Pitching Screen Assembly

Abstract

A pitching screen assembly adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration including: a first ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; a second ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; a frame sub-assembly having an internal aperture contained therein; a protective screen, wherein the protective screen covers at least a portion of the internal aperture of the frame sub-assembly; wherein the frame sub-assembly is associated with the first ground-engaging support member and the second ground-engaging support member; and wherein the frame sub-assembly is rotatably displaceable along a first axis (X) that is generally orthogonal to the length of the first ground-engaging support member and the length of the second ground-engaging support member.

Claims

1. A pitching screen assembly adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, comprising: a first ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween, and wherein a first securement bracket is positioned proximate the midpoint of the first ground-engaging support member; a second ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween, and wherein a second securement bracket is positioned proximate the midpoint of the second ground-engaging support member; a frame sub-assembly having an internal aperture contained therein, wherein the frame sub-assembly includes a left frame member having a lower end hingedly associated with the midpoint of the first securement bracket and a right frame member having a lower end hingedly associated with the midpoint of the second securement bracket, and wherein the frame sub-assembly comprises a handle member; a protective screen, wherein the protective screen covers at least a portion of the internal aperture of the frame sub-assembly; and a strike pad associated with the protective screen, wherein the strike pad is substantially transparent and facilitates rapid deployment from a deployed configuration to a non-deployed configuration.

2. A pitching screen assembly adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, comprising: a first ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; a second ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; a frame sub-assembly having an internal aperture contained therein; a protective screen, wherein the protective screen covers at least a portion of the internal aperture of the frame sub-assembly; wherein the frame sub-assembly is hingedly associated with the midpoint of the first ground-engaging support member and hingedly associated with the midpoint of the second ground-engaging support member; wherein the frame sub-assembly is rotatably displaceable along a first axis (X) that is generally orthogonal to the length of the first ground-engaging support member and the length of the second ground-engaging support member; and a strike pad associated with the protective screen, wherein the strike pad facilitates rapid deployment from a deployed configuration to a non-deployed configuration.

3. (canceled)

4. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the strike pad is substantially transparent.

5. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the frame sub-assembly further comprises a handle member.

6. (canceled)

7. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 4, wherein the frame sub-assembly further comprises a handle member.

8-10. (canceled)

11. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the first ground-engaging support member each comprise an aperture for receiving a securement stake.

12. (canceled)

13. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first end and the second end of the first ground-engaging support member each comprise an aperture for receiving a securement stake.

14. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first end and the second end of the first ground-engaging support member and the first end and the second end of the second ground-engaging support member each comprise a pair of apertures for receiving a generally U-shaped securement stake.

15. (canceled)

16. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first end and the second end of the first ground-engaging support member and the first end and the second end of the second ground-engaging support member each comprise a pair of apertures for receiving a generally U-shaped securement stake.

17. A pitching screen assembly adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, comprising: a first ground-engaging support member having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; a frame sub-assembly having an internal aperture contained therein; a protective screen, wherein the protective screen covers at least a portion of the internal aperture of the frame sub-assembly; wherein the frame sub-assembly is hingedly associated with the first ground-engaging support member; wherein the frame sub-assembly is rotatably displaceable along a first axis (X) that is generally orthogonal to the length of the first ground-engaging support member; and a strike pad associated with the protective screen, wherein the strike pad facilitates rapid deployment from a deployed configuration to a non-deployed configuration.

18. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a remote control sub-assembly which comprises a housing, an actuating mechanism, an energy source, a receiver, and a transmitter.

19. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 18, further comprising an inertia charger.

20. The pitching screen assembly according to claim 19, further comprising a rectifier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a pitching screen assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2A of the drawings is a side-elevation view illustrating a pitching screen assembly in a deployed position in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2B of the drawings is a side-elevation view illustrating a pitching screen assembly non-deployed position in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 of the drawings is a fragmented isometric view illustrating a ground-engaging support member and a securement stake in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 4 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating an ambidextrous pitching screen assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 of the drawings is a fragmented cross-sectional view illustrating left and right frame members of a frame sub-assembly positioned in securement brackets associated with ground engaging support members;

[0036] FIG. 6 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a securement bracket of a pitching screen assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 of the drawings is an isometric view illustrating a pitching screen assembly in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 8A of the drawings is a side-elevation view illustrating a pitching screen assembly in a deployed position in accordance with the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 8B of the drawings is a side-elevation view illustrating a pitching screen assembly in a non-deployed position in accordance with the present invention; and

[0040] FIG. 9 of the drawings is a schematic illustration of a pitching screen assembly in accordance with the present invention having a remote control sub-assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, one or more specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0042] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, are identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0043] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B in particular, pitching screen assembly 10 is shown which is adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration (FIG. 2A) and a non-deployed configuration (FIG. 2B) by simply contacting the pitching screen assembly with sufficient force (e.g., pushing or striking the pitching screen assembly with a glove). In the deployed configuration (e.g., when a pitcher is pitching a ball), pitching screen assembly 10 protects a pitcher from batted balls (e.g., line drives), and, in turn, skull fractures, closed-head injuries, throwing arm injuries, as well as injuries to the remainder of the pitcher's body. In the non-deployed configuration (e.g., after the batter has made contact with a pitched ball), pitching screen assembly 10 does not block the primary throwing lane to home plate and/or substantially interfere with normal game play, thereby rendering the pitching screen assembly suitable for practice and/or game play at virtually all levels of baseball.

[0044] For purposes of the present disclosure, pitching screen assembly 10 generally comprises first ground-engaging support member 12, second ground-engaging support member 14, frame sub-assembly, 16, and protective screen 18.

[0045] As is best shown in FIG. 1, first ground-engaging support member 12 preferably includes first end 20, second end 22, and midpoint 24 and second ground-engaging support member 14 preferably includes first end 26, second end 28, and midpoint 30.

[0046] As is best shown in FIG. 3, first ground-engaging support member 12 preferably includes apertures 32 for securing pitching screen assembly 10 to the ground via a stake, such securement stake 34 (e.g., U-shaped, right-angled U-shaped (See FIG. 3)). It will be understood that second ground-engaging support member 14 also preferably includes apertures 32 for securement to the ground via securement stake 34.

[0047] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, first ground-engaging support member 12 and second ground-engaging support member 14 may each comprise a unitary support member, or, alternatively comprise a plurality of support members, such as two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, five-piece, etcetera, support members. First and second ground-engaging support members 12 and 14, respectively, may be fabricated from natural and/or synthetic resins, plastics, woods, metals, composites, and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first ground-engaging support member 12 and second ground-engaging support member 14 comprise tubular metal (e.g., tubular aluminum) and/or tubular plastic (e.g., tubular polyvinyl chloride (PVC)).

[0048] Referring once again to FIG. 1, and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, frame sub-assembly 16 includes internal aperture 36 defined by base frame member 38, left frame member 40, upper frame member 42, and right frame member 44. In this embodiment: base frame member 38 includes left end 46, right end 48, and midpoint 50; left frame member 40 includes lower end 52, upper end 54, and midpoint 56; upper frame member 42 includes left end 58, right end 60, and midpoint 62; and right frame member 44 includes lower end 64, upper end 66, and midpoint 68. In one embodiment, upper frame member 42 and right frame member 44 collectively form a step region 70 in frame sub-assembly 16 to accommodate the pitcher's throwing motion. It will be understood that pitching screen assembly 10 is adapted for use by both left- and right-handed pitchers by simply rotating the pitching screen assembly 180 degrees.

[0049] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, frame sub-assembly 16 preferably comprises a unitary frame member, or, alternatively comprises a plurality of frame members, such as two-piece, three-piece, four-piece, five-piece, six-piece, etcetera. Frame sub-assembly 16 is preferably fabricated from natural and/or synthetic resins, plastics, woods, metals, composites, and/or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and similarly to first ground-engaging support member 12 and second ground-engaging support member 14, frame sub-assembly 16 comprises tubular metal (e.g., tubular aluminum) and/or tubular plastic (e.g., tubular polyvinyl chloride (PVC)).

[0050] While frame sub-assembly 16 has been shown as comprising one outer peripheral geometry it will be understood that other peripheral geometries (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, polygonal, etcetera) and design configurations are likewise contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention—including ambidextrous configurations (See FIG. 4).

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, securement bracket 72 is associated with and/or integrated into first and second-ground engaging support members 12 and 14, respectively. Lower end 52 of left frame member 40 is releasably secured to securement bracket 72 via friction fit of tab 74 in slot 76, and lower end 64 of right frame member 44 is releasably secured to securement bracket 72 via friction fit of tab 74 in slot 76. Left frame member 40 and right frame member 44 are releasably locked in the upright or deployed configuration via protrusions/detents 78. It will be understood that left frame member 40 and right frame member 44 are readily releasable upon contact with the pitching screen assembly with sufficient force (e.g., pushing or striking the pitching screen assembly with a glove). In this embodiment, frame sub-assembly 16 is rotatably displaceable along a first axis (X) (See FIG. 1) that is generally orthogonal to the length of first ground-engaging support member 12 and the length of second ground-engaging support member 14. It will be further understood that left frame member 40 and right frame member 44, and in turn, frame sub-assembly 16 can be readily returned to the deployed configuration by simply pulling the same into an upright position.

[0052] Referring now once again to FIG. 1, deflection material and/or protective screen 18 covers at least a portion of internal aperture 36 of frame sub-assembly 16. Protective screen 18 may comprise a net having apertures sufficiently small to deflect batted balls. In a preferred embodiment, the net is fabricated from any one of a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, metal strands, cotton fiber, Gore-Tex®, or the like, separately or in various combinations or permutations. The net made from these various materials, and others, can also be coated with a layer of a second material, such as vinyl, latex, and/or rubber. Preferably, the net comprises apertures from approximately 0.25 millimeter to approximately 50 millimeters—depending on the pitching application. The apertures preferably comprise any one of a number of various geometries, such as square, rectangular, hexagonal, diamond, polygonal, or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the deflection material or protective screen may comprise a mesh, a web, plastic sheeting, a woven sheeting, or the like.

[0053] As is best shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, protective screen 18 preferably includes strike pad 80. Strike pad 80 facilitates rapid displacement from the deployed configuration to the non-deployed configuration—especially when protective screen 18 is fabricated from a flexible or semi-flexible and/or elastomeric netting material. Strike pad 80 preferably comprises a substantially transparent and/or colorless plastic substrate having sufficient rigidity so that the pitcher can strike a generally non-elastic region of protective screen 18.

[0054] As is further shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, frame sub-assembly 16 preferably comprises one or more handle members 82 which facilitate displacement of pitching screen assembly 10 from the non-deployed configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B, and in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, pitching screen assembly 10 includes frame sub-assembly 16 that comprises left frame member 40 having upper end 54 and lower end 52 and right frame member 44 having upper end 66 and lower end 64, and wherein upper end 54 of left frame member 40 is hingedly connected, via releasably lockable hinge 84, to lower end 52 of left frame member 40 and upper end 66 of right frame member 44 is hingedly connected, via releasably lockable hinge 84, to lower end 64 of right frame member 44. In this embodiment, pitching screen assembly 10 is readily converted between a deployed configuration (FIG. 8A) and a non-deployed and folded configuration (FIG. 8B).

[0056] In operation, a pitcher starts with the pitching screen assembly in the generally upright, deployed configuration. Next, the pitcher throws a ball to a batter. If the batter hits the ball and puts the ball into play, then the pitcher can push or strike the pitching screen assembly into the generally lowered, non-deployed configuration so that the pitching screen assembly does not block the primary throwing lane to home plate and/or substantially interfere with normal game play. After the ball is returned to the pitcher, the pitching screen assembly can be rapidly returned to the deployed configuration.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 9, pitching screen assembly 100 is shown which is adapted to be readily converted between a deployed configuration (e.g., FIG. 2A) and a non-deployed configuration (e.g., FIG. 2B) via a remote control sub-assembly. The remote control sub-assembly enables, for example, a player, an umpire, a coach, a parent, and/or a volunteer to remotely actuate the pitching screen assembly between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, and, in certain embodiments, vice versa. Pitching screen assembly 100 is schematically shown in FIG. 9 as generally comprising: first ground-engaging support member 102 having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; second ground-engaging support member 104 having a first end, a second end, and a midpoint, wherein the first end and the second end define a length therebetween; frame sub-assembly 106 having an internal aperture contained therein; protective screen 108, wherein the protective screen covers at least a portion of the internal aperture of the frame sub-assembly; and remote control sub-assembly 110 which preferably includes housing 112, actuating mechanism 114, energy source 116, receiver 118, and transmitter 120. It will be understood that the remote control sub-assembly may also include one or more inertia chargers and/or rectifiers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,952,477 entitled “Door Lock Assembly;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,794,783 entitled “Flat Rotary Electric Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,297 entitled “Electrical machine;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,507 entitled “Electric Power Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,279, entitled “DC Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,186 entitled “Linear Motion Electric Power Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,734 entitled “Dual Rotary AC Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,827 entitled “Linear Reciprocating Electrical Generator;” U.S. Pat. No. 4,385,246 entitled “Apparatus for Producing Electrical Energy,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,508 entitled “DC Motor;” and U.S. Pat. No. 3,673,444 entitled “Rotary Electric Machine”—all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all references cited therein.

[0058] Housing 112 preferably comprises, for example, a first wall and a second wall spaced apart from one another to define a cavity, or may also comprise first and second walls spaced apart from one another, as well as third and fourth walls spaced apart from one another such that the walls form a square, rectangular or other polygonal cavity for at least partially containing and/or retaining, for example, an actuating mechanism, an energy source, a receiver, and optionally one or more inertia chargers—among other components. For purposes of the present disclosure, housing 112 is preferably fabricated from natural and/or synthetic resins, plastics, metals, wood, etcetera. However, any one of a number of materials that would be known to those having ordinary skill in the art with the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use. Housing 112 may also be advantageously manufactured from a waterproof material, thereby protecting the contents of the housing from the elements, or other outside contaminates.

[0059] Actuating mechanism 114 preferably comprises, for example, a displaceable bolt and/or plate driven by a motor, a displaceable bolt and/or plate driven by a solenoid, a sprocket, a gear, as well as other actuating means. Actuating mechanism 114 is preferably contained within the internal chamber of housing 110 and provides the means for facilitating displacement of the pitching screen assembly between a deployed position (e.g., when a pitcher is pitching a ball) and a non-deployed position (e.g., after the batter has made contact with a pitched ball), and vice versa.

[0060] Energy source 116 preferably comprises, a power source, such as, for example, a primary and/or secondary electrochemical cell (e.g., NiCad, NIMH, Li-ion, etcetera), or any other self-contained energy source known to those with ordinary skill in the art. It is also contemplated that energy source 116 comprises a connection to an outside AC source (i.e., city power supply, generator, etcetera). However, for typical outdoor applications of pitching screen assembly 100, it is preferred that energy source 116 comprise a self-contained power source. Energy source 116 is preferably contained within the internal chamber of housing 110 and provides energy to actuating mechanism 114 and/or receiver 118.

[0061] Receiver 118 preferably comprises, a traditional receiver that operates on any one of a number of radio frequencies, including, but not limited to, those used for remote operation of a garage door. It will be understood that receiver 118 may optionally comprise a roaming code. Receiver 118 is preferably contained within the internal chamber of housing 110 and is in mechanical, electrical, and/or radio frequency communication with actuating mechanism 114, energy source 116, and transmitter 120.

[0062] Transmitter 120 preferably comprises, a traditional transmitter that operates on any one of a number of radio frequencies, including, but not limited to, those used for remote operation of a garage door. Transmitter 120 comprises a hand held transmitter that is communication with receiver 118.

[0063] In this particular embodiment of the present invention, in operation a pitcher starts with the pitching screen assembly in the generally upright, deployed configuration. Next, the pitcher throws a ball to a batter. If the batter hits the ball and puts the ball into play, then a player, an umpire, a coach, a parent, and/or a volunteer activates the transmitter that sends a signal to the receiver which, in turn, activates the actuating mechanism to remotely actuate the pitching screen assembly from the deployed configuration to the non-deployed configuration so that the pitching screen assembly does not block the primary throwing lane to home plate and/or substantially interfere with normal game play. After the ball is returned to the pitcher, the pitching screen assembly can be rapidly returned to the deployed configuration via manual displacement and/or by remote displacement via the transmitter.

[0064] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.