RECEIVE-AND-RETURN APPARATUS AND METHODS

Abstract

receiving and returning objects such as sport balls. In one embodiment, the apparatus is used for training players such as baseball players. Exemplary apparatus are adapted to catch an item thrown, pitched or hit towards a target located on the apparatus. In the context of baseball, a player may pitch a ball to the target which indicates a "strike zone". In another embodiment, the apparatus is further adapted to return the item in a way that simulates the various ways the item may be returned during game-play. A user interface adapted to provide trainer with the ability to track a player's practice progress and skill level is also described. The user interface further enables a user to establish one or more rules for practice sessions using the apparatus in order to ensure an appropriate amount of time is spent training players requiring particular types of training.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/170,229 filed Apr. 17, 2009 of the same title, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT

[0002]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]The present invention relates in one exemplary aspect to target devices used in sports, and more particularly relates to a target adapted to catch a ball pitched, thrown or hit toward the target, and subsequently return the ball.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0004]In many sports (including those involving a ball), it is necessary for the players to practice certain and specific throws. For example, in baseball, a pitcher practices throwing the ball within a predetermined "strike zone". Traditionally, a baseball pitcher practices making throws in the "strike zone" by enlisting the assistance of another person, e.g., a catcher. However, finding another person to catch pitches may not always be practical or desirable. Thus, apparatus have been developed to enable pitchers to practice making throws in a "strike zone" without requiring a catcher. One such apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,841 to Daskoski issued Sep. 8, 1998 and entitled "Pitcher's training aid". In general, prior art devices adapted to assist in catching pitches and/or in training a pitcher to throw within the "strike zone" require the user (pitcher) to retrieve thrown balls himself/herself.

[0005]It is further noted that a ball sports player may desire to practice hitting a ball in a certain direction (e.g., such as to avoid a foul ball, or place the ball in a particular area of the field).

[0006]It is also often necessary in ball sports for a player to be required to catch a ball thrown, hit, or pitched in his or her general direction. Using the example of baseball again, it is often necessary for players at various locations on the field (e.g., first base, second base, third base, outfield, shortstop, etc.) to practice catching different types of thrown or hit balls such as pop fly, fly ball, line drive, grounder, bunt, etc. A traditional method of practicing catching these types of balls involves requiring a person to hit or bat the ball to the different positions in the different ways and/or requiring the players to throw the ball among themselves. Again, it is not always practical or desirable to utilize another person to assist with these tasks.

[0007]Hence what is needed is an apparatus capable of indicating an appropriate target for a thrown (e.g., pitched) or hit (e.g., batted) ball. Such apparatus would ideally be adapted to catch a ball thrown or hit into the target thereof. Such apparatus would also be configured to return the caught ball for continued practice therewith, thereby insuring that the pitcher's rhythm is never disrupted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008]In a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus for receiving items thrown thereto is given. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a frame element supporting a target. In one variant, a ball is hit towards the target. In another variant, the ball is pitched at the target which indicates a "strike zone". In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a sensor adapted to determine the speed and accuracy of the ball thrown to the target. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a channel for catching the ball and redirecting it to an apparatus for throwing the ball.

[0009]In a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for throwing items is given. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a throwing element mounted on a pivot, and an alignment element adapted to control the pivot of the throwing element. In one variant, the throwing element is adapted to rotate about at least two axes.

[0010]In another variant, the alignment apparatus further comprises a storage apparatus, a processor and/or microcontroller, and an actuator adapted to cause the pivot of the throwing element. In another variant, the processor is adapted to control the function of the actuator.

[0011]In yet another variant, the apparatus further comprises a user interface. In another variant, the processor is adapted to run at least one computer program thereon, the computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which, when executed enable a user to establish one or more rules for throwing a ball among a plurality of positions. The user may establish one or more rules for randomly throwing the ball.

[0012]In yet another variant, the user may enter a weighted value for each of the positions to which the ball may be thrown.

[0013]In a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus for receiving and throwing items is given. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an element for catching an item, an element for redirecting, and an element for throwing the redirected item. In one variant, the element for redirecting comprises one or more mechanisms for mechanically effecting the movement of a caught item from the apparatus for receiving to the apparatus for throwing. In another variant, the apparatus further comprises a mechanism for adjusting at least one aspect of throwing of a ball. In another variant, the apparatus further comprises a user interface adapted to enable a user to establish one or more rules of the aspects of throwing the ball.

[0014]In a fourth aspect of the invention, methods of operating the aforementioned apparatus are disclosed.

[0015]In a fifth aspect of the invention, a computer-readable apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a computer readable medium storing at least one computer program which, when executed on a processor, implements the foregoing methods.

[0016]In a sixth aspect of the invention, a controller apparatus is disclosed.

[0017]These and other aspects of the invention shall become apparent when considered in light of the disclosure provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the item receiving apparatus of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 1a is a side perspective view of the exemplary item receiving apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 1b is a rear perspective view of the exemplary item receiving apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 1c is a second rear perspective view of the exemplary item receiving apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the item receiving apparatus of the present invention having an item returning apparatus connected thereto.

[0023]FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the exemplary item returning apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the exemplary item receiving apparatus having an item returning apparatus connected thereto of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0025]FIG. 2c is a side plan view of an exemplary barrel of the returning apparatus of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary alignment apparatus for use in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]Reference is now made to the drawings listed above, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0028]As used herein, the term "computer program" is meant to include any sequence of human or machine cognizable steps which perform a function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programming language or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL, PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java® (including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

[0029]As used herein, the term "digital processor" is meant generally to include all types of digital processing devices including, without limitation, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC), general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable compute fabrics (RCFs), array processors, and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary IC die, or distributed across multiple components.

[0030]As used herein, the term "display" means any type of device adapted to display information, including without limitation CRTs, LCDs, TFTs, plasma displays, LEDs, and fluorescent devices.

[0031]As used herein, the term "memory" includes any type of integrated circuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital data including, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2 SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, "flash" memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), and PSRAM.

[0032]As used herein, the term "network" refers generally to data or communications networks regardless of type, including without limitation, LANs, WANs, intranets, internets, the Internet, cable systems, telecommunications networks, satellite networks, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), or collections or combinations thereof, whether based on wired, wireless, or matter wave modalities.

[0033]As used herein, the term "user interface" or UI refers to any human-system interface adapted to permit one- or multi-way interactivity between one or more users and the system. User interfaces include, without limitation, graphical UI, speech or audio UI, tactile UI, and even virtual UI (e.g., virtual reality).

[0034]As used herein, the term "wireless" means any wireless signal, data, communication, or other interface including without limitation WiFi (such as IEEE-Std. 802.11 or related standards including 802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth, 3G, HSDPA/HSUPA, TDMA, CDMA (e.g., IS-95A, WCDMA, etc.), FHSS, DSSS, GSM, PAN/802.15, WiMAX (802.16), 802.20, narrowband/FDMA, OFDM, PCS/DCS, analog cellular, CDPD, satellite systems, millimeter wave or microwave systems, acoustic, and infrared (i.e., IrDA).

Overview--

[0035]In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus and methods for training players. Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus are adapted to catch an item thrown, pitched or hit towards a target located thereon. In one embodiment, the item may comprise a ball which is either thrown or pitched and the target indicates a "strike zone" for enabling a pitcher to practice. In another embodiment, the target may comprise various sections indicative of the quality of a ball hit or thrown towards it. For example, the target may comprise a portion for receiving a line drive, pop fly, home run, foul ball, etc. for a ball batted toward the apparatus.

[0036]In another aspect, the apparatus of the invention is further adapted to comprise a mechanism for returning the received item. In one embodiment, the item (e.g., ball) is returned in such a way so as to simulate the various ways a ball may be returned to various locations (such as the different positions on the field). In this fashion, practice sessions with the apparatus are more representative of actual game-play. Using the apparatus (with both catching and returning functions), a group is able to enjoy a complete workout or practice session with fewer players.

[0037]In yet another aspect of the invention, a user interface adapted to provide a coach or trainer with the ability to track a player's practice progress and skill level is given. The user interface may further enable the trainer or coach to establish one or more rules for practice sessions using the apparatus in order to ensure an appropriate amount of time is spent training players requiring particular types of training.

Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0038]It is noted that while the apparatus and methods of the invention disclosed herein are described with respect to catching and returning a ball, certain aspects of the invention may be useful in other applications, including, without limitation, catching and returning other items (whether sports related or otherwise), such as disks, Frisbees®, and hockey pucks, etc.

[0039]It is further noted that the apparatus and methods disclosed herein, while described primarily with respect to baseball, may further be adapted for use in other sports, such as basketball, tennis, football, golf, soccer, field hockey, cricket, softball, dodge ball, disk golf, handball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball, and table tennis, etc.

Item Receiving Apparatus--

[0040]Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary item receiving apparatus 100 is given. As illustrated, the exemplary apparatus 100 comprises a frame-shaped member 102 having an aperture 104 formed in its center. The frame 102 is mounted on a base 106 having two legs 110 extending therefrom. In the exemplary embodiment, the legs 110 are adapted to extend towards the rear of the apparatus 100; however it is appreciated that in another embodiment (not shown) they may be configured to extend towards a user or in yet other directions.

[0041]Although the frame 102 and its aperture 103 are illustrated as being substantially rectangular, it is appreciated that these may comprise any number and combination of geometric shapes. For example, one or both of the frame 102 and/or aperture 103 may be circular, square, triangular, elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0042]The frame 102 is supported via two angled beams 112, thereby creating a freestanding apparatus 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the beams 112 extends from a vertical portions of the frame 102 to a leg 110, thereby enabling the frame 102 to sit at a right triangle with respect to the surface on which the apparatus 100 is placed (e.g., the ground). However, it will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, it may be necessary for the frame 102 to form an obtuse or acute angle therewith. To accommodate forming an acute or obtuse angle, the support beams 112 are, in one embodiment, adjustable. Such adjustability may be accomplished via a plurality of notches (not shown) on the frame 102 and/or legs 110 into which the ends of the support beams 112 may be inserted, or via other means such as wingnuts, spring-loaded pins, etc. Moreover, in another embodiment, the linkage between the frame 102 and legs 110/support beams 112 can be motorized or otherwise articulated under power, so that the altitude or angle of the frame (and hence aperture 104 for receiving the ball) can be dynamically varied. Similarly, the frame 102 can be fully articulated (such as by having two hinged joints at either side of roughly the center of gravity of the frame), thereby allowing the frame 102 and aperture 104 to tilt completely horizontal, such as for receiving "pop fly" balls.

[0043]It is generally advantageous that the frame 102, support beams 112 and legs 110 be formed of a lightweight yet sturdy material in order to be substantially easily moveable yet durable enough to withstand the elements, the force of a ball thrown or hit therein, etc. In one embodiment, the frame 102, support beams 112 and legs 110 are constructed out metal (e.g., aluminum), although it will be appreciated that other materials may be used in place of or in conjunction with the foregoing, including inter alia, plastic (e.g., ABS), wood, steel, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0044]In a further embodiment (not shown), portability of the apparatus 100 may facilitated by disposing two or more rollers or wheels on the apparatus (i.e., so that they protrude below the bottom level of the device). Other apparatus for sliding, rolling, or moving the apparatus 100 may likewise be used. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 100 may be disassembled and/or folded or compacted to make storing and/or moving the apparatus 100 easier; e.g., via use of "snap together" construction, friction fit components, hinges, joints, or the like.

[0045]Moreover, the receiving apparatus 100 (as well as the returning apparatus 200 described subsequently herein) may be equipped with an electric motor or other powered undercarriage that allows the apparatus 100 to be mobile; e.g., traverse at a prescribed speed, whether under remote control or control of an internal logic circuit or computer program (discussed below). This may be useful for, inter alia, moving the device on and off the field (so as to obviate disassembly or "fold up"), and to provide motion training, such as where a pitcher or thrower must hit a moving target such as might be the case during a real game.

[0046]As illustrated in FIG. 1, the aperture 104 of the frame 102 exposes a target 114 attached to the rear of the frame 102 (as will be discussed in greater detail below). It is appreciated that the target 114 may comprise for example a strong, flexible material such as inter alia, cloth, canvas, coated polyester, or woven polyethylene, although other material may be used with equal success.

[0047]In one embodiment, the target 114 may have a pattern thereon, such as one indicating the quality of the user's throw or hit. For example, the target 114 may resemble a "bullseye". Alternatively, the target may comprise various sections indicating a line drive, pop fly, home run, foul ball, etc. for a ball batted toward the apparatus when used in baseball. Still further, when used for practicing the sport of baseball, the target 114 may indicate a "strike zone" for baseball (pitches). In another embodiment, a picture may be displayed on the target such as of a catcher, pitcher, or other sports player.

[0048]In yet another embodiment, the target 114 may be easily removed and/or replaced such as with a different target designed for practice in other sports.

[0049]It will be appreciated that while the aperture 104 is shown as being a substantially square or rectangular shape to correspond to a "strike zone", other shapes may readily be used. Moreover, the profile of the aperture 104 can be made progressive if desired; i.e., may in effect have a different width or height depending on distance from the target 114. For example, in one variant, the aperture includes a rectangular or square "horn" (not shown) that is tapered as the target is approached in the direction of object travel. Whereas a rectangular, non-progressive structure (such as that of FIG. 1) is somewhat unforgiving to errors by the thrower (i.e., the ball is either in the aperture, or rejected by the frame 102 surrounding the aperture), the use of a progressively tapered horn or cone allows some balls outside the aperture 104 (but within the diameter of the horn or cone) to be captured by the device 100 and ultimately be funneled through the aperture to the target 114.

[0050]In yet another embodiment, the target 114 may be adjustable in the horizontal and/or vertical directions. In other words, a user may adjust the position of e.g., the "strike zone" to be higher or lower from the ground and/or left or right with respect to a center line. Apparatus (not shown) adapted to adjust the position of the target 114 automatically may also be given. The apparatus may be controlled by the processor of the alignment apparatus as discussed below.

[0051]FIG. 1a illustrates a side view of the exemplary catching apparatus 100. As illustrated, in one embodiment, a padded backboard may be attached to the upper 118 and lower 119 horizontal portions of the frame 102 relative the surface on which the frame 102 rests. In one embodiment, padding 118, 119 may be disposed on the frame 102 entirely around the aperture 104. In another embodiment, the upper padded backboard 118 (e.g., the portion attached to the upper horizontal portion of the frame 102) is configured to extend beyond the edge of the frame 102. The upper padded backboard 118 may be configured to display a title or name of the product or other identifying information. The lower portion of the padded backboard 119 may comprise also be display identifying information about the product, such as e.g., a logo.

[0052]As discussed previously, a ball (or other item) is thrown (e.g., pitched) or hit (e.g., batted) towards the apparatus 100. If the player hits or throws the ball outside the aperture, the padding of the padded back board 118 will absorb some of the shock and the ball will simply fall to the ground in front of the apparatus. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the apparatus 100 may further include an apparatus for receiving balls which are not thrown or hit into the aperture and instead bounce off the padding 118 (i.e., rebounded balls). Such rebound apparatus is in one variant configured similarly to the receiving channel 108 discussed in detail below, and located in the front of the apparatus (i.e., the side facing the player). In still another embodiment, the rebound channel is configured to provide rebounded balls to an apparatus for throwing such as that disclosed herein below.

[0053]As illustrated in FIG. 1a, the target 114 is fixed to the rear of the frame 102 (i.e., the side of the frame 102 facing away from the player) via one or more fasteners 116. If the player hits or throws the ball into the aperture 104 of the frame, the ball will hit the target 114, which is slightly flexible. The target 114 in the illustrated embodiment, however, is attached to the frame (via the fasteners 116) in such a way so as to ensure that the ball does not escape, but rather is stopped (i.e., caught). The weight of the ball causes it then to fall into the receiving channel 108. The receiving channel 108 and target fasteners 116 are best illustrated in FIG. 1b (a rear view of the apparatus 100), and are described in greater detail subsequently herein.

[0054]In yet another embodiment, the target 114 and frame 102 are adapted to comprise apparatus (not shown) for sensing where on the target a ball is thrown. For example, the apparatus may be configured to determine that a ball was thrown slightly lower, higher, right or left of the center of the target 114. The apparatus may also be configured to sense the speed of the ball thrown. This sensing apparatus might comprise for example a pressure-sensitive pad or grid (e.g., capacitive, piezoelectric, or piezoresistive elements), optical device, or other mechanism suitable to perform the foregoing functions.

[0055]As shown, in one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises four fasteners 116 to secure the target 114. However, it is appreciated that more or fewer may be used. In the embodiment of FIG. 1b, the fasteners 116 are L-shaped, and adapted to receive the corners of a substantially rectangular target 114. However, it is appreciated that the target 114 may comprise any one of a variety of geometric shapes (including e.g., circular, square, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, etc.). Hence, the shape and/or configuration of the fasteners 116 may be adjusted accordingly.

[0056]In another embodiment, the fasteners 116 may be adapted to move or be placed at different locations vertically along the frame 102 to adjust the position of the target 114. Hence one or more apparatus for disposing the fasteners 116 along the frame 102 may be provided such as for example a traveling slide arrangement, a series of graduated perforations into which the fasteners fit, and so forth (not shown) as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts.

[0057]FIG. 1b also illustrates the position of the receiving channel 108. As illustrated, the channel is, in one embodiment, angled slightly downward at one end (i.e., towards the ground). The angled receiving channel 108 enables a ball received therein to roll out of the apparatus 100 due to gravity. In another embodiment, the channel 108 may comprise another means for directing items received out of the channel. For example, the channel 108 may comprise a sweeping or pushing mechanism adapted to push items in the channel from one end of the channel to the end of the channel having an opening (such as e.g., towards the ground or towards an apparatus adapted to return the item as will be discussed below). For instance, compressed air or a spring force may be used for this purpose. In another example, the channel 108 may comprise a series of powered rollers which are adapted to spin simultaneously in one direction, thereby guiding items received therein towards an end of the channel having an opening.

[0058]In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a ball which is received in the receiving channel 108 is directed out of the apparatus 100, where it then falls to the ground just in front of the apparatus 100. In another embodiment, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the ball is redirected to a second apparatus adapted to return the ball to a player.

[0059]FIG. 1c is a rear plan view of the exemplary receiving apparatus 108 of the present invention. As illustrated, the embodiment of FIG. 1c comprises is shorter in height than the embodiment of FIG. 1b. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 1c does not comprise the upper 118 and lower 119 padded backboards. It is appreciated that, in another embodiment, the apparatus 108 may utilize only one of the backboards 118, 119 for, inter alia, displaying product information.

[0060]In another embodiment, the receiving apparatus 100 is equipped with a sensing mechanism (e.g., lever aim and microswitch, weight sensor, etc.) to detect when a ball has been received within the receiving channel 108. This feature is useful for, inter alia, determining "possession" of a ball by the apparatus 100. The mechanism can also be configured to detect multiple balls (e.g., "three remaining") if desired using similar techniques.

Item Returning Apparatus--

[0061]Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a returning apparatus 200 (which may be coupled to a receiving apparatus such as that 100 of FIG. 1) is given.

[0062]As illustrated, the returning apparatus 200 is connected to the receiving apparatus 100 via a flexible duct 206. The duct 206 is particularly configured to permit the passage of a ball received from the channel 108 into the throwing element 204 of the returning apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the duct 206 may be lined with a material for facilitating sliding or rolling of a ball therein. It is further noted that the receiving channel 108 of the receiving apparatus 100 is disposed at a location on the frame 102 which is substantially higher than the junction on the throwing element 204 adapted to receive the ball. In other words, the apparatus 100 and 200 of the illustrated embodiment are configured to some extent to use gravity and potential energy to assist in passing a ball from one apparatus 100 to the other apparatus 200. However, this approach is not a requirement, and other means of locomotion for the ball may be used such as e.g., motorized rollers, compressed air, etc.

[0063]In one embodiment, the throwing element 204 comprises an apparatus which sits being substantially upright atop a pivoting base 208 (which pivots in azimuth). The throwing element comprises a barrel or chute 202 from which the ball is ejected. Since the base 208 is adapted to pivot, the direction which the retrieved ball is thrown may be changed as will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 2a-b.

[0064]The throwing element 204 may, in one embodiment utilize a motor (such as a 120 volt motor) to throw or pitch the ball. In one embodiment, the throwing element 204 uses the same motor as is used in the alignment apparatus discussed herein below. The throwing element 204 further uses one or more rubber wheels to launch a ball. In one embodiment, the throwing element 204 may use the methods discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,117 to Sherlock, et al. issued on Jul. 25, 2000 and entitled "Ball pitching machine" incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternative methods may also be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.

[0065]FIG. 2 further illustrates an alignment apparatus 214 which controls the direction of the throw. The alignment apparatus 214 may, in one embodiment, comprise electronic and other potentially fragile components, thus may be encased or shielded by the shield member 216. The shield member 216 protects the alignment apparatus 214 from e.g., balls thrown at the target 114 which miss and/or bounce back towards the user; and hence, towards the alignment apparatus 214. The shield may comprise a separate hardened component or be integral with the alignment apparatus (e.g., an overmolding or layer of polymer, padding, etc.). Other solutions will be recognized by those of ordinary skill as well given the present disclosure.

[0066]Referring now to FIG. 2A, the exemplary returning apparatus 200 is given. The receiving apparatus 100 has been removed in FIG. 2A for clarity. As illustrated, the pivoting of the base 208 is controlled by an alignment apparatus 214 via an alignment arm 210. The alignment arm 210 is a comprised of two portions: (i) the first portion 215 nearer to the alignment apparatus 214 and (ii) the second portion 217 nearer to the throwing element 204. The two portions 215, 217 of the alignment arm 210 are separated by an elbow 212 which are coupled via a pivot or hinge. The hinging of the elbow 212 causes the pivoting base 208 to rotate as discussed in FIG. 2B below.

[0067]FIG. 2B is a top plan view of both the receiving apparatus 100 and the returning apparatus 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, movement (e.g., hinging) of the alignment arm 210 causes the pivoting base 208 on which the throwing element 204 is mounted to rotate or pivot. In the given embodiment, the distal portion 217 of the alignment arm 210 is configured to shift between three hinging positions, a fully contracted position (a), a neutral position (b), and a fully extended position (c). The other portion of the arm 215 translates longitudinally in and out of the housing of the alignment apparatus 214, although other approaches can be used.

[0068]The throwing arm in the illustration of FIG. 2B is in the neutral position, b. When the alignment arm 210 is in the neutral position (b), the barrel 202 of the throwing element 204 is facing a center direction (B). Hence, adjustments to the alignment arm 210 to place it in the neutral position (b), result in a received ball (i.e., a ball received at the receiving apparatus 100) being returned or thrown in the center direction (B). In instances where the apparatus 100 and 200 are implemented in providing a means for baseball players to practice, a ball returned to the center direction (B), may be returned to a player at, e.g., second base.

[0069]When the alignment arm 210 is in the contracted position (a), the pivot 208 will be rotated such that the barrel 202 of the throwing element 204 is positioned to throw the ball in direction given by "A" in the figure. In other words, adjustments to the first portion 215 of the alignment arm 210 to place it in the fully contracted position (a), result in a received ball being returned or thrown in the "A" direction. In instances where the apparatus 100 and 200 are used in practicing baseball, the ball returned in the A direction of the illustrated embodiment may be returned to a player at first base.

[0070]When the first portion 215 of the alignment arm 210 is in the fully extended position (c), the pivot 208 will be rotated such that the barrel 202 of the throwing element 204 is positioned to throw the ball in the direction given by "C" in the figure. Continuing the baseball example, when the arm 210 is in position (c), a ball will be returned to the third basemen. Alternatively, the throwing element 204 may be adjusted to return the ball to e.g., an outfielder, etc.

[0071]The angle given by e in FIG. 2B illustrates the rotation of the pivot 208 which occurs when the alignment arm 210 is adjusted from the neutral position (b), to the contracted position (a). The angle given by θ in FIG. 2 represents the rotation of the pivot 208 caused by adjusting the alignment arm 210 from the neutral position (b) to the extended position (c). It follows then that for an adjustment of the alignment arm 210 from the extended position to the contracted position, the pivot will rotate through both angles θ and ε.

[0072]It is also appreciated that depending on the lengths of the various portions 215, 217, and their relationship to one another and the location of the hinge 212 (and the placement of the alignment apparatus 214 and throwing element 204) various amounts and increments of angular travel can be achieved as desired, the foregoing angles and dimensions being merely illustrative.

[0073]It is further appreciated that in instances where the apparatus 100 and 200 are implemented in other sports, the throwing element 204 may be adjusted to return a ball or other item (e.g., a puck, etc.) to alternative directions, representative of player positions during game-play.

[0074]In yet another embodiment, the alignment apparatus 214 may be further adapted to enable the pivot 208 to rotate substantially 180°, or in another embodiment, 360°. The increased rotation causes the throwing element 204 to return a ball to literally any position (depending on the elevation of the throwing element and/or trajectory of the barrel 202, so that the ejected item does not hit part of the apparatus 100, 200).

[0075]In another embodiment, a drive motor or actuator is coupled directly to the pivot mechanism 208, thereby substantially obviating use of the alignment arm 210 and related components. For instance, in one variant, the shaft around which the pivot 208 rotates comprises the main shaft of a low speed electric motor (or that of a gear in a reduction gear system). Alternatively, in another variant, a chain-drive system is used (e.g., chain and toothed sprockets).

[0076]The vertical angle from which the ball is thrown from the barrel 202, as illustrated in FIG. 2c, may also be adjusted. In one embodiment, this is accomplished in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to the pivoting base 208, in other words, a motor (not shown) may be used to cause the barrel 202 to point upwards D, level E, or downwards F. In another embodiment, the motor may cause the barrel to point at any number of different angles sit at different within (and in some instances outside of) angles λ and μ. The apparatus 200 may utilize the different angles to simulate e.g., ground balls, fly balls, etc. For example, if the returning apparatus 200 is throwing the ball to the outfield, the barrel 202 may be directed to point upwards, D. Different angles can be used for different desired trajectories as well and pre-programmed into the device; e.g., 10 degree elevation for infield, 30 degree elevation for outfield, 45 degree elevation (maximum distance) for "home run", and 75 degree elevation for "pop fly". These angles can also be manually adjusted by the user (i.e., without use of the aforementioned optional motor drive system).

[0077]In another variant, a remote control unit (e.g., wireless RF, infrared, or wired) can be used to allow a user (e.g., pitcher) to adjust the vertical and/or azimuth angles previously described from their current location. Other parameters such as ejection velocity, delay in ejection time, etc. can also be controlled in this manner.

[0078]In one embodiment, the two apparatus 100, 200 are made completely stand-alone and modular with respect to one another, such that while the two connect and interact readily when desired, they may also be readily separated and operated on their own. In the case of the returning apparatus 200, a separate "magazine" of balls or other such items (not shown) may be attached to the intake

Alignment Apparatus--

[0079]As discussed above, one embodiment of the alignment apparatus 214 comprises one or more electronic components capable of controlling the movement of the alignment arm 210. An exemplary embodiment of the alignment apparatus 214 is given in FIG. 3. As illustrated, the apparatus 214 comprises a digital microcontroller (and processor depending on processing needs) 300, with associated random access memory (RAM) 302.

[0080]The microcontroller 300 is in one embodiment adapted to communicate with a mechanism 304 for causing movement or adjustments of the alignment arm 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a motor/gear drive unit 304 is given for making such adjustments; however it is appreciated that any linear or other actuator (such as e.g., a piston, solenoid, etc.) may be utilized as well.

[0081]A power supply 310 is also illustrated; the power supply 310 provides power to the components of the alignment apparatus 214. In one embodiment, the power supply 310 is adapted to utilize AC/DC power such as from an electrical outlet. Alternatively, the power supply 310 may utilize battery power.

[0082]As noted previously, the motor 304 may be configured to provide the alignment arm 210 with three discrete positions (a, b, and c). Alternatively, the motor may enable the alignment arm 210 to have any number of positions, thereby causing the pivoting base 208 to rotate to any number of positions between (and in some cases outside of) angles θ and ε of FIG. 2B. In this way, the returning apparatus 200 may throw balls to almost anywhere on a playing field (or on the boundaries thereof, such as the warning track).

[0083]The functioning of the motor/drive unit 304 is generally controlled by the microcontroller 300. In other words, the microcontroller 300 indicates to the controller logic of the motor/drive unit 304 a position for the alignment arm, and signals to the unit 304 to make necessary adjustments to move the arm 210 to that position (e.g., energize an AC or DC motor within the unit to rotate a given number of turns or steps, such as in a "stepper" motor, to rotate a pinion sufficiently to cause lateral translation of the first portion 215 of the arm 210).

[0084]As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the microcontroller 300 is in data communication with a plurality of interfaces 306 (e.g., USB, IEEE-1394 "FireWire", wireless interfaces, LAN/WAN (e.g., IEEE 802.11), PAN (e.g., Bluetooth), display interfaces such as DisplayPort, etc.) for interface with client devices such as laptop computers, remote control units, personal electronics, computers, etc. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a user interface which may include a display device, mouse, keypad, touchscreen, and/or other user interface device is located directly on the alignment apparatus 214 or in data communication therewith. It is further appreciated that other electronic components may be utilized within the alignment apparatus 214 as well, such as for instance one or more GPS receivers for precise position location of the device.

[0085]Moreover, electric or other motors (not shown) used for control of the frame 102 altitude, and/or azimuthal rotation of the receiving apparatus 100 (described in greater detail below), can be controlled via the microcontroller 300.

[0086]In one embodiment, the microcontroller 300 is adapted to run at least one computer program thereon. The computer program may, inter alia, provide a means for a user to set one or more parameters of the functioning of the return apparatus 200 via communication with one of the plurality of interfaces 306 (e.g., remote control). For example, the user may set the returning apparatus 200 to always return balls to a certain location. Thus, if only one player is using the apparatus 200, a ball pitched or hit will always be returned to the player. Alternatively, if more than one player is practicing at the same time, such as a pitcher and a first baseman, the apparatus 200 would be set to return all balls pitched thereto to the first base. In other words, the microcontroller 300 instructs the motor to maintain the alignment arm 210 so as to send the balls to direction "A" on FIG. 2B.

[0087]As between the various players, the balls may be set to be returned randomly, or in a predetermined pattern (such as first, second, third base, etc.), as either set by a user or pre-programmed in the computer application. In other words, the user may set the returning apparatus 200 to return the ball randomly between any of the positions or according to a prescribed pattern. In some cases, randomizing is desirable in that it enables practice to more accurately simulate real game-play. In other cases, repetitive action is desired (e.g., to work on a "problem" area of a given player or team).

[0088]In another embodiment, when used in the context of baseball, actual game-play is simulated by using the computer program to randomly determine whether the ball should be counted as a ball, strike, home run, etc.

[0089]In still another embodiment, the computer program utilizes inputs from the aforementioned sensing apparatus (i.e., pressure sensors in the target to determine placement within a "strike zone" as well as velocity at impact) to determine whether the ball should be counted as a ball, strike, home run, etc., and/or to record player performance

[0090]In yet another embodiment, the user may establish a weight for each position to which the ball may be returned. Table 1 below illustrates an exemplary weighting chart in the instance where there is no one practicing first base, and the second base player and a first outfield player need more practice than the third base player and the second outfield player.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Player Weight First base 0.0 Second base 0.35 Third base 0.10 Outfield 1 0.45 Outfield 2 0.10

The weighting set by a user in Table 1 indicates that the first base player will receive 0% of the returned balls, the second base player will receive 35%, the third base player will receive 10%, and so forth. It is appreciated that other positions may be taken into account; thus, a user may partition the returned balls equally or unequally among the players.

[0091]In another embodiment, the user is able to enter a name and position representative of the players who practice with the apparatus 100, 200. In other words, the user may establish that Player A is pitching, Player B is at first base, Player C is at second base, and Player D is at third base, etc. As the players practice pitching the ball, the microcontroller/processor 300 may store (e.g., in RAM 302) statistics relating to the pitching abilities of Player A. For example, the computer may record the number and quality of pitches thrown by Player A, as well as the number of balls returned to each of the catchers (Players B, C and D). A particular player's statistics may be saved and updated with each additional practice session. In this manner, a player and/or the player's coach are able to keep track of the relative amount of practice the player has completed. This information may be transmitted off-device (e.g., via wired or wireless link) to another device adapted to receive and store or utilize the data.

[0092]In yet another embodiment, the microcontroller/processor 300 may be in further communication with a motor drive unit (not shown) or other apparatus for controlling the vertical angle of the barrel 202 as discussed previously. For instance, in one variant, the microcontroller/processor 300 is adapted to receive information regarding the distance between the apparatus 100, 200 and the various positions on the playing field. The microcontroller/processor 300 uses this information to calculate the barrel angle necessary to throw a ball thereto (given other known parameters of the device such as ejection velocity, weight of the ball, etc.). The microcontroller 300 then directs the motor or other apparatus associated with the barrel 202 to cause the barrel to angle to that particular angle prior to throwing the ball.

[0093]It will be appreciated that while the alignment apparatus 214 described in FIG. 3 is configured to include the various electronic components (i.e., signal interfaces, RAM, microcontroller, etc.), these components may be readily disposed on, in or as part of other components of the receiving or returning apparatus 100, 200, or as part of a standalone device (e.g., controller box) that is in wired or wireless communication with the apparatus 100, 200. Moreover, the controller functions can be embodied using a PC, laptop, or other computerized device having the requisite signal interfaces and processing power. For instance, it is envisaged that a laptop computer, PDA, or even cellular "smartphone" with Wi-Fi interface and application program running thereon can be used to send commands to (and optionally receive data from) the apparatus 100, 200, via an indigenous wireless interface. Any number of different control schemes and architectures will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the electronic and computer arts given the present disclosure.

Game-Play Embodiment--

[0094]In another embodiment of the invention, one or more receiving 100 and returning 200 apparatus may be used to simulate a game (or test the apparatus 100, 200 for extended periods so as to obviate human intervention). For instance, a game may be simulated between one or more apparatus 100, 200 and human players, or between only mechanical players (e.g., two teams of apparatus 100, 200). In either the "machine vs. machine" or "human vs. machine game", the computer program or application running on the microcontroller/processor 300 (which may be accessed by a user via any one of the plurality of interfaces 306 previously described) has a "game mode". In "game mode", each set of apparatus (i.e., a "set" comprising one receiving apparatus 100 and one returning or "throwing" apparatus 200) are programmed to perform functions ordinarily performed by human players. In one embodiment, each set of apparatus 100, 200 is assigned a position (such as e.g., pitcher, first base, second base, batter, etc.). Each set of apparatus 100, 200 then throw and catch a ball as described above, as applicable, simulating a game.

[0095]It is noted that for use in such simulated games, the apparatus 100, 200 described above are modified to further include a mechanism for rotating the receiving apparatus 100, so as to permit multi-angle reception as well as ball ejection ("throwing"). For instance, suppose one set of apparatus 100, 200 is placed at first base, and another at third; if a ball is caught by the first base apparatus 100, 200 and subsequently there is a need to throw the ball to the third base (such as to tag a player running thereto), the receiving apparatus 100 of the set disposed at third base is adapted to rotate towards the first base set, thereby enabling the set at third to catch a ball thrown thereto.

[0096]In one embodiment, the receiving apparatus 100 are adapted to rotate via an electric motor or other actuator controlled by the microcontroller/processor 300. Moreover, the apparatus "sets" 100, 200 of a given team are adapted to communicate wirelessly with one another via e.g., the wireless interface 306. For instance, in one variant, all "members" of a team communicate via a Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11) interface. In this manner, the individual sets of apparatus 100, 200 are aware that a ball is going to be thrown towards it, and adequately prepare by e.g., rotating their receiving apparatus 100 to a prescribed azimuth (and altitude if so equipped). The apparatus 100, 200 may also be adapted to send out a request that the "player" with the (or a) ball throw it to that apparatus 100, 200. For example, the set on first base, immediately after a pitch, may communicate with all of the other apparatus sets 100, 200 on its team to throw the ball to it so that the "player" headed towards first will be thrown out.

[0097]It will also be appreciated that the members of a team (or in fact both teams) may be controlled under a "master/slave" type approach; i.e., a unitary controller. Hence, in one such configuration, separate control logic for each set of apparatus 100, 200 can be obviated for one controlling node, the latter which simultaneously sends commands to each team member to effect what appears to be a game.

[0098]Many other approaches and combinations are envisaged consistent with the invention, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill when provided this disclosure.

[0099]It should be recognized that while the foregoing discussion of the various aspects of the invention has described specific sequences of steps necessary to perform the methods of the present invention, other sequences of steps may be used depending on the particular application. Specifically, additional steps may be added, and other steps deleted as being optional. Furthermore, the order of performance of certain steps may be permuted, and/or performed in parallel with other steps. Hence, the specific methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary of the broader methods of the invention.

[0100]While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for catching and receiving a ball comprising:a catching apparatus adapted to comprise a target and at least an apparatus for catching and redirecting said ball to a throwing apparatus; anda throwing apparatus adapted to throw said ball to at least one position on a game-play field.

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