Low-impact training ball

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/564,124, filed Apr. 21, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a training device for baseball and softball players. The invention relates more particularly to a low-impact training ball of regulation size, for example regulation baseball size or regulation softball size, and having an exterior construction substantially identical to that of a regulation ball. The invention also relates to a training game developed using the low-impact training ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of baseball has existed for more than one hundred years and is enjoyed by players and spectators of all ages. New players, and players of all skill levels are constantly seeking to improve their skills. Various practice drills and routines are carried out to simulate game conditions, or to promote proper form and technique in fielding, batting and throwing skills. One drawback to previously known practice methods is that the use of regulation balls during practice may actually hamper the development of proper form and technique, potentially reinforcing bad habits rather than teaching good ones. This is especially so with younger and less experienced players who are most in need of skills development, but may also affect even the most experienced players.

For example, many players instinctively close their eyes or “shy away” when fielding a thrown or batted ball, typically out of fear of injury from impact by the ball. The momentum and weight of a regulation ball can produce a considerable impact, resulting in pain or even injury if a ball is not properly fielded. Players must overcome the instinct to close their eyes and/or move out of the way of the ball, in order to develop proper fielding skills. But practice drills using a regulation ball may simply reinforce the instinctive bad habits by repeatedly subjecting a player to impacts by the ball, before skills are sufficiently developed to properly field the ball on a consistent basis. Thus, “practice” with a regulation ball may in some instances actually impair a player's fielding skills, or at least delay the player's development.

Batting practice using a regulation ball may also be less effective than desired, for similar reasons. For example, a player may “bail out” of the batter's box out of an instinctive fear of being hit by a pitched ball. And even tee-ball players may receive negative feedback when the bat stings their hands after mis-hitting a ball, potentially slowing their development and resulting in less than optimal skills development.

Sponge rubber “safety” balls, and tennis balls are sometimes utilized for practice, in an effort to avoid such disadvantages. However, the resilience of the materials these balls are constructed of can cause the ball to bounce out of a player's glove more quickly than a regulation ball, possibly leading to frustration and creating an unrealistic practice experience.

Thus it can be seen that needs exist for training devices and methods for improving playing skills. It is to the provision of training devices and methods meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In example forms, the present invention is a training ball that is easier to catch than a regulation ball, and that produces less sensed impact when caught or otherwise contacted. In this manner, the present invention helps new players overcome fear of impact with a ball, builds confidence, and assists in the development of proper skills and technique. The present invention also allows new players and experienced players alike to hone their skills through realistic practice experiences, in fielding, batting and throwing.

The ball of the present invention also promotes fielding skill development and confidence building in a variety of users, due to its reduced coefficient of restitution, relative to regulation balls and other practice balls, which results in increased duration of ball contact with the fielder's glove. By remaining in contact with the fielder's glove for an additional increment of time, the fielder's reflexes can be honed to properly time squeezing of the ball within the glove pocket. And because fewer balls may be dropped, the user's confidence will be enhanced, possibly increasing a player's desire to practice further.

The present invention also provides new and improved training methods, utilizing a low-impact ball, and new and improved games played using such a ball. For example, use of the low-impact ball of the present invention enables play within a more confined area than practical using a regulation ball.

In one aspect, the present invention is a training ball having substantially the same size, and exterior construction and appearance as a regulation ball, but having a lighter weight than a regulation ball.

In another aspect, the invention is a training ball having substantially the same size, and exterior construction and appearance as a regulation ball, but being deformable.

In still another aspect, the invention is a method of practicing fielding of a regulation ball using a non-regulation training ball, said method comprising catching said non-regulation training ball, wherein the non-regulation training ball deforms upon contact with the field.

In another aspect, the invention is a game played on a smaller field and with teams of fewer participants than standard baseball.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a fully assembled low-impact training ball according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the low-impact training ball of FIG. 1 partially assembled, filled with an example form of polypropylene beads according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, FIG. 1 depicts a low-impact training ball 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The ball 10 is a training device that allows inexperienced baseball/softball players to gain confidence in their ability to catch a thrown baseball or softball, and allows more experienced players to hone their skill and/or play games in more confined spaces. In a preferred form, the device of the present invention is a low-impact practice ball, preferably having a size, shape and external construction substantially identical to a regulation baseball or softball, but preferably being lighter than a regulation ball. For example, in a baseball embodiment, the low-impact practice ball is generally spherical and about 2¾″ to 3″ in diameter 40, and weighs between about 3½ ounces and about 4½ ounces, and more preferably between about 4.0 ounces to about 4.25 ounces. These weights have been found to provide a realistic feel and throwing characteristics, yet reduce the energy transfer and sensed impact of the ball when caught, or when hitting a player.

The ball comprises an outer shell 20 that is preferably constructed of alum-tanned leather or synthetic leather, with its smooth side out, and preferably white in color. The shell 20 of the ball is preferably constructed from two panels, each roughly in the shape of a figure eight, sewn together with stitches 30. The shell 20 can be the shell of an actual regulation ball from which the inner portion has been removed, or alternatively can be produced directly for use in connection with the present invention. It is preferable that about 108 stitches 30 of red waxed-cotton or synthetic thread are used to hold the two panels together. In the stitching process, waxed cotton thread can be stitched using a straight or curved needle to assemble the outer shell 20 in an over then under stitching fashion. This stitching is substantially identical to that of a regulation baseball, and creates a raised feel to the stitching allowing the player to grip the threads in the same manner he/she would a regulation baseball. The stitching process also makes the ball react to the air flowing around it when thrown, as a regulation baseball would.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the shell 20 of the ball of the present invention is comprised of an outer side 22 and an under side 24. The shell 20 is preferably filled with a particulate material or beads 50, such that the ball deforms somewhat upon compression or impact with a solid surface. For example, in preferred form the shell of the ball is filled with small beads of polypropylene or other material. It is preferred that the beads 50 are about 0.1 to 0.2 inches across, more preferably about ⅛″ across. In example embodiments, the shell 20 may be either completely or partially filled with beads 50. The more compact the beads 50 are placed within the shell 20, the more rigid the ball 10 becomes. The ball 10 of the present invention optionally further comprises an inner shell 60 containing the beads 50, and configured to be snugly encapsulated with the shell 20 when the ball is assembled. The inner shell 60 is preferably formed of a flexible material such as canvas, cotton, or other natural or synthetic fabric or material. The inner shell 60 can be attached to the shell 20 by adhesive, or can be unattached.

The training ball 10 is primarily aimed at children in the 3-10 yr age range, but anyone that is afraid of catching a ball, or who wishes to hone their skills, will benefit greatly by its use. A substantial advantage of the bead core 50 of the present invention over a conventional twine core baseball or a sponge rubber core ball is the dramatically reduced Coefficient of Restitution (COR, see ASTM F1887-02 ASTM International). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard's Document Summary page on the ASTM website. When thrown into a baseball glove, the ball 10 will change its shape and conform to the pocket of the glove giving the player an extra measure of time to close the glove—thus making the catch. As the player makes more and more catches through repetition he/she will become more ‘Glove Confident’. Because there is no rebound the chance for injury is also reduced which will help eliminate the inexperienced player's tendency to duck out of the way or close his or her eyes, missing the catch. The reduced threat of injury will also encourage the thrower to make a more confident toss, which will reduce the tendency to short toss and miss the glove.

The ball 10 of the present invention is a superb training aid for reinforcing good fielding technique on ground balls. Because of the reduced COR the ball 10 will roll slower even when the ball is batted and will bounce less, resulting in fewer ‘bad hops’. The standard size and lighter weight (same diameter, but approximately 1 oz lighter than a regulation baseball) also allows for harder throws in a more confined space. The reduced weight of the ball 10, as compared to a regulation ball, reduces the energy transfer and momentum of the ball, reducing fear of injury from impact with the ball. The reduced COR will also allow the ball 10 to be batted with a standard youth bat in a more confined space. This is useful when the user does not have a full-size baseball field available, but still wants to practice batting.

A training game that has been developed using the ball 10 of the present invention will now be described. Because of the reduced COR and reduced flight of the ball a game can be played with teams of 5 players in the traditional infield positions on a field of reduced dimensions. This is particularly helpful when organizing intra-squad scrimmages as the full team size is usually 10 or 11. The training game is preferably played as follows:

1) Teams will be 5 players in the traditional baseball/softball infield positions of first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman and pitcher. The team that is batting will provide the catcher. The bases can be set to any desired length based on the ability of the participants. Suggested basepath length for T-ball is 25 feet, Pee-wee is 30 feet, and Minors is 40 feet.

2) Play will follow standard rules of baseball, or the modified rules of the league in which the team is playing, with the following exceptions: The batter begins with a count of one ball and one strike and the team begins its inning with one out. A coach or a member of the batting team will that rolls past the infield is an automatic double with the runner advancing to second base. Any ball that goes over the head of the infielders on the fly is considered an automatic home run. Players do not advance on an overthrow of any base.

3) The game can be made as many innings as time will allow, but it is suggested that it is kept short as to keep the attention span of the younger participants. When the “Home” team has had its final at bat the score is tallied and the winner is declared.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.