Portable backstop device

• US 6,189,889 B1
• Filed: 05/03/1996
• Issued: 02/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yip, Sam
• Original Assignee: Yip, Sam
• Inventors: Yip, Sam
• Primary Examiner(s): Chapman, Jeanette
• Assistant Examiner(s): Aryanpour, Mitra
• Application Number:
  US08/642,475
• Time in Patent Office: 1,754 Days
• Field of Search: 473/421, 473/431, 473/422, 473/435, 473/454, 473/455, 473/107, 473/FOR.103, 473/FOR.104, 473/456, 473/515, 473/460, 473/475, 473/491, 473/494, 473/FOR.116, 273/162, 273/159, 273/348, 273/398, 273/400, 273/402, 273/410, 273/127.R, 273/127.B
• US Class Current: 273/348
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball

Abstract

A portable backstop device for enabling an individual to practice throwing and pitching baseballs without a catcher. The backstop device includes a front panel and a back panel which are attached to each other to form a backstop member. A portion of the back panel extends beyond a bottom edge of the front panel, so that the portion can be folded such that a bottom edge of the portion of the back panel can be detachably connected to the bottom edge of the front panel to define a pocket for collecting thrown and pitched baseballs. A rectangular shaped aperture formed in the front panel of the portable backstop member enables an individual to practice throwing balls and strikes without an umpire. Balls entering the aperture are collected in the pocket thus, saving time and energy spent in retrieving the thrown baseballs and also substantially prevents the baseballs from getting scuffed from hitting backfences and the like. Additionally, a ball hitting any portion of the front panel will also fall into the pocket without rebounding dangerously.

Claims

1. A backstop device for enabling an individual to practice throwing and pitching baseballs without a catcher, said backstop device comprising:

a front panel having an aperture, whereby said aperture provides a strike zone for pitching baseballs; and

a back panel, said front panel being attached to said back panel to form a backstop member, wherein a portion of said back panel extends beyond a bottom edge of said front panel, said portion of said back panel having a bottom edge, said portion being folded such that said bottom edge of said portion of said back panel is detachably connected to said bottom edge of said front panel to define a pocket for collecting thrown and pitched baseballs.

2. The backstop device according to claim 1, wherein said backstop member includes grommet means for suspending said device from an overhanging support.

3. The backstop device according to claim 1, wherein said pocket is disposed below said aperture, whereby a baseball passing through said aperture in said front panel contacts said back panel and falls into said pocket.