Portable, non-slip training aid for sports

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/366,316, filed on Mar. 20, 2002, entitled Portable, Non-Slip Training Aid for Sports, the disclosure of which is incorporated as if fully rewritten herein.

[0002] The present invention relates in general to athletic equipment and more specifically to a portable, non-slipping rubber pad or platform that may be used for certain indoor training exercises related to softball, baseball, and other sports.

[0003] Many sports and sports-related activities require specialized equipment. In the context of baseball and softball, a pitching platform, hereafter referred to as pitching rubber, is used to provide a stationary mount from which a pitcher may push off as a pitch is thrown in the direction of the batter. Commercially available pitching rubbers, which are usually intended for outdoor use, are typically designed so that the effects of pushing off the plate allow the pitcher to produce power when throwing the ball. If appropriately design and used, these devices can also promote the development of proper pitching fundamentals.

[0004] When pitchers are forced to train indoors due to inclement weather, the use of outdoor pitching rubbers is often not possible because such devices cannot be mounted on or attached to a hard, smooth surface such as hardwood, concrete, or tile. Many currently available indoor pitching rubbers cannot be effectively attached to such surfaces without using some form of adhesive tape, glue, or other attachment method. For example, one common technique for creating an indoor pitching rubber is to take an outdoor portable rubber from which the metal posts have been removed and duct tape the rubber to the surface of the gymnasium floor. While at least marginally effective at reducing slippage, using a stationary mount attached to a floor in this fashion may damage or even ruin the surface of the floor. Thus, in many cases, the pitcher is limited to using a rubber or plastic mat that is not adequately secured to the floor or to not using a mat or rubber at all. This type of training can to many problems, including injuries to the athletes and the development of poor pitching technique.

[0005] Training indoors without an anchored pitching rubber or some type of stationary mount may have a negative physical impact on athletes. Pitchers generate power through their legs from pushing off the pitching rubber. When training is conducted indoors without a pitching rubber, pitchers are forced to change their motion and use other body parts to generate the desired power. When alterations to the proper motion are made, the body compensates for the lack of power from the legs and poor pitching technique is often the result. Such compensation often causes shoulders, backs, and pitching elbows to be overused. Possible resultant injuries include torn ligaments, pulled and strained muscles, tendonitis, and stress fractures. Other types of injuries may result from training with an unanchored pitching rubber. For example, as the pitcher attempts to generate power from pushing off the pitching rubber, the pitching rubber can slip or move, causing the pitcher to lose footing and fall, resulting in twisted ankles, knee strains, hyperextension, broken bones, etc.

[0006] Training indoors without an anchored pitching rubber also leads to poor mechanics and poor fundamentals. Softball and baseball seasons take place during the spring and summer months. However, many pitchers train year round to maintain proper form and fundamentals. Mechanical problems and bad habits often arise for pitchers who are forced inside during inclement weather because training occurs in a non-realistic environment. When pitchers train with unanchored pitching rubbers for any period of time, they overcompensate with different body parts, thus changing the timing of their motion and, as discussed, putting undesirable stress on various body parts. Furthermore, pitchers who have received professional instruction will often attempt to incorporate or utilize proper technique indoors using unanchored pitching rubbers. However, maintenance of good technique depends on realistic environmental conditions. If the pitching rubber slips, or forces the pitcher to adjust the motion, the pitching rubber will not be conducive to useful and proper pitching training.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a baseball/softball pitching rubber that performs in a manner identical to outdoor pitching rubbers and provides the user with an effective means for training year round, outdoor and indoor.

[0008] These and other deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by the present invention which provides a portable sports training aid that reduces the injuries, emotional distress and poor fundamentals that can result from training with unreliable indoor pitching rubbers or other devices. The exemplary embodiments include a pitching rubber, a base, and a home plate. Each embodiment of this invention includes a textured or non-textured surface material for providing a platform upon which a user may stand, an optional substrate material attached to the underside of the surface material, and a plurality of suction devices attached to the underside of the substrate material for securing the training aid to a smooth surface.

[0009] The suction devices may be integral with the surface material or with the substrate material, or they may be a plurality of individual suction devices that are attached to the underside of the surface material or to the substrate material. The individual suction devices may include an attachment screw and a washer for attaching the suction devices to the surface material or substrate material.

[0010] The general method for making the training aid includes the steps of cutting a piece of the surface material to a desired size, cutting a piece of the substrate material to substantially match the dimensions of the surface material, attaching at least one suction device to the substrate material, and attaching the substrate material to the underside of the surface material. The general method of using the present invention includes the steps of placing the training aid onto a smooth surface with the suction devices facing the smooth surface, and applying pressure to the top of said training aid until said aid is secured to the smooth surface.

[0011] Because the present invention adheres to hard, smooth surfaces without damaging or altering the surface, pitchers can utilize this invention to push off and generate power from their legs. Pitchers will also find the present invention useful because it will not slip when they push off, thus enabling them to train correctly without sustaining injuries caused by poor mechanics. The present invention is also convenient, because it allows pitchers to remove the training aid from smooth surfaces and transport and store it easily. The pitching rubber resembles the dimensions of an outside pitching rubber and replicates the characteristics of an outside pitching rubber, thereby enabling the pitcher to train indoors in the same fashion as the pitcher would outdoors.

[0012] Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention and, together with the general description given above and detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1a is a bottom view of the pitching mound embodiment of the portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention showing the placement of the suction devices.

[0015] FIG. 1b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid of FIG. 1a.

[0016] FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the base embodiment of the portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention showing the placement of the suction devices.

[0017] FIG. 2b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid of FIG. 2a.

[0018] FIG. 3a is a bottom view of the home plate embodiment of the portable, non-slip sports training aid of the present invention showing the placement of the suction devices.

[0019] FIG. 3b is a perspective top view of the sports training aid of FIG. 3a.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment showing one method of attaching the suction devices to the bottom of the sports training aid of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5a is a side view of an exemplary embodiment showing an alternate method of attaching the suction devices to the bottom of the sports training aid of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5b is a top view of one of the individual suction devices of the present invention showing the proper placement of the stabilizing washer and the attachment screw.

[0023] FIG. 5c is a side view of one of the individual suction devices of the present invention showing the proper placement of the attachment screw.

[0024] FIG. 5d is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing a drill being used to create of cavity in the surface material or the substrate material.

[0025] FIG. 5e is a perspective view of an individual suction device being attached to the bottom of the sports training aid of the present invention.

[0026] Reference Numerals

[0027] 10 pitching rubber

[0028] 12 pitching rubber substrate

[0029] 14 suction device

[0030] 16 pitching rubber surface

[0031] 20 base

[0032] 22 base substrate

[0033] 24 suction device

[0034] 26 base surface

[0035] 30 home plate

[0036] 32 home plate substrate

[0037] 34 suction device

[0038] 36 home plate surface

[0039] 40 exemplary training aid

[0040] 42 substrate

[0041] 44 suction device

[0042] 46 surface material

[0043] 50 exemplary training aid

[0044] 52 surface material

[0045] 53 cavity

[0046] 54 suction device

[0047] 56 attachment screw

[0048] 58 washer

[0049] 60 drill

[0050] 62 drill bit

[0051] The present invention provides a variety of non-slipping rubber pads, bases, or platforms that may be used for certain indoor training exercises related to softball and/or baseball, as well as for other indoor sports-related activities. With reference to the FIGS. 1-3, there are three exemplary embodiments discussed herein; the first is the pitching rubber (FIG. 1), the second is the individual base (FIG. 2), and the third is the home plate embodiment (FIG. 3). All three exemplary embodiments may be made and used by the methods discussed below.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the pitching rubber 10 embodiment of the present invention comprises a pitching rubber substrate 12, a plurality of suction devices 14, and a pitching rubber surface 16. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b, pitching rubber surface 16 includes a substantially rectangular piece of material that includes the top or upward facing surface of the training aid. Optional substrate 12 is typically a second, independent piece of material that is affixed to the bottom of surface 16. Suction device(s) 14 are relatively small suction cup-like devices that are either integral with substrate 12, similar to the construction of the common anti-slip mats used in a bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are individually mounted to or on substrate 12 (see FIG. 5a). Suction devices 14 may also be mounted directly to the underside of pitching rubber surface 16.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the base 20 embodiment of the present invention is very similar to the pitching rubber embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. The base embodiment comprises a base substrate 22, a plurality of suction devices 24, and a base surface 26. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b, base surface 26 includes a substantially square piece of material that includes the top or upward facing surface of the training aid. The surface may include a variety of textures or patterns (see FIG. 2b) that (i) provide greater traction to the player as he or she steps on the base; (ii) make it easier for the player to see the base; or (iii) simply enhance the appearance of the base. Optional base substrate 22 is typically a second, independent piece of material that is affixed to the bottom of base surface 26. Suction device(s) 24 are relatively small suction cup-like devices that are either integral with substrate 22, similar to the construction of the common anti-slip mats used in a bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are individually mounted to or on substrate 22 (see FIG. 5a). Suction devices 24 may also be mounted directly to the underside of base surface 26.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the home plate 30 embodiment of the present invention is very similar to the base embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The home plate embodiment comprises a home base substrate 32, a plurality of suction devices 34, and a home plate surface 36. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3a and 3b, base surface 36 includes a substantially pentagonal piece of material that includes the top or upward facing surface of the training aid. The surface may include a variety of textures (e.g., pebbled) or patterns (see FIG. 3b) that (i) provide greater traction to the player as he or she steps on the home plate; (ii) make it easier for the player to see the home plate; or (iii) simply enhance the appearance of the home plate. Optional home plate substrate 32 is typically a second, independent piece of material that is affixed to the bottom of surface 36. Suction device(s) 34 are relatively small suction cup-like devices that are either integral with substrate 32, similar to the construction of the common anti-slip mats used in a bathroom showers (see FIG. 4), or that are individually mounted to or on substrate 32 (see FIG. 5a). Suction devices 34 may also be mounted directly to the underside of home plate surface 36.

[0055] As discussed, the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention share certain common elements, namely the surface material, the substrate material, and cup-like suction devices. The suction devices provide the means by which the training aid is secured to a smooth surface, such as the floor of a gymnasium. As shown in FIG. 4, an exemplary training aid 40 includes a substrate 42 that is attached to surface material 46 preferably by glue or another permanent or semi-permanent adhesive means. Staples may also be used to attach these items to one another. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, substrate 42 and suction devices 44 are formed together in a single sheet of vinyl, rubber, or similar material. Thus, attaching the suction devices to the bottom of substrate 44 involves only the step of attaching substrate 42 to surface material 46 with the suction devices facing away from the surface material (see FIG. 4).

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 5a-5d, an exemplary training aid 50 comprises a surface material 52 in which individual suction devices 54 have been mounted. As shown in FIGS. 5b and 5c, suction devices 54 include an attachment screw and a washer 58. In this embodiment, the suction devices are not preformed integrally with the substrate materials (see FIG. 4), but rather are individual suction cups that are mountable directly to the underside of the surface material. As shown in FIG. 5, a drill 60 and drill bit 62 may be used to create a cavity 53 in surface material 52. After this cavity is created, suction device 54 is placed into the cavity in the orientation shown in FIG. 5e. Washer 58 is placed on top of suction device 54, and attachment screw 56 is threaded into cavity 53 and tightened to hold the suction device securely in place. Numerous suction devices may be attached to the underside of the sports training aid of the present invention in this manner. In an alternate embodiment of exemplary training aid 50, a substrate material (not shown) is attached by adhesive or other means to the surface material, and the suction devices are attached to or mounted on the substrate material rather than directly to the surface material. In all of the exemplary embodiments, once attached, the cup portion of the suction devices faces outward or away from the surface material and the substrate material.

[0057] Various types of rubber, plastic, or polymer are suitable for the surface material of the pitching rubber, the base, and the home plate embodiments. A thickness range of about to 1 (0.65 cm to 2.54 cm) is preferred for the pitching rubber, and a thickness of about to 1 (0.65 cm to 3.81 cm) is preferred for the base, and home plate embodiments. Suitable materials include recycled rubber or similar products, such as 50 to 90 durometer sheet rubber (F.B Wright Company, Columbus, Ohio), preferably dyed or painted white, but not limited to any particular color(s). Suction cups are commercially available as a single sheet of rubber or vinyl with small cups on one side (Griptex Company). Other types of suction cups may be used with this invention. As stated, small, clear or colored vinyl cups may be individually screwed into the base or plate. The appropriate size of the suction cup's circumference is highly variable, but is preferably in the range of about inch to 2 inches (0.65 cm to 5.08 cm). The preferred height of the suction cups is about inch (1.27 cm). The substrate material may be rubber, plastic, wood, or any other flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material suitable for providing a substrate to which the suction devices may be attached.

[0058] The preferred method of use of the various embodiments of this invention is as follows: First, the user applies a small amount of water on the suction-cup underside. Second, the user presses the invention firmly onto the smooth surface. Once the pitching rubber or plate has been placed on the smooth surface, the suction cup underside will adhere to the surface. The user then secures the position of the plate by applying pressure to the entire plate. The user is then able to place one or both feet on the plate, without the plate sliding. As the user pushes off the plate, the plate remains stable and absorbs the weight/momentum of the user. The user is then able to generate enough power from the foot leaving the plate to explode off the plate. Once the user is finished training, the user simply pulls the rubber away from the smooth surface, disconnecting the suction cup underside from the floor.

[0059] While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplification of certain preferred embodiments. Numerous other variations of the present invention are possible, and is not intended herein to mention all of the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of this invention. Various changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.