192) for attaching the ball, suspended from said lower part of a substantially rigid element, wherein the node for attaching the ball contains a suspension element (30, 90, 194, 220) having an upper end and a lower end, while the upper end the hanging element is attached to the bottom of the substantially rigid element; a device (29, 70, 106, 130, 196) for attaching the ball attached to the lower end of the suspension element. 60. The device according to claim 59, wherein said substantially rigid element is attached to said hinge in such a manner that the substantially rigid element rotates in a substantially vertical plane. 61. The device according to claim 60, wherein said substantially rigid element is a rod containing a material selected from the group consisting of foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, soft material and some combination thereof. 62. The device according to item 60, in which the said device for mounting the ball contains a support element; at least one tubular member adapted to rotate around said support member. 63. The device according to claim 62, further comprising a fastener applied on at least one part of said at least one tubular member.