Sports training device

Abstract

The invention pertains to a sports training device for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity. The device includes a base having a top planar surface and a disk assembly removably coupled to the base and configured to receive a foot of a user. The disk assembly includes a first disk that is rotable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position. Upon movement of the disk between the first relaxed position to the second rotated position, the disk is biased toward the first relaxed position. In some embodiments, the disk assembly is configured to be rotatable between a closed position wherein the disk is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base and an open position wherein the disk is directed away vertically from the base upon rotation of the disk by the user's foot to the open position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of sports, and more particularly to a training device for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of sports require lower body movement and coordination for proper technique and form. In some sports, proper lower body movement requires that the rear foot be pivoted. For example, in baseball and softball, it is important for a player to pivot and push off the ball of the rear foot when pitching and batting. Similarly, in golf, it is important for a player to pivot the rear foot when swinging a golf club.

Generally, for one to become skilled at baseball, softball, or golf, much practice is required. Practice typically includes proper pivoting of the rear foot for better body balance and necessary hip movement. Proper pivoting of the rear foot generally involves rotating the rear foot during a movement, be it either a ball pitch or batting/golf swing, at approximately a ninety (90) degree angle. Over time, the body movement and coordination resulting from proper pivoting of the rear foot results in better timing and maximum power for sports players.

For example, in baseball, the player should rotate their back foot and allow the heel to come off of the ground when pitching or hitting. Although much teaching and coaching time is spent using example training and other reinforcement techniques, the techniques, while useful, generally do not emphasize the period of time directly before, during and after a swing or pitch. Thus, many players do not develop the proper form during a swing or pitch causing a loss of hitting power or an inaccurate throw, respectively.

In golf, many players fail to perform a proper swing because they also do not rotate their body properly. For example, after a player hits a golf ball, in order to properly follow through, the player should rotate their torso and swing the club all the way up, finishing behind the back. At the same time, the player should rotate their back foot and allow the heel to come off of the ground while keeping the toes and the ball of the foot on the ground. A good player performs these techniques rhythmically and fluidly while maintaining proper balance. Many golf players, however, lose their balance during the swing and cause inconsistency when striking the ball. In addition, some players may lose their sense of timing during a swing when they fail to rotate and lift their rear foot. Thus, it is fundamental that a golfer rotate their lower body properly to achieve a good club swing.

In the prior art, various types of devices have been proposed to improve lower body movement. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,673 to Castleberry, a swing/training device having an upper and lower plate that rotate with respect to each other is disclosed. The device, however, allows the plates to rotate freely about each other. As such, the device does not train the player to develop the correct pivot angle for their rear foot.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,290 to Sawyer discloses a golf/baseball swing training apparatus that also uses a rotational platform for allowing a foot of a user to pivot in conjunction with the platform. This device, however, is not portable and requires tools to pound spikes into the ground to set up the apparatus. In addition, there are no stoppers to impede the rotational movement of the platform.

Thus, what is needed is a device that can be used to train a player to rotate their rear foot properly during a sport activity and thereby, improve a player's timing and sport skill level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a sports training device for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity. The device includes a base having a top planar surface and a disk assembly removably coupled to the base and configured to receive a foot of a user. The disk assembly includes a first disk that is rotable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position. Upon movement of the disk between the first relaxed position to the second rotated position, the disk is biased toward the first relaxed position. In some embodiments, the disk assembly is configured to be rotatable between a closed position wherein the disk is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base and an open position wherein the disk is directed away vertically from the base upon rotation of the disk by the user's foot to the open position.

Various aspects of the invention relate to improving lower body movement during a sport activity. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a sports training apparatus for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity includes a base having a planar top surface; and a first disk assembly having a first disk configured to receive a foot of a user. The first disk is pivotally attached to the base and substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base. The first disk is rotatable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position, wherein upon movement of the first disk by the foot toward the second rotated position biases the first disk toward the first relaxed position.

In one preferred embodiment, the first disk is rotatable in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction relative to the first assembly. The first disk may be biased toward the first relaxed position using either an elastic material or a spring. Preferably, the first disk is rotatable approximately 90 degrees from the relaxed position.

In one preferred embodiment, the first disk includes a covering to enhance friction on a top surface of the disk. The first disk assembly also may include a toe guard coupled to a top surface of the first disk to facilitate movement of the first disk from the first relaxed position to the second rotated position. In another embodiment, the first disk includes indicia of the first relaxed position and the second rotated position.

In yet another embodiment, the sports training apparatus may include a second disk assembly removably coupled to the base. The second disk assembly includes a second disk to receive the foot of the user. The second disk is rotatable between a closed position wherein the second disk is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base and an open position wherein the second disk is directed away vertically from the base upon rotation of the second disk by the foot to the open position.

In one preferred embodiment, the second disk is rotatable in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction relative to the base and the second disk is directed away from the base using an axial spring. The axial spring is operably connected to the second disk and the base. In another embodiment, the second disk is directed away from the base using a biased lever. The lever is operably connected to the second disk and the base. Preferably, the biased lever is pivotally coupled to the base and the biased lever is a spring-loaded lever.

In one preferred embodiment, the second disk includes a flange extending approximately one-half a perimeter of the second disk. The flange is adapted to maintain the second disk in said closed position. Preferably, the flange engages a latch mounted on the base to maintain the second disk in the closed position.

In another preferred embodiment, the sports training device includes an attachment member that is removably attached to an edge of the base. Preferably, the attachment member is a stride guide that is storable in the base.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a sports training apparatus for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity includes a base having a planar top surface, and a first disk assembly having a first disk configured to receive a foot of a user. The first disk is pivotally attached to said base and rotatable between a closed position wherein the first disk is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base and an open position wherein the first plate is directed away vertically from the base upon rotation of said first plate by said foot to said open position.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a sports training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a housing for a first disk assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a portion of the first disk assembly positioned in the housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the first disk assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of indicia included on a plate of the first disk assembly.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a sports training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a housing for a second disk assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a sports training device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a portion of the assemblies included in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a sports training device according to the present invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a sports training device 10 according to the present invention is disclosed. The device 10 can be used as an aid in teaching a user of the device how to, with proper mechanics and balance, pitch or throw a baseball, hit a baseball, or swing a golf club. As shown in FIG. 1, in one preferred embodiment, the sports training device 10 includes a base 14, a first disk assembly 13, and an accessory member 30.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 14 of the device 10 supports the first disk assembly 13 of the present invention. Preferably, the base 14 is formed from a hardened material such as metal, wood, rubber, fiberglass or a polymeric material. In one preferred embodiment, the base 14 preferably includes one or more struts 22 that provide added stability and strength to the base 14. Preferably, the struts 22 are formed from the same material as the base 14 and in one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the struts 22 are be used to provide a mounting surface for the first disk assembly 13.

The base 14 of the present invention includes one or more tabs 11 that may be positioned along various edge locations of the base 14 to form one or more tracks 9 for attaching the accessory member 30′ to the device 10. For example, using a baseball training example, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the accessory member 30 is a stride guide that may be used with the device of the present invention to improve a player's balance. Preferably, the stride guide 30 includes a fixed attachment member 31 at one end that, upon insertion into the track 9 of the base 14, allows the stride guide 30 to be moved to a desirable horizontal location along the track 9 length.

Preferably, the accessory member 30 is storable under the top surface 12 of the base 14. For example, in one preferred embodiment, side walls of the base 14 include openings for the insertion and removal of the accessory member 30 from the base 14. In another preferred embodiment, the top surface 12 of the base 14 may be removed for accessing and storing the accessory member 30.

The base 14 includes a top surface 12 which is a platform where a user of the training device stands. Preferably, the top surface 12 is made from a hardened material such as metal, wood, fiberglass or a polymeric material capable of supporting the user and includes an opening 28 for receiving the first disk assembly 13. In one preferred embodiment, when the device 10 is used as a pitching aid, the user positions the center of their foot onto the disk 18 and applies weight. The user may then rotate the disk 18 towards the direction the user intends to throw the ball. Preferably, the user rotates the disk 18 approximately ninety (90) degrees in either a clockwise direction or approximately ninety (90) degrees in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the base using the foot. The second foot may be positioned on the ground, on a non-rotating portion of the top surface 12, or on the stride guide 30. As mentioned previously, the device 10 may also be used as a hitting or golf swing aid, and separate attachments (not shown) may be used that preferably would be at an elevated height approximately equal to the height of the top surface 12 to allow the user to have both feet at the same level.

Preferably, the disk 18 is biased toward a first relaxed position using the torsion of a spring 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a bottom surface of the disk 18 is configured to include a screw 15 that may be used for attaching the disk 18 to a first end of the spring 20. In this embodiment, the second end of the spring is attached to one of the struts 22 of the base 14 using a bolt 24. Rotation of the disk 18 causes the disk 18 to be biased toward the direction of the bolt 24 due to the tensile strength of the spring 20. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other techniques for creating the disk bias toward the first relaxed position may be used and fall within the scope and breath of the present invention and claims. For example, an elastic material capable of providing a tension strength, such as rubber, may be used to bias the disk 18 toward the relaxed position. Furthermore, it will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other fasteners, such as rivets, pins, and nails, may be used to attach the spring 20 to the disk 18 and base 14.

Preferably, the first disk assembly 13 of the present invention is removably coupled to the base 14. As shown in FIG. 1, preferably, the first disk assembly 13 is positioned in the base, such that, the top surface of the disk 18 is substantially coplanar with the top surface 12 of the base 14. The bottom surface of the disk assembly 13 preferably includes an attachment member 17 in the shape of fins that may be removably coupled to struts 22 of the base 14. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the attachment member 17 is fastened to one or more struts using one or more screws (not shown). Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other fastening devices, such as clamps and bolts, may be used to removably couple the first disk assembly 13 to the base 14.

Advantageously, forming the attachment member 17 with a plurality of fin shapes adds extra support and stability to the disk assembly 13 when used by the user. For example, the fin shape may provide the assembly 13 with a wider stance and as a result, the assembly 13 may have added stability and be more rigid when used by the user. Furthermore, the fins may be shaped in a triangular geometric resulting in a cost-effective production technique that utilizes the least amount of material while providing effective support.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a housing 16 for the first disk assembly 13 is shown. In one preferred embodiment, the housing operates to insulate the first assembly 13 from undesirable materials and to support the first assembly 13. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 16 may be circular shaped for receiving the disk assembly 13 and for insulating the assembly 13 from dirt and other debris. Preferably, the housing 16 is made from a hardened material having properties similar to the base 14. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the housing 16 is made from a stamped sheet of metal. As shown in FIG. 2, a first side of the housing includes a first top opening 38A and a bottom opening 34B. The first top opening 38A is adapted to receive the spring 20 of the assembly 13 upon insertion of the first disk assembly 13 into the housing 16. The bottom opening 38B may be used to add additional support by being adapted to receive one of the struts 22 of the base 14.

Preferably, as shown in the FIG. 2 example, a plurality of strut connectors 34A, 34B are provided that connect at least two struts 22 inside the housing 16. In one preferred embodiment, mounted on a top surface of each of the strut connectors 34A, 34B are stops 26A, 26B. The stops 26A, 26B are preferably made of a rigid material such as metal and operably restrict clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the plate 18 beyond substantially ninety (90) degrees. Operation of the stops 26A, 26B is discussed in further detail in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a rotational plate assembly 40 of the first disk assembly 13 is shown. The rotational plate assembly includes an upper plate 42 that is pivotally coupled to a lower plate 44 using an attachment device (not shown). The attachment device may be any device known in the art that is used to attach the plates 42, 44 as long as the upper plate 42 is allowed to rotate with respect to the lower plate 44. In one preferred embodiment, bearings (not shown) are used to facilitate rotation of the upper plate 42 with respect to the lower plate 44. While FIG. 3 shows the upper plate 42 and lower plate 44 being approximately the same length, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the lengths of the upper plate 42 and lower plate 44 may be different.

Preferably, the upper plate 42 is manufactured from lightweight and rigid materials such as, but not limited to, steel, fiberglass or plastics. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper plate 42 includes a top and bottom surface wherein the top surface includes one or more rivets 46 that may be used for fixedly securing the upper plate 42 to the disk 18. Preferably, the thickness of the upper plate 42 is relatively uniform; however, the upper plate 42 may be formed using a different thickness. As the thickness of the upper plate 42 is increased, the disk 18 becomes less flexible when pressure, such as the user's foot, is exerted upon it.

Attached to the top surface of the upper plate 20 is the disk 18, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The disk 18 is substantially rounded and elevated from the upper plate 42 by a predetermined height. When the assembly 13 is positioned in the base 14, the disk 18 is substantially coplanar with the top surface 32 and positioned inside the opening 28. The disk 18 enables the user to center the ball of their foot when using the present invention 10. In one preferred embodiment, the top of the disk 18 may include a covering or be otherwise treated to increase the level of friction of the top surface. In another preferred embodiment, a toe guard (not shown) is provided that may be integral to the top surface of the disk 18 and improve ease of use of the device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, referring now to FIG. 5, both the top surface of the disk 18 and the top surface 12 of the base 14 include indicia that may be used by the user of the device to develop the correct pivot angle for their rear foot. For example, as shown in the FIG. 5 example, the top surface of the disk 18 may include indicia directing the user to rotate the disk 18 with their foot in either a clockwise 50B or counterclockwise 50A direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the top surface of the disk 18 may include a center location indicia 52A as well as off-center location indicia 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E for placement of the user's foot on the disk 18. Alignment of the center location indicia 52A with either top surface indicia 54B, 54A upon rotation of the disk 18 in either the clockwise 50B or counter clockwise 50A direction, respectively, indicates to the user that the correct pivot angle rotation has been achieved.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, by securing the disk 18 to the upper plate 42, the disk 18 may rotate from a relaxed position in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction against the bias of the spring 20. In one preferred embodiment, the amount of bias e.g., resistance during rotational movement from the relaxed position, is dependent on the spring 20 stiffness and is similar in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one preferred embodiment, the stoppers 26A, 26B mounted on the strut connectors 24A, 24B operate to effectively prohibit further rotation of the disk 18 beyond a predetermined angle. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, during rotation of the disk 18, the screw 15 attached to the bottom surface of the disk 18 may contact one of the stoppers 26A, 26B depending on the amount and degree of the disk 18 rotation. Upon the screw's 15 contact with one of the stoppers 26A, 26B, rotation of the disk 18 beyond that point is restricted. Preferably, the stoppers 24A, 24B of the present invention are positioned such that the disk 18 may rotate by approximately ninety (90) degrees from the relaxed position. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other predetermined angles may be established using the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a second disk assembly 63 for a sports training device 60 according to the present invention is disclosed. The second disk assembly provides a disk rotatable between a closed position wherein the disk is substantially coplanar with a top surface 62 of a base 64 of the device 60 and an open position wherein the disk is directed away vertically from the base 64. As shown in FIG. 6, in one preferred embodiment, the disk assembly 63 is removably coupled to the base 64 and includes a disk 75, a retaining arm 77 operably coupled to a rotational plate assembly 71, and a compression spring 78. The device 60 also can be used as an aid in training a user of the device 60 proper lower body movement during a sport activity.

Preferably, the disk 75 of the second assembly 63 includes a flange 68 which extends approximately one hundred and seventy (170) degrees, or halfway around a perimeter of the disk 75. When the disk 75 is in the closed position, the disk 75 is under a resistive force of the compression spring 78 and is substantially coplanar with the top surface 62 of the base 64. In a preferred embodiment, the flange 68 of the disk 75 is retained beneath a latch 82 that is mounted on one of the struts 66 of the base 64 (See FIG. 7), thereby resisting the resistive force of the spring 78 to force the disk 75 in an upward direction from the base 64 and maintaining the disk 75 in a closed position. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other retaining structures may be used to maintain the disk 75 in the closed position.

In a preferred embodiment, a bottom surface of the disk 75 is attached to the rotational plate assembly 71. In addition, indicia may be included on a top surface of the disk 75 that may be used by the user of the device 60 to provide guidance as to the relative degree of rotation needed to obtain a correct pivot angle and vertical lift for the foot.

The top surface 62 of the base 64 preferably serves as a platform where a user of the training device 60 stands. The base 64 supports the second disk assembly 63 and may be formed from hardened materials similarly identified for base 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 64 also may include one or more struts 66 that add stability and strength to the base 64, as well as provide access to and storage of the accessory member 30 as described previously. Preferably, the shape of the base 64 is square-like or generally rectangular, but other shapes for the base 64 are possible. The base 64 may be the same or be similar to the base 12 disclosed in connection with FIG. 1 and include tabs 91 for forming one or more tracks 93 for accessory components, such as stride guide 30. However, as shown in FIG. 6, in one preferred embodiment, the top surface 62 of the base 64 includes an opening 67 to receive the assembly 63 and a passage 69 for receiving the retaining arm 76 of the second assembly 63. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, one of the struts 66 of the base 64 may be configured with a cylinder 61 that is adapted to receive and press-fit the latch 82 used for retaining the second disk assembly 63 in the closed position. In addition, in one preferred embodiment, a surface of one of the struts 66 may be used to mount the retaining arm 76 to the base 64.

The retaining arm 77 is capable of vertical movement and supports the second assembly 63 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 6, the retaining arm 77 may be operatively coupled to the disk 75. In one preferred embodiment, a first end 76 of the arm 77 is attached to one of the struts 66 at a fulcrum point 81. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in one preferred embodiment, the first end 76 of the arm 77 includes an opening 79 for receiving a pin 80 for attaching the arm 77 to one of the struts 66, and thereby the base 64. The second end of the arm 77 is attached to a retaining platform 74 that supports the rotational plate assembly 71.

In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a bottom surface of the retaining platform 74 is coupled to a top end 78A of the spring 78 and a bottom end 78B of the spring 78 is attached to the base 64. Preferably, fasteners are used to secure the top end 78A and bottom end 78B of the spring 78 to the bottom surface of the retaining platform 74 and base 64, respectively. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other techniques, such as welding, may be used to attach the spring 78 to the retaining platform 74 and base 64.

The rotational plate assembly 71 of the second assembly 63 includes an upper plate 70 and a lower plate 72 that maybe configured similarly to the rotational plate assembly 40 discussed in connection with FIG. 3. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the upper plate 70 is configured to include one or more rivets that may be used to couple the upper plate 70 to the disk 75. In addition, the upper plate 70 is pivotally coupled to the lower plate 72 using bearings that allow the upper plate 70, and thereby the disk 75, to rotate with respect to the lower plate 72.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a housing 84 for the second disk assembly 63 is shown. In one preferred embodiment, the housing 64 operates to insulate the second assembly 63 from undesirable materials and supports the disk assembly 63 in the closed position. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in one preferred embodiment, the housing 16 is formed in a circular shape for receiving the disk assembly 13 and may insulate the assembly 13 from dirt and other debris. Preferably, the housing 16 includes an opening 90 to receive the latch 82 for securing the disk 75 in the closed position. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the housing 84 may include a sidewall cavity 86 for receiving the retaining arm 77 and bottom openings 88 to secure the housing 84 to one or more struts 66.

In operation of the device 60, the user positions their rear foot on a center of the disk 75 and applies their weight to the disk 75. The user may then rotate the disk 75 in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction using their foot. As mentioned previously, in one preferred embodiment, the disk 75 is rotatable between the closed position where the disk 75 is substantially coplanar with the top surface 62 of the base 64 and the open position wherein the disk 75 is directed away vertically from the base 64 through the opening 67. By vertically directing the disk 75 away from the base 64 in the open position, the user is provided with positive performance feedback regarding proper rotational angle and vertical foot lift. In one preferred embodiment, the disk 75 is directed away by the resistive force of the spring 78. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other techniques may used to direct the disk 75 away from the base 64. For example, in another preferred embodiment, a spring-loaded lever may be used to direct the disk 75 away from the base 64 upon rotation of the disk 75 to the open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment of a sports training device 100 according to the present invention is disclosed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sports training device 100 includes a base 104 having a generally planar top surface 102, the first disk assembly 13 and the second disk assembly 63. Preferably, the base 104 is configured to allow access to and storage of one or more accessory member 30 as described previously. The first disk assembly 13 is configured to receive a foot of a user and includes the first disk 18 which is pivotally attached to the base 104 and substantially coplanar with a top surface 102 of the base 104. Preferably, the first disk 18 is rotatable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position, whereupon movement of the first disk 18 by the foot toward the second rotated position biases the first disk 18 toward the first relaxed position.

The second disk assembly 63 is coupled to the base 104 and includes the second disk 75 to receive the foot of the user. The second disk 75 is rotatable between a closed position wherein the second disk 75 is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base 104 and an open position wherein the second disk 75 is directed away vertically from the base 104 upon rotation of the second disk 75 by the foot to the open position.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a fourth embodiment of a sports training device 100 that may be used as an aid in training baseball pitching according to the present invention is disclosed. As shown in the FIG. 10 example, the sports training device 100 includes both the first and second disk assemblies 13, 63 discussed previously. In addition, in one preferred embodiment, a white rectangular piece of material is installed on a top surface 106 of the base 104. In a preferred embodiment, the material installed on the top surface 106 of the base 104 is a pitching rubber 108 that the user may contact with their foot when practicing pitch delivery. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the disks 18, 75 of each of the two assemblies 13, 63 may include indicia that provide guidance to the user of the device 100 as to the direction and angle the disk 18, 75 may be rotated. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the disk 75 of the second assembly 63 may include markings showing the direction in which the disk may be rotated to achieve a proper rotational angle and vertical foot lift.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the accessory member 30 (e.g., stride guide) may be used with either of the two assemblies 13, 63 by attaching the member 30 to one or more tracks 107 formed along edges of the base 104. Preferably, the accessory member 30 is accessible from and storable in the base 104. Of course, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that multiple accessory attachments can be accessed from and stored in the base 106 and be used in conjunction with either of the disk assemblies 13, 63 described above.

The invention having been thus described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same may be varied in many ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any and all such modifications as would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be covered within the scope of the following claims. Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications may be affected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and that it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sports training apparatus for improving the stance and follow through of the lower body comprising:

a base having a planar top surface; and

a first disk assembly having a first disk configured to receive a foot of a user, said first disk pivotally attached to said base and substantially coplanar with said top surface, said first disk rotatable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position, whereupon movement of said first disk by said foot toward said second rotated position biases said first disk toward said first relaxed position.

2. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk is rotatable in at least one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction relative to said base.

3. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk is biased toward said first relaxed position using an elastic material.

4. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk is biased toward said first relaxed position using a spring.

5. The sports training apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first disk includes a pin attached to a first end of said spring.

6. The sports training apparatus of claim 5, wherein said spring is coupled to said first assembly.

7. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk is rotatable approximately 90 degrees from said relaxed position.

8. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk includes a covering to enhance friction on a top surface of said plate.

9. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk assembly includes a toe guard coupled to a top surface of said first disk to facilitate movement of said first disk from said first relaxed position to said second rotated position.

10. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base includes a cavity for receiving said first disk assembly.

11. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first disk includes indicia of said first relaxed position and said second rotated position.

12. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second disk assembly removably coupled to said base, said second disk assembly including a second disk to receive said foot of said user, said second disk being rotatable between a closed position wherein said second disk is substantially coplanar with said top surface of said base and an open position wherein said second disk is directed away vertically from said base upon rotation of said second disk by said foot to said open position.

13. The sports training apparatus of claim 12, wherein said second disk is rotatable in at least one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction relative to said second assembly.

14. The sports training apparatus of claim 12, wherein said second disk is directed away from said base using an axial spring, said axial spring being operably connected to said second disk and said base.

15. The sports training apparatus of claim 12, wherein said second disk is directed away from said base using a biased lever, said lever being operably connected to said second disk and said base.

16. The sports training apparatus of claim 14, wherein said biased lever is pivotally coupled to said base.

17. The sports training apparatus of claim 15, wherein said biased lever is a spring-loaded lever.

18. The sports training apparatus of claim 12, wherein said second disk comprises a flange extending approximately one-half a perimeter of said second disk, said flange adapted to maintain said second disk in said closed position.

19. The sports training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said flange engages a latch mounted on said base to maintain said second disk in said closed position.

20. The sports training apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising an attachment member removably attached to an edge of said base.

21. The sports training apparatus as in claim 20, wherein said attachment member is a stride guide.

22. The sports training apparatus as in claim 20, wherein said attachment member is storable in said base.

23. The sports training apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising an attachment member removably attached to an edge of said base.

24. The sports training apparatus as in claim 23, wherein said attachment member is a stride guide.

25. The sports training apparatus as in claim 23, wherein said attachment member is storable in said base.

26. A sports training apparatus for improving the stance and follow through of the lower body comprising:

a base having a planar top surface; and

a first disk assembly having a first disk configured to receive a foot of a user, said first disk pivotally attached to said base and rotatable between a closed position wherein said first disk is substantially coplanar with said top surface of said base and an open position wherein said first plate is directed away vertically from said base upon rotation of said first plate by said foot to said open position.

27. The sports training apparatus of claim 26, wherein said first disk is directed away from said base using a biased lever, said lever being operably connected to said first disk and said base.

28. The sports training apparatus of claim 26, wherein said first disk is directed away from said base using a an axial spring, said axial spring being operably connected to said first disk and said base.

29. The sports training apparatus of claim 27, wherein said biased lever is pivotally coupled to said base.

30. The sports training apparatus of claim 27, wherein said biased lever is a spring-loaded lever.

31. The sports training apparatus of claim 26, wherein said first disk comprises a flange extending approximately one-half a perimeter of said first plate, said flange adapted to maintain said first disk in said closed position.

32. The sports training apparatus of claim 31, wherein said flange engages a latch mounted on said base to maintain said first disk in said closed position.

33. The sports training apparatus as in claim 26, further comprising an attachment member removably attached to an edge of said base.

34. The sports training apparatus as in claim 33, wherein said attachment member is a stride guide.

35. The sports training apparatus as in claim 33, wherein said attachment member is storable in said base.