Form arm speed trainer (FAST)

Abstract

The FAST training device is designed to retrain the athlete arm by promoting development of muscle memory after being exposed to numerous practice sessions. The athlete's arms will be trained to move reflexively in a ninety degree angles (forearm to biceps) as the trainee swings their arms continuously while running. The FAST comprises a set of elastic support braces. Each set of arm braces includes a hollowed elastic upper arm binding and a elastic forearm binding. Each member is interlocking with matching male and female plastic connectors attached by a cotton and or elastic webbing to the upper arm and forearm braces; both members are secured around the athlete's arm and attached to the members are adjustable straps wrapping around the elastic brace securing the elastic support brace to the athlete's arm holding the arm in the proper 90 degrees running position, means for limiting the degrees of the arm swing is provided with an adjustable cotton webbing strap, which controls the degrees of elbows exposer, the arm braces controls the movement of the arm in its upward and downward swing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Crucial functions in learning how to run faster is understanding stride-frequency and stride-length. Any device (or method) to help increase and control these two functions (stride-frequency and length) would enhanced a trainee's speed development. It is understood by most coaches, that in order for an athlete to accelerate and maintain maximize running speed, proper arm position, arm drive and running form must be achieved. Maximum speed is only achieved when a trainee has mastered these functions, coupled with the ability to relax while running at maximum speed. For years, there has been a need for a training device to help athletes develop arm muscle reflective memory. Such device would be very light, adjustable and easily secured to an athlete's arm.

[0002] When the Form Arm Speed Trainer (FAST) is compared to current training devices, it becomes obvious that other devices are cumbersome, difficult to wear, hard to adjust, hard to utilize and most importantly do not properly train athletes by rewriting the neuromuscular patterns of the athlete's arm.

[0003] The Form Arm Speed Trainer helps with the facilitation of muscle memory in the athlete's arms. This device has a hollowed binding that surrounds the trainee's arm; the elastic binding supporter is a two piece adjustable, light-weight device. It consist of an upper arm elastic binding and a forearm elastic binding, with cotton webbed straps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] After reviewing the disadvantages of present arm exercising devices currently in the prior art, my investigation shows the present invention provides a new set of comfortable elastic arm support braces, wherein such members are utilized for exercising and strengthening the trainee's arm while running at maximum speed and for rewriting muscles memory in the trainee's arm.

[0005] The FAST provides a new training method and was invented to help develop an athlete's speed and improve the athletic running form. It comprises a set of elastic binding supporters for the upper arm and forearm when engaged. The FAST provides a method for the athlete to maintain their arm in a preferred alignment holding the trainee's elbow at a predetermined angle in such an order to eliminate improper running form and arm carriage which eliminates wasted motion and energy.

[0006] The FAST device has two attachable elastic bindings supporters creating a set for the upper arm and the forearm sections. The “upper arm” means any portion of the arm between the elbow and the shoulder and “forearm” means any portion of the arm between the elbow and the wrist. Both supporters are made from strong elastic binding sewn together producing a hollowed device encompassing each section of the arm. FAST is available in several sizes to accommodate children and adults athletes.

[0007] This device enhances the crucial arm swing of athletes by controlling and restricting unnecessary arm movement and minimizing wasted effort and energy. Proper arm carriage will increase running velocity and acelleration. It also helps the trainee achieve proper body alignment by controlling the arm motion of the shoulder joint. Such controlled movement helps stop the swaying and rocking of a trainee's body. The trainee is now positioned to learn how to control their stride-length and help speed up stride-frequency. Over time, the FAST device will assist in rewriting the trainee's neuromuscular speed patterns. Once these functions are mastered a trainee will learn to run faster, using the same effort.

[0008] Attached to the elastic bindings are webbing straps for fastening the brace securely to the trainee's arm. Secured to this webbing are cotton and velcro patches which function as a stop means as it adjusts the trainee's elbow while further securing the elastic brace to the trainee's arm Each elastic support brace is adjusted to an individual's arm in such a manner to fit securely. When the supporters are engaged, the upper arm plastic connector is correctly alignmented and fastened to the forearm plastic connector; thus causing the elbow to hang straight down at a 90 degree angle. The adjustable webbing straps are connected to the supporters to allow a trainee to modify the arm bend to a comfortable angle but prevent the trainee from extending the bend beyond the appropriate range of 90 to 110 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1—illustrates a side prespective view of the FAST applied to the right arm. FIG. 2—shows perspective views of the FAST applied to a trainees' arm. FIG. 3—a detailed view that illustrates the upper arm elastic support brace, the forearm elastic support brace, matching female and male plastic connectors, secured elastic binders with cotton patch velcro and cotton webbing straps for securing the elastic binders to the athlete's arm. FIG. 4—shows detailed enlarged views of the interlocking connectors and the illustration of the components of the adjustable parts of 10 Upper Arm Adjustable Strap. FIG. 5—an illustrated layout view with the Detached Secure Strap.

CORRESPONDING EXPLANATION FOR FAST DRAWINGS

UPPER ARM ELASTIC SUPPORT BRACE

[0010] 2. Cotton velcro patch 1-½ inches wide

[0011] 4. Velcro patch 1-½ inches wide, upper arm

[0012] 6. Upper arm elastic arm binding 3 inches wide,

[0013] 7. Upper arm secure strap, ½ inches wide, (Detached Strap)

[0014] 8. Upper arm secure strap, ½ inches wide

[0015] 10. Upper Arm Adjustable Strap 1 inch wide,

[0016] 12. Upper arm plastic female connector

[0017] 14. Patch cotton ¾ inch wide on upper arm adjustable strap

[0018] 16. Patch velcro ¾ inch wide on upper arm adjustable strap

[0019] 17. Velcro patch 1-½ inches wide, upper arm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

[0020] 18. Patch velcro ¾ inch wide, upper arm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

[0021] 19. Velcro patch 1-½ inches wide, upper arm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

FOREARM ELASTIC SUPPORT BRACE

[0022] 20. Cotton velcro patch 1 inch wide

[0023] 21. Cotton velcro patch 1 inch wide (Detached Strap)

[0024] 22. Velcro patch 1 inch wide, forearm

[0025] 24. Elastic support binding 2 inches wide

[0026] 26. Forearm plastic male connector

[0027] 27. Forearm secure strap, ½ inches wide, (Detached Strap)

[0028] 28. Forearm secure strap, 1-½ inches wide, forearm

[0029] 29. Strap elastic webbing 1 inch wide

[0030] 30. Velcro patch 1-½ inches wide, forearm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

[0031] 31. Patch velcro ¾ inch wide, forearm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

[0032] 32. Velcro patch 1-½ inches wide, forearm adjustable strap (Detached Strap)

COMPOSITE VIEWS OF SUPPORT BRACES

[0033] 40. References to both the Upper Arm and Forearm Elastic Support Braces

[0034] 42. References to the Upper Ann Elastic Support Brace

[0035] 44. References to the Forearm Elastic Support Brace

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] As required, a detailed description of the embodiments of the Form Arm Speed Trainer invention are disclosed herein; however it is now declared that the disclosed embodiment is not a flawless presentation of the invention, and this invention may be used in various other forms. Therefore specific structural and functional detailed disclosured herein are not to be considered as the ultimate description, but merely as a basis for claims and for expressing the presented invention in many other appropriate functions.

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 shows an embodiment of the elastic support brace 40 of the present invention to be worn by attaching the elastic support brace to the athletes arm. FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrates the structural elements of a set of elastic support brace 42, 44. This training device is comprised of an upper arm elastic support brace 42 securable to the athlete upper arm, and a forearm elastic support brace 44 securable to the athlete forearm, adjustable means 10, 29 to interconnect 12, 26 the upper arm support 42 and the forearm support 44, limiting the movement or the athlete arm, establishing the proper arm drive and motion, which frees the elbow for flexibility and comfort.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a design for the right arm, however it is understood, a comparable set of adjustable elastic support brace is also provided for the left arm.

[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the upper arm elastic support brace 42 and 44 with attached cotton webbing straps 8 and 28 used to secure the elastic support brace 42 and 44 to the athlete arm, also attached is a cotton adjustable webbing straps 10 and a elastic strap 29 for adjusting and controlling the degree of the subject elbows. Preferably both members 42 and 44 includes an upper arm and forearm engaging section. As illustrated, both interlocking sections have plastic connectors, the upper arm have a female plastic engaging connector 12 and the forearm have a male plastic engaging connector 26. These connectors provides a method for engaging the set of elastic support brace 42 and 44 for correct arm form drive and speed development, when desiring to rest their arm; the subject releases the engaging plastic connectors 12 and 26.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates the Form Arm Speed Trainer device 40 attached to the trainee's arm. The elastic support brace 42 and 44 are hollowed and fits closely, but comfortably surrounding the subject arm. The elastic brace is constructed of soft durable elastic fabric, that permits a full arrange of movement of the athlete arm, while delivering comfortable relaxing support, The elastic support brace 42 and 44 have upper and forearm securable straps 8 and 28 for securing the elastic support brace to the athlete arm and straps 10 and 26 are used for adjusting both, the upper arm brace 42 and the forearm brace 44 for proper arm drive and elbow exposer. These straps are equipped with attached cotton velcro patches 2 and velcro 4, securing the elastic support brace, by wrapping the cotton webbing strap 8 and 28 around the brace and sticking the velcro 4 and 22, to the cotton velcro patches 2 and 20. Permanently attached plastic male connector 26 with elastic strap 29, and plastic female connector 12 with cotton webbing 10 are use to engaged and release the upper arm support and forearm support.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates the upper elastic support brace 42 should be place high on the athlete arm, right near the athlete arm pit surrounding the entire upper arm.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 4, attached to the cotton web adjustable strap 10 is a cotton patch 14 and a velcro patch 16 which are used to determine the elbow exposure. The upper arm plastic female connector 12 is lined up for engagement with the forearm plastic male connector 26. As illustrated in FIG. 3 the attached web secure strap 8 with cotton velcro patch 2 and velcro patch 4 is wrapped around the member 6 securing the elastic support brace strap to the athlete arm.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the forearm elastic support brace 44 should be place about 1 ½ to 2 inches from the trainee's wrist, surrounding the athlete's forearm. As illustrated in FIG. 4 a plastic male connector 26 are lined up to engaging the upper arm plastic connector 12. As illustrated in FIG. 3 the attached cotton webbing strap 28 with cotton velcro patch 22, and cotton velcro patch 20 is wrapped around the elastic forearm support brace to secure the forearm support brace 24 to the athlete's arm. 1 Reference Cited U.S. Pat. Documents 1431915 October 1922 Barr 128/881 1772601 August 1930 Dunham 1281881 2704069 March 1955 Donelan 128/881 3028858 April 1962 Cutler 602120 3640273 February 1972 Ray 602/5 3698389 October 1972 Guedel 602/20 4019734 April 1977 Lee, et al 4821125 4254953 March 1981 Marchetti 602/20  428533 August 1981 Cosentino 602/4 4489716 December 1984 Blackwood et al 602120 4523586 June 1985 Couri 602/3 4530351 July 1985 Gordon 602111 4544155 October 1985 Wallenbrock, et al 482/139 4559932 December 1985 Salort 128/77 4564008 January 1986 Donaloo 602104 4651719 March 1987 Funk, et al 128/77 4669451 June 1987 Blauth, et al 128178 4682776 July 1987 Mitchell 482/127 4685671 August 1987 Hagerman, et al 272/139 4705271 November 1987 Mondloch, et al 482/112 4718665 January 1988 Airy, et al 482/139 4733862 March 1988 Miller 272/137 4736312 April 1988 Dassler, et al 702/160 4765320 August 1988 Lindemann, et al 602/22 4766890 August 1988 Hollrah 602/14 4784128 November 1988 Scheuermann 128/77 4801138 January 1989 Airy, et al 482/112 4815731 March 1989 Suarez, et al 272/139 4842274 June 1989 Oosthuizen, et al 482/5 4884561 December 1989 Letson 602/20 4899735 January 1990 Scott 602/20 4899735 February 1990 Townsend 602/20 4900013 February 1990 Rodgers, Jr 482/70 4909505 March 1990 Tee 272/136 4941479 July 1990 Russell, et al 128/877 4948117 August 1990 Burke 272/71 4977890 December 1990 Mann 602/21 4978119 December 1990 Hull 482/99 5002275 March 1991 Beutler 473/228 5027794 July 1991 Pyle 601133 5042799 August 1991 Stanley 482/112 5058576 October 1991 Grim et al, 602121 5060638 October 1991 Bodine, Jr 1281878 5096190 March 1992 Montgomery 482/105 5100126 March 1992 Liou 4821127 5116294 May 1992 Findlay 482/127 5121743 June 1992 Bishop 602/22 5167598 December 1992 Sands 482/74 5167601 December 1992 Frappier 482/121 5179777 December 1992 Reddy, et al 601133 5179939 January 1993 Donovan, et al 601133 5186701 February 1993 Wilkinson 482/124 5213094 May 1993 Bonutti 601133 5217186 June 1993 Stewart, et al 24/142 5337737 August 1994 Rubin, et al 4821111 5472394 December 1995 Michaelson 462/74 5472410 December 1995 Hammersly 602/20 5509426 April 1996 Sowerby 1281878  518480 May 1996 Frappier 482/124 5662595 September 1997 Chesher, et al 602/20 5807298 October 1998 Palumbo 602/20 5857988 January 1999 Shirley 602/20 5865714 February 1999 Marlowe 482/112 5873848 February 1999 Fulkerson 602/62 5891079 April 1999 Barnes 602/61 5954678 September 1999 Cruz 602/26 6117097 September 2000 Ruiz 602/26

Claims

1. The Form Arm Speed Trainer device comprises a set of elastic arm support braces:

a. the said set consist of an upper arm elastic support brace, securable to the upper arm and supports the posterior section of the upper arm;

b. the forearm elastic support brace, securable to the forearm and supports the posterior section of the forearm; and

c. the elastic support brace is hollowed to surrounding the athlete's arm, and is constructed of soft but firm elastic fabric and is joined by high indurance nylon thread.

2. The device of claim 1, further provides means for engaging the upper arm elastic support brace to the forearm elastic support brace.

a. a set of matching male and female connectors are used to engaged the upper arm elastic brace and the forearm elastic brace, for holding the arm in the preferred alignment; and

b. functions as a stop means to provide individualized adjustments to the tension of the brace.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said straps used to fasten the hollow elastic support brace securely to the arm:

a. offers two options for adjustable cotton webbing straps, that encircles the elastic upper arm and forearm braces;

1. a permanently adjustable cotton webbing straps, which is attached to the elastic upper arm and forearm braces; or

2. a detachable adjustable cotton webbing straps, which is not a permanent attachment to the elastic upper arm and forearm braces;

b. attached to the elastic support brace are velcro and a cotton patches for fastening the element securely to the athlete's arm;

c. cotton web adjustable straps are engaged to prevent the athlete's elbow from wandering over 90 degrees and

d. elastic webbing strap that controls tension while the arm is in the downward movement.