TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A training device providing positive feedback teaching the proper execution of a technique such as shooting a basketball, producing a proper golf swing as well as a proper baseball or softball swing. A flexible band of material encircles a portion of each of an individual's arms. Each of the bands includes a V-shaped arm attached to the band having a free end. Located at the free end of each of the V-shaped arms is a magnetic device in the form of a magnet or ferromagnetic body. The free end of both of the arms will remained attached to one another via magnetic attraction when the particular sports technique is properly practiced. However, improper practice of that particular sports technique results in the free ends becoming disengaged from one another.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention directed to a device for properly positioning the hands and arms of an individual, when that individual is practicing a particular sports skill such, as but not limited to, skills practiced in basketball, golf and baseball.

2. Description of the Related Art

Executing a skill or technique in a particular sport such as basketball, golf or baseball requires an individual to practice the proper techniques of the sport to teach the individual the proper muscle memory needed when executing skills utilized in that sport. When practicing a particular skill such, as shooting a basketball, a coach generally views the shooting technique of an individual and offers advice regarding changes that should be made in that technique to produce a better basketball shot. Similarly, a baseball or softball coach, as well as a golf professional would instruct and assist the individual to produce a correct golf swing or bat swing, However, when the coach or golf professional is unavailable, and the individual wishes to practice a particular technique, it is difficult to obtain feedback regarding whether the proper technique has been produced. It is important that the proper technique be perfected, allowing the individual to learn the proper muscle memory for that technique or skill, ensuring that the individual will be able to repeatedly recreate that technique or skill.

Many sport training aids have been developed to allow an individual to obtain the proper feedback to insure that a skill is properly learned. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,901 to Russotti describes a basketball training aid used to reinforce proper biomechanical release techniques when shooting a basketball. The purpose of the teaching U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,901 is to insure that the fingers of the player are at an ideal separation and the ball is properly positioned in the shooter's hand prior to shooting a basketball.

Another type of basketball training aid is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,546 to Nagel et al. This basketball shooting/training aid includes a pair of wristlets adapted to encircle each of the wrists of a basketball player when attempting to shoot a basketball. Two stalks are provided to assist the basketball player in perfecting his or her shot. A first end of each stalk is directly connected to the wristlet and the second end of each of the stalks is provided with a magnet or a ferromagnetic material. According to the Nagel patent, the magnetic force between the two stalks should allow the stalks to he engaged with one another if the shot is properly executed. However, if during the execution of the shot, the player's hands are too far apart, the two stalks would become disengaged from one another, positively informing the player that the shot has not been properly executed. Both the Russotti and Nagel patents are being utilized to assist basketball players in perfecting a basketball shot. However, neither of these patents would have little effect in perfecting proper techniques in other sports. Additionally, neither of these patents would have an applicability for use as a toy for small children.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The training device of the present invention includes first and second sections, each of the first and second sections provided with a band designed to encircle a portion of one of the arms of the individual. The first section includes a first pair of arms. The second section includes a second pair of arms. A first end of each of the first pair of arms is attached to the outer surface of the hand provided in the first section, preferably by a base section secured to the outer surface of that band. Each of the arms of the first section is angled toward each other as the first pair of arms extend away from the band, until the first pair of arms of the first section are joined together forming a free end of the first pair of arms, thereby creating a V-shape. Similarly, each arm of the second pair of arms of the second section is angled toward each other as that pair of arms extends away from its band, until the arms of the second training device are joined together forming a free end of the second pair of arms, thereby creating a V-shape. Each of the free ends of the first and second pair of arms has a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material attached thereto. If each of the free ends of the arms is provided with a permanent magnet, each of these permanent magnets must exhibit the opposite polarity of the other magnet. Through the use of magnetic attraction between the free ends of the first and second pair of arms of each of the first and second sections, the free ends of the arms of each of the first and second sections are engaged with one another. However, when a predetermined force is applied to the free ends of the first and second pair of arms, the free ends of each of the first and second pair of arms are forced apart, and would become disengaged with one another.

In use, each of the bands encircles a portion of one of the arms of the individual, with the free end of each of the first and second pairs of arms directed toward another. The arms of the individual are then moved toward each. other until the free end, of each of the first and second pairs of arms are connected to one another through magnetic attraction. The individual would then practice a particular skill. If that skill was properly performed, the free ends of each of the first and second pairs of arms remain connected to one another. However, if the skill was improperly performed, a force is applied to the free ends of the first and second pairs of arm greater than the magnetic attraction between the second ends of the pairs of arms, resulting in the free ends becoming disengaged with one another.

The utilization of the present invention, would allow an individual, to properly practice and perfect a basketball shot, a golf swing as well as the proper baseball or softball swing by ensuring that the arms of the individual are maintained at a proper distance and angle from one another during the basketball shot, golf swing as well as the proper baseball or softball swing. If the proper position of the individual's arm during the practice of these techniques is not maintained, the free ends of each of the first and second pairs of arms disengage from one another, thereby indicating to the individual that the technique was not properly executed.

Additionally, the present invention can be utilized as a toy for young child. In this embodiment, different objects such as a ball or a teething ring are attached to one end of the first and/or second pairs of arms. The free ends of the arms are provided with at least two permanent magnets, or a single permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic material. When the ends of the arms including the permanent magnets or a permanent magnet and the ferromagnetic material are brought close to one another, the arms would become coupled to one another. However when the young child pulls their arms apart with sufficient force, the first and second arms would become disengaged from one another.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a training device applicable to perfecting proper techniques in various sports.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a training device used to perfect an individual's basketball shot.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a training device to allow an individual to perfect a golf swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a training device allowing an individual to perfect their baseball or softball swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a young child with a toy or amusement device for assisting the young child in developing hand/eye coordination and hand strength.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device allowing an individual to practice and perfect techniques in various sports such as basketball, golf, softball and baseball. The device would provide feedback to the individual indicating that a particular technique has been properly executed without the necessity of having a coach or golf professional present to view the individual practicing that particular technique.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide positive feedback to the individual that a particular sports technique has been properly performed. For example, it has been noted that the arms of the individual should be at a particular distance from one another during the execution of a basketball shot, swinging a golf club as well as swinging a baseball or softball bat. Additionally, the arms of the individual should be properly angled with respect to one another to properly execute the particular skill. If the distance or angle is exceeded, the aforementioned sport skills would not have been executed properly. The present invention employs a similar device for ensuring that a golf swing, as well as a baseball and softball swing, has been properly executed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the training device viewed from the right side and above a longitudinal plane in which the training device lies.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the training device illustrated in FIG. 1 shown from the left side and below the longitudinal plane of the training device.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view shown in FIG. 1 with one side of the training device detached from the second side.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of FIG. 2 with one side of the training device detached from the second side.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the flexing of one of the pair of arms of the training device.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a basketball player using the training device with the player's arms properly spaced from one another.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a basketball player using the. training device with the player's arms improperly spaced from one another.

FIG. 8 is a view of the training device when a golfer is properly addressing the ball.

FIG. 9 is a view of the training device when a golfer's arms are properly separated during the back swing.

FIG. 10 is a view of the training device when a golfer's arms are improperly positioned during the back swing.

FIG. 11 is a view of the training device when a batter's arms are properly spaced from one another.

FIG. 12 is a view of the training device when the batter's arms are improperly positioned.

FIG. 13 is a view of the training device showing the pairs of arms attached to one another.

FIG. 14 is a view of the training device showing the pairs of arms are disengaged from one another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching cane skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention. by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the training device of the present invention 10 includes a first section 42 provided with a first band 46 designed to encircle a portion of one arm of an individual, as well as a second section 44 provided with a second band 48 designed to encircle a portion of the second arm of the individual. The first section 42 is provided with first and second elongated members 16 and 18 forming a V-shaped arm 12. A first end of each of the members 16 and 18 are spaced apart from one another and are secured to a base section 24, which in turn is affixed to a portion of the outer surface of the first band 46. The first ends of the first and second members 16 and 18 are angled toward one another as they extend away from the base section 24 until they are joined together at a free end 28 to form a V-shape between the base section 24 and the free end 28. Similarly, the second training section 44 includes first and second elongated members 20 and 22 forming a V-shaped arm 14. A first end of each of the first and second elongated members 20 and 22 are spaced apart from one another and are secured to base section 26 which in turn is affixed to a portion of the outer surface of the second band 48. The first ends of the first and second members 20 and 22 are angled toward one another as they extend away from the base section 26 until they are joined together at a free end 30.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the training device of the present invention being joined together, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the training device of the present invention with the free end 28 disengaged from the free end 30. The engagement of the free end 28 to the free end 30 is accomplished by magnetic attraction between magnetic devices 36 and 40. At least one of the magnetic devices 36 and 40 is a magnet. The free end 28 terminates proximate to an end portion 32 having a magnetic device such as ferromagnetic material or permanent magnet 36 secured to the free end 28. The free end 30 terminates proximate to an end portion 33, with a hood-like portion 34 extending from the free end 30. This hood-like member 34 is provided with opening 38 into which a permanent magnet 40 or ferromagnetic material is inserted. Therefore, the free end 30 has a magnetic device secured thereto. If both elements 36 and 40 are permanent magnets, it is important the polarity of magnets 36 and 40 are opposite to one another.

The first and second bands 46 and 48 are designed to allow an individual to place one of the bands around a portion of each of the individual's arms and the second band around the other arm of the individual accommodating the particular physiology of the individual, Each of the first and second bands 46 and 48 can be loosened to place the first and second bands 46 and 48 around a particular potion of the arm as well as to tighten the bands to prevent them from moving when the sports training device 10 is being utilized. A D ring 66 is used to assist in the loosening and tightening of the first hand 46. The first hand 46 includes first and second ends 50 and 54, each of the first and second ends 50, 54 passing through an opening in the D ring 66. The first end 50 of the first band 46 is fixedly attached to the interior 45 of the first band 46. The second end 54 of the first band 46 moves through the opening in the D ring 66 in a first direction to increase the diameter of the interior portion 45 of the first hand 46. The diameter of the interior 45 of the first band 46 is lessened to tighten the first band 46 around the individual's arm. This accomplished by moving the second end 54 of the first band 46 in the opposite direction, decreasing the diameter of the interior portion 45 of the first hand 46, and thereby securing the first band 46 in place around the arm of the individual. The second end 54 the first hand 46 is secured in place at this point utilizing a hook and loop securing device 58 and 60 provided on a portion of the inside surface of the second end 54 and a portion of the exterior surface of the first band 46.

Similarly, the second training device 44 includes the second band 48 provided with a first end 56 and a second end 52. The first end 56 of the second band 48 extends through a D ring 68 provided, in and secured to the interior surface of the second band 48. The second end 52 of the second hand 48 moves in and out of the loop of the D ring 68 in a manner similar to that of the movement of the first band 46. Movement of the second end 52 in a first direction decreases the diameter of the interior 47 of the second hand 48. Moving the second end 52 in the opposite direction would increase the diameter of the interior portion 47 of the second band 48. As shown in FIG. 2, the interior portion of the second end 52 and the exterior portion of the second band 48 include a hook and loop securing device 62 and 64 to ensure that the second end 52 would remain in place when the second section 44 is secured to the individual's arm.

Both of the first and second bands 46 and 48 are constructed from a neoprene material having the hook and loop type securing devices appropriately applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the first and second bands 46 and 48. The V-shaped arms 12 and 14 are constructed from a flexible plastic type of polymer. As shown in FIG. 5, the V-shaped arm 14 would bend and bow out during the follow through of a golf swing, baseball/softball swing, as well as the follow through of a basketball shot. Although not shown, the V-shaped arm 12 would bend and bow out in a similar manner. The purpose of this configuration is so that on the follow through, or if the elements 36 and 40 are pushed together there will be a little give. This ensures that the free end 30 is not disengaged from the free end 28 until a predetermined force is applied to the free ends 28 and 30 greater than the magnetic attraction between the end portions 36 and 40.

It is known that a number of different strengths of permanent magnets can he utilized based upon the predetermined force to he applied to the ends of the first and second arms 12 and 14, resulting in the initial decoupling of the V-shaped arms 12 and 14 from each other. Based upon the activity being used by the sports training device, the strength of the magnets would increase or decrease accordingly. For example, the magnets 36 or 40 could be a neodymium (NdSeD) rare earth magnet having a gauss rating of 13,800 Gs, a pulling force of 2.4 pounds with the poles being on the flat surface of the magnet. Additionally, it is noted that the end 32 and the hood 34 can be constructed of a plastic type of material slightly more ridged than material used to construct the first and second arms 12 and 14 thereby providing stability for the element 36 when it is inserted into the hood 34. Additionally, a ferromagnetic material body can be substituted for one, but not both of the magnets 36 or 40. If both elements 36 and 40 are magnets, they must be of opposite polarity to each other. Furthermore, the hood 34 of arm 14 can be eliminated and the magnet 40 is directly attached directly to the end of the arm. The utilization of the hood 34 would make it more difficult to disengage on 12 and 14 from one another When forced is applied to one or both of the arms 12, 14.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the manner in which the training device operates as a teaching aid to develop the proper form for taking a basketball shot, Shown in these figures, the first and second bands 42 and 44 are worn just below the elbow joint on the forearms of the user. The training device is designed to keep the elbow of the shooting area in the proper shooting line, defined as straight line between the shooter's hip, elbow, shoulder and wrist joint when in the shooting address position as shown in FIG. 6. The sports training device primarily keeps the elbow of the shooting arm from flaring outwardly, thereby ensuring that the individual properly. executes the shot. If the elbow is flared outward, the shooting line becomes skewed and the shot would tend to veer off to one side.

FIG. 7 illustrates the shooting elbow improperly flared outwardly resulting in the free ends 28 and 30 becoming disengaged from one ;another due to a force applied to the ends of the V-shaped arms 12 and 14 greater that the magnetic force of attraction between the permanent magnets, or a single permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic material provided on the free ends 28 and 30. When this occurs, the basketball player would realize that the shooting position is incorrect, and accommodations can be made to correct the shooting position.

The training device of the present invention assists younger players in the proper manner of bringing the basketball above their shoulders prior to shooting the basketball. When a player wears the training device 10, it would prevent the player from bringing the ball too close to their chest. Additionally, it would be impossible for the player to shoot the ball from their hip and therefore teach the player the correct shooting position. The magnetic attraction between the free ends 28 and 30 prevents a younger player from bringing the ball low or too close to their body, and therefore force the player to bring the ball above their shoulder and create the proper set up position. Additionally, the sports training device would force a straight line follow through with the shooting arm. Occasionally, after the basketball is released, the player's arm would veer to the outside. The present invention would force the shooters arm to be straight. If this does not occur, the free ends 28 and 30 would become disengaged, and the shooter realizes that their shooting technique was improper.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 illustrate the manner in which the training device 10 is used to teach a proper golf swing. As shown in FIG. 8, the present invention would insure that the golfer's arms stay in the proper “V” position necessary to execute a proper golf swing. When the golfer addresses the ball as shown in FIG. 8, the sports training device according to the present invention, keeps the golfer's arms in a perfect set up position. When the golfer begins his back swing, the sports training device would again force the golfer into the perfect “V” position. If a golfer brings a club up above his head as shown in FIG. 9, the sports training device keeps the arms together in the perfect “V” position. A current problem with golf swings is the “chicken wing” swing, in which the right elbow for eighties and the left elbow for lefties moves outwardly like a baseball swing causing the swing to break down. Keeping the perfect “V” position throughout the swing would create a fluid swing giving the golfer a much higher chance of properly contacting the ball. FIG. 10 illustrates the situation when the golfer's right elbow is swung outwardly thereby disengaging free ends 28 and 30 from one another for the same reason as described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Additionally, many golfers over swing on their back swing. When this occurs, the golfer would rotate their shoulder, causing the angle of the “V” to increase thereby, also disengaging free ends 28 and 30 from one another.

Furthermore, during the golfer's follow through, the golfer's arms will occasionally rotate over one another. When this occurs, the golf swing would not he proper. The present invention would force the golfer to keep the perfect “V” formation intact even on the rotation of the follow through. Therefore, the training device according to the present invention, allows the golfer to adjust the position of their arm during the back swing as well as during the follow through. Additionally, the present invention prevents golfers from producing an outward movement of their arm, as well as preventing golfers from over swinging. It should be noted that the training device utilized to help a golfer to develop his or her swing would be very similar the basketball shooting device as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The difference between the devices is the utilization of a smaller length of V-shaped arms 12 and 14 in the golf environment when compared to the basketball shooting environment. The configuration of the present invention, including, the V-shaped arms 12 and 14 bows outwardly and has give when the magnets or ferromagnetic material at the ends of the first and second arms 12 and 14 are pushed together. This ensures that the free end 30 is not disengaged from the free end 28 until a predetermined force is applied to the free ends 28 and 30 greater than the magnetic attraction between the elements 36 and 40

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the use of the sports training device to perfect a baseball swing. FIG. 11 shows a batter utilizing a proper swing technique with the right elbow in the proper position, allowing the free ends 28 and 30 to maintain engagement with each other. FIG. 12 illustrates an improper swing technique with the right elbow bowed outwardly, forcing the free ends 28 and 30 to become disengaged from one another.

FIG. 13 shows the use of a device embodying the same principles of the training device to be used by infants and small children to increase their strength and coordination. First and second arms 12 and 14 similar in construction to the first and second arms 12 and 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are utilized. As shown in FIG. 13, the first arm 12 is secured to a base section 80 provided on a first section, such as an ornamental toy 72 object or other device. The second arm 14 is secured in a similar manner to second section, such as a toy 70, such as a ball. In practice, the child would hold the toy 70 in one hand and the toy 72 in their second hand, and try to pull the V-shaped arms 12 and 14 apart as shown in FIG. 14. The child would then try to couple the arms together as shown in FIG. 13. The use of the hood 34 as shown in FIG. 14 would assist the child in coupling the V-shaped arms 12 and 14 together due to the presence of the interior circular walls of the hood 34. The child would he easily he able to fit the end 32 of the V-shaped arm 12 into the hood 34, rather than trying to couple the elements 36 and 40 together without the inclusion of the hood 34 on the end of the V-shaped arm 14. This embodiment increases the strength of the hands of children, since the magnets on either end of the arms 12 and 14 are difficult to pull apart for children of that age. Additionally, coupling of the first and second arms 12 and 14 helps the child in developing hand/eye coordination, as well a means of stress relief

While the invention has been demonstrated the applicability to various sports as well as showing its use as an exercise device for young children, it can be appreciated that the invention can take many forms Accordingly, it is intended, that the invention not be limited to the specific embodiments shown, but be interpreted based upon the appended claims.

Claims

1. A training device for an individual, comprising:

a first section having an outer surface;

a first NT-shaped arm including a first pair of elongated members each having a first end and a second end, said first end of each elongated member of said first pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other and secured to the outer surface of the first section, each of said first pair of elongated members angled toward one another as they extend from the first section until they meet at a first central portion proximate to said second end of said first pair of elongated members, forming the first V-shaped arm with a first free end;

a second section having an outer surface;

a second V-shaped arm including a pair of second elongated members each having a first end and a second end, said first end of each elongated member of said second pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other and secured to the outer surface of the second section, each of said second pair of elongated members angled toward one another as they extend from the second section until they meet at a second central portion proximate to said second end of said second pair of elongated members, forming the second V-shaped arm with a free end;

a first magnetic device secured to said first free end;

a second magnetic device secured to said second free end;

wherein, the engagement of said first magnetic device to said second magnetic device provides positive feedback to the individual when a predetermined force applied to said first free end and said second free end is greater than the magnetic attraction between said first and second magnetic devices, enabling said first free end and said second free end to become separated from one another.

2. The training device in accordance with claim 1, further including

wherein said first section is a first band adapted to be secured around one arm of the individual;

wherein said second section is a second band adapted to be secured around the second arm of the individual;

wherein the engagement of said first magnetic device to said second magnetic device provides positive feedback to the individual that a sports skill has been properly accomplished by said first magnetic device remaining engaged with said second magnetic device from the beginning to the completion of the sports skill.

3. The training device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said first magnetic device is magnet and said second magnetic device is a ferromagnetic material.

4. The training device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said first and second magnetic devices are magnets.

5. The training device in accordance with claim 2, wherein said first and second pair of elongated members bend and bow during the practice of the sports skill to ensure that said first free end does not separate from said second free end until the predetermined force is applied to said firsts free and said second free end.

6. The training device in accordance with claim 2, further including a first ring attached to said first band enabling a first end of said first band to slide through said first ring to change the size of the inner diameter of said first band, and a second ring attached to said second band enabling a first end of said second band to slide through said second ring to change the inner diameter of said second band.

7. The training device in accordance with claim 6, wherein said first band is provided with a first hook and loop securing device for maintaining a fixed inner diameter of said first hand when said first band encircles one arm of the individual, and further wherein said second hand is provided with a second hook and loop securing device for maintaining a fixed inner diameter of said second band when said second band encircles the second arm of the individual.

8. The training device of claim 1, wherein said first and second sections are ornamental toy objects.