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Strike Zone Detection Device

a detection device and strike zone technology, applied in racket sports, stands/trestles, gymnastics, etc., can solve the problems of many pitching aids being bulky, heavy, or immovable, and many being incapable of being transported by a single person, so as to improve the ability of catching a pitched ball, sharpen individual skills, and develop rappor

Inactive Publication Date: 2018-03-15
TYNDALL LAUREN
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a pitching trainer that is customizable for a pitcher to focus on specific areas in the strike zone. It consists of a number of horizontal and vertical dividers that can move independently of each other. The horizontal and vertical dividers define adjustable zones within the strike zone to hone a pitcher's aim at specific areas. The trainer is portable and easy to set up on a baseball diamond or other practice facility. It can be used in a variety of sports to enhance the user's accuracy. The invention also includes a strike zone detection device to help a pitcher know where to target the ball.

Problems solved by technology

However, as pitchers increase in skill level, just throwing into the strike zone is not good enough; instead, a pitcher must be able to hit specific areas within or around the strike zone.
For instance, pitchers frequently make pitches outside the zone in hopes that a batter will chase the pitch, producing a swinging miss or a poorly struck ball.
Many pitching aids are bulky, heavy, or immovable.
They are not designed for easy set-up or teardown, and many are incapable of being transported by a single person if they are transportable at all.
Further, most pitching aids can only be used to practice pitching.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

string embodiment

[0042]As can be seen in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a pitching trainer 10 that allows a pitcher 4 and catcher 6 to detect the area of the strike zone that a pitch goes through. Briefly, according to FIG. 2A, the pitching trainer 10 is comprised of two stanchions 15, a number of horizontal dividers 20, and a number of vertical dividers 25. The horizontal dividers 20 span between the first stanchion 15a and the second stanchion 15b. The vertical dividers 25 depend from the top horizontal divider 20 in such a way that the overlap of the horizontal dividers 20 and the vertical dividers 25 define a multitude of zones.

[0043]FIG. 1 demonstrates that the pitching trainer 10 is designed to be placed between a pitcher 4 and a catcher 6. While FIG. 1 depicts softball players, the invention can be used for any sport in which a player directs a playing object at a specific target. For example, the device can be used to train players in softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, footb...

embodiment

Laser Embodiment

[0085]In an alternate embodiment designed primarily for pitching practice, the horizontal dividers 20 and vertical dividers 25 comprise light beams, such as beams of laser light. This laser embodiment 200 can be seen in FIG. 9. The laser embodiment 200 is comprised of a first vertical member 205a and a second vertical member 205b, an upper horizontal crosspiece 210a and a lower horizontal crosspiece 210b, and two bases 215. For the purposes of illustration, the components of the laser embodiment, like the string embodiment, should obstruct the least amount of area around the strike zone as practically possible. Therefore, a suggested height for the first and second vertical members 205a and 205b is six feet. The suggested length of the horizontal crosspieces 210a and 210b are ten feet, or the approximate combined width of both batter's boxes and home plate. Nevertheless, larger or smaller heights can be used for this embodiment of the invention.

[0086]As can be seen i...

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention provides a sports training device having at least two stanchions, wherein the stanchions are spaced a horizontal distance apart from each other and wherein the stanchions telescope vertically and are portable; a plurality of horizontal dividers, wherein the plurality of horizontal dividers span between the at least two stanchions; and a plurality of vertical dividers, wherein the plurality of vertical dividers depend from at least one of the plurality of horizontal dividers and wherein the plurality of horizontal dividers and the plurality of vertical dividers overlap to define a plurality of zones. Also provided is an embodiment in which lasers are used as the horizontal and vertical dividers.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application claims priority as a continuation in part to U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 270,533, filed on May 6, 2014, presently pending.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the invention[0002]This invention is directed to a training device for pitchers such that the pitcher can receive either visual or auditory feedback or both visual and auditory feedback as to whether a pitch has passed through a desired strike zone.2. Background of the Invention[0003]All athletes require practice in order to perform at their highest level. Typically, practice comes in the form or repetitive drills that teach muscle memory, and frequently, such drills incorporate the use of a training aid.[0004]For pitchers, the best practice is often in the form of repeatedly throwing to a specific area: one which would result in a strike if the batter fails to make contact with the ball, i.e. the strike zone. Many pitching aids are capable of providing a simulated strike zone. However, ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A63B69/00A63B71/06
CPCA63B69/0002A63B71/0622A63B2069/0006A63B2209/00A63B2220/805A63B2207/02A63B2071/0625A63B63/00A63B63/003A63B71/023A63B24/0021F16M11/28F16M11/32A63B2024/0043A63B2063/002A63B2069/0011A63B2071/025A63B2071/026A63B2210/50A63B2225/09A63B2225/093A63B2225/50F16M2200/08A63B2102/182A63B2225/74
Inventor TYNDALL, LAUREN
Owner TYNDALL LAUREN