U.S. patent application number 11/352093 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for self-contained cross-training aid for use by participants in baseball, softball, golf, and hockey.
Invention is credited to Christopher L. Smith.
Application Number | 20070184921 11/352093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38334729 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070184921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Christopher L. |
August 9, 2007 |
Self-contained cross-training aid for use by participants in
baseball, softball, golf, and hockey
Abstract
A self-contained cross-training aid for use by a sports
participant in conjunction with a selected sports implement
provides a support assembly, a vertical standard assembly supported
by the support assembly, a horizontal arm assembly attached to the
vertical standard assembly, and at least one tethered target
assembly attached to the other end of the horizontal arm assembly.
The sports participant strikes the tethered target with the
selected sports implement and the tethered target moves around the
horizontal arm assembly. The vertical standard assembly, the
horizontal arm assembly, and the tethered target assembly are
stored within the support assembly. The self-contained
cross-training aid adjustable between a standard height, an
elevated height, a lower height, and a minimum height.
Inventors: |
Smith; Christopher L.;
(Norman, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James T. Robinson;Exclusivity-Law, Inc.
222 East Main Street
Norman
OK
73069-1303
US
|
Family ID: |
38334729 |
Appl. No.: |
11/352093 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/453 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2069/0008 20130101;
A63B 69/0026 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 69/0002 20130101; A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B
2225/093 20130101; A63B 69/0079 20130101; A63B 2071/026 20130101;
A63B 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/453 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A self-contained cross-training aid for use by a sports
participant in conjunction with a selected sports implement, the
self-contained cross-training aid adjustable between a standard
height, an elevated height, a lower height, and a minimum height,
wherein the adjustable self-contained cross-training aid comprises:
a support assembly; a vertical standard assembly removably attached
to the support assembly; a horizontal arm assembly having two ends,
wherein one end of the horizontal arm assembly is removably
attached to the vertical standard assembly; at least one tethered
target assembly attached to the other end of the horizontal arm
assembly, so that the sports participant strikes the tethered
target with the selected sports implement and the tethered target
moves in a path around the horizontal arm assembly; and wherein the
vertical standard assembly, the horizontal arm assembly, and the
tethered target assembly are disassembled for storage the support
assembly.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the support assembly further
comprises: a bucket having a bottom and a rim; a flanged base
attached to the inside bottom of the bucket, wherein the flanged
base extends upwardly and terminates in a flange socket; a bucket
vertical member having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end
being disposed within the flange socket; a support coupling
attached to the upper end of the bucket vertical member; and a
bucket lid having an aperture centered in the bucket lid, so that,
as the bucket lid is lowered to engage the rim of the bucket, the
centered aperture fits over the support coupling so that a portion
of the support coupling extends upwardly through the centered
aperture in the bucket lid.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the flanged base is adhesively
attached to the inside bottom of the bucket.
4. The device of claim 2 wherein the flanged based is attached to
the inside bottom of the bucket by fasteners.
5. The device of claim 2 wherein the bucket, the flanged base, and
the bucket vertical member are integrally molded as a single
piece.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the vertical standard assembly is
configured for a standard height and further comprises: a lower
vertical section having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end
of the lower vertical section being removably attached to the
support assembly; an upper vertical section having an upper
vertical section lower end and an upper vertical section upper end;
a vertical standard coupling removably connecting the upper end of
the lower vertical section to lower end of the upper vertical
section; a tee removably attached to the upper end of the upper
vertical section; a conversion section having a conversion section
lower end and a conversion section upper end; and a conversion
coupling removably attached to the upper end of the conversion
section, wherein the lower end of the conversion section is
removably inserted into the upper connection of the tee so the
conversion section and the attached conversion coupling are
removably stored atop the tee when the vertical standard assembly
is configured in the standard height.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the vertical standard assembly is
configured for an elevated height and further comprises: a lower
vertical section having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end
being removably attached to the support assembly; an upper vertical
section having an upper vertical section lower end and an upper
vertical section upper end; a vertical standard coupling removably
connecting the upper end of the lower vertical section to lower end
of the upper vertical section; a conversion section having a
conversion section lower end and a conversion section upper end; a
conversion coupling removably attached to the upper end of the
upper vertical section and the lower end of the conversion section;
and a tee removably attached the upper end of the conversion
section, so the vertical standard assembly is configured in the
elevated height.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the horizontal arm assembly
further comprises: a horizontal section having a proximate end
adjacent the vertical standard assembly and a distal end, wherein
the proximate end of the horizontal section is removably attached
to the vertical standard assembly; an insert disposed within the
distal end of the horizontal section, wherein the insert further
comprises a first plastic insulator and a second plastic insulator
threaded onto a threaded bolt so the first plastic insulator
resides within the horizontal section and the second plastic
insulator extends outwardly from the distal end of the horizontal
section.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the first plastic insulator is
adhesively affixed within the distal end of the horizontal
section.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein the first plastic insulator is
secured within the distal end of the horizontal section by
friction.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein the appropriate sports implement
is a softball bat and the at least one tethered target assembly
further comprises: a flexible line having a loop at one end and a
knot supporting a restricted-flight softball at the other end,
wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm
assembly, so that, when the batter strikes the restricted-flight
softball with the bat, the restricted-flight softball travels in a
path around the horizontal arm assembly.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein the sports implement is a
baseball bat and the at least one tethered target assembly further
comprises: a flexible line having a loop at one end and a knot
supporting a restricted-flight baseball at the other end, wherein
the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm assembly, so
that, when the batter strikes the restricted-flight baseball with
the baseball bat, the restricted-flight baseball travels in a path
around the horizontal arm assembly.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein the sports implement is a golf
club and the at least one tethered target assembly further
comprises: a flexible line having a loop at one end and a knot
supporting a restricted-flight golf ball at the other end, wherein
the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm assembly, so
that, when the golfer strikes the restricted-flight golf ball with
the golf club, the restricted-flight golf ball travels in a path
around the horizontal arm assembly.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein the appropriate sports implement
is a hockey stick and the at least one tethered target assembly
further comprises: a flexible line having a loop at one end and a
knot supporting a plastic hockey puck at the other end, wherein the
loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm assembly, so that,
when the hockey player strikes the plastic hockey puck with the
hockey stick, the plastic hockey puck travels in a path around the
horizontal arm assembly.
15. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one tethered target
assembly further comprises: a flexible line having a loop at one
end; a target attached to the other end of the flexible line;
attachment means for attaching the target to the other end of the
flexible line; and wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the
horizontal arm assembly, so that, when the sports participant
strikes the tethered target, the tethered target travels in a path
around the horizontal arm assembly.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment means for
attaching the target to the flexible line further comprises a
cross-member supported by a knot in the end of the flexible line,
and wherein the cross-member is threaded through a hole in the
tethered target so the tethered target is supported by the
cross-member.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment means for
attaching the target to the flexible line further comprises a
toggle-wing member supported by a knot in the end of the flexible
line, and wherein the toggle-wing member is threaded through a hole
in the tethered target so the tethered target is supported by the
toggle-wing member.
18. A self-contained cross-training aid for use by a sports
participant in conjunction with a selected sports implement, the
self-contained cross-training aid adjustable between a standard
height, an elevated height, a lower height, and a minimum height,
wherein the adjustable self-contained cross-training aid comprises:
a support assembly; a vertical standard assembly removably
supported by the support assembly; a horizontal arm assembly having
two ends, wherein one end of the horizontal arm assembly is
removably attached to the vertical standard assembly; a tethered
target assembly selected from among the following four tethered
target assemblies: a first tethered target assembly for use by a
softball player with a softball bat, the first tethered target
assembly further comprising: a flexible line having a loop at one
end and a knot supporting a restricted-flight softball at the other
end, wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm
assembly, so that, when the batter strikes the restricted-flight
softball with the softball bat, the restricted-flight softball
travels in a path around the horizontal arm assembly; a second
tethered target assembly for use by a baseball player with a
baseball bat, the second tethered target assembly further
comprising: a flexible line having a loop at one end and a knot
supporting a restricted-flight baseball at the other end, wherein
the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm assembly, so
that, when the batter strikes the restricted-flight baseball with
the baseball bat, the restricted-flight baseball travels in a path
around the horizontal arm assembly; a third tethered target
assembly for use by a golfer with a golf club, the third tethered
target assembly further comprising: a flexible line having a loop
at one end and a knot supporting a restricted-flight golf ball at
the other end, wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the
horizontal arm assembly, so that, when the golfer strikes the
restricted-flight golf ball with the golf club, the
restricted-flight golf ball travels in a path around the horizontal
arm assembly; and a fourth tethered target assembly for use by a
hockey player with a hockey stick, the fourth tethered target
assembly further comprising: a flexible line having a loop at one
end and a knot supporting a plastic hockey puck at the other end,
wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm
assembly, so that, when the hockey player strikes the plastic
hockey puck with the hockey stick, the plastic hockey puck travels
in a path around the horizontal arm assembly; and wherein the
vertical standard assembly, the horizontal arm assembly, the first
tethered target assembly, the second tethered target assembly, the
third tethered target assembly, and the fourth tethered target
assembly are stored within the support assembly.
19. A method of crossing-training by a sports player to develop
skills in striking a target using a sports implement, wherein the
sports implement is a baseball bat, a softball bat, a golf club, or
a hockey stick, to hit a restricted-flight baseball, a
restricted-flight softball, a restricted-flight golf ball, or a
plastic hockey puck, respectively, the method comprising the steps
of: providing a self-contained cross-training apparatus comprising:
a support assembly, further comprising: a bucket having a bottom
and a rim; a flanged base attached to the inside bottom of the
bucket, wherein the flanged base extends upwardly and terminates in
a flange socket; a bucket vertical member; a support coupling; and
a bucket lid having an aperture centered in the bucket lid; a
vertical standard assembly, further comprising: a lower vertical
section having a lower end and an upper end; an upper vertical
section having an uppervertical section lower end and an upper
vertical section upper end; a vertical standard coupling; a
conversion section having a conversion section lower end and a
conversion section upper end; a conversion coupling; and a tee; a
horizontal arm assembly having two ends, the horizontal arm
assembly further comprising: a horizontal section having a
proximate end adjacent the vertical standard assembly and a distal
end; and an insert disposed within the distal end of the horizontal
section, wherein the insert further comprises a first plastic
insulator and a second plastic insulator threaded onto a threaded
bolt so the first plastic insulator resides within the horizontal
section and the second plastic insulator extends outwardly from the
distal end of the horizontal section; a first tethered target
assembly for use by a softball player with a softball bat, the
first tethered target assembly further comprising: a flexible line
having a loop at one end and a knot supporting a restricted-flight
softball at the other end, wherein the loop is rotatably attached
to the horizontal arm assembly, so that, when the batter strikes
the restricted-flight softball with the softball bat, the
restricted-flight softball travels in a path around the horizontal
arm assembly; a second tethered target assembly for use by a
baseball player with a baseball bat, the second tethered target
assembly further comprising: a flexible line having a loop at one
end and a knot supporting a restricted-flight baseball at the other
end, wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm
assembly, so that, when the batter strikes the restricted-flight
baseball with the baseball bat, the restricted-flight baseball
travels in a path around the horizontal arm assembly; a third
tethered target assembly for use by a golfer with a golf club, the
third tethered target assembly further comprising: a flexible line
having a loop at one end and a knot supporting a restricted-flight
golf ball at the other end, wherein the loop is rotatably attached
to the horizontal arm assembly, so that, when the golfer strikes
the restricted-flight golf ball with the golf club, the
restricted-flight golf ball travels in a path around the horizontal
arm assembly; and a fourth tethered target assembly for use by a
hockey player with a hockey stick, the fourth tethered target
assembly further comprising: a flexible line having a loop at one
end and a knot supporting a plastic hockey puck at the other end,
wherein the loop is rotatably attached to the horizontal arm
assembly, so that, when the hockey player strikes the plastic
hockey puck with the hockey stick, the plastic hockey puck travels
in a path around the horizontal arm assembly; and wherein the
vertical standard assembly, the horizontal arm assembly, and the
tethered target assemblies are stored within the support assembly;
assembling the support assembly; selecting a configuration for the
vertical standard assembly from among a standard height
configuration, an elevated height configuration, a lower height
configuration, and a minimum height configuration; assembly the
vertical standard assembly in accordance with the selected height
configuration; attaching the vertical standard assembly to the
support assembly; attaching the horizontal arm assembly to the tee
of the vertical standard assembly; selecting a tethered target
assembly from among the first, second, third, and fourth tethered
target assemblies; attaching the tethered target assembly to the
second plastic insulator extending outwardly from the distal end of
the horizontal section; striking the tethered target using the
appropriate sports implement so the tethered target moves in a path
around the horizontal section; and repeating the striking step.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Applicant's invention relates generally to a self-contained
cross-training aid for use by participants in baseball, softball,
golf, and hockey. The invention permits players to practice hitting
a restricted-flight baseball, a restricted-flight softball, a
restricted-flight golf ball, or a plastic hockey puck. The support
assembly for the invention also serves as a storage and/or shipping
container.
[0003] 2. Discussion
[0004] Hundreds of thousands--perhaps millions--of children
participate in baseball, softball, golf, and hockey each year.
Skills involving hitting, catching, throwing, skating, and running
are developed through training and practice. The skill of hitting a
stationary target (e.g., a golf ball) is challenging, and the skill
of hitting a moving target such as a pitched ball is especially
challenging. Participants as young as 4 or 5 years old participate
in baseball and softball by hitting a ball from a support
(sometimes called a batting tee). Participants of 6 or 7 years of
age may hit balls thrown by a coach. Later, the participants
attempt to hit pitches thrown by pitching machines. As batters
progress, the batters begin to hit balls thrown by opposing
participant pitchers. The skills required to hit a golf ball or a
moving hockey puck likewise must be developed through practice and
training.
[0005] Any skill improves with practice, and the participant's
skill in striking a target is no exception. Younger children can
practice hitting the ball from the batting tee, but someone must
retrieve the ball on those occasions the child succeeds in causing
the bat to make contact with the ball. Moreover, a child hitting a
ball from a batting tee does not develop the skill of hitting a
moving ball. Older participants obtain batting practice hitting
machine-pitched balls at batting cages. Although golf and hockey
require a different stroke, both golf and hockey involve hitting
skills developed with practice over time.
[0006] What is needed is a simple, self-contained cross-training
aid for developing skills in hitting stationary and moving targets
while avoiding the necessity of retrieving the targets. As used
herein, the term "targets" includes stationary restricted-flight
softballs, stationary restricted-flight baseballs, stationary
restricted-flight golf balls, and stationary plastic hockey pucks.
The term "targets" also means moving restricted-flight softballs,
moving restricted-flight baseballs, and moving plastic hockey
pucks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The self-contained cross-training aid of the present
invention provides a support assembly, a vertical standard assembly
removably attached to and supported by the support assembly, a
horizontal arm assembly removably attached to the vertical standard
assembly, and at least one tethered target assembly attached to the
other end of the horizontal arm assembly. The sports participant
strikes the tethered target with the selected sports implement and
the tethered target moves around the horizontal arm assembly. The
vertical standard assembly, the horizontal arm assembly, and the
tethered target assembly are stored within the support assembly (a
bucket). The self-contained cross-training aid adjustable between a
standard height, an elevated height, a lower height, and a minimum
height. When disassembled, all the components of the vertical
standard assembly, the horizontal arm assembly, and the tethered
target assembly fit conveniently into the bucket for shipment or
storage.
[0008] The advantages and features of the present invention will be
apparent from the following description when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a the self-contained
cross-training aid according to applicant's invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the self-contained
cross-training aid shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is another view of the self-contained cross-training
aid shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is another view of the self-contained cross-training
aid shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0013] FIG. 5 is another view of the self-contained cross-training
aid shown in FIG. 1-4.
[0014] FIG. 6 is another view of the self-contained cross-training
aid shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view of the self-contained cross-training aid
according to applicant's invention configured to permit the
participant to practice hitting a golf ball.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a view of the self-contained cross-training aid
according to applicant's invention configured to permit the
participant to practice hitting a hockey puck.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view of a portion of the self-contained
cross-training aid shown in FIGS. 1-5.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a view of another portion of the self-contained
cross-training aid according to applicant's invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a view of another portion of the self-contained
cross-training aid according to applicant's invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a view of another self-contained cross-training
aid according to applicant's invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a view of a restricted-flight ball, partially cut
away, supported by a flexible line according to applicant's
invention.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a view of another restricted-flight ball,
partially cut away, supported by a flexible line according to
applicant's invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is another view of the restricted-flight ball,
partially cut away, supported by the flexible line shown in FIG.
13.
[0024] FIG. 16 is another view of the restricted-flight ball,
partially cut away, supported by the flexible line as shown in FIG.
15.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a view of applicant's self-contained
cross-training aid according to applicant's invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description of the invention, like numerals
and characters designate like elements throughout the figures of
the drawings.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a self-contained cross-training
aid 20 is shown. In FIG. 2, the self-contained cross-training aid
20 rests on a surface S. A support assembly 22 supports a removably
attached vertical standard assembly 24 which, in turn, supports a
removably attached horizontal arm assembly 26. A tethered ball
assembly 28 is attached to the horizontal arm assembly 26.
Applicant's invention is described, alternatively, as a
self-contained cross-training aid, a batting practice aid, a
golfing practice aid, or a hockey practice aid. It will be
understood by one skilled in the art that the invention applies to
the sports of softball, baseball, golf, and hockey and that
different configurations permit use of the invention in all four
sports.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 10, the support assembly 22 of FIGS. 1
and 2 is shown in detail resting on the surface S. A flanged base
32 mounted in the inside bottom 34 of a bucket 36 extends upwardly
and terminates in a flange socket 38. A bucket vertical member 40
has a lower end 42 and an upper end 44. The lower end 42 is
received by the flange socket 38. A coupling 46 is removably
attached to the upper end 44 of the bucket vertical member 40. The
bucket 36 includes a rim 48. A bucket lid 50 has an aperture 52
centered in the bucket lid 50. When the bucket lid 50 is lowered to
engage the rim 48 of the bucket 36, the centered aperture 52 fits
over the coupling 46 so that a portion of the coupling 46 extends
upwardly through the aperture 52 as seen in FIGS. 1-8. It will be
understood by one skilled in the art that the flanged base 32 can
be secured to the inside bottom 34 of the bucket 36 by any
appropriate means, including adhesives or fasteners such as rivets
or nut-and-bolt fasteners. The flanged base 32 can also be
integrally molded as part of the bucket 36.
[0029] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical standard
assembly 24 consists of, from bottom to top, a lower vertical
section 60, a vertical standard coupling 62 removably attached to
the lower vertical section 60, an upper vertical section 64
removably attached at one end to the vertical standard coupling 62
and removably attached, at the other end, to a tee 66. A conversion
section 68 and a conversion coupling 70 are removably stored, in
this configuration, in the tee 66.
[0030] The horizontal arm assembly 26 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in
detail in FIG. 9. A horizontal section 80 has a proximate end 82
and a distal end 84. The proximate end 82 is received by and
removably attached to the tee 66, while the distal end 84 contains
an insert 86. As shown in FIG. 9, the insert 86 is formed by
threading two plastic insulators 88, 90 onto a threaded bolt 92.
The insert 86 is positioned within the distal end 84 of the
horizontal section 80 so the internal plastic insulator 88 resides
within the horizontal section 80 while the external plastic
insulator 90 extends outwardly from the distal end 84 of the
horizontal section 80. The plastic internal insulator 88 is secured
within the horizontal section 80 by PVC glue or other adhesive (not
shown). In the alternative, the internal plastic insulator 88 may
be secured within the horizontal section 80 by frictional bias.
[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tethered ball assembly
28 includes a flexible line 94. A loop 96 at one end of the
flexible line 94 secures the flexible line 94 to the external
plastic insulator 90. A restricted-flight ball 98 is attached
secured to the other end of the flexible line 94 and held in place
by a knot 100. The restricted-flight ball 98 shown in FIGS. 1-6 can
be any of a number of restricted-flight balls known in the art and
used for self-contained cross-training. Both restricted-flight
baseballs and restricted-flight softballs are characterized
generally as plastic balls perforated with holes.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3, like FIG. 1, shows
the self-contained cross-training aid 20 configured for a standard
height participant. FIG. 4, on the other hand, is configured for a
taller participant. As shown in FIG. 4, the conversion coupling 70
and the conversion section 68 have been removably inserted between
the upper section 64 and the tee 66 to elevate the horizontal arm
assembly 26, and, consequently, the restricted-flight ball 98.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, two additional
configurations are shown for the self-contained cross-training aid
20. In FIG. 5, the upper section 64 has been removed and, together
with the conversion coupling 70, stored on top of the tee 66.
Because the length of the conversion section 68 is less than the
length of the upper section 64, the position of the
restricted-flight ball 98 is lower than the position of the
restricted-flight ball 98 in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 6, the conversion
section 68 and the coupling 62 have been removed so the tee 66 is
supported by the lower section 60 only, thereby further lowering
the position of the restricted-flight ball 98.
[0034] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that, as
configured in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the self-contained
cross-training aid 20 of the present invention permits selective
positioning of the height of the restricted-flight ball 98 between
a standard position (FIGS. 1 and 3), an elevated position (FIG. 4),
a lower position (FIG. 5), and a still lower position (FIG. 6) to
match the height of the participant (whether batter, golfer, or
hockey player).
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in operation the batter uses the
bat to strike the restricted-flight ball 98. The restricted-flight
ball 98, which is attached to the external plastic insulator 90 by
the flexible line 94, moves in the direction of arrow 102 in a path
around the end 84 of the horizontal section 80. A beginning batter
may permit the restricted-flight ball 98 to come to rest, as shown
in FIG. 2, before striking the ball once again. As the batter's
skill improves, however, the batter can strike the
restricted-flight ball 98 with the bat while the restricted-flight
ball 98 is still moving, thereby gaining practice in hitting a
moving target. Thus the batter is able to obtain crucial experience
batting without the aid of a pitcher, a pitching machine, or a ball
retriever.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 7, a golfing practice aid 120
according to applicant's invention uses the support assembly 22,
the removably attached conversion section 68, the removably
attached tee 66, and the removably attached horizontal arm assembly
26 shown in the self-contained cross-training aid 20. The tee 66 is
elevated above the support assembly 22 by the conversion section
68. A flexible line 194 is secured at one end by a loop 196 to the
external plastic insulator 90. At the other end, the flexible line
194 supports a restricted-flight golf ball 198 held in place by a
knot 200. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the
length of the flexible line 194 is sufficient to allow the
restricted-flight golf ball 198 to hover over, but not touch, the
surface S.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a hockey practice aid according to
applicant's invention uses the support assembly 22, the conversion
section 68, the tee 66, and the horizontal arm assembly 26 of the
self-contained cross-training aid 20. The tee 66 is elevated above
the support assembly 22 by the conversion section 68. A tethered
puck assembly 228 includes a flexible line 294 secured at one end
by a loop 296 attached to the external plastic insulator 90. The
other end of the flexible line 294 supports a plastic floor hockey
puck 298 held in place by a recessed knot 300 (not shown). The
length of the flexible line 294 is selected to allow the floor
hockey puck 298 to barely clear the surface S.
[0038] It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the
self-contained cross-training aid 20, the golfing practice aid 120,
and the hockey practice aid 220 are conveniently constructed from
standard PVC pipe fittings and a plastic bucket. The pipe fittings
are removably connected for use and disconnected for storage within
the plastic bucket 36. The height 56 of the plastic bucket 36 (from
the surface S to the top of the rim 48) is about 12 inches, while
the maximum dimension 58 of the lower section 60, the upper section
64, and the horizontal arm section 80 is less than the height 56.
For shipment and for storage, the vertical standard assembly 24 and
the horizontal arm assembly 26 are disconnected. The lower section
60, the coupling 62, the upper section 64, the tee 66, the
conversion section 68, the conversion coupling 70, and the
horizontal arm section 80, with the tethered ball assembly 28
attached, are stored within the bucket 36.
[0039] If will be further understood by one skilled in the art that
the sports participant uses the present invention by striking the
tethered target with an appropriate sports implement. For golfing
practice, the golfing participant uses a selected golf club to
strike the restricted-flight golf ball. For softball batting
practice, the softball participant uses a selected bat to strike
the restricted-flight softball. For baseball batting practice, the
baseball participant uses a selected baseball bat to strike the
restricted-flight baseball. For hockey practice, the hockey
participant uses a selected hockey stick to strike the plastic
hockey puck.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 11, another horizontal arm assembly
326 includes a horizontal arm section 380 with ends 382 and 384. A
molded insert 390 consists of a cylindrical portion 392 and a hub
portion 394. In use, the end 382 of the horizontal arm section 380
is inserted into the tee 66. The cylindrical portion 392 of the
molded insert 390 is secured within the end 384 of the horizontal
arm section 380, and the external hub portion 394 receives the loop
96, 196, 296, of the flexible line 94, 194, 294, respectively.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 12, a molded support assembly 322
includes a bucket 336 having an integrally molded flanged base 332
and a rim 348. The flanged base 332 includes an upwardly standing
socket 338. A bucket vertical member 340 has a lower end 342 and an
upper end 344. The lower end 342 of the bucket vertical member 340
is placed in the socket 338. A bucket lid 350 has an integrally
molded coupling 346. When the bucket lid 350 is lowered to engage
the rim 348 of the bucket 336, the integrally molded coupling 346
sits downwardly over the upper end 344 of the bucket vertical
member 340. The top portion of the integrally molded coupling
receives the vertical standard assembly 24 shown in FIGS. 1-6 or
the conversion section 68 shown in FIGS. 7-8.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 13, the lower end of the flexible line
94 is attached to the restricted-flight ball 98 by a cross-member
81 supported by the knot 100. The cross-member 81 has two ends 83,
85, and a hole 87 through which the flexible line 94 is threaded.
The restricted-flight ball 98 has numerous perforations 91, an
exterior surface 93, and an interior surface 95. With the flexible
line 94 and the cross-member 81 aligned, the knot 100 and the
line-containing cross-member 81 are inserted through one of the
perforations 91 in the direction of arrow 96. After the
cross-member 81 and the knot 100 are within the restricted-flight
ball 98, the cross-member 81 is re-oriented so the ends 83, 85 of
the cross-member 81 are deployed against the interior surface 95 of
the restricted-flight ball 98.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 14, the lower end of the flexible line
94 is attached to the restricted-flight ball 98 by a toggle-wing
member 181 supported by the knot 100. The toggle-wing member 181
has two wings 183,185 and a hole 187 through which the flexible
line is threaded. The wings 183, 185 are spring biased in a spread
position but can be momentarily closed, in alignment with the
flexible line 94, for insertion along the arrow 97 through one of
the perforations 91 in the restricted-flight ball 98. After the
toggle-wing member 181 and the knot are within the
restricted-flight ball 98, the wings 183,185 spread to make contact
with the interior surface 95 of the restricted-flight ball 98.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 15, the cross-member 81 shown in FIG.
13 is shown threaded through a second perforation 91 so the ends
83, 85 of the cross-member 81 are deployed against the exterior
surface 93 of the restricted-flight ball 98.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 16, the toggle-wing member 181 is
shown threaded through a second perforation 91 so the wings 183,
185 are deployed against the exterior surface 93 of the
restricted-flight ball 98.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 17, the self-contained cross-training
aid 20 is being stored within the bucket 36 for shipment or
storage. The lower vertical section 60, the bucket vertical section
40, the bucket coupling 46, the horizontal arm section 80, and the
restricted-flight ball 98 are stored adjacent the flanged base 32.
The lid 50 is then attached to the rim 48 of the bucket 36.
[0047] If will be understood by one skilled in the art that the
self-contained cross-training aid 20 includes the tethered ball
assembly 28 (including the restricted-flight baseball/softball 98),
the tethered ball assembly 128 (including a restricted-flight golf
ball 198), and the tethered puck assembly 228 (including the
plastic hockey puck 298), thus permitting participants to configure
the self-contained cross-training aid 20 selectively for practice
hitting a baseball, softball, golf ball, or hockey puck.
[0048] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *