Pitching training aid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a training aid to promote well balanced pitching techniques for any sport that requires a pitching motion related to but not limited to baseball and softball including a pitching tunnel structure and a pitching target and ball containment system.

1 ) A pitching aid comprising: a support structure comprised of at least one support frame defining a first entry area, at least a second support frame defining at least a second area, the support frames being spaced apart to define a chute to contain pitched balls, the second area being smaller than the first area, wherein the first and second spaced apart support structures are connected on at least on one side by at least one connector, and wherein at least a portion of the support structure is netted, the second area having at least one target zone to be a target for pitched balls. 
   
   
       2 ) The pitching aid of  claim 1  wherein the target zone has at least one of receptor to pinpoint the approximate ending location of the pitches. 
   
   
       3 ) The pitching aid of  claim 2  where the at least one receptor is configured to accept a baseball or a softball. 
   
   
       4 ) The structure of  claim 1  wherein the support frames are collapsible. 
   
   
       5 ) The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of legs attached to the support frames; 
   
   
       6 ) The structure of  claim 5  where the legs are collapsible. 
   
   
       7 ) The structure of  claim 1  whereby a radar gun is affixed to at least one support frame. 
   
   
       8 ) The structure of  claim 7  wherein a display is connected to the radar gun for displaying the velocity of pitches. 
   
   
       9 ) The structure of  claim 7 , whereby the radar is linked to the display and whereby the display is configured to display the speed of the ball. 
   
   
       10 ) The pitching cage of  claim 3  including a receptor such as a bucket and wherein at least one receptor is configured to form a chute to direct balls to a particular bucket. 
   
   
       11 ) The pitching cage of  claim 2  where the receptor is comprised of ma series of tubes or chutes set at different locations to pinpoint how many pitches ended up directed to different locations. 
   
   
       12 ) The structure of  claim 1  wherein the support members are generally in the shape of a square having dimensions ranging from 20′ to 80′. 
   
   
       13 ) The structure of  claim 1  wherein the support members are generally in the shape of a rectangle. 
   
   
       14 ) A collapsible telescoping thrown ball pitching aid which allows a pitcher to work out independently by throwing balls into a confined area comprised of: a first support structure comprised of at least a first support frame defining a first area (A 1 ) where the pitched ball enters the structure when it leaves the hand of the pitcher; a series of additional support frames defining successive diminishing areas, the last one defining a target zone area A(n), wherein the support frames are connected at least on at least one side by at least one connector, wherein the structure is at least partially netted and wherein each support structure includes at least one leg which can raise the structure at a level tuned to the height of a pitcher to allow the first structure to accommodate the ball being pitched so that a pitcher can deliver the ball so it enters the first area and is directed to the target area. 
   
   
       15 ) The pitching cage of  claim 14  wherein the target area has at least one receptor. 
   
   
       16 ) The pitching cage of  claim 15  where the at least one receptor is configured to accept a baseball or softball. 
   
   
       17 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein the support structure is collapsible. 
   
   
       18 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein at least one of the legs is collapsible; 
   
   
       19 ) The structure of  claim 14  whereby a radar gun is affixed to the structure. 
   
   
       20 ) The structure of  claim 19  wherein a display is connected to the radar gun displaying the location of the pitches. 
   
   
       21 ) The structure of  claim 20  whereby the radar gun is linked to the display and whereby the display is configured to display the speed of the pitched balls. 
   
   
       22 ) The pitching aid of  claim 14  including at least one bucket and wherein the target area has at least one of receptor in the form of a chute to direct the ball to a particular bucket. 
   
   
       23 ) The pitching aid of  claim 15  where the receptor comprises a series of tubes or chutes configured to accept a baseball. 
   
   
       24 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein the support members are in the shape of a square having dimensions ranging from 20 to 80 inches. 
   
   
       25 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein the target area has a plurality of sensors to mark the position of the pitch. 
   
   
       26 ) The structure of  claim 25  wherein the plurality of sensors include mechanical, electrical, or electronic sensors. 
   
   
       27 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein the support frames are in the shape of a rectangle. 
   
   
       28 ) The structure of  claim 14  wherein the support frames are in the shape of an oval. 
   
   
       29 ) A baseball training device to assist with proper pitch trajectory, comprising:
 a. a telescoping tunnel that can support the use of one pitching adult or child, having a proximal end and a distal end,   b. the tunnel comprised of at least two support members defining areas decreasing in size and   c. height-adjustable support legs connected to each support member.   
   
   
       30 ) A method of improving the pitching motion of a pitcher comprising:
 a. providing a portable telescoping tunnel structure that can support the use of one pitching adult or child, having a proximal end and a distal end, the tunnel comprised of at least a first and second support members defining areas decreasing in size and having height-adjustable support legs connected to each support member, and a target;   b. deploying the structure by separating the support members;   c. adjusting the legs to elevate the tunnel to accommodate the size of the pitcher;   d. maintaining the structure in a structurally rigid and stable shape during use;   e. positioning the pitcher to align the throwing motion in relation to the first support member;   f. throwing the ball into the tunnel towards the target;   g. repeating the process with succeeding pitches.   
   
   
       31 ) The device in  claim 14  including padding placed around the first support structure. 
   
   
       32 ) The pitching aid of  claim 1  wherein each support leg has an interchangeable foot depending on the ground surface upon which the pitching aid is placed, including a metal spiked foot, a suction cup, wheels, or rubber foot. 
   
   
       33 ) The portable pitching aid of  claim 1  wherein straps and posts are attached to the structure to prevent the structure from collapsing once it is deployed, the straps anchoring the structure to the ground. 
   
   
       34 ) The method of  claim 30  further comprising, providing a wheeled carrier and transporting the structure once it is broken down and stacked into itself. 
   
   
       35 ) The method of  claim 30  further compromising supporting the structure by deploying straps securing the structure to posts in the ground.