APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SWING TRAINING

Abstract

An apparatus and method for training an individual to employ proper swing technique in baseball, softball, and other similar sports involving a swinging instrument, a ball, and contact between the swinging instrument and ball.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for training an individual to employ proper swing technique. In particular, the method and apparatus are beneficial for training an individual to use proper form for baseball and softball swings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball and softball players train for hours to achieve a proper swing. From an early age, players are taught certain fundamentals of the swing that, if followed, result in more power and an increased likelihood of making contact with the ball. However, players often develop bad habits that detract from the ideal swing. These bad habits result in a loss of power and an inconsistent swing that decreases the likelihood of making good contact with the ball.

Some common bad habits that players develop include: lunging or leaning forward (to the left for a right handed person), casting (extending arms too soon), bailing out (stepping back with the front foot), and dropping the hands or back shoulder too soon. All of these habits result in a loss of power and a decreased likelihood of making contact with the ball.

Many “swing aids” and training methods have been developed over the years to reinforce the fundamentals of a proper swing. However, these swing aids often require the use of complex contraptions that a player can not utilize without the assistance of another individual. Other devices require structural assistance such as a fence, doorway, or other structure in order to use the device, thereby limiting the area that can be used for training. In addition, many of these swing aids require the player to use specific equipment. As such, the player is prohibited from incorporating their own equipment into the training session. Further, most swing aids are only designed to fix one swing error. Therefore, a player may be forced to purchase several devices to fix a plurality of problems, and the multiple swing aids may not be compatible for combined use.

Finally, other devices are limited in the amount of feedback given to the user if improper mechanics or fundamentals are implemented by the user. And, many of the devices do not provide the user with instant feedback.

Therefore, a need remains for a single, portable apparatus that can eliminate multiple improper swing tendencies of a player while allowing the player to train with their own equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for training comprising: a vertical section coupled to a horizontal platform; a raised step bordering the platform; an angled stop surface travelling across the width of the platform; a tether coupled at one end to the vertical section and at the other end to a harness; an adjustable strap coupled to the vertical section at one end and adapted to be attached to a swinging instrument.

In one embodiment, the vertical section is adjustable to accommodate a left-handed or right-handed user. In another embodiment, the tether is adjustable to be substantially parallel to the platform and/or adjustable from a height of about 2.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.

In this aspect of the invention, the raised step may be at least 0.1 inch above the platform. For example, the raised step may be from about 0.05 inch to about 2.00 inches above the platform. The platform itself may be at least about 0.1 inches above the ground.

The adjustable strap may be formed from an elastic material. In addition the adjustable strap may form an angle with the pole between about 30° to about 45°.

The present invention also relates to a method for training a swing comprising the steps of: attaching a vertical section to a platform to form a right angle with the platform; attaching a tether to the vertical section; attaching the tether to the user; and attaching one end of an adjustable strap to the vertical section and the other end of the adjustable strap to a swinging instrument.

In one embodiment, the method further includes the steps of: positioning the heels of the user's feet on a raised step; and positioning the back foot of the user against a stop surface. The adjustable strap may be formed from a variety of materials including elastic materials. The tether may be coupled to a harness worn by the user.

In another embodiment, the method may further include a step of adjusting the height of the tether to a position on the vertical section wherein the tether is substantially parallel to the platform. The adjustable strap may form an angle of between about 30° and 45° with the vertical section. The swinging is initially held by the user so that it is substantially parallel to the adjustable strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention can be ascertained from the following detailed description that is provided in connection with the drawing(s) described below:

FIG. 1 is an elevated side view of the platform according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated side view of the platform and stop according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevated side view of the platform and vertical section according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the vertical section, tether, and harness according to the invention;

FIGS. 4a and 4b are exploded side views of the vertical section and adjustable tether according to the invention shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the vertical section and adjustable strap according to the invention; and

FIGS. 5a and 5b are exploded side views of the adjustable strap and the coupling of the adjustable strap to the vertical section according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a training device for baseball, softball, or other sports that require a player to swing an instrument at a ball or other object. In particular, the device is designed to reinforce the fundamental principles of a swing.

As discussed above, failure to follow the basic swing fundamentals leads to a reduction in power for the swing as well as a decreased likelihood that contact will be made with the ball. There are many swing flaws that can occur when the proper fundamentals are not reinforced through practice and repetition. For example, “lunging” occurs when a player transfers his weight from the rear foot toward the front foot. This action results in a significant loss of power. Further, “bailing out” occurs when a player steps away from the ball with the leading foot. This practice not only decreases the power of the swing, but also significantly reduces the chance of making contact with the ball. “Casting” refers to the habit of extending the arms prior to making contact with the ball, which reduces the power of the swing. Finally, dropping the hands or dipping the shoulder early in the swing also affects the power and likelihood of making contact with the ball.

Without being bound to any particular theory, the swing training aid discussed herein trains a player to retain the fundamentals of the swing and prevents the player from adopting the swing flaws discussed above. The swing training aid includes a platform, a vertical section, a tether, and means to restrict a swinging instrument.

The platform 10 is wide enough to accommodate a player's foot. Preferably the platform is at least about 18 inches wide. In one embodiment, the platform is raised above the ground enough to allow the player to feel a noticeable difference when stepping off the platform. For example, when the swing training aid of the present invention is in use, the player is provided with instant feedback when the player steps off the platform due to stepping into the ball. Thus, the player can self-diagnose whether the player has acquired the tendency of “bailing out” as described above.

In this aspect of the invention, platform 10 is at least about 0.1 inches above the ground. In another embodiment, the platform is between about 0.2 inches and 2.0 inches above the ground. In yet another embodiment, the platform is at least about 0.5 inches, preferably at least about 0.75 inches. In still another embodiment, the platform is about 1.5 inches or less.

The platform surface may be any material suitable for swing training. In one embodiment, the platform surface is selected from non-slip materials including, but not limited to, synthetic field grass and artificial turf, rubbers, epoxy slip-proof coatings, paints with anti-slip additives, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, platform 10 may also be equipped with raised step 20. In use, the player places the heels of the feet onto raised step 20, which encourages the player to place weight on the balls of the feet. The raised step may take the form of a vertical step or an inclined surface. In one embodiment, raised step 20 is at least 0.25 inches above the platform. In another embodiment, the raised step is between about 0.05 inches and 2.0 inches above the platform. For example, the raised step may be about 0.5 inches or more above the platform. In this aspect, the raised step may be at least about 0.75 inches above the platform.

As shown in FIG. 2, back foot stop 15 runs across the width of the platform. Preferably, a portion of stop 15 is angled downward toward the surface of platform 10. Without being bound by any particular theory, the stop 15 functions as a support/guide to train the player to raise the heel and turn the back foot toward the front of the platform during the swing. Accordingly, in use, a player places the back foot against stop 15. When performing a swing, the angled surface of stop 15 forces a player to raise the back heel and turn the back foot toward the front of the platform.

In one embodiment, stop 15 forms an angle of at least about 15° with platform 10. In another embodiment, stop 15 forms an angle of between about 5° and about 45° with platform 10. The height of stop 15 may be at least about 0.1 inches above the surface of platform 10. In one embodiment, stop 15 has a height between about 0.25 inches and about 2.0 inches above the surface of platform 10.

The stop 15 may be mounted to the platform in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the stop 15 may be affixed directly to the platform 10 in a location that accommodates a wide range of stances and strides. In addition, the stop 15 is preferably located at a predetermined distance away from the vertical section 50, discussed in greater detail below, to prevent interference with a swinging instrument when used the apparatus is used correctly. In another embodiment, the stop 15 is adjustably mounted so that the user can modify the position of the stop 15 from the front of the platform 10. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of suitable methods to achieve an adjustably mounted stop 15. For example, the stop 15 may rest upon a track that runs generally parallel to the raised step of the platform and generally perpendicular to the front edge of the platform 15.

Moreover, the stop 15 may be adjustably mounted such that the location of the stop in relation to the raised step may be modified to accommodate the user. In this regard, the stop 15 may be mounted to a track that runs perpendicular to the raised step. In yet another embodiment, the stop 15 is mounted to a track that allows adjustment of the location of the stop 15 in directions parallel to and perpendicular to the raised step.

As shown in FIG. 3, platform 10 is configured to allow for vertical section 50 to be attached to the surface. In one embodiment, the vertical section is a cylindrical pole. Those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the vertical section may take a variety of shapes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Preferably, the vertical section 50 is adjustable to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed swingers. In one embodiment, vertical section 50 is removable and capable of being placed in various locations on platform 50. In another embodiment, vertical section 50 is coupled to a track and is adjustable along the axis of the track. Vertical section 50 may also be collapsible to allow for portability of the training system. Further, vertical section 50 may comprise a series of telescoping sections to further allow for portability. Vertical section 50 may be formed of a variety of materials, including metallic materials, polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

To prevent the player from “lunging” at the ball, as shown in FIG. 4, tether 90 is configured to be attached to vertical section 50 at one end, and attached to a player at the other end. In one embodiment, tether 90 is attached to the player via a harness 100. In one embodiment, harness 100 is a strap that is adjustable to be fit around a player's torso. For example, as shown generally in FIG. 4b, the harness 100 may be a strap that is adjustable to fit around a player's chest. In another embodiment, tether 90 is fit around a player's waist. For example, harness 100 may be a belt that fits around a player's waist. The harness 100 may be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, synthetic polymers such as linear polyamides, acrylics, polyesters, rayons, other thermoplastic materials, and combinations thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the tether 90 is attached to the player via a vest (not shown). The vest may cover the majority of the torso or portions thereof. Suitable vest materials may be neoprene rubber, latex, and other similar materials.

In use, tether 90 allows for a batter to take a step toward a ball, but keep the player's weight on the back foot. Preferably, tether 90 is adjustable so that the player may move less than about 6 inches away from a starting position in a direction away from the pole or toward an incoming pitch.

Preferably, vertical section 50 accommodates many locations for tether 90 to be secured. In one embodiment, vertical section 50 has locations to attach tether 90 at 1 inch intervals between the heights of about 3 feet and about 6 feet. Preferably, tether 90 is substantially parallel to platform 10. In one embodiment (shown generally in FIG. 4a), the vertical section has adjustment holes 150 positioned incrementally along the height of the vertical section to accommodate the tether attachment. Preferably, tether 90 may be coupled to vertical section 50 at any location.

As shown in FIG. 5, an adjustable strap 200 is coupled to vertical section 50. The strap is comprised of an elastic material, such as latex or a non-latex rubber material. Strap 200 is configured at one end to be coupled to vertical section 50 (FIG. 5b). At the other end, strap 200 is configured to be attached to the swinging instrument. In fact, one advantage of the present invention is the ability to incorporate a player's swinging instrument into the invention. In contrast, many known swing aids require the use of specified equipment, namely swinging instruments. Therefore, the player is deprived of the ability to train with the same equipment that will be used in a game situation. As appreciated by players and coaches, the closer a practice session can mimic game situations, the better the practice. Therefore, it is crucial for a player to be able to train with the same equipment that will be used in a game. As such, adjustable strap 200 is configured to receive any swinging instrument. Preferably, the adjustable strap is configured with a hook and loop fastener at one end, as shown in FIG. 5a, although any means of attaching a swinging instrument may be employed.

In one embodiment, a plurality of adjustable straps may be used with the present invention. For example, an advanced or stronger player may use a strap with more resistance to improve the power of the swing. In the alternative, a strap with a lower resistance may be used depending upon the relative strength and desire of the user. According to one aspect of the present invention, strap 200 may have a resistance of from about 5 pounds to about 100 pounds. In one embodiment, strap 200 has a resistance of at least 8 pounds.

In this aspect of the invention, the swing training apparatus of the present invention may include a kit of straps that allow the user to select the specific resistance to better aid training. For example, in one embodiment, the kit includes a number of bands, e.g., yellow, green, red, blue, black, and purple, which each represent a different tension level from extremely light to ultra heavy. In other words, the percent deformation (change in length) may range from about 25 percent to about 250 percent among the straps in the kit.

In one embodiment, strap 200 is adjustable to form an angle of about 30° to about 60° with the vertical section. In another embodiment, strap 200 is adjustable to form an angle with the vertical section of about 35° to about 45°. Preferably, strap 200 is adjustable along the height of the vertical section in the same manner that the tether is adjustable. In one embodiment, the strap is adjustable in one inch increments. In another embodiment, strap 200 is adjustable in any location along the height of the vertical section.

Once attached to the strap 200, the swinging instrument is positioned substantially parallel to strap 200. In this regard, the strap 200 is not used with a full swing (e.g., with follow through after contact). Rather, the swing taken when the swinging instrument is attached to the strap 200 is referred to as a practice swing or a swing to the point of contact. When a proper practice swing is achieved, the strap is located below the swinging instrument. However, if the player attempts to “cast” the swinging instrument during a practice swing, the swinging instrument travels under strap 200 and at least partially wraps around the swinging instrument. Likewise, if the player drops the shoulder or hands in a practice swing, the swinging instrument will travel under the strap and result in the strap wrapping around the swinging instrument. Thus, without being bound to any particular theory, the strap 200 is instrumental in training a user to swing in the proper direction and on the correct plane.

The present invention is also directed toward a method of using a training apparatus. For the sake of brevity, the method of use will be described for a right-handed player, although a skilled artisan would recognize that the method is applicable to a left handed player as well. The player assembles the vertical section 50, to form a right angle with platform 10. Next, the player steps onto platform 10. The player's front foot (the left foot for a right-handed player) is placed with the heel on raised step 20. The player's rear foot (right foot) is positioned at the junction of stop 15 and raised step 20 so that the player's heel is on raised step 20, and the outside of the player's foot (right side) abuts the stop surface. The player attaches one end of tether 90 to vertical section 50 at a point that allows for tether 90 to be substantially parallel to platform 10. Preferably, tether 90 is attached to chest strap 100, which fits around a player's chest. Next, the player attaches on end of adjustable strap 200 to the vertical section, and the opposite end to the swinging instrument. Preferably, adjustable strap 200 forms an angle of about 30° to about 45° with vertical section 50.

The player may then begin a practice session with the swing aid wherein the player swings at a ball, which may be stationary (on a tee) or moving. If the player engages in any of the detrimental swing flaws described above, the player is given immediate feedback. For example, due to the positioning of the heels of the feet on the raised step 20, any attempt to step back out of the swing or “bail out” by moving the front foot in a direction away from the pitch (to the left of an oncoming pitch for a right-handed player) results in the front foot stepping off the platform. The player can immediately notice that the front foot is no longer on the platform and take corrective measures.

In addition, tether 90 prevents the player from “lunging” at the ball. As described above, tether 90 prevents the player from overstepping toward the ball, thereby transferring weight from the back foot to the front foot. Thus, any attempt to lunge forward at the ball results in increased tension and pressure on chest strap 100. The player is able to feel the increase in pressure from chest strap 90, and is thereby afforded instant feedback.

The player is provided with instant feedback from the adjustable strap if the player drops the shoulder or hands while swinging the swinging instrument. If the player attempts to drop the shoulder or hands, strap 200 will travel over the swinging instrument, resulting in strap 200 wrapping around the swinging instrument. When strap is wrapped around the swinging instrument, the player is alerted that the swing is improper, and the player may take action to remedy the swing flaw.

Finally, any attempt to “cast” the swinging instrument by extending the elbows early in the swing and behind the players body results in the bat either hitting vertical section 50 or strap 200. As such, the proper swing mechanics are reinforced by forcing the batter to begin the swing with the bottom of the swinging instrument pointed in the direction of the oncoming pitch.

The present invention may be used in a variety of training methods. For example, live or machine-automated pitching may be employed when using the present invention. In addition, a tee may also be used when using the present invention.

A player may disable one or more components of the invention if it is desired to focus training on a specific flaw. For example, if a player is primarily concerned about “bailing out” the player may disable the vertical section and train without strap 200 or tether 90. Likewise, if the elimination of “lunging” is the sole concern, the player may choose to not connect strap 200. In addition, the strap 200, when not attached to the swinging instrument, may be used for strength training. However, to achieve the total effect of the swing aid, all of the components are used simultaneously.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. For example, the apparatus of the invention may also be used for training in other sports including softball, golf, tennis, and other sports requiring swinging an instrument. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All patents and patent applications cited in the foregoing text are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training comprising:

a vertical section coupled to a horizontal platform;

a raised step bordering the platform;

an angled stop surface travelling across the width of the platform;

a tether coupled at one end to the vertical section and at the other end to a harness; and

an adjustable strap coupled to the vertical section at one end and adapted to be attached to a swinging instrument.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical section may be adjusted to accommodate a left-handed or right-handed user.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tether may be adjusted to be substantially parallel to the platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tether is adjustable from a height of about 2.0 feet to about 6.0 feet.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the raised step is at least 0.1 inch above the platform.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the raised step is from about 0.05 inch to about 2.00 inches above the platform.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elastic material.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable strap forms an angle with the pole between about 30° to about 45°.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform is at least about 0.1 inches above the ground.

10. A method for training a swing comprising the steps of:

attaching a vertical section to a platform to form a right angle with the platform;

attaching a tether to the vertical section;

attaching the tether to the user; and

attaching one end of an adjustable strap to the vertical section and the other end of the adjustable strap to a swinging instrument.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:

positioning the heels of the user's feet on a raised step; and

positioning the back foot of the user against a stop surface.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustable strap comprises an elastic material.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the tether is coupled to a harness worn by the user.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of adjusting the height of the tether to a position on the vertical section wherein the tether is substantially parallel to the platform.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustable strap forms an angle of between about 30° and 45° with the vertical section.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the swinging instrument is initially held by the user substantially parallel to the adjustable strap.