BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TRAINING DEVICE FOR IMPROVED SPIN RATE AND EFFICIENCY

Abstract

A ball (e.g., baseball or softball) training device features a ball and at least one weight positioned along either a first axis or second axis of the ball. Use of the ball training device improves both spin rates and spin efficiency for pitchers by providing proprioceptive feedback about the break of the ball as it is released from the hand.

Claims

1. A ball training device for pitchers, comprising: a ball; and at least one weight inside the ball extending along an axis, the weight configured to spin longitudinally when the ball training device is thrown by a pitcher.

2. The ball training device of claim 1, wherein the ball comprises a first ball portion configured to couple to a second ball portion.

3. The ball training device of claim 2, wherein the first ball portion comprises a first weight aperture.

4. The ball training device of claim 3, wherein the second ball portion comprises a second weight aperture.

5. The ball training device of claim 2, wherein the first ball portion comprises a lip configured to mate with a groove in the second ball portion.

6. The ball training device of claim 4, wherein the first ball portion comprises a lip configured to mate with a groove in the second ball portion.

7. The ball training device of claim 6, wherein the first and second ball portions each comprise a hollow portion to offset the weight of the weight, the ball training device having a regulation weight.

8. The ball training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one weight is removably couplable to the ball.

9. The ball training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one weight comprises a first weight and a second weight positioned at opposite ends of an axis.

10. The ball training device of claim 9, wherein the first and second weights are removably couplable to the ball.

11. A ball training device for pitchers, comprising: a first ball portion comprising a lip; a second ball portion comprising a groove; wherein the lip of the first ball portion is configured to mate with the groove of the second ball portion; the first ball portion further comprising a first weight aperture; the second ball portion further comprising a second weight aperture; a weight configured to be received within the first and second weight apertures when the lip and groove are mated.

12. The ball training device of claim 11, wherein the first ball portion and second ball portion each comprise a hollow portion.

13. The ball training device of claim 11, wherein the total weight of the ball training device is the regulation weight of a baseball or softball.

14. The ball training device of claim 11, wherein the lip extends from a first mating portion.

15. The ball training device of claim 14, wherein the groove is positioned in a second mating portion.

16. A method of pitch training using a ball training device, the method comprising: throwing a first ball training device comprising a weight on a first spin axis corresponding to a two-seam fastball; and throwing a second ball training device comprising a weight on a second spin axis corresponding to a four-seam fastball.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a right, side elevation view of a ball training device;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of a ball training device;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a disassembled side, perspective view of a ball training device;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a disassembled front elevation view of a ball training device;

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a disassembled, right elevation view of a ball training device;

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the lines A-A of FIG. 5 of a ball training device;

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of a ball training device;

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the lines B-B of FIG. 7 of a ball training device;

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a right, side elevation view of a ball training device;

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the lines C-C of FIG. 9 of a ball training device; and

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a top, right perspective view of a ball training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the invention is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, various embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0024] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0025] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0026] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] The term coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0028] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, etc.).

[0029] As previously discussed, there is a need for a baseball and softball training device that provides proprioceptive feedback to the pitcher during the release of the ball to improve pitching outcomes. The ball training device disclosed herein solves these and other problems. While examples disclosed herein may relate to, or describe, baseballs, it will be appreciated that softballs may also be used, with the weight of the softball and weights therein adjusted to meet regulation standards.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a ball training device 100 comprises a ball 102, a first weight 104 on a first end, and a second weight 106 on a second end, opposite the first weight 104, wherein the first and second weights 104, 106 are positioned along a first spin axis 108 of the ball 102, which is preferable for a two-seam fastball. In other words, the ball 102 rotates along the spin axis 108. In preferred embodiments, the first and second weights 104, 106 may comprise tungsten, other heavy metals and dense materials, or combinations thereof. The weights 104, 106 may be insertable into a respective aperture on the exterior of the surface of the ball 102 and subsequently sealed therein or otherwise prevented from unintended withdrawal (e.g., by having a locking mechanism), or may be positioned internally as part of the manufacturing process.

[0031] In some embodiments, though without limitation, each of the first and second weights 104, 106 weigh 1-oz. and a body of the ball 102 to which the first and second weights 104, 106 are coupled weighs 3-oz. The weight of the ball training device 100 thereby maintains a total 5-oz. regulation weight for a baseball. It will be appreciated, however, that the first and second weights 104, 106 may vary, in some embodiments, providing that each is substantially identical to one another in weight and the combination of the first and second weights 104, 106 with the body of the ball 102 adds up to 5 oz. The first and second weights 104, 106 may likewise be adjusted to add up to the regulation weight for a softball, cricket ball, or other ball used in bat-and-ball games, or according to a user's preferences for the overall weight of the ball training device 100 which can be more or less than 5 oz. While two weights 104, 106 are described, a single weight may be used, as discussed later herein, that extends the length of the spin axis 108 without departing herefrom.

[0032] The ball 102 may comprise seams along a surface of the ball 102 and a leather jacket as known in the prior art for baseballs. In this way, the ball training device 100 features natural ball grips and places standard loads on the user's throwing arm (e.g., elbow and shoulder joint). Accordingly, the ball 102 imitates the look, weight, and feel of a standard baseball except for adjusted proprioceptive feedback indicative of the ball's 102 moment of inertia such that a pitcher with practice can increase his or her spin rate and spin efficiency.

[0033] In general, the moment of inertia is defined as the ratio of the net angular momentum (L) of a system to its angular velocity () around a principal axis (the spin axis). This relationship can be represented mathematically as I=L/. As depicted in FIG. 1 by the grid overlayed on the ball training device 100, the principal axis for purposes of analyzing baseball pitches can be defined as a first spin axis 108 and a second spin axis 110 that is perpendicular to the first. It will be appreciated that the first and second weights 104, 106 when oriented along the first spin axis 108 decrease the moment of inertia on the first spin axis 108 and increase the moment of inertia on the second spin axis 110.

[0034] The moment of inertia as shown along the first spin axis 108 is aligned with how a pitcher practices to throw a two-seam fastball. The two-seam fastball is a common pitch thrown in such a manner that with every rotation of the baseball, two seams come into view. Late-breaking action can be added to the pitch by varying the pressure of the index and middle fingers on the baseball. The ball training device 100 provides the user with proprioceptive feel off their hand that indicates whether the ball 102 is properly thrown as aligned with the correct axis for a two-seam fastball. In other words, the ball should be spinning along the first axis 108. If the ball 102 is thrown incorrectly, the pitcher will feel the offset/angled weight or wobble as the ball 102 leaves the pitcher's hand (the proprioceptive feedback).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a ball training device 200 comprises a ball 202, and at least one weight 204 coupled to the ball 202. In some embodiments, the at least one weight 204 may extend through the center of the ball 202 along the second axis 110. Accordingly, the second axis 110 is the moment of inertia axis (i.e., principal axis) that is aligned with the spin of a four-seam fastball. The four-seam fastball, also known as a rising fastball, is thrown in such a manner that with every rotation of the baseball, four seams come into view. This moment of inertia is orthogonal or perpendicular to the moment of inertia axis of the ball training device 100. When properly thrown, the at least one weight 204 rotates longitudinally and the user feels a smooth release of the ball 202. When thrown improperly, the at least one weight 204 will be off-axis, thereby contributing to the proprioceptive feedback felt by the pitcher (e.g., wobble or other feedback).

[0036] In some embodiments, a ball training device comprises a ball, a first threaded female receiver and a second threaded female receiver opposite the first threaded female receiver. The first and second threaded female receivers are configured to receive one or more threaded weights therein. For example, each of the first and second weights, as described earlier, may further comprise threaded portions that correspond to the first and second threaded female receivers and may further comprise a drive or recess on a top surface of the first and second weights so as to receive a hex key or Allen wrench therein, or other configuration so as to allow the insertion and removal of the at least one weight. In some embodiments, only one aperture is needed on the ball 202 and the weight 204 may extend through the center of the ball 202 along an axis, and be secured therein using a locking or threaded mechanism.

[0037] The user may insert and remove the first and second weights from the threaded receivers of the ball using a tool such as a hex key, Allen wrench, or screwdriver to apply rotational force to the drive that is converted to linear movement along the first or second threaded female receivers. The first and second weights may each weigh, without limitation, between 1 oz to 3 oz such that the moment of inertia of the ball can be incrementally varied by the user to adjust the corresponding proprioceptive feedback to the pitcher upon release of the ball from the hand. In some embodiments, the ball training device may have a total weight as much as 9 oz. The user may thereby easily adjust the weight of the ball training device by substituting first and second weights of varying mass within the ball. While specific weights are used as examples herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not so limited and variation of the weights will not depart herefrom. Additionally, while threaded examples were provided, it will be understood that other removably insertable methods may be used without departing herefrom.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3-11, in some embodiments, a ball training device 300 is illustrated. The ball training device 300 comprises a first ball portion 302 couplable to a second ball portion 304, with a weight 306 received within one or more weight apertures 308, 310 (best seen in FIG. 6), the weight 306 being fully enclosed when the first ball portion 302 is coupled to the second ball portion 304. In some embodiments, as shown, the first ball portion 302 comprises the first weight aperture 308 with the second ball portion 304 comprising the second weight aperture 310. However, while two weight apertures 308, 310 are shown, it will be appreciated that two are not required and the ball portions 302, 304 may be sized differently from one another with only one weight aperture then being required. To ensure proper spinning of the ball device 300 though, the weight 306 must be centered in the ball and positioned along a spin axis 108 or 110.

[0039] In order to ensure proper alignment for assembly, the first ball portion 302 may further comprise a lip 312 extending from a first mating surface 314, the lip 312 configured to mate with a groove 316 in the second mating surface 318 of the second ball portion 304. In other words, the first ball portion 302 and second ball portion 304 are aligned with the first mating surface 314 facing the second mating surface 318. As the two ball portions 302, 304 are pressed toward each other, the lip 312 mates with the groove 316 and the two mating surfaces 314, 318 abut one another. The two ball portions 302, 304 may be secured to one another using adhesives, heat fusion, chemical fusion, or otherwise methods to prevent the ball portions 302, 304 from separating from one another and the weight 306 from exiting. While discussed as being permanently coupled, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms that would allow the ball portions 302, 304 to be selectively decoupled are also contemplated herein. For example, in some embodiments, the lip 312 may extend sufficiently so as to comprise threads on at least one surface. Those threads may mate with corresponding threads in the groove, allowing the two ball portions 302, 304 to effectively screw together. Twist locks or other mechanisms may also be used. As shown in FIG. 11, the coupled ball portions 302, 304 form a complete ball 328.

[0040] Each ball portion 302, 304 may comprise one or more hollow portions 320, 322 to offset the weight added by the weight 306 to ensure either regulation weight (e.g., 5 oz) or other weight as desired by the user, which may include total weights not corresponding to a regulation weight. As shown, the first ball portion 302 may comprise a first weight receiver 324 having the first weight aperture 308 and a second weight receiver 326 having the second weight aperture 310. The weight receivers 324, 326 span the hollow portions 320, 322, respectively, so as to cradle the weight along the desired spin axis of the ball training device 300. However, hollow portions 320, 322 are not required and may be replaced with materials that are light in weight sufficiently to offset the weight of the weight 306.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the first and second weights 104, 106 of the ball training apparatus 100 and the weight 306 of the ball training apparatus 300, when oriented along the second spin axis 110, increase the moment of inertia on the first spin axis 108 and decrease the moment of inertia on the second spin axis 110. In practice, use of the multiple ball training devices 100, 200, 300, each having orthogonal axes along which the first and second weights 104, 106 and at least one weight 204, and weight 306 are coupled, respectively, provides a complete range of increased or decreased moment of inertias to be obtained for any standard pitch. The user may thus train on both two-seam fast balls, four-seam fastballs, and all related pitches (other than knuckleballs) by using embodiments of the ball training device 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein.

[0042] In other words, redistribution of the weight within the ball 102, 202, 328 increases the moment of inertia of the balls 102, 202, 328 when utilizing a spin axis that is perpendicular to the moment of inertia axis and decreases the moment of inertia when throwing the ball 102, 202, 328 with a spin axis that is aligned with the moment of inertia axis. Altering the inertial feel of the ball 102, 202, 328 as it is pitched provides proprioceptive feedback on the moment of inertia axis relative to the pitch direction of the ball 102, 202, 328, without interfering with traditional throwing mechanics. Use of the ball training device 100, 200, 300 demonstrates both improved spin rates and spin efficiency for pitchers.

[0043] Accordingly, the ball training device 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein solves the problems in the prior art by providing a ball training device that provides immediate, proprioceptive feedback and feel to improve pitching outcomes, rather than relying solely on visual cues.

[0044] It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.