Bat-and-Ball Sport Training Aid

Abstract

A bat-and-ball sport training aid configured to teach baseball and softball fielders proper techniques in fielding a batted ground ball that takes a bad hop. A training apparatus for a bat-and-ball sport comprises a multilayer mat, a plurality of sleeves, and a plurality of diverting inserts. The multilayer mat comprises an inner layer encapsulated by a top and bottom layer. The top layer has an outer surface constructed to simulate a playing surface for the bat-and-ball sport. The plurality of sleeves run through the inner layer and are configured to accept the plurality of diverting inserts. Each diverting insert is constructed to provide an obstacle that will change the direction of a ball in a difficult to anticipate direction after it impacts the insert.

Claims

1. A training apparatus comprising: a multilayer mat; a plurality of sleeves penetrating the multilayer mat crosswise; and a plurality of diverting inserts positional within the plurality of sleeves; and wherein each diverting insert deforms a portion of the multilayer mat in an upward direction.

2. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top layer of the multilayer comprises an outer surface configured to simulate a grassy surface.

3. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a top layer of the multilayer comprises an outer surface configured to simulate a dirt surface.

4. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom layer comprises a ground engaging surface for stabilizing the multilayer mat.

5. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom layer comprises a plurality of ground gripping elements for stabilizing the multilayer mat.

6. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein an inner layer of the multilayer mat is undulating.

7. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the multilayer mat is flat when the plurality of sleeves are empty.

8. The training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of diverting inserts extend through an entire crosswise length of the multilayer mat.

9. A training apparatus for a ball-and-bat sport comprising: a multilayer mat comprising an inner layer encapsulated by a top layer and a bottom layer; a plurality of sleeves penetrating the multilayer mat crosswise; and a plurality of diverting inserts positional within the plurality of sleeves; and wherein each diverting insert deforms a portion of the top layer of the multilayer mat in an upward direction to deflect a ball contacting the deformed portion.

10. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top layer is constructed of artificial turf.

11. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the inner layer is shock absorbing.

12. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bottom layer comprises a plurality of ground gripping spikes for stabilizing the multilayer mat.

13. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of diverting inserts are tubular in configuration.

14. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of diverting inserts are deformable.

15. The training apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of diverting inserts extend partially through an entire crosswise length of the multilayer mat.

16. The training apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a strap attachable to the bottom layer for retaining the training apparatus in a rolled configuration.

17. A training apparatus for a ball-and-bat sport comprising: a multilayer mat comprising an inner layer encapsulated by a top layer and a bottom layer; a plurality of sleeves penetrating the multilayer mat crosswise; a plurality of pockets penetrating the top layer and extending into the inner layer; and a plurality of diverting inserts positional within the plurality of sleeves and the plurality of pockets; and wherein each diverting insert deforms a portion of the top layer of the multilayer mat in an upward direction to deflect a ball contacting the deformed portion.

18. The training apparatus of claim 17, wherein the plurality of diverting pockets do not penetrate the multilayer mat crosswise.

19. The training apparatus of claim 17, wherein the multilayer mat is flat when the plurality of sleeves and the plurality of pockets are empty.

20. The training apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a connection component for connecting the training apparatus to a second training apparatus, wherein the plurality of diverting inserts comprise a plurality of sleeve inserts and a plurality of pocket inserts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of a multilayer mat of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the multilayer mat of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a bottom layer of the multilayer mat of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the multilayer mat of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up view of a diverting insert positioned within a sleeve of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 9A illustrates one embodiment of a plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 9B illustrates another embodiment of the plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 9C illustrates another embodiment of the plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0030] FIG. 9D illustrates another embodiment of the plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0031] FIG. 9E illustrates another embodiment of the plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport rolled up in a non-use configuration in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0034] FIG. 12A illustrates one embodiment of a plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0035] FIG. 12B illustrates another embodiment of the plurality of diverting elements for insertion within one of a plurality of sleeves of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of two of the training apparatus of the present invention for a ball-and-bat sport connected together in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0039] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a training aid for fielders participating in ball-and-bat sports, such as softball, baseball, cricket, and the like. The training aid is configured to simulate a scenario of a bad hop from a hit ground ball as illustrated in FIG. 1. The device is a mat with a plurality of long sleeves for receiving disfiguring inserts which deflect a ball to create an unpredictable bad hop when the ball is rolled across the mat. Multiple inserts may be used to create different types of bad hops. The mat may be used without any inserts for practice in fielding regular hops. The top of the mat may simulate a baseball field. The interior of the amt may be coiled to create somewhat of a buoyancy effect.

[0040] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1-9 illustrate a training apparatus 100 for a ball-and-bat sport. The training apparatus 100 is configured to train fielders how to manage a batted ball taking a bad or unpredictable hop as the ball contacts the ground. The training apparatus 100 comprises a multilayer mat 110 and a plurality of sleeves 150. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the multilayer mat 110 comprises a pair of sides 112, a front edge 114, and a back edge 116. The multilayer mat 110 is typically wider than longer, although a narrower multilayer mat 110 may be constructed to any dimension desired.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the multilayer mat 110 further comprises a top layer 120, an inner layer 140, and a bottom layer 130. The inner layer 140 is encapsulated by the top 120 and bottom layers 130. The top layer 120 comprises an outer surface 122 that forms a training surface for the user to field ground balls. The outer surface 122 may be manufactured to simulate the playing surfaces of a ball field. The outer surface 122 may be configured to simulate a grassy surface similar to the grassy area of an infield or outfield and may be constructed of an artificial turf. Alternatively, the outer surface 122 may be configured to simulate a dirt surface similar to an area around the bases in the infield or a combination of turf and dirt.

[0042] The bottom layer 130 comprises a ground engaging surface 132 configured to stabilize the multilayer mat 110 against the ground. The ground engaging surface 132 may be constructed of rubber or another material with a relatively high coefficient of friction to prevent the multilayer mat 110 from slipping when used. The bottom layer 130 may comprise a plurality of ground gripping elements 134 for further stabilizing the multilayer mat 110 against the ground. The plurality of ground gripping elements 134 may be ground engaging spikes, similar to soft spikes of cleats, that can keep the multilayer mat 110 from moving.

[0043] The inner layer 140 may comprise a cushioning element 142. The cushioning element 142 is configured in a shock absorbing construction. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cushioning element 142 may be undulating in construction. The undulating wave shape may create a dampening or deadening effect on a ball bounced against the multilayer mat 110. Alternatively, the cushioning element 142 may be a solid layer of less dense construction than the top 120 and bottom 130 layers or may be cellular or honeycombed.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the plurality of sleeves 150 penetrate the multilayer mat 110 crosswise. The plurality of sleeves 150 penetrate and transect the inner layer 140 across a width of the multilayer mat 110 between the pair of sides 112. The plurality of sleeves 150 are deformable. When empty, the plurality of sleeves 150 remain in a collapsed state so that the top layer 120 is relatively flat and undeformed when the multilayer mat 110 is placed against the ground as illustrated in FIG. 2. The plurality of sleeves 150 are elastically constructed to accept tubular shapes that are thicker than the multilayer mat 110.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 8-9E, the training apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of diverting inserts 170. The plurality of diverting inserts 170 are insertable into and positional within the plurality of sleeves 150. Each diverting insert 170 is generally tubular in construction and may be round or other geometric shapes, such as, but not limited to round, triangular, rhomboidal, trapezoidal, square, rectangular, or the like, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E. The diverting inserts 170 may be rigidly constructed, deformably constructed, or a combination thereof. For example, a deformable diverting insert could flatten when stepped on by a player so that they would not trip, but a rigid diverting insert could cause a more severe hop.

[0046] The diverting inserts 170 are sleeve inserts 172 that are sized in length to either partially or completely extend across an entire crosswise length of the multilayer mat 110. Once inserted into a sleeve 150, the diverting insert 170 deforms an adjacent portion of the top layer 120 of the multilayer mat 110. The deformation creates a bump or hump in an upward direction in the top surface 120 that can deflect a ball that encounters and contacts the deformation as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the training apparatus 100 may further comprise a plurality of handles 190. The plurality of handles 190 may be attached to the multilayer mat 110 anywhere around the pair of sides 112, the front edge 114, or the back edge 116. The plurality of handles 190 are used to move the training apparatus 100 when positioned on the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the training apparatus 100 may further comprise a strap 192. The strap 190 is attachable to the bottom layer 130 and is usable to retain the training apparatus 100 in a rolled configuration for transport and compact storage.

[0048] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises training apparatus 200 for a ball-and-bat sport. The training apparatus 200 comprises a multilayer mat 210, a plurality of sleeves 250, and plurality of pockets 260. The multilayer mat 210 comprises a pair of sides 212, a front edge 214, and a back edge 216. The multilayer mat 210 is typically wider than longer, although a narrower multilayer mat 210 may be constructed to any dimension desired.

[0049] The multilayer mat 210 further comprises a top layer 220, an inner layer 240, and a bottom layer 230. The inner layer 240 is encapsulated by the top 220 and bottom layers 230. The top layer 220 comprises an outer surface 222 that forms a training surface for the user to field ground balls. The outer surface 222 may be manufactured to simulate the playing surfaces of a ball field, such as a grassy surface similar to the grassy area of an infield or outfield, a dirt surface similar to an area around the bases in the infield or a combination of turf and dirt.

[0050] The bottom layer 230 comprises a ground engaging surface (similar to 132) configured to stabilize the multilayer mat 210 against the ground. The ground engaging surface may be constructed of rubber or another material with a relatively high coefficient of friction to prevent the multilayer mat 210 from slipping when used. The bottom layer 230 may comprise a plurality of ground gripping elements (similar to 134) for further stabilizing the multilayer mat 210 against the ground. The plurality of ground gripping elements may be ground engaging spikes, similar to soft spikes of cleats, that can keep the multilayer mat 210 from moving.

[0051] The inner layer 240 may comprise a cushioning element 242. The cushioning element 242 is configured in a shock absorbing construction. The cushioning element 242 may be undulating in construction. The undulating wave shape may create a dampening or deadening effect on a ball bounced against the multilayer mat 210. Alternatively, the cushioning element 242 may be a solid layer of less dense construction than the top 220 and bottom 230 layers or may be cellular or honeycombed.

[0052] The plurality of sleeves 250 penetrate the multilayer mat 210 crosswise. The plurality of sleeves 250 penetrate and transect the inner layer 240 across a width of the multilayer mat 210 between the pair of sides 212. The plurality of sleeves 250 are deformable. When empty, the plurality of sleeves 250 remain in a collapsed state so that the top layer 220 is relatively flat and undeformed when the multilayer mat 210 is placed against the ground. The plurality of sleeves 250 are elastically constructed to accept tubular shapes that are thicker than the multilayer mat 210.

[0053] The plurality of pockets 260 penetrate the top layer 220 and extend into the inner layer 240. The plurality of pockets 260 may be located anywhere along the top layer 220, but do not completely penetrate the multilayer mat 210 crosswise like the sleeves 250. Each pocket 220 is deformable and remains in a collapsed state when empty so that the top layer 220 is relatively flat and undeformed when the multilayer mat 220 is placed against the ground. The plurality of pockets 220 are elastically constructed to accept deforming inserts that are thicker than the multilayer mat 210. Each pocket 260 comprises a flap 262. The flap 262 is constructed of the same material as the top layer 220. Each pocket 260 may further comprise a securing element 264. The securing element 264 may be buttons, snaps, mechanical fasteners. Fook and loop fasteners, or the like, and is used to keep the flap 262 in place.

[0054] The training apparatus 200 further comprises a plurality of diverting inserts 270. The plurality of diverting inserts 270 comprise a plurality of sleeve inserts 272 and a plurality of pocket inserts 274. The plurality of diverting inserts 270 are insertable into the plurality of sleeves 250 and the plurality of pockets 260. Each sleeve insert 272 is generally tubular in construction and may be round or other geometric shapes as discussed supra. The sleeve inserts 272 are sized to partially or completely extend through the sleeves 250 to deform an adjacent portion of the top layer 220 of the multilayer mat 210.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, each pocket insert 274 may be of any shape in configuration but are generally shorter than the sleeve inserts 272. The plurality of pocket inserts 274 are sized to fit within the plurality of pockets 260 and to deform an adjacent portion of the top layer 220 of the multilayer mat 210. The deformations created by the plurality of diverting inserts 270 create upward bumps or humps in the top surface 220 that can deflect a ball that encounters the deformations to create an unpredictable deflection of the ball on impact.

[0056] The training apparatus 200 may further comprise a plurality of handles (similar to 190). The plurality of handles may be attached to the multilayer mat 210 anywhere around the pair of sides 212, the front edge 214, or the back edge 216. The training apparatus 200 may further comprise a strap (similar to 192). The strap is attachable to the bottom layer 230 and is usable to retain the training apparatus 200 in a rolled configuration for transport and compact storage. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the training apparatus 200 may further comprise a connection component 280. The connection component 280 may be a fastening system configured to connect the training apparatus 200 to a second training apparatus 200 to increase the overall training surface area for the user.

[0057] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the training apparatuses 100 and 200 can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the training apparatuses 100 and 200 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the training apparatuses 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the training apparatuses 100 and 200 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the training apparatuses 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the training apparatuses 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to the use in which the training apparatuses 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

[0058] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.