U.S. patent application number 11/446885 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for instructional baseball.
Invention is credited to Robert W. II Davignon.
Application Number | 20060217220 11/446885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324621 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060217220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davignon; Robert W. II |
September 28, 2006 |
Instructional baseball
Abstract
An instructional baseball used for the art of teaching the
proper techniques of throwing a curveball is shown having a
spherical body with an integrally formed fin extending from the
body in a figure-8 path which extends around the outer surface of
the body in a figure-8 path similar to the stitching of a
conventional baseball. In other preferred embodiments an elongated
V-shaped groove is formed in the outer surface of the body with a
fin disposed within the groove also following the same figure-8
path as the V-groove. The fin acts as an air shield creating
greater drag forces on the baseball as it is thrown through the air
with a spinning motion. The greater drag forces increase the Magnus
force on the ball, allowing it to curve move dramatically then that
of a conventional baseball. Increasing the curve rate of the
baseball will serve to help pitchers more easily see the results of
their throwing techniques and ultimately improve their curveball
throwing skills. To fill the gap left on each side of the fin in
the grooved embodiments and give the pitcher a surface to grasp,
cross braces are set perpendicular to the fin member and are spaced
evenly along the figure-8 path of the groove and fin.
Inventors: |
Davignon; Robert W. II;
(Terre Haute, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John A. Haug
PO Box 386
West Harwich
MA
02671
US
|
Family ID: |
46324621 |
Appl. No.: |
11/446885 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10950548 |
Sep 28, 2004 |
|
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11446885 |
Jun 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/613 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/18 20151001;
A63B 2225/01 20130101; A63B 69/0002 20130101; A63B 2069/0006
20130101; A63B 43/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/613 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20060101
A63B043/00 |
Claims
1. An instructional ball for teaching the proper manner of throwing
a curveball comprising: a generally spherical body member, a single
recessed groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the body
member which follows a lined figure-8 path around the outer
peripheral surface of the body member in the same manner as the
stitching on a conventional baseball, the groove having a bottom
portion and side walls, an elongated fin member located in the
center of the groove and extending up from the bottom portion of
the groove out toward and beyond an imaginary continuation of the
outer peripheral surface of the body member, the portion of the fin
member extending beyond an imaginary continuation of said outer
peripheral surface having opposed first and second generally
parallel face surfaces, the fin member following the same path as
the groove encompassing the figure-8 path, the fin member serving
as an air dampening shield causing increased drag as the ball is
thrown through the air with a rotating spin.
2-3. (canceled)
4. An instructional ball for teaching the proper manner of throwing
a curveball comprising: a generally spherical body member, a single
recessed V-shaped groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of
the body member which follows a lined figure-8 path around the
outer peripheral surface of the body member in the same manner as
the stitching on a conventional baseball, the groove having a
bottom portion and side walls, a plurality of members having a
generally V-shaped cross section, the members having base walls
which are configured to be closely received in the groove with the
base walls of the members mating with the side walls of the groove
and an elongated fin member located in the center of the groove
forming a center wall between the base walls of the V-shaped
members, and extending up from the bottom portion of the groove out
toward an imaginary continuation of the outer peripheral surface of
the body member, the fin member following the same path as the
groove encompassing the figure-8 path, the fin member serving as an
air dampening shield causing increased drag as the ball is thrown
through the air with a rotating spin.
5. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 4 in which a
plurality of generally parallel extending center walls are formed
between the base walls forming elongated fin members.
6. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 4 in which a
plurality of generally parallel extending center walls are formed
between the base walls forming elongated fin members.
7. An instructional ball set forth in claim 1 further comprising an
array of vent members supporting and connecting the fin member to
the side edges of the recessed groove, the vent members including
cross braces located perpendicular to the fin member and spaced
evenly around the ball in a figure-8 path wherein the cross braces
provide a continuation of the outer peripheral surface of the body
member where a pitcher may place his fingers as he grips the
ball.
8. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 1 in which the
recessed groove is V-shaped and the fin member is formed integrally
with the body member and further comprising a plurality of vent
members, each vent member having an elongated curved wall formed
with first and second sides, each side having an edge formed at an
angle complimentary to the side walls of the V-shaped groove, the
elongated curved wall fitting into the recessed groove to form a
continuation of the spherical surface of the body member over the
groove, a plurality of slots formed in the elongated curved wall,
the slots defining cross braces extending perpendicular to the fin
member.
9. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 8 in which the vent
members encompass a raised continuous stitch pattern extending
beyond the outer peripheral surface of the body member forming a
figure-8 type path.
10. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 8 in which the vent
members have base walls complimentary to the side walls of the
V-shaped groove and a center wall is formed between the base walls
to serve as part of the fin member.
11. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 1 wherein the size
and weight of the instructional ball are similar to that of a
conventional baseball.
12. An instructional ball as set forth in claim 1 wherein the size
and weight of the instructional ball are similar to that of a
conventional softball.
13. An instructional ball for teaching the proper manner of
throwing a curveball comprising: a generally spherical body member,
a single recessed groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of
the body member which follows a lined figure-8 path around the
outer peripheral surface of the body member in the same manner as
the stitching on a conventional baseball, the groove having bottom
portion and side walls, an elongated fin member located in the
center of the groove and extending up from the bottom portion of
the groove out toward an imaginary continuation of the outer
peripheral surface of the body member, the fin member following the
same path as the groove encompassing the figure-8 path, the fin
member serving as an air dampening shield causing increased drag as
the ball is thrown through the air with a rotating spin, and an
array of cross braces which support and connect the fin member to
the side walls of the recessed groove, the cross braces being
perpendicular to the fin member and spaced evenly along the
recessed groove.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.
10/950,548, filed Sep. 28, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a baseball, and more particularly,
to an instructional baseball which is designed to curve more
dramatically when thrown than that of a conventional baseball. The
instructional baseball is intended to help pitchers learn the art
of throwing curveballs. Generally, according to the principle
behind throwing a curveball, as the ball travels through the air in
a spinning motion, the side which is spinning toward the direction
of travel is traveling at a greater speed than the side which is
spinning away from the direction of travel and therefore, the side
which is traveling at a higher speed has more drag forces applied
to it, creating a Magnus force which moves the ball in a sideward,
curving direction. This invention is intended to increase the drag
forces on the spinning baseball creating a larger Magnus force
which results in improved curving action compared to conventional
baseballs. With conventional baseballs, the general surface of the
baseball provides some drag forces against the ball, although, much
of the drag forces are created from the stitching or seam area of
the ball when it is thrown with a rotating spin. Some balls are
provided having raised seams to help obtain more action on the ball
for both pitching and general play. Learning the art and skill of
throwing a curveball is a very difficult process. Even if the
pitcher uses the proper techniques it is sometimes hard to see the
results, especially when first learning. The premise of this new
baseball is that it will exaggerate and highlight the curve rate so
that a pitcher will know whether or not that the techniques that
are being used are correct. Once the pitcher believes that the
techniques are proper, he can then build upon them making the
learning process simpler.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,942 B1 describes and claims a baseball
that is designed for repeated use with a pitching machine. The
baseball has a smooth surface upon which a plurality of dimples or
indentations are provided. The said indentations serve to induce
turbulent airflow over the surface of the baseball, thereby
reducing the drag on the ball and serving to stabilize the flight
of the ball. The ball further includes a plurality of slot-shaped
depressions formed in a pattern similar to the stitch pattern of an
actual baseball.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,477 relates to a baseball which includes
a core and two 8-shaped cover pieces which are glued to the outer
surface of the core. The outer surface also has an 8-shaped seam
designed to form two 8-shaped recesses into which the two 8-shaped
covers are received. The seam has a number of bulges intended to
simulate the stitches of a typical baseball.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,273 relates to a construction for a
baseball or softball having a raised seam for better pitching
performance where the underlying hot melt adhesive has the same
durometer hardness comparable to that of the core of the ball, so
that the ball will perform in the same manner whether it is hit on
or off of the seam.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,813 relates to an instructional baseball
designed for teaching the proper manner of throwing a curveball.
The instructional baseball comprises a generally spherical ball
having a continuous seam, in the same manner as a typical baseball.
The seam pattern creates four horseshoe shaped boundary areas on
the surface of the ball, also in the same manner as a typical
baseball. In the center of each of each boundary is a depression,
each having substantially the same volume. The purpose of said
depressions is to create a greater drag force against surface of
the ball to increase the rate in which the ball will curve.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,783 relates to a practice baseball
designed to curve in a controllable manner when thrown in the same
manner in which a conventional ball is thrown as a straight ball.
The practice baseball is mostly spherical except for one area which
is flat. This ball is intended to help train batters in the skill
of hitting curveballs. The pitching techniques used to curve this
ball differ from that of pitching techniques used to curve a
conventional baseball; therefore this ball does not make a
practical pitch training aid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An object of the current invention is to provide an
instructional baseball designed to help pitchers learn how to throw
curveballs.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a baseball
which, when pitched with a rotating spin, curves greater then
conventional balls that have the same amount of spin.
[0010] It is another object of the invention to provide a baseball
which has the same size and weight of a conventional baseball.
[0011] It is also an object of the invention to provide a baseball
that has a similar shape and feel as a conventional baseball.
[0012] It is also an object of the invention to provide an
instructional softball which has the same characteristics of the
instructional baseball, except that is larger in size and
weight.
[0013] Briefly, a baseball made in accordance with the present
invention comprises a generally spherical body member formed with
single recessed V-shaped groove, projected inward from the surface
of the body member, and following a lined figure-8 path around the
outer surface of the body member, basically in the same manner as
that of the seam or stitching of a conventional baseball. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment, inserted into the V-groove
and following the FIG. 8 path is a series of V-shaped vent member
sections having a center fin member which acts as an air deflecting
fin increasing the drag forces against the ball as it is thrown
through the air with a rotating spin motion, causing the ball to
curve more dramatically. In a modified preferred embodiment, the
fin member is formed integrally with the body member and modified
fin-less vent member sections are disposed over the fin member. In
another modified preferred embodiment, a plurality of fin members
are formed in each of the vent member sections. In still another
modified embodiment, a fin extends outwardly from the generally
spherical outer surface of the body member along the same FIG. 8
pattern as in previous embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the instructional baseball made in accordance with the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a slightly smaller scale perspective view of the
FIG. 1 preferred embodiment shown with one of the vent member
sections removed for clarity. For ease of illustration, the
separate vent member sections in place on the baseball are shown as
a single continuing vent member section in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 preferred
embodiment, shown without the vent members.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the FIG. 1 preferred
embodiment, shown without the vent members.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side elevation section view of the FIG. 1
preferred embodiment, shown without the vent members, as viewed
from section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, using generally the same scale
as that of FIG. 1, of one of the vent member sections of the FIG. 1
preferred embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevation view of the FIG. 6
vent member section.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevation section view of the FIG. 6 vent
member section as viewed from section 8-8 of FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modified vent member
section 50.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the modified vent
member section 50.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side elevation section view of the modified
vent member section 50 as seen from section line 11-11 of FIG. 10.
Also show in FIG. 11 is an outline view in dashed lines of a
modified base member 60 incorporating fin member 61.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another modified vent
member 70.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another modified fin member
81.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the FIG. 13 fin member
showing the fin having opposed flat face surfaces.
[0029] FIGS. 15(a)-15(e) are broken away cross sectional views
showing other variations of the profile of fin member 81, including
positive and negative tapers, spaced depressions in the surface,
foraminous and foam.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] With reference to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS.
1-10 thereof, a baseball embodying the principles and concepts of
the present invention will be discussed.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of baseball 10 made
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
baseball comprises a core body member 20 and a plurality of
V-shaped vent member sections 40 which follow a lined figure-8 path
around the ball's surface, basically in the same manner as that of
the stitching of a conventional baseball. Fin member 41 of vent
member section 40, (see in particular FIG. 8) acts as an air
deflecting shield which increases the drag forces against the ball
as it is thrown through the air with a rotating spin motion,
causing the ball to curve more dramatically. Cross braces 42 help
support center fin member 41 and also provide an outer surface 43,
filling the gap between fin member 41 and core body member 20,
essentially forming a continuation of the outer peripheral surface
of the body member, allowing the pitcher to hold baseball 10 with a
feel similar to a conventional baseball.
[0032] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but additionally shows one of
the vent member sections 40 removed for better understanding of how
vent member sections 40 mate with V-groove 24 of body member 20.
During assembly, twenty four vent member sections 40 are aligned
into V-groove 24 of body member 20 and glued to one another and to
the side walls of the groove. It will be understood that the
particular number of vent members used is a matter of choice.
[0033] FIGS. 3-5 show body member 20 without vent member sections
40. Body member 20 is composed of a single solid composite material
which forms a generally spherical shape having one continuous
recessed V-groove 24 that follows a figure-8 path around the
otherwise spherical surface of the body member, basically in the
same manner as that of the stitching of a conventional baseball.
V-groove 24 comprises two side walls 25 and 26 which taper down and
inward from the body member's outer surface at edges 27 and 28,
respectively, and come together at inner edge 29. Body member 20
has two figure-8 shaped outer surface members 21 and 22 which are
defined by edges 27 and 28 of V-groove 24. During assembly,
V-groove 24 is filled with vent members 40 leaving outer surfaces
21 and 22 as the only visible areas of body member 20.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of vent member section 40 which
is a component part of baseball 10. Vent member section 40 has base
walls 45 and 46 forming a generally V-shape complimentary to the
V-shaped side walls 25, 26 of grooves 24. The vent member section
includes center wall 41 which serves as a portion of the elongated
fin member extending upwardly from the juncture of base walls 45
and 46. Side walls are formed by cross braces 42 which are also
provided at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the vent
member. In the preferred embodiment shown and described, there are
a total of twenty four vent member sections which are glued side to
side to one another and to body-member 20 in V-groove 24 making up
the continuous figure-8 vent profile. As vent member section 40
mates with V-groove 24 of body member 20, upper edge 47 seats so
that it is aligned with the outer edge 27 of base member 10.
Likewise, lower edge 48 seats so that it is aligned with outer edge
28 of body member 10. With reference to FIG. 8, cross brace 42 has
an outer surface 43 formed with the same radius as the outer
surfaces 21 and 22 of body member 20, thereby providing a ball with
a similar shape and feel to that of a conventional baseball. Base
walls 45 and 46 mate with respective V-groove walls 25 and 26 of
body member 20 and are glued thereto.
[0035] In use, baseball 10 is thrown by the pitcher with a rotating
spinning motion. This is accomplished by rolling the pitcher's
wrist upon releasing baseball 10. As baseball 10 travels through
the air in a spinning manner, air is forced against fin 41 of vent
member sections 40, creating greater drag forces against the ball
which results in a greater Magnus force, moving the ball in a side
curving motion. The pitcher holds baseball 10 in a manner similar
to the manner he would hold a conventional baseball. Cross braces
42 and the outer surface 43 of vent member section 40 fill in the
V-notched gap around fin member 41, allowing the pitcher's fingers
to remain on the outer peripheral surface of baseball 10.
[0036] The concept of increasing the drag forces on baseball 10
could also be used in the design of a softball, enabling softball
pitchers to also learn the art of throwing curveballs more
effectively.
[0037] FIGS. 9-11 relate to a modification of the FIGS. 1-8
embodiment. Modified vent member sections 50 each comprises a
curved plate like member formed without the fin and without the
cross braces extending into the V-groove which were incorporated in
vent member sections 40 of the first embodiment. Vent member
sections 50 also incorporate a raised stitch pattern 53 located
between rows 51, 52 of slot holes. Raised stitch pattern 53 extends
out beyond an imaginary continuation of the spherical outer
peripheral surface of the baseball's body member 60, that is, above
outer surface 54 of vent member 50, preferably by approximately
0.03 inches and is roughly 0.3 inches wide.
[0038] A broken away portion of modified body member 60 of baseball
10' is shown in FIG. 11 in dashed lines. Body member 60 comprises
an air deflecting fin member 61 which is formed integrally with the
body member, as by extruding, and which extends along the entire
length of V-groove 64. Vent member section 50 is configured to
cover V-groove 64 with vent member side edge walls 55 and 56 angled
to mate with V-groove side walls 65 and 66 of base member 60.
During assembly, eight vent members 50 are placed within V-groove
64 and glued into place forming a figure-8 type pattern. It will be
appreciated that, while eight vent members are employed in the
described embodiment, the particular number is a matter of
choice.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another modified vent
member section 70 having base walls 75, 76 forming a generally
V-shape complimentary to the V-shaped side walls 25, 26 of grooves
24 of vent member section 40, described above. Edges 77 and 78
correspond to edges 47, 48 of vent member section 40. However, vent
member section 70 comprises a plurality of walls 71 which serve as
air deflecting fin members.
[0040] In another modified embodiment, FIGS. 13 and 14 show fin 81
extending radially outwardly from the generally spherical outer
surface 82 of body member 80 along the same figure-8 path as in the
previously discussed embodiments. Fin 81 is flexible to enable one
to grasp the ball in the same manner as a conventional baseball,
bending, compressing or otherwise deforming the fin against surface
82 of the ball. Fin 81 can be formed of various materials, however
porous materials such as fabric, foam or screening are particularly
effective. In tests conducted, a synthetic screening material
proved to be particularly efficacious in increasing the curving
action of the ball.
[0041] Preferably, fin 81 is made integral with body member 80 and
extends outwardly from surface 82 sufficiently that the opposed
face wall surfaces 81a and 81b are positioned substantially in the
air stream formed upon throwing the ball. Wall surfaces 81a, 81b
are generally parallel to each other however, if desired, a slight
taper can be provided, either positive or negative, i.e., the
thickness of the wall decreases or increases respectively as one
goes from surface 82 to the free distal end of the fin. Further,
the fin could be formed with a roughened surface or with selected
depressions. The average thickness of the fin can range generally
from 0.01 to 0.125 inches, depending on the specific material
employed. The height of the fin is selected to be generally between
0.25 and 0.50 inches. Whatever material and form thereof is
selected, it should have the characteristic of quickly returning to
its original configuration once released from a deformed condition
as well as being durable and capable of withstanding the affects of
being continuously struck by bats and of itself striking
objects.
[0042] Rotating a ball having a fin 81 positioned in the air stream
will significantly increase the drag thereby enhance curvature in
the path of the ball when it is thrown. As noted above, materials
that are porous or foraminous in nature are particularly effective
in increasing drag.
[0043] It will be understood that the invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the described embodiments falling
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *