US20060160663A1

US20060160663A1 - Apparatus and method for training base runners

Info

Publication number: US20060160663A1
Application number: US11/331,718
Authority: US
Inventors: Christy Serritella
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-13
Filing date: 2006-01-12
Publication date: 2006-07-20

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for training base runners comprises at least one base incorporating means for identifying optimum location on the top of the base for base runners to strike the base with their foot while crossing en route to a next base and means for producing audible signals whenever the base is struck properly to notify the runner that the base was stepped on at the correct location, further including an ability to prevent generation of an audible signal whenever a base runner fails to strike any base with his foot at its proper location while running the bases.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/643,752 filed Jan. 13, 2005, titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TRAINING BASE RUNNERS,” which is referred to and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to base running training aids. More specifically, this application relates to an apparatus and method for teaching base runners how to step and go round a base path efficiently and rapidly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Since the inception of the games of baseball and softball, the bases and general dimensions and layouts of the playing fields have remained substantially unchanged. Conventional bases used in the game of softball or baseball are typically 14 or 15 inches square, between 2 to 5 inches thick, and white in color. The bases are padded and covered with canvas or other material made to withstand the rough usage frequently encountered in the games.
In major league baseball, for example, a distance of 90 feet exists between home plate and first base. For the last 45 feet down the base path between home plate and first base, a 3-foot wide running lane is provided outside the foul line or base line. Once a batter hits the ball, he becomes a base runner with the objective of running to first base, second base, third base, and then home plate, in an attempt score a run for his team.
In softball, a distance of between 50 and 65 feet exists between home plate and first base. In little league baseball, a distance of 60 feet exists between home plate and first base. In each of these field configurations, effective base running is important to success of a team. The following overview applies equally to major league baseball, softball and little league.
After hitting the ball, the batter becomes a base runner and has but one objective: to reach home plate and score a run for his team. When first setting out toward first base, a base runner will swing wide to the right into the first base running lane to begin a turn to second while attempting to maintain maximum running speed. Generally, the runner will reach top speed over the 55 to 90 feet between home plate and first base. Consequently, regardless of the runner's size, a great deal of momentum has been created by the runner's velocity which will tend to carry the runner either in a straight line or in a very wide arc across first base, as he attempts to re-direct his travel to second base. In all circumstances, the runner is trying to get to the next base before the fielders are able to relay the ball to another player at that base in an attempt to tag the runner out.
On the standard playing field, each subsequent base path is oriented at right angles to the preceding base path. The geometrically shortest distance between each base is a straight line between those bases. However, this shortest distance between the bases is not the path that delivers the fastest time between bases.
Whenever a runner is turning across one base en route to a subsequent base, the runner cannot physically accomplish an exact 90 degree turn at each base without losing significant running speed. Consequently, an efficient base runner will strive to make the most aggressive turn at each base, staying as tight to the base path as possible, while avoiding excessive loss of speed.
Optimum base running involves running at top speed while maintaining maximum momentum as each base is rounded. Top speed is maintained by a runner when he can bank into each turn at each base. An effective runner will use the raised portion at the inside corner of each base to make the best, high-speed turn possible, maintaining momentum and maximum speed toward each successive base.
Base running as a skill is frequently very underrated, especially in youth baseball or softball. However, some coaches believe a youth team can get one to three extra runs per game using effective base running techniques. Seasoned base running coaches recognize that a runner's base running technique must make effective use of the insider corner of each base to reach each subsequent base in the shortest time possible, beating the throw of the ball to the base.
The subtleties of effective base running take time and frequent repetition to master. Consequently, it is important to teach baseball and softball players proper base running technique at an early age and continue that training throughout their playing career. As a player ages and grows, his height, weight, gait, running speed, and leg strength change. Consequently, the player must continually practice his base running techniques to accommodate these changes.
As a player reaches maturity and is able to run at maximum speed, thereby creating maximum momentum, it becomes even more critical that the player make his turn at each base optimally. He must carry the right amount of speed through the base; he must use the right amount of inward and forward lean; he must guide his running line to create the optimum turn radius; he must strike the inside corner of the base with the appropriate level of force; he must adjust his gait and stride length to allow striking the base firmly in stride; he must push off the base aggressively but without losing traction; he must carry enough speed to move rapidly around the bases; he must not carry so much speed that he is unable to make a tight turn, and, he must be prepared to make an optimum turn at first, second and third base without stopping, if necessary. Learning how to perform all the above actions effectively requires practice. Unfortunately, depending on the age of the players and the available practice time, little time may be spent by a coach teaching base running; in favor of teaching other basic skills like batting, fielding, catching and throwing. Consequently, the provision of a base running training aid that can be used independently and correctly by players after normal practice to refine their skills, without the presence of a coach, is very desirable.
Existing bases are white, blank palettes with no visual cues to communicate to a novice or more experienced base runner the optimum “inside corner” base running technique, which requires proper placement of the runner's foot on each base's inside corner. Many youths, when they first start to run bases, presume that they are supposed to step on each base in its middle to make sure that contact is made. By trial and error, they can eventually learn that stepping in the middle of the bases is not the best method for running the bases quickly. Surprisingly, even a number of inexperienced coaches in youth leagues are not familiar with proper base running techniques and provide incorrect instruction to their players.
A base running training apparatus and method capable of assisting a coach in teaching the following base running fundamentals is very desirable, particularly for younger players.
First, after striking the ball and beginning his acceleration to first base, a batter will look down the first base line toward first base and the first base coach to determine if he should begin to setup a turn for running to second base. If the runner is directed by his coach or sees an opportunity to head to second base, the runner should begin a banana-shaped turn about half way down the base line toward first base. Then, as the runner rounds first base, leaning inward to the inside of the base path, he will attempt to maintain the arc of the banana turn at maximum speed by adjusting his gait to strike the inside corner of first base with his preferred foot. The base runner will use the inside base corner as a foot plant to support an aggressive left turn toward second base.
An effective base runner seeks to avoid running too far out of the straight line base path between first and second. When the base runner is running hard to first base, the runner's momentum can carry him out in a wider arc if the runner does not effectively use the inside corner of the base as a foot plant to help him make his left turn toward second base. An improper foot plant elsewhere on the base, off the inside corner of the base, can cause the runner's momentum to carry him in a much wider arc, substantially increasing the distance the base runner must travel between first base and second base. Greater distance traveled at an equivalent speed will cause the runner's time between bases to increase, thereby increasing the probability that the ball will reach the base before the runner, allowing the runner to be tagged out by the opposing team's fielder.
Likewise, if a runner is headed to second base and intends to round second base efficiently to head to third base, it is again most efficient to strike the insider corner of second base with his preferred foot, using a proper foot plant on the insider corner of the base as a means of more aggressively turning to the left toward third base without losing speed. Again, the base runner seeks to make the tightest turn possible toward third base, proscribing a shorter and tighter arc along the base path, while avoiding the loss of running speed.
Similarly, this same inner leaning base running technique is used when rounding third base en route to home plate. The base runner should once again endeavor to strike the inside corner of third base with his preferred foot and use the inside corner as a foot plant to turn aggressively to the left and spring toward home plate. Again, the runner hopes to reach home plate before the ball, generating another run for his team.
In essence, the runner uses the inside corner of each base as a foot hold or platform to gain traction while rounding each base and to assist in accelerating to the next base. As the runner hits each base, the corner of the base is substantially compressed, which improves the traction at the bottom of the runner's foot. It would be helpful in training for base running if a runner could be signaled whenever he makes a successful, optimum turn at each base, using an inside corner foot plant. It would be further helpful if, in training, a base included a visual target at the insider corner location which the base runner could use for aligning his running path and timing his step to make the desired foot plant on the inside left corner of each base.
Several patents are found in the prior art which describe complex signaling systems which are primarily intended to assist the umpire in making accurate calls. None of these patents is directed toward teaching proper base running techniques to a base runner. They are primarily intended to provide some indication of whether the fielder or the runner reaches the base first. In most cases, the inventions are primarily concerned with identifying who wins the race to first base, not second or third. These patents also do not provide a complete method for teaching base running along the entire base path at first, second and third base.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,440,042 entitled “Indicating System For Baseball Games” issued to Friedman on Apr. 20, 1948, describes a system for determining whether a first baseman's foot or the base runner's foot is first to touch first base. The invention is complex, including many plungers deployed throughout the base. The plungers are serving as electrical switches to turn indicator lights on and off. Magnets in both the shoe of the first baseman and the base runner affect the direction of travel of the plungers. The magnets in the shoes of the first baseman and the base runner are oppositely polarized to cause the switch plungers to travel in different directions. Depending on the direction of travel of the plunger, either a green light or red light is illuminated to indicate whose foot first touched the base. Although this base provides a signal for touching the base, it does not provide any means by which to train a base runner to step on a certain portion of the base. Further, its system and operation is complex. Additionally, it requires special shoes to distinguish between fielders and runners. The added weight of magnets in the sole of a base runner's shoe will certainly not optimize the runner's speed. Further, the Friedman system requires that players have two sets of shoes which they must change between innings. Again, the underlying purpose of Friedman's system is simply to address whether the runner was safe or out at first base, not to assist in training a base runner to effectively round first, second or third base. Friedman's device would generate a signal regardless of where the base was touched by the runner.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,298,689, entitled “Electrical Detector Base,” issued on Oct. 13, 1942 to Ferris, a base signaling device is described comprising spring-loaded contacts on a plunger intended to cause a mechanical or electrical bell to ring, again creating an audible signal indicating that a runner has touched and depressed the base. The Ferris patent is also intended to generate an audible indicator for benefit of the umpire to use to judge close plays. The Ferris device would not provide any indication to a runner of whether he had optimally crossed the base and touched the base at the optimum location. The Ferris device would create a signal regardless of where the base was touched by the runner or fielder.
In U.S. Pat. No. 1,066,773, entitled “Signal Base for Base Ball Fields,” issued on Jul. 8, 1913 to Wills, a spring-load, hinged, multipart base operating based upon depression by a fielder or runner causes electrical contacts to close to ring an electrical bell when the plate is struck by a runner or fielder. Again, this patent is intended to aid the umpire in determining whether the runner reaches first base before the ball reaches the first-baseman's glove. The Wills assembly would not be useful in teaching a runner effective high-speed base running techniques. It does not let a runner know if the based was stepped on at the optimum location while turning to run to the next base.
Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 727,633, entitled “Electric Base-Ball Register” issued on May 12, 1903 to Humphreys, a device is described that is once again intended to aid the umpire in determining whether the runner reaching first is safe or out. The Humphreys device was intended to secure honest decisions by umpires that might be partial to a particular team and decide close calls in favor of runners of that team or against the runners of the opposing team. The Humphreys device included several metal plates laid around the first base and various buttons that could be depressed to cause a bell to ring by closing an electrical circuit. The bell would ring if the first baseman received the ball in his glove, closing a first switch in the first baseman's glove, and the first baseman's foot was simultaneously touching first base. The base runner could actually prevent the bell from ringing by reaching first base and stepping on the base to break the circuit which would cause the bell to ring. Again, establishing a signal indicating favorable positioning of the runner's foot on the base was not a purpose of this signaling device.
U.S. Pat. No. 311,278, entitled “Indicator for Base Ball or Cricket Fields,” issued on Jan. 27, 1885 to Williams describes a complex mechanical system that generates an audible signal by depressing a spring-loaded plunger to close an electrical circuit, causing a bell to ring. The purpose of this device is once again to signal the umpire when the base runner steps on first base so that the umpire can hopefully judge accurately whether the runner is safe or out. The device does not describe an apparatus for teaching proper base running techniques.
Even as early as Dec. 14, 1875, U.S. Pat. No. 171,038, entitled “Base-Ball Base,” was issued to O'Neill describing another complex mechanism adapted to a base which would cause a mechanical plunger to swing a weight to rap against a bell housing placed in a box located under the base, creating an audible signal that first base had been depressed.
Throughout the prior art, examples of attempts to create effective signaling mechanisms to aid an umpire in calling a play at first base are described. However, none of these attempts are directed to providing an apparatus for effectively training base runners to optimize their base running techniques, by providing visual and audible cues to the runner that his foot placement is proper.
Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus that can be used to teach proper base running techniques to players of all ages, sizes and experience.
Additionally, a need exists for an apparatus to teach effective base running that can be used by a base runner for optimizing base running technique without the presence of a coach.
Further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus that is durable, reliable and low cost.
Still further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus that will cause youthful base runners to enjoy repeated use by creating a game-like experience.
Yet still further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus that cause the base runner to learn to step on a base at the optimum location while rounding the base.
Even further, a need exists for a base running training apparatus where audible signals can be generated to let a base runner, at full stride and speed, know whether he has properly touched the base at the optimum insider corner location.
Additionally, a base running training apparatus is needed to assist inexperienced coaches in more easily teaching effective base running techniques, avoiding the establishment of improper base running techniques in players at an early age.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention include:
(a) providing a base running training apparatus for providing relevant visual and audible cues as to the runner's base running effectiveness,
(b) providing such a base running training apparatus that is simple in its structure and easy to maintain, allowing use by coaches or players of all ages and experience,
(c) providing a base running training apparatus that can be manufactured for little cost allowing the maximum number of youths to more readily use the apparatus,
(d) providing a base running training apparatus that is simple to use and easily understood even by younger players,
(e) providing a base running training apparatus that can be incorporated in all forms of bases, regardless of underlying construction and,
(f) providing a base running training apparatus for use by inexperienced coaches to improve base running instructional methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for training base runners comprises at least one base incorporating means for identifying optimum location on the top of the base for base runners to tag the base while crossing the base en route to a subsequent base and means for producing audible signals to notify the runner that the base was stepped on at the correct location. Lack of an audible signal when running across the base will likewise notify the runner that he did not cross and step on the base at the optimum location while running the base path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a standard base incorporating the enunciator and being actuated by a base runner, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a base, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway of the enunciator of the system within a base, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates the nozzle of the enunciator with a screen protector, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the enunciator of the system within a base, illustrating the compressive actuation of the enunciator, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic of the system deployed on a ball diamond, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

List of Numbered Elements

- base 2
- inside corner 4
- a side wall 6
- filling 8
- base running training apparatus 10
- visual target 20
- enunciator 30
- bellows portion 40
- nozzle 50
- mouth 52
- screen 54
- interior throat 56
- port 60
- grommet 70
- emitter 80.
- vibratory aperture 82
- exemplary diamond deployment configuration 100
- diamond D

A first embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Generally, a base running training apparatus 10 includes a base 2 having a visual target 20 (see FIG. 2) on the base 2 at an inside corner 4, which corner 4 is normally oriented toward the inside of the play field base path when in use. Referring to FIG. 3, an enunciator 30 is disposed within the base 2 at the inside corner 4 of the base 2. The enunciator 30 includes a bellows portion 40 and nozzle 50. The nozzle 50 communicates to a port 60 which penetrates a side wall 6 of the base 2. A grommet 70 circumscribes the port 60. Referring to FIG. 5, an emitter 80 located within the nozzle 50 is used to generate an audible signal. Whenever a runner steps on the base 2 at the inside corner 4 at the location of the visual target 20, the insider corner 4 of the base 2 is compressed, causing the enunciator 30 to emit an audible signal which is emitted from the port 60.
In further detail and referring to FIG. 2, the apparatus includes a visual target 20 located on the base 2 at a top insider corner 4 in the area generally directly above the location of the enunciator 30. The visual target 20 provides a focal point for a base runner while moving toward the base 2 at high speed. The visual target 20 may be of any shape such as a doughnut, as shown in FIG. 2. Any other symbology, including logos, characters, icons, team mascot figures, team logos or other graphic symbols, properly placed on the top insider corner 4 of the base 2 may be used as long as the symbol provides a runner with a visible target for proper foot placement while running the base.
In greater detail and referring to FIG. 3, a cut-away of the base 2 is shown at the location of the inside corner 4, illustrating the placement and orientation of the enunciator 30. The enunciator 30 includes a bellows portion 40. The bellows portion 40 serves as a flexible, compressible, refillable air reservoir. A nozzle 50 extends outwardly from the bellows 40. A port 60, located in the side wall 6 of the base 2, is sized to centrally receive the nozzle 50. The port 60 completely penetrates the side wall 6 of the base to allow audible signals generated via the enunciator 30 to not be muffled, and instead, be maximum volume. A preferably circular grommet 70 circumscribes the periphery of the port 60 and is sized to receive and secure the nozzle 50 within the port 60 in the side wall 6 of the base 2.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the nozzle portion 50 of the enunciator 30 is shown in greater detail. The nozzle 50 includes a mouth 52. A screen 54 is placed over and covers the mouth 52 to prevent dirt, dust and other debris from clogging the nozzle 50 which could prevent the enunciator 30 from generating an audible signal when compressed. The nozzle 50 includes an interior throat 56 through which compressed air can travel from the bellows portion 40 to the port 60.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the enunciator 30 disposed within the interior of the base 2 is shown. The enunciator 30 is surrounded by filling 8 of the base 2. Filling of the base can be foam rubber, wood wool or other similar compressible material of the type normally used in conventional bases. Consequently, whenever the top of the base 2 is compressed by the downward strike of a runner's foot, the bellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30 is likewise compressed. The nozzle 50 of the enunciator 30 further includes a preferably circular interior throat 56. The throat 56 is sized to receive an emitter 80. The emitter 70 includes a vibratory aperture 82 for creating an audible signal whenever air is forced outward through the aperture 82.
The port 60 for securely receiving the nozzle 50 is circumscribed by the circular grommet 70, reinforcing the port 60 and preventing fraying of the base side wall 6 which might occur from frequent use. The dust screen 54 is placed over the mouth 52 of the nozzle 50 and securely sandwiched between the nozzle 50 and the grommet 70 to hold the nozzle 50 at its proper location in the port 60. FIG. 6 provides a bottom perspective view of a typical base 2, illustrating the placement of the enunciator 30 in the insider corner 4 of the base 2.
In operation, when the top of the base 2 at the location of the visual target 20 located above the position of enunciator 30 is depressed by the action of a runner's foot strike, the flexible bellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30 is likewise compressed, causing air to pass through the aperture 82 of the emitter 80 within the throat 56 of the nozzle 50. As air passes through the aperture 82, an audible signal is created which will signal the base runner that the base 2 was struck at the proper location while crossing en route to the next base 2. Once the runner's foot has left the base 2, the base 2 returns to its normal shape, allowing the bellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30 to also return to its normal shape. As the bellows 40 returns to its normal shape, the increased volume of the bellows 40 creates negative pressure, drawing air back through the aperture 82 and refilling the bellows portion 40 of the enunciator 30. The enunciator 30 is then ready for subsequent activation by the next base runner.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a deployment configuration and method 100 for use of the apparatus 10 as a complete base running training aid is described. FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of the infield of a standard playing field, or, diamond D. Three enunciator-equipped bases 2 according to the apparatus 10 of the present invention are deployed at the normal locations reserved for first, second and third base on the diamond D. The bases 2 are oriented at installation so that the visual target 20 of each base 2 is located toward the interior of the diamond D, closest to the pitcher's mound. Although shown as including three bases 2, a coach may elect to use just one base 2 to emphasize practicing a run down the first base line and turning to second base, which is considered a critical first element of successful base running.
In practice, a base runner runs the bases 2 at high speed, attempting to step on the visual target 20 on the top inside corner 4 of each base 2 with his preferred foot. As the base runner successfully touches each base 2 at the insider corner 4, the enunciator 30 is caused to emit an audible signal notifying the runner that the base 2 was stepped on in an optimum location at the visual target 20. Where the base runner fails to step on the inside corner 4 of each base 2, and instead, steps on other areas of each base 2, the enunciator 30 will not generate an audible signal, letting the runner know that he failed to touch any base 2 at the optimum location at the visual target 20 on each base 2. Lack of signal will suggest that the runner's time around the bases 2 is more than the optimum time and hence, can be improved.
In an alternative embodiment, according to the present invention, a base running training apparatus includes an electronic motion detection enunciator, preferably deployed within an inner corner of a base. The motion detection enunciator consists of a means for detecting motion, means for signaling the presence of motion and means for identifying a runner producing the motion.
Preferably, the means for detecting motion is comprised of a radiofrequency (“RF”) signal motion detection device. A first transmitter of the motion detection device continually radiates a short RF burst, generally known as an ultra-wide band burst, and is responsive to the Doppler Effect for moving objects. Returning echoes mix with the transmit burst to produce a detectable Doppler beat frequency. Echoes arriving after the transmit burst ends do not get mixed and there is no response; the echoes are outside the “range gate”. Interpretation of the Doppler beat frequency provides information that determines the presence of an object and the motion of that object within a predefined space.
Adjustment of the transmit RF burst width defines the maximum sensing distance. Generally, the RF sensing distance for detection of proper placement of a runner's foot atop the inner corner of the base will be set to correspond with the very top of the base, sufficient to detect when a runner steps in the desired spot. As measured from the very inner lower corner of the base, the detection zone of the first transmitter will usually have an approximate size of 4 inches high, 4 inches long and 3 inches wide. Required power for the detector is generally between 3 to 16 volts at 5 to 15 milliamps. Consequently, required power may be provided by batteries, a direct electrical connection, fuel cells or other similar energy delivery devices.
A second RF transmitter provides gross motion detection. The second transmitter supplements the data collected by the first transmitter for sensing specific presence of a runner's foot at the desired inner corner of a base, by detecting gross motion of an entire runner's body in proximity to the base. This gross motion detection transmitter senses the runner's presence and orientation as he rounds the base, providing additional relevant data including runner speed and physical attitude with forward and inward lean.
A third radiofrequency transmitter for data communication is incorporated within the same housing as the first and second motion detector transmitters/receivers. Although other radiofrequency protocols may be used, the present invention preferably relies on ultra-wide band transmission to minimize interference during operation. The data transmitter relays signals to an external data collection system, such as a personal digital assistant, a lap top computer or other type of data storage, processing and display unit. Before a runner begins testing, the operator of the system can enter an identification code for the runner.
A fourth radiofrequency transmitter/receiver for identifying a particular runner is also incorporated in the apparatus. A runner is provided with a radiofrequency identification tag, hereinafter an RFID tag, which correlates to a previously entered runner identification code. The RFID tag is housed in a thin, sealed plastic envelope which is located on the runner's body. Preferably, the RFID tag will be placed in the heel of the runner's shoe.
As each runner passes a base, the RFID transmitter/receiver causes the RFID tag to be energized. The RFID tag in the runner's shoe then sends a coded signal to the RFID transmitter/receiver. The data transmitter of the system then causes all subsequent data relayed to the data collection system to be associated with that particular identification code, until such time as another runner crosses the base, causing a new identification code to be logged by the system. This RFID module allows a one or more players to be running the bases continuously while collecting data specific to each runner.
The data collection system is then able to display various running performance results to users or trainers to allow an analysis of the runner's technique and base running performance. The data collection system will signal whether each runner touched each base in the optimum location, what each runner's speed was while rounding the base, what each runner's time and speed is between bases, and what each runner's physical orientation was as he rounds the base, e.g., the amount of inward and forward lean.
As each runner rounds the bases, he can be notified by the system whether he is improving his performance by the type of sound emitted by the enunciator. Additionally, the runner can set certain base running goals by entering the goals into the system. The system can then cause an appropriate sound to be emitted by the enunciator indicating the runner's performance in relation to the set goals. For example, different frequency sounds can be emitted to signal whether the runner is greatly exceeding, exceeding, meeting, almost meeting, far from meeting or very far from meeting the set goals.
As will be recognized, other standards of comparison in relation to the goals set or the comparative player/runner selected may be established in the system. The system can be set to change time/speed goals. The system can also be modified to analyze specific running situations, including running from home to first only, stealing from first to second, stealing from second to third, stealing from third to home, running from home to second, home to third, and, home to home. This real-time signaling and feedback system is intended to allow the runner to set certain goals. The system also provides an ability to determine the individual player's weak spots and provides suggestions for addressing those areas which will improve the runner's speed.
The collected data may be analyzed by the data system to identify opportunities for corrective adjustment of the player's base running technique. In addition, the data system allows comparisons of the player's times and techniques against the times and techniques of other peers, teammates, league players, professional players, and major league stars, for example. The system also provides a comparative animated, three dimensional display of the individual player's base running techniques against those other runners. This feedback system will provide a tool by which runners can clearly identify the basic, obvious or subtle changes that need to be made to their base running techniques to optimize their base running performance.
Although generally housed within the base itself, in a further embodiment, the motion detection base running training apparatus may also be housed in a container located beneath the inner corner of the base, rather than inside the base. In this configuration, the container housing the apparatus is buried beneath the inner corner of the base to a depth of 6 to 10 inches. The sensing range of the device is set to allow detection of a foot placed atop the inner corner of the base, providing a sensing range requirement of approximately 8 to 13 inches. The sensing range requirement is driven by the depth of burial of the motion detection apparatus and the thickness of the base. In a buried configuration, a direct electrical feed to the apparatus using buried electrical cable may be used to power the system, although batteries, fuel cells or other similar energy delivery devices are appropriate.
In all preferred embodiments of the system and devices that are described herein and that affect the method which, together with those devices forms the subject matter of this invention, it is to be understood that these preferred embodiments of the invention are only meant to be examples of the principal features of the invention. Each of the illustrations contains features of preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that some of these features could be incorporated into the other preferred embodiments and features deleted from those preferred embodiments or both.
While the invention has been described above in connection with the particular embodiments and examples, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not necessarily so limited. It will thus be understood that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications of, and departures from the teachings disclosed may be made, without departing from the scope of the present invention as claimed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training base runners comprising:

a. at least one base,

b. a desired base runner stepping location on said at least one base,

c. a means for creating an audible signal whenever said desired stepping location of the at least one base is stepped on by a runner;

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a visual target indicator deployed on said at least one base at said desired stepping location;

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said visual target indicator is a graphic symbol including logos, characters, icons, team mascot figures, or team logos;

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further including an enunciator disposed within said at least one base underneath said visual target indicator;

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said enunciator includes manual activation means triggered by pressure of a runner's foot striking said at least one base;

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said enunciator includes motion detection activations means wherein said enunciator is activated by the detection of motion of a runner's foot;

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said motion detection activation means includes a radiofrequency energy motion detection sensor;

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said radiofrequency motion detection sensor is located beneath said at least one base;

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said pressure-activated enunciator further comprises:

a. a compressible bellows portion,

b. a nozzle portion having a mouth and a throat,

c. a noise emitter,

d. said nozzle portion connected to and extending outwardly from said bellows portions,

e. said nozzle throat sized to receive and hold said noise emitter,

f. whereby the compression of said bellows portion by pressure of a runner's foot on said at least one base at said desired stepping location causes air to be forced through said noise emitter, thereby causing an audible signal to be generated by said enunciator.

10. A method for training base runners comprising the steps of:

a. deployment of at least one base, wherein said at least one base includes means for creating an audible signal,

b. locating said audible signal creating means at a preferred stepping location on said at least one base, wherein said preferred stepping location is the inside corner of said at least one base,

c. having a base runner run across and step on the base in order to create a turn;

d. wherein when said base runner steps on said preferred stepping location,

e. thereby causing said signal creating means to generate an audible signal, and,

f. wherein when said base runner fails to step on said preferred stepping location,

g. thereby causing said signal creating means to not generate an audible signal;

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said audible signal creating means is a pressure-driven enunciator;

12. The method of claim 10 wherein said audible signal creating means further includes a motion detection sensor;

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said motion detection sensor triggers an electronic enunciator when a runner's foot is detected at said preferred stepping location;

14. The method of claim 12 wherein said motion detection sensor uses ultrawideband radar radiofrequency to detect motion;

15. The method of claim 12 further including the earlier step of burying said motion detection sensor in the ground beneath said at least one base prior to the step of deployment of said at least one base;

16. The method described in claim 10 further including the steps of

a. deploying three bases on a playfield in standard locations for first, second and third base,

b. directing base runners to run along the base path of the play field while attempting to strike each of said three bases with their preferred foot at the preferred stepping location on each of said three bases;

17. An apparatus for training base runners comprising

a. at least one base,

b. a desired base runner stepping location on said at least one base,

c. a motion detection sensor located at an inside corner of said at least one base at said stepping location,

d. means for creating an audible signal whenever said motion detection sensor senses the foot of a base runner in a proper position at said preferred stepping location, and,

e. means for not creating an audible signal whenever said motion detection sensor does not sense the foot of a base runner in a proper position at said preferred stepping location;

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said motion detection activation means is an ultrawideband radar motion detection sensor;

19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said motion detection sensor is located beneath said at least one base;

20. The apparatus of claim 19 where said motion detection sensor is buried in the ground beneath said at least one base.