US20110319200A1

US20110319200A1 - Sports device for practicing hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object

Info

Publication number: US20110319200A1
Application number: US12/821,523
Authority: US
Inventors: Krishna Ramcharan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-23
Filing date: 2010-06-23
Publication date: 2011-12-29

Abstract

The present invention is a sports device for practicing hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object comprising an arm member mounted rotatably and substantially horizontal on a base in hitting and fielding practice mode, with a ball/ball-like object positioned at the outer end of the arm member either by a plurality of elastic members, or just freely. The preferred embodiment of the arm member is multi-sectional. The present invention is used in baseball to practice hitting by having the ball/ball-like object in a plurality of stationary positions, or offering the hitter a variety of pitches ranging from fast ball and slow pitch to curve ball by manually or mechanically rotating the ball/ball-like object clockwise or counter clockwise at various speeds at different positions. When the ball/ball-like object is hit into free flight it is used to practice fielding. The height of the ball/ball-like object is easily adjusted.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
There are many types of sports where practicing hitting involves striking a ball/ball-like object with extreme force. In a subset of these sports, fielding the ball/ball-like object is another activity. The present invention generally relates to a device with which players can practice their swings in baseball and their fielding in baseball and cricket. With this present invention the ball/ball-like object, which can be in either a static or dynamic mode, is attached to the sports device which can be used indoors or outdoors regardless of the surface to practice hitting; with the hitter being able to predict the trajectory the ball/ball-like object would have taken after being hit; and by the number of times the ball/ball-like object rotates, how powerful the swing was. The present invention can also be utilised in fielding practice where the ball/ball-like object sits freely on the sports device and is hit to a player who fields it.
2. Description of Prior Art
Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. In sports such as baseball, played either as hardball or softball, beginners seek to learn to swing; non-beginners strive to perfect their swings. In practicing hitting, it is helpful if the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode before each swing. In a dynamic mode, this may require a pitcher in baseball. In the absence of a pitcher, or to increase the number of swings in a given period of time, various hitting practice devices have been developed over the years.
Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is connected or attached to such devices can be generally divided into two groups. The commonality of the first group of such prior art devices is that the ball is suspended vertically by a combination of flexible and non-flexible means from a base. Some of the drawbacks of such prior arts are: (1) As the ball is suspended vertically by a combination of flexible or non-flexible means this requires the device itself to be large in dimension relative to the hitter; or the device must be quite heavy or staked to the surface or attached to an external structure. (2) If the batter swings but misses the ball, the flexible or non-flexible means used to suspend the ball is struck, falsely moving the ball. (3) After the ball or the flexible and non-flexible means used to suspend the ball is struck, the ball will return to its equilibrium position which is always the same and stationary. (4) These devices are dedicated to hitting and cannot be used to practice fielding a ball. This group can be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (1a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist; (1b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which there is a paucity of such devices; and (1c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which also there is a paucity of such devices. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (1a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,494 to Kelly; 4,966,367 to Oyarzabal; 6,099,419 to Incaudo et al; 6,296,582 to Minniear; 6,306,050 to Holder. Typical examples of prior art devices of the sub-groups (1b) and (1c) are virtually non-existent. In the second group of prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices, the ball extends out to the hitter. Some of the drawbacks of such prior arts are: (1) The device must be large in dimension relative to the hitter; or the device must be quite heavy or staked to the surface. (2) After the ball is struck, the ball will return to its equilibrium position which is always the same and stationary. (3) These devices are dedicated to hitting and cannot be used to practice fielding a ball. (4) The ball, when hit, does not move naturally in a 3-dimension trajectory, but is generally constricted to move in a plane. (5) The ball is affixed to an arm member that extends substantially horizontal; with this configuration the ball is hit relatively in the same spot every time. (6) When the ball is hit, the stress is translated onto the shaft itself. This group can also be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (2a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist; (2b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which there is a paucity of such devices; (2c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which there is also a paucity of such devices. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (2a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,962,087 to Cone; 5,618,039 to Tsai et al; 6,099,419 to Incaudo et al. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (2b) and 92c) are virtually non-existent.
Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices can also be divided into two groups. The commonality of the first group of such devices is that they are pitching machines which project a ball to the player. Major disadvantages of such devices are: (1) They require electricity to operate. (2) They cannot be operated by just one person. This group can be further sub-divided into three sub-groups: (3a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually no such devices exist; (3b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which such virtually all such devices exist; and (3c) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static or dynamic mode in which virtually no such devices exist. Typical prior art devices of sub-groups (3a) and (3c) are virtually non-existent. Typical prior art devices of sub-group (3b) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,197,827 to Floyd et al; 6,093,117 to Sherlock et al. In the second group of prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices, the ball rests freely on the device. Disadvantages of these devices are: (1) In practicing hitting the ball, a protective screen may be required. (2) Should the player misses the ball, there is the possibility he/she may hit the Tee causing it to collapse. This group can be further sub-divided into three groups: (4a) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a static mode in which virtually all such devices exist and are the traditional batting Tees; (4b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in a dynamic mode in which such virtually no such devices exist; (4b) sub-group in which just before hitting, the ball is in either a static or dynamic mode in which such virtually no such devices exist. Typical prior art devices of the sub-group (4a) are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,884,185 to Udwin et al; 5,556,091 to Lin; 4,176,838 to Griffin. Typical prior art devices of sub-groups (4b) and (4c) are virtually non-existent.
Prior art devices relating to baseball hitting devices where the ball is not connected or attached to such devices and from which a ball is projected to the player or the ball resides freely are also used to practice fielding in baseball. Examples of such prior art devices and their general disadvantages are discussed above.
Major advantages of the present design over baseball prior art devices are: (1) It can function both as a hitting and a fielding device. (2) In hitting mode, the ball just before being struck can either be in a static or a dynamic mode. (3) The movement of the ball is constrained within a sphere which greatly enhances safety by defining the space needed to do hitting practice. (4) It increases the number of swings that can be taken in a given period of time. (5) For a set height, returns the ball to different positions after each hit. (6) Does not have to be anchored to a surface or require an external structure to be fixed to. (7) The ball is not hit in the same spot with every swing. (8) When the ball is hit, it is not the arm member that directly receives any stress.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball without the need for a net.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device which can withstand the extreme forces applied when practicing hitting in baseball.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device where any broken part can easily be replaced.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used equally indoors and outdoors to practice hitting in baseball and fielding in baseball, with the device being portable and collapsible.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball and fielding in baseball with the device capable of being used by both right hand and left handed hitters of all heights.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball with the ball/ball-like object placed stationary at any one time among a plurality of positions.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to practice hitting in baseball with the ball/ball-like object placed at any one time among a plurality of positions and at each position, rotated counter clockwise into a right handed hitter or clockwise into a left handed hitter at speeds that vary from fast to slow, with the hitter either hitting or bunting the moving ball/ball-like object.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in baseball to practice hitting a curve ball.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used in baseball to practice fielding by hitting a ball/ball-like object into free flight to players.
The design of the present invention achieves these objectives by departing from prior art devices as follows. In most prior art, the way to absorb the stress imparted on the device when the ball/ball-like object is hit is to hang elastic members vertically from a base with the ball/ball-like object attached to the elastic members. In the present device, the elastic members are in a substantially horizontal position as they are housed in an arm member which is mounted in a substantially horizontal position on a base in hitting practice mode. Also, as the arm member can rotate freely and completely the hitter in baseball can in effect ‘self-pitch’ when practice hitting. Finally, the ball/ball-like object can be in a plurality of positions prior to hitting in either a static or dynamic mode.
Furthermore, it is an object of this application to illustrate the preferred embodiments and to broadly state the methodologies that may be used with this device to practice hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object in a variety of sports.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the attached drawings which form part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a Perspective view of the components that comprise the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member; FIG. 2 b is a Top view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member;

FIG. 3 is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the first section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member;

FIG. 4 is a Perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of the first end of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of the second end of the preferred embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section;

FIG. 5 is a Perspective view of a second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 5 a is an exploded view of the first end of the second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 5 b is an exploded view of the second end of the second embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 5 c is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section;

FIG. 6 is a Perspective view of a third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 6 a is an exploded view of the first end of the third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 6 b is an exploded view of the second end of the third embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 6 c is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section;

FIG. 7 is a Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 7 a is an exploded view of the first end of the fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 7 b is an exploded view of the second end of the fourth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 7 c is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section;

FIG. 8 is a Perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 8 a is an exploded view of the first end of the fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 8 b is an exploded view of the second end of the fifth embodiment of the second section of the preferred embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 8 c is a perspective view of the connecting member of the first section and the second section;

FIG. 9 is a Perspective view of a second embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 9 a is an exploded view of the first end of the second embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 9 b is an exploded view of the second end of the second embodiment of the arm member;

FIG. 10 is a Perspective view of a third embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 10 a is an exploded view of the first end of the third embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 10 b is an exploded view of the second end of the third embodiment of the arm member;

FIG. 11 is a Perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the arm member with the ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of the arm member, FIG. 11 a is an exploded view of the first end of the fourth embodiment of the arm member, FIG. 11 b is an exploded view of the second end of the fourth embodiment of the arm member;

FIG. 12 is a Perspective view of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a Perspective view of the height adjusting member;

FIG. 14 a is a Perspective view of the spine member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 b is a Perspective view of the locking member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 a is a Perspective view of the wing member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 b is a Perspective view of the leg member of the base of the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a Perspective view of the components that comprise the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a Perspective view of the base of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a Perspective view of the spine member of the base of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 a is a Perspective view of the leg member of the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 b is a Perspective view of the locking member of the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is the configuration of the first embodiment of the invention when used in hitting curved balls and;

FIG. 21 is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention when used in hitting balls in the lower region of the strike zone.

FIG. 22 is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention when used in hitting balls freely or practicing fielding.

FIG. 23 is the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention in transportation or storage mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, therein is shown, in hitting practice mode, a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the sports device 10 used to practice hitting in baseball, the sports device 10 comprising an arm member 15 at the end of which is positioned a ball/ball-like object 50. The arm member 15 is mounted on the base 60 and as disclosed herein is detachable from the base 60 and is easily mounted on any type of base, whether stationary or portable.
Referring first to FIG. 2 a, therein is shown the perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15, the preferred embodiment being multi-sectional comprising a first section 20 and a second section 30. A ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned at an end of the arm member 15. FIG. 2 b shows the top view of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15.
Referring to FIG. 3, therein is shown the perspective view of the first section 20 of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15. The cross section of the first section 20 can be of any geometrical shape. However, the preferred embodiment has a upper and a lower longitudinal face 21, 21′, and a first and a second lateral face 22, 22′, and a first end 23 and a second end 23′. A recess 24 runs substantially symmetrical through the longitudinal axis of the first section 20, opening in the longitudinal faces 21, 21′ and opening in the first end 23. A hole 25 in substantially the longitudinal axis of the first section 20, opening in the upper and lower longitudinal faces 21 and 21′, and located in the proximity of the closed end of the recess 24 allows the multi-section arm member 15 to be secured rotatably and substantially horizontal around an upright member of the base in hitting practice mode, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member, and also to move up and down the upright member. Substantially concentric and congruent holes 26 a and 26 b, with the hole 26 a opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face 22 and ending in the recess 24; and the hole 26 b opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face 22′ and ending in the recess 24 house a counter weight member 28 (not shown), with the counter weight member 28 running substantially perpendicular to the first and second lateral faces 22, 22′ of the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15 and spanning the recess 24. Substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b, with the hole 27 a opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face 22 and ending in the recess 24, and the hole 27 b opening in and substantially perpendicular to the lateral face 22′ and ending in the recess 24 facilitate the connection between the first section 20 and the second section 30. In hitting practice mode, the length of the second section 30 of the multi-section arm member 15 from the first end of the second section 30 to the connection resides under the counter weight member 28 positioning the second section 30 substantially horizontally. The counter weight member 28 can be a bolt secured by a nut. It can equally be a length of flexible material such as surgical tubing. A suitable material for the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15 to be made of is teflon as it is light, strong and will not rust.
The preferred embodiment of the second section 30 of the preferred embodiment of the multi-section arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 4 and is comprised of a hollow shaft 31. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 4 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 4 b. The hollow shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. Riding over the hollow shaft 31 in the proximity of the first end 31 a is the connection member 33 which connects the first section 20 and the second section 30. The cross section of the connection member 33 can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in FIG. 4 c, the preferred embodiment of the connection member 33 has a first and a second longitudinal face 34, 34′, and a first and a second lateral face 35, 35′, and an upper face 36 and a lower face 36′. The width of the longitudinal faces 34 and 34′ is less than the width of the recess 24 of the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15. A hole 37 opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces 34, 34′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft 31 so allowing the hollow shaft 31 to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole 37, forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers 38 and 39 which are affixed to the hollow shaft 31 on either side of the connecting member 33. The outer diameter of the stoppers 38 and 39 is greater than the diameter of the hole 37 so preventing the hollow shaft 31 from slipping out of the connection member 33. The stopper 39 also prevents the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 from coming into contact with the upright member to which the multi-section arm member 15 is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object 50 moves towards the first section 20. A hole 40 opens in the lateral faces 35, 35′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section 20 and the second section 30 are hinged together by a pivotal member 41 passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b in the first section 20 and the hole 40 thru the lateral faces 35, 35′. The hollow shaft 31 can rotate freely within the recess 24 around the pivotal member 41. The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned abutting the second end 31 b of the hollow shaft 31 by a plurality of elastic members 51 conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50, the plurality of elastic members 51 drawn taut thru the hollow shaft 31 and secured at the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member 53 that is contiguous to the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31, then, knotted. The knot 52 of the plurality of elastic members 51 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The outer diameter of the restraining member 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft 31. A plurality of safety members 54, also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50 and drawn thru the hollow shaft 31, is also secured at the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member 53, then, knotted. The knot 55 of the plurality of safety members 54 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The plurality of safety members 54 is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members 51. In the event the plurality of elastic members 51 breaks or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of elastic members 51, the plurality of safety members 54 will prevent the ball/ball-like object 50 from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the hollow shaft 31 is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to move freely.
The second embodiment of the second section 30 of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 5 and is comprised of a first hollow shaft 31 and a second hollow shaft 32. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 5 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 5 b. The first hollow shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. The second hollow shaft 32 has a first end 32 a and a second end 32 b. The second hollow shaft 32 resides within the first hollow shaft 31. Riding over the first hollow shaft 31 in the proximity of the first end 31 a is the connection member 33 which connects the first section 20 and the second section 30. The cross section of the connection member 33 can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in FIG. 5 c, the preferred embodiment of the connection member 33 has a first and a second longitudinal face 34, 34′, and a first and a second lateral face 35, 35′, and an upper face 36 and a lower face 36′. The width of the longitudinal faces 34 and 34′ is less than the width of the recess 24 of the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15. A hole 37 opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces 34, 34′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft 31 so allowing the first hollow shaft 31 to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole 37, forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers 38 and 39 which are affixed to the first hollow shaft 31 on either side of the connecting member 33. The outer diameter of the stoppers 38 and 39 is greater than the diameter of the hole 37 so preventing the first hollow shaft 31 from slipping out of the connection member 33. The stopper 39 also prevents the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31 from coming into contact with the upright member to which the multi-section arm member 15 is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object 50 moves towards the first section 20. A hole 40 opens in the lateral faces 35, 35′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section 20 and the second section 30 are hinged together by a pivotal member 41 passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b in the first section 20 and the hole 40 thru the lateral faces 35, 35′. The first hollow shaft 31 and second hollow shaft 32 can rotate freely within the recess 24 around the pivotal member 41. The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned abutting the second end 31 b of the first hollow shaft 31 by a plurality of elastic members 51 conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50, the plurality of elastic members 51 drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft 32 and secured at the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member 53 that is contiguous to the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31, then, knotted. The knot 52 of the plurality of elastic members 51 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The outer diameter of the restraining member 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft 31. A plurality of safety members 54, also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50 and drawn thru the second hollow shaft 32, is also secured at the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member 53, then, knotted. The knot 55 of the plurality of safety members 54 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The plurality of safety members 54 is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members 51. In the event the plurality of elastic members 51 breaks or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of elastic members 51, the plurality of safety members 54 will prevent the ball/ball-like object 50 from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft 31 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 thus allowing the second hollow shaft 32 to move freely within the first hollow shaft 31. The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to move freely.
The third embodiment of the second section 30 of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 6 and is comprised of a solid shaft 31. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 6 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 6 b. The solid shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. Within the solid shaft 31 is a plurality of safety members 54. Riding over the solid shaft 31 in the proximity of the first end 31 a is the connection member 33 which connects the first section 20 and the second section 30. The cross section of the connection member 33 can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in FIG. 6 c, the preferred embodiment of the connection member 33 has a first and a second longitudinal face 34, 34′, and a first and a second lateral face 35, 35′, and an upper face 36 and a lower face 36′. The width of the longitudinal faces 34 and 34′ is less than the width of the recess 24 of the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15. A hole 37 opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces 34, 34′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the solid shaft 31 so allowing the solid shaft 31 to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole 37, forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers 38 and 39 which are affixed to the solid shaft 31 on either side of the connecting member 33. The outer diameter of the stoppers 38 and 39 is greater than the diameter of the hole 37 so preventing the solid shaft 31 from slipping out of the connection member 33. The stopper 39 also prevents the first end 31 a of the solid shaft 31 from coming into contact with the upright member of the base to which the multi-section arm member 15 is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object 50 moves towards the first section 20. A hole 40 opens in the lateral faces 35, 35′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section 20 and the second section 30 are hinged together by a pivotal member 41 passing the substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b in the first section 20 and the hole 40 thru the lateral faces 35, 35′. The solid shaft 31 can rotate freely within the recess 24 around the pivotal member 41. The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment the second end 31 b of the solid shaft 31 is affixed within a ball/ball-like object 50.
The fourth embodiment of the second section 30 of the preferred embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 7 and is comprised of a first hollow shaft 31 and a second hollow shaft 32. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 7 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 7 b. The first hollow shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. The second hollow shaft 32 has a first end 32 a and a second end 32 b. The first hollow shaft 31 resides over the second hollow shaft 32. Riding over the second hollow shaft 32 in the proximity of the first end 32 a is the connection member 33 which connects the first section 20 and the second section 30. The cross section of the connection member 33 can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in FIG. 7 c, the preferred embodiment of the connection member 33 has a first and a second longitudinal face 34, 34′, and a first and a second lateral face 35, 35′, and an upper face 36 and a lower face 36′. The width of the longitudinal faces 34 and 34′ is less than the width of the recess 24 of the first section 20 of the multi-section arm member 15. A hole 37 opening substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces 34, 34′ has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 so allowing the second hollow shaft 32 to rotate clockwise or counter clockwise and also move forwards and backwards relative to the hole 37, forwards and backwards movement being constrained by stoppers 38 and 39 which are affixed to the second hollow shaft 32 on either side of the connecting member 33. The outer diameter of the stoppers 38 and 39 is greater than the diameter of the hole 37 so preventing the second hollow shaft 32 from slipping out of the connection member 33. The stopper 39 also prevents the first end 32 a of the second hollow shaft 32 from coming into contact with the upright member of the base to which the multi-section arm member 15 is secured rotatably in hitting practice mode, when the ball/ball-like object 50 moves towards the first section 20. A hole 40 opens in the lateral faces 35, 35′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section 20 and the second section 30 are hinged together by a pivotal member 41 passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b in the first section 20 and the hole 40 thru the lateral faces 35, 35′. The first hollow shaft 31 and second hollow shaft 32 can rotate freely within the recess 24 around the pivotal member 41. The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned abutting the second end 32 b of the second hollow shaft 32, with the second end 31 b of the first hollow shaft 31 within said ball/ball-like object 50, by a plurality of elastic members 51 conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50, the plurality of elastic members 51 drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft 32 and secured at the first end 32 a of the second hollow shaft 32 by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member 53 that is contiguous to the first end 32 a of the second hollow shaft 32, then, knotted. The knot 52 of the plurality of elastic members 51 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The outer diameter of the restraining member 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 32. A plurality of safety members 54, also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50 and drawn thru the second hollow shaft 32, is also secured at the first end 32 a of the second hollow shaft 32 by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member 53, then, knotted. The knot 55 of the plurality of safety members 54 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The plurality of safety members 54 is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members 51. In the event the plurality of elastic members 51 breaks or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of elastic members 51, the plurality of safety members 54 will prevent the ball/ball-like object 50 from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft 31 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 thus allowing the second hollow shaft 32 to move freely within the first hollow shaft 31. The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to move freely.
The fifth embodiment of the second section 30 of the preferred embodiment of the multi-section arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 8 and is comprised of a solid shaft 31. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 8 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 8 b. The solid shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. Within the solid shaft 31 is a plurality of safety members 54. A platform 42 at the second end 31 b freely supports the ball/ball-like object 50. The solid shaft 31 is affixed to the connection member 33 such that the platform 42 is always substantially upright in hitting and fielding practice mode. The cross section of the connection member 33 can be of any geometrical shape. As shown in FIG. 8 c, the preferred embodiment of the connection member 33 has a first and a second longitudinal face 34, 34′, and a first and a second lateral face 35, 35′, and an upper face 36 and a lower face 36′. The width of the longitudinal faces 34 and 34′ is less than the width of the recess 24. A hole 37 opens substantially perpendicular to and in substantially the centre of the longitudinal faces 34, 34′ and it is thru the hole 37 the solid shaft 31 is affixed to the connection member 33. A hole 40 opens in the lateral faces 35, 35′ to which it is substantially perpendicular. The first section 20 and the second section 30 are hinged together by a pivotal member 41 passing thru the substantially concentric and congruent holes 27 a and 27 b in the first section 20 and the hole 40 thru the lateral faces 35, 35′. The solid shaft 31 can rotate freely within the recess 24 around the pivotal member 41. The pivotal member can be a bolt secured by a nut.
The second embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 9 and is comprised of a hollow shaft 31. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 9 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 9 b. The hollow shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. A hole 56 in the proximity of the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 allows the arm member 15 to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned abutting the second end 31 b of the hollow shaft 31 by a plurality of elastic members 51 conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50, the plurality of elastic members 51 drawn taut thru the hollow shaft 31 and secured at the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member 53 that is contiguous to the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31, then, knotted. The knot 52 of the plurality of elastic members 51 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The outer diameter of the restraining member 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the hollow shaft 31. A plurality of safety members 54, also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50 and drawn thru the hollow shaft 31, is also secured at the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member 53, then, knotted. The knot 55 of the plurality of safety members 54 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The plurality of safety members 54 is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members 51. In the event the plurality of elastic members 51 breaks or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of elastic members 51, the plurality of safety members 54 will prevent the ball/ball-like object 50 from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the hollow shaft 31 is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to move freely.
The third embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 10 and is comprised of a first hollow shaft 31 and a second hollow shaft 32. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 10 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 10 b. The first hollow shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. The second hollow shaft 32 has a first end 32 a and a second end 32 b. The second hollow shaft 32 resides within the first hollow shaft 31. The inner diameter of the first hollow shaft 31 is greater than the outer diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 thus allowing the second hollow shaft 32 to move freely within the first hollow shaft 31. A hole 56 in the proximity of the first end 31 a of the hollow shaft 31 allows the arm member 15 to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. The hole 56 does not penetrate the second hollow shaft 32 so enabling the second hollow shaft 32 to move unrestricted within the first hollow shaft 31. In this embodiment a ball/ball-like object 50 is positioned abutting the second end 31 b of the first hollow shaft 31 by a plurality of elastic members 51 conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50, the plurality of elastic members 51 drawn taut thru the second hollow shaft 32 and secured at the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of a restraining member 53 that is contiguous to the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31, then, knotted. The knot 52 of the plurality of elastic members 51 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The outer diameter of the restraining member 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the first hollow shaft 31. A plurality of safety members 54, also conjoined to the ball/ball-like object 50 and drawn thru the second hollow shaft 32, is also secured at the first end 31 a of the first hollow shaft 31 by being threaded thru the aperture of the restraining member 53, then, knotted. The knot 55 of the plurality of safety members 54 is greater than the aperture of the restraining member 53. The plurality of safety members 54 is long enough so as not to constrict expansion of the plurality of elastic members 51. In the event the plurality of elastic members 51 breaks or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of elastic members 51, the plurality of safety members 54 will prevent the ball/ball-like object 50 from causing an injury. The inner diameter of the second hollow shaft 32 is great enough to allow the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to move freely.
The fourth embodiment of the arm member 15 is shown in FIG. 11 and is comprised of a solid shaft 31. Exploded view of the first end is shown in FIG. 11 a. Exploded view of the second end is shown in FIG. 11 b. The solid shaft 31 has a first end 31 a and a second end 31 b. Within the solid shaft 31 is a plurality of safety members 54. A hole 56 in the proximity of the first end 31 a of the solid shaft 31 allows the arm member 15 to be secured rotatably to an upright member of a base in hitting practice, and to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise around the upright member and also to move up and down the upright member. In this embodiment the second end 31 b of the solid shaft 31 is affixed within a ball/ball-like object 50.
Rubber is a suitable material for both shafts 31 and 32 as it is flexible and has great tensile strength. A suitable material for the ball/ball-like object 50 to be made of is polyurethane which has rubber-like properties. However, there are other materials that will equally fit the specification. The plurality of elastic members 51 can either be bungee cords or surgical tubings. The plurality of safety members 54 can be polyurethane cords. The plurality of safety members 54 can equally be of material that is strong and elastic in nature. The preferred manner of conjoining the ball/ball-like object 50 with plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 is to mould the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to the ball/ball-like object 50. The parts of both the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 within the ball/ball-like object 50 are splayed to ensure greater adhesion of the plurality of elastic members 51 and the plurality of safety members 54 to the ball/ball-like object 50. The pivotal member 41 is a bolt and a nut and is removable. In the event the ball/ball-like object 50 is damaged, or the plurality of elastic members 51 is broken, or the second section 30 is damaged, or the ball/ball-like object 50 releases from the plurality of safety members 54, the second section 30 together with the ball/ball-like object 50 positioned at the second end of the second section 30 can be replaced.
Referring to FIG. 12, therein is shown, a perspective view of the base 60 of the first embodiment of the present invention which is comprised of a height adjusting member 61, a spine member 68, a plurality of fin members 91, a plurality of wing members 86, a plurality of leg members 100, a plurality of weight members 109 (not shown) and a plurality of spike members 110 (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 13, the height adjusting member 61 is a slotted bar having a first and second parallel longitudinal faces 62, 62′, and a first and second parallel lateral faces 63, 63′, and upper and lower faces 64, 64′. A slot 65 runs substantially symmetrical through the longitudinally axis, opening and ending in the longitudinal faces 62, 62′ and starting and ending below the upper and lower faces 64, 64′. A hole drilled in substantially the centre of the upper face 64 accommodates an upright member 66 with most of the upright member 66 transfixed and projecting at a substantial right angle to the upper face 64. That part of the upright member 66 projecting from the upper face 64 is greater than the height of the lateral face 22 of the first section 20 of the arm 15 enabling that part of the upright member 66 transfixed and projecting from the upper face 64 to be inserted into the hole 25 of the first section 20 of the arm 15, with the arm 15 free to rotate around the upright member 66 in both directions. A detachable locking member 67 at substantially the end of the upright member 66 prevents the arm 15 from slipping out of the upright member 66 during hitting and fielding practice and allows the arm 15 to be removed from the upright member 66 in transportation or storage mode. The height adjusting member 61 is made of polypropylene; the upright member 66 is a grade 8 steel bolt; the detachable locking mechanism 67 of the upright member 66 is a wing nut.
As shown in FIG. 14 a, the spine member 68 is a metal tubing having a first end 69 and a second end 69′ with both ends capped by inserts 70. The cross section of the spine member 68 is rectangular with the wide faces forming the upper face 71 and lower face 71′ of the spine member 68; and the narrow faces forming the frontal face 72 and back face 72′ of the spine member 68. A first recess 73 is formed by two metal brackets 74 a, 74 b welded substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68 and at a right angle to the upper and lower faces 71, 71′. The length of the first recess 73 is the height of the frontal member 72. The width of the first recess 73 is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face 62 of the height adjusting member 61 so allowing the height adjusting member 61 to move freely within the first recess 73. The depth of the first recess 73 is the height of the lateral face 63 of the height adjusting member 61. The first recess 73 is positioned substantially symmetrical between the first and second ends 69 and 69′. In the centre of the first recess 73 a hole 75 extends thru to the back face 72′ to which a nut 76 (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole 75. A fully threaded bolt 77 secures the height adjusting member 61 during batting practice in the first recess 73 by being inserted thru the slot 65 and the hole 75 then threaded into the nut 76. A second recess 78 is formed by two metal brackets 79 a, 79 b welded substantially parallel to each other and at an acute angle to the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68. Each metal bracket extends from the upper face 71 to the lower face 71′. The width of the second recess 78 is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face 62 of the height adjusting member 61 so allowing the height adjusting member 61 to move freely within the second recess 78. The depth of the second recess 78 is the height of the lateral face 63 of the height adjusting member 61. The second recess 78 is located at either end 69 or 69′ slanted towards that end. In the centre of the second recess 78 a hole 80 extending thru to the back face 69′ to which a nut 81 (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole 80. The same bolt 77 secures the height adjusting member 61 during batting practice in the second recess 73 by being inserted thru the slot 65 and the hole 80 then threaded into the a nut 81. The height adjusting member 61 is housed in the first recess 73 when practicing non-curve balls hitting and in the second recess 78 when practicing curve balls hitting. The hole 75 and 80 in either recess 73 and 78 and the slot 65 of the height adjusting member 61 are aligned. As shown in FIG. 14 b, the head 82 of the fully threaded bolt 77 is greater than the width of the slot 65. The head 82 has a hole 83 that is at right angle to the body of the fully threaded bolt 77 and in the hole 83 resides a handle 84 with a stopper 85 at each end. The stoppers 85 prevent the handle 84 from slipping out of the hole 83. The handle 84 can slide back and forth in the hole 83. In hitting practice mode the fully threaded bolt 77 is tightened into the corresponding nut welded to the back face 72′ of the hole. To adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object 50 the fully threaded bolt 77 is loosened, the height adjusting member 61 moved to the desired height, then the fully threaded bolt 77 is tightened once more. To move the height adjusting member 61 from one recess to another the fully threaded bolt 77 is fully un-screwed. In transportation or storage mode the fully threaded bolt 77 is loosened to the extent that the height adjusting member 61 can be rotated parallel to the spine member 68 then the fully threaded bolt 77 is tightened with the height adjusting member 61 contiguous to the metal brackets of the recess. A plurality of wing members 86 is secured rotatably to the upper face 71 of the spine member 68. The outer of the pair of wing members 86 closer to the frontal face 72 is secured by a fastener 87 in the proximity of the first end of the spine member 68 with the free end extending to the second end of the spine member 68. The other of the pair of wing members 86 closer to the frontal face is secured by a fastener 87 a in the proximity of the second end of the spine member 68 with the free end not extending past the fastener 87 securing the outer wing member. This configuration allows the pair of wing members closer to the frontal face 72 to be rotated substantially perpendicular to the spine member. The outer of the pair of wing members closer to the back face 72′ is secured by a fastener 88 in the proximity of the first end of the spine member 68 with the free end extending to the second end of the spine member 68. The other of the pair of wing members closer to the back face 72′ is secured by a fastener 88 a in the proximity of the second end of the spine member with the free end not extending past the bolt securing the outer wing member. This configuration allows the pair of wing members closer to the back face to be rotated substantially perpendicular to the spine member. In storage or transportation mode the plurality of wing members is folded parallel to each other. A hole 90 in each of the free end on the plurality of wing members 86 allows the device 10 to be staked to the surface the hitter stands on when the device is inverted in batting practice.
As shown in FIG. 15 a, each of the plurality of fin members 91 is made of the same material as the spine member 68 with the wide faces forming the frontal face 92 and back face 92′ of the fin member 91 and the narrow faces forming the upper face 93 and lower face 93′ of the fin member 91, and each fin member 91 having an outer face 94 and inner face 94′. Each fin member is affixed at an acute angle to the spine member 68 at each end, with the upper face 93 of the fin member 91 contiguous to the lower face 71′ of the spine member 68. The fin members 91 at the ends of the spine member 68 are mirror images of each other, as are the fin members 91 on either side at each end. On the lower face 93′ of each fin member 91 is a recess 95. Each fin member 91 has a insert 96, extending from one end to the other of the fin member 91. Each insert 96 has a recess substantially identical to the recess 95 of its fin member, with the insert 96 fitting snugly in the cavity of its fin member 91. Each insert 96 has a nut 97 (not shown) embedded flush to the face of the insert 96 contiguous to the frontal face 92 of the fin member 91. The nut 97 is exposed by a hole 98 in the frontal face 92 of the fin member 91. A fully threaded bolt 99 resides in the nut 97. The full threaded bolt 99 is similar in structure to the fully threaded bolt 77 shown in FIG. 14 b. in that the head 82 of the full threaded bolt 99 has a hole 83 that is at right angle to the body of the bolt and in the hole resides a handle 84 with a stopper 85 at each end. The stoppers 85 prevent the handle 84 from slipping out of the hole 83. The handle 84 can slide back and forth in the hole 83. In hitting practice mode the bolt is tightened into the nut 97.
As shown in FIG. 15 b, each leg of the plurality of legs 100 is made of metal tubing, the cross section of which is circular, with a lower straight section 101 and an upper curved end 102. The end of the straight section is capped by a foot member 103 which is oriented away from the curved section 102. Each foot member 103 has a hole 104 thru which the device 10 is staked to the ground by a plurality of spikes 110. When each of the plurality of leg member 100 is opened in hitting practice mode, each foot 103 sits substantially flat on the surface the hitter stands on. The end of the curved section 102 is capped by a washer 105. At a distance slightly greater than the width of the lower face 93′ of a fin member 91 a locking member 106 is welded substantially symmetrical around the leg. The locking member 106 has a notch 107 which is synchronised with the bolt 99 residing in the nut 97, so when the leg opened in hitting practice mode, the notch 107 comes to a stop against the bolt 99 residing in the nut 97. The section between the washer 105 and the locking member 106 of each leg 100 fits snugly in the recess 95 of the fin member 91 and is held in place by a plate member 108 fastened over the recess 95. The head of the bolt 99 is greater than the notch 107 of the locking member 106. When the bolt 99 is tightened it pushes the locking member 106 against the frontal face 92 of the fin member 91, substantially immobilising the leg 100. The two frontal legs are shorter than the two back legs which tilts the device towards the hitter. With this configuration, gravity always returns the ball/ball-like object 50 to the hitter. In storage or transportation mode each of the plurality of legs 100 is rotated into the spine member 68. In hitting practice mode each of the plurality of legs 100 is rotated away from the spine member 68 until the locking member 106 comes into contact with the bolt 99. When used outdoors the device 10 is immobilised by staking it to the ground by a plurality of spikes 110 thru the holes 104 in the foot member 103. Each of the weighted members 109 is a saddle bag shipped empty to be filled by the user with sand or similar heavy material. The weighted members 109 are draped over the spine member in hitting practice mode to further immobilise the device.
Referring first to FIG. 16, therein is shown, in hitting practice mode, a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sports device 10 used to practice hitting in baseball, the sports device 10 comprising an arm member 15 at the end of which is positioned a ball/ball-like object 50. The arm member 15 is mounted on the base 60 and as disclosed herein is detachable from the base 60 and is easily mounted on any type of base, whether stationary or portable.
Referring to FIG. 17, therein is shown, a perspective view of the base 60 of the second embodiment of the sports device 10 which is comprised of a height adjusting member 61, a spine member 68, a plurality of leg members 100, a plurality of weight members 109 (not shown) and a plurality of spike members 110 (not shown).
As shown in FIG. 18, the spine member 68 of the base 60 of the second embodiment of the sports device 10 is a metal tubing having a first end 69 and a second end 69′ with both ends capped by inserts 70. The cross section of the spine member 68 is rectangular with the narrow faces forming the upper face 71 and lower face 71′ of the spine member 68; and the wide faces forming the frontal face 72 and back face 72′ of the spine member 68. A recess 73 is formed by two metal brackets 74 a, 74 b welded substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68 and at a right angle to the upper and lower faces 71, 71′. The length of the first recess 73 is the height of the frontal member 72. The width of the first recess 73 is slightly greater than the width of the longitudinal face 62 of the height adjusting member 61 so allowing the height adjusting member 61 to move freely within the first recess 73. The depth of the first recess 73 is the height of the lateral face 63 of the height adjusting member 61. The recess 73 is positioned substantially symmetrical between the first and second ends 69 and 69′. In the centre of the first recess 73 a hole 75 extends thru to the back face 72′ to which a nut 76 (not shown) is welded concentric to the hole 75. During batting practice a fully threaded bolt 77 secures the height adjusting member 61 in the first recess 73 by being inserted thru the slot 65 and the hole 75 then threaded into the a nut 76. In the lower face 71′ at substantially each end 69 and 69′ is a recess 95 in which each of the legs 100 is secured. Each insert 70 has a nut 97 (not shown) embedded flush to the face of the insert 70 contiguous to the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68. The nut 97 is exposed by a hole 98 in the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68. A fully threaded bolt 99 resides in the nut 97. The full threaded bolt 99 is similar in structure to the fully threaded bolt 77 shown in FIG. 14 b. in that the head 82 of the full threaded bolt 99 has a hole 83 that is at right angle to the body of the bolt 99 and in the hole 83 resides a handle 84 with a stopper 85 at each end. The stoppers 85 prevent the handle 82 from slipping out of the hole 83. The handle 84 can slide back and forth in the hole 83. In hitting practice mode the bolt 99 is tightened into the nut 97.
As shown in FIG. 19 a, each of the plurality of legs 100 is made of metal tubing, the cross section of which is circular, with lower straight sections 101 joined by an upper curved end 102. The end of each straight section 101 is capped by a foot member 103 which is oriented away from the curved section 102. Each foot member 103 has a hole 104 thru which the device 10 is staked to the ground by a plurality of spikes 110. When each of the plurality of leg member 100 is opened in hitting practice mode, each foot 103 sits substantially flat on the surface the hitter stands on. A washer 105 and a locking member 106 are welded over the curved section 102, the spacing between them being slightly greater than the width of the lower face 71′ of the spine member 68. The locking member 106 has a notch 107 which is synchronised with the bolt 99 residing in the nut 97, so that when the leg is opened in hitting practice mode, the notch 107 comes to a stop against the bolt 99 residing in the nut 97. Each leg 100 fits snugly in the recess 95 of the fin member 91 and is held in place by a plate member 108 fastened over the recess 95. The head of the bolt 99 is greater than the notch 107 of the locking member 106. When the bolt 99 is tightened it pushes the locking member 106 against the frontal face 72 of the spine member 68, substantially immobilising the leg 100. The frontal two straight sections of the legs are shorter than the back two straight sections of the legs 100 which tilts the device towards the hitter. With this configuration, gravity always returns the ball/ball-like object 50 to the hitter. In storage or transportation mode each of the plurality of legs 100 is rotated into the spine member 68. In hitting practice mode each of the plurality of legs 100 is rotated away from the spine member 68 until the locking member 106 comes into contact with the bolt 99. When used outdoors the device 10 is immobilised by staking it to the ground by a plurality of spikes 110 thru the holes 104 in the foot member 103. Each of the weighted members 109 is a saddle bag shipped empty to be filled by the user with sand or similar heavy material. The weighted members 109 are draped over the spine member in hitting practice mode to further immobilise the device. As shown in FIG. 19 b, the head 82 of the full threaded bolt 77 is greater than the width of the slot 65. The head 82 has a hole 83 that is at right angle to the body of the bolt 77 and in the hole 83 resides a handle 84 with a stopper 85 at each end. The stoppers 85 prevent the handle 84 from slipping out of the hole 83. The handle 84 can slide back and forth in the hole 83. In hitting practice mode the bolt 77 is tightened into the corresponding nut welded to the back face 72′ of the hole. To adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object 50, the fully threaded bolt 77 is loosened, the height adjusting member 61 moved to the desired height, then the fully threaded bolt 77 is tightened once more. In transportation or storage mode the fully threaded bolt 77 is loosened to the extent that the height adjusting member 61 can be rotated parallel to the spine member 68 then the fully threaded bolt 77 is tightened with the height adjusting member 61 contiguous to the metal brackets of the recess.

Method of Use

The configurations of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 and the second embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 16 are used to practice hitting in baseball in the upper regions of the strike zone. The height adjusting member 61 is used to adjust the height of the ball/ball-like object 50 for the hitter by loosening the recess bolt 77 and sliding the height adjusting member 61 up or down to the desired height then tightening the recess bolt 77. In batting practice the ball/ball-like object 50 can either be stationary or moving. Having the ball/ball-like object 50 moving simulates pitching. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 clockwise into the himself/herself.
The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 20 is used to practice hitting curved balls in baseball. In this configuration the arm member 15 is at an acute angle to the vertical. Having the ball/ball-like object 50 rotate simulates a curved ball in baseball. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 clockwise into the himself/herself.
The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 21 is used to practice hitting in baseball in the lower region of the strike zone. In batting practice the ball/ball-like object 50 can either be stationary or moving. Having the ball/ball-like object 50 moving simulates pitching. This is done by a right handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 counter clockwise into the himself/herself or by a left handed batter rotating the ball/ball-like object 50 clockwise into the himself/herself.
The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 22 is used to practice hitting balls freely into the field or a net. In fielding practice the ball/ball-like object 50 sits freely on a platform at the end of the arm member 15. The ball is then hit to players who field the ball.
The configuration of the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 23 is that of the invention in storage or transportation mode.
This invention has been disclosed and described in its embodiments with a certain degree of peculiarity; it is understood that the present disclosure of the embodiments is only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A sports device used to practice hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object comprising:

a. a base member;

b. an arm member;

c. a ball/ball-like object positioned at an end of said arm member;

d. said arm member having means to provide plurality of independent planes of movement for said ball/ball like object in hitting practice mode; and

e. said arm member having means to relieve stress on said arm member when said ball/ball-like object being hit in hitting practice mode.

2. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said means to provide plurality of independent planes of movement for said ball/ball-like object in hitting practice mode and said means to relieve stress on said arm member when said ball/ball-like object being hit in hitting practice mode comprising:

a. said arm member being multi-sectional having a first section and a second section, said first section having a first end and a second end, said second section having a first end and a second end;

b. said second end of said first section of said multi-section arm member having a recess and within said recess said first end of said second section of said multi-section arm member being rotatably connected to said second end of said first section of said multi-section arm member, with said connection allowing said second section to move back and forth relative to said first section and also to rotate upwards and downwards around said connection and clockwise and counter clockwise within said connection;

c. said first section of said multi-section arm member having a hole in substantially the longitudinal axis of said first section and in the proximity of the closed end of said recess and thru said hole, said multi-section arm member being mounted rotatably on said base member in hitting practice mode, allowing said multi-section arm member to rotate completely, clockwise and counter clockwise;

d. said ball/ball-like object positioned at said second end of said second section of said multi-section arm member; and

e. said multi-section arm member having means to keep said second section of said multi-section arm member substantially horizontal in hitting practice mode.

3. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said means to relieve stress on said multi-section arm member when said ball/ball-like object being hit in hitting practice mode comprising:

a. said second section of said multi-section arm member being hollow;

b. said ball/ball-like object conjoined to a plurality of elastic members which are drawn taut thru said hollow second section with said plurality of elastic members fastened at said first end of said hollow second section, thus positioning said ball/ball-like object at said second end of said hollow second section; and

c. a plurality of safety members conjoined to said ball/ball-like object, said safety members drawn thru said second section and fastened at said first end of said second section.

4. The sports device of claim 3, wherein said second end of said second section of said multi-section arm member being flared to receive said ball/ball-like object.

5. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said second section of said multi-section arm member being a solid shaft with said ball/ball-like object affixed at said second end of said solid shaft.

6. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said means to keep said second section of said multi-section arm member substantially horizontal in hitting practice mode being a support member with said support member fastened within said recess and under said second section thus supporting the weight of said second section of said multi-section arm member in hitting practice mode.

7. The sports device of claim 2, wherein said means to keep said second section of said multi-section arm member substantially horizontal in hitting practice mode being a counter-weight member with said counter-weight member fastened within said recess and over that part of said second section extending from said connection to said first end of said second section and acting as a counter weight to the weight of said second section of said multi-section arm member in hitting practice mode.

8. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said means to provide plurality of independent planes of movement for said ball/ball-like object in hitting practice mode and said means to relieve stress on said arm member when said ball/ball-like object being hit in hitting practice mode comprising:

a. said arm member being a hollow shaft having a first end and a second end;

b. said hollow shaft having a hole in substantially the longitudinal axis of said hollow shaft and in the proximity of said first end of said hollow shaft and thru said hole, said hollow shaft is mounted rotatably on said base member in hitting practice mode, allowing said hollow shaft to rotate completely, clockwise and counter clockwise;

c. said ball/ball-like object is conjoined to a plurality of elastic members which are drawn taut thru said hollow shaft with said plurality of elastic members fastened at said first end of said hollow shaft, thus positioning said ball/ball-like object at said second end of said hollow shaft; and

d. a plurality of safety members conjoined to said ball/ball-like object, said safety members drawn thru said second section and fastened at said first end of said second section.

9. The sports device of claim 8, wherein said second end of said second section of said multi-section arm member is flared to receive said ball/ball-like object.

10. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said means to provide plurality of independent planes of movement for said ball/ball-like object in hitting practice mode and said means to relieve stress on said arm member when said ball/ball-like object being hit in hitting practice mode comprising:

a. said arm member being a solid shaft having a first end and a second end;

b. said solid shaft having a hole in substantially the longitudinal axis of said solid shaft and in the proximity of said first end of said solid shaft and thru said hole, said solid shaft is mounted rotatably on said base member in hitting practice mode, allowing said solid shaft to rotate clockwise and counter clockwise; and

c. said ball/ball-like object affixed at said second end of said solid shaft.

11. The sports device of claim 1, wherein in fielding practice mode, an end of said arm member being a platform on which said ball/ball-like object is freely mounted, with said ball/ball-like object hit to a player or players in fielding practice mode.

12. The sports device of claim 1, wherein said base member used in practicing hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object in baseball in a static or dynamic mode comprising:

a: a spine member having a first end and a second end;

b: a plurality of leg members rotatably connected at substantially the ends of said spine member;

c: a plurality of wing members rotatably connected at substantially the ends of said spine member;

d: a plurality of housing members affixed to said spine member at different angles; and

e: a height adjustment member;

g: said base member having means, where at a set height in the upper region of the strike zone, said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter at different speeds in hitting practice mode;

h: said base member having means, where at a set height in the lower region of the strike zone, said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter at different speeds in hitting practice mode;

i: said base member having means where said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter as a curve ball at different speeds in hitting practice mode; and

j: said base member having means to keep said device stable during hitting and fielding practice mode.

13. The sports device of claim 12, wherein each leg member of said plurality of leg members being connected individually and rotatably at substantially the ends of said spine member, wherein each leg member of said plurality of leg members being rotated substantially parallel to said spine member in transportation or storage mode, and in hitting and fielding practice mode each leg member is rotated away from and secured to said spine member in a position defined by an acute angle of each leg member to the vertical and an obtuse angle to the horizontal plane through said spine member; and with the leg members attached to one of the lateral sides of said spine member shorter than the leg members attached to the other lateral side of said spine member, gravity returns the ball/ball-like object to the hitter after it being hit in hitting practice mode.

14. The sports device of claim 12, wherein said leg members at each end of said spine member are joined together to move as one, each leg member flaring away from said spine member by the same obtuse angle; said joined leg members rotated substantially parallel to said spine member in transportation or storage mode, and in hitting and fielding practice mode are rotated away from said spine member and secured to said spine member at an acute angle to the vertical; and with the leg members attached to one of the lateral sides of said spine member shorter than the leg members attached to the other lateral side of said spine member, gravity returns the ball/ball-like object to the hitter after it being hit in hitting practice mode.

15. The sports device of claim 12, wherein said height adjusting member being a bar with a longitudinal slot through which said height adjusting member is connected rotatably to said spine member of said base member, whereby in hitting and fielding practice mode said height adjusting member being rotated to a substantially vertical position and secured within said housing member of said spine member of said base member and can be moved up and down within said housing member to adjust the height of said ball/ball-like object; and in transportation or storage mode said height adjusting member is rotated out of said housing member and secured substantially parallel to said spine member of said base member.

16. The sports device used to practice hitting and fielding a ball/ball-like object of claim 12, wherein said means where at a set height in the upper region of the strike zone, said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter at different speeds in hitting practice mode comprises of:

a: the plurality of leg members being opened as in hitting practice mode;

b: said height adjustment member being set to desired height within said housing member;

c: said arm member is mounted on said height adjustment member;

d: said ball/ball-like object being rotated, manually or mechanically, counter clockwise into a right handed hitter or clockwise into a left handed hitter at speeds that vary from fast to slow.

17. The sports device of claim 12, wherein said means where at a set height in the lower region of the strike zone, said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter at different speeds in hitting practice mode comprises of:

a: said spine member being placed on the surface with the plurality of leg members in storage and transportation mode;

b: said height adjustment member secured within said housing member in an upright position;

c: said plurality of wing members being rotated away from said spine member and secured contiguously to the surface on which said device rests;

d: said arm member being mounted on said height adjustment member;

e: said ball/ball-like object is rotated, manually or mechanically, counter clockwise into a right handed hitter or clockwise into a left handed hitter at speeds that vary from fast to slow.

18. The sports device of claim 12, wherein said means where at a set height said ball/ball-like object moves to the hitter as a curve ball at different speeds in hitting practice mode comprises of:

a: the plurality of leg members being opened as in hitting practice mode;

b: said height adjustment member being set to desired height within a housing member inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal;

c: said arm member being mounted on said height adjustment member;

19. The sports device of claim 12, wherein said means to keep said base member stable during hitting and fielding practice mode comprises of a plurality of detachable weight members and a plurality of spike members; said plurality of detachable weight members hung over said spine member during hitting and fielding practice mode; said plurality of spike members secured to said plurality of leg members during transportation and storage mode and fastened to said plurality of leg members and driven into the ground during hitting and fielding practice mode.