Training device for baseball pitchers

• US 6,500,078 B1
• Filed: 08/08/2001
• Issued: 12/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eric A. Williams, Williams, Mark F.
• Original Assignee: Eric A. Williams, Williams, Mark F.
• Inventors: Williams, Eric A., Williams, Mark F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sewell, Paul T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Aryanpour, Mitra
• Application Number:
  US09/923,365
• Time in Patent Office: 510 Days
• Field of Search: 473/218, 473/270, 473/271, 473/273, 473/422, 473/452, 473/497, 473/499, 473/FOR.103, 482/142, 482/146
• US Class Current: 473/452
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2069/0006 for pitching
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 4/00 Balance beams
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase. The device comprises a portable balance beam and a simulated pitching “rubber” mounted thereon from which the pitcher initiates his pre-pitch movements. The balance beam provides a limited width foot landing area after pitch delivery to limit lower and upper body movement and ensure alignment with the plate to improve pitch accuracy. This embodiment is used primarily for pitch delivery from the stretch position. A second embodiment includes an enlarged mound platform area which is removably placed over the end of the balance beam/rubber area of the first embodiment to provide a more stable pitching area and is used for delivery from the full wind-up position. Both embodiments are lightweight and portable, useable indoors or on a practice field, and have been successfully used by either left or right-handed pitchers.

Claims

1. A baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher to maintain proper control of his upper and lower body portions prior to and during delivery of a baseball pitch, said training device comprising:

an elongated balance beam of limited width having an upper and lower surface;

support means attached to the lower surface of said balance beam at opposite ends thereof to provide stability to said balancing beam;

friction means on said upper surface of said balance beam covering substantially the entire surface;

a pitching rubber mounted on the upper surface of said balance beam adjacent to one end thereof; and

foot locating means operably positioned on said balance beam whereby a pitcher positions his feet on said balance beam with one foot adjacent to said rubber and the other foot adjacent to said foot locating means in his initial stance position and proceeds through the various steps required to deliver a pitch with said other foot landing on said balance beam on the opposite side of said foot locating means without over or under rotating the upper and lower body portions of said user.

2. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 1 wherein said elongated balance beam has a width of approximately four to six inches and an overall length of approximately four to six feet whereby said limited width requires the user to restrict his upper and lower body rotation thus ensuring a direct line of flight for a baseball during delivery.

3. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 2 wherein said elongated balance beam and said related components are constructed of wood.

4. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 2 wherein said elongated balance beam is constructed of lightweight aluminum.

5. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 2 wherein said elongated balance beam is constructed of lightweight, high strength plastic.

6. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 2 wherein said elongated balance beam is constructed from composite materials.

7. a baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 2 wherein said elongated balance beam is constructed of a combination of the aforementioned materials.

8. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 1 wherein said foot locating means is adjustable axially along the length of said balance beam to accommodate users of different leg length and said friction means serves to retain said foot locating means in a desired location once set for use by a pitcher of a particular leg length.

9. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 1 wherein said friction means on said upper surface of said balance beam comprises a friction surfacing which covers substantially the entire upper surface of said balance beam and is attached thereto whereby a user will maintain slip resistant foot contact with said balance beam during use.

10. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 1 wherein said training device is used to train a pitcher when pitching from the stretch position.

11. A baseball player training device of the character defined in claim 1 wherein said training device further includes an enlarged pitching platform means which is positioned over the portion of said elongated balance beam which includes said rubber whereby a pitcher develops body control for pitching from the full wind-up position.

12. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 11 wherein said enlarged pitching platform comprises an upper surface supported by a front wall, rear wall and a pair of side walls;

said front wall including a notched portion therein for receiving said balance beam;

a recessed portion located on the underside of said upper surface for receiving said rubber therebeneath;

a second rubber mounted on said upper surface of said enlarged pitching platform and friction means positioned on said platform forward of said rubber to provide slip resistant foot contact with said platform during use.

13. A baseball pitcher training device of the character defined in claim 12 wherein said friction means comprises friction surfacing on the upper area of said pitching platform.