| Pitching training mat and kit and associated method for training pitchers -> Monitor Keywords |
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Pitching training mat and kit and associated method for training pitchersRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game In Which Play Involves Base Running (e.g., For Baseball, Cricket, Etc.)Pitching training mat and kit and associated method for training pitchers description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060068947, Pitching training mat and kit and associated method for training pitchers. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
PRIORITY [0001] This application claims priority under Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/506,351, filed Sep. 26, 2003, by Cheri Kempf, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and is entitled to that filing date. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to training devices and methods for baseball and softball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pitching training mat and kit, and associated method for teaching the fundamental techniques of baseball and softball pitching. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] Pitching is a critical element in the games of softball and baseball. The position of pitcher requires the player to develop proper pitching technique and mechanics. A pitcher can deliver a ball with high velocity and precision, which in turn requires excellent anticipation and reflex skills from a batter in order to hit the ball. Proper technique and mechanics not only affect the success of the player and his or her team by maximizing performance, but also can greatly reduce the incidence of injuries. [0004] Pitching generally requires leg strength and proper leg mechanics. Proper foot placement during the act of pitching can involve numerous factors, including foot spacing, foot placement during follow-through, and stride. Arm movement and body positioning also are critical. [0005] A number of baseball pitching training apparatus are known in the prior art. Many focus on just one or two particular aspects of pitching, however, such as foot position or body position. For example, Weeks, U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,449, discloses a pitching trainer comprising a mat showing proper foot positioning for pitching in baseball, along with a tee mechanism and target. And Martin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,512, discloses a baseball pitching device with a control arm for teaching body positioning for selected baseball pitches. Kits for teaching a baseball batter to utilize a proper batting position also are known. For example, Wiseman, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,880, discloses a kit comprising a mat with indicia for proper foot positioning. These devices and techniques, however, are not directly applicable to softball pitching, and do not assist the pitcher in visualizing the appropriate line along which to pitch. Moreover, the mechanical nature of several of these devices make them difficult to move, set up, and use, as well as increasing the cost of training. [0006] Thus, what is needed is an inexpensive, easy-to-use device for teaching showing the proper foot placement and body alignment for baseball and softball pitching, and a kit for teaching the fundamental techniques and mechanics of pitching. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides for training devices in the form of a stationary pitching mat with indicia showing proper foot placement and body alignment for a pitcher, and a kit and associated method for teaching the fundamental techniques and mechanics of softball pitching. The present invention can act as a guide for foot placement and form, body alignment, and facilitate compliance with league regulations. [0008] The kit comprises a pitching mat made of rubber or similar material that is suitable for a person to stand on repeatedly. The mat can be premarked with a variety of indicia, including a pitcher's plate and one or more lines delineating a direction in which to throw. One such line can mark a "powerline," or line of greatest power for pitching. Alternatively, the mat can be blank, and a variety of stickers can be provided for the player to place on the map in appropriate places to designate a pitcher's plate and the above-described lines, including a power line. The kit may further include instructions for placement of the stickers and using the kit, and instructions for mat care, including cleaning of the mat. [0009] The kit may further comprise a softball or training ball, such as a Club K-Worth "SofDot" 11-inch ball, and a video or CD with directions and instructions on the fundamentals of pitching. The instructional video or CD would include instruction on the main concepts in pitching, such as using the total body, being efficient, and having a loose and relaxed arm. It also could include instruction on gripping the ball, upper body mechanics (e.g., making a circle with the arm, following through, and maintaining a tall posture), and lower body mechanics (e.g., the stride, driving from the back leg, and maintaining balance). The video or CD also could demonstrate training drills (e.g., one knee into net, standing into net). The kit may further provide a means of obtaining additional information (such as a website address or telephone number). [0010] Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principals of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of a pre-marked pitching mat in accordance with the present invention. [0012] FIG. 2 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pre-marked pitching mat in accordance with the present invention. [0013] FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of the pre-marked pitching mat from FIG. 2 in use showing initial foot placement. [0014] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a pre-marked pitching mat from FIG. 2 in use showing foot placement during the pitch. [0015] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the components of a training kit in accordance with the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016] Referring now in more detail to the drawings in which like parts have like identifiers, FIG. 1 is a top view of a pitching training mat 1. The pitching training mat 1 generally is rectangular, although it may be any suitable shape. A pitcher's plate or rubber 2 is marked on one end of the mat 1. While FIG. 1 shows the pitcher's rubber 2 symmetrically disposed perpendicular to a center line 3 which runs along the longitudinal center axis of the mat 1, the exact positioning of the pitcher's rubber 2 from the end and sides of the mat 1 may vary. Two or more guide lines 4 extend from the pitcher's rubber 2 (or the area next to the pitcher's plate) parallel to the center line 3. The center line 3 and guide lines 4 may be of any suitable width, length or color to be visible to the user. The center line 3 and guide lines 4 may also be solid or dashed or broken, or comprise two or more parallel sub-lines. The pitcher's rubber 2 may be simply painted or marked on the mat 1, but may also be slightly elevated above the mat in order to simulate a true pitching rubber or plate in the game. [0017] In one exemplary configuration, the mat 1 is 3 feet wide by 9 feet long, although it may be any other size sufficient for a person to stand and stride on. The center line 3 is 1 or 2 inches wide, while the two guide lines 4 may be one-half inch to one inch wide. The center line 3 begins at the front edge 5 of the pitcher's rubber 2 equidistant from both sides, and extends the length of the mat 1. Each guide line 4 starts at the back edge 6 of the pitcher's rubber 2, and extends the length of the mat 1 parallel to the center line 3. Each guide line 4 is equi-distant from the closest respective edge of the mat 1. [0018] In another exemplary configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, the center line 3 and/or one or more of the guide lines 4 may extend beyond the back edge 6 of the pitcher's plate. 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