PITCHING TARGET

• US 20080248901A1
• Filed: 04/09/2007
• Published: 10/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael Ross Pastore, Mosier M. Brent
• Original Assignee: Michael Ross Pastore, Mosier M. Brent
• Inventors: Mosier, M. Brent, Pastore, Michael Ross
• Application Number:
  US11/697,747
• Publication Number:
  US 20080248901A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/454
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0043 Systems for locating the point of impact on a specific surface
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0046 Mechanical means for locating the point of impact or entry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2063/001 Targets or goals with ball-returning means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2063/002 variable in size
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/182 Softball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/00 Characteristics of used materials
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/13 Relative positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/06 Revolving targets ; Moving targets, e.g. moving or revolving on impact
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 Score-keepers or score display devices

Abstract

A collapsible pitching target is described in which a target is located substantially in front of a backstop and preferably includes one or more spot targets.

Claims

1. A baseball pitching target, comprising

a target frame defining a strike zone aperture, wherein within said strike zone aperture is a plurality of spot targets;

a backstop spaced rearwardly from said target frame; and

a collapsible frame connecting said target frame and said backstop.

2. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said target frame forms a representation of a catcher.

7. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said target frame comprises a flexible surface material mounted on a peripheral mounting frame.

8. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said spot targets comprise at least one surface within said strike zone hingedly attached to said frame.

9. The baseball pitching target of claim 8, wherein said spot targets are spring-mounted to said frame.

10. The baseball pitching target of claim 8, comprising at least 4 of said spot targets.

11. The baseball pitching target of claim 8, comprising at least 6 of said spot targets.

12. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said spot targets comprise at least one pocket.

13. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is at least two feet behind said frame.

14. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop comprises a resilient surface.

15. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is expandable.

16. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said backstop is foldable.

17. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a home plate attached to said target frame and that rests on the ground surface in front of said target frame.

18. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a representation of a batter positioned in front of said target frame and laterally proximal to said strike zone.

19. The baseball pitching target of claim 17, further comprising a representation of a batter positioned in front of said target frame and laterally proximal to said home plate.

20. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a ball return mechanism.

21. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a pitch speed measuring device.

22. The baseball pitching target of claim 21, wherein said pitch speed measuring device is a radar device.

23. The baseball pitching target of claim 21, further comprising a pitch speed display.

24. The baseball pitching target of claim 23, wherein said display is readable by a pitcher using said device from normal pitching distance.

25. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, further comprising a spot target pitch counter.

26. The baseball pitching target of claim 1, wherein said pitching target is foldable and said pitching target further comprising a pair of wheels allowing said pitching target to be wheeled while in a folded configuration.

27. A baseball pitching target kit, comprising

a baseball pitching target of claim 1;

and

instructions for using said pitching target.

28. The kit of claim 27, further comprising a plurality of target aperture inserts comprising different size apertures.

29. A method for practicing pitching, comprising

pitching baseballs or softballs at spot targets in a pitching target of claim 1.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said pitching target is utilized by a plurality of pitchers in a single session.

3. The baseball pitching target, wherein said target frame comprises a rigid planar surface with said strike zone aperture in said surface.

4. The baseball pitching target of claim 3, wherein said rigid planar surface is formed substantially of metal sheet.

5. The baseball pitching target of claim 3, wherein said rigid planar surface is formed substantially of plywood.

6. The baseball pitching target of claim 3, wherein said rigid planar surface is formed substantially of plastic or a plastic composite.