Games using tangible projectile – Playing field or court game; game element or accessory... – Practice or training device
Patent
1997-05-06
1998-09-29
Brown, Theatrice
Games using tangible projectile
Playing field or court game; game element or accessory...
Practice or training device
A63B 6940
Patent
active
058139257
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains to practice devices for improving the skills of baseball players, and more particularly to an apparatus for enhancing the player's base sliding ability.
BACKGROUND ART
Practice devices and apparatus for improving the skills of baseball players are well known in the art. These devices range from pitching and throwing targets to batting cages and pitching machines. Certain of these devices utilize the concept of a tethered baseball. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,235 shows a ball batting practice support structure providing high strength, durability, and adjustable features while being collapsible for shipment and storage. The support structure is adaptable to either overhead, sidewall, or combination of overhead and sidewall mounting. Telescopic support arms permit adjustment of the position of a tethered ball in relation to the overhead or sidewall. U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,694 defines a baseball batting practice kit containing a flexible ball tether swivelably suspended from a horizontal arm whose height is adjustable upon a vertical stand. The batting practice kit enables solitary batting practice by children who stand in correct relationship to the ball using a practice mat simulating a playing field surface including the shape of home plate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,085 depicts a baseball hitting practice apparatus for improving a user's batting form and hitting average. The device consists of a simulated home plate area together with guide markers to assist a user in achieving the correct batting stance as well as stride while practicing with the device. In one embodiment, baseballs are suspended by strings from a support structure.
It is noted that each of the aforementioned practice devices are addressed to the batting of a baseball.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for practicing sliding into a baseball base. The apparatus is designed to help players practice base sliding without getting hurt. The apparatus allows the player to practice alone so that he/she can perfect sliding skills of getting past the base player without being tagged by the baseball. The apparatus utilizes a swinging baseball to simulate the situation of being tagged by the base player with the baseball. The present invention can be fabricated from readily available parts, is portable, is easy to assemble, and may be stored in a small space. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is made out of pipes and pipe fittings. A preferred name for the apparatus is Slide Master Deluxe.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for practicing sliding into a baseball base comprises a baseball, a support structure having a connection point located a height above the ground, and a tether connecting the baseball and the connection point. The tether has a length which is approximately one to six inches less than the height, so that the baseball is suspended approximately one to six inches above the ground.
In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the baseball can be selectively swung in pendulum fashion.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the support structure is fabricated from pipe and pipe fittings.
In accordance with another important feature of the invention, the height of the connection point is selectively adjustable.
In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, a baseball base is disposed on the ground near the suspended baseball.
In accordance with a feature of the invention, a weight is attached to the baseball.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of suspended baseballs.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for practicing sliding in
REFERENCES:
patent: 3042401 (1962-07-01), Denegre
patent: 3924855 (1975-12-01), Pretorious
patent: 4216960 (1980-08-01), Nicholls
patent: 4521016 (1985-06-01), Tominaga
patent: 5048821 (1991-09-01), Love
Brown Theatrice
Masters Ted
Tyson Timothy T.
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