WO2003098145A1 - Conversion kits for programmable pitching machine and method for profiling pitches - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator having two wheels and a video display. Pitch profile codes are developed for a pitcher, and entered into the simulator, which is programmed to deliver pitches with the same profiles as the pitcher. The invention also includes a kit for converting a pitching machine having one wheel, into a video-pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen (100) having an aperture (102), projector (12), injector solenoid (120), and control (130). Another embodiment of the kit is for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine into a video pitching machine, in which case the kit would include a clutch motor unit (120), and relay unit (140). The invention also includes a mounting frame for separate baseball and softball pitching machines of the wheel type. The machines (12, 212) are mounted on respective base plates (61, 62) that are pivotally mounted to the frame (16) and connected to move together by a linear actuator (68).

Description

TITLE: CONVERSION KITS FOR PROGRAMMABLE PITCHING MACHINE

AND METHOD FOR PROFILING PITCHES

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a programmable pitching machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Pitching machines and ball-throwing machines are well-known in the art and generally fall into four categories: (1) machines that employ a spring actuated arm mechanism to propel the ball; (2) machines that employ at least one rotating wheel or a pair of rotating, coacting wheels to propel the ball; (3) machines that rely on pneumatic pressure to propel the ball; and (4) machines that employ converging and diverging rotatable discs to propel the ball.

The marriage of a ball-throwing machine with a video display of a pitcher is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,195,744 which issued on March 23, 1993 to Neil S. Kapp et al. for Baseball Batting Practice Apparatus with Control Means. Such device, however, fails to offer the unique advantages of delivering a variety of different pitches as contemplated by the present invention. The synchronization means of such device relies upon an audio signal generated by the video, without any regard to the status of the ball in the queued position. Furthermore, the ball queuing system of this device relies on gravity and is imprecise and subject to failure.

In recent years, a number of computerized pitching machines have come onto the market which permit the user to throw a series of different pitches on an interchangeable basis. Heretofore, it was necessary to re-adjust the machine between different pitches which prevented the machine from being able to truly simulate live pitching.

The concept of programming a pitching machine to deliver a variety of different pitches has been discussed in prior patents, most notably in U.S. Patent No. 5,125,653 which issued to Ferenc Kovacs et al. on June 30, 1992 for Computer Controller Ball-throwing Machine_. and U.S. Patent No. 5,464,208 which issued on November 7, 1995 to Richard A. Pierce for Programmable Baseball Pitching. Such machines are of the two-wheel type and are incapable of rapid change in order to interchangeably deliver a variety of different pitches. Accordingly, the degree of programming offered by these devices is minimal, at best. ProBatter Sports, LLC of Milford, CT introduced a line of pitching machines under the

ProBatter trademark which can interchangeably deliver different pitches at different speeds to different locations. This line is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,186,134 which issued on February 13, 2001 to Gregory J. Battersby et al. for Pitching System with Video Display Means; 6,186,133 which issued on February 13, 2001 to Gregory J. Battersby et al. for System and Method for Establishing Pitch Parameters in a Ball Throwing Machine; and 6182649 which issued on February 6, 2001 to Gregory J. Battersby et al. for Ball Throwing Machine.

Chin Music, LLC of Seattle, A has also developed a computerized pitching machine which is has licensed to Fastball Development Inc. for a product called "Abner." This technology is described more fully in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,082,350 which issued on July 4, 2000 for Accurate, Multi-Axis, Computer Controlled Object Projection Machine; 6,111,693 which issued on August 29, 2000 for Projection Screen with Movable Shutter; and 6,347,011 which issued on February 12, 2002 for Projection Screen with Movable Shutter.

Pitching machines of the ProBatter and Abner type are capable of being programmed to develop pitch profiles of actual pitchers, including Major League Baseball pitchers by separately programming the machine to deliver individual pitches. The ability to use these machines to simulate the pitch profiles of actual pitchers is the final step in making equipment of this type true pitching simulators for hitters to better prepare for game like conditions. The creation of such pitch profiles permits a hitter to take batting practice before a game against the very pitcher that they will be facing, thereby increasing the odds of being able to hit such pitchers. The problem presented, however, is that each pitcher throws different pitches and the individual programming of the machine for each different pitcher can be complex, time-consuming and potentially beyond the limits of the computer used to control the machine. There are more than 300 pitchers in Major League Baseball and thousands more at the other levels of the game. To expect an operator to individually program these machines to simulate the pitches of each of these pitchers is a daunting task, at best. As will be appreciated, none of these prior patents even address the problem faced by applicant let alone offer the solution proposed herein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for profiling pitches using a computerized pitching machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a method which permits the pitching machine to be programmed to deliver pitches having a pitch profile of actual pitchers.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a method which can accommodate a variety of different pitchers and pitches without the need to separately program pitch parameters for individual pitchers to create a profile.

It is another primary object of the present invention to provide a kit for converting a conventional wheeled pitching machine to a video pitching machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which can be used for both baseball and softball machines individually.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which can be used in conjunction with a combined baseball and softball machine which share a common control box and proj ection system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which permits precise introduction of the ball into the pitching machine.

It is yet another primary object of the present invention to provide a mounting frame for use with a kit for converting a conventional wheeled pitching machine to a video pitching machine. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a frame to be used in conjunction with a conventional combination baseball and softball pitching machine.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a frame that can be used in conjunction with a combination baseball and softball machine to permit them to share a common control box and projection system and common raise/lower mechanism.

It is a still another primary object of the present invention to provide a kit for converting a conventional, spring-actuated, pitching machine into a video pitching machine.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which can be used for both baseball and softball spring-actuated pitching machine. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which can be used in conjunction with a combined baseball and softball spring-actuated pitching machine which share a common control box and projection system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a kit which permits precise introduction of the ball into the pitching machine.

To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a method for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator of the type having at least two wheels and a video display component. The method comprises the steps of: (a) creating pitch profile codes for all pitches that a pitcher can reasonably pitch, the pitch" profile codes including information regarding pitch type, pitch speed and pitch movement; (b) developing a master pitch parameter table for each of the pitch profile codes, the pitch parameter table including all data reasonably necessary to program the programmable pitching simulator to throw profiled pitches; (c) developing pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher, the pitch profile codes also including a code for a video image to be displayed; (d) entering into the programmable pitching simulator the specific pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher by the use of a card containing the pitch profile codes; and (e) re-programming the programmable pitching simulator to deliver pitches with the same pitch profiles of the pitcher. The method can further include developing specific sequences of particular profiled pitches to a particular batter in the sequence that the pitcher has historically pitched to the batter. In another embodiment, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having at least one wheel into a video pitching machine. The kit includes: a projection screen; projector; injector means; and control means. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The injector means is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position immediately behind the pitching machine and inject the ball into the pitching machine to be propelled toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. The injector means includes an electric solenoid for injecting the ball into the pitching machine. Control means are provided for storing the video image and displaying the video image onto the screen as well as for causing the injector to inject said ball into the pitching machine in full synchronization with the video image displayed on the screen.

In still another embodiment, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a unique mounting frame for use in conjunction with a conversion kit for a combination baseball/softball pitching machine, in which both machines are mounted on base plates that are interconnected so as to move in an integral manner and are controlled by a linear actuator which permits them to be raised and lowered as a single unit by a single raise and lower mechanism.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a conversion kit for converting a spring-actuated pitching machine of the Iron Mike type to a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video projection screen on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of a ball from the pitching machine. The kit includes a projection screen; a projector; a motor unit including a clutch brake; a relay unit; and a control unit. The projection screen, which is adapted to be positioned between the pitching machine and a batter, includes an aperture through which a ball may be delivered to the batter by the conventional spring-actuated pitching machine. The video projector must be able to project the video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen. The motor unit with the clutch brake is adapted to hold a ball in a queued position within the spring-actuated pitching machine and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in synchronization with the video image. A control unit provided for storing the video image and displaying the video image onto the screen as well as for causing the motor unit with the clutch brake to hold the ball in a queued position and, upon release, propel the ball toward the batter in full synchronization with the video image displayed on the screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a two-wheeled baseball pitching machine that includes the subject video conversion kit for a two wheeled pitching machine;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of the injector unit that is included in the conversion kit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination baseball/softball pitching machine of the present invention with the conversion kit installed;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a combination baseball/softball pitching machine of FIG. 3 with the conversion kit installed; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the baseball portion of the combination baseball/softball pitching machine of FIG. 3 with the conversion kit installed. FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of the conversion kit of the present invention mounted in conjunction with a spring-actuated pitching machine;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, break-away view of a portion of the conversion kit of the present invention as mounted on the spring-actuated pitching machine;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the spring-actuated pitching machine on which an additional cam and switch are provided; FIG. 8 is a side view of the spring-actuated pitching machine of Fig. 6 including the conversion kit of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the spring-actuated pitching machine of FIG. 6 including the conversion kit of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a side view of the pitching machine of FIG. 6 including the conversion kit of the present invention in a rest position;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pitching machine of FIG. 6 including the conversion kit of the present invention in a cocked or queued position; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the pitching machine of FIG. 6 including the conversion kit of the present invention in a firing position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises a method for creating pitch profiles of actual baseball or softball pitchers that can be delivered by a computerized pitching machine to simulate live pitching. The system was developed principally for use in conjunction with the ProBatter Professional video pitching simulator marketed by ProBatter Sports, LLC of Milford, CT although it can be used in conjunction with virtually any programmable baseball or softball pitching machine that is able to throw different pitches on an interchangeable basis. The ProBatter Professional system is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,182,649; 6,186,133; and 6,186,134, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Briefly stated, the ProBatter simulator includes a three-wheel, ball throwing head and a video display component including a projection screen mounted in front of the throwing head through which the ball is delivered, and a video projector. The speed of each wheel of the throwing head is individually controlled as is the horizontal and vertical orientation of the machine. By controlling individual wheel speed and throwing head location (all of which are controlled by a computer or microprocessor), the simulator is able to throw a variety of different pitches to different locations. A video image of an actual pitcher is displayed on the projection screen, the timing of which is synchronized with the actual release of the ball from the throwing head, the ball being delivered through an aperture in the projection screen. While there are only a finite number of pitches that any pitcher can throw, e.g., fastball, curveball, slider, etc., the actual profile of each type of pitch will vary widely from pitcher to pitcher. Some pitchers may throw a true 12-6 curve ball (breaking directly in a downward direction or from the 12 o'clock direction to the 6 o'clock direction) while others may throw what is referred to as a "slurve" or a 2-8 curve. Similarly, the objective of all pitchers is to have some movement, or deviation from the initial flight path, on each and every pitch. Obviously, - the amount of movement will vary from pitcher to pitcher. For example, some pitchers throw a fastball with a 2" upward movement while others may have a 6" upward movement. Similarly, some pitchers may throw a relatively straight changeup while the changeup of others may break down and in towards the batter. The amount of movement of these pitches will serve to define the pitch profile of a particular pitcher. Similarly, pitchers will throw pitches at different speeds. Some Major League pitchers throw rising fastballs in the mid-90' s (MPH) while others may throw in the 80' s (MPH).

It will be appreciated that every pitcher has a unique "pitch profile" of the pitches that he or she throws. This pitch profile will include type of pitch, speed of the pitch and movement of the pitch. As noted above, the programmable nature of a computerized pitching machine permits a user to control such pitch profile by pre-programming the computerized machine to match the profile of a particular pitcher.

Pitching simulators such as the ProBatter Professional simulator may also include a video component where the image of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the release of the ball. With such simulators, it is also possible to change to video image to conform to a particular pitcher. A generic image can be used or, in a preferred embodiment, a video image of the actual pitcher for whom the profile is created can be selected. Even with generic images, one can vary the video image to select right handed and left handed pitchers as well as pitchers delivering from a full windup or a stretch. Similarly, the style and timing of a particular motion can be varied to more closely simulate a particular pitcher.

Each pitch delivered by a computerized pitching machine is controlled by a set of parameters, i.e., individual wheel speed and the position or orientation of the machine. If the pitching simulator includes a video component, one would also have to control the video image. The manner in which pitch parameters are controlled is described in greater detail in the three earlier ProBatter patents referenced above, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. In the case of a two wheel machine such as the one described in the Chin Music patents, pitch parameters may also be dependent upon the orientation of the two wheels, i.e., in order to throw a breaking pitch with a two wheel machine, it might be necessary to move the alignment of the wheels from the purely vertical position commonly used for a fastball.

As previously noted, if one were to attempt to develop pitch profiles for every Major League Baseball pitcher on an individual basis, one would need to create a separate program for each pitcher and for each pitch that they threw. Thus, for each pitch thrown by a particular pitcher with a three-wheel machine, the user would have to develop wheel speed settings, pitch head orientation and video image to be displayed. This would, presumably, have to be done for all speeds and at all locations. For a two-wheel machine, an additional parameter of wheel orientation would also have to be inputted. As one can appreciate, with more than 300 Major League pitchers and many more in other levels of professional and collegiate baseball, separately programming the machine with each of these pitch parameters for each pitcher could be a logistical nightmare.

The method of profiling contemplated by this invention requires the development and employment of a master data base of all possible pitches that a pitcher could possibly throw and then grading each pitch based on the extent of the break or movement of the pitch. For example, as described previously, there are a number of different types of curve balls that can be thrown depending upon the angle of the pitch, e.g., 12-6 or 2-8, and the degree of break, e.g., 2 inches in a horizontal direction or 8 inches in a vertical direction. A curve ball that breaks directly down is typically referred to as a 12-6 curve balls while a pitch that might have more of an outward and downward break is referred to as a 2-8 curve or a "slurve." Obviously, there will be a difference between right handed and left handed pitchers.

In creating this master data base, it is necessary to "grade" each type of pitch depending upon the extent of the break. The following Master Pitch Table (Table A) is an example of such a Master Pitch Table that can be used for most common pitches:

Using the above Master Pitch Table, a "Pitch Profile Code" is created for each different type of pitch categorized by pitch type, break and speed. Thus, the Pitch Profile Code for a 76 MPH, 2-8 curve ball from a right handed pitcher that drops 10" is G3-76 while the Pitch Profile Code for a lefthander's sinker at 88 MPH that drops 4" would is AB2-88. The Pitch Profile Code can also include pitch location based on position both within and outside the strike zone. For purposes of determining location, the strike zone is divided into five zones with four locations outside the strike zone, each zone being identified by a number, as illustrated in the following Table:

TABLE B STRIKE ZONE

Thus, if pitch location is included in the Pitch Profile Code, the above described 76 MPH

12-6 curve ball that breaks 10" in a downward direction delivered down and out to a right hand batter (zone 4) would be referred to as E3-76-4. Similarly, the Pitch Profile Code for the above described lefthander's sinker at 88 MPH that drops 4" thrown down and in (zone 5) and to right hand hitter would is AB2-88-5.

In a video pitching simulator with multiple video images (preferably stored as MPEG or AVI files on the hard drive), the Pitch Profile Code could also include an identification of the video image that can be played. Video images are separately identified by a combination of letter and number codes, e.g., LHPWF1 for left handed pitcher ("LHP"), windup ("W") and fastball motion ("FI"). The first three letters identify the particular pitcher, LHC could for a generic left handed college pitcher or RHL for a generic right handed Little League pitcher. The fourth letter identifies the type of motion, e.g., "W" for full windup and "S" for a stretch position. Finally, the last two letters identify the type of pitch being thrown, e.g., "FI" for a full speed fastball or "CB" for a curve ball.

For specific pitchers, their initials or other designation could take the place of the type of pitcher and be included as the first three letters. Thus, John L. Sullivan could be JLSWCB for the image of John L. Sullivan throwing a curve ball from a full windup. Hence the Pitch Profile

Code for Sullivan throwing from a full windup a 76 MPH 12-6 curve ball that breaks 10" in a downward direction delivered down and out to a right hand batter (zone 4) would be referred to as G3 -76-4- JLSWCB. Similarly, the pitch code for a generic left hand pitcher throwing from a stretch position a sinker at 88 MPH that drops 4" thrown down and in (zone 5) and to right hand hitter would is AB2-88-5-LHPSF2.

This Pitch Profile Code is used for the purpose of programming the computerized, programmable pitching machine to throw the pitch profile of a particular pitcher. It will be appreciated that programmable simulators can be programmed to deliver the pitches identified in Table A in order to throw a particular pitch at a particular speed to the particular location in Table B. Using a three-wheel simulator, the following parameters need to be controlled to deliver a particular pitch at a particular speed to a particular location: the speed of each wheel; the horizontal position or orientation of the throwing head; and the vertical position or orientation of the throwing head. If video is included, it is necessary to identify the video clip that is to be run. These parameters have been established by random testing. Since the relationship between wheel speeds and actuators has been found to be generally linear, it is possible to create a formula for determining wheel speeds for different pitch speeds and different locations using a MathCAD program after a number of overall settings are established. This, of course, facilitates rapid adjustment of pitch speed and location. The use of such a MathCAD program is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,186,133.

Tables C and D depict typical defined parameters for a particular pitch at a particular speed to a particular location with a particular video image:

TABLE C PARAMETERSFORACURVEBALL

In contrast, the parameters for a different pitch might be as follows:

The above parameters are required for every pitch that the programmable pitching machine can deliver.

Once the master database of Table A is established, a Master Parameter Table is created (using the format of Tables C and D) for all such pitches. The Master Parameter Table is then linked to the Master Pitch Table such that every pitch contained in the Master Pitch Table has a companion entry in the Master Parameter Table identifying the appropriate wheel speeds, horizontal and vertical position or orientation of the pitching machine and, in a video machine, the video image to be used.

Once the Master Pitch Table of Table A and the Master Parameter Table (see Tables C and D) are created, the method of the present invention contemplates a scout actually observing the actual pitches thrown by a particular pitcher and creating a "profile" for each pitcher using the criteria of the Master Pitch Table of Table A. This can be done in person at a game or practice, or by observing game videos. This task is often made much easier by the fact that certain ballparks or networks actually display the pitch speed and type on a display. The data can be captured on paper or, alternatively, onto a computer in a database program or on a PDA. For example, the scout might determine that the pitch profile for John L. Sullivan, a right hand pitcher, is as follows:

The scout would further select the applicable image that best fits the pitcher, e.g., overhand delivery with slow windup or, possibly, a video of the actual pitcher for each pitch.

Armed with this information, it is possible to create a profile for a particular pitcher by simply programming the computer controlled pitching machine using the Pitch Profile Codes for each pitch in the pitcher's repertoire. In the video mode, the Pitch Profile Code would also include the legend for the appropriate video to be used, e.g., A1-92-1-JLSWFB for the fastball, etc. Note that in this example, a specific video of John L. Sullivan was used. The Pitch Profile Code for a generic right hand pitcher video would be: Al -92-1 -RHP WFB. If it was appropriate to use a video of the pitcher from a stretch position, the code would be A 1-92-1 -RHP SFB. As noted earlier, the images used can be video images of the actual pitcher or, alternatively, video images of generic pitchers. They can also be computer generated images of actual pitchers which would permit computer modifications and manipulations.

The computer controlled pitching machine can be programmed for the particular pitcher profile in a number of different ways. The Master Pitch Table and the Master Parameter Table are both stored on the computer hard drive. It will be appreciated that either or both can be periodically updated or changed if necessary. The Pitch Profile Codes for a particular pitcher derived from the scouting data can be manually entered into the computer through a keyboard or touch screen controller. Alternatively, they can be stored on the computer hard drive and accessed through either the keyboard, mouse or touch screen. In a preferred embodiment, the Pitch Profile Codes for a particular pitcher or team can be stored on a card with a bar code or on a Smart Card identifying the specific pitch repertoire of the pitcher and his or her Pitch Profile Codes. The cards would interface with a bar code reader or Smart Card reader for the computerized pitching machine and permit instant re-programming of the computerized pitching machine to match the pitch profile of the particular pitcher.

Once the particular Pitch Profile Codes are entered into the computer of the pitching machine, the Pitch Profile Codes would be linked to the Master Parameter Table to determine the specific parameters for the particular pitch, and the simulator could deliver the pitches in the sequence established by the card.

The advantages of such a system are obvious. Bar code cards or Smart Cards for individual pitchers can be created in a particular pitch sequence selected by the operator or scout. In this manner, the simulator can be instantly re-programmed to deliver the pitch profile (with or without video) of a particular pitcher by simply swiping the card past the card reader. Pitch profiles or pitch sequences can be easily changed by changing the pitch profiles on the card. A team can stock cards for each of the opposing team's pitchers and prepare for the pitcher or pitchers they will next face by reprogramming the simulator with the swipe of a card. This method also includes a component in which particular pitch sequences for a particular batter can be established based on scouting reports of a pitcher against a particular hitter. For example, scouting data might establish that a particular pitcher has historically pitched a particular hitter in a particular manner, e.g., high fastball up and in followed by a series of slow curveballs down and out. Using this data and the pitch profiles for a particular pitcher, a particular sequence can be established for a particular hitter against a particular pitcher. The computerized pitching machine can be pre-programmed to throw not only the pitch profile of a particular pitcher, but in the same sequence that the pitcher has historically pitched to a particular hitter. These sequences can be entered manually or, in a preferred embodiment, stored as a bar code on a bar code card or on a Smart Card which would serve to program the machine to deliver the same pitch profile of the particular pitcher to a particular hitter in a particular sequence. For example, the card could program the machine as follows to deliver the following pitches which are based on the historical scouting data for that pitcher against that hitter:

The obvious advantage of such a system is that it permits a hitter to take batting practice against the exact pitch profile of a particular pitcher thrown in the same sequence that the pitcher has historically pitched the hitter.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a conversion kit that can be used in conjunction with a conventional wheeled pitching machine, preferably a two-wheel machine such as, for example, the Casey Pro system marketed by ATEC, to covert such conventional wheeled pitching machine into a video pitching machine, i.e., a pitching machine that includes a video component having a projection screen mounted between the pitching machine and a batter on which a video of an actual pitcher is displayed in synchronization with the actual release of a pitch by the pitching machine.

It will be appreciated that the conversion kit of the present invention can be used in conjunction with virtually any wheeled pitching machine, preferably of the type marketed by ATEC, Jugs, Amusement Products and others. Specifically,' it can be used with either a one or two wheeled machine and is adaptable to be used singularly with either a baseball pitching machine or a softball pitching machine (as illustrated in FIG. 1) or in conjunction with a combination baseball/softball pitching machine.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in general terms, a setup in which the conversion kit of the present invention, referred to generally by reference numeral 10, is mounted in conjunction with a conventional ATEC commercial baseball pitching machine referred to generally by reference numeral 12.

Wheeled pitching machine of the type shown in the accompanying drawings typically include at least one and as many as four rotating wheels 20. The most common machines (as illustrated) include at least two wheels 20. In multi-wheel machines, the space between the rotating wheels 20 is called the "nip" 21 which is where a ball is inserted in order to propel the ball toward a hitter. The speed of each wheel is individually controlled to permit changes to pitch speed. Such machines can be hand fed or, as shown in FIG. 1, using an automatic feeder 25 which can store up to 300 balls at a time. These stored balls are delivered, one at a time, to the pitching machine 12 through a delivery tube 27. In the past, balls would be delivered directly to the nip 21 from the feeder 25 for delivery to the hitter (not shown). The conversion kit 10 of the present invention includes a projection screen 100 which is mounted in front of the conventional pitching machine 10 on which the video image of an actual pitcher is displayed; a video projector 110 for displaying such video image on the projector screen; an injector unit 120 which is secured to the pitching machine 12 for injecting a ball delivered from the feeder 25 into the nip 21 of the pitching machine 12 between the wheels 20 for delivery of the ball to a batter in synchronization with the video display of an actual pitcher on the projection screen 100 by the video projector 110; and a control unit 130 which controls the entire system. In this manner, the original pitching machine 12 can be easily converted into a video pitching machine so that a hitter can properly time the delivery of a ball thrown by the pitching machine 12. >

The projection screen 100 includes a hole or aperture 102 in the screen in alignment with the pitching machine 10 to permit a ball thrown by the pitching machine 10 to travel therethrough. The projection screen 100 includes a fabric screen mounted on a steel projector frame (not shown) to provide the requisite support for the fabric screen. The actual projection screen 100 is fabricated from a white fabric capable of absorbing the impact of a baseball thrown or hit into the screen and is typically mounted on the projector frame using a shock absorbing connector such as, for example, bungee cords, to reduce the rebound affect should a batted ball hit the screen.

The video projector 110 can be virtually any video projector but is preferably an LCD projector of the type manufactured and marketed by such projection companies as Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Proxima and others. The video projector 110 is adapted to project a video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen, the showing of which is fully timed and synchronized with the release of a ball by the pitching machine 10 through the aperture 1-02 in the screen 100.

The conversion kit of the present invention further includes an injector unit 120 (as shown in greater detail in FIG. 2) which is mounted on and secured to the back of the pitching machine 12 by conventional securing means such as, for examples, bolts or weldments, in the vicinity of the nip 21 of the machine 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the injector unit 120 includes an injector housing 121 which includes a top entry tube 122 which is connected to the delivery tube 27 from the feeder 25 through which balls are introduced by gravity. Once inside the center housing 121, each ball 22 ultimately comes to rest in a queued position inside the housing 121 on a pair of tracks 123. The ball 22 is prevented from rolling into the pitching machine 12 by a flipper bar 124. Flipper bar is pivotally mounted at one end to the upper surface of the inside of the housing 121. Additional balls (not shown) fed from the feeder 25 for subsequent delivery to a batter may be stacked up above the ball 22 in the queued position where they would extend upwardly into the entry tube 122. An injector 125, preferably an electrically-operated solenoid of the type manufactured by

The Trombetta Corporation, is provided at one end of the injector housing 121 at the end of the housing 121 opposite the end adjacent to the pitching machine 20. A particularly preferred solenoid is Trombetta Model No. Q516, 3.5" stroke, single action, push type, 90v DC with a spring return. Injector 125 includes a push rod 126 which is adapted to push or inject the ball 22 into the pitching machine 20 upon activation of the injector 125. Upon activation of the injector 125, the push rod 126 is caused to advance toward the ball 22 and inject it into the nip 21 of the pitching machine 12.

The injector 125 is in communication with and controlled by the control unit 130.

Flipper rod 127 connects the push rod 126 to the end of the flipper bar 124 opposite the pivotally mounted end. In this manner, as the push rod advances toward the ball 22 to inject it into the machine, it simultaneously causes the flipper bar 124 to rotate upwardly and clear the path for the ball to be injected into the machine 12.

Sensor 128 is provided through the entry tube 122 to detect the presence of balls stacked up above the ball 22 in the queued position. The control unit 130 is a standard Windows based personal computer which includes at least two parallel ports, a microprocessor and operating software capable of multitasking, a hard drive preferably having at least 10 Gigabytes of storage space, a video card and a control card. It includes an interface box that connects to one of the parallel ports on the personal computer and has inputs for the motors for the pitching machine 12, the feeder 25, the ball sensor 128, coin input and outputs for the coin operating unit (not shown). The control unit 130 is in communication with the injector 125 and the sensor 128 in the injector unit; the feeder 25; and the video projector 110.

In operation, the software watches the inputs, looks for the pitching machine motors to be in an "on" position, the feeder 25 to be in an "on" position and the ball sensor 128 to be activated, i.e., a ball is resting in the queued position. It also determines in a combination unit whether the baseball pitching machine or the softball pitching machine is to be activated and, depending upon the machine activated, is prepared to display the companion video for the appropriate machine, i.e., a softball pitcher for use with the softball machine and a baseball pitcher for use with the baseball machine. Multiple video images are stored on the hard drive and the user has the ability to also manually select different images. With balls detected in the injector unit 120, the converted video pitching system is now ready to begin operation. Upon activation of the system by a standard pitching machine control box (not shown) supplied by the pitching machine company, the system is now ready to operate. The control unit 130 accesses the video image and begins a display thereof on the projection screen 100 from the projector 110. Upon the commencement of the display of the video image on the screen, an internal timer in control unit 130 commences and upon a pre-determined time coordinated with the video image, the control unit signals the injector unit 120 to fire the injector 125 and inject the ball into the pitching machine where it is delivered to the batter in synchronization with the video image being displayed on the projection screen 100. The control unit can adjust the timing of the video should they be required to effect synchronization. Control unit 130 is able to display a variety of different images onto the projection screen

100 by sending such images to the projector 110. Such images may include, for example, images of different pitchers, advertising messages, and the like.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a combined baseball/softball pitching machine 16 which includes an individual baseball pitching machine 12 mounted on a frame 60 above an individual softball pitching machine 212. Both pitching machines 12, 212 are two-wheeled pitching machines, preferably the Casey Pro units marketed by ATEC. The frame 60 used to mount the combination baseball/softball machine 16 is particularly unique in that both the baseball machine 12 and softball machine 212 are pivotally mounted on a unitary frame 60. This is accomplished by securing each of the baseball and softball machines, 12 and 212, respectively, to top and bottom mounting plates 61 and 62, respectively, which are then pivotally mounted to front support bars 63 and 64 on the frame 60 by a pair of pivot collars 65 and 66 for each mounting plate 61, 62. Pivot collars 65 and 66 are adapted to envelop the front support bars 63, 64 which permit the plates 61 and 62 to pivot relative thereto.

The two mounting plates 61 and 62, respectively, are interconnected to each other by a pair of rear connecting bars 67 A and 67B such that any movement of either mounting plate 61, 62 results in a corresponding movement of the other plate.

It should be noted that in frame 60, the baseball pitching machine 12 is mounted above the softball machine 212 so as to better simulate the actual release point of baseball and softball pitchers. Baseball pitchers typically throw their pitches overhand while softball pitchers typically throw underhand. The typical release point for a baseball pitcher is at least six feet from the ground while the typical release point for a softball pitcher is typically less than 2 feet off the ground. By mounting the baseball and softball machines in this manner, it more closely simulates the actual release point of pitchers which is critical due to the video component of the system of the present invention. The actual angle of each of the baseball and softball machines, 12 and 212, respectively, is controlled by a control bar 68 which is connected at one end to the upper baseball mounting plate and at its lower end to a linear actuator 69 which is connected to a separate raise/lower control box (not shown) which is part of the traditional pitching machine installation. In this manner, a user can readily change the angle of either machine as a function of pitch, location or pitch type. By connecting these two pitching machines 12, 212, it is possible to use a single control box to change the angle of either machine thus eliminating the need for separate controls. FIG. 6 illustrates, in general terms, a setup in which the conversion kit of the present invention, referred to generally by reference numeral 10, is mounted in conjunction with a conventional spring-actuated commercial baseball pitching machine referred to generally by reference numeral 12. Pitching machine 12 is preferably an Iron Mike machine manufactured by Master Pitching Machine, Inc. of Kansas City, MO and includes a rotating arm 13, ball delivery mechanism 14 for delivering a ball 15 to the rotating arm 13 to be thrown toward a batter (not shown) and a first cam 16 and first cam switch (not shown) on the arm extensions 17 and 18 on the opposite side of the pitching machine (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 7A) for controlling the number of rotations of the rotating arm 13.

The conversion kit 10 includes a projection screen 100, video projector 110, a clutch motor unit 120; a control unit 130, and a relay unit 140.

The projection screen 100 includes a hole or aperture 102 in the screen in alignment with the pitching machine 12 to permit a ball thrown by the pitching machine 12 to travel through the screen toward a batter. The projection screen 100 includes a fabric screen mounted on a steel projector frame (not shown) to provide the requisite support for the fabric screen. The actual projection screen 100 is fabricated from a white fabric capable of absorbing the impact of a baseball thrown or hit into the screen and are typically mounted on the projector frame using a shock absorbing connector such as, for example, bungee cords, to reduce the rebound effect should a batted ball bit the screen.

The video projector 110 can be virtually any video projector but is, preferably, an LCD projector of the type manufactured and marketed by such projection companies as Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Proxima and others. The video projector 110 is adapted to project a video image of an actual pitcher onto the projection screen, the showing of which is fully timed and synchronized with the release of a ball by the pitching machine 10 through the aperture 102 in the screen 100. Clutch motor unit 120 includes a motor 121, preferably a 1/3 horsepower, c-faced, foot mounted, Baldor AC motor which is mounted on the top of the frame of the pitching machine 12. A brake clutch 122, preferably a Warner brake clutch, is mounted to the front of the motor 121.

The output shaft 123 of the brake clutch is a timing pulley 124. An original drive shaft 125 on the pitching machine 12 includes a second timing pulley 126 and a timing belt 127 connects the two pulleys 124 and 126.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 7A, the conversion kit of the present invention includes a second cam switch 127, preferably an Omron limit switch, is mounted on mounting bracket 128 which is connected to studs 129 welded to arm extensions 16, 17 and a second cam

134 which is mounted onto the main arm shaft 20 of the pitching machine 12 extends through an aperture in the arm extensions 16, 17. Second cam switch 127 is connected to the relay box by connector 152. Relay unit 140 includes a relay control box 142 which is mounted on the back of the frame of the pitching machine 12 which includes first and second relays 143, 144, respectively (See FIG. 9) and a clutch brake control module 145. First and second relays 143, 144, respectively, are connected to the motor 121 and the clutch brake 122 of the clutch motor^' unit 120 by connectors 145 and 146, respectively, which permit them to turn on and off the clutch brake 122. The relays 143 and 144 are preferably Dayton 120v, 12 amp double pull, double throw relays. The first relay 143 turns on the brake clutch 122 so as to engage and actuate the brake clutch 122 while the second relay 144 serves to override the first relay 143. When it is necessary for the pitching machine 12 to throw a ball 15, the first relay 143 turns the brake clutch 122 back on.

Relay unit 140 is further connected to the control unit 130 by a plurality of connectors 150, 151, 152 and 153.

The control unit 130 is a standard Windows based personal computer which includes at least two parallel ports, a microprocessor and operating software capable of multitasking, a hard drive preferably having at least 10 Gigabytes of storage space, a video card and a control card. It includes an interface box that connects to one of the parallel ports on the personal computer and has inputs for the motors for the pitching machine 12 and coin inputs and outputs for the coin operating unit (not shown). The control unit 130 is in communication with the relay unit 140 and the video projector 110.

In operation, a user drops a coin into the coin operating unit (not show) which turns on the spring-actuated pitching machine. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the arm 13 of the pitching 12 moves from its at rest position (FIG. 12) to a cocked or queued position (FIG. 11) where it picks up a ball 15. The arm 13 stops at this queued position as a result of the actuation of the second cam switch 127 which sends a signal to the control unit 130 to cause both the arm to stop and the video to commence. The length of the video is a known. At a predetermined time, the second relay 144 is fired which overrides the first relay 143 which causes the drive motor on the pitching machine (not shown) to re-engage and release the arm 13 and fire the ball toward the batter through the screen as shown in FIG. 12. Elapsed time is defined by the formula: Time = Frame Rate (frames/sec) x Number of Elapsed Frames Due to the spring action of the arm, the arm continues its rotation and the ball is released. By carefully controlling the elapsed time as counted by Windows Media Player, the ball is propelled in synchronization with the video. The control unit 130 is able to display a variety of different images onto the projection screen 100 by sending such images to the projector 110. Such images may include, for example, images of different pitchers, advertising messages, and the like.

Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

WHEREFORE, WE CLAIM 1. A method for simulating the actual pitches thrown by a live pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator, said method comprising the steps of: developing a pitch profile for said pitcher, said profile including the types of pitches thrown by said pitcher, the speeds at which said pitches are thrown and the actual movement of all such pitches; programming said simulator to throw said pitches; and pitching said profiled pitches.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said simulator is programmed using a card containing a bar code.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said simulator is programmed using a Smart Card.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said simulator includes a video component for displaying the moving image of a pitcher.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said pitch profile further includes the display of a video image of said pitcher, the display of which is synchronized with the release of the pitch from said simulator.

6. A method for simulating the actual pitches thrown by a live pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator, said method comprising the steps of: developing a pitch profile for said pitcher, said profile including the types of pitches thrown by said pitcher and the speeds at which said pitches are thrown; programming said simulator to throw said pitches using a card, said card selected from the group consisting of bar code cards and Smart Cards; and pitching said profiled pitches.

7. A method for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator, said method comprising the steps of: creating pitch profile codes for all pitches that said pitcher can reasonably pitch, said pitch profile codes including information regarding pitch type and pitch speed; developing a master pitch parameter table for each of the pitch profile codes, said pitch parameter table including all data reasonably necessary to program said programmable pitching simulator to throw said pitches; developing pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher; entering into the programmable pitching simulator the specific pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher; and re-programming said programmable pitching simulator to deliver pitches with the same pitch profiles of said pitcher.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said pitch profile codes ftirther include information concerning pitch movement.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said pitching simulator further includes a video display component and wherein said pitch profile codes further include information concerning an video image corresponding to said specific pitch profile to display.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein said programmable pitching simulator includes at least two wheels and is capable of moving in both a horizontal and vertical direction, and wherein said master pitch parameter table includes data concerning the appropriate speed for each of said at least two wheels and the appropriate horizontal and vertical position for the simulator when throwing a particular pitch at a particular speed to a particular location.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein said simulator includes a video component and further wherein said master pitch parameter table includes an identification of the appropriate video to display.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein said pitch profile codes are entered into said simulator by use of a card containing a bar code.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein said pitch profile codes are entered into said simulator by use of a Smart Card.

14. A method for profiling pitches of an actual pitcher using a programmable pitching simulator of the type having at least two wheels and a video display component, said method comprising the steps of: creating pitch profile codes for all pitches that a pitcher can reasonably pitch, said pitch profile codes including information regarding pitch type, pitch speed and pitch movement; developing a master pitch parameter table for each of the pitch profile codes, said pitch parameter table including all data reasonably necessary to program said programmable pitching simulator to throw said pitches; developing pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher, said pitch profile codes also including a code for a video image to be displayed; and entering into the programmable pitching simulator the specific pitch profile codes for a particular pitcher by -the use of a card containing said pitch profile codes; and re-programming said programmable pitching simulator to deliver pitches with the same pitch profiles of said pitcher.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said cards are selected from the group consisting of cards having bar codes and Smart Cards.

16. A method for simulating the actual pitches thrown by a live pitcher to a particular hitter in the sequence that said pitch has historically pitched to said hitter using a programmable pitching simulator, said method comprising the steps of: developing a pitch profile for said pitcher, said profile including the types of pitches thrown by said pitcher and the speeds at which said pitches are thrown; developing a pitch sequence that said pitcher has historically pitched to said hitter; programming said simulator to throw said pitches in the sequence that said pitcher has historically pitched to said hitter; and pitching said profiled pitches toward said batter in said sequence.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said pitch profile further includes data concerning the actual movement of all such pitches.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said simulator is programmed using either a bar code card or a Smart Card.

19. A conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having at least one wheel into a video pitching machine, said kit including: a projection screen adapted to be positioned between said pitching machine and a batter, said screen including an aperture to permit a ball delivered by said pitching machine to pass therethrough; a video projector for projecting the video image of an actual pitcher on said screen; injector means for holding a ball in a queued position immediately behind said pitching machine and injecting said ball into said machine to be propelled toward said batter in synchronization with said video image; and control means for causing said injector to inject said ball into said pitching machine.

20. The conversion kit of claim 19, wherein said video projector is an LCD projector.

21. The conversion kit of claim 19, wherein said projector screen is a fabric screen shock mounted to a rigid frame.

22. The conversion kit of claim 19, wherein said injector means is an injector unit including an electric solenoid for injecting a ball into said pitching machine.

23. The conversion kit of claim 22, wherein said injector unit includes at least one track on which said ball rests in queued position prior to injection into said machine.

24. The conversion kit of claim 22, wherein said injector unit further includes a flipper mechanism for retaining said ball in a queued position.

25. The conversion kit of claim 19, wherein said control unit is interconnected to said projector and said injector means.

26. The conversion kit of claim 25, wherein said control unit includes a microprocessor and a hard drive on which said video images are stored.

27. The conversion kit of claim 26, wherein said control unit is able to control the number of balls delivered from an external feeder source to the injector means.-

28. The conversion kit of claim 27, wherein said control unit is able to cause the projector to display the video image on the screen and actuate the injector means to cause to ball to be injected into the pitching machine and delivered by the pitching machine to a batter in synchronization with the video image.

29. A conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having at least one wheel into a video pitching machine, said kit including: a projection screen adapted to be positioned between said pitching machine and a batter, said screen having an aperture through which a ball may delivered to said batter by said pitching machine; a video projector for projecting the video image of an actual pitcher on said screen; injector means for holding a ball in a queued position immediately behind said pitching machine and injecting said ball into said machine to be propelled toward said batter in synchronization with said video image, said injector means including an electric solenoid for injecting the ball into the pitching machine; and control means for storing said video image and displaying said video image on said screen and for causing said injector to inject said ball into said pitching machine in full synchronization with the video image displayed on said screen.

30. A mounting frame for a combination baseball/softball pitching machine, said frame having a front portion and a rear portion and including: an upper plate on which a baseball pitching machine is pivotally mounted to the front portion of said frame; a lower plate on which a softball pitching machine is pivotally mounted to the front portion of said frame; means for connecting said upper plate to said lower plate so that both pitching machines move in an integral manner; and means for causing said upper and lower plate to both pitching machines to pivot in an integral manner in response to a signal received from a control box.

31. The mounting frame of claim 30, wherein said means for causing comprises a liner actuator adapted to raise and lower the rear portion of both plates in response to a signal received from a control box.

32. A conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having a spring actuated arm for propelling a ball toward a hitter into a video pitching machine, said kit including: a projection screen adapted to be positioned between said pitching machine and a batter, a video projector for projecting the video image of an actual pitcher on said screen; and a clutch motor unit for holding said spring actuated arm in a queued position while the video image of the pitcher is being displayed on the screen and for releasing said arm at a predetermined time so as to deliver a ball toward a hitter in synchronization with the video image.

33. The conversion kit of claim 32, further including control means for controlling said clutch motor unit.

34. The conversion kit of claim 33, wherein said control means are connected to said video projector and said clutch motor unit and includes means for storing and playing the video image for projection by the video projector.

35. The conversion kit of claim 32, wherein said screen includes an aperture to permit a ball delivered by said pitching machine to pass there-through.

36. The conversion kit of claim 32, wherein said video projector is an LCD projector.

37. The conversion kit of claim 32, wherein said projector screen is a fabric screen shock mounted to a rigid frame.

38. The conversion kit of claim 34, wherein said control unit includes a microprocessor and a hard drive on which said video images are stored.

39. The conversion kit of claim 38, wherein said control unit is able to cause the projector to display the video image on the screen and actuate the clutch motor unit to release the arm and cause the ball to be propelled toward a hitter in synchronization with the video image.

40. The conversion kit of claim 38, wherein said kit further includes a first and second relay.

41. The conversion kit of claim 40, wherein said first relay serves to turn on the clutch motor unit to retain the arm in a queued position and the second relay serves to override the first relay and permit the arm to propel the ball toward the hitter.

42. A conversion kit for converting a pitching machine of the type having a spring actuated arm for propelling a ball toward a hitter into a video pitching machine, said kit including: a projection screen adapted to be positioned between said pitching machine and a batter, a video projector for projecting the video image of an actual pitcher on said screen; a clutch motor unit having a clutch brake for holding the arm in a queued position while the video image of the pitcher is being displayed on the screen and for releasing said clutch brake at a predetermined time so as to synchronize the release of the ball with the video image; and a relay unit including a first relay for causing said arm to be held in a queued position and a second relay for releasing said arm from the queued position and deliver a ball toward the batter.

43. A method for converting a pitching machine of the type having a spring actuated arm for propelling a ball toward a hitter into a video pitching machine, said method comprising the steps of: providing a conversion kit including: a projection screen adapted to be positioned between said pitching machine and a batter, a video projector for projecting the video image of an actual pitcher on said screen; a clutch motor unit including a clutch brake for holding the arm in a queued position while the video image of the pitcher is being displayed on the screen and for releasing said clutch brake at a predetermined time so as to synchronize the release of the ball with the video image; and a relay unit including a first relay for causing said arm to be held in a queued position and a second relay for releasing said arm from the queued position and deliver a ball toward the batter; and installing said conversion kit onto a spring-actuated pitching machine.