Ball Travel-Modifying Device

Abstract

A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. Devices built in accordance with the invention are particularly suited for use with strikeable objects which are various kinds of balls. A separation distance between the strikeable object and the sail is adjustable. A separation distance between the strikeable object and a surface upon which a player stands may also be adjustable. In some embodiments, the strikeable object may be replaced with a strikeable object having a different size or weight. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may alternatively be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. Some embodiments have at least one adjustable aperture to permit adaptation to various strikeable objects having a variety of sizes and weights or to cause a strikeable object to move in a preferred direction or with a preferred rate of travel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object, comprising:
 a sail having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side;   a suspension line, wherein said suspension line is removably attached to the anchor and said first end of said sail is connected to said suspension line;   a spreader, wherein said spreader maintains a preferred distance between said first side of said sail and said second side of said sail; and   a strikeable object coupled to said second end of said sail.   
     
     
         2 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 1 , wherein said strikeable object is detachably coupled to said sail. 
     
     
         3 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 2 , further comprising a first separation distance between said second end of said sail and said strikeable object, wherein said first separation distance is adjustable. 
     
     
         4 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 3 , further comprising a second separation distance between said strikeable object and a surface upon which a person stands, wherein said second separation distance is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 3 , further comprising an adjustable line restraint, wherein a position of said adjustable line restraint corresponds to said separation distance between said second end of said sail and said strikeable object. 
     
     
         6 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 5 , wherein said spreader is connected to said suspension line. 
     
     
         7 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 5 , further comprising an adjustment line, wherein said adjustment line is detachably connected to said second end of said sail and said adjustment line is detachably connected to said strikeable object. 
     
     
         8 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 7 , wherein said adjustable line restraint is coupled to said adjustment line. 
     
     
         9 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 5 , wherein said sail further comprises:
 a first sleeve formed in said sail on said first side; and   a second sleeve formed in said sail on said second side, wherein said suspension line passes through said first and second sleeves.   
     
     
         10 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 9 , wherein said spreader comprises flexible material formed into a cylindrical spiral. 
     
     
         11 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 9 , wherein said spreader comprises:
 a spreader bar retaining sleeve attached to said sail; and   a spreader bar inserted into said spreader bar retaining sleeve.   
     
     
         12 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 11 , wherein said sail has an asymmetric shape. 
     
     
         13 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 12 , wherein said asymmetric shape causes said strikeable object to travel on a preferred path. 
     
     
         14 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 11 , wherein said sail has a quadrilateral shape. 
     
     
         15 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 11 , wherein said sail has a triangular shape. 
     
     
         16 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 11 , wherein the strikeable object may be detached and replaced with a different strikeable object. 
     
     
         17 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 16 , wherein the strikeable object is a ball. 
     
     
         18 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 16 , wherein said sail further comprises:
 a relatively large front surface; and   a relatively large back surface, wherein said sail is formed with an aperture passing from said front surface to said back surface.   
     
     
         19 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 18 , further comprising a plurality of apertures passing from said front surface to said back surface. 
     
     
         20 . A device attached to an anchor for modifying the travel of a strikeable object as in  claim 18 , further comprising an adjustable closure attached to said front surface of said sail, wherein said adjustable closure is adjusted to affect a rate of travel of said strikeable object.