Designated hitter pitching training system (The DH)

[0001] An article of manufacture for providing a more realistic, durable and safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels to more effectively practice the act of pitching a safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to practice throwing inside jamming pitches and a tool for training baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to improve their ability to consistently throw any and all pitches throughout the entire strike zone, thereby improving their preparation for game performance.

[0002] Not Applicable

[0003] Not Applicable

[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of baseball and fastpitch softball pitching training and more specifically to an article of manufacture for providing a more realistic, durable and safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels to more effectively practice the act of pitching, a safe means for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to practice throwing inside, jamming pitches, and a tool for training baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to improve their ability to consistently throw any and all pitches throughout the entire strike zone, thereby improving game performance.

[0005] The Designated Hitter Pitching Training System (DH) is a silhouette figure of a batter that stands in the batter's box during bullpen sessions for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels. Constructed of durable polyethylene, the DH comes in three sizes: the Pro (6′2″), Varsity (5′8″) and Youth (5′2″). The DH provides a more realistic, game-like means for pitchers to practice and will improve a pitchers game performance by enhancing their ability to consistently throw their pitches in the strike zone, as well as pitch more accurately and confidently to the inside part of the plate via the Inside Pitch Target. The DH can also be used by pitchers and catchers as part of their infield practice activities such as throwing to bases, bunt defense, pitch outs, and intentional walks.

[0006] While no previous similar invention does everything that the DH does, the two most similar products are the Pitcher's Pal and the Bullpen Buddy.

[0007] Pitcher's Pal: Constructed with odd angles at the elbow and upper body that results in dangerous deflections when hit by a pitched ball. This design eliminates the ability to use this tool for practicing pitching inside. Its base is very large and not able to be placed close to the plate to simulate a “crowding the plate” type of hitter.

[0008] Bullpen Buddy: Constructed of soft, inflatable plastic that often bursts when hit by high velocity pitches. Not very durable. Feet must be filled with sand for it to be stable enough to stand upright. Only 5 feet tall, a size which is suitable only for young players.

[0009] The primary object of the invention is to provide baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers a way to practice the act of pitching in a more realistic, game-like setting, enabling them to more consistently throw their pitches into the strike zone and therefore prepare for games more effectively. It includes several novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus. It is simpler and more durable in construction, universally usable, and more versatile in operation than similar products.

[0010] Another object of the invention is that it allows pitchers, via the Inside Pitch Target, a unique and effective means of practicing throwing pitches to the inside part of the strike zone.

[0011] A further object of the invention is that it is safer than any similar product on the market. Engineered with a flat surface and beveled edges, defelected pitches are virtually eliminated.

[0012] A further object of the invention is the design of the base which prevents the invention from tipping over during use. The base design also allows the invention to be placed close to the plate, thereby simulating a batter that “crowds” the plate.

[0013] The invention includes a training system, Location Mechanics, which details how coaches and pitchers can use the invention to improve pitching performance.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0015] In view of limitations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new, virtually indestructible and useful device for baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers to practice the act of pitching in a more realistic way, enabling them to more consistently throw their pitches into the strike zone and therefore better prepare for game competition. In addition, it allows pitchers a means of practicing throwing pitches to the inside part of the strike zone without causing injury to another player and cannot be knocked over during use. It is simpler and more durable in construction, universally usable, and more versatile in operation than known apparatus of this kind.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new pitching training system that has several novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that results in a realistic and veratile tool to help baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers improve game performance which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested either indirectly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus.

[0017] The Designated Hitter Pitching Training System (The DH) is comprised of three parts:

1) A virtually indestructible, hard plastic (polyethylene) rotationally molded life-like silhouette figure of a baseball/softball batter. This simulated batter is reversible as either a left-handed or right-handed hitter and is used by baseball and fastpitch softball pitchers of all ages and skill levels for pitching practice. It is particularly designed as a stand-alone unit for training to throw any and all pitches into the strike zone, with or without a catcher positioned behind. It can also be used by pitchers and catchers as part of their fielding practice activities such as throwing to bases, bunt defense, pitchouts, and intentional walks.
The design of the DH, with its beveled edges and flat surface, virtually eliminates deflected pitches, making the DH much safer for catchers to use than any of the prior art apparatus.

[0018] 2) The sturdy recycled-tire rubber base absorbs the energy of a pitched ball, making it impossible to tip over during use, even when directly struck by a ball. The base design also allows it to be placed closely to the plate so that it can simulate a left-hand or right-hand batter that “crowds” the plate. The base is further constructed with a recessed area underneath, so that the attachment bolts never come in contact with the surface it is placed on. This prevents it from marring floors during indoor use.

[0019] 3) The Inside Pitch Target (IPT), which is a brightly colored cord connected at the DH's elbow and extending down vertically to the knee area and a key part of the Clock Training System contained in Location Mechanics. The IPT is quickly and easily attached and removed and serves as a target for locating pitches to the inside, “jamming” part of the strike zone at game-effort intensity. It can be used both with and without a catcher positioned behind it. Location Mechanics contains various drills and checklists which details how coaches and pitchers can practice with and use the DH to improve pitching performance.

[0020] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understand the diagrams and description to follow. In reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the present invention is not limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0030] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.