U.S. patent application number 10/392247 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for portable, non-slip training aid for sports.
Invention is credited to Griffin, Sara.
Application Number | 20030181269 10/392247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28454779 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030181269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffin, Sara |
September 25, 2003 |
Portable, non-slip training aid for sports
Abstract
A sports training aid for indoor use, configured as a pitching
rubber, a base, and/or a home plate. Each embodiment includes a
textured or non-textured surface material for providing a platform
upon which a user may stand, an optional substrate material
attached to the underside of the surface material, and a plurality
of suction devices attached to the underside of the substrate
material for securing the training aid to a smooth surface. The
suction devices may be mounted on or in the surface material,
integral with the substrate material, or they may be a plurality of
individual suction devices attached to the underside of the surface
material or to the underside of the substrate material.
Inventors: |
Griffin, Sara; (El Segundo,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
1650 Fifth Third Center
21 East State Street
Columbus
OH
43215
US
|
Family ID: |
28454779 |
Appl. No.: |
10/392247 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60366316 |
Mar 20, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/497 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/055 20130101;
A63B 69/0013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/497 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A sports training aid, comprising: (a) a surface material for
providing a platform upon which a user may stand; and (b) at least
one suction device attached to the underside of said surface
material for securing said training aid to a surface.
2. The sports training aid of claim 1, further comprising a
substrate material attachable to the underside of said surface
material, and wherein said at least one suction device is attached
to said substrate material.
3. The sports training aid of claim 2, wherein said at least one
suction device further comprises an attachment means for attaching
said device to said surface material or said substrate
material.
4. The sports training aid of claim 2, wherein said at least one
suction device is integral with said substrate material.
5. The sports training aid of claim 1, wherein said training aid is
substantially rectangular, square or pentagonal in shape.
6. A sports training aid, comprising: (a) a surface material for
providing a platform upon which a user may stand; (b) a substrate
material attached to the underside of said surface material; and
(c) a plurality of suction devices attached to the underside of
said substrate material for securing said training aid to a smooth
surface.
7. The sports training aid of claim 6, wherein said plurality of
suction devices is attached to said surface material.
8. The sports training aid of claim 6, wherein said plurality of
suction devices is integral with said substrate.
9. The sports training aid of claim 6, wherein said plurality of
suction devices further comprises a plurality of individual suction
devices attached to the underside of said surface material or to
the underside of said substrate material.
10. The sports training aid of claim 9, wherein each of said
suction devices further comprises an attachment means for
attachment to said surface material or said substrate material.
11. The sports training aid of claim 10, wherein said attachment
means further comprises a screw and a washer.
12. The sports training aid of claim 6, wherein said training aid
is substantially rectangular, square or pentagonal in shape.
13. A method of making a sports training aid, comprising the steps
of: (a) cutting a piece of surface material to a desired size and
shape; and (b) attaching at least one suction device to the
underside of said sports training aid.
14. The method of making a sports training aid, comprising the
steps of: (a) cutting a piece of surface material to a desired size
and shape; (b) cutting a piece of substrate material to
substantially match the dimensions of said surface material; (c)
attaching at least one suction device to said substrate material;
and (d) attaching said substrate material to the underside of said
surface material.
15. A method of using a sports training aid, said training aid
comprising a surface material, an optional substrate material, and
a plurality of suction devices attached to said surface material or
said substrate material, comprising the steps of: (a) placing said
training aid onto a smooth surface with said suction devices
contacting said smooth surface; and (b) applying pressure to the
top of said training aid until said aid is secured to said smooth
surface.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of wetting
said suction devices before placing said training aid onto said
smooth surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/366,316, filed on Mar. 20, 2002, entitled
"Portable, Non-Slip Training Aid for Sports," the disclosure of
which is incorporated as if fully rewritten herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to athletic
equipment and more specifically to a portable, non-slipping rubber
pad or platform that may be used for certain indoor training
exercises related to softball, baseball, and other sports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many sports and sports-related activities require
specialized equipment. In the context of baseball and softball, a
pitching platform, hereafter referred to as "pitching rubber," is
used to provide a stationary mount from which a pitcher may "push
off" as a pitch is thrown in the direction of the batter.
Commercially available pitching rubbers, which are usually intended
for outdoor use, are typically designed so that the effects of
pushing off the plate allow the pitcher to produce power when
throwing the ball. If appropriately design and used, these devices
can also promote the development of proper pitching
fundamentals.
[0004] When pitchers are forced to train indoors due to inclement
weather, the use of outdoor pitching rubbers is often not possible
because such devices cannot be mounted on or attached to a hard,
smooth surface such as hardwood, concrete, or tile. Many currently
available indoor pitching rubbers cannot be effectively attached to
such surfaces without using some form of adhesive tape, glue, or
other attachment method. For example, one common technique for
creating an indoor pitching rubber is to take an outdoor portable
rubber from which the metal posts have been removed and duct tape
the rubber to the surface of the gymnasium floor. While at least
marginally effective at reducing slippage, using a stationary mount
attached to a floor in this fashion may damage or even ruin the
surface of the floor. Thus, in many cases, the pitcher is limited
to using a rubber or plastic mat that is not adequately secured to
the floor or to not using a mat or rubber at all. This type of
training can to many problems, including injuries to the athletes
and the development of poor pitching technique.
[0005] Training indoors without an anchored pitching rubber or some
type of stationary mount may have a negative physical impact on
athletes. Pitchers generate power through their legs from pushing
off the pitching rubber. When training is conducted indoors without
a pitching rubber, pitchers are forced to change their motion and
use other body parts to generate the desired power. When
alterations to the proper motion are made, the body compensates for
the lack of power from the legs and poor pitching technique is
often the result. Such compensation often causes shoulders, backs,
and pitching elbows to be overused. Possible resultant injuries
include torn ligaments, pulled and strained muscles, tendonitis,
and stress fractures. Other types of injuries may result from
training with an unanchored pitching rubber. For example, as the
pitcher attempts to generate power from pushing off the pitching
rubber, the pitching rubber can slip or move, causing the pitcher
to lose footing and fall, resulting in twisted ankles, knee
strains, hyperextension, broken bones, etc.
[0006] Training indoors without an anchored pitching rubber also
leads to poor mechanics and poor fundamentals. Softball and
baseball seasons take place during the spring and summer months.
However, many pitchers train year round to maintain proper form and
fundamentals. Mechanical problems and bad habits often arise for
pitchers who are forced inside during inclement weather because
training occurs in a non-realistic environment. When pitchers train
with unanchored pitching rubbers for any period of time, they
overcompensate with different body parts, thus changing the timing
of their motion and, as discussed, putting undesirable stress on
various body parts. Furthermore, pitchers who have received
professional instruction will often attempt to incorporate or
utilize proper technique indoors using unanchored pitching rubbers.
However, maintenance of good technique depends on realistic
environmental conditions. If the pitching rubber slips, or forces
the pitcher to adjust the motion, the pitching rubber will not be
conducive to useful and proper pitching training.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a baseball/softball pitching
rubber that performs in a manner identical to outdoor pitching
rubbers and provides the user with an effective means for training
year round, outdoor and indoor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] These and other deficiencies of the prior art are overcome
by the present invention which provides a portable sports training
aid that reduces the injuries, emotional distress and poor
fundamentals that can result from training with unreliable indoor
pitching rubbers or other devices. The exemplary embodiments
include a pitching rubber, a base, and a home plate. Each
embodiment of this invention includes a textured or non-textured
surface material for providing a platform upon which a user may
stand, an optional substrate material attached to the underside of
the surface material, and a plurality of suction devices attached
to the underside of the substrate material for securing the
training aid to a smooth surface.
[0009] The suction devices may be integral with the surface
material or with the substrate material, or they may be a plurality
of individual suction devices that are attached to the underside of
the surface material or to the substrate material. The individual
suction devices may include an attachment screw and a washer for
attaching the suction devices to the surface material or substrate
material.
[0010] The general method for making the training aid includes the
steps of cutting a piece of the surface material to a desired size,
cutting a piece of the substrate material to substantially match
the dimensions of the surface material, attaching at least one
suction device to the substrate material, and attaching the
substrate material to the underside of the surface material. The
general method of using the present invention includes the steps of
placing the training aid onto a smooth surface with the suction
devices facing the smooth surface, and applying pressure to the top
of said training aid until said aid is secured to the smooth
surface.
[0011] Because the present invention adheres to hard, smooth
surfaces without damaging or altering the surface, pitchers can
utilize this invention to push off and generate power from their
legs. Pitchers will also find the present invention useful because
it will not slip when they push off, thus enabling them to train
correctly without sustaining injuries caused by poor mechanics. The
present invention is also convenient, because it allows pitchers to
remove the training aid from smooth surfaces and transport and
store it easily. The pitching rubber resembles the dimensions of an
outside pitching rubber and replicates the characteristics of an
outside pitching rubber, thereby enabling the pitcher to train
indoors in the same fashion as the pitcher would outdoors.
[0012] Further advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and
understanding the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate an
exemplary embodiment of the invention and, together with the
general description given above and detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1a is a bottom view of the pitching mound embodiment of
the portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention
showing the placement of the suction devices.
[0015] FIG. 1b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid
of FIG. 1a.
[0016] FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the base embodiment of the
portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention
showing the placement of the suction devices.
[0017] FIG. 2b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid
of FIG. 2a.
[0018] FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the home plate embodiment of the
portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention
showing the placement of the suction devices.
[0019] FIG. 3b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid
of FIG. 3a.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment showing one
method of attaching the suction devices to the bottom of the sports
training aid of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5a is a side view of an exemplary embodiment showing an
alternate method of attaching the suction devices to the bottom of
the sports training aid of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5b is a top view of one of the individual suction
devices of the present invention showing the proper placement of
the stabilizing washer and the attachment screw.
[0023] FIG. 5c is a side view of one of the individual suction
devices of the present invention showing the proper placement of
the attachment screw.
[0024] FIG. 5d is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention showing a drill being used to create of
cavity in the surface material or the substrate material.
[0025] FIG. 5e is a perspective view of an individual suction
device being attached to the bottom of the sports training aid of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference Numerals
[0027] 10 pitching rubber
[0028] 12 pitching rubber substrate
[0029] 14 suction device
[0030] 16 pitching rubber surface
[0031] 20 base
[0032] 22 base substrate
[0033] 24 suction device
[0034] 26 base surface
[0035] 30 home plate
[0036] 32 home plate substrate
[0037] 34 suction device
[0038] 36 home plate surface
[0039] 40 exemplary training aid
[0040] 42 substrate
[0041] 44 suction device
[0042] 46 surface material
[0043] 50 exemplary training aid
[0044] 52 surface material
[0045] 53 cavity
[0046] 54 suction device
[0047] 56 attachment screw
[0048] 58 washer
[0049] 60 drill
[0050] 62 drill bit
[0051] The present invention provides a variety of non-slipping
rubber pads, bases, or platforms that may be used for certain
indoor training exercises related to softball and/or baseball, as
well as for other indoor sports-related activities. With reference
to the FIGS. 1-3, there are three exemplary embodiments discussed
herein; the first is the pitching rubber (FIG. 1), the second is
the individual base (FIG. 2), and the third is the home plate
embodiment (FIG. 3). All three exemplary embodiments may be made
and used by the methods discussed below.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the pitching rubber 10
embodiment of the present invention comprises a pitching rubber
substrate 12, a plurality of suction devices 14, and a pitching
rubber surface 16. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b,
pitching rubber surface 16 includes a substantially rectangular
piece of material that includes the top or upward facing surface of
the training aid. Optional substrate 12 is typically a second,
independent piece of material that is affixed to the bottom of
surface 16. Suction device(s) 14 are relatively small suction
cup-like devices that are either integral with substrate 12,
similar to the construction of the common anti-slip mats used in a
bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are individually mounted to
or on substrate 12 (see FIG. 5a). Suction devices 14 may also be
mounted directly to the underside of pitching rubber surface
16.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the base 20 embodiment of the
present invention is very similar to the pitching rubber embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The base embodiment comprises a base
substrate 22, a plurality of suction devices 24, and a base surface
26. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b, base surface 26
includes a substantially square piece of material that includes the
top or upward facing surface of the training aid. The surface may
include a variety of textures or patterns (see FIG. 2b) that (i)
provide greater traction to the player as he or she steps on the
base; (ii) make it easier for the player to see the base; or (iii)
simply enhance the appearance of the base. Optional base substrate
22 is typically a second, independent piece of material that is
affixed to the bottom of base surface 26. Suction device(s) 24 are
relatively small suction cup-like devices that are either integral
with substrate 22, similar to the construction of the common
anti-slip mats used in a bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are
individually mounted to or on substrate 22 (see FIG. 5a). Suction
devices 24 may also be mounted directly to the underside of base
surface 26.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the home plate 30 embodiment of
the present invention is very similar to the base embodiment shown
in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The home plate embodiment comprises a home base
substrate 32, a plurality of suction devices 34, and a home plate
surface 36. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b, base
surface 36 includes a substantially pentagonal piece of material
that includes the top or upward facing surface of the training aid.
The surface may include a variety of textures (e.g., pebbled) or
patterns (see FIG. 3b) that (i) provide greater traction to the
player as he or she steps on the home plate; (ii) make it easier
for the player to see the home plate; or (iii) simply enhance the
appearance of the home plate. Optional home plate substrate 32 is
typically a second, independent piece of material that is affixed
to the bottom of surface 36. Suction device(s) 34 are relatively
small suction cup-like devices that are either integral with
substrate 32, similar to the construction of the common anti-slip
mats used in a bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are
individually mounted to or on substrate 32 (see FIG. 5a). Suction
devices 34 may also be mounted directly to the underside of home
plate surface 36.
[0055] As discussed, the various exemplary embodiments of the
present invention share certain common elements, namely the surface
material, the substrate material, and cup-like suction devices. The
suction devices provide the means by which the training aid is
secured to a smooth surface, such as the floor of a gymnasium. As
shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary training aid 40 includes a substrate
42 that is attached to surface material 46 preferably by glue or
another permanent or semi-permanent adhesive means. Staples may
also be used to attach these items to one another. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 4, substrate 42 and suction devices 44 are
formed together in a single sheet of vinyl, rubber, or similar
material. Thus, attaching the suction devices to the bottom of
substrate 44 involves only the step of attaching substrate 42 to
surface material 46 with the suction devices facing away from the
surface material (see FIG. 4).
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 5a-5d, an exemplary training aid 50
comprises a surface material 52 in which individual suction devices
54 have been mounted. As shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c, suction devices
54 include an attachment screw and a washer 58. In this embodiment,
the suction devices are not preformed integrally with the substrate
materials (see FIG. 4), but rather are individual suction cups that
are mountable directly to the underside of the surface material. As
shown in FIG. 5, a drill 60 and drill bit 62 may be used to create
a cavity 53 in surface material 52. After this cavity is created,
suction device 54 is placed into the cavity in the orientation
shown in FIG. 5e. Washer 58 is placed on top of suction device 54,
and attachment screw 56 is threaded into cavity 53 and tightened to
hold the suction device securely in place. Numerous suction devices
may be attached to the underside of the sports training aid of the
present invention in this manner. In an alternate embodiment of
exemplary training aid 50, a substrate material (not shown) is
attached by adhesive or other means to the surface material, and
the suction devices are attached to or mounted on the substrate
material rather than directly to the surface material. In all of
the exemplary embodiments, once attached, the cup portion of the
suction devices faces outward or away from the surface material and
the substrate material.
[0057] Various types of rubber, plastic, or polymer are suitable
for the surface material of the pitching rubber, the base, and the
home plate embodiments. A thickness range of about 1/4" to 1" (0.65
cm to 2.54 cm) is preferred for the pitching rubber, and a
thickness of about 1/4" to 1 1/2" (0.65 cm to 3.81 cm) is preferred
for the base, and home plate embodiments. Suitable materials
include recycled rubber or similar products, such as 50 to 90
durometer sheet rubber (F.B Wright Company, Columbus, Ohio),
preferably dyed or painted white, but not limited to any particular
color(s). Suction cups are commercially available as a single sheet
of rubber or vinyl with small cups on one side (Griptex Company).
Other types of suction cups may be used with this invention. As
stated, small, clear or colored vinyl cups may be individually
screwed into the base or plate. The appropriate size of the suction
cup's circumference is highly variable, but is preferably in the
range of about 1/4 inch to 2 inches (0.65 cm to 5.08 cm). The
preferred height of the suction cups is about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
The substrate material may be rubber, plastic, wood, or any other
flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material suitable for providing a
substrate to which the suction devices may be attached.
[0058] The preferred method of use of the various embodiments of
this invention is as follows: First, the user applies a small
amount of water on the suction-cup underside. Second, the user
presses the invention firmly onto the smooth surface. Once the
pitching rubber or plate has been placed on the smooth surface, the
suction cup underside will adhere to the surface. The user then
secures the position of the plate by applying pressure to the
entire plate. The user is then able to place one or both feet on
the plate, without the plate sliding. As the user pushes off the
plate, the plate remains stable and absorbs the weight/momentum of
the user. The user is then able to generate enough power from the
foot leaving the plate to "explode" off the plate. Once the user is
finished training, the user simply pulls the rubber away from the
smooth surface, disconnecting the suction cup underside from the
floor.
[0059] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as exemplification of certain preferred
embodiments. Numerous other variations of the present invention are
possible, and is not intended herein to mention all of the possible
equivalent forms or ramifications of this invention. Various
changes may be made to the present invention without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *