Pitching target

Abstract

A pitching target for use with regulation baseballs and having a vertically adjustable strike zone with at least two mechanisms for identifying balls or strikes is described. The pitching target is of a material to withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 miles per hour (MPH). The vertically adjustable strike zone allows adjustment of the strike zone height to simulate different height pitchers in a short (i.e. 5 seconds) amount of time. The pitching target may further include a third mechanism for identifying balls or strike and different types of pitches.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Baseball players use a variety of tools and techniques to learn and improve skills and technique specific to the position(s) played. In particular, pitchers must learn how to throw different pitches, while still delivering these pitches into a batter's strike zone. This requires proper technique and repetition of pitches to improve these pitching skills. It is not always possible to have a catcher and / or batter in place for a pitcher to practice throwing pitches. Therefore, there is a need for a device that a pitcher can use alone or with a batter to practice pitching.

[0002] Conventional products for developing pitching skills include a pitching strike zone target net. These targets are divided into 9 rectangular areas with a netting behind each area, so that when a pitch is thrown into one of the 9 zones the ball is retained in the net. These targets may include a frame for support and rest on the ground with the use of sandbags and ground stakes for support. Some of these conventional products have the drawback of a fixed height given the frame that supports the target, or a height with limited adjustment (i.e. three preset height levels). Further, a pitcher may not be able to identify whether a strike has been thrown as the size of the target is larger than the strike zone. In particular, the width of these conventional targets is almost 1.5 to nearly three times as wide as the strike zone (i.e. the width of home plate) and the heights vary from 1.3 to over 2 times the height of a strike zone. Additionally, neither a pitcher, nor a batter (due to focusing on the incoming pitch) may be able to identify whether a strike has been thrown without checking the particular net immediately after each pitch. If several pitches are thrown in a row, it may not be distinguishable as to which pitch went into a strike zone and which did not.

[0003] Other conventional methods include targets with strike zones that are accurate in size and are made of a material that is not suitable for use with a real baseball. While the strike zone of these conventional targets is useful for a pitcher in identifying pitches that are strikes, this usefulness is limited as the target is unusable with real baseballs. Because the technique of throwing pitches is dependent on the parameters (e.g. weight, size, texture) of a real, regulation baseball, throwing pitches with an alternate ball is of limited use in improving pitching technique.

[0004] Finally, other conventional methods include targets with strike zones that are accurate in size and adjustable, however, other than sight do not provide a mechanism for detecting balls and strikes. These targets include a flexible materials over netting when in use as a pitching trainer, where the adjustable strike zone is of the same flexible material. Because the material of the strike zone is the same as the material covering the whole of the netting, for pitches thrown close to the edge of the strike zone it may be difficult to visually distinguish a ball from a strike as sight is the only indication of the accuracy of the throw.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to for a pitching target to have an accurate strike zone for use with regulation baseballs. It is further desirable for the accurate strike zone to be fully vertically adjustable in height to accommodate simulation of batters of different heights. Finally, it is desirable for the pitching target to have two mechanisms to identify whether a pitch is a ball or strike.SUMMARY

[0006] In aspects, a pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body including a surface; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including an attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; and an adjustment hook, the adjustment hook in removable attachment with the attachment point, wherein the adjustment hook provides removable attachment to the structure.

[0007] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , further including gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

[0008] The pitching target of paragraph

[0007] , further including instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

[0009] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface at the attachment point, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

[0010] The pitching target of paragraph

[0007] , further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

[0011] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), and the height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

[0012] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the adjustment hook is an “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the attachment point.

[0013] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the adjustment hook is a hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

[0014] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

[0015] In aspects, pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body including a surface; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including a first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure; a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; and a second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

[0016] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] , further including gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

[0017] The pitching target of paragraph

[0016] , further including instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

[0018] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface at the first and second attachment points, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

[0019] The pitching target of paragraph

[0016] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

[0020] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), and the height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

[0021] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the first and second adjustment hooks are “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the first and second attachment points, respectively.

[0022] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the first and second adjustment hooks are hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

[0023] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

[0024] In aspects a pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target further including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color having a width of 43.18 centimeters (17 inches) and a height from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches), the body including a surface, wherein the surface includes gridlines dividing the surface into nine equally spaced section, and wherein the surface includes instructional content providing educational information on pitching within one or more of the nine equally spaced sections; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including a first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure; a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; and a second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

[0025] The pitching target of paragraph

[0024] , further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a representation of a pitching target.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a representation of the pitching target having instructional content.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a representation of an adjustable strike zone of the pitching target.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a representation of the two mechanism of the pitching target to identify a strike.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a representation of the two mechanisms of the pitching target to identify a ball.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an exemplary example of instructional content of the pitching target.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A pitching target for use with regulation baseballs and having a vertically adjustable strike zone with at least two mechanisms for identifying balls or strikes is described. The body of pitching target is of a material to withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 miles per hour (MPH). The vertically adjustable strike zone allows adjustment of the strike zone height to simulate batters of different height in a short (i.e. 5 seconds) amount of time. This adjustment is easily performed (i.e. performed by a single person) in a short amount of time. The pitching target may further include a third mechanism for identifying balls or strike and different types of pitches.

[0033] FIG. 1 represents the pitching target 100. The pitching target 100 includes a body 110 having a surface 102, attachment points 202, a grid pattern 106, and an adjustment mechanism 200. The pitching target 100 may include impact paper 300 as a third mechanism for identifying whether a pitch is a ball or strike, or thrown with accuracy to a particular area within the strike zone. The pitching target may further include instructional text 108.

[0034] The body 110 of pitching target 100, is made of a material that can withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 mph, such as at least 0.254 centimeters ( 1 / 10 inch) polycarbonate. The body 110 is the width of home plate, which is the width of a strike zone (e.g. 43.18 centimeters (17 inches)). The pitching body 110 may be a height from 55.88 centimeters (22 inches) to 91.44 centimeters (36 inches), which is consistent with the height of the strike zone of players from 137.16 centimeters (54 inches) to 182.88 centimeters (72 inches) tall.

[0035] Further, the body 110 is made of a material, such as polycarbonate, that provides a distinctive sound when a surface 102 is struck with a regulation baseball. This distinctive sound provides one mechanism for identifying whether a pitch is a ball or strike, as users of the pitching target 100 can hear whether the pitch hit the pitching target or not. Because the pitching target 100 is the size of a strike zone when a pitch hits the surface 102 of the pitching target 100, causing a distinctive sound, it indicates the pitch was a strike.

[0036] The body 110 is a color that is distinguishable from natural surroundings (e.g. white, red, black, blue, clear with a distinguishing color (red, black, blue, white) as a border) to allow visualization of whether a pitch hits the pitching target 100 or misses. For example, a plain clear or transparent color would increase difficulty in distinguishing whether a pitch hit the pitching target 100 or not. This visualization of whether a pitch hits the pitching target 100 provides a second mechanism for determining whether a pitch is a ball or strike.

[0037] The surface 102 of the pitching target 100 includes one or more gridlines 104 that divide the surface 102 into equal sections, such as from 2 to 9 sections. The gridlines 104 improve targeting of pitches as they provide smaller sections within the strike zone to direct a pitch towards.

[0038] The surface 102 of the pitching target 100 may optionally include conventional impact paper 300 that is removably attached to the surface 102. The impact paper 300 may cover all of the surface 102 or certain sections of the surface 102 (the boundary of the impact paper is represented by the dot-dash line). The impact paper 300 may have adhesive to stick to the surface of the pitching target 100, or when the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface it may be attached via the attachment hooks 204 and corresponding holes in the impact paper 300. When a pitch hits the impact paper 300 an impression of the ball in made on the impact paper 300. This provides additional information on where precisely the ball strike the surface 102.

[0039] FIG. 2 represents the pitching target 100 having instructional content 108. The instructional content 108 may include text, graphics, such as pitch grip illustrations, and scannable QR codes that provide links to a website having instructional pitching content, including videos and the like. The instruction text 106 is on the surface 102 of the pitching target 100. The instructional text 108 provides information on how to throw different types of pitches. For example, the instructional text may include the print of FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 3 represents the pitching target 100 being hung in a use position using the adjustment mechanism 200. The adjustment mechanism 200 includes attachment point(s) 202 and adjustment hook(s) 204. Preferably, the pitching aid 100 include two attachment points 202 and two adjustment hooks 204. While the pitching aid is describe with two attachment points 202 and two adjustment hooks 204, one attachment point 202 and one attachment hook 204 may be used. The attachment points 202 are on the pitching target 100 and extend from the surface 102 through the pitching target 100. The attachment points 202 are positioned toward a top of the pitching target 100 to allow the adjustment hooks 204 to be placed through the attachment points 202 with range of motion (e.g. backward and forward) of the pitching target 100 on the adjustment hooks 204. For example, the attachment points 202 may be placed 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) from the top of the target. The attachment points 202 are a diameter to accommodate the adjustment hooks 204 to allow full range of motion, such as 0.9525 centimeters (⅜ inches).

[0041] The attachment points 202 may be positioned horizontally along the body 110, provided that the attachment points 202 are in the same horizontal line, so that the pitching target 100 is straight when it is attached to a structure. Further the attachment points 202 are placed a distance away from each other (or directly center if one attachment point 202 is used) to provide sufficient stability so that the pitching target 100 is not lopsided or off center when attached to the structure. For example, the attachment points 202 may each be 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) from the respective sides of the body 110.

[0042] The adjustment hooks 204 of the attachment mechanism 200 allow the pitching target 100 to be hung on a structure (i.e. a chain link fence surrounding a baseball field or tennis court, a railing, or the like). For example, the adjustment hooks 204 may be “S” hooks, where one side of the “S” hook includes a spring loaded latch to positively attach the adjustment hooks 204 to the pitching target 100 through the attachment points 202. The other side of the “S” of the adjustment hooks 204 are open to allow quick (i.e. approximately 5 seconds) to detach and reattach the pitching target 100 to a different location. Further, the “S” hooks include rounded ends to avoid gouging the baseball if the baseball contacts the ends of the “S” hook during use. Or for example, which may consist or a “J”, offset “J”, or “U” hook at the end of a flexible strap, where the other end of the strap is fixedly attached to the attachment point 202. For attachment, the strap would be inserted through a slot-shaped attachment area in the structure and the “J” or “U” hook removably attached to the attachment point 202. The straps would be set to an equal length upon initial assembly and left at that length permanently. The hook component of the hook-and-strap assembly will allow for adjustment of the pitching target 100 vertically. The adjustment mechanism 200 allows for the adjustment of the pitching target 100 vertically, which is adjustment of the strike zone vertically (as the size of the pitching target 100 is the size of the strike zone) to simulate strikes zones of players of different heights.

[0043] FIG. 4 represents use of the pitching target 100 when a strike is thrown. The pitch is identified as a strike via the two mechanisms of visualization (provided by the color of the pitching target 100) and sound (provided by the polycarbonate material of the pitching target 100). FIG. 4 also illustrates that the pitching target 100 may be used with or without a batter.

[0044] FIG. 5 represents use of the pitching target 100 when a ball is thrown. The pitch is identified as a ball via the two mechanism of visualization (provided by the color of the pitching target 100) and sound (provided by the polycarbonate material of the pitching target 100).

[0045] FIG. 6 is an exemplary example of instructional content of the pitching target. FIG. 6 is divided into three sheets to provide for readable text for the instructional content 108. Each sheet contains three of the nine equally spaced sections with the gridlines 106 separating the sections.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0032]A pitching target for use with regulation baseballs and having a vertically adjustable strike zone with at least two mechanisms for identifying balls or strikes is described. The body of pitching target is of a material to withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 miles per hour (MPH). The vertically adjustable strike zone allows adjustment of the strike zone height to simulate batters of different height in a short (i.e. 5 seconds) amount of time. This adjustment is easily performed (i.e. performed by a single person) in a short amount of time. The pitching target may further include a third mechanism for identifying balls or strike and different types of pitches.

[0033]FIG. 1 represents the pitching target 100. The pitching target 100 includes a body 110 having a surface 102, attachment points 202, a grid pattern 106, and an adjustment mechanism 200. The pitching target 100 may include impact paper 300 as a third mechanism for identifying whether a pitch...

BACKGROUND

[0001] Baseball players use a variety of tools and techniques to learn and improve skills and technique specific to the position(s) played. In particular, pitchers must learn how to throw different pitches, while still delivering these pitches into a batter's strike zone. This requires proper technique and repetition of pitches to improve these pitching skills. It is not always possible to have a catcher and / or batter in place for a pitcher to practice throwing pitches. Therefore, there is a need for a device that a pitcher can use alone or with a batter to practice pitching.

[0002] Conventional products for developing pitching skills include a pitching strike zone target net. These targets are divided into 9 rectangular areas with a netting behind each area, so that when a pitch is thrown into one of the 9 zones the ball is retained in the net. These targets may include a frame for support and rest on the ground with the use of sandbags and ground stakes for support. Some of these conventional products have the drawback of a fixed height given the frame that supports the target, or a height with limited adjustment (i.e. three preset height levels). Further, a pitcher may not be able to identify whether a strike has been thrown as the size of the target is larger than the strike zone. In particular, the width of these conventional targets is almost 1.5 to nearly three times as wide as the strike zone (i.e. the width of home plate) and the heights vary from 1.3 to over 2 times the height of a strike zone. Additionally, neither a pitcher, nor a batter (due to focusing on the incoming pitch) may be able to identify whether a strike has been thrown without checking the particular net immediately after each pitch. If several pitches are thrown in a row, it may not be distinguishable as to which pitch went into a strike zone and which did not.

[0003] Other conventional methods include targets with strike zones that are accurate in size and are made of a material that is not suitable for use with a real baseball. While the strike zone of these conventional targets is useful for a pitcher in identifying pitches that are strikes, this usefulness is limited as the target is unusable with real baseballs. Because the technique of throwing pitches is dependent on the parameters (e.g. weight, size, texture) of a real, regulation baseball, throwing pitches with an alternate ball is of limited use in improving pitching technique.

[0004] Finally, other conventional methods include targets with strike zones that are accurate in size and adjustable, however, other than sight do not provide a mechanism for detecting balls and strikes. These targets include a flexible materials over netting when in use as a pitching trainer, where the adjustable strike zone is of the same flexible material. Because the material of the strike zone is the same as the material covering the whole of the netting, for pitches thrown close to the edge of the strike zone it may be difficult to visually distinguish a ball from a strike as sight is the only indication of the accuracy of the throw.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to for a pitching target to have an accurate strike zone for use with regulation baseballs. It is further desirable for the accurate strike zone to be fully vertically adjustable in height to accommodate simulation of batters of different heights. Finally, it is desirable for the pitching target to have two mechanisms to identify whether a pitch is a ball or strike.SUMMARY

[0006] In aspects, a pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body including a surface; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including an attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; and an adjustment hook, the adjustment hook in removable attachment with the attachment point, wherein the adjustment hook provides removable attachment to the structure.

[0007] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , further including gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

[0008] The pitching target of paragraph

[0007] , further including instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

[0009] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface at the attachment point, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

[0010] The pitching target of paragraph

[0007] , further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

[0011] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), and the height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

[0012] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the adjustment hook is an “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the attachment point.

[0013] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the adjustment hook is a hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

[0014] The pitching target of paragraph

[0006] , wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

[0015] In aspects, pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body including a surface; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including a first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure; a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; and a second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

[0016] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] , further including gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

[0017] The pitching target of paragraph

[0016] , further including instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

[0018] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface at the first and second attachment points, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

[0019] The pitching target of paragraph

[0016] further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

[0020] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), and the height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

[0021] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the first and second adjustment hooks are “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the first and second attachment points, respectively.

[0022] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the first and second adjustment hooks are hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

[0023] The pitching target of paragraph

[0015] wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

[0024] In aspects a pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target further including a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color having a width of 43.18 centimeters (17 inches) and a height from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches), the body including a surface, wherein the surface includes gridlines dividing the surface into nine equally spaced section, and wherein the surface includes instructional content providing educational information on pitching within one or more of the nine equally spaced sections; and an adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism including a first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure; a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; and a second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

[0025] The pitching target of paragraph

[0024] , further including impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a representation of a pitching target.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a representation of the pitching target having instructional content.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a representation of an adjustable strike zone of the pitching target.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a representation of the two mechanism of the pitching target to identify a strike.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a representation of the two mechanisms of the pitching target to identify a ball.

[0031] FIG. 6 is an exemplary example of instructional content of the pitching target.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] A pitching target for use with regulation baseballs and having a vertically adjustable strike zone with at least two mechanisms for identifying balls or strikes is described. The body of pitching target is of a material to withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 miles per hour (MPH). The vertically adjustable strike zone allows adjustment of the strike zone height to simulate batters of different height in a short (i.e. 5 seconds) amount of time. This adjustment is easily performed (i.e. performed by a single person) in a short amount of time. The pitching target may further include a third mechanism for identifying balls or strike and different types of pitches.

[0033] FIG. 1 represents the pitching target 100. The pitching target 100 includes a body 110 having a surface 102, attachment points 202, a grid pattern 106, and an adjustment mechanism 200. The pitching target 100 may include impact paper 300 as a third mechanism for identifying whether a pitch is a ball or strike, or thrown with accuracy to a particular area within the strike zone. The pitching target may further include instructional text 108.

[0034] The body 110 of pitching target 100, is made of a material that can withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 mph, such as at least 0.254 centimeters ( 1 / 10 inch) polycarbonate. The body 110 is the width of home plate, which is the width of a strike zone (e.g. 43.18 centimeters (17 inches)). The pitching body 110 may be a height from 55.88 centimeters (22 inches) to 91.44 centimeters (36 inches), which is consistent with the height of the strike zone of players from 137.16 centimeters (54 inches) to 182.88 centimeters (72 inches) tall.

[0035] Further, the body 110 is made of a material, such as polycarbonate, that provides a distinctive sound when a surface 102 is struck with a regulation baseball. This distinctive sound provides one mechanism for identifying whether a pitch is a ball or strike, as users of the pitching target 100 can hear whether the pitch hit the pitching target or not. Because the pitching target 100 is the size of a strike zone when a pitch hits the surface 102 of the pitching target 100, causing a distinctive sound, it indicates the pitch was a strike.

[0036] The body 110 is a color that is distinguishable from natural surroundings (e.g. white, red, black, blue, clear with a distinguishing color (red, black, blue, white) as a border) to allow visualization of whether a pitch hits the pitching target 100 or misses. For example, a plain clear or transparent color would increase difficulty in distinguishing whether a pitch hit the pitching target 100 or not. This visualization of whether a pitch hits the pitching target 100 provides a second mechanism for determining whether a pitch is a ball or strike.

[0037] The surface 102 of the pitching target 100 includes one or more gridlines 104 that divide the surface 102 into equal sections, such as from 2 to 9 sections. The gridlines 104 improve targeting of pitches as they provide smaller sections within the strike zone to direct a pitch towards.

[0038] The surface 102 of the pitching target 100 may optionally include conventional impact paper 300 that is removably attached to the surface 102. The impact paper 300 may cover all of the surface 102 or certain sections of the surface 102 (the boundary of the impact paper is represented by the dot-dash line). The impact paper 300 may have adhesive to stick to the surface of the pitching target 100, or when the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface it may be attached via the attachment hooks 204 and corresponding holes in the impact paper 300. When a pitch hits the impact paper 300 an impression of the ball in made on the impact paper 300. This provides additional information on where precisely the ball strike the surface 102.

[0039] FIG. 2 represents the pitching target 100 having instructional content 108. The instructional content 108 may include text, graphics, such as pitch grip illustrations, and scannable QR codes that provide links to a website having instructional pitching content, including videos and the like. The instruction text 106 is on the surface 102 of the pitching target 100. The instructional text 108 provides information on how to throw different types of pitches. For example, the instructional text may include the print of FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 3 represents the pitching target 100 being hung in a use position using the adjustment mechanism 200. The adjustment mechanism 200 includes attachment point(s) 202 and adjustment hook(s) 204. Preferably, the pitching aid 100 include two attachment points 202 and two adjustment hooks 204. While the pitching aid is describe with two attachment points 202 and two adjustment hooks 204, one attachment point 202 and one attachment hook 204 may be used. The attachment points 202 are on the pitching target 100 and extend from the surface 102 through the pitching target 100. The attachment points 202 are positioned toward a top of the pitching target 100 to allow the adjustment hooks 204 to be placed through the attachment points 202 with range of motion (e.g. backward and forward) of the pitching target 100 on the adjustment hooks 204. For example, the attachment points 202 may be placed 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) from the top of the target. The attachment points 202 are a diameter to accommodate the adjustment hooks 204 to allow full range of motion, such as 0.9525 centimeters (⅜ inches).

[0041] The attachment points 202 may be positioned horizontally along the body 110, provided that the attachment points 202 are in the same horizontal line, so that the pitching target 100 is straight when it is attached to a structure. Further the attachment points 202 are placed a distance away from each other (or directly center if one attachment point 202 is used) to provide sufficient stability so that the pitching target 100 is not lopsided or off center when attached to the structure. For example, the attachment points 202 may each be 2.54 centimeters (1 inch) from the respective sides of the body 110.

[0042] The adjustment hooks 204 of the attachment mechanism 200 allow the pitching target 100 to be hung on a structure (i.e. a chain link fence surrounding a baseball field or tennis court, a railing, or the like). For example, the adjustment hooks 204 may be “S” hooks, where one side of the “S” hook includes a spring loaded latch to positively attach the adjustment hooks 204 to the pitching target 100 through the attachment points 202. The other side of the “S” of the adjustment hooks 204 are open to allow quick (i.e. approximately 5 seconds) to detach and reattach the pitching target 100 to a different location. Further, the “S” hooks include rounded ends to avoid gouging the baseball if the baseball contacts the ends of the “S” hook during use. Or for example, which may consist or a “J”, offset “J”, or “U” hook at the end of a flexible strap, where the other end of the strap is fixedly attached to the attachment point 202. For attachment, the strap would be inserted through a slot-shaped attachment area in the structure and the “J” or “U” hook removably attached to the attachment point 202. The straps would be set to an equal length upon initial assembly and left at that length permanently. The hook component of the hook-and-strap assembly will allow for adjustment of the pitching target 100 vertically. The adjustment mechanism 200 allows for the adjustment of the pitching target 100 vertically, which is adjustment of the strike zone vertically (as the size of the pitching target 100 is the size of the strike zone) to simulate strikes zones of players of different heights.

[0043] FIG. 4 represents use of the pitching target 100 when a strike is thrown. The pitch is identified as a strike via the two mechanisms of visualization (provided by the color of the pitching target 100) and sound (provided by the polycarbonate material of the pitching target 100). FIG. 4 also illustrates that the pitching target 100 may be used with or without a batter.

[0044] FIG. 5 represents use of the pitching target 100 when a ball is thrown. The pitch is identified as a ball via the two mechanism of visualization (provided by the color of the pitching target 100) and sound (provided by the polycarbonate material of the pitching target 100).

[0045] FIG. 6 is an exemplary example of instructional content of the pitching target. FIG. 6 is divided into three sheets to provide for readable text for the instructional content 108. Each sheet contains three of the nine equally spaced sections with the gridlines 106 separating the sections.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0032]A pitching target for use with regulation baseballs and having a vertically adjustable strike zone with at least two mechanisms for identifying balls or strikes is described. The body of pitching target is of a material to withstand the force of regulation baseballs thrown at up to 100 miles per hour (MPH). The vertically adjustable strike zone allows adjustment of the strike zone height to simulate batters of different height in a short (i.e. 5 seconds) amount of time. This adjustment is easily performed (i.e. performed by a single person) in a short amount of time. The pitching target may further include a third mechanism for identifying balls or strike and different types of pitches.

[0033]FIG. 1 represents the pitching target 100. The pitching target 100 includes a body 110 having a surface 102, attachment points 202, a grid pattern 106, and an adjustment mechanism 200. The pitching target 100 may include impact paper 300 as a third mechanism for identifying whether a pitch...

Claims

1. A pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target comprising:a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body comprising a surface; andan adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism comprisingan attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide; andan adjustment hook, the adjustment hook in removable attachment with the attachment point, wherein the adjustment hook provides removable attachment to the structure.

2. The pitching target of claim 1, further comprising:gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

3. The pitching target of claim 2, further comprising:instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

4. The pitching target of claim 1 further comprising:impact paper removably attached to the surface at the attachment point, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

5. The pitching target of claim 2, further comprising:impact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

6. The pitching target of claim 1, whereinthe width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), andthe height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

7. The pitching target of claim 1, whereinthe adjustment hook is an “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the attachment point.

8. The pitching target of claim 1, whereinthe adjustment hook is a hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

9. The pitching target of claim 1, whereinthe body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

10. A pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target comprising:a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color, the body comprising a surface; andan adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism comprisinga first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide;a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure;a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; anda second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

11. The pitching target of claim 10, further comprising:gridlines on the surface, wherein the gridlines provide for nine equally sized sections.

12. The pitching target of claim 11, further comprising:instructional content on the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections, the instructional content providing educational information on pitching.

13. The pitching target of claim 10 further comprising:impact paper removably attached to the surface at the first and second attachment points, where the impact paper covers the entirety of the surface.

14. The pitching target of claim 11, further comprisingimpact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

15. The pitching target of claim 10, whereinthe width of the body is 43.18 centimeters (17 inches), andthe height of the body is from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches).

16. The pitching target of claim 10, whereinthe first and second adjustment hooks are “S” hooks providing removable positive attachment to the first and second attachment points, respectively.

17. The pitching target of claim 10, whereinthe first and second adjustment hooks are hook-and-strap providing fixed attachment to the attachment point.

18. The pitching target of claim 10, whereinthe body is selected from the group consisting of white, red, blue, and clear with a distinguishing color border.

19. A pitching target having two mechanism for distinguishing a pitch that is a ball or a strike, the pitching target comprising:a body that is polycarbonate and a distinguishing color having a width of 43.18 centimeters (17 inches) and a height from 55.88 to 91.44 centimeters (22 to 36 inches), the body comprisinga surface, wherein the surface includes gridlines dividing the surface into nine equally spaced section, and wherein the surface includes instructional content providing educational information on pitching within one or more of the nine equally spaced sections; andan adjustment mechanism configured for removably attaching the pitching target to a structure, the adjustment mechanism comprisinga first attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the first attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide;a first adjustment hook, the first adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure;a second attachment point extending through the body of the pitching target, wherein the second attachment point is toward a top of the body of the pitching aide and is spaced apart from the first attachment point in the same horizontal line; anda second adjustment hook, the second adjustment hook in removable attachment with the first attachment point, wherein the first adjustment hooks provide removable attachment to the structure.

20. The pitching target of claim 19, further comprisingimpact paper removably attached to the surface in one or more of the nine equally sized sections.

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