Pitching practice apparatus and related methods

Abstract

Described herein is a novel throwing (e.g., pitching) target designed to enhance accuracy and control during training. The pitching target includes a base with removable wheels, shock absorbing springs, a target frame with removable cross members, and a net with vertical and horizontal sleeves for receiving vertical and cross members of a polygonal frame. The base provides stability and portability, enabling easy positioning and transportation. The shock absorbing springs minimize strain on the target when hit by high-velocity pitches, enhancing durability. The net frame includes removable cross members and net's sleeve-based attachment system allow for precise positioning and secure fit, forming a rectangular target area. The design can be efficiently assembled and disassembled, allowing for convenient setup.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A throwing target comprising:
 a. a base;   b. two shock absorbing springs vertically oriented to connect the two upright members;   c. two removable cross members; and   d. a net comprising two vertical sleeves passed over the two upright members and two horizontal sleeves through which the removable cross members are inserted, forming a rectangular frame for holding the net in place.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a set of removable wheels attached to the base. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the base has an H-shape comprising a stable foundation for the target and facilitates easy transportation and positioning. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the removable wheels enable the target to be moved and positioned on various playing surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing springs provide cushioning and reduce strain on the target when hit by high-velocity pitches. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the removable cross members are inserted through horizontal sleeves in the net, securing the net in place and forming a defined target area. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the net comprises vertical sleeves that pass over the upright members, ensuring proper alignment and stability during use. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the removable cross members are attached to the two upright members after being passed through the horizontal sleeves, forming a stable rectangular frame for holding the net. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the net can be adjusted and tensioned within the target frame to suit the needs and preferences of the pitcher. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the removable cross members and the net's sleeve-based attachment system allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the target. 
     
     
         11 . A method for assembling a throwing target, comprising the steps of:
 a. inserting at least one horizontal crossmember into at least one horizontal sleeve of a target net;   b. sliding a first vertical sleeve of said target net over a first vertical frame member and sliding a second vertical sleeve of said target net over a second vertical frame member;   c. aligning said at least one horizontal crossmember with alignment holes in said first vertical frame member and said second vertical frame member; and   d. coupling said at least one horizontal crossmember to said first and second vertical member using fixation elements that are passed through the alignment holes and into each end of the horizontal crossmember.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the throwing target further comprises two shock absorbing springs vertically oriented to connect the two upright members. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching a set of removable wheels attached to the base. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the shock absorbing springs provide cushioning and reduce strain on the target when hit by high-velocity pitches. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the throwing target includes a base having an H-shape comprising a stable foundation for the target and facilitates easy transportation and positioning. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching a second cross members to the two upright members after being passed through a second horizontal sleeve, forming a stable rectangular frame for holding the net. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting tension within the target frame to suit the needs and preferences of a pitcher. 
     
     
         18 . A method for assembling a throwing target, comprising the steps of:
 a. inserting at least one horizontal crossmember into at least one horizontal sleeve of a target net;   b. sliding a first vertical sleeve of said target net over a first vertical frame member and sliding a second vertical sleeve of said target net over a second vertical frame member;   c. aligning a first horizontal crossmember with alignment holes in said first vertical frame member and said second vertical frame member;   d. coupling said first horizontal crossmember to said first and second vertical member using fixation elements that are passed through the alignment holes and into each end of the horizontal crossmember   e. aligning a second horizontal crossmember with alignment holes in said first vertical frame member and said second vertical frame member; and   f. coupling said second horizontal crossmember to said first and second vertical member using fixation elements that are passed through the alignment holes and into each end of the horizontal crossmember.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the throwing target further comprises two shock absorbing springs vertically oriented to connect the two upright members, wherein the shock absorbing springs provide cushioning and reduce strain on the target when hit by high-velocity pitches. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching a set of removable wheels attached to the base, wherein the throwing target includes a base having an H-shape comprising a stable foundation for the target and facilitates easy transportation and positioning.