NAME OF THIS DOCUMENT: Disclosure
Document/Invention Detail
|
DATE:5/5/98 |
INVENTOR'S NAME: Robert
R. Williams
|
UCS: 1524-HN |
INVENTION NAME: The "Pitch
Gard"
|
Revision: 0 |
| INVENTION FUNCTION:
The concept of The "Pitch Gard" is that of a newly designed portable backstop
to protect a pitcher from line drives during batting practice. |
| SPECIFIC UNIQUE
FUNCTION OR PROPERTY OF INVENTION: The "Pitch Gard" would be a fold-up,
portable, and lightweight net backstop which can be easily transported and
quickly put up/taken down, for use when conducting baseball and softball
batting practice. |
| INVENTOR'S SUGGESTED
MATERIAL AND COMPONENTS: Velcro, PVC pipe, various PVC elbows and connectors,
netting, bungee type cord, hinge hardware, and metal (or plastic) spikes. |
| INVENTOR COMMENTS
CONCERNING THEIR INVENTION: "I play upper-level softball and have
seen several people get beaned in batting practice. The "Pitch Gard"
would help prevent this type of mishap, and can be used at any level of
ball play, and also in schools to help protect kids." |
| MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION:
The "Pitch Gard" would consist of several interconnecting lengths of PVC
type plastic pipe assembled to form a net covered framework having a rear
mounted net enclosure, a top mounted flip-up net barrier, and side mounted
fold-out net wings. All components would have hinged or swivel type connectors,
allowing the assembly to be collapsed/folded compactly for storage/transport.
The top net barrier would fold down, the bottom mounted main net framework
would fold up in the front and back, the side mounted wings would extend
and retract and the support legs for the main net enclosure would collapse
with the use of a telescoping design. When in use, a series of plastic or
metal spikes would be used to secure the framework to the ground and a bungee
cord type retainer would be used to tie all frame components together into
a tight assembly. Velcro straps would be utilized to secure components when
the assembly is collapsed. |
| USAGE: In use,
the user would simply set up the "Pitch Gard" by folding down
the bottom mounted main net framework, flipping up the top mounted net barrier,
extending the main net side arms, and folding out the side mounted net wings.
The six spikes would be used to lock the unit to the practice field, and
the bungee type retainer cords would be utilized to secure the assembly
in the upright position for use. The pitcher would then stand behind the
assembly and pitch "around" it, so as to prevent fast moving line
drives from being a hazard to them. When not in use, the "Pitch Gard"
would be quickly and easily collapsed, folded, and tied together with the
use of the Velcro straps, allowing the assembly to be transported or stored
with ease. Use of the "Pitch Gard" would provide a very practical
and easy to use method of preventing accidental injury to the pitcher while
engaging in softball or baseball batting practice. As an option, the "Pitch
Gard" could also be used as a backstop behind the batter in the event
that a practice area does not have an installed backstop. |