Training Method and Apparatus for Practicing Throwing of an Object such as a Baseball

Abstract

An apparatus to allow a user to practice throwing a sports object without the need for multiple throwing objects or a throwing partner is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sack having an open end and a closed end, and a strap attached to the open end. The user may insert his hand, holding the sports object, into the open end of the of the sack and then strap the apparatus to his or her wrist using the strap. The user can then repeatedly throw the sports object at full range of motion and the sports object will be deposited in the sack, easily retrievable by the user for repeated throwing.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 409,298 filed Nov. 2, 2010.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]The present invention was not developed with the use of any Federal Funds, but was developed independently by the inventor.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing the throwing of objects used in sports, such as for example, a baseball, football, or discus. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball. Although the invention is described as it would be used practicing the pitching of a baseball, the invention is not limited thereto and contemplates practicing the throwing of any object used in sports.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]One well known apparatus for practicing pitching a baseball is known as the “CANVAS CATCHER” and consists of an upright frame with a piece of canvas mounted on th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In another aspect of the invention, the sack has a length and is sufficiently sized in said length to prevent the closed end of the sack from interfering with the thrower's body after said sport object has been thrown.

[0012]In another aspect of the invention, a sports training apparatus for use by a thrower to practice throwing a sport object comprises a sack for receiving the sport object and a strap comprising a leather strap, an elastic wristband, and hook and loop tape. The sack comprises an open end, a closed end, a near section comprising a first sack material, and a tapered far section comprising a second sack material, wherein said first sack material is a durable mesh and said second sack material is sufficiently durable to receive said sport object without substantial breakage at a full strength throwing velocity of the thrower, and is sufficiently flexible such that said sport object remains near said closed end of said durable sack after said sport object is thrown by the thrower.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with this method as well as several of the other known methods for practicing pitching a baseball is that they generally require outdoor space to perform the training method, and / or require a partner.

Outdoor space is not always available to safely throw a baseball, for example in metropolitan areas and / or when the weather is not conducive to throwing a baseball.

Also, a partner may not be readily available to practice pitching when desired.

Further, bounce back screens and catch nets limit what an athlete can do in regards to practicing and training.

These products are space consuming, expensive, and very limited in functionality.

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