Training article for throwing and catching

Abstract

The present throwable article is a toroidal-shaped ring of tightly-rolled elastic-knit fabric, such as by using knee-high sport socks. The number of layers in the roll may vary, but preferably include 15-30 layers or more of rolled fabric, such that the cross-sectional ring is a solid and relatively tight mass. Size and shape may be varied, but it is contemplated that the size will preferably be kept about equal to or less than a softball such as 3-½ to 4-½ inches outer diameter, and with a weight of about 3-5 ounces. The throwable article is useful for training and/or for live games. It can be tailored in size, shape, weight, and functional characteristics for any game, any age and any environment.

1 . A throwable article comprising:
 a palm-sized, donut-shaped ring made from a rolled tube of stretchable material and having a construction suitable for throwing and being caught.   
   
   
       2 . The article defined in  claim 1 , wherein the ring has a maximum outer diameter of about 3½ to 4½ inches, and a height of about 1-½ to 2¼ inches. 
   
   
       3 . The article defined in  claim 2 , wherein the ring has a weight of about 3-8 ounces. 
   
   
       4 . The article defined in  claim 3 , wherein the ring has a weight of about 4-5 ounces. 
   
   
       5 . The article defined in  claim 3 , wherein the ring defines natural axis of rotation and includes an inner hole aligned with the natural axis. 
   
   
       6 . The article defined in  claim 1 , wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and, when bisected along a plane containing the natural axis, defines circular cross sections spaced on opposite sides of the natural axis, each circular cross section being about 1½ to 2 inches diameter. 
   
   
       7 . The article defined in  claim 1 , wherein the stretchable material includes stretched knit material. 
   
   
       8 . The article defined in  claim 3 , wherein the ring has a weight of about 3-8 ounces. 
   
   
       9 . The article defined in  claim 1 , wherein the rolled tube forms at least 15 layers of the stretched material. 
   
   
       10 . A throwable article comprising:
 a throw ring made from a rolled tube of cloth.   
   
   
       11 . The article defined in  claim 10 , wherein the rolled tube forms at least 15 layers of rolled material. 
   
   
       12 . The article defined in  claim 10 , wherein the throw ring weighs at least about 3 to 8 ounces and defines an outer diameter of less than about 4½ inches. 
   
   
       13 . The article defined in  claim 10 , wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and a hole aligned with the natural axis, with inner portions of the cloth pushing inward and substantially closing the hole. 
   
   
       14 . A throwable article comprising:
 a throw ring covered with fabric having an outer size of at most about 6 inch diameter, a weight of about 3 to 8 ounces and a compressibility of about 20% to 40% when compressed with a 10 pound weight.   
   
   
       15 . The article defined in  claim 14 , wherein the ring defines a natural axis of rotation and a hole aligned with the natural axis, with inner portions of the cloth pushing inward and substantially closing the hole. 
   
   
       16 . The article defined in  claim 14 , wherein fabric comprises stretchable knit material. 
   
   
       17 . A method comprising steps of:
 throwing and catching a cloth ring of sufficient weight and size to be thrown and caught in a manner simulating playing catch with a baseball.   
   
   
       18 . The method defined in  claim 17 , including a step of catching the ring by using a baseball glove. 
   
   
       19 . The method defined in  claim 17 , including a step of hitting the ring with a bat.