# US 8,771,106 B1 · Training and rehabilitation device for ball throwing > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,771,106 B1 - Document ID: US8771106B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 14/048,195 - Filed: 2013-10-08 - Granted: 2014-07-08 - Earliest claimed: 2013-05-03 - Applicants: Todd M. Boulanger; John Bordelon; Earl Perrin - Inventors: Todd M. Boulanger; John Bordelon; Earl Perrin - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8771106B1 ## CPC - A63B 43/007: {Arrangements on balls for connecting lines or cords} - A63B 2069/0006: {for pitching} - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A device for training and rehabilitation includes a ball with a plurality of holes placed at predetermined locations. Each hole is adapted to receive and retain a receptor apparatus. The receptor apparatus contains a key receptor. A tether apparatus has a key fitting piece adapted for insertion into the key receptor. The key fitting piece is used to selectively lock the tether apparatus within the receptor apparatus. The tether apparatus includes a loop. A rope attaches to the loop, and the free end of the rope is frayed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A training device, comprising: a ball having a solid core and a surface enclosing the core; a seam disposed on the surface of the ball; a first blind hole disposed within the core, opening to the surface of the ball, the first blind hole being positioned in a first predetermined location relative to the seam, wherein the first predetermined location corresponds to a first user grip; a second blind hole disposed within the core opening to the surface of the ball, the second blind hole positioned in a second predetermined location relative to the seam, wherein the second predetermined location corresponds to a second user predefined grip; a first receptor retained within the first blind hole; a second receptor retained within the second blind hole; a tether apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tether apparatus being selectively securable within the first or the second receptor; and a rope attached to the second end of the tether apparatus; wherein the training device has a first configuration corresponding to the first user grip when the tether apparatus is secured within the first receptor and a second configuration corresponding to the second user grip when the tether apparatus is secured within the second receptor, the training device being transitionable between the first and the second configurations by releasing the tether apparatus from the first receptor and securing the tether apparatus within the second receptor. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, further comprising: a key fitting member disposed on the first end of the tether apparatus; a first key aperture disposed within the first receptor; a second key aperture disposed within the second receptor, wherein the first and the second key apertures are configured to receive the key fitting member of the tether apparatus; a notch disposed on a distal end of each the first and the second receptors; whereby the first end of the tether apparatus is selectively securable within the first or the second receptor by inserting the key fitting member into the first or the second key aperture and turning the key fitting member to a position where the key fitting member engages the notch. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The training device according to claim 2, further comprising a biasing member disposed around the first end of the tether apparatus, the biasing member configured to bias the key fitting member toward the notch thereby lodging the key fitting member into the notch. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one rib transversely disposed on a lateral surface of the first receptor, the rib configured to retain the first receptor within the hole in the ball. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, further comprising a flange disposed on a distal end of each the first and the second receptors. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the rope is frayed. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein a conjuncture of the rope and the tether apparatus is shrink-wrapped. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein a length of the rope is between twenty to sixty inches. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first receptor apparatus and the tether apparatus are plastic. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein the rope is made of a material selected from the group consisting of hemp, cotton, linen, straw, sisal, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and a combination thereof. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein in the first configuration of the training device, the tether apparatus is configured to pass between the user's fingers thereby allowing the rope to swing when the user grips the ball using the first user grip. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein the ball is a baseball or a softball. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, further comprising a target for placement at a predetermined distance away from the user, wherein the target is configured to be struck by the rope. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein the first user grip is a two-seam grip. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The training device according to claim 1, wherein the second user grip is a four-seam grip.