Abstract: A cover for a blade of a hockey stick are described wherein the cover includes a substantially flat bottom surface that is designed to lay flat against the surface of ice. The cover is designed and configured to be used to on the ice by a new or novice skater who holds the shaft of the hockey stick while skating and uses the stick and cover combination as a balancing aid.

Abstract: A method of varying a resistive force applied by exercise equipment including providing a resistance band assembly for providing resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistance band assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bore is defined in the housing and a connector is provided in the bore. The connector includes first and second surfaces and a hole is defined in the connector and extends between the surfaces. A disc is also provided in the bore and also has a first and second surface. An aperture is defined in the disc and extends between the first and second surfaces thereof. A first and second resilient member is provided and these resilient members are selectively engageable with the resistance band assembly to provide a first resistive force during the performance of an exercise.

Abstract: A bat swing training aid includes a body having a generally cylindrical profile that includes a first portion and a second portion, the body being selectively attachable to a barrel of a bat and having a selectively adjustable weight value. A clamping member is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the clamping member having an unclamped position and having a clamping position where the body is in contact with the barrel of the bat. An inner surface defines an inner diameter that is selectively adjustable in response to the clamping member being in the clamping position. One or more weight retainers are disposed around a portion of the inner surface corresponding to the first portion. Each of the one or more weight retainers is arranged to receive a weight element having a defined weight value.

Abstract: Provided therefore herein is a lacrosse training device, lacrosse training device assembly, and methods of making and using the same. The lacrosse training device includes a weighted assembly of cylindrical sleeves longitudinally oriented with respect to a lacrosse shaft to form a U-shaped collar, a fastening means, and a mounting cap designed to fit on the lacrosse training device; wherein the cylindrical sleeves are designed to accommodate weights.

Abstract: A training weight for a sport stick is provided. The sport stick includes a housing having a sidewall, a proximal end wall and a distal end wall. The sidewall and proximal end wall include an opening and slot which are sized to accept a sport stick's handle and knob. Preferably, the training weight includes a cup which is biased by a spring to force the sport stick's knob to engage and lock to the training weight's proximal end wall. The training weight may include a cam mechanism to permit the retraction and extension of the spring and cup.

Abstract: A lightweight sweet spot trainer includes a sleeve that is slipped over the barrel end of any bat. The sleeve covers the barrel over the primary contact area of the bat. The sleeve holds a force sensor placed inside it such that, when slid over the bat, the force sensor is coincident with the sweet spot of the bat. When a ball comes in contact with the sweet spot, the force sensor directly beneath it is triggered such that instantaneous feedback is given to the athlete thereby making him/her aware of accurate sweet spot contact. Moreover, an array of cylindrical contact/force sensors can be positioned such that the user gets feedback that would depend on how far from the sweet spot the user strikes/contacts the ball. The user may be notified by audio, visual, or sensory cues.

Abstract: Performance of a racket can be adjusted. A racket includes a grip, an annular frame that is provided with a plurality of through holes that penetrate from an inner circumferential face to an outer circumferential face, and a shaft that connects the grip and the frame in a shaft axis direction, the frame having a rear end side attachment part, on the outer circumferential face of the frame and on a side closer to the shaft in the shaft axis direction, where there is mounted a rear end side attachment to which a string tensely provided to the frame is routed, and the rear end side attachment being made of a material different from the frame.

Abstract: A weight apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be attached to a sports device, such as a baseball bat or other device which may be swung by a user. In one configuration, the apparatus has a body portion that at least partially surrounds a portion of the swingable device. As an example, the body portion may act as a sleeve surrounding an end of the device opposite the end of the device which is gripped by the user. The apparatus also has a weighted portion, which is coupled to the body portion. The weighted portion is disposed at least partially adjacent an end of the swingable device. In certain configurations the apparatus has a center of balance between a midpoint and one end of the apparatus. In certain cases, the weighted portion distributes weight closer to a distal end of the swingable device, in order to assist a user in warming up or otherwise training with the device.

Abstract: A weight apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be attached to a sports device, such as a baseball bat or other device which may be swung by a user. In one configuration, the apparatus has a body portion that at least partially surrounds a portion of the swingable device. As an example, the body portion may act as a sleeve surrounding an end of the device opposite the end of the device which is gripped by the user. The apparatus also has a weighted portion, which is coupled to the body portion. The weighted portion is disposed at least partially adjacent an end of the swingable device. In certain configurations the apparatus has a center of balance between a midpoint and one end of the apparatus. In certain cases, the weighted portion distributes weight closer to a distal end of the swingable device, in order to assist a user in warming up or otherwise training with the device.

Abstract: A batting swing training device is provided to train a batter in bat and ball sports to properly swing a bat. The device includes three weighted portions, one near the knob of the bat, one near the distal end of the bat, and one near the center of the bat. The weights near the knob and center of the bat force the batter to lead the swing with the knob. The weight near the distal end of the bat trains the batter to properly snap the bat through or release the bat at the time of contact. Each weighted portion may include cavities to accept the weights. The handle may have an oval-shaped cross-section to reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment and a plurality of finger grooves, which also reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment.

Abstract: A hockey-stickhandling-tool, methods of use, and a system for improving a player's hockey stickhandling strength and/or speed are described and disclosed. The hockey-stickhandling-tool may comprise: a puck-receiver and a stick-attachment-means. The puck-receiver may be sized to removably hold the at least one hockey-puck, by the puck-receiver providing at least one wall to partially enclose the at least one hockey-puck. The stick-attachment-means may be configured to removably attach to the hockey-stick. The puck-receiver and the stick-attachment-means may attached to each other such that use of the puck-receiver does not interfere with the stick-attachment-means and use of the stick-attachment-means does not interfere with the puck-receiver.

Abstract: A warm-up and training bat includes a tubular shell with a handle section, a barrel section, and a tapered section connecting the handle section with the barrel section. The handle is attached at an end of the handle section of the bat. An end cap is attached at an end of the barrel section of the bat. A sliding weight mechanism is entirely contained within a pipe disposed within the barrel section of the bat. The sliding weight mechanism can be held in place at an end of the pipe proximate the handle. When a centripetal force is applied during a swing, the sliding weight mechanism moves to a distal end of the pipe. The weight may make a sound or the user may feel the weight shift, helping them perfect their swing.

Abstract: An apparatus for sports training includes a weighted body portion having a handle at a first end of the weighted body. A sports equipment portion is attached to a second end of the weighted body. The sports equipment portion corresponds to actual sport equipment.

Abstract: A swing trainer for exercise contains a handle having a first end and a second end relative to the first end, and the second end having a screw rod; a body having a first segment and a second segment relative to the first segment, the first segment fitting with the second end of the handle, and the screw rod being inserted into the body, between the first segment and the second segment being axially defined a defining rail; a counterweight block fixed in the body, the counterweight block having a first screw orifice defined thereon to screw with the screw rod of the handle and a slot axially defined on a side of an outer surface thereof to match with the defining rail of the body; a limiting member for limiting a connection of the handle and the body so that the handle moves relative to the body.

Abstract: A swing weight training device for stringed sports rackets includes two major parts designed to be secured together from opposing sides of the racket strings, to be quickly secured and removed without damage to the strings. An over-molded elastomeric coating encases a mass, providing a soft surface to grab the strings and keep the swing weight from moving or sliding on the strings. The over-mold material may also cover a portion of an attachment mounting stud that protrudes between the strings. An opposing quick attachment knob receives a portion of the stud projecting through strings, securing the mass with a low friction material that slides easily against the racket's strings without damage and providing a quick but secure attachment of the device to the strings of the racket. The knob may have either a threaded attachment or a quick release mechanism incorporated within the stud attachment system.

Abstract: A swing training and fitness aid comprising a handle having an extended portion of rotational configuration engaged with a rotating means having flexibly affixed thereto a weight, the weight capable of being rotated along the extended portion in two directions by rotating said handle portion, thereby strengthening the wrists, forearms and shoulders of the user, along with exercising the abdominal muscles and the large muscle groups of the legs.

Abstract: A swing exercising apparatus which can be used for improving a swing movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes. The swing exercising apparatus comprises: a handle portion for grasping by the user; an elongated member having a distal end; a movable weight component for moving along the elongated member between a first position and a second position when the user swings the swing exercising apparatus, the movable weight component being closer to the distal end in the second position than in the first position; and a biasing mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a force biasing the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component is located away from the first position along the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may comprise an attachment portion to attach the at least one elastic element, the attachment portion allowing the user to detach any of the at least one elastic element to adjust the force.

Abstract: The present improvement on the original weighted racquet cover, U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,510 is as follows: 1) It fits every tennis and racquetball racquet. 2) It is much lighter in weight and is more diversified. 3) It will work both as a warm-up system and a weight training system. 4) It will help build the extensor muscle, which in most cases is an under developed muscle and the main cause of tennis elbow. 5) It will also strengthen the rotator cuff, which is another tennis related injury of the shoulder. 6) By using the weighted product you will extend your future playing time in the sport.

Abstract: A weight apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be attached to a sports device, such as a baseball bat or other device which may be swung by a user. In one configuration, the apparatus has a body portion that at least partially surrounds a portion of the swingable device. As an example, the body portion may act as a sleeve surrounding an end of the device opposite the end of the device which is gripped by the user. The apparatus also has a weighted portion, which is coupled to the body portion. The weighted portion is disposed at least partially adjacent an end of the swingable device. In certain configurations the apparatus has a center of balance between a midpoint and one end of the apparatus. In certain cases, the weighted portion distributes weight closer to a distal end of the swingable device, in order to assist a user in warming up or otherwise training with the device.

Abstract: A swing weight training device for stringed sports rackets includes two major parts designed to be secured together from opposing sides of the racket strings, to be quickly secured and removed without damage to the strings. An over-molded elastomeric coating encases a mass, providing a soft surface to grab the strings and keep the swing weight from moving or sliding on the strings. The over-mold material may also cover a portion of an attachment mounting stud that protrudes between the strings. An opposing quick attachment knob receives a portion of the stud projecting through strings, securing the mass with a low friction material that slides easily against the racket's strings without damage and providing a quick but secure attachment of the device to the strings of the racket. The knob may have either a threaded attachment or a quick release mechanism incorporated within the stud attachment system.

Abstract: A weight member is removably attachable to a racquet for use during warm-up. The device is a skeletal structure that has a laterally expandable mouth, a throat, and a pair of heads that resiliently converge toward one another. The skeletal structure is formed of a metal bar member of a gauge to match the desired device weight and is coated with a protective outer layer. At least one resilient member can bridge a gap at the mouth and throat. The device is symmetrical in both the X-plane and the Y-plane.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus which develops strength, suppleness and memory in the muscles used for swinging of a sports implement which may be a baseball bat, tennis racquet, golf club or other sporting implement or equipment. More specifically, the trainer provides for normal use of the sport implement by a user to swing and hit an object such as a golf ball while providing shock absorption to reduce vibration and twisting of the implement upon impact with the object.

Abstract: A variable inertia bat weight training aid having a sleeve with radially divided, elongate pockets in which are permanently captured a plurality of weights. One end of the sleeve has a diameter sufficient to receive the barrel of a baseball bat but the other end of the sleeve includes a restricting band having a diameter sufficient to receive the handle of the bat but insufficient to pass over the barrel of the bat. Each weight within an associate pocket may be adjustably positioned along the length of the sleeve and secured in place by a restraining strap in order to vary the inertial resistance of the baseball bat and the perceived weight a batter experiences for warm-up and strength training exercises.

Abstract: An automatic or manually operated basketball return unit with remote control device that is placed under a basketball hoop having a hopper at its top distal end that funnels down to a return tube allowing basketballs to engage a motorized return mechanism which expels the basketball out a return chute and too the user. The return unit comprises a support housing with rotating compression wheels, each having a motor which ejects the ball out an aperture. The unit rotates 180 degrees manually or automatically.

Abstract: A batting skills development device for use with a bat, the bat generally having a proximal handle portion and a distal barrel portion with a tapered section extending therebetween. The device comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a weighted sleeve having a tapered inner surface configured for approximating the tapered section of the bat, with a first end of the sleeve having a first inner diameter larger than a second inner diameter of an opposing second end of the sleeve, the first inner diameter being less than or equal to a barrel diameter of the barrel portion. Thus, during use, the sleeve is slipped over the handle portion of the bat and wedged against the tapered section proximal the barrel portion, thereby maintaining a balanced distribution of weight along the bat while allowing the barrel portion to remain substantially unobstructed.

Abstract: The present invention is a training apparatus that includes a weighting device combined with a sport stick, such as a lacrosse or hockey stick, designed to secure the weighting device and other apparatus for performing sports-specific weight resistance and plyometric training.

Abstract: A training apparatus is provided for sports involving hitting an object. The training apparatus has a hitting sports club and a visual hitting aid attached to the club at a preferred location for hitting the object, for example, a ball or puck. The training apparatus is useful in assisting a user in visualizing the proper swing and contact zone for hitting or striking an object in a preferred ball or puck target contact zone.

Abstract: A swing exercising apparatus which can be used for improving a swing movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes. The swing exercising apparatus comprises: a handle portion for grasping by the user; an elongated member having a distal end; a movable weight component for moving along the elongated member between a first position and a second position when the user swings the swing exercising apparatus, the movable weight component being closer to the distal end in the second position than in the first position; and a biasing mechanism comprising at least one elastic element for exerting a force biasing the movable weight component towards the first position when the movable weight component is located away from the first position along the elongated member. The biasing mechanism may comprise an attachment portion to attach the at least one elastic element, the attachment portion allowing the user to detach any of the at least one elastic element to adjust the force.

Abstract: A training bat includes an elongated handle, an elongated barrel and a locking mechanism. The handle and the barrel are coupled together in a longitudinally adjustable manner such that an overall length of the training bat as defined by the handle and the barrel is adjustable. The barrel including a hitting portion configured to contact a ball during use. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the handle in a longitudinal position relative to the barrel by twisting at least one of the handle and the barrel relative to the other of the handle and the barrel in a first direction and to unlock the handle by twisting the at least one of the handle and the barrel relative to the other of the handle and the barrel in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Embodiments include a golf swing training device primarily formed from a first material having dimensions suitable for wrapping around a shaft of a golf club and a second material coupled to the first material wherein the second material conforms to the dimensions of the first material and adds sufficient weight to the golf club. The training device is removable coupled to the shaft of the golf club. A method including securing a swing training device around a portion of the shaft of the golf club, the training device comprising a length dimension suitable to distribute a weight of the training device about a substantial portion of the length of the shaft and then swinging the golf club.

Abstract: Apparatus to add weight to an athletic ball striking bat, having a taper along the bat length, comprising in combination a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, the sleeve having associated retention means to engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.

Abstract: A weighted stick practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head neck portion, a head ball stop portion, head sidewalls, and a head lip. The weighted stick practice aid comprises a flexible padded weight donut comprising a horizontal donut portion including a first engagement end, a second engagement end, and a weighted interior center portion. The weighted interior center portion includes a plurality of weighted particulates contained within. A head engagement portion extends from the second engagement end and includes a donut loop hole formed within. The horizontal donut portion is configured to wrap around the lacrosse stick and form a primary catch by engaging the first engagement end to the second engagement end. The head engagement portion is configured to extend to sit within the head ball stop portion.

Abstract: The present application is direct to an adjustably weighted baseball bat for use when striking a ball and includes a cylindrical contacting region having a transverse dimension of Dout and defining one or more receiving channels having a transverse dimension of Dint, wherein Dint is less than Dout, a gripping region in communication with the cylindrical contacting region, and one or more weight body assemblies configured to be positioned within the receiving channels and secured therein, the body assemblies defining a passage having a transverse dimension of Dint2 approximately equal to Dint, the body assemblies having an exterior transverse dimension Dout2 approximately equal to Dout.

Abstract: A batting swing aid fitting onto the barrel of the bat to assist with hand speed when swinging a bat and having an outer body and an inner body. The inner body has four chamber compartments each of which is filled with an equal amount of shot. As the bat is moved to the proper hitting position the shot travels down the inside chambers to make a swoosh sound at the impact zone. During the proper swing pattern the swoosh sound will be closer and closer to the proper impact zone. The device helps build power, and repeating the swing with the additional weight increases the power of the batter and help create proper batting muscle memory.

Abstract: A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Abstract: A novel ball hitting training device configured to hold two bats together in a secure configuration. Also provided is a method of using the device to increase bat speed; strengthen the arm, core, and grip; and improve, and receive feedback on, bat swing technique. The training device allows the user to assess if his hands and grip are optimally positioned to deliver maximum power to the ball upon contact. The device provides two pockets, each having a bat handle end and a bat head end. The pockets are connected to each other between the bat handle ends and the bat head ends. Each bat handle end includes a bat handle opening, such that each pocket can receive a bat through the bat handle opening. A fastener near the bat handle end cinches the device around the bats, which may allow for the twisting of the bats such that the handles are touching and the knob of one bat is closer to the bat handle openings than the knob of the other bat.

Abstract: A golf club swing weight apparatus. The apparatus has a first weight and a second weight each having a pair of apertures formed therein, and adapted to be secured against a club shaft of a golf club. A strap having a length sufficient to extend through the pairs of apertures, and around the first and second weights when the first and second weights are positioned adjacent one another on said club shaft, is used to secure the first and second weights to the club shaft. The strap may include a loop element affixed to a first end thereof, and a first hook and loop type fastener material at the first end. A second end of the strap may include a stop component fixedly secured to the strap. The stop prevents the second end from being completely pulled through said loop element. Thus, the weights may not be inadvertently separated from the strap while the apparatus is affixed to a club shaft and an individual is swinging the golf club.

Abstract: Apparatus to add weight to an athletic ball striking bat, having a taper along the bat length, comprising in combination a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, the sleeve having associated retention means to engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.

Abstract: A sheath (40) is formed with weighted portions (90) and attaching members (80) for attaching the sheath to the blade portion of a cricket bat. The weighted portions can be formed using receiving sections to accept weighted objects which are held in the receiving sections using weighted objects.

Abstract: An air resistance appliance that is easily attached to the shaft of a golf club or a baseball bat and that is quickly and easily collapsed into a small, lightweight package for storage or transport with the user as in his or her golf bag.

Abstract: A sport conditioning aid in the form of a viscoelastic plastic weight that grips onto a swingable sport object for example in the game of golf and tennis. The grip-on action for attachment is achieved by selecting the material characteristics of the plastic. The purpose of the sport conditioning aid is to increase the player's swing speed in hitting a sport object such as a ball. The swing speed weight can be used in sport specific training programs with varying incremental weight weights. The swing speed weight specifically conditions the fast twitch muscles and quickens the neural responses over a training period of several weeks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for physical training purposes and specifically to training weights for use on a lacrosse head. This weight training device for lacrosse distributes weight uniformly around the entire perimeter of a lacrosse head, is easy to attach to lacrosse heads from multiple manufacturers, is unobtrusive to be used during ball handling, and is available in multiple weight models to address the needs of beginners to professionals.

Abstract: A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Abstract: Adjustable weight training belt for use with a baseball bat comprising a first layer of flexible material and a hook and loop fastening system. The hook portion of the fastening system connected to one face and the loop portion of the fastening system on the other face, the fastening system being adjustable to adjust the area encircled by the belt. A second layer of flexible material connected to the first layer forming a plurality of pockets between the a face of the first layer and a face of the second layer. A face of the second layer has a high coefficient of friction to resist movement of the belt when placed about the barrel of a baseball bat. A plurality of malleable weights engaged in the pockets, the weights formed to the curved surface of the barrel creating a substantially similar surface profile contributing to the resistance of movement.

Abstract: The weight training device 10 has removable weights 40, 42, 44, 46 to change the total weight added to the hockey stick 66 to adapt to the skills and capabilities of a player. Pockets 32, 34, 36, 38 are formed in the weight training device 10 to hold the weights 40, 42, 44,46 along the rectangular sides 75, 77 of the hockey stick 66. A compressible membrane flap 48 is attached to retain the weights 40, 42, 44, 46 in the pockets 32, 34, 36, 38 and to provide some adhesion to the hockey stick 66 3to prevent the device 10 from moving on the hockey stick 66.

Abstract: A sports swing training apparatus, for use with a sports implement, is lightweight, portable, and easily manufactured. A first embodiment of the training apparatus includes a main body member having a core portion with a central opening formed therein, for placement surrounding a sports implement, which may be a golf club. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wings extending outwardly from a central core portion thereof when the body is inflated. In use, the wings provide wind resistance to assist a user in improving his or her swing. In another embodiment, the training apparatus is a unitary member formed from closed-cell plastic foam.

Abstract: A weighted training device specifically adapted for use with hockey equipment. The training device includes a hand-malleable, weighted tape portion and a securement portion. The weighted tape portion is hand conformable to the shape and cross-section of hockey equipment, such as skates and sticks, while the securement portion wraps tightly about the equipment to firmly retain the position of the training device. The device has a substantially flat orientation so as to be unobtrusive and not interfere with game play during use. By varying the dimensional or material characteristics of the weighted tape portion, the overall weight of the training device can be modified so as to promote use by individuals ranging from small children all the way to adults. Application of the weighted training device requires no tools and only a minimum level of physical strength and dexterity to use.

Abstract: A lacrosse training and conditioning device includes a weighted device shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse stick having a generally triangular shaped head and elongated rod. The device further includes a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device, such that the lacrosse training and conditioning device when used will exercise the identical muscles used by lacrosse players. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the device includes an elongated weighted handle member shaped and dimensioned to resemble a traditional lacrosse handle and fit within a traditional lacrosse stick handle and a conventional hollow lacrosse stick handle secured to the weighted device.

Abstract: A golf muscle weight training apparatus for attachment to the shaft of a golf club or other sports implement includes a weight carrier having an elongated weight supporting portion, a weight, and a clamp mechanism. The clamp mechanism cooperates with the weight carrier to clamp the weight carrier to the shaft with the axis of the weight supporting portion extending substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through the axis of the shaft and being offset laterally with respect to the axis of the golf club. The weight supporting portion supports a weight mass, with the weight mass extending in overlying relation with the head of the golf club. In another embodiment, the axis of the weight mass extends perpendicular to the axis of the golf club shaft. One or more extension weights can be coupled to the weight carrier to increase the weight mass of the weight training apparatus.

Abstract: Adjustable weight training belt for use with a baseball bat comprising a first layer of flexible material and a hook and loop fastening system. The hook portion of the fastening system connected to one face and the loop portion of the fastening system on the other face, the fastening system being adjustable to adjust the area encircled by the belt. A second layer of flexible material connected to the first layer forming a plurality of pockets between the a face of the first layer and a face of the second layer. A face of the second layer has a high coefficient of friction to resist movement of the belt when placed about the barrel of a baseball bat. A plurality of malleable weights engaged in the pockets, the weights formed to the curved surface of the barrel creating a substantially similar surface profile contributing to the resistance of movement.