PORTABLE BASEBALL PITCHING MOUND FOR TRAINING

Abstract

A device (10) includes a top portion (14); side portions (28, 28′) extending from the top portion, the side portions and the top portion forming a hollow area (46); and a bottom portion (48) comprising a bottom surface (34, 34′) of each of the side portions, each bottom surface being covered with an anti-slip member (44, 44′).

Claims

1. A device (10), comprising: a top portion (14); side portions (28, 28′) extending from the top portion, the side portions and the top portion forming a hollow area (46); and a bottom portion (48) comprising a bottom surface (34, 34′) of each of the side portions, each bottom surface being covered with an anti-slip member (44, 44′).

2. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the anti-slip members (44, 44′) comprise a rubber material.

3. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the anti-slip members (44, 44′) comprise Styrene-Butadiene Rubber.

4. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the anti-slip members (44, 44′) each have a coefficient of friction of less than 1.0.

5. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the side portions (28, 28′) comprise two side portions that both include a plurality of side sections (27, 29, 31, 33, 35); wherein a selected one of the side sections (33) is configured to absorb a force generated by a user of the device.

6. The device (10) of claim 1, having a weight between approximately 15 pounds and approximately 20 pounds.

7. The device (10) of claim 1, having a weight of approximately 18.2 pounds.

8. The device (10) of claim 1, having a length of approximately 38 inches, a width of approximately 18 inches, and a height of approximately 5.5 inches.

9. The device (10) of claim 1, having a length of approximately 40 inches, a width of approximately 18 inches, and a height of approximately 5.5 inches.

10. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein the top portion (14) and the side portions (28, 28′) comprise wood.

11. The device (10) of claim 1, wherein one of the side portions (28) includes a gripping mechanism (36) configured to allow a user to carry the device.

12. The device (10) of claim 1, further including a ring (38) secured to one of the side portions (30) to receive an associated measuring device (40).

13. The device (10) of claim 12, further including a measuring device (40) securable to the ring (38).

14. The device (10) of claim 1, further including a closing device (50) configured to enclose the hollow area (46).

15. The device (10) of claim 14, wherein the closing device (50) is free from engagement with a surface on which the bottom portion (48) contacts.

16. The device (10) of claim 14, wherein the side portions (28, 28′) each include a slot portion (54) sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the closing device (50).

17. The device (10) of claim 14, wherein, when the closing device (50) encloses the hollow area (46), the hollow area has an area sized and dimensioned to hold one or more associated articles.

18. The device (10) of claim 14, wherein the closing device (50) includes a locking mechanism (58) configured to engage with a portion of one of the side portions (28, 28′).

19. A portable pitching mound (10), comprising: a top portion (14); a pair of side portions (28, 28′) extending from the top portion, the side portions and the top portion forming a hollow area (46); and a bottom portion (48) comprising a bottom surface (34, 34′) of the side portions, each bottom surface being covered with an anti-slip member (44, 44′) comprising a rubber material having a coefficient of friction of less than 1.0.

20. A portable pitching mound (10), comprising: a top portion (14); two side portions (28, 28′) extending from the top portion, the two side portions and the top portion forming a hollow area (46), wherein both of the side portions include a plurality of side sections, and a selected one of the side sections is configured to absorb a force generated by a user of the device; and a bottom portion (48) comprising a bottom surface (34, 34′) of the side portions, each bottom surface being covered with an anti-slip member (44, 44′) comprising Styrene-Butadiene Rubber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The disclosure may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows side portions of the device of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows another bottom view of the device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As used herein, any dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, weight, and so forth) are approximate, and are merely illustrative examples. Any suitable dimensions can be included or used.

[0023] As used herein, any material (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, and so forth) can be considered a suitable material and are merely illustrative examples. Any suitable material can be included or used, unless otherwise prohibited in the foregoing.

[0024] As used herein, any discussion of fastening one component to each other can include any suitable examples (e.g., nails, screws, adhesives such as glues, or any other suitable mechanism) unless specifically prohibited in the foregoing.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, a device 10 for use in pitching a baseball or a softball is shown. The device 10 comprises a pitching mound, in particular a portable pitching mound. In other words, the portable pitching mound 10 is configured to be carried, and can be easily transported. For example, the mound 10 can weigh from approximately 15 pounds (6.804 kilograms or kg) to approximately 20 pounds (9.072 kg), and can preferably weigh approximately 18.2 pounds (8.255 kg). In another example, the mound 10 can have a width of approximately 18 inches (45.72 cm) and a length of approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm), and have a generally height of approximately 5.5 inches (13.97 cm). In some examples, the length of the mound 10 can also range from approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm) to approximately 40 inches (101.60 cm). As shown in FIG. 1, the mound 10 can have a generally quadrilateral cross-sectional shape; although the mound 10 can have any suitable shape or cross-sectional shape.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the mound 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the mound 10 includes a main mound body 12. The main mound body 12 can have a width of approximately 18 inches (45.72 cm) and a length of approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm), and have a general height of approximately 5.5 inches (13.97 cm). In some examples, the length of the main mound body 12 can also range from approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm) to approximately 40 inches (101.60 cm). The main mound body 12 includes a top portion 14 comprising a top surface of the main mound body 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the top portion 14 includes four sections (although any suitable number of sections can be used): a first top section 16, a second top section 18, a third top section 20, and a fourth top section 22. The first top section 16 is connected at a first end 11 thereof to a first end 15 of the second top section 18, and at a second end 13 thereof to a bottom portion (not shown in FIG. 2) of the main mound body 12. The second top section 18 is connected at a second end 17 thereof to a first end 19 of the third top section 20. The third top section 20 is connected at a second end 21 thereof to a first end 23 of the fourth top section 22. The fourth top section 22 is connected at a second end 25 thereof to a bottom portion (again, not shown in FIG. 2) of the main mound body 12.

[0027] Each of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 can have a width of approximately 18 inches (45.72 cm), which correspond generally to the overall width of the mound 10. The first top section 16, for example, can have a length of approximately 6.0 inches (15.24 cm). The second top section 18, for example, can have a length of approximately 16.0 inches (40.64 cm). The third top section 20, for example, can have a length of approximately 10.25 inches (26.04 cm). The fourth top section 22, for example, can have a length of approximately 7.0 inches (17.78 cm). It will be appreciated that the sum of the lengths of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 equals approximately 39.25 inches (99.70 cm), which is greater than the example total length of the main mound body (e.g., 38 inches (96.52 cm)). This is due to the ramped configuration of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to a surface (i.e., a floor or the ground of the Earth) that the mound 10 is placed on.

[0028] The first top section 16, the second top section 18, the third top section 20, and the fourth top section 22 can each be made from any suitable material (e.g., wood, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, suitable metals such as aluminum or steel, and so forth). In a particular example, the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 can be made from 0.75 inch (1.91 cm) plywood. A pitching rubber 24 can be attached to a top surface of the third top section 20. The term “pitching rubber” is known in baseball or softball to be a strip of material where a pitcher usually stands on a pitching mound. The pitching rubber 24 can be made of rubber, or any other suitable material (e.g., wood, plastic, fiberglass, suitable metals such as aluminum or steel, and so forth). The pitching rubber 24 can have a width of approximately 14 inches (35.56 cm) and a length of approximately 4.0 inches (10.16 cm), and have a general height of approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a first side portion 28 of the main mound body 12. The first side portion 28 has a first side portion body 30 with a generally-oblong shape. The first side portion body 30 can each be made from any suitable material (e.g., wood, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, suitable metals such as aluminum or steel, and so forth). Advantageously, the first side portion body 30 can be made from the same material as each of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14 (e.g., the first side portion body 30 and the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 can all be made from wood). The first side portion body 30 can be made from an approximately 2 inch by 6 inch (5.08 cm by 15.24 cm) piece of wood. (e.g., a 2′×6′ having a thickness of approximately 2 inches and a width of approximately 6 inches, as understood by one of skill in the art. One of skill in the art also understands that a 2′×6′ piece of lumbar wood is a nominal size of the wood, and the actual size of the lumbar is approximately 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) by approximately 3.5 inches (7.62 cm)). The first side portion body 30 can have a general thickness of approximately 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), and be cut into desired dimensions for attachment to the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22, as described herein. Once cut, the first side portion body 30 can have a length of approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm), and have a general height of approximately 5.5 inches (13.97 cm), corresponding to the overall dimensions of the main mound body 12.

[0030] The first side portion body 30 can have a top surface 32 and a bottom surface 34. The top surface 32 is configured to abut a bottom surface (not shown) of each of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14 shown in FIG. 2. That is, the first side portion 28 can be attached to each of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14 via the top surface 32 of the first side portion body 30. The top surface 32 of the first side portion body 30 has a general arc shape corresponding to the arc shape of the top portion 14 (i.e., when the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 are assembled). As shown in FIG. 3, the top surface 32 of the first side portion body 30 has five side sections 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 (although any suitable number of sections can be included).

[0031] Each of these five side sections 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 is set at an angle to each other and to a surface (i.e., the ground, a floor, or the Earth) on which the mound 10 is placed. For example, the third side section 31 (upon which the third top section 20 will be installed) is substantially parallel to the ground, and thus the third side section 31 has an angle of approximately 0° (0 radians or “rads”) relative to the ground. A transition between the first side section 27 and a first end 37 of the bottom surface 34 of the first side portion body 30 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.1) of approximately 40° (0.698 rad). A transition point between the first side section 27 and the second side section 29 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.2) of approximately 146° (2.548 rad). A transition point between the second side section 29 and the third side section 31 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.3) of approximately 175° (3.054 rad). A transition point between the third side section 31 and the fourth side section 33 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.4) of approximately 157° (2.740 rad). A transition point between the fourth side section 33 and the fifth side section 35 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.5) of approximately 146° (2.548 rad). A transition point between the fifth side section 35 and a second end 39 of the bottom surface 34 of the first side portion body 30 has an angle (designated as θ.sub.6) of approximately 90° (1.571 rad). In other words, the angle θ.sub.6 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular.

[0032] FIG. 3 also shows a gripping mechanism 36 disposed on a portion of the first side portion body 30. The gripping mechanism 36 is configured to allow a user to grasp, hold, or grip the gripping mechanism 36 to allow for manual carrying of the mound 10. Advantageously, the gripping mechanism 36 adds to the portability of the mound 10. In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the gripping mechanism 36 can comprise an opening formed into the first side portion body 30. Such an opening can have, for example, a length of approximately 5.0 inches (12.70 cm) and a width of approximately 2.0 inches (5.08 cm). In another example, the gripping mechanism 36 can comprise a handle or strap affixed to the first side portion body 30. In a further example, the gripping mechanism 36 can comprise an indented grip.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, a second side portion 28′ is also included and can be a “mirror-image” of the first side portion 28, except as described below. For example, the second side portion 28′ may not include a gripping mechanism 36. In addition, a second side portion body 30′ of the second side portion 28′ can be made from different material than the first side portion body 30 of the first side portion 28.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the mound 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14 are affixed to the first side portion 28 and the second side portion 28′ (which is not shown in FIG. 4, due to the view of the mound 10; it will be appreciated that, as shown in FIG. 4, the second side portion 28′ is “behind” the first side portion 28). Once the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 are affixed to the first side portion 28 and the second side portion 28′, the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14 can be disposed at angles relative to each other (as shown in FIG. 3) corresponding to the side sections 27, 29, 31, 33, 35 of the first side portion 28 (and the second side portion 28′) on which they are disposed. For example, the first top section 16 is disposed on top of the first side section 27, and thus is disposed at the angle θ.sub.1 relative to the bottom surface 34 of the side portions 28, 28′. In another example, the second top section 18 is disposed on top of the second side section 29, and thus is disposed at the angles θ.sub.2 and θ.sub.3. In another example, the third top section 20 is disposed on top of the third side section 31, and thus is disposed at the angles θ.sub.3 and θ.sub.4. As shown in FIG. 4, the fourth top section 22 comprises a first section 22′ disposed on the fourth side section 33 (and thus disposed at the angles θ.sub.4 and θ.sub.5), and a second section 22″ disposed on the fifth side section 35 (and thus disposed at the angles θ.sub.5 and θ.sub.6).

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the first section 22′ of the fourth top section 22 and the fourth side section 33 (FIG. 3) of the first side portion body 30 of the first side portion 28 (along with the corresponding side section on the second side portion body 30′ of the second side portion 28′) can be set at the angle θ.sub.4 in order to provide an angle of force and a base of friction that provides stability for the mound 10. That is, the first section 22′ of the fourth top section 22 can absorb a force generated by a user of the mound 10, such as when the user steps on the mound 10 to throw a ball. In one example, when the length of the side portions 28, 28′ comprises approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm), then the angle θ.sub.4 can be approximately 146° (2.548 rad). In another example, when the length of the side portions 28, 28′ comprises approximately 40 inches (101.60 cm), then the angle θ.sub.4 can be approximately 148° (2.583 rad). Any other suitable dimensions may be used.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a measurement apparatus 38 can be affixed to a portion of the main mound body 12. For example, the measurement apparatus 38 can be affixed to a portion of the first end portion 16, such as near the second end 13 thereof adjacent the first end 37 of the first side portion 28 (and the corresponding intersection of the first end portion 16 with the second side portion 28′). As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement apparatus 38 can include a ring 40, although any other mechanism is possible (e.g., a clip, a screw, a nail, and so forth). A measuring device 42 (i.e., a tape measure or ruler) can be attached to the ring 40. The measuring device 42 can have any suitable length to allow proper positioning of the mound 10 relative to a fixed point (e.g., “home plate” as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art). For example, the measuring device 42 can have a length of approximately 60′6″ (18.440 m), thereby allowing a user to know that the mound 10 is properly positioned for baseball. In another example, the measuring device 42 can have a length of approximately 43′ (13.106 m), thereby allowing a user to know that the mound 10 is properly positioned for softball. Thus, the measurement apparatus 38 allows the user to position the mound 10 at any desired location to allow for optimum training.

[0037] With continuing reference to FIG. 4, and now with reference to FIG. 5, the first side portion 28 includes a first anti-slip member 44 disposed on the bottom surface 34 of the first side portion body 30 of the first side portion 28. A second anti-slip member 44′ is disposed on the bottom surface 34′ of the second side portion body 30′ of the second side portion 28′. The anti-slip members 44, 44′ advantageously prevent movement or slippage of the mound 10 during use, thereby providing a stability for a pitcher using the mound 10 and preventing injury to the pitcher. As best shown in FIG. 5, the anti-slip members 44, 44′ can comprise strips made from a rubber material. In a particular example, the anti-slip members 44, 44′ can comprise strips made from Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), which is known in the art has having a high coefficient of friction (e.g., a coefficient of friction of 0.9 against asphalt and a coefficient of friction of 0.6 against concrete). That is, the anti-slip members 44, 44′ can comprise a material having a coefficient of friction of less than 1.0. Advantageously, the SBR material of the anti-slip members 44, 44′ prevents the mound 10 from slipping or moving during use. It will be appreciated that suitable anti-slip material may be used to create the anti-slip members 44, 44′.

[0038] In one example, the anti-slip members 44, 44′ are attached to, and cover, the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ of the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ of the corresponding first and second side portions 28, 28′. In another example, the anti-slip members 44, 44′ are attached to, and cover, the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ of the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ of the corresponding first and second side portions 28, 28′ and extend to cover a portion of the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ (i.e., the anti-slip members 44, 44′ “wrap around” the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ to cover respective portions of the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′). Each anti-slip members 44, 44′ can generally have a thickness of approximately 0.5 inch (1.27 cm), and a width of approximately 0.375 inch (0.953 cm). Each anti-slip members 44, 44′ also can generally have a length of approximately 39 inches (99.06 cm). As noted, the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ have a length of a length of approximately 38 inches (96.52 cm). The anti-slip members 44, 44′ are positioned for attachment to the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ so that there are opposing approximately 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) portions “over-hanging” the bottom surfaces 34, 34′. These over-hanging portions are then wrapped around the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ and correspondingly secured to the first top surface portion 16 (e.g., for the “front” over-hanging portion) and the corresponding fourth top surface portion 22 (e.g., for the “back” over-hanging portion).

[0039] FIG. 5 also shows a cavity, opening, or hollow area 46 defined by the first and second side portions 28, 28′ and the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22. This hollow area 46 is shown in FIG. 5 with cross-hatching. Advantageously, the hollow area 46 allows for the overall weight of the mound 10 to be lighter than existing pitching mounds. Making the main mound body 12 out of a single piece of wood would result in a heavier mound 10, which would make it more difficult for a user to carry. Thus, the hollow area 46 decreases the weight of the mound 10 to allow the mound 10 to be more easily carried by a user.

[0040] In addition, the presence of the hollow area 46 allows for a bottom portion 48 of the mound 10 to comprise the two anti-slip members 44, 44′. That is, the only portion of the mound 10 that contacts a surface on which the mound 10 is laid (i.e., a floor or the ground) are the two anti-slip members 44, 44′ that make up the bottom portion 48. As noted, the two anti-slip members 44, 44′ are made from a rubber material that prevents the mound 10 from sliding along the floor or ground when in use.

[0041] With continuing reference to FIG. 5, and now with reference to FIG. 6, the hollow area 46 can be sized and dimensioned for storage of one or more articles (e.g., one or more baseballs or softballs, a baseball glove or a softball glove, the measuring device 42, and so forth). The anti-slip members 44 and 44′ are omitted in FIG. 6 for clarity. In some embodiments, to enclose any such articles within the hollow area 46, a cover or closing device 50 is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the closing device 50 can be a door (or any other suitable device) to close off or seal the hollow area 46, thereby enclosing any articles within the hollow area 46 so that the articles do not fall out. The closing device 50 can be sized and dimensioned to enclose or seal off the hollow area 46 from an external environment (e.g., the air). To do so, side walls 52 of the closing device 50 can be configured to engage corresponding slot portions 54 formed into the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ of the corresponding first and second side portions 28, 28′. In some examples, the closing device 50 can include a locking component 56 (e.g., a latch, a lock-and-key, a clamp, and so forth) to secure the closing device 50 to the main mound body 12. The locking component 56 is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 6 as a square.

[0042] Advantageously, the closing device 50 is free from engagement with a surface on which the bottom portion 48 contacts. That is, the closing device 50 does not contact the surface on which the mound 10 is placed, and the bottom surface 48 (comprising the anti-slip members 44, 44′ covering the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ of the corresponding first and second side portions 28, 28′) is the only portion of the mound 10 that contacts the surface on which the mound 10 is placed.

[0043] Assembly of the mound 10 can be performed in any suitable manner. First, the pieces comprising the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 of the top portion 14, and the two side portions 28, 28′ can be cut to the above-described dimensions (or other suitable dimensions). The top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 can then be secured to the corresponding sections of the two side portions 28, 28′ (e.g., with screws, nails, glue, adhesives, or any other suitable attachment mechanism). It will be appreciated that the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 can be individually cut and secured to the two side portions 28, 28′ so that there are no gaps between any of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 and between any of the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 and the two side portions 28, 28′. The two anti-slip members 44, 44′ can then be secured to the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ of the first and second side portion bodies 30, 30′ of the corresponding first and second side portions 28, 28′ (again, with screws, nails, glue, adhesives, or any other suitable attachment mechanism). In another example, the two anti-slip members 44, 44′ can then be secured to the bottom surfaces 34, 34′ before the top sections 16, 18, 20, 22 are secured to the corresponding sections of the two side portions 28, 28′.

[0044] The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.