Practice device
Various methods and devices for improving the eye-hand coordination of a user are provided. In one embodiment, a practice device includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal that adapted to be mounted on a support structure, and a distal end having a target formed thereon. The target is adapted to dissipate energy when struck by a user, such that the device can exhibit a small range of motion.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,008, filed Feb. 5, 2003, and currently pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/206,460, filed Dec. 7, 1998, and now abandoned, and further claims the benefit of and priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/067,988, filed Dec. 9, 1997, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/388,199, filed Mar. 13, 2003, and currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/206,460, filed Dec. 7, 1998, and now abandoned, and further claims the benefit of and priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/067,988, filed Dec. 9, 1997, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to athletic practice equipment, and in particular to athletic practice equipment that helps improve a user's eye-hand coordination.
BACKGROUNDMany sports require a participant to strike an object that is either moving or that has a small size. As a result, it is often necessary that such participants have good eye-hand coordination. For example, boxers need to be able to land punches on their opponents, and a boxer's training typically consists of refining their punches and punch combinations as well as developing their eye-hand coordination to improve punch accuracy.
There are many different types of equipment that boxers use to improve their eye-hand coordination. Two common pieces of boxing equipment include the heavy bag and the speed bag. The heavy bag is configured to simulate an opponent, and is usually large in size, weighing upwards of seventy pounds. The speed bag is configured to allow the boxer to practice repetition and punch form, and as a result is smaller in size than the heavy bag.
Both bags are usually mounted from a ceiling to simulate the appearance of an opponent and allow a user to hit them. While effective, this renders use in a place without strong support beams difficult. Further, while such bags are adapted to absorb the blows from the user, they usually respond to a blow by a loud popping or whamming sound, rendering use in a residential building, such as an apartment, difficult. Moreover, due to a combination of the weight and material that such apparatuses are made out of, they can cause injury to a participant when in use. As a result, participants have to wrap their hands or feet with a protective cloth hand wrap similar to an ace bandage or use a striking boot and/or padded gloves in order to prevent spraining or breaking the bones of the hands and/or feet.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved athletic equipment, and in particular athletic equipment that helps a participant improve eye-hand coordination.
SUMMARYThe present invention provides various methods and devices for improving the eye-hand coordination of a user while minimizing not only the chance bodily injury to the user, but also the disruption to the environment surrounding the user, namely the noise and vibration created as a result of the user practicing. In one aspect, a practice device is provided that includes a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal ends and a target. The proximal end can be adapted to be mounted on a support structure. While a variety of mounts can be used with the device disclosed herein, in an exemplary embodiment the mount can be a cleat.
A target can be formed on the distal end of the flexible elongate member, and preferably, the target serves to dissipate energy delivered by the user when the target is struck. Moreover the target can be adapted to exhibit a small range of lateral motion as well as effect a small amount of resistance in response to being struck by a user. While the target can have a variety of configurations, the target can be formed from rope, fabric, plastics, or other materials and, preferably, is deformable, elastic or resilient in nature. In one exemplary embodiment, the target can be a frayed member. Alternatively, the target can be a conical member.
The device can also include a variety of features to effect stabilization thereof when the target is struck by a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the device can include a weighted portion that is formed on the flexible elongate member and located proximal to the target. The weighted portion is adapted to provide inertia when the target is struck by the user, and can be a knot, a nut, a washer, a wooden member, a plastic member, or a ball bearing. The weighted portion can also be surrounded by a covering, such as a ball. In other exemplary embodiments, the covering can optionally be used as the target that is struck by the user.
The weighted portion can also provide additional mass to the device, preferably adding at least 5 grams, more preferably 25 grams or more. In one embodiment, the overall device can be at least 50 grams to provide greater stability.
In another aspect, a practice device is provided that includes a mount adapted to couple to a support structure and an anchoring member having a first end adapted to couple to a mount such that the anchoring member extends laterally therefrom. The device can further include an end cap that is adapted to be placed on a second end of the anchoring member and a flexible elongate member having a target formed at a distal end thereof that is adapted to have a small range of motion when struck by a user. The device can also have features to effect securement of the flexible elongate member within the anchoring member. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible elongate member extends through at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member, and is wrapped around an outer circumference thereof.
The device can also include a variety of features to effect stabilization thereof when the target is struck by a user. In one exemplary embodiment, the device can include a weighted portion that is formed on the flexible elongate member and located proximal to the target. The weighted portion is adapted to provide inertia in response to the target being struck by the user. In one exemplary embodiment, the weighted portion can be a knot, a nut, a washer, a wooden member, a plastic member, or a ball bearing. The weighted portion can also be surrounded by a covering, such as a ball. In other exemplary embodiments, the ball can be the target that is struck by the user.
Methods for improving eye-hand coordination are also disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes mounting a device that includes a flexible elongate member having a target that is adapted to exhibit a small range of lateral motion when struck to a support, adjusting a height of the target, and striking the target. The step of striking the target can include striking a frayed portion of the flexible elongate member that is formed on a distal end thereof or a conical member formed on the distal end of the flexible elongate member. Alternatively, the flexible elongate member can further include a weighted portion positioned proximally from the target, and the step of striking the target can include striking the weighted portion.
In another embodiment, the device can further include an anchoring member that is adapted to laterally extend from the support, and the step of adjusting the height of the target can include threading the flexible elongate member through a center hole in a cap adapted to be placed on an end of the anchoring member, threading the flexible elongate member through a lumen and at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member, and mating the cap to the end of the anchoring member such that the flexible elongate member is securely held therein. The step of adjusting the height of the target can further include wrapping the flexible elongate member around an outer surface of the anchoring member and threading the flexible elongate member through at least one of the plurality of holes in the anchoring member, such that the flexible elongate member is securely positioned within the anchoring member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
The present invention provides methods and devices for improving the eye-hand coordination of a user. The present invention can be used for a variety of activities that require eye-hand coordination, such as punching and/or kicking techniques for boxing or any type of martial arts, or swinging techniques for golf, softball, and baseball. One skilled the art will appreciate the variety of uses of the devices and methods disclosed herein.
In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The flexible elongate member 12 can have a variety of configurations, shapes, and sizes, however in an exemplary embodiment, the flexible elongate member 12 can be a substantially spherical member having a length in the range of about 2 feet to 5 feet, and more preferably in the range of about 3 feet to 4 feet. The flexible elongate member 12 can also have a variety of widths, and as will be discussed in more detail below with respect to
The materials used to form the flexible elongate member can also vary. In certain exemplary embodiments, the flexible elongate member is formed from a fibrous material, such as rope, and in particular nylon rope. Other suitable materials for the flexible elongate member include chain link material or other metal, plastic, rubber, synthetics, or neutral materials. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials can be used to form the flexible elongate member.
Referring back to
Alternatively, the proximal end 12a of the flexible elongate member 12 can be secured within the mount 16 using staples, nails, screws, adhesives, a suction cup, or any other techniques known in the art, either alone or in combination with the sleeve 14. While the exemplary embodiment illustrates that the proximal end 12a of the flexible elongate member 12 is received into a mount 16 in order to effect mating with a support structure 70, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the proximal end of the flexible elongate member can be mated to the support structure without the use of a mount using any one of the coupling techniques discussed above.
A target 18 is formed on the distal end 12b of the flexible elongate member 12 that can be struck by a user to practice eye-hand coordination. The target 18 can have any configuration that allows it to absorb and/or dissipate energy when it is struck by a user, as well as result in a small range of lateral motion and create a small amount of resistance thereto. Referring back to
One skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of other features can be incorporated with the devices disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, and still referring to
The weighted portion can be formed integrally with or attached to the flexible elongate member. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The weighted portion can also be surrounded by a covering that protects the user from injury if the user to contacts the weighted portion, and also allows the user to optionally strike the weighted portion as a target. The covering can have a variety of configurations, and in an exemplary embodiment shown in
In use, the device can be mounted to a support structure such as a tree, stand, fence, wall, ceiling, rail, pole, etc., using any of the mounting techniques discussed above. Once mounted, a user can adjust the height of the target by positioning the flexible elongate member within a sleeve that is received into the mount, and sliding the sleeve therein to achieve the desired target height. Alternatively, for embodiments where a sleeve is not used, the height of the target can be adjusted based upon the placement of the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member within the mount or with respect to the support structure. Moreover, the height of the target can be determined by the length of the flexible elongate member, and the present invention can also include a kit that has flexible elongate members of varying lengths. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are variety of ways that a user can achieve a desired target height. Once the height is adjusted, the user can strike the target, e.g., the frayed member 18 (shown in
Referring back to
The mount 516 can also be adapted to receive the anchoring member 530. While this can be effected in a variety of ways, in an exemplary embodiment, the mount 516 can include a female mating feature 550 that is adapted to receive a proximal portion 530a of the anchoring member 530. Once the anchoring member 530 is received within the female mating feature 550, it can be further secured using, for example, a fastener, adhesives, or any other securement techniques known in the art. Alternatively, and not shown, the anchoring member can also be integrally formed with the mount and extend therefrom.
Extending from the mount 516 is an anchoring member 530. While the anchoring member 530 can have a variety of configurations, in an exemplary embodiment, it can be adapted to receive the flexible elongate member 512 such that a user can adjust the height of the target 518. For example, the anchoring member 530 can be a substantially tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough, such as a PVC pipe, metal pipe, fiberglass pipe, or a square tube.
The anchoring member can have a variety of lengths depending upon the needs of the user, however in an exemplary embodiment, the anchoring member has a length in the range of about 6 inch to 3 feet, more preferably in the range of about 1 foot to 2 feet. Moreover, the device can include a plurality of anchoring members having different lengths. This is particularly advantageous in that it allows the device to be used for a variety of activities.
The anchoring member 530 can also have features to effect a secure hold of the flexible elongate member 512. For example the anchoring member 530 can include a plurality of holes formed therein that are adapted to receive the flexible elongate member 512 therethrough. While the holes can have a variety of configurations, in an exemplary embodiment they are substantially spherical, and have a diameter that allows the flexible elongate member 512 to be threaded therethrough. Once the flexible elongate member 512 is received through the hole(s), as will be discussed in more detail below, the flexible elongate member 512 can be wrapped around the outer circumference of the anchoring member 530 at least once in a circular fashion and threaded into at least one of the holes formed therein to effect a secure hold thereof. While the anchoring member 530 can have any number of holes formed therein, as shown
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the device can have a variety of other features to help secure the flexible elongate member within the anchoring member. In one exemplary embodiment, shown in
This device 510, 510′ can also be used similarly to that of the devices of
One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Claims
1. A practice device, comprising:
- a flexible elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adapted to be mounted on a support structure; and
- a target formed at the distal end of the flexible elongate member, the target serving to dissipate energy such that when the target is struck by a user, the target exhibits a small range of lateral motion.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a weighted portion that provides inertia when the target is struck by the user, thereby stabilizing the device.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the weighted portion is selected from the group consisting of a knot, a nut, a plastic member, a wooden member, a washer, and a ball bearing.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the weighted portion is surrounded by a covering.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the covering is a ball, and the target comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics and plastics.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a frayed member portion of the rope.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a conical piece of cloth coupled to the rope.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a mount that is adapted to receive the proximal end of the flexible elongate member.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the mount is a cleat.
10. A practice device, comprising:
- a mount that is adapted to couple to a support structure;
- an anchoring member having a first end adapted to couple to the mount such that the anchoring member extends laterally therefrom, the anchoring member further comprising a lumen extending from the first end to a second end;
- an end cap that is adapted to be placed on the second end of the anchoring member; and
- a flexible elongate member that is adapted to extend through the end cap and at least a portion of the lumen of the anchoring member, the flexible elongate member having a target formed at a distal end thereof that is adapted to dissipate energy such that the device has a small range of motion when struck by a user.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the flexible elongate member is further adapted to extend through at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member and be wrapped around an outer circumference thereof, such that the flexible elongate member is securely held within the anchoring member.
12. The device of claim 10, further comprising a weighted portion formed on the flexible elongate member and located proximal to the target, wherein the weighted portion is adapted to provide inertia in response to the target being struck by the user, thereby stabilizing the device.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the weighted portion is selected from the group consisting of a knot, a nut, a washer, a plastic member, a wooden member, and a ball bearing.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the weighted portion is enclosed by a covering.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the covering is a ball, and the target comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics, and plastics.
16. The device of claim 10, wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a frayed portion of the rope.
17. The device of claim 10, wherein the flexible elongate member is a rope, and the target is a conical piece of cloth coupled to the rope.
18. A method for improving eye-hand coordination, comprising:
- mounting a device that includes a flexible elongate member having a target that is adapted to exhibit a small range of lateral motion when struck to a support;
- adjusting a height of the target; and
- striking the target.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein striking the target further comprises striking a frayed portion of the flexible elongate member that is formed on a distal end thereof.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein striking the target further comprises striking a conical portion of the flexible elongate member that is coupled to a distal end thereof.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the flexible elongate member further includes a weighted portion positioned proximally from the target, and wherein striking the target comprises striking at least one material selected from the group consisting of rope, fabrics, and plastics.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the device further includes an anchoring member that is adapted to laterally extend from the support, and wherein adjusting the height of the target comprises:
- threading the flexible elongate member through a center hole in a cap adapted to be placed on an end of the anchoring member;
- threading the flexible elongate member through a lumen and at least one of a plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member; and
- mating the cap to the end of the anchoring member such that the flexible elongate member is securely held therein.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising wrapping the flexible elongate member around an outer surface of the anchoring member and threading the flexible elongate member through a second one of the plurality of holes formed in the anchoring member such that the flexible elongate member is securely positioned within the anchoring member.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 6, 2005
Publication Date: Jan 5, 2006
Inventor: Joseph Hansberry (Framingham, MA)
Application Number: 11/219,990
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101);