U.S. patent application number 14/178172 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for ball rotation indicator and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adam W Johnston. Invention is credited to Adam W Johnston.
Application Number | 20140228157 14/178172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51297819 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140228157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnston; Adam W |
August 14, 2014 |
Ball Rotation Indicator and Method
Abstract
The present application is directed to an athletic training
tool. The athletic training tool includes a ball and an elongated
member attached thereto, the elongated member is attached to the
ball in a manner effective to maintain the center of gravity of the
ball. The elongated member may be visually observable during use of
the athletic training tool.
Inventors: |
Johnston; Adam W; (Richmond,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnston; Adam W |
Richmond |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51297819 |
Appl. No.: |
14/178172 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61763191 |
Feb 11, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/451 ;
473/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/182 20151001;
A63B 69/0002 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2225/74
20200801; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 2071/0627 20130101; A63B
43/02 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 2102/18 20151001; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63B 43/008 20130101; A63B 2024/0028 20130101;
A63B 2220/35 20130101; A63B 2102/20 20151001; A63B 43/002 20130101;
A63B 71/06 20130101; A63B 2102/02 20151001; A63B 69/00 20130101;
A63B 2069/0006 20130101; A63B 2243/0095 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B
2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2214/00 20200801; A63B 2102/00 20151001;
A63B 24/0003 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101; A63B 43/005 20130101;
A63B 2243/0025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/451 ;
473/422 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20060101
A63B043/00; A63B 69/00 20060101 A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. An athletic training tool including a ball and an elongated
member attached thereto, the elongated member being attached to the
ball in a manner effective to maintain the center of gravity of the
ball.
2. The athletic training tool of claim 1 wherein the elongated
member extends out from the surface of the ball a first length and
extends into the ball a second length.
3. The athletic training tool of claim 1 wherein the elongated
member is constructed from one or more resilient materials.
4. The athletic training tool of claim 1 wherein the elongated
member extends into the ball a depth up to about 70.0 percent of
the outer diameter of the ball.
5. The athletic training tool of claim 1 wherein the elongated
member further comprises a resilient member disposed therein, the
resilient member having a length up to about 95.0 percent the
length of the elongated member.
6. The athletic training tool of claim 1 further including one or
more hand/finger indicia disposed across the surface of the
ball.
7. The athletic training tool of claim 1 wherein the elongated
member is constructed from polyurethane rubber of about Shore 40A
to about Shore 80A.
8. The athletic training tool of claim 6 wherein the hand/finger
indicia correspond to hand/finger placement according to one or
more particular baseball pitch grips.
9. The athletic training tool of claim 6 wherein the hand/finger
indicia correspond to hand/finger placement according to one or
more particular softball pitch grips.
10. A method of tracking the rotation of a sport sphere traveling
in space comprising the following steps: providing a sport sphere
with one or more elongated members extending from the surface of
the sphere, the elongated member being attached to the ball in a
manner effective to maintain the center of gravity of the sphere;
establishing a desired rotation for a sphere to be delivered; while
delivering the sport sphere analyzing the rotation of the sport
sphere compared to the desired rotation.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the sport sphere is an athletic
ball defined by a first weight and the elongated member is a
cylindrical member constructed from polyurethane rubber defined by
a second weight, the weight of the elongated member being from
about 0.1 percent to about 20.0 percent the weight of the athletic
ball.
12. A system for collecting real time rotational data of a
delivered athletic ball comprising: an athletic training tool
including a ball and an elongated member attached thereto, the
elongated member being attached to the ball in a manner effective
to maintain the center of gravity of the ball; one or more sensors
attached to the athletic training tool operationally configured to
track movement of the athletic training tool; and a computer in
wireless communication with the one or more sensors for receiving
movement data from the one or more sensors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date of the prior-filed U.S. provisional application No.
61/763,191, filed on Feb. 11, 2013.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE APPLICATION
[0003] The application relates generally to devices, assemblies,
systems, and methods in the field of sports ball rotation, training
and analysis.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A vast number of sporting events include balls or spheres
that are thrown, kicked or otherwise delivered toward a target
person or object. In many cases the rotation of the ball affects
the travel path of the ball. As such, it is often necessary in
sports to control or dictate the rotation of a ball. Objects and
methods for training persons how to affect ball rotation and for
analyzing ball rotation is desired.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present application is directed to an athletic training
tool including a ball and an elongated member attached thereto, the
elongated member being attached to the ball in a manner effective
to maintain the center of gravity of the ball.
[0006] The present application is also directed to a method of
tracking the rotation of a sport sphere traveling in space
comprising the following steps (1) providing a sport sphere with
one or more elongated members extending from the surface of the
sphere, the elongated member being attached to the ball in a manner
effective to maintain the center of gravity of the sphere; (2)
establishing a desired rotation for a sphere to be delivered; (3)
while delivering the sport sphere analyzing the rotation of the
sport sphere compared to the desired rotation.
[0007] The present application is also directed to a system for
collecting real time rotational data of a delivered athletic ball
comprising (1) an athletic training tool including a ball and an
elongated member attached thereto, the elongated member being
attached to the ball in a manner effective to maintain the center
of gravity of the ball; (2) one or more sensors attached to the
athletic training tool operationally configured to track movement
of the athletic training tool; and (3) a computer in wireless
communication with the one or more sensors for receiving movement
data from the one or more sensors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a simplified training tool of the present
application including a basketball and indicator attached
thereto.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a simplified training tool of the present
application including a baseball and indicator attached
thereto.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a simplified training tool being gripped by a
person's hand.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a simplified training tool of
this application.
[0012] FIG. 5 is another exploded view of a simplified training
tool of this application.
[0013] FIG. 6 is another simplified training tool of this
application.
[0014] FIG. 7 is another simplified training tool of this
application including a soccer ball and resilient indicator
attached thereto.
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8D are simplified illustrations of various baseball
grips in a person's right hand.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates the directional flight paths of various
pitches as depicted from both a side view of the flight path of the
pitched ball and from the catcher's view of the flight path of the
pitched ball.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates the directional flight paths of various
pitches as depicted from both a side view of the flight path of the
pitched ball and from the catcher's view of the flight path of the
pitched ball.
[0018] FIG. 11A-11C illustrate a softball related training
tool.
[0019] FIG. 12A-12C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
fastball grip.
[0020] FIG. 13A-13C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
curveball grip.
[0021] FIG. 14A-14C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
drop ball grip.
[0022] FIG. 15A-15C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
peel drop grip.
[0023] FIG. 16A-16C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
rise ball grip.
[0024] FIG. 17A-17C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
changeup grip.
[0025] FIG. 18A-18C illustrate an exemplary right-handed softball
screw ball grip.
[0026] FIG. 19A-19E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball fastball pitch.
[0027] FIG. 20A-20E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball curveball pitch.
[0028] FIG. 21A-21E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball drop ball pitch.
[0029] FIG. 22A-22E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball peel drop pitch.
[0030] FIG. 23A-23E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball rise ball pitch.
[0031] FIG. 24A-24E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball changeup pitch.
[0032] FIG. 25A-25E are illustrations related to the rotation of an
exemplary softball screw ball pitch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0033] It has been discovered that a ball or sphere can be equipped
with one or more elongated members to assist individuals with
observing the rotation pattern of the ball or sphere when in flight
and/or rolling across a surface. The elongated members of this
application may also assist a user on proper foot, hand and/or
finger placement on a particular type of ball to achieve a
particular rotation pattern of the ball. In addition, the elongated
members herein do not hinder the use of the ball in their normal
field of play. Heretofore, such a desirable achievement has not
been considered possible, and accordingly, the invention of this
application measures up to the dignity of patentability and
therefore represents a patentable concept.
[0034] Before describing the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the present device, assembly, system and method are
not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As
used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrases
"deliver," "project," "propel," "to project a ball," "to propel a
ball" and like phrases or terms refer to an individual throwing,
casting, hitting, kicking, or otherwise transporting a ball through
space from his/her person or first location to a second location. A
projected or propelled ball may be one traveling through air and/or
a surface, e.g., a bouncing ball, or substantially rolling across a
surface. The phrase "proper rotation" refers to Applicant's own
philosophy regarding the correct aspects of proper ball rotation
for a particular sport and ball. The phrase "muscle memory" refers
to the process by which an individual's neuromuscular system
memorizes motor skills, such as those motor skills related to
Applicant's own philosophy regarding the way to produce proper ball
rotation for a particular sport and ball. A "ball" used herein is
not limited to any particular sphere but may include non-spherical
objects too. The phrase "athletic ball" may refer to one or more
round balls used in the various sports of the world, including but
not necessarily limited to baseballs, softballs, basketballs,
soccer balls, cricket balls, tennis balls, volleyballs, water polo
balls, bowling balls, dodge balls, handballs, jai alai balls,
lacrosse balls. "Athletic ball" may also refer to other non-round
balls such as American footballs, rugby balls, and the like. A
"regulation baseball" may include, for example, a baseball
constructed according to the Official Rules of Major League
Baseball (Rule 1.09). A "regulation softball" may include, for
example, a softball constructed according to the Rules of the
Amateur Softball Association of America (Rule 3, Section 3).
[0035] In one aspect, the application provides a training tool that
provides instant feedback to an athlete, e.g., baseball/softball
player, as to whether he or she has thrown a ball rotationally as
desired. The training tool may also provide one or more indicia on
the surface of the ball allowing a person to check the proper
placement of his/her fingers on the ball prior to throwing the
ball, e.g., one or more indicia may correspond to hand/finger
placement according to one or more particular pitch grips in
baseball and/or softball pitching.
[0036] In another aspect, the application provides a training tool
and method for developing baseball pitchers and softball pitchers.
The application further provides a training tool and method for
analyzing pitches in flight.
[0037] In another aspect, the application provides a device and
method for developing cricket bowlers.
[0038] In another aspect, the application provides an improved
baseball and slow and fast pitch softball pitching training tool
for use in reproducing the proper grips and rotation/spin of
various pitches.
[0039] In another aspect, the application provides a training tool
that may be videotaped or filmed during use and reviewed
thereafter.
[0040] In another aspect, the application provides a ball having
one or more indicators including one or more colors or color
schemes effective to increase user observation of the ball when the
ball is rotating in space.
[0041] In another aspect, the application provides a training tool
effective to develop an individual's muscle memory to produce a
repeatable athletic motion.
[0042] In another aspect, the application provides a training tool
device or assembly effective to develop an individual's mechanics
in one or more athletic related physical motions.
[0043] In another aspect, the application provides a training ball
including a releasable elongated indicator member operationally
configured to extend out from the surface of the corresponding ball
in a manner effective to be visualized by one or more persons as
the training ball is rotating during use.
[0044] In another aspect, the application provides a training ball
including a releasable indicator member extending out from the
surface of the corresponding ball, the indicator member being
constructed from one or more resilient materials allowing the
indicator member to bend or flex from an original extended position
to a point of abutment with the surface of the ball and return to
its original extended position thereafter.
[0045] In another aspect, the application provides a sport specific
athletic training ball including a ball rotation indicator and/or
one or more hand/finger indicators disposed along the surface of
the ball.
[0046] In another aspect, the present application relates to a
training tool that may be used during real time sports competition
by one or more athletes without disrupting the athletes' natural
relationship with the ball.
[0047] In another aspect, the present application provides a ball
including an elongated member extending out there from, the ball
and/or elongated member being operationally configured for remote
sensing of movement data of the ball. The ball and/or elongated
member may make use of one or more sensors including for example
micro sensors, integrated circuits or related microchip technology
for tracking movement, e.g., the rotation pattern, of the ball
and/or the elongated member, recording data, storing data,
analyzing date and/or otherwise using the data as desired. The
technology may also be used to measure surface speed of a ball.
Movement related data may be relayed to a computer having one or
more desired software applications for use of the data. In one
embodiment, the information may be relayed to a mobile application
on a handheld electronic device such as a smartphone type computer
or the like comprising an operating system. Such is effective to
provide real-time data, analysis and direct feedback concerning
movement of a delivered ball.
[0048] In another aspect, the present application provides a ball
including an elongated member extending out there from, the
elongated member including one or more light emitting diodes
disposed along the surface of the elongated member as desired.
[0049] In another aspect, the present application provides a sports
sphere including an elongated member extending from the surface of
the sphere in a manner effective to showcase the rotation of the
sphere in space while minimizing the forces acting on the sphere
when traveling through space.
[0050] In another aspect, the present application provides a sports
sphere including an indicator member extending from the surface of
the sphere, the indicator including one or more whistle type
members thereon effective to produce one or snore sound frequencies
as the sphere travels through space.
[0051] In another aspect, the present application provides a sports
sphere including an indicator member extending from the surface of
the sphere, the indicator including one or more sensors thereon
effective to produce one or more sounds in reaction to the rotation
of the sphere through space. For example, if a sphere is rotating
through space as desired the sensor remains silent.
Discussion
[0052] In sports, round athletic balls typically spin or rotate
when being thrown, kicked, hit, rolled or otherwise projected a
particular distance. A rotation is a circular movement of a ball
around its center of rotation. Balls and spheres rotate around an
imaginary line called a rotation axis. When an athletic ball such
as a baseball travels through the atmosphere, the baseball
experiences the force of gravity in addition to the drag and Magnus
forces as understood by the skilled artisan. For example, when a
baseball pitcher throws a baseball, the forward movement of the
pitcher's arm propels the baseball with a force that produces a
velocity. A countering force called drag (air resistance) slows the
baseball down. Simultaneously, the force of gravity places a
downward motion onto the baseball. When a ball spins, it creates an
envelope of air around it called the boundary layer. This boundary
layer moves with the ball whether it spins forward or backward or
sideways. The interaction of this boundary layer with the
surrounding air results in an outside force that changes the path
of the baseball. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the
art, this is known as the "Magnus Effect."
[0053] The spin of the baseball dictates the rotation of the
boundary layer. When the ball has back-spin, like a fastball, the
boundary layer under the baseball shoots air forward into the air
that is trying to move around the baseball. The opposing air flows
result in slower air movement and higher air pressure underneath
the baseball. On top of the ball, the boundary layer shoots air
backward in the same direction as the air that is trying to move
around the baseball. These air flows compliment each other and
combine to create faster air movement and lower air pressure on top
of the baseball. The combination of slower air movement under the
ball and faster air movement over the ball creates lift that
opposes gravity--a "rise." The Magnus Effect, in this case, acts
just like an airplane wing. For a curveball, the top-spin is like
turning that wing upside-down. The opposing air flows are now on
top of the baseball and the complimentary air flows are on bottom.
Here, the Magnus Effect creates lift that compliments gravity--a
drop. With a tilted spin axis, the Magnus Effect creates a tilted
lift. A left tilt adds right-to-left movement when the pitch has
back-spin and left-to-right movement when the pitch has top-spin. A
right tilt has the opposite effects. When a pitch spins perfectly
sideways, like a screwball or a sweeping curveball, the Magnus
Effect does not create a "rise" or drop. Instead, it creates
sideways lift. Viewed from the top, clockwise spin results in
left-to-right lift, and counter-clockwise spin results in
right-to-left lift. The Magnus Effect is greatest when the
baseball's rotation axis is perfectly perpendicular to the velocity
of the baseball. As the rotation axis turns (or yaws) from
perpendicular to parallel to the baseball's velocity, the Magnus
effect decreases accordingly. Likewise, the magnitude of the Magnus
effect increases as the spin axis moves from parallel to
perpendicular to the baseball's velocity.
[0054] In sports, to achieve a desired path of travel of a ball in
space it is often necessary to produce a particular ball rotation.
Likewise, a particular ball rotation is often an indicator that a
ball has been thrown, kicked, tossed, hit, etc., in a proper
manner, otherwise a particular rotation would not have been
achieved. For example, a properly shot basketball released from a
person's hand should have a substantially true backspin, i.e., true
north to true south of the ball, toward the basketball goal. By
providing a training tool with an indicator member that is visible
to the user and/or another person and/or a coach the rotation of a
particular ball may be evaluated to determine its accuracy in
regard to the optimum desired ball rotation for a particular
activity in question.
[0055] To better understand the novelty of the device, assembly,
system and method of use thereof, reference is hereafter made to
the accompanying drawings. Generally, one simplified training tool
of this application is provided in FIG. 1. As shown, the training
tool 10 includes an athletic ball 12 (or "ball") and an elongated
member or rotation indicator 14 (or "indicator") extending out from
the surface of the ball 12. In one suitable embodiment, the
longitudinal axis of the rotation indicator 14 is axially aligned
with the central axis or rotation axis of the ball 12 (shown here
as extending out from a basketball as such is understood by persons
of ordinary skill in the field of athletics). In other embodiments,
the rotation indicator 14 may extend out from a ball in a
non-axially aligned orientation.
[0056] With reference now to FIG. 2, another simplified training
tool 10 is provided in the form of a baseball 12 and indicator 14
combination. The training tool 10 may also include one or more
second indicators 16 (hand/finger indicia) disposed across the
surface of the ball 12 as desired. As described below, hand/finger
indicia 16 may be provided for a particular sport and/or to affect
particular ball rotation (see also FIG. 3).
[0057] In one embodiment, the training tool 10 may be manufactured
to include a ball 12 and indicator 14 in combination as desired. In
another embodiment, the training tool 10 may be constructed using a
preexisting ball 12 whereby an indicator 14 may be attached
thereto. In one suitable embodiment of original manufacture, a
training tool 10 may include an indicator 14 adhered directly to
the outer surface of the ball 12. In another embodiment of original
manufacture, the proximal end of an indicator 14 may be set below
the surface of the ball 12 to a desired depth, e.g., a depth that
substantially maintains the center of gravity of a particular ball
12 with the addition of a particular indicator 14.
[0058] Depending on the type of ball 12 in question, the ball 12
may be provided with a cavity or hole for receiving part of the
indicator 14 in a mating position thereto. In one embodiment, the
indicator 14 may be adhered to the inner surface of the cavity or
hole using one or more adhesives. In another embodiment, an
indicator 14 may be threadedly connected to the ball 12. In another
embodiment, the indicator 14 may be attached to a ball 12 using a
snap-fit type connection. In embodiments comprising threaded and
snap-fit type connections, the indicator 14 may be removable as
desired, e.g., in order to replace the indicator 14 or to provide a
ball 12 less the indicator 14 for one or more purposes. Without
limiting the invention, suitable adhesives include, but are not
necessarily limited to thermosetting or thermoplastic adhesives,
expanding glues, radiation cured adhesives, adhesives activated by
solvents, and combinations thereof.
[0059] In other embodiments, a ball 12 for a particular sport may
be acquired and there after converted into a training tool 10. For
example, a regulation baseball 12 may be converted to a training
tool 10 by adhering an indicator to the outer surface of the
baseball 12. In another embodiment, an internal cavity or hole 20
may be formed into the baseball 12 for receiving at least part of
an indicator 14 therein (see FIG. 4). In the embodiment of FIG. 4,
a substantially linear hole 20 is formed into the baseball 12 to a
desired depth to substantially maintain the center of gravity of
the baseball 12 during training tool 10 use. Depending on the size
and weight of the indicator 14, a hole 20 may be formed in a
baseball 12 up to a depth of about 70.0 percent the outer diameter
of the baseball 12 for receiving the indicator 14 therein.
Thereafter, an indicator 14 may inserted into the hole 20 in a
manner effective to maintain the indicator 14 within the baseball
12 when the baseball is being delivered through the air and/or
across a surface. In one embodiment, the hole 20 includes a size
and shape substantially similar to the indicator 14 for substantial
abutment of the indicator 14 to the inner surface of the hole 20.
In one simplified embodiment, the indicator 14 may include a
cylindrical member whereby the inner surface of the hole 20 is
formed to correspond to the outer shape of the indicator 14. In
another embodiment, the indicator 14 may include a multi-sided
member whereby the inner surface of the hole 20 is formed to
correspond to the outer shape of the indicator 14. It is further
contemplated that the hole 20 may include an inner surface not
corresponding to the shape of the indicator 14 mated thereto. The
above description may also apply to softballs and other balls
comprising core filled materials.
[0060] In another embodiment, the indicator 14 may be operationally
configured to receive a secondary indicator in attachment thereto.
As seen in the simplified embodiment of FIG. 5, the distal end 22
of the indicator 14 may be operationally configured to receive a
secondary indicator 24 in connection thereto. In this simplified
embodiment, the indicator 14 has a threaded connection for
receiving a secondary indicator 24 in connection thereto. Other
snap-fit type connections may be employed. In addition, secondary
indicators 24 may also be operationally configured to receive
additional indicators to provide an overall indicator of a
particular length. In another embodiment, the training tool 10 may
include two or more indicators 14 as shown in FIG. 6. In one
embodiment, dual indicators 14 may be aligned as shown in FIG. 6.
In another embodiment, dual indicators 14 may be disposed on a ball
12 in a non-linear orientation. In still another embodiment, two or
more indicators 14 may be disposed on a ball 12 in a non-linear
orientation. Referring to FIG. 6, one indicator member of a
particular length may be disposed through the ball 12 to form dual
indicators 14 as shown. In another embodiment, two separate
indicator members may be attached to a ball to form dual indicators
12.
[0061] Without limiting the invention, a suitable indicator 14 has
a length ranging from about the surface of the corresponding ball
12 out to a length greater than the outer diameter (or width) of
the corresponding ball 12. Likewise, a suitable indicator 14 has a
width (or outer diameter) up to about equal the outer diameter (or
width) of the corresponding ball 12. In one particular embodiment,
the length and width of the indicator 14, relative to the
corresponding ball 12, is a size operationally effective to allow
for use of the training tool 10 without disrupting the ball's 12
performance as accomplished with a stand alone ball 12. As an
example, in an embodiment where the training tool 10 includes a
baseball/softball 12 type device, a suitable indicator 14 has a
size that does not affect a person's ability to catch the training
tool 10 in a baseball/softball glove or mitt. In an embodiment
where the training tool 10 includes a basketball 12 type device, a
suitable indicator 14 has a size that allows for the training tool
10 to pass through a basketball goal (hoop and net). In addition, a
suitable indicator 14 is attached to a ball 12 in a manner not
affecting the center of gravity of the ball 12 thereby maintaining
a true and correct spin in a substantially similar manner as a
stand alone ball 12.
[0062] In an embodiment of a training tool 10 including a
regulation baseball 12, a suitable indicator 14 has a visible
length extending from the surface of the baseball 12 ranging from
about 3.18 mm to about 50.8 mm (about 0.125 inches to about 2.0
inches) and a width ranging from about 3.18 mm to about 19.05 mm
(about 0.125 inches to about 0.75 inches). In one suitable
embodiment of a baseball type training tool 10, the visible length
of the indicator 14 may be up to about 50.0 percent the outer
diameter of the baseball 12, i.e., a ratio of about 1:2. In another
suitable embodiment of a baseball type training tool 10, the width
of the indicator 14 may be up to about 10.0 percent the outer
diameter of the baseball 12, i.e., a ratio of about 1:10. As stated
above, the length of the indicator 14 housed within a ball 12 may
vary as necessary to substantially maintain the center of gravity
of the ball 12. In terms of a regulation baseball 12, an indicator
14 may include a total length from about 6.35 mm to about 108.0 mm
(about 0.25 inches to about 4.25 inches).
[0063] In an embodiment of a training tool 10 including a
regulation softball 12, a suitable indicator 14 has a visible
length extending from the surface of the softball 12 ranging from
about 3.18 mm to about 57.15 mm (about 0.125 inches to about 2.25
inches) and a width ranging from about 3.18 mm to about 19.05 mm
(about 0.125 inches to about 0.75 inches). In one suitable
embodiment of a softball type training tool 10, the length of the
indicator 14 may be up to about 40.0 percent the outer diameter of
the softball 12, i.e., a ratio of about 2:5. In another suitable
embodiment of a softball type training tool 10, the width of the
indicator 14 may be up to about 6.5 percent the outer diameter of
the softball 12, i.e., a ratio of about 3:50. In terms of a
regulation softball 12, an indicator 14 may include a total length
from about 6.35 mm to about 146.1 mm (about 0.25 inches to about
5.75 inches).
[0064] Regardless the intended use of a particular training tool
10, a suitable indicator 14 is constructed from one or more
resilient materials resistant to chipping, cracking and reshaping
as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside
mechanical and chemical influences, as well as various impacts and
other loads placed on the indicator 14. Suitable materials include
resilient type materials (at least in part) operationally
configured to be displaced from an original unstressed position
("P-1") to a stressed position ("P-2") and return to the unstressed
position once an applied force is removed from the indicator 14
(see for example the simplified illustration in FIG. 7). Suitable
materials may include, but are not necessarily limited to polymeric
materials such as natural and synthetic rubbers, elastomers,
plastics, and combinations thereof. Suitable rubbers may include,
but are not necessarily limited to polymeric foam, polyurethane,
latex, neoprene, and combinations thereof. Suitable polymeric foams
may include, but are not necessarily limited to polyurethane foam,
polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") foam, styrofoam, polyimide foam,
silicone foam, and combinations thereof. Suitably plastics may
include, but are not necessarily limited to nylon, vinyl polymers
and PVC, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"),
polymethylpentene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and combinations
thereof. In operation, a suitable indicator 14 is operationally
configured to remain in a static original and unstressed position
until an external force is applied to the indicator 14--other than
drag related forces placed upon the indicator 14 when traveling
through space. One suitable indicator 14 original unstressed
position includes a cylindrical indicator extending out
substantially straight as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
[0065] In one suitable embodiment, an indicator 14 may be
constructed from a one-piece or solid resilient rubber or plastic
material operationally configured to act as shown in FIG. 7
(positions P-1 and P-2). In one such embodiment, a suitable
indicator 14 may be constructed from about Shore 40A to about Shore
80A polyurethane rubber (as hardness measurements are understood by
the skilled artisan). In another embodiment, a suitable indicator
14 may be constructed from Shore 60A polyurethane rubber. In
another embodiment, a suitable indicator 14 may be constructed from
Shore 61A polyurethane rubber. In another embodiment, a suitable
indicator 14 may be constructed from Shore 50A polyurethane
rubber.
[0066] In another suitable embodiment, an indicator 14 may be
constructed from two or more component parts as desired. For
example, the indicator 14 may include a rubber member with a
resilient member disposed longitudinally therein. Without limiting
the invention, one suitable resilient member includes a resilient
coil spring operationally configured to be manipulated, e.g.,
stretched and/or compressed, and return there after to its original
unstressed position, e.g., position P-1. Although the training tool
10 may be built to scale, a suitable resilient member includes a
length up to about 95.0 percent the length of the corresponding
rubber member of the indicator 14. In an embodiment for use with
baseball and softball, a suitable resilient member includes a
length of about 6.35 mm (0.25 inches) less than the total length of
the corresponding rubber member of the indicator 14. In operation,
the proximal end of the resilient member is set about flush with
the proximal end of the rubber member set inside the ball 12, i.e.,
the distal end of the resilient member is about 6.35 mm (0.25
inches) shorter than the distal end of the rubber member. Without
limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or mode of
operation, one suitable resilient member for use with a baseball or
softball type indicator 14 may be provided as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Indicator Total Length: about 88.9 mm (about 3.50
inches) Resilient Member: Steel Coil Spring Length of Coil Spring:
about 82.6 mm (about 3.25 inches) Outer Diameter of Coil Spring:
about 6.35 mm (about 0.250 inches) Inner diameter of Coil Spring:
about 0.89 mm (about 0.035 inches) Tension: about 350.3 N/m (about
2.00 lbf/in) Rate: about 1.33 N/mm (about 7.600 lbs/in) Suggested
Maximum Load: about 25.4 N (about 5.70 lbs)
[0067] Without limiting the invention, a training tool 10 of this
application may include a weight up to about 15.0 percent greater
than a corresponding stand alone athletic ball 12. For example, a
baseball related training tool 10 may weigh from about 5.0 to about
11.0 percent greater than a regulation baseball 12. A softball
related training tool 10 may weigh from about 5.0 to about 16.0
percent greater than a regulation softball. In addition, an
indicator 14 may include a weight from about 0.1 percent to about
20.0 percent the weight of a corresponding stand alone athletic
ball 12.
[0068] It is further contemplated that an indicator 14 of this
application may include one or more colors as desired. For example,
the indicator 14 may include a bright color such as orange or red.
In another embodiment, the indicator 14 may include a fluorescent
color including, but not necessarily limited to fluorescent orange,
yellow, and combinations thereof. The second indicators 16 may also
include one or more colors as desired. For example, a baseball
related training tool 10 as shown in FIG. 3 may include a plurality
of indicators 16, each of the indicators 16 belonging to a
particular color scheme wherein indicators 16 of a particular color
are intended for a particular purpose, e.g., finger placement along
a ball 12 as required to throw a particular type of pitch. For
example, a baseball related training tool 10 may include twelve
indicators 16 along its surface. Three of the indicators 16 may be
a purple color, five indicators 16 may be green and four indicators
16 may be orange. Each of the color schemes may designate finger
placement for a particular pitch, e.g., a fastball, a curveball, a
slider, a changeup, etc., as these terms are understood by persons
of ordinary skill in the art of baseball and softball.
Operation
[0069] As stated above, to achieve a desired path of travel of a
ball 12 in space it is often necessary to produce a particular ball
rotation. Likewise, a particular ball rotation is often an
indicator that a ball has been thrown, kicked, tossed, hit, etc.,
in a proper manner, otherwise a particular rotation would not have
been achieved. In the sports of baseball and softball, pitchers
typically cause a ball 12 to rotate in a particular manner (or not
to rotate when throwing a knuckle ball as the term is understood by
the skilled artisan) in an attempt to cause the ball 12 to travel
along a particular path in space from the point of release of a
ball 12 from the pitcher's throwing hand to a catcher set up behind
home plate. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art
of pitching, the manner in which a baseball or softball is gripped
(see the simplified examples of FIGS. 8A-8D) in addition to the
orientation and/or position of the arm and hand in space while
performing the act of pitching affect the ball's rotation and thus
it's flight path toward home plate (see the simplified flight paths
of exemplary pitch types as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10). In
terms of baseball/softball, the present training tool 10 is
effective to provide real time feedback to (1) a person throwing
the training tool 10, (2) a person catching the training tool 10
and (3) coaches and others observing as to the rotation of the
training tool 10 as it travels through space according to the
directional movement of the indicator 14 extending out from the
ball 12. In addition, non-pitchers, who typically throw a ball 12
across the diamond or from the outfield with backspin, e.g.,
throwing a ball with four seams, may also benefit from the present
training tool 10 in developing ideal backspin for making a
particular type of throw, e.g., a catcher throwing a ball to second
base during a stolen base attempt.
[0070] Turning now to a softball related training tool 10,
exemplary grips and the rotation/spin of several pitches in slow
and fast pitch softball will be discussed. Generally, the act of
delivering a softball pitch includes a number of steps or phases,
including (1) the preparation phase, (2) the cocking phase, (3) the
arm acceleration phase and (4) the follow through phase. Pitching
is a complex movement involving the lower body, the body core,
upper body, and upper extremities through the various phases listed
above. Like baseball, softball also includes a plurality of pitch
types and travel paths, some of which are depicted in FIGS. 9 and
10. One popular pitch type in softball includes a fastball as the
term is understood by the skilled artisan. The fastball is
typically a pitcher's highest velocity and straightest flight path
pitch type. Another popular softball pitch is the changeup, which
may also be referred to as an "off-speed" pitch as the term is
understood in the sports of baseball and softball. The changeup is
thrown with a similar arm action as a fastball but the softball is
held further back in the pitcher's hand resulting in less velocity
on the pitch at release. Another off-speed pitch includes a
"breaking ball" as understood in baseball and softball, which may
include a ball traveling sideways or downward. As shown in FIGS. 9
and 10, some common breaking ball pitches in softball may include
the curveball and slider. The grip and hand movement for a
particular pitch is intended to cause a particular travel path in
space of a pitched softball, e.g., a curveball pitch is intended to
cause a forward spin of the ball 12 making the ball 12 travel in a
downward motion (see FIG. 9). Other breaking ball pitches
achievable in softball include, but are not necessarily limited to
a peel drop pitch, rise ball (or riser), screw ball, and drop ball.
In one particular embodiment, the training tool 10 may include one
or more secondary indicators or indicia 16 to assist a user in the
hand and/or finger placement on the ball 12 to achieve a particular
type of pitch.
[0071] Turning to FIGS. 11A-11C, a softball related training tool
10 has a substantially circular body with the same size and
dimensions as a regulation softball, although other sizes of
softballs may be emulated. The ball 12 of the training tool 10 may
be constructed from one or more materials including, but not
necessarily limited to rubbers, plastics, leathers, synthetic
leathers, polyurethane, and combinations thereof. Simulated or
actual stitching ("seams" 30) of a regulation softball may be
incorporated upon the ball 12 of the training tool 10 as desired.
As understood by the skilled artisan, the configuration of the
seams 30 of a regulation softball provide four parabolas. Each of
the four horseshoe parabola is defined by an apogee with an upper
parabolic curve and a lower parabolic curve. As the training tool
10 is rotated each of the four parabolic configuration changes as
shown FIGS. 11A-11C. As shown, as the training tool 10 is rotated
about 180.0 degrees, e.g., a half turn, the indicator 14 rotates
from a position located on the near side of the ball 12 (FIG. 11A)
to a position on the far side of the ball 12 (FIG. 11C).
[0072] Various softball pitch types and the grip of each in
relation to the training tool 10, indicia 16 thereon and position
of the indicator are illustrated in FIGS. 12A-18C. For example, an
exemplary fastball grip from different views (including fingertip
locations #1-5) is shown in FIGS. 12A-12C. An exemplary curveball
grip from different views (including fingertip locations #1-5) is
shown in FIGS. 13A-13C. An exemplary drop ball grip from different
views (including fingertip locations #1-5) is shown in FIGS.
14A-14C. An exemplary peel drop grip from different views
(including fingertip locations #1-5) is shown in FIGS. 15A-15C. An
exemplary rise ball grip from different views (including fingertip
locations #1-5) is shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. An exemplary changeup
grip from different views (including fingertip locations #1-5) is
shown in FIGS. 17A-17C. An exemplary screw ball grip from different
views (including fingertip locations #1-4) is shown in FIGS.
18A-18C.
[0073] Various softball pitch rotations in space are shown in
relation to the training tool 10 in FIGS. 19A-25E. For example,
four sides of a training tool 10 representing the rotation of a
fastball pitch are depicted in sequential order with reference to
FIGS. 19A-19E. Four sides of a training tool 10 representing the
rotation of a right-handed curveball pitch are depicted in
sequential order with reference to FIGS. 20A-20E. Four sides of a
training tool 10 representing the rotation of a drop ball pitch are
depicted in sequential order with reference to FIGS. 21A-21E. Four
sides of a training tool 10 representing the rotation of a peel
drop pitch are depicted in sequential order with reference to FIGS.
22A-22E. Four sides of a training tool 10 representing the rotation
of a rise ball pitch are depicted in sequential order with
reference to FIGS. 23A-23E. Four sides of a training tool 10
representing the rotation of a changeup pitch are depicted in
sequential order with reference to FIGS. 24A-24E. Four sides of a
training tool 10 representing the rotation of a screw ball pitch
are depicted in sequential order with reference to FIGS.
25A-25E.
[0074] One advantage of the present training tool 10 includes that
once a person has trained with the tool 10, the person may be
subsequently given a regulation softball, whereby the person is
likely to throw it according to the grip, rotation/spin and
mechanics as utilized with the training tool 10. Thus, the training
tool 10 may be employed for developing desired muscle memory for
one or more throwing motions according to one or more rotational
motions desired for a thrown softball 12.
[0075] The invention will be better understood with reference to
the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only
and not intended to limit the present invention to a particular
embodiment.
Example 1
[0076] In a first non-limiting example, a training tool 10 was
provided by modifying a regulation baseball 12 to receive an
indicator 14 in attachment thereto. The baseball 12 and indicator
14 had the following characteristics:
[0077] (1) Baseball 12
TABLE-US-00002 Weight: about 0.145 kg (about 5.10 ounces) Radius:
about 36.4 mm (about 1.43 inches)
[0078] (2) Indicator 14
TABLE-US-00003 Materials: Polyurethane Rubber Weight: about 0.009
kg (about 0.3 ounces) Length: about 88.9 mm (about 3.50 inches)
Outer Diameter: about 6.35 mm (about 0.25 inches)
[0079] A hole 20 was formed in the baseball 12 to a depth of about
50.8 mm (about 2.0 inches) for receiving at least part of the
indicator 14 therein. The weight of the baseball 12 was reduced to
about 0.136 kg (about 4.80 ounces). The indicator 14 was mated with
the hole 20 using an adhesive material. The total weight of the
training tool 10 was about 0.153 kg (about 5.4 ounces).
Example 2
[0080] In a second non-limiting example, a training tool 10 was
provided by modifying a regulation baseball 12 to receive an
indicator 14 in attachment thereto. The baseball 12 and indicator
14 had the following characteristics:
[0081] (1) Baseball 12
TABLE-US-00004 Weight: about 0.145 kg (about 5.10 ounces) Radius:
about 36.4 mm (about 1.43 inches)
[0082] (2) Indicator 14
TABLE-US-00005 Materials: Polyurethane Rubber One Coil Spring
Weight: about 0.02 kg (about 0.6 ounces) -Rubber: about 0.009 kg
(about 0.3 ounces) -Spring: about 0.009 kg (about 0.3 ounces)
Length (Rubber): about 88.9 mm (about 3.50 inches) Outer Diameter
(Rubber): about 6.35 mm (about 0.25 inches) Length (Spring): about
82.6 mm (about 3.25 inches) Outer Diameter (Spring): about 6.35 mm
(about 0.250 inches)
[0083] A hole 20 was formed in the baseball 12 to a depth of about
50.8 mm (about 2.0 inches) for receiving at least part of the
indicator 14 therein. The weight of the baseball 12 was reduced to
about 0.136 kg (about 4.80 ounces). The indicator 14 was mated with
the hole 20 using an adhesive material. The total weight of the
training tool 10 was about 0.162 kg (about 5.7 ounces).
Example 3
[0084] In a third non-limiting example, a baseball related training
tool 10 having the characteristics as described in Example 1 is
provided. The training tool 10 includes a small motion sensor chip
embedded within the indicator 14. The chip is in wireless
communication with a computer. The chip is operationally configured
to track rotational data for the training tool 10, which is relayed
to computer software operationally configured to count, store and
provide rotational data--from the moment the training tool 10 is
released from a person's throwing hand to the moment the training
tool 10 impacts a throwing target, e.g., a net or a catcher's mitt.
Typically, the more rotations realized the greater the velocity of
the thrown training tool 10. Thus, rotational counts are collected,
stored and analyzed to evaluate changes in velocity for a
particular individual according to one or more pitch types over a
given period of time.
[0085] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
many modifications may be made to the present application without
departing from the spirit and scope of the application. The
embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only
and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined
in the claims.
* * * * *