Method for using a home plate tape measure

Abstract

A pitching assistance device resembles a home plate with a coiled measuring element stored therein. The measuring element may be selectively extended from the home plate structure to measure off a predefined distance, such as the regulation distance between a pitching mound and a home plate. Once measured, the distance may then be used by a pitcher for warming up or the creation of an improvised bullpen.

1 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A method of using a pitching assistance device, comprising: 
 placing the pitching assistance device on the ground such that it represents and functions as a home plate;    extending a measuring element from the home plate a predefined distance as indicated by indicia on the measuring element; and    denoting a pitching mound based on the indicia of the measuring element.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising using the home plate and pitching mound as an impromptu bullpen.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein extending the measuring element from the home plate comprises extending the measuring element to one of a plurality of predefined distances, each of which is represented by different indicia.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein extending the measuring element comprises uncoiling the measuring element from a spool.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising retracting the measuring element.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein retracting the measuring element comprises coiling the measuring element about a spool.  
   
   
       18 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A method of using a pitching assistance device comprising: 
 placing the pitching assisting device on the ground such that it represents a home plate and functions as the same, wherein the pitching assistance device comprises: 
 a pentagon shaped housing conforming to dimensions of a home plate according to standard play regulations;  
 a measuring element positioned within said pentagon shaped housing;  
 a winding mechanism associated with said pentagon shaped housing;  
 an axle positioned within said pentagon shaped housing; and  
 a spool, said measuring element wound about said spool, said spool rotating about said axle, and wherein said winding mechanism and said spool collectively comprise a protuberance and slot such that when said winding mechanism is rotated said spool rotates concurrently;  
   extending the measuring element from the home plate a predefined distance as indicated by indicia on the measuring element; and    denoting a pitching mound based on the indicia of the measuring element.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising using the home plate and pitching mound as an impromptu bullpen.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein extending the measuring element from the home plate comprises extending the measuring element to one of a plurality of predefined distances, each of which is represented by a different indicia.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising retracting the measuring element with the winding mechanism.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising using a finger divot to assist in operation of the winding mechanism.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising snap fitting said winding mechanism within a recess of the pentagon shaped housing.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising forming the pentagon shaped housing from a blow molded plastic material.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein extending the measuring device comprises extending a measuring device selected from the group consisting of: a weed trimming line, a tape measure, a chain, a string, and a flat semi-rigid metallic measuring line.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising forming the pentagon shaped housing with a linear edge delimiting an aperture through which the measuring element is extended.  
   
   
       30 . A method of making a pitching assistance device, the method comprising: 
 forming a pentagon shaped housing conforming to dimensions of a home plate and capable of being used as a home plate;    forming a means for winding a measuring element within the pentagon shaped housing; and    forming an aperture on a linear edge of the pentagon shaped housing through which the measuring element may be selectively extended.    
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein forming the pentagon shaped housing comprises forming the pentagon shaped housing from a blow molded plastic material.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 30  wherein forming a means for winding a measuring element within the pentagon shaped housing comprises snap fitting a winding mechanism into a bottom side of the pentagon shaped housing.