US20220062733A1 - Batting cage - Google Patents
Batting cage Download PDFInfo
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- US20220062733A1 US20220062733A1 US17/460,074 US202117460074A US2022062733A1 US 20220062733 A1 US20220062733 A1 US 20220062733A1 US 202117460074 A US202117460074 A US 202117460074A US 2022062733 A1 US2022062733 A1 US 2022062733A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pitching
- frame
- screen
- compartment
- batting cage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011295 pitch Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/022—Backstops, cages, enclosures or the like, e.g. for spectator protection, for arresting balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
- A63B2069/0004—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects
- A63B2069/0006—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects for pitching
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball
- A63B2069/0004—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects
- A63B2069/0008—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for baseball specially adapted for particular training aspects for batting
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
- A63B2102/182—Softball
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
- A63B2225/093—Height
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
- A63B47/02—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for picking-up or collecting
- A63B47/025—Installations continuously collecting balls from the playing areas, e.g. by gravity, with conveyor belts
Definitions
- Batting cages described herein may be used for throwing and hitting practice typical of baseball and softball. Batting cages disclosed herein may be used for hitting practice and pitching practice.
- FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the batting cage.
- FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the batting cage.
- FIG. 3 shows an end view of the primary pitching screen and the secondary pitching screen.
- FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of certain frame elements of the batting cage.
- FIG. 5 shows an end elevation view of an A-frame portion of the batting cage.
- FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of a batter and a pitcher within the batting cage.
- FIG. 7 shows a machine pitching secondary screen.
- FIG. 8 shows a primary pitching screen partially covered by a secondary pitching screen.
- FIG. 9 shows a wireframe perspective view of the batting cage.
- FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings depict a variety of components of Batting cage 100 .
- Batter 30 Batter 30 , Pitcher 40 , Ball 50 , Batter's side frame 110 , Pitcher's side frame 120 , A-frame 128 , A-frame post 130 , Ground-level connecting rod 150 , Ground level connecting rod hinge 153 , Lower frame connectors 156 , A-frame crossbar 158 , A-frame connectors 163 , A-frame hinge 168 , A-frame peak connector 170 , A-frame top connecting bar 173 , A-frame top connecting bar hinge 176 , Bottom external connecting bar 178 , Tension wire 210 , Turnbuckle 213 , Primary pitching screen 230 , Primary screen pitching opening 233 , Secondary pitching screen 240 , Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 , Live pitching secondary screen 250 , Machine pitching secondary screen 256 , Machine pitching screen opening 258 , Live pitching opening 260 , Ball return openings 270 , Canopy net 280 , Hitting zone 290 , Pitching zone 296 ,
- Batting cage 100 may include a frame structure having an A-frame 128 at each of its four corners. At each end of Batting cage 100 an A-frame 128 may be connected to another A-frame 128 by an A-frame top connecting bar 173 to create a structural configuration commonly associated with a sawhorse or a swing set. The peak of each individual A-frame 128 may have an A-frame peak connector 170 . Each A-frame peak connector 170 may be attached to an A-frame top connecting bar 173 . Each A-frame peak connector 170 may also be attached to a Tension wire 210 which together with A-frame top connecting bar 173 is the upper supportfor Canopy net 280 .
- Canopy net 280 may drape to the ground covering all four of A-frame 128 such that Batting cage 100 forms a complete enclosure.
- Bottom external connecting bar 178 may be staked to the ground for structural support.
- various other parts of Batting cage 100 may be staked to the ground.
- Canopy net 280 may be staked to the ground in various places.
- Batter's side frame 110 and Pitcher's side frame 120 may be arranged to have the same ora substantially similar A-frame 128 construction.
- Each A-frame 128 may be constructed from a first A-frame post 130 and a second A-frame post 130 .
- Each A-frame post 130 may be constructed as sliding telescoping poles with button locks.
- the first A-frame post 130 may be joined with the second A-frame post 130 at the top by A-frame peak connector 170 .
- the first A-frame post 130 may be joined with the second A-frame post 130 near or slightly above the midpoint by A-frame crossbar 158 with the connections occurring by way of A-frame connectors 163 .
- A-frame hinge 168 may make A-frame crossbar 158 foldable so that it takes up less space for storage or transport.
- Lower frame connectors 156 and Ground-level connecting rod 150 may be used to connect a pitching side A-frame 128 to a hitting side A-frame 128 thereby controlling the distance between the A-frames on either side of Batting cage 100 .
- Ground level connecting rod hinge 153 makes Ground-level connecting rod 150 foldable thereby making the system more collapsible and portable.
- A-frame top connecting bar 173 connects A-frame 128 on one end to the other A-frame 128 on the same end and acts as an upper cross bar. Like other pieces, A-frame top connecting bar 173 may be folded for transport at A-frame top connecting bar hinge 176 .
- a Pitcher 40 may set up in Pitching zone 296 with a Batter 30 in Hitting zone 290 such that the Pitcher 40 and the Batter 30 are separated by Primary pitching screen 230 .
- the Pitcher 40 may pitch through Primary screen pitching opening 233 which in the case of a live pitcher would be Live pitching opening 260 .
- Live pitching opening 260 can be configured to accommodate an underhand pitcher and can be configured to accommodate an overhand pitcher. In either case, the opening is such that it would protect either a right-handed pitcher or a left-handed pitcher.
- Live pitching secondary screen 250 would be placed over the lower portion of Primary screen pitching opening 233 making the Live pitching opening 260 line up with the height at which overhand pitches are typically thrown.
- Live pitching secondary screen 250 would be placed over the upper portion of Primary screen pitching opening 233 making the Live pitching opening 260 line up with the height at which underhand pitches are typically thrown.
- Secondary pitching screen 240 which may include Live pitching secondary screen 250 , Machine pitching secondary screen 256 , or other similar protective covering of Primary screen pitching opening 233 , are designed to be configured and reconfigured to provide maximum protection to Pitcher 40 regardless of the style of pitching used.
- Machine pitching secondary screen 256 may be used to cover Primary screen pitching opening 233 such that the person operating the pitching machine is almost entirely protected from any Ball 50 hit by Batter 30 .
- Batting cage 100 may be used for baseball or softball practice.
- Secondary pitching screen 240 which may be either Live pitching secondary screen 250 or Machine pitching secondary screen 256 may be attached to Primary pitching screen 230 by a series of Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 .
- the Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 may be positioned and tensioned such that Secondary pitching screen 240 overlaps portions of Primary pitching screen 230 as depicted in the drawings. This overlap may be greater than one inch of overlap. The overlap limits the ability of balls to pass between Primary pitching screen 230 and Secondary pitching screen 240 .
- Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 may be used along with clips such as carabiners or other similarly functioning clips which allow for easy placement and removal of Secondary pitching screen 240 .
- the clips may be implemented without Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 .
- Balls hit by Batter 30 may occasionally pass through Ball return openings 270 into Ball return 310 sliding down Mesh sleeve 316 into Ball bucket 323 .
- Most balls from a batting practice session will come to rest inside of Hitting zone 290 .
- the participants may use one or more of Ball return openings 270 as targets for practicing baseball or softball throws that are more like the throws that are made in a normal game of baseball or softball.
- the thrown balls would pass through Ball return openings 270 into Ball return 310 sliding down Mesh sleeve 316 into Ball bucket 323 .
- Mesh sleeve 316 may attach to or be associated with Ball bucket 323 in a variety of ways.
- Ball bucket 323 may allow for easy access to the balls by Pitcher 40 and maintain the path between Ball return openings 270 and Ball bucket 323 .
- Ball bucket 323 may alternately be any container meeting one or more of the above criteria.
- Ball return 310 and Primary pitching screen 230 may be attached to Canopy net 280 and optionally Tension wire 210 by any suitable means. Those attachments may be such that a ball cannot pass to the other side of Primary pitching screen 230 around the periphery of Primary pitching screen 230 without passing through Ball return 310 .
- Primary pitching screen 230 is connected to Canopy net 280 and Ball return 310 in such a way that balls may only cross the barrier of Primary pitching screen 230 by passing through Primary screen pitching opening 233 or through one or more of Ball return openings 270 .
- the attachment between Primary pitching screen 230 and Canopy net 280 may be permanent such that the Primary pitching screen 230 need not be attached to Canopy net 280 during each installation of the Batting cage 100 or it may be a temporary connection that is re-established each time Batting cage 100 is put up.
- Tension wire 210 may be strung from the tops of a Pitcher's side frame 120 to the top of a Batter's side frame 110 and then again from the other Pitcher's side frame 120 to the top of the other Batter's side frame 110 .
- the top of the structure supporting the Canopy net 280 would include two instances of Tension wire 210 and two instances of A-frame top connecting bar 173 .
- the full-height length of the hitting zone being the distance between the batter's side A-frame top connecting bar 173 and Primary pitching screen 230 , may, for example, be 246 inches with certain examples falling between 130 and 360 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 188 and 303 inches.
- the full-height length of the pitching zone being the distance between the pitcher's side A-frame top connecting bar 173 and Primary pitching screen 230 , may, for example, be 54 inches with certain examples falling between 25 and 100 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 40 and 77 inches.
- A-frame top connecting bar 173 may, for example, be 147 inches with certain examples falling between 90 and 290 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 119 and 219 inches.
- the depth of Ball return 310 being the separation of Mesh sleeve 316 from Primary pitching screen 230 at Canopy net 280 , may, for example, be 4.0 inches with certain examples falling between 0.5 and 15.0 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 2.3 and 9.5 inches.
- the individual ball return opening area may, for example, be 720 square inches with certain examples falling between 250 and 1800 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 485 and 1260 square inches.
- the primary screen pitching opening height may, for example, be 78 inches with certain examples falling between 48 and 110 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 63 and 94 inches.
- the primary screen pitching opening width may, for example, be 30 inches with certain examples falling between 20 and 60 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 25 and 45 inches.
- the screen height below the primary screen pitching opening may, for example, be 12.0 inches with certain examples falling between 4.0 and 24.0 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 8.0 and 18.0 inches.
- the cross-sectional area of the batting cage may, for example, be 17520 square inches with certain examples falling between 8000 and 33000 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 12760 and 25260 square inches.
- Live pitching secondary screen 250 may, for example, be 1296 square inches with certain examples falling between 550 and 3500 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 923 and 2398 square inches.
- Each individual A-frame may have a width that is greater than the A-frame's height.
- the individual A-frame width may, for example, be 146 inches with certain examples falling between 70 and 220 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 108 and 183 inches.
- the tension wire length may, for example, be 297 inches with certain examples falling between 190 and 380 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 244 and 339 inches.
- the batting cage bottom length namely the distance from Bottom external connecting bar 178 to the opposite Bottom external connecting bar 178 , may, for example, be 444 inches with certain examples falling between 300 and 650 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 372 and 547 inches.
- the base to top length ratio namely the batting cage bottom length divided by the tension wire length, may, for example, be 1.49 with certain examples falling between 1.15 and 1.85 and a significant number of those examples falling between 1.32 and 1.67.
- the batting cage may be assembled from a number of potential materials of construction including aluminum, steel, fiberglass, plastic, and combinations thereof.
- the batting cage may be arranged such that it is supported by a series of A-frame structures.
- the batting cage may be arranged to have separate compartments for hitting and pitching.
- the batting cage may have a screen between a pitching compartment and a hitting compartment.
- the batting cage may have an opening in a screen that separates the hitting compartment from the pitching compartment through which balls may be thrown from the hitting compartment such that the balls thrown through the opening are redirected into a container.
- a portion of the canopy net covering the batting cage may be supported by a tension wire.
- the tension wire may be tensioned with a turnbuckle.
- the upper portion of the canopy net may be supported by both wire and rigid mechanical supports such as polls.
- One or more Ball return openings may be positioned to the side of the pitcher.
- the primary pitching screen may have an opening large enough to accommodate overhand pitches, underhand pitches and pitching machine pitches.
- a secondary pitching screen may be configured such that it may alternatingly be placed over the top of the pitching opening of the primary pitching screen and the bottom of the pitching opening of the primary pitching screen.
- An additional secondary pitching screen may be provided and configured such that a whole of less than 2 ft. 2 is provided for pitching machine pitches into a hitting zone.
- Ball return openings may be provided in the primary pitching screen such that loose balls in the hitting zone may be thrown through the Ball return openings such that a mesh sleeve or other guide directs the balls into a container situated in the pitching zone.
- Primary pitching screen 230 is arranged such that it protects the side of the body opposite the pitcher's pitching arm without any need for adjustment between left and right-handed pitchers.
- Secondary pitching screen 240 is also unique in that its configuration is not dependent on whether a pitcher is right or left-handed.
- Primary pitching screen 230 and Secondary pitching screen 240 may be constructed of netting, which weighs significantly less than metal framed pitching L screens.
- Batting cage 100 may be disassembled and collapsed for storage.
- One method of doing so includes separating Secondary pitching screen 240 from Primary pitching screen 230 removing any Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 and clips needed for the separation; folding and setting aside the Secondary pitching screen 240 ; detaching and folding Primary pitching screen 230 ; removing any ground stakes; releasing both instances of Ground level connecting rod hinge 153 such that Ground-level connecting rod 150 begins to fold onto itself as Batter's side frame 110 and Pitcher's side frame 120 move closer to one another; releasing A-frame hinge 168 such that A-frame crossbar 158 folds as the two instances of A-frame post 130 come together; releasing the telescoping lock, which may be a button lock on each of A-frame post 130 so that each A-frame post 130 collapses; releasing A-frame top connecting bar hinge 176 and maneuvering each instance of A-frame post 130 together to create a bundle of the various posts and support members; gathering any loose Canopy net 280 ; and
- Assembly of Batting cage 100 after storage or transportation may be accomplished by practicing the above procedure in reverse.
- the collapsible nature of Batting cage 100 with Canopy net 280 attached allows for the erection of Batting cage 100 quickly and without significant reference to instructions. Batting cage 100 merely undergoes a series of expansions until it reaches its full assembled size.
- Batting cages described herein may, for example, comprise a frame; a net enclosure; a pitching compartment within the net enclosure; a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; a second pitching screen; a first opening in the first pitching screen; a second opening in the first pitching screen; and a guide configured to direct balls passing from the hitting compartment through the second opening toward a ball discharge opening in the pitching compartment.
- the second pitching screen may be arranged and configured to partially cover the first opening.
- the second pitching screen may be arranged and configured to attach to the first pitching screen.
- the second pitching screen may overlap the first pitching screen.
- the guide may be arranged and configured to direct balls downward toward a container.
- the second opening may be a throwing target for individuals in the hitting compartment.
- balls thrown from the hitting compartment through the second opening may collect at a first location in the pitching compartment.
- the guide may be a sleeve comprising netting material.
- the frame may be collapsible.
- the frame may be collapsible such that the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
- the second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers and such that the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers.
- the second pitching screen may be adjustable to accommodate overhand and underhanded pitching by adjusting the height of the second pitching screen.
- the frame may be configured to collapse to a dimension smaller than a height of the frame when fully expanded.
- Batting cages described herein may, for example, comprise a frame; a net enclosure; a pitching compartment within the net enclosure; a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; a second pitching screen; and a first opening in the first pitching screen; such that the frame may be collapsible and such that the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
- Methods for facilitating hitting practice may, for example, comprise transporting a batting cage to a practice site wherein the batting cage is in collapsed form during the transporting; expanding a frame of the batting cage and a net enclosure of the batting cage at the practice site thereby creating both a pitching compartment within the net enclosure and a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; arranging a first pitching screen such that it separates the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; locking the frame in an expanded configuration; arranging for pitching from the pitching compartment through a first opening in the first pitching screen to a batter in the hitting compartment; and collapsing the frame after the pitching.
- the batting cage may collapse to a dimension smaller than the height of the expanded configuration.
- the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen may be configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
- a second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening.
- a second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers such that the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers.
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Abstract
Batting cages are disclosed relating to practice for games such as baseball and softball. The batting cages described may include a net enclosure, a pitching compartment, a hitting compartment, a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment, a second pitching screen that may cover a portion of an opening in the first pitching screen; a second opening in the first pitching screen; and a guide that directs balls from the hitting compartment through the second opening toward a location in the pitching compartment. Uses of batting cages are also taught.
Description
- Batting cages described herein may be used for throwing and hitting practice typical of baseball and softball. Batting cages disclosed herein may be used for hitting practice and pitching practice.
-
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the batting cage. -
FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the batting cage. -
FIG. 3 shows an end view of the primary pitching screen and the secondary pitching screen. -
FIG. 4 shows a side elevation view of certain frame elements of the batting cage. -
FIG. 5 shows an end elevation view of an A-frame portion of the batting cage. -
FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of a batter and a pitcher within the batting cage. -
FIG. 7 shows a machine pitching secondary screen. -
FIG. 8 shows a primary pitching screen partially covered by a secondary pitching screen. -
FIG. 9 shows a wireframe perspective view of the batting cage. -
FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings depict a variety of components ofBatting cage 100. - Among those components are Batter 30, Pitcher 40,
Ball 50, Batter'sside frame 110, Pitcher'sside frame 120, A-frame 128, A-framepost 130, Ground-level connecting rod 150, Ground level connectingrod hinge 153,Lower frame connectors 156, A-framecrossbar 158, A-frameconnectors 163, A-framehinge 168,A-frame peak connector 170, A-frame top connectingbar 173, A-frame top connectingbar hinge 176, Bottomexternal connecting bar 178,Tension wire 210, Turnbuckle 213,Primary pitching screen 230, Primaryscreen pitching opening 233,Secondary pitching screen 240, Secondary pitching screen tethers 243, Live pitchingsecondary screen 250, Machine pitchingsecondary screen 256, Machinepitching screen opening 258,Live pitching opening 260,Ball return openings 270, Canopy net 280,Hitting zone 290,Pitching zone 296,Ball return 310,Mesh sleeve 316, andBall bucket 323. -
Batting cage 100 may include a frame structure having anA-frame 128 at each of its four corners. At each end ofBatting cage 100 anA-frame 128 may be connected to anotherA-frame 128 by an A-frame top connectingbar 173 to create a structural configuration commonly associated with a sawhorse or a swing set. The peak of eachindividual A-frame 128 may have anA-frame peak connector 170. EachA-frame peak connector 170 may be attached to an A-frametop connecting bar 173. Each A-framepeak connector 170 may also be attached to aTension wire 210 which together with A-frame top connectingbar 173 is the upper supportfor Canopynet 280. Canopy net 280 may drape to the ground covering all four ofA-frame 128 such that Batting cage 100 forms a complete enclosure. In certain embodiments Bottomexternal connecting bar 178 may be staked to the ground for structural support. Additionally, various other parts ofBatting cage 100 may be staked to the ground. Further, Canopy net 280 may be staked to the ground in various places. - Batter's
side frame 110 and Pitcher'sside frame 120 may be arranged to have the same ora substantiallysimilar A-frame 128 construction. Each A-frame 128 may be constructed from afirst A-frame post 130 and asecond A-frame post 130. Each A-framepost 130 may be constructed as sliding telescoping poles with button locks. The first A-framepost 130 may be joined with thesecond A-frame post 130 at the top by A-framepeak connector 170. The first A-framepost 130 may be joined with thesecond A-frame post 130 near or slightly above the midpoint by A-framecrossbar 158 with the connections occurring by way ofA-frame connectors 163. A-framehinge 168 may make A-framecrossbar 158 foldable so that it takes up less space for storage or transport.Lower frame connectors 156 and Ground-level connecting rod 150 may be used to connect apitching side A-frame 128 to a hittingside A-frame 128 thereby controlling the distance between the A-frames on either side ofBatting cage 100. Ground level connectingrod hinge 153 makes Ground-level connecting rod 150 foldable thereby making the system more collapsible and portable. A-frametop connecting bar 173 connectsA-frame 128 on one end to theother A-frame 128 on the same end and acts as an upper cross bar. Like other pieces, A-frame top connectingbar 173 may be folded for transport at A-frame top connectingbar hinge 176. - A Pitcher 40 may set up in
Pitching zone 296 with aBatter 30 inHitting zone 290 such that the Pitcher 40 and theBatter 30 are separated byPrimary pitching screen 230. The Pitcher 40 may pitch through Primary screen pitching opening 233 which in the case of a live pitcher would be Live pitching opening 260.Live pitching opening 260 can be configured to accommodate an underhand pitcher and can be configured to accommodate an overhand pitcher. In either case, the opening is such that it would protect either a right-handed pitcher or a left-handed pitcher. In the case of an overhand pitcher, Live pitchingsecondary screen 250 would be placed over the lower portion of Primary screen pitching opening 233 making the Live pitching opening 260 line up with the height at which overhand pitches are typically thrown. In the case of an underhand pitcher, Live pitchingsecondary screen 250 would be placed over the upper portion of Primary screen pitching opening 233 making the Live pitching opening 260 line up with the height at which underhand pitches are typically thrown. - Instances of
Secondary pitching screen 240, which may include Live pitchingsecondary screen 250, Machine pitchingsecondary screen 256, or other similar protective covering of Primaryscreen pitching opening 233, are designed to be configured and reconfigured to provide maximum protection to Pitcher 40 regardless of the style of pitching used. In the case of a pitching machine, Machine pitchingsecondary screen 256 may be used to cover Primaryscreen pitching opening 233 such that the person operating the pitching machine is almost entirely protected from anyBall 50 hit by Batter 30.Batting cage 100 may be used for baseball or softball practice. -
Secondary pitching screen 240 which may be either Live pitchingsecondary screen 250 or Machine pitchingsecondary screen 256 may be attached toPrimary pitching screen 230 by a series of Secondary pitching screen tethers 243. The Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 may be positioned and tensioned such thatSecondary pitching screen 240 overlaps portions ofPrimary pitching screen 230 as depicted in the drawings. This overlap may be greater than one inch of overlap. The overlap limits the ability of balls to pass betweenPrimary pitching screen 230 andSecondary pitching screen 240. Secondarypitching screen tethers 243 may be used along with clips such as carabiners or other similarly functioning clips which allow for easy placement and removal ofSecondary pitching screen 240. Optionally the clips may be implemented without Secondary pitching screen tethers 243. - Balls hit by Batter 30 may occasionally pass through
Ball return openings 270 into Ball return 310 sliding downMesh sleeve 316 intoBall bucket 323. Most balls from a batting practice session will come to rest inside of Hittingzone 290. When the batting practice or session is done, the participants may use one or more ofBall return openings 270 as targets for practicing baseball or softball throws that are more like the throws that are made in a normal game of baseball or softball. The thrown balls would pass throughBall return openings 270 into Ball return 310 sliding downMesh sleeve 316 intoBall bucket 323.Mesh sleeve 316 may attach to or be associated withBall bucket 323 in a variety of ways. In particular, relationships between Meshsleeve 316 andBall bucket 323 may allow for easy access to the balls by Pitcher 40 and maintain the path betweenBall return openings 270 andBall bucket 323.Ball bucket 323 may alternately be any container meeting one or more of the above criteria.Ball return 310 andPrimary pitching screen 230 may be attached to Canopynet 280 and optionallyTension wire 210 by any suitable means. Those attachments may be such that a ball cannot pass to the other side ofPrimary pitching screen 230 around the periphery ofPrimary pitching screen 230 without passing throughBall return 310. Optionally,Primary pitching screen 230 is connected to Canopynet 280 and Ball return 310 in such a way that balls may only cross the barrier ofPrimary pitching screen 230 by passing through Primary screen pitching opening 233 or through one or more ofBall return openings 270. The attachment betweenPrimary pitching screen 230 and Canopynet 280 may be permanent such that thePrimary pitching screen 230 need not be attached to Canopynet 280 during each installation of theBatting cage 100 or it may be a temporary connection that is re-established eachtime Batting cage 100 is put up. -
Tension wire 210 may be strung from the tops of a Pitcher'sside frame 120 to the top of a Batter'sside frame 110 and then again from the other Pitcher'sside frame 120 to the top of the other Batter'sside frame 110. Once assembled the top of the structure supporting the Canopynet 280 would include two instances ofTension wire 210 and two instances of A-frame top connectingbar 173. - The full-height length of the hitting zone, being the distance between the batter's side A-frame
top connecting bar 173 andPrimary pitching screen 230, may, for example, be 246 inches with certain examples falling between 130 and 360 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 188 and 303 inches. - The full-height length of the pitching zone, being the distance between the pitcher's side A-frame
top connecting bar 173 andPrimary pitching screen 230, may, for example, be 54 inches with certain examples falling between 25 and 100 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 40 and 77 inches. - The width of A-frame top connecting
bar 173 may, for example, be 147 inches with certain examples falling between 90 and 290 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 119 and 219 inches. - The depth of
Ball return 310, being the separation ofMesh sleeve 316 fromPrimary pitching screen 230 atCanopy net 280, may, for example, be 4.0 inches with certain examples falling between 0.5 and 15.0 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 2.3 and 9.5 inches. - The individual ball return opening area may, for example, be 720 square inches with certain examples falling between 250 and 1800 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 485 and 1260 square inches.
- The primary screen pitching opening height may, for example, be 78 inches with certain examples falling between 48 and 110 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 63 and 94 inches.
- The primary screen pitching opening width may, for example, be 30 inches with certain examples falling between 20 and 60 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 25 and 45 inches.
- The screen height below the primary screen pitching opening may, for example, be 12.0 inches with certain examples falling between 4.0 and 24.0 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 8.0 and 18.0 inches.
- The cross-sectional area of the batting cage, for example as measured under A-frame
top connecting bar 173, may, for example, be 17520 square inches with certain examples falling between 8000 and 33000 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 12760 and 25260 square inches. - The area of Live pitching
secondary screen 250 may, for example, be 1296 square inches with certain examples falling between 550 and 3500 square inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 923 and 2398 square inches. - Each individual A-frame may have a width that is greater than the A-frame's height.
- The individual A-frame width may, for example, be 146 inches with certain examples falling between 70 and 220 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 108 and 183 inches.
- The tension wire length may, for example, be 297 inches with certain examples falling between 190 and 380 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 244 and 339 inches.
- The batting cage bottom length, namely the distance from Bottom external connecting
bar 178 to the opposite Bottom external connectingbar 178, may, for example, be 444 inches with certain examples falling between 300 and 650 inches and a significant number of those examples falling between 372 and 547 inches. - The base to top length ratio, namely the batting cage bottom length divided by the tension wire length, may, for example, be 1.49 with certain examples falling between 1.15 and 1.85 and a significant number of those examples falling between 1.32 and 1.67.
- The batting cage may be assembled from a number of potential materials of construction including aluminum, steel, fiberglass, plastic, and combinations thereof.
- The batting cage may be arranged such that it is supported by a series of A-frame structures.
- The batting cage may be arranged to have separate compartments for hitting and pitching.
- The batting cage may have a screen between a pitching compartment and a hitting compartment.
- The batting cage may have an opening in a screen that separates the hitting compartment from the pitching compartment through which balls may be thrown from the hitting compartment such that the balls thrown through the opening are redirected into a container.
- A portion of the canopy net covering the batting cage may be supported by a tension wire. The tension wire may be tensioned with a turnbuckle.
- The upper portion of the canopy net may be supported by both wire and rigid mechanical supports such as polls.
- One or more Ball return openings may be positioned to the side of the pitcher.
- The primary pitching screen may have an opening large enough to accommodate overhand pitches, underhand pitches and pitching machine pitches.
- A secondary pitching screen may be configured such that it may alternatingly be placed over the top of the pitching opening of the primary pitching screen and the bottom of the pitching opening of the primary pitching screen. An additional secondary pitching screen may be provided and configured such that a whole of less than 2 ft.2 is provided for pitching machine pitches into a hitting zone.
- Ball return openings may be provided in the primary pitching screen such that loose balls in the hitting zone may be thrown through the Ball return openings such that a mesh sleeve or other guide directs the balls into a container situated in the pitching zone.
-
Primary pitching screen 230 is arranged such that it protects the side of the body opposite the pitcher's pitching arm without any need for adjustment between left and right-handed pitchers.Secondary pitching screen 240 is also unique in that its configuration is not dependent on whether a pitcher is right or left-handed.Primary pitching screen 230 andSecondary pitching screen 240 may be constructed of netting, which weighs significantly less than metal framed pitching L screens. - Batting
cage 100 may be disassembled and collapsed for storage. One method of doing so includes separatingSecondary pitching screen 240 fromPrimary pitching screen 230 removing any Secondary pitching screen tethers 243 and clips needed for the separation; folding and setting aside theSecondary pitching screen 240; detaching and foldingPrimary pitching screen 230; removing any ground stakes; releasing both instances of Ground level connectingrod hinge 153 such that Ground-level connecting rod 150 begins to fold onto itself as Batter'sside frame 110 and Pitcher'sside frame 120 move closer to one another; releasingA-frame hinge 168 such thatA-frame crossbar 158 folds as the two instances ofA-frame post 130 come together; releasing the telescoping lock, which may be a button lock on each ofA-frame post 130 so that eachA-frame post 130 collapses; releasing A-frame top connectingbar hinge 176 and maneuvering each instance ofA-frame post 130 together to create a bundle of the various posts and support members; gathering anyloose Canopy net 280; and optionally gathering all of the component parts ofBatting cage 100 into a bag for transport or storage. Assembly ofBatting cage 100 after storage or transportation may be accomplished by practicing the above procedure in reverse. The collapsible nature ofBatting cage 100 with Canopy net 280 attached allows for the erection ofBatting cage 100 quickly and without significant reference to instructions. Battingcage 100 merely undergoes a series of expansions until it reaches its full assembled size. - Batting cages described herein may, for example, comprise a frame; a net enclosure; a pitching compartment within the net enclosure; a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; a second pitching screen; a first opening in the first pitching screen; a second opening in the first pitching screen; and a guide configured to direct balls passing from the hitting compartment through the second opening toward a ball discharge opening in the pitching compartment. In a related example, the second pitching screen may be arranged and configured to partially cover the first opening. In a related example, the second pitching screen may be arranged and configured to attach to the first pitching screen. In a related example, the second pitching screen may overlap the first pitching screen. In a related example, the guide may be arranged and configured to direct balls downward toward a container. In a related example, the second opening may be a throwing target for individuals in the hitting compartment. In a related example, balls thrown from the hitting compartment through the second opening may collect at a first location in the pitching compartment. In a related example, the guide may be a sleeve comprising netting material. In a related example, the frame may be collapsible. In a related example, the frame may be collapsible such that the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed. In a related example, the second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers and such that the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers. In a related example, the second pitching screen may be adjustable to accommodate overhand and underhanded pitching by adjusting the height of the second pitching screen. In a related example, the frame may be configured to collapse to a dimension smaller than a height of the frame when fully expanded.
- Batting cages described herein may, for example, comprise a frame; a net enclosure; a pitching compartment within the net enclosure; a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; a second pitching screen; and a first opening in the first pitching screen; such that the frame may be collapsible and such that the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
- Methods for facilitating hitting practice may, for example, comprise transporting a batting cage to a practice site wherein the batting cage is in collapsed form during the transporting; expanding a frame of the batting cage and a net enclosure of the batting cage at the practice site thereby creating both a pitching compartment within the net enclosure and a hitting compartment within the net enclosure; arranging a first pitching screen such that it separates the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment; locking the frame in an expanded configuration; arranging for pitching from the pitching compartment through a first opening in the first pitching screen to a batter in the hitting compartment; and collapsing the frame after the pitching. In a related example, the batting cage may collapse to a dimension smaller than the height of the expanded configuration. In a related example, the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen may be configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed. In a related example, a second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening. In a related example, a second pitching screen may be arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers such that the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers.
- The above-described embodiments have several independently useful individual features that have particular utility when used in combination with one another including combinations of features from embodiments described separately. There are, of course, other alternate embodiments which are obvious from the foregoing descriptions, which are intended to be included within the scope of the present application.
Claims (19)
1. A batting cage comprising:
a. a frame;
b. a net enclosure;
c. a pitching compartment within the net enclosure;
d. a hitting compartment within the net enclosure;
e. a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment;
f. a second pitching screen;
g. a first opening in the first pitching screen;
h. a second opening in the first pitching screen; and
i. a guide configured to direct balls passing from the hitting compartment through the second opening toward a ball discharge opening in the pitching compartment.
2. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second pitching screen is arranged and configured to partially cover the first opening.
3. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second pitching screen is arranged and configured to attach to the first pitching screen.
4. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second pitching screen overlaps the first pitching screen.
5. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the guide is arranged and configured to direct balls downward toward a container.
6. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second opening is a throwing target for individuals in the hitting compartment.
7. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein balls thrown from the hitting compartment through the second opening collect at a first location in the pitching compartment.
8. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the guide is a sleeve comprising netting material.
9. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the frame is collapsible.
10. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the frame is collapsible and wherein the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
11. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second pitching screen is arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers and wherein the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers.
12. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the second pitching screen is adjustable to accommodate overhand and underhanded pitching by adjusting the height of the second pitching screen.
13. The batting cage of claim 1 wherein the frame is configured to collapse to a dimension smaller than a height of the frame when fully expanded.
14. A batting cage comprising:
a. a frame;
b. a net enclosure;
c. a pitching compartment within the net enclosure;
d. a hitting compartment within the net enclosure;
e. a first pitching screen separating the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment;
f. a second pitching screen; and
g. a first opening in the first pitching screen;
h. wherein the frame is collapsible and
i. wherein the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
15. A method for facilitating hitting practice comprising:
a. transporting a batting cage to a practice site wherein the batting cage is in collapsed form during the transporting;
b. expanding a frame of the batting cage and a net enclosure of the batting cage at the practice site thereby creating both a pitching compartment within the net enclosure and a hitting compartment within the net enclosure;
c. arranging a first pitching screen such that it separates the pitching compartment from the hitting compartment;
d. locking the frame in an expanded configuration;
e. arranging for pitching from the pitching compartment through a first opening in the first pitching screen to a batter in the hitting compartment; and
f. collapsing the frame after the pitching.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the batting cage collapses to a dimension smaller than a height of the expanded configuration.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the frame, the net enclosure, and the first pitching screen are configured to be moved as a unit when the frame is collapsed.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein a second pitching screen is arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein a second pitching screen is arranged to cooperate with the first pitching screen to partially obscure the first opening in a way that provides an additional protection to pitchers and wherein the additional protection is equivalent for right-handed pitchers and left-handed pitchers.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/460,074 US20220062733A1 (en) | 2020-08-27 | 2021-08-27 | Batting cage |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202063071167P | 2020-08-27 | 2020-08-27 | |
US17/460,074 US20220062733A1 (en) | 2020-08-27 | 2021-08-27 | Batting cage |
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US20220062733A1 true US20220062733A1 (en) | 2022-03-03 |
Family
ID=80357923
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/460,074 Pending US20220062733A1 (en) | 2020-08-27 | 2021-08-27 | Batting cage |
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US (1) | US20220062733A1 (en) |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4815736A (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1989-03-28 | Robert Wright | Portable batting cage and method of assembling same |
US5655766A (en) * | 1996-06-17 | 1997-08-12 | Klebe, Jr.; Frank J. | Portable, collapsible pitching system |
US5897445A (en) * | 1994-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Barry L. Sanders | Professional batting training machine |
US20020098920A1 (en) * | 2001-01-25 | 2002-07-25 | Bruyer Robert William | Portable batting practise cage and method of using the same |
US20090286631A1 (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2009-11-19 | Matt Hammons | Pitching training aid |
US20130316854A1 (en) * | 2007-01-12 | 2013-11-28 | William Coleman Lay | Wind resistant practice cage with opening and alternative closures |
US8668603B2 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2014-03-11 | Matthew Hammons | Lightweight tunnel for baseball pitching practice |
US10350476B2 (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2019-07-16 | Realyagu Zone Co., Ltd. | Screen baseball system including screen shutter |
-
2021
- 2021-08-27 US US17/460,074 patent/US20220062733A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4815736A (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1989-03-28 | Robert Wright | Portable batting cage and method of assembling same |
US5897445A (en) * | 1994-07-21 | 1999-04-27 | Barry L. Sanders | Professional batting training machine |
US5655766A (en) * | 1996-06-17 | 1997-08-12 | Klebe, Jr.; Frank J. | Portable, collapsible pitching system |
US20020098920A1 (en) * | 2001-01-25 | 2002-07-25 | Bruyer Robert William | Portable batting practise cage and method of using the same |
US20130316854A1 (en) * | 2007-01-12 | 2013-11-28 | William Coleman Lay | Wind resistant practice cage with opening and alternative closures |
US20090286631A1 (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2009-11-19 | Matt Hammons | Pitching training aid |
US8668603B2 (en) * | 2010-07-07 | 2014-03-11 | Matthew Hammons | Lightweight tunnel for baseball pitching practice |
US10350476B2 (en) * | 2016-09-07 | 2019-07-16 | Realyagu Zone Co., Ltd. | Screen baseball system including screen shutter |
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