US4768784A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Strike zone pitching aid
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-03-03
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Granted: 1988-09-06
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Expires: 2007-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A pitching aid is shown which includes a backstop having sides which define an open interior with a front facing opening. A target is suspended from the backstop within the open interior to define a three dimensional strike-zone. The target has a rigid top and a rigid bottom suspended from the rigid top by flexible sides. Flexible cables connect the rigid bottom to the backstop to suspend the target in tension within the open interior.
Inventors
- 👤 Ted L. Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:58
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B63/00; A63B63/06; A63B69/00; A63B69/0097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A device erectable upon a playing surface for training a pitcher to pitch a ball, comprising: a backstop having sides which define an open interior with a front facing opening; a target suspended from the backstop within the open interior to define a three dimensional strike zone, the target having a rigid top and a rigid bottom suspended from the rigid top by flexible sides, the rigid top and rigid bottom each being a polygonally-shaped structure suspended within the open interior generally parallel to the plane of the playing surface, the polygonally shaped top and bottom of the target each having opposing sides which define included corners, selected ones of the corners being provided with eyelets; connecting means for connecting the rigid bottom to the backstop whereby the target is suspended in tension within the open interior;and wherein the backstop includes a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate ends coming together at a common header, the target being suspended from the common header within the open interior.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
178 words
A device erectable upon a playing surface for training a pitcher to pitch a ball, comprising: a backstop having sides which define an open interior with a front facing opening; a target suspended from the backstop within the open interior to define a three dimensional strike zone, the target having a rigid top and a rigid bottom suspended from the rigid top by flexible sides, the rigid top and rigid bottom each being a polygonally-shaped structure suspended within the open interior generally parallel to the plane of the playing surface, the polygonally shaped top and bottom of the target each having opposing sides which define included corners, selected ones of the corners being provided with eyelets; connecting means for connecting the rigid bottom to the backstop whereby the target is suspended in tension within the open interior;and wherein the backstop includes a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate ends coming together at a common header, the target being suspended from the common header within the open interior.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising: a spring tensioner connecting the common header and the rigid top of the target;and a plurality of flexible cables running from the eyelets in the rigid top through the eyelets in the rigid bottom and to selected ones of the distal ends of the backstop legs for supporting the target in tension within the open interior.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
203 words
A device erectable upon a playing surface for training a pitcher to pitch a ball, comprising: a backstop having a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate ends coming together at a common header; a net surrounding a portion of the backstop to define an open interior with a front facing opening; a target suspended from the backstop within the open interior to define a three dimensional strike zone, the target having a rigid top and a rigid bottom suspended from the rigid top by flexible sides, the rigid top and rigid bottom each being a polygonally-shaped structure suspended within the open interior generally parallel to the plane of the playing surface, the polygonally-shaped top and bottom of the target each have opposing sides which define included corners, selected ones of the corners being provided with eyelets; a spring tensioner connecting the common header and the rigid top of the target;and a plurality of flexible cables running from the eyelets in the rigid top through the eyelets in the rigid bottom and to selected ones of the distal ends of the backstop legs for supporting the target in tension within the open interior.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
203 words
A device erectable upon a playing surface for training a pitcher to pitch a ball, comprising: a backstop having a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate ends coming together at a common header; a net surrounding a portion of the backstop to define an open interior with a front facing opening; a target suspended from the backstop within the open interior to define a three dimensional strike zone, the target having a rigid top and a rigid bottom suspended from the rigid top by flexible sides, the rigid top and rigid bottom each being a polygonally-shaped structure suspended within the open interior generally parallel to the plane of the playing surface, the polygonally-shaped top and bottom of the target each have opposing sides which define included corners, selected ones of the corners being provided with eyelets; a spring tensioner connecting the common header and the rigid top of the target;and a plurality of flexible cables running from the eyelets in the rigid top through the eyelets in the rigid bottom and to selected ones of the distal ends of the backstop legs for supporting the target in tension within the open interior.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 3, wherein the backstop is a tripod having a center leg in the center of the surrounding net and having opposite legs on either side of the center leg, the center leg being generally aligned with the suspended target as viewed through the front facing opening and the center post having a colored portion which serves as an additional target zone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 4, wherein the spring tensioner includes a coil spring connected by a clip to a link chain, the height of the target being adjustable by adjusting the position of the clip on the link chain.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 5, wherein the flexible cables running from the target rigid bottom to the tripod legs are connected to the tripod legs by adjustment clamps, the vertical size of the target being adjustable by changing the length of cable at the adjustment clamps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 5, wherein the rigid bottom of the target has a pentagonal shape.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-06 | 1992-03-07 | 1992-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-06 | 1996-03-07 | 1996-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-06 | 2000-03-07 | 2000-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |