O P E R AT I O N M A N U A L

Transcription

1 O P E R AT I O N M A N U A L Sling Pitcher Inc W Claudia Rd Boise, Idaho Patent # 6,884,188

2 T M Letter from the President, Mr. Kim N. Cherry Thank you for your purchase of the Sling Pitcher TM. We welcome you to our family and encourage you to take the time to read and study this manual. As most effective inventions do, the Sling Pitcher TM was developed to solve a problem. My youngest son, Brandon, has always played and loved baseball, and I have always loved coaching and working with him. I have thrown thousands of pitches during hours of batting practice. As his skills increased, mine decreased, both from age and from the wear and tear that comes with throwing too many pitches. I developed the Sling Pitcher TM to be able to continue challenging Brandon, and to allow myself to be able to sleep at night without my arm and shoulder being in constant pain. Whether you have purchased the Sling Pitcher TM for your baseball or softball team, for individual at-home practice, or simply for some wholesome backyard family activities, you will find the Sling Pitcher TM to be a great source of family and/or team fun, and a great way to improve the hitting and fielding skills of ball players, young or old. Though the Sling Pitcher is fun and versatile, it is also a high quality piece of sports training equipment, and should be handled and treated with care, and always, with safety in mind. Built of a composite material of polycarbonate and ABS plastics, the Sling Pitcher TM will provide years of great training, fun and excitement. However, it can be damaged and may even cause personal injury to the operator or others around that are receiving balls if it is not used or maintained in a proper manner. Please take the time to read this manual to learn how to properly use and care for your Sling Pitcher TM. Always use the appropriate safety equipment applicable to the use and ages of users and operators of your Sling Pitcher TM and the type of ball that is being used. When younger children are using the Sling Pitcher TM, adult supervision is always highly recommended. With the addition of the optional Sling Turret, a swivel base giving the Sling Pitcher instant rotation, and the Sling Guard, a protective screen for the operator, the Sling Pitcher is truly the most versatile, effective, and affordable training tool for youth baseball and softball on the market. I expect you will soon agree. We would love to receive your feedback on our website, (testimonial page). Respectfully Yours, Mr. Kim N. Cherry, P.E. President & Inventor, Sling Pitcher Inc

3 Table of Contents Safety Warnings p. 3 Package Contents p. 4 Sling Arm Assembly p. 4 Assembly of Sling Pitcher unit p. 5 Disassembly Instructions p. 6 Operating Instructions p. 7 Fly-Ball Arm Instructions p. 8 Maintenance and Storage p. 8 Accessories p. 8 Sling Guard Sling Turret Replacement Parts p. 9 Repairing a Broken Elastic p. 9 Repairing a Leather Pouch p. 9 Training & Practice Drills p. 10 Warranty p. 11 Contact Information p. 11 All information, illustrations, specifications, and descriptions in this manual are based on the latest information at the time of publication. Sling Pitcher Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice. Illustrations may include optional equipment and accessories. Training and help videos are available at and on various U-tube videos. Important Safety Warnings 1. Always use with adult supervision. 2. Always wear complete and appropriate protective headgear with facemask and eye protection. 3. Never kneel on, stand on, or jump over the Sling Pitcher TM, or allow children to do the same. 4. Never apply loads directly to the Sling Arms, but only through the pouch and elastics assembly. 5. Never aim the Sling Pitcher TM directly towards another person, animal or breakable object. 6. Read and follow the operating instructions for the Sling Pitcher that are included in this manual. 7. Use the Sling Guard or other equivalent protection, to protect against returned ball injuries when using any balls that could cause injury to operator if returned at high speeds. Regulation baseballs or softballs may cause damage to the Sling Pitcher TM, if struck at high speeds. page 3

4 Package Contents The Sling Pitcher will come packaged with the following items: One seat with spring clips inserted into the connector posts, one basket, one Sling Arm Assembly consisting of two Sling Arms four elastics, a leather pouch, and the connecting tabs, tees, and hardware, two Fly Ball Arms, two Sling Pitcher U shaped legs, one extra set of elastics, an assortment of twelve practice balls (9 and 12 perforated plastic or foam), one Sling Pitcher storage and carry bag, and one Instructions Manual. Seat Basket Sling Arm Assembly Fly Ball Arms Leg (Two) Practice Balls (12) Carry Bag Sling Arm Assembly Setup Barbed T Connector Nylock Nut Washer - flat 'T' Pouch w/ T s and Grommet (At Top) Quantity Part Description 1 Pouch 2 Sling Arm 8 T 4 T Strap 4 Elastic 4 Carriage Bolt (3/16 X 1¼ ) 4 Nylock Nut 4 Flat metal washer T Straps Sling Arm Elastic Carriage Bolt The Sling Arm Assembly will come completely assembled. This illustration is given should it ever be necessary to replace these parts. The Connector T s are sewn into the leather pouch. The seams of the pouch have been sealed, and should not work loose. To insert the elastics on the T s, apply a drop of rubbing alcohol to the barbed portion of the T. Grip the T firmly in one hand and push the elastics on to the T until it completely covers the T. A little saliva on the T will also work, but not as well. Though lubricants such soap or vegetable oil or other oil based lubricants make insertion much easier, they will also cause the elastics to slip off during use and should not be used. It is important the pouch be aligned as shown, with the grommet at the top of the assembly, such that the pouch is in a vertical position. The grommet is for use with the optional Sling Guard. page 4

5 Set-up Instructions for the Sling Pitcher 1. Slide the two prongs of the seat into the two outlets of the basket until they snap into place. note spring button 2. Insert the two leg assemblies into the four openings of the seat and basket (two on each). 3. Place the Sling Pitcher TM on its legs. Position the two sling arms so that the four T s attached to the Sling Arms are all facing towards the center and the leather pouch is positioned with the smooth side facing the operator and the rough side facing away from the operator. Insert the two Sling Arms down into the basket sockets until they click into place. Be certain that the arms curve away from the operator and over the front of the Sling Pitcher TM, such that the ball and pouch can be gripped as shown. Note the location of the pouch grommet. 4. If using the Fly-Ball Arms, insert the arms into the basket sockets until you hear a click (figure 1). Place the Sling Arms into the Fly-Ball Arm sockets until you hear a click (figure 2). Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 page 5

6 Disassembly Instructions 1. Reach down to the bottom of the arms. Lift up on the locking lever located at the bottom of the arms until the arms are unlocked and can be easily slid out of position (see figure 4). 2. Remove the two leg assemblies. 3. Locate the two release buttons between the seat and the basket on the underside of the unit. Press the buttons and pull the seat away from the basket. If only one person is disassembling the unit, release the button on one side and pull apart enough to maintain depression of the release button. Repeat on opposite side. 4. If using the Fly-Ball Arms, they install and release in the same manner as the Sling Arms. Release the arms by lifting up on the locking lever at the bottom of the Fly-Ball Arms until they are unlocked. Slide them out of the basket sockets. 5. If the Sling Arms, Fly-ball Arms, or Leg Assemblies become jammed in their respective sockets, use a regulation baseball or softball to tap on the release heal of the Arms, or on the inside of the Legs to break loose. (see photos below) figure 4 Placing the Sling Pitcher in the Carry Bag To place Sling Pitcher Assembly in the carry bag, stack the legs on top of each other at one end of the bag. Set the basket inside the legs and on the bottom of the bag. Place the Sling Arms inside the basket, and set the seat on top of the basket. Place the Fly Ball Arms on the Seat with the pockets toward the front corner and over the open end, as shown below. page 6

7 Operating Instructions 1. To operate the Sling Pitcher sit on the Sling Pitcher seat with both feet firmly on the ground. The Operator should always wear safety glasses, or other eye protection, and a batting helmet, if there is any danger from hard hit returned balls. 2. Place the ball in the pouch, and grasp the leather pouch around the ball (see fig.5). It is important that the grommet of the pouch be at the top, and that the pouch be in a vertical position. The fingers or thumbs should never touch the ball, but only the leather of the pouch. Place the thumbs on top of the pouch, over the ball, and the fingers on the bottom of the pouch, below the ball. figure 5 figure Pull the pouch directly toward the belt buckle location and release, in one fluid motion. Never hold the ball before release. To increase the speed of the pitch, sit further back on the seat and pull further. Snapping the wrist at release of the pouch will further increase the speed of the pitch. To reduce the speed of the pitch, release the ball sooner in the pulling motion. Placement of the ball in the strike zone can also be altered to the operator s desire, by altering the direction of pull of the pouch. Pulling the pouch a fraction to the left will throw the ball to the inside of a right-handed hitter. Pulling to the right, will throw an outside pitch 4. Placing the ball in the direct center of the pouch directly over the hole will throw the ball with very little spin creating a knuckle ball effect (fig 6). To create a top spin simply rotate the pouch moving the ball to the top of the pouch so that the grommet is more toward the back of the ball creating a curve ball effect (fig.7). Likewise, the ball can be moved to the bottom of the pouch, creating a reverse, bottom spin, simulating more the fastball pitch (fig 8). Foam balls with raised seams are much more susceptible to air friction and will have more movement. Smooth finish balls such as perforated plastic balls and tennis ball, will fly straighter and truer. Adjusting the position of seamed foam balls in the pouch will result in nice curve or breaking balls. figure 6 figure 7 figure 8 page 7

8 5. The Sling Pitcher TM can throw virtually any type of baseball, softball, or tennis ball. Regulation baseballs and softballs will not attain the same velocity as lighter balls, but can cause significant damage to the operator, or the Sling Pitcher, if returned by a batter at a high rate of speed. These balls should not be used without the use of the protective Sling Guard, if there is any danger to the operator or the Sling Pitcher. It is the sole responsibility of the operator, or adult supervisor to determine the risk involved and to take proper steps to protect against returned balls. It is important that the operator maintain a consistent, fluid motion, especially at high speeds, to allow the batter to adjust to the flight of the ball, and time his/her hitting motion. If the hitter still has trouble anticipating when the ball will be released, a simple nod of the operator s head, or some verbal signal such as ball, just as the operator starts his/her motion will allow the hitter to adjust to the release of the ball. (Recognizing change-ups is the challenge and responsibility of the hitter). Use with the Fly-Ball Arms The Fly-Ball Arms allow baseballs to be thrown in excess of 150 feet vertically, and to a horizontal distance of approximately175 feet, on the fly. (See instructions for placement of the Fly-Ball Arms under Set-up of Sling Pitcher on page 5). The operating instructions for the Fly-Ball arms are the same as for throwing pitches, except that the pouch is pulled down into the basket of the Sling Pitcher TM, instead of into the mid-section of the operator. When using the Fly Ball Arms, the operator should always wear safety glasses, or other protective eyewear. On occasion, it is possible the Sling Arms or the Fly-ball Arms may inadvertently dislodge from their sockets during operation. This is most likely to happen when shooting very lightweight balls, such as the perforate plastic balls. It is recommended that the perforated plastic balls not be used with the Fly-Ball Arms. It is important that the operator sit firmly on the Sling Pitcher seat when shooting the fly balls, and that both feet remain firmly on the ground. The Sling Pitcher Pouch should always be pulled down into the basket, and never at an angle above the line to the operator s belt line. Pulling the pouch at a higher angle could cause damage to the Sling Pitcher or injury to the operator. Maintenance and Storage (and cold weather use) To clean the Sling Pitcher TM, wash with warm soapy water and wipe dry with a cloth. Store the Sling Pitcher TM in a cool dry area. Keeping the Sling Pitcher TM out of direct sunlight when not in use will extend the life of the elastics and leather pouch. For best storage, keep the Sling Pitcher TM in the supplied carrying case when not in use. Avoid extreme temperatures. Operating the Sling Pitcher in extreme cold (below freezing) will make the unit more susceptible to damage or parts failure. Accessories The present line of accessories includes all parts to the Sling Pitcher TM, (plastic parts, elastic bands, and leather pouch) as well as the plastic and foam balls and the carry bag. The Sling Guard is a protective shield that works in conjunction with the Sling Pitcher TM to provide greater protection to an operator from returned balls. It is highly recommended the Sling Guard be used whenever there is a risk of injury to the operator by returned balls from a batter. Even with the use of the Sling Guard, the operator should always use protective gear, including, but not limited to, a helmet and safety glasses. The Sling Turret is a swivel base that fits beneath the Sling Pitcher TM and allows the operator to rotate to any field or position. This is especially effective for outfield and infield drills. The Sling Turret and Sling Guard can also be purchased on line at or from any authorized dealer or retail outlet. page 8

9 The Sling Guard and the Sling Turret are sold separately Sling Guard Sling Pitcher See website for action photos of the Sling Guard and Sling Turret Sling Turret The Sling Pitcher TM is shown above with Sling Guard and Sling Turret. Replacement Parts With normal wear and tear, some parts of the Sling Pitcher TM may eventually need replacing. Any broken parts covered under warranty will be replaced free of charge, when returned to Sling Pitcher, Inc, W Claudia Road, Boise, Idaho Replacement parts such as the pouch assembly and the connector T s, will be sold only to verified Sling Pitcher TM owners. Repairing a Broken Band When an elastic band breaks, usually, just the portion of the band that is attached to the T s is worn. The elastic can be cut off (only scissors should be used to cut the elastics) and reattached. The shorter elastic will continue to work, even though with a shorter life, until new elastics can be obtained. Use rubbing alcohol or saliva to lubricate the barbed T before attaching elastics. To replace a broken band, simply remove the broken bands by pulling them off by hand, or using a pair of pliers. (Note: Bands will generally release from T s with approximately 20 lbs. of force). Knives, utility knives, scissors or razor blade should never be used for cutting pieces elastics from the T s. These pieces are easily removed by pinch gripping the elastic piece with a pair of pliers and pulling them off. They can also, with a little more effort, be peeled off by hand. This is done by rolling the broken elastic from the inside end closest to the leather tab or pouch, similar to removing a sweater from the bottom up. Repairing a Broken Leather Pouch The pouches are made from high quality leather and should last for several years. The most likely wear issue is that the sewing of the T s may work loose. If this happens, any shoe repair or leather shop can quickly sew the leather again. If the leather does tear, the old leather can be used to make a pattern to have a new pouch made at a leather shop. The leather pouches are guaranteed for one year. After the warrantee, new pouches can be ordered on the Sling Pitcher web site, or by calling sling-77 ( ). page 9

10 Training & Practice Drills with Sling Pitcher TM The Sling Pitcher is the most complete and versatile pitching/training machine on the market, at any price. The following drills and practice options will help develop baseball/softball skills in players of all ages and skill levels. 1. Standard pitching and hitting drills: The ball can and should be moved around in the strike zone at various speeds. This practice enables the players to learn to anticipate the pitch, and watch the ball all the way through the strike zone. If regulation balls are used, the optional Sling Guard should be used to protect the operator from line drives back to the pitcher. 2. Taking the inside pitch: Using plastic perforated or foam balls, work the inside of the plate. Teach the players the correct moves to take an inside pitch. As the skills and the confidence of the players increase, move to the regulation balls. Again, the optional Sling Guard should be used whenever there is danger to the operator from returned balls from a hitter. 3. Ground Ball Drills: Since the operator has complete control of the shot, balls can be thrown as line drives, short hoppers, or traditional grounders. Use of the optional Sling Turret accessory, which allows the operator to rotate to any infield or outfield location, will make this drill much more effective. 4. Catcher Training: Pitches can be thrown at any point into the dirt, allowing coaches to work with catchers on the proper techniques for shifting and blocking. Plastic or foam balls can be used until young catchers learn to trust their equipment, before moving to regulation balls. 5. Pop-ups & High Foul Ball Drills: By inserting the Fly Ball Arms that are included with every Sling Pitcher, pop-ups can be thrown to any part of the infield for work on in field fly rules for both runners and fielders. High foul pop-up drills behind the plate, are best performed by moving the Sling Pitcher to the front of the catchers box and shooting the ball straight up. The reverse spin will carry the ball to the back stop, simulating an actual pop-up foul ball. 6. First Base Training: Balls can be thrown into the dirt for a scoop, or a short-hop or bounced further in front of the bag for the tougher play. Stretch throws are also easily simulated. 7. Outfielder Fly Ball Training: Since the Sling Pitcher allows the operator to accurately place a ball to almost any spot on the field, players can work on fly balls over either shoulder, straight back, in front, or to either side. The high flies can be thrown, or the lower flight line drives. Again, using the optional Sling Turret allows the operator to easily rotate to either side of the fielder, making the drill much more fun, as well as effective. These are drills that other coaches and parents have used. As you come up with additional drills that work for you, we would love to know about them. page 10

11 Warranty All Sling Pitcher TM products are backed by a 1 year limited warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer or reseller. Sling Pitcher s limited warranty is extended to the original consumer purchaser and to no other purchaser or transferee of the product. Sling Pitcher TM warrants to the first consumer purchaser that this Sling Pitcher TM product when shipped in its original container will be free from defective workmanship and materials and agrees that it will, at its option, either repair the defect or replace the defective product at no charge to the purchaser for parts or labor for 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to misuse, abuse or which has been altered or modified in design or construction. This warranty does not cover worn or damaged elastic tubing. Balls of any kind and the carry bag are also excluded from this warranty. There are no other warranties express or implied. The limited warranty described herein is the sole and exclusive warranty granted by Sling Pitcher TM and shall be the sole and exclusive remedy available to the purchaser. Sling Pitcher TM SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Sling Pitcher TM FURTHER DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY WARRANTY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR ECONOMIC DAMAGE. Sling Pitcher TM requires a receipt as proof of purchase. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you retain your original sales receipt. If the Sling Pitcher TM you have purchased meets the failure requirements specified above within 1 year of purchase, please contact us at Info@slingpitcher.com or call our Customer Service Department SLING77 ( ) to process your return. To obtain replacement parts or products, please go online at slingpitcher.com to order. Sling Pitcher TM Inc. is not responsible for items returned without prior authorization. Contact Information: Sling Pitcher Inc W Claudia Rd Boise, Idaho SLING-77 ( ) info@slingpitcher.com page 11