JP2003506167A - Ball hitting practice device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] A ball hitting practice device used by a batter is provided. The ball hitting practice device includes a substantially rigid member, a hinge, and a ball mounting assembly, the substantially rigid member having a first upper end and a second lower end, the hinge being supported by a frame. The rigid member is mounted near a first end of the rigid member for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, and the ball mounting assembly is suspended from a second end of the rigid member. Have been. Methods of making and using the ball hitting practice device are also provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A ball striking practice device in which a ball is suspended from a rope attached to a horizontal support member is
It is known. For example, Malwitz US Pat. No. 5,271,618 shows a batting practice device with a horizontally extending metal pipe from which the ball is hung by a rope. The rope passes through the central opening of the ball. At the end of the rope, a knot is formed that holds the ball on the rope. In another example, Ravine, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,113, shows a portable percussion system, which can be attached to a wire mesh fence. Another system for suspending a ball from a rope attached to a horizontal support is, for example, Lunsfor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,816 by Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,5 by Smith.
61, Ring, US Pat. No. 5,683,315, Espinosa et al., US Pat. No. 5,743,820, and Grimes, US Pat.
836.

In each of the above systems, however, it is difficult to consistently pass a ball suspended at the end of a flexible rope to or on the same area.

Another known ball practice device mounts the ball on a rigid member. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,555 shows a ball practice device that reverts by gravity, and Shieh U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,203 discloses golf using a "dummy ball assembly." Shows a practice device. In these systems, the ball must follow the same path, but does not simulate the natural movement of a free or roped ball.

Some known devices suspend balls from ropes and tubes. For example,
Corley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,438, shows a batting practice device with a ball attached to the end of a rope and a flexible plastic tube covering a portion of the rope just above the ball. In another example, Kregel, US Pat.
No. 38,026 shows a swing practice unit in which a ball connected by a rope is attached under a basketball ring. Both references use ropes and tubes to suspend the ball, but the ball does not consistently move through the same or similar paths.

Finally, Scher et al., US Pat. No. 5,374,056, shows a baseball practice device with a ball suspended from a "Y" shaped tether system, which system itself has two Supported by horizontal arms of the same, which are also arranged in a "Y" shaped arrangement. Unfortunately, this "Y" shaped tether system is visually distracting and mechanically complex, and the "Y" shaped arm can add significant weight to the top of the device. , Potentially making it unstable.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently deliver a ball through the same or similar paths.

It is also desirable to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently deliver the ball to the user in a smooth and natural manner.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently simulate a number of different types of pitches.

Further, it is desirable to provide a stable ball striking practice device that is easy to manufacture and use.

It is further desired to provide a ball striking practice device that includes a ball mounting assembly, which may be removable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently deliver a ball through the same or similar paths.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently deliver the ball to the user in a smooth and natural manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a ball striking practice device that can consistently simulate a number of different types of pitches.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stable ball striking practice device that is simple to manufacture and use and that does not visually disturb the concentration.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a ball striking practice device that includes a ball mounting assembly that may be removable.

In accordance with the present invention, a ball striking practice device is provided that includes a substantially rigid member, a hinge, and a ball mounting assembly. The substantially rigid member has a first upper end and a second lower end. The hinge may be supported by a frame and the upper end of the substantially rigid member is secured to the hinge so that the member can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. The ball mount assembly is suspended from the lower end of the substantially rigid member.

[0017]   Methods of making and using the ball striking practice device are also provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order that the invention herein described may be fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth.

FIG. 1 shows a ball hitting practice device 10 according to the present invention. The device 10 comprises at least (1) a substantially rigid member 15, having a first end 17 and a second end 19, (
2) a hinge 20 mounted at or near the first end 17 such that the second end 19 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and (3) a ball mounting assembly 25.
Equipped with. Preferably, the second end 19 rotates in a substantially vertical plane. Most preferably, member 15 is elongated and rotates in a substantially vertical plane. Member 1
It will be appreciated that 5 can also have a non-elongated shape (eg, an “L” shape) (as long as the shape can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis).

The ball attachment assembly 25 comprises a tether 30 and a ball attachment device 29, which is suspended from the tether 30. In one embodiment, member 15 is
Longer than assembly 25. The balls 35 can be mounted to the assembly 25 in many different ways, as described in further detail below.

A number of measurements may be taken to help ensure a smooth, natural ball movement while mounting the ball on the ball attachment device 25. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, this substantially rigid member may be manufactured from two or more substantially rigid portions 16 and 18 joined by a second hinge 21, each of the portions 16 and 18 being Can move about other things. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the second hinge 21 allows movement only in or parallel to the vertical plane already provided at the hinge 20. In this case, the hinge 21 may be a cylinder and socket type connector, which comprises a cylinder 27 and a socket 29. here,
The cylinder only rotates within the socket about its longitudinal axis. This helps to limit rotation of this lower part to a substantially vertical plane. The bottom and top may also be coupled with one or more hooks. In another embodiment, the second hinge 21 is a ball and socket type connector, which allows rotation in or out of the vertical plane defined by the first hinge.

The natural movement of the ball also results when the weight of the substantially rigid member is less than the total weight of the ball mounting assembly and the balls mounted to the assembly.
Can be improved. Preferably, the combination of the substantially rigid member, the ball mounting assembly and the ball (when mounted to the assembly) has a center of gravity that is lower than the lower end of the substantially rigid member.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the device 10 may also include a frame 40 for mounting the hinge 20. In one embodiment, frame 40 comprises a substantially horizontal support structure 50 upon which hinge 20 is secured. The device 10 may also include a substantially vertical support structure 60 for supporting the structure 50. The structure 60 is
It has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64. In this case, the end 52 of the horizontal structure 50 can be secured at or near the end 62 of the vertical structure 60, and the hinge 20 can be secured at or near the end 54 of the horizontal structure 50. The frame 40 may also include a base 70 for supporting the vertical structure 60.

It will be appreciated that either the substantially horizontal structure 50 or the substantially vertical structure 60 can be manufactured from a single piece or two or more pieces. Moreover, it will be appreciated that these parts need not be oriented in the same direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the substantially horizontal support structure 50 actually comprises parts 55, 56 and 57.

The base 70 can be located at or near its substantially vertical plane of rotation. For example, as shown in FIG. 3a, the base 70 may include two or more legs 72, which may be crushed. For use in baseball practice, the base 70 can be located behind the home plate so that both left and right batters can easily use the device 10. Other types of bases can also be used, including water or sand filled bases.

Both support structures 50 and 60 are adapted to accommodate different user heights.
It can have an adjustable length. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, these structures can be nested together. To fix the length of this nested structure,
Locking hardware (eg, pins and / or mechanical belts or collars) can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 3b, the vertical support structure 60 comprises a locking structure 65 that rotates about an axis of rotation 66 and through an opening 68 to engage an internal component 69. And can be inserted through the external component 67. An adjustable collar 63 can also be used to tighten the joint between the inner structural part 67 and the outer structural part 69 for the purpose of preventing wobbling therebetween.

The ball mounting assembly 25 includes a ball mounting device 29, but may further include one or more pieces (eg, tether 30). The tether 30
A variable length loop can be used to have an adjustable length and can be adjusted with any convenient fastening means, such as a cord latch or simply a knot 32.
including. The ball mounting assembly 25 is suspended from the lower end 19 of the member 15.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary ball attachment device 70 that includes a vertically suspended tube 72, a plurality of shafts 74 (which extend somewhat horizontally), and a plurality of tubular members 76. (Which is supported by shaft 74). Preferably, the members 76 are adapted to rotate about each of the shafts 74. The tubular member 76 may allow the ball 80 to be removably attachable.
Shaft 74 can be made of any material that is sufficiently rigid to support tubular member 76. Preferably, the shaft 74 is a tubular member 76 (e.g., rope (which is
For example, it is made of nylon) or a rod). As shown in FIG. 4, the same rope can be inserted through the tube 72 to form a loop 73 for attachment to the tether 90.

A removable fastener may be used between the device 70 and the ball 80 to facilitate removably mounting the ball 80. The fastener includes two complementary halves 78 and 79. The first half 78 is fixed to the tubular member 76 and the second half 79 is fixed to the ball 80. One of this type of fasteners is a hook and loop type fastener (which is commonly called VELCR
O), the hook portion of which is preferably attached to the device 70 and the loop portion of which is attached to the ball 80. A portion of the tubular member 76 can be manufactured with a concave surface to provide more contact surface in two fastener halves. Preferably, the tubular member 76 or any other part of the device 70 (including the entire device 70) may be replaceable.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary removable ball attachment device 100. Device 100 includes at least one cup 102, which is secured to tubular member 104. In this embodiment, the cup 102 is used instead of the tubular member with the concave portion. The tubular member 104 may be suspended by a substantially horizontal shaft 103, which may be part of a larger support structure (eg, triangular structure 105). The structure 105 need not be triangular, but should preferably be able to suspend the member 104 in a substantially horizontal manner.
The tubular member 104 can be rotatable about the shaft 103, if desired.

Cup 102 preferably has an inner radius of curvature that substantially matches the outer radius of curvature of ball 120. The concave shape of cup 102 helps increase the contact surface area with ball 120. Removable fasteners are used to facilitate attaching cup 102 to ball 120. Preferably, this fastener is
It has two halves. The first half 106 is fixed to the inner surface of the cup 102, and the second half 108 is fixed to the ball 120. One such fastener is the hook and loop type fastener (i.e., VELCRO (R)), the hook portion of which is preferably attached to the device cup 102 and the loop portion of which is a ball. It is attached to 120.

It will be appreciated that it is not necessary to provide a removable fastener on the inside of the cup 102 and the surface of the ball 120. Rather, the cup 102 can be removably attached to the ball 120 using suction. In this case, the cup 102 is preferably mounted on the substantially smooth surface of the ball 120. The ball is held in place when suction is applied between the cup and the ball. When hitting the ball, the suction ends and the ball is removed.

FIG. 6 shows another type of ball attachment device that includes different types of removable fasteners. Ball attachment device 130 includes a removable fastener, which itself includes piercing half 132 and pierceable half 134. Puncture half 132 is preferably attached to lower end 136 of ball attachment device 130, and pierceable half 134 is attached to ball 140. Puncture half 132 is embedded in pierceable half 134 in FIG. 6, but includes at least one sharp member (eg, spike). The pierceable half is preferably made of a pierceable material (eg, rubber), which is capable of withstanding multiple punctures. When the spike punctures the rubber, it is held there until the ball is hit with a striking tool (eg, a bat). It will be appreciated that this puncture half need not be used with the shaft and rotatable tubular member, as described above. Rather, this half puncture is
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it only needs to be hung from this ball attachment device.

The substantially rigid member according to the present invention may preferably be a rod made of lightweight, substantially rigid and / or soft material. Materials that can be used to make this substantially rigid member include, for example, foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, and the like. Moreover, combinations of such materials can also be used. For example, the substantially rigid member may include aluminum surrounded by foam, rubber, or any other soft material to prevent injury. Also, the substantially rigid member can have an adjustable length.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of the ball striking practice device 10, which particularly illustrates the hinge 20. The hinge 20 is preferably near the end 54 of the horizontal structure 50 and the member 15 so that the member 15 is guided in the substantially vertical plane 11.
It is fixed to the upper end 17 of the. As best shown in FIG. 8, hinge 20
Can include a pin 24 (shaft-like member), which has a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis 23 about which the bottom 22 can rotate. This causes the member 15 (which is mounted on the bottom 22) to rotate in a substantially vertical plane 11. Top 2
6 can either be integral with the structure 50 or fixed thereto. FIG. 9 also shows the hinge 20 and structure 50 from above. The hinge 20 is
It is understood that there can be something that substantially limits rotation of member 15 about a substantially horizontal axis.

The hinge 20 may also be configured to provide the member 15 with limited movement from the vertical surface 11. For example, a spring element (not shown) can be mounted between the hinge 20 and the member 15 or in its bottom 22. Such out-of-plane motion
If the batter hits the member 15 in a direction off the vertical surface 11, it may be desired to prevent injury.

Also, the hinge 20 is preferably lightweight. Therefore, the hinge 20 should be small and preferably made with a lightweight member (eg, plastic). In order to further reduce the weight of the hinge 20, from any part of the hinge 20,
The passages can be shaped or perforated. For example, bottom 22 includes passageway 28. As best shown in FIG. 8, the member 15 can be inserted into one of the passages 28 and fixed with a push screw 31 or the like.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the ball hitting practice device according to the present invention. Device 150 includes a different type of hinge than that shown in FIG. In this case, the horizontal support structure 170 (eg, a children's swing horizontal bar) acts as one half of the hinge and collar 180, on which the member 190 is mounted and rotatable on the horizontal support structure 170. Is attached to. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged side view of the area surrounding the hinge 160.

As already shown above, the device 150 also includes a ball mounting assembly 192.
Which includes tether 194 and ball attachment device 196. The tether can be any elongate flexible member that can be hung from the bottom of the member 190 from which the ball attachment device 196 can be hung. In one embodiment, the tether 194 is adjustable in length and can be made of elastic or non-elastic cord or rope.

As shown in FIG. 10, the member 190 rotates in a substantially vertical plane 198. However, it will be appreciated that only the lower end of member 190 (where ball mount assembly 192 is mounted) can rotate in the vertical plane. For example, the member 190 can be attached to the hinge 160 at an angle, as shown by the dashed relief in FIG. In this case, only the lower end of the member 190 has a substantially vertical surface 19
Rotate at 9. It will be appreciated that any substantially rigid member according to the present invention can be mounted in a similar fashion.

The ball mounting assembly according to the present invention may be of the removable type. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, the ball mounting assembly can include a tether suspended from the split lower end of the substantially rigid member and a ball mounting device suspended from the tether. Also, as shown in these figures, the tether may have an upper end with a removable object (eg, beads) attached thereto. The split lower end of the rigid member may have a longitudinal passageway adapted to hold the object until the tether has a tension above a threshold tension. When this threshold tension is reached, the object slides through the passage.

Since the tether can be pulled away from the substantially rigid member, the device is safer than the non-detachable practice device. For example, if the batter swings on a tether that entangles the bat, this removal mechanism ensures that the frame does not tip over and that the batter is not injured.

The threshold tension is determined, at least in part, by the amount the substantially rigid member should bend before the object can slip. Therefore, the threshold can be lowered by increasing the size of the passageway, increasing the stiffness of the substantially rigid member, or reducing friction between the object and the passageway.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, split ends 205 can be formed by forming longitudinal slots 207 at the ends of standard tubes. Alternatively, split end 205 or entire rigid member 200 can be formed using any conventional molding technique. The longitudinal slot 207 preferably has a thickness that is less than the diameter of the bead 230 to prevent the bead 230 from falling out of the end 205. However,
The upper ends of the longitudinal slots 207 have a thickness greater than the diameter of the beads 230 to allow manual insertion or removal of the beads 230 from the end 205.

FIG. 12 illustrates a substantially rigid member 200 with a hollow plug 240 attached to the distal end 205.
Tether 22 with beads 230 attached to the illustrative lower end 205 and end 210 of the
0 shows a cross-section of the upper end 210 of zero. As mentioned above, the member 200 can be manufactured from materials such as foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber and the like. Hollow plug 240 can also be manufactured from any of these materials. One suitable plastic material is E.I. of Wilmington, Delaware. I. Du P
on de de Numours and Company, DELRIN
It is sold under the trademark (registered trademark).

The plug 240 can be attached to the end 205 by any convenient means, including adhesive 250 or a set screw (not shown). As shown in FIG. 12, the upper surface of the plug 240 is located at the upper end of the bead passage 270, and the center bead 230
There is a slope to. It can be seen that the plugs 240 are two unattached semi-annular pieces, each of which is attached to the opposing inner surface of the end 205. Since these fragments have not been mounted, they can be separated when the beads 230 are pulled downward from the position shown in FIG.

The beads 230 can be secured to the upper end 210 of the tether 220 by threaded ends 210 through the beads 230, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the beads 230 and tether 220 can be formed from a single material. However, the tether 22
It can be seen that 0 can be hung by any object, including non-spherical objects. When using the beads 230, the tip 260 of the tether 220 is preferably thick enough so that the tip 260 does not slip through the bead 230 when the tether 220 is tensioned.

It will be appreciated that the member 200 can be integrated with the tether 220. For example, member 2
00 and tether 220 may be manufactured from rope, where the upper portion forming member 200 is stiffened. For example, a nylon rope can be stiffened by being coated with resin or integrated with resin (by heating) while leaving its lower portion flexible. In this way, the hinge between the member 200 and the tether 220 is simply the transition area between them. In this case, member 200 and tether 220 may not be separable.

A method of practicing hitting the ball is also provided. The method comprises providing a ball striking practice device (which includes a ball mounting device), mounting the ball on the ball mounting device, positioning the ball at a preferred height, mounting the ball on the ball mounting device. It includes the steps of dropping while hitting and hitting the ball with an impact tool. The ball striking practice device can be any of the embodiments shown or described above. Preferably, when striking the ball with sufficient force, the ball also separates from the ball mounting device, as described above. Hitting tools that can be used in accordance with the present invention include, but are not limited to, bats, clubs, rackets, sticks, bare hands, and gloved hands.

The ball should be properly positioned during use of the device. For example, when the ball is properly positioned, it should fall and allow the substantially rigid member to rotate on the hinge about a substantially horizontal axis. As explained above, the lower end of this member preferably moves in a substantially vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the ball can be positioned by raising the ball to a user-determined height. When this height is substantially above the lowest point along its path, the ball falls under gravity at high velocity along its arc (eg directly on or in front of home plate). Can pass that point. When the ball is not raised to a low height, it passes through that point at low speed. In this way, the speed of the ball passing through the lowest point in the arc of the ball can be adjusted. It will be appreciated that the ball can also be raised using an automated device driven by an electric motor, or by any number of non-automated devices.

An advantage of the present invention is that while the ball mounted on the ball attachment device can be moved in or out of a vertical plane in a substantially consistent manner, a substantially rigid member (which is , Preferably elongated) passages. For example, if the ball is raised to a certain height in the vertical plane of the device, then
If dropped, the motion of the ball during its rocking is predominantly in-plane. However, if the ball is raised to the same position and then pushed in an out-of-plane direction, the movement of the ball will include out-of-plane movement. Alternatively, the ball can also be raised and removed at a position outside of this vertical plane. Therefore, when this device is used to practice hitting a baseball ball, the device can be used to consistently simulate a number of different types of pitches (eg, curves, outer spheres, inner spheres, etc.). I understand.

It is believed that this substantially rigid member and top hinge combination at least partially affects the ability of the device to provide consistent and variable simulations. This is believed to be especially true when this substantially rigid member is longer than the ball attachment device.

When at least one of the substantially vertical support structure and the horizontal support structure has an adjustable length, the method further provides for the batter the device is practicing. The step of adjusting the length can be included. Similarly, when the ball mounting assembly includes an adjustable length ball mounting device and a tether, the method further includes adjusting the tether to a length that fits the batter being practiced. it can.

Accordingly, it can be seen that there is provided a device and method that can be used to practice hitting a ball. The person skilled in the art is aware that the invention can be practiced other than by the described embodiments, which are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not presented as a limitation, and the invention is described above. It is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the above detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a ball striking practice device according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a ball striking practice device according to this invention.

3 is a cross-sectional partial elevational view of the hinge region between the two elongated portions that make up the substantially rigid member shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3a   FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an exemplary base of a ball striking practice device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3b is a side elevational view of an exemplary vertical support structure and mechanism for adjusting its length according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a ball mounting assembly (front view) and a lower end (side view) of a rigid member from which the assembly is suspended in accordance with the present invention. There is. This drawing corresponds to the portion surrounded by the broken line enclosed portion shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of a ball mounting assembly (front view) and a lower end (side view) of a rigid member from which the assembly is suspended in accordance with the present invention. Has been done.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a ball mounting assembly (front view) and a lower end (side view) of a rigid member, from which the assembly is in accordance with the present invention. It's hanging.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of the ball striking practice device shown in FIG. 1 taken from line 7-7 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

8 is a partial front elevational view of the ball striking practice device shown in FIG. 2 taken from line 8-8 of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention.

9 is a top partial plan view of the ball striking practice device shown in FIG. 2 taken from line 9-9 of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the ball hitting practice device according to the present invention.

11 is a side cross-sectional view of the ball striking practice device shown in FIG. 10 taken from line 11-11 of FIG. 10 in accordance with the present invention.

[Fig. 12]   FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary lower end of a substantially rigid member according to the present invention.

[Procedure for Amendment] Submission for translation of Article 34 Amendment of Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] January 15, 2001 (2001.1.15)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0001

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A ball striking practice device in which a ball is suspended from a rope attached to a horizontal support member is
It is known. For example, Malwitz US Pat. No. 5,271,618 shows a batting practice device with a horizontally extending metal pipe from which the ball is hung by a rope. The rope passes through the central opening of the ball. At the end of the rope, a knot is formed that holds the ball on the rope. In another example, Ravine, U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,113, shows a portable percussion system, which can be attached to a wire mesh fence. Another system for suspending a ball from a rope attached to a horizontal support is, for example, Lunsfor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,816 by Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,5 by Smith.
61, Ring, US Pat. No. 5,683,315, Espinosa et al., US Pat. No. 5,743,820, and Grimes, US Pat. No. 5,836,836.
And British Patent No. 175,926.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Smith, Howson             United States Connecticut 06854,               South Norwalk, Groves             Treat 19 (72) Inventor Camp, Gediminas             United States Connecticut 06470,               Newton, Palmery Hill Law             Do 44

Claims (63)

[Claims] 1. A ball striking training device (10, 150), the device comprising:
A substantially rigid member (15, 200) having a first end and a second end; a first hinge (20, 160), the first hinge constraining the substantially rigid member. A first hinge hung from a frame (40) and mounted at or near the first end for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; and the second end of the substantially rigid member. A ball mounting assembly (25
, 192). 2. The substantially rigid member is attached to the first hinge such that the first hinge constrains the second end to rotate in a substantially vertical plane. Equipment. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the frame has a vertical support structure (60) substantially in the vertical plane. 4. The substantially rigid member of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid member has a weight less than the weight of the combination of the ball mounting assembly and the balls (35, 80, 120, 140) mounted to the ball mounting assembly. Equipment. 5. The combination of the substantially rigid member, the ball mounting assembly, and a ball (35, 80, 120, 140) mounted to the ball mounting assembly is the second end of the substantially rigid member. The device of claim 1 having a lower center of gravity. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first hinge is fixed to the frame. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the frame includes a substantially horizontal support structure (50, 170) that secures the first hinge. 8. The frame further comprises a substantially vertical support structure (60) having upper and lower ends, wherein the substantially horizontal support structure has first and second ends. Wherein the first end of the substantially horizontal support structure is secured near the upper end of the substantially vertical support structure, wherein the first hinge is the substantially horizontal support structure. The device of claim 7, wherein the device is fixed near the second end of the support structure. 9. The frame further comprises a base (70), the substantially vertical support structure being secured to the base to support the substantially vertical support structure. The device according to claim 8. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the base comprises a plurality of legs. 11. The leg includes a foldable leg.
The device according to. 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the substantially vertical support structure has an adjustable height. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the substantially vertical support structure is a nest capable of adjusting the height. 14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the substantially horizontal support structure has an adjustable length. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the substantially horizontal support structure is a nest that allows the length to be adjusted. 16. The ball mounting assembly includes at least one shaft (74); and at least one tubular member (76), the tubular member rotating about each of the at least one shaft. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to: wherein the at least one tubular member allows for removable attachment of balls (35, 80, 120, 140). 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the shaft comprises an element selected from the group consisting of ropes and rods. 18. The device of claim 16, wherein a removable fastener is secured to at least a portion of the tubular member to facilitate removable attachment of the ball. 19. The removable fastener comprises two complementary halves (7).
The device of claim 18, wherein the first of the halves is secured to the tubular member and the second of the halves is secured to the ball. . 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the removable fasteners include hook and loop type fasteners. 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the portion of the tubular member is concave to provide more contact surface between the two halves. 22. The device of claim 19, wherein the removable fastener comprises a piercing half (132) and a piercing half (134). 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the pierceable half comprises at least one sharp member and the pierceable half comprises rubber. 24. The device of claim 16, wherein at least one suction cup is secured to the tubular member for detectably mounting the ball. 25. The device of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid member has an adjustable length. 26. The substantially rigid member is a rod, the rod containing a material selected from the group consisting of foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, soft materials, and any combination thereof. An apparatus according to claim 1. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the rod comprises an aluminum inner rod and a soft material, the soft material surrounding at least a portion of the aluminum rod. 28. The rigid member includes an upper elongate portion (16) and a lower elongate portion (18), the upper elongate portion being attached to the first hinge, and the lower elongate portion being 28. The device of claim 27, suspended from the top and capable of movement independent of movement of the top. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the upper and lower elongate portions are attached together using a ball and socket fastener. 30. The device of claim 28, wherein the upper elongated portion and the lower elongated portion are attached together using a cylinder and socket type fastener. 31. The device of claim 29, wherein the upper elongated portion and the lower elongated portion are attached together using at least one hook. 32. The first hinge includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being rotatable about the first portion and at the first end of the substantially rigid member. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is mounted. 33. The first hinge includes a first portion and a second movable portion, the first portion enabling the rotation of the substantially rigid member about the substantially horizontal axis, and The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second moveable portion includes a spring element that moves the rigid member to or from a substantially vertical plane. 34. The first hinge includes a moveable portion and a spring element, the moveable portion allowing rocking movement of the substantially rigid member about the substantially horizontal axis, and The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a spring element is mounted to the substantially rigid member to move the substantially rigid member to or from a substantially vertical plane. 35. The first hinge includes a moveable portion, the moveable portion allowing oscillating movement of the substantially rigid member in a substantially vertical plane, wherein the substantially rigid body. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member includes a spring element, the spring element allowing lateral movement of a portion of the substantially rigid member. 36. A ball mounting device (29, 70, 100, 130, 1) wherein the ball mounting assembly is suspended from the second end of the substantially rigid member.
96) The device of claim 1 including 96). 37. The ball attachment device includes a tube (72), a plurality of elongate shafts (74) and a plurality of tubular members (76), the tube having a longitudinal axis, and the tubular member comprising: Adapted to rotate about each of the shafts, where
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the at least one tubular member allows for removable attachment of balls (35, 80, 120, 140). 38. The device of claim 37, wherein a removable fastener is secured to at least a portion of the tubular member to facilitate removable attachment of the ball. 39. The removable fastener comprises two complementary halves (7).
The device of claim 38, wherein the first of the halves is secured to the tubular member and the second of the halves is secured to the ball. . 40. The ball mounting assembly comprises a tether (30, 90, 1).
94, 220) and ball attachment devices (29, 70, 106, 130, 19).
6. The apparatus of claim 1 including 6), wherein the tether is suspended from the second end of the substantially rigid member and the ball attachment device is suspended from the tether. . 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the tether is adjustable in length. 42. The device of claim 40, wherein the tether comprises an elastic cord. 43. The device of claim 40, wherein the tether comprises an inelastic cord. 44. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball mount assembly (25, 192) is removably suspended from the second end of the substantially rigid member. 45. The ball mounting assembly (25, 192) includes a tether (30, 90, 194, 220) and a ball mounting device (29, 70, 106).
50. 196), wherein the tether is suspended from the second end of the substantially rigid member, and the ball attachment device is suspended from the tether. Equipment. 46. The tether has an upper end to which an object (230) is attached, and the second end of the substantially rigid member has a passageway (207), the passageway comprising the tether. 46. The device of claim 45, wherein the device is adapted to hold the object until the rope has a tension above a threshold tension. 47. A method of practicing hitting a ball (35, 80, 120, 140), the method comprising the steps of: providing a ball hitting practice device (10, 150). And the device comprises: a substantially rigid member (15,200) having a first end and a second end; a hinge (20,160), the hinge comprising: A hinge that can be hung from the frame (40) for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and mounted near the first end of the substantially rigid member; and the first of the substantially rigid members. A ball mounting assembly (2
5, 192), attaching the ball to the ball attachment device; aligning the height of the ball; dropping the ball while attaching it to the ball attachment device; and striking the ball The process of hitting with a device. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein hitting the ball removes the ball from the ball attachment device. 49. The striking device is selected from the group consisting of a bat, a club, a racket, a stick, a bare hand, and a gloved hand.
The method described in. 50. The method of claim 47, wherein the step of aligning includes the step of rotating the substantially rigid member on the hinge about the axis in a substantially vertical plane. the method of. 51. The method of claim 47, wherein the step of aligning comprises at least raising the ball to raise it to a user-determined height. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein raising the ball comprises raising the ball mounting assembly with an automated device. 53. The method of claim 47, wherein striking the ball comprises striking the ball while rotating the substantially rigid member. 54. The ball is a baseball ball, and the frame has a base (70) and a home plate, the home plate being located on the ground below the hinge, wherein 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the providing step comprises the step of providing the device such that the base of the frame is substantially behind the home base. 55. The providing step comprises substantially horizontal support (50, 170).
48. The method of claim 47, comprising securing the hinge to the frame including) to provide the device. 56. The step of providing includes the step of providing the apparatus further comprising a substantially vertical support (60) having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the substantially horizontal support comprises: A first end and a second end, the first end of the horizontal support being secured near the upper end of the substantially vertical support, wherein the hinge is the substantially vertical support. 56. Securing near the second end of the horizontal support.
The method described in. 57. At least one of the substantially vertical and horizontal support structures has an adjustable length, the method further comprising adjusting the length to accommodate the device to a user. 57. The method of claim 56 including the step of adjusting. 58. The ball mounting assembly comprises a ball mounting device (29).
, 70, 106, 130, 196) and tethers (30, 90, 194, 22).
48. The method of claim 47, including 0), wherein the tether has an adjustable length, and the method further comprises adjusting the adjustable length. 59. A ball hitting practice device (10, 150) for use by a batter, the device comprising: a frame (40), the frame comprising a base (70), a substantially vertical support. A structure (60) and a substantially horizontal support structure (50, 170), the substantially vertical support structure being secured to the base, and the substantially horizontal support structure being A frame having a first end and a second end and fixed to the substantially vertical support structure; a hinge fixed to the substantially horizontal support structure near the second end ( 20
, 160); a substantially rigid member (15, 200), the substantially rigid member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion such that the lower portion rotates about a horizontal axis. A substantially rigid member fixed to the hinge; and a ball mounting assembly (25, suspended from the bottom of the substantially rigid member).
192) and the ball mounting assembly is the following: a tether (30, 90, 194, 220), the tether having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the tether being A tether fixed to the bottom of the substantially rigid member; and a ball attachment device (29, 70, 106) fixed to the bottom of the tether.
, 130, 196). 60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the substantially rigid member is secured to the hinge such that the substantially rigid member rotates in a substantially vertical plane. 61. The substantially rigid member is a rod, the rod containing a material selected from the group consisting of foam, aluminum, plastic, rubber, soft materials, and any combination thereof. 61. The device of claim 60. 62. The ball attachment device of claim 60, wherein the ball attachment device includes a support member and at least one tubular member, the tubular member adapted to rotate about the support member. Equipment. 63. The apparatus of claim 62, further comprising a fastening material, the fastening material being provided on at least a portion of the at least one tubular member.