Baseball and Softball Training Device

A correction and training tool to teach fundamentals of important actions and postures in baseball and softball games. To accomplish this, the device includes a shoulder strap, a wrist strap, and a detachable connecting link that connects the shoulder strap to the wrist strap. The connecting link may be made longer or shorter depending on the training goals. When worn on the glove arm of a user, the device restricts extension of the elbow of that arm while still giving room for slight motions, which makes it a great starter tool for young players who are just learning how to catch a baseball. The device helps improve fundamentals in pitching accuracy, catching, and fielding by not allowing the glove arm to fly open. Thus, the training device not only fundamentally helps reduce errors, but also improves accuracy in all fields.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a training device. More specifically, the present invention is a correction and training tool, that can teach fundamental techniques and postures for baseball & softball players around the globe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the United States, baseball is one of the most popular sports for both participants and spectators. However, kids and adults training for this game face a lot of fundamental issues and problems when it comes to catching, fielding and pitching. One of the biggest problems with kids that have trouble catching the ball is when they extend their arm out completely. Even once the catch is made, a lot of bad throws are made to first base due to poor throwing mechanics. Either kids are trying to break the ball low after the catch, causing a side arm throw, or they just throw the glove hand down. This causes a high release point and balls are getting thrown well over the first baseman. One of the main fielding mistakes seen is not getting low enough to the ball while reaching their glove hand down, keeping their back up straight. A lot of the fielding mistakes are due to kids still getting over the fear of getting hit by the ball. However, by putting themselves in a bad and off-balance fielding position it only increases the chances of them getting hit in the face by a bad hop. A common pitching problem seen in kids is wanting to fly their glove hand open. Not tucking the glove to the shoulder creates more wild pitches and inconstancies in delivery. Typically, when the glove hand flies open, the hips and front foot do as well, and it becomes very difficult to hit the strike zone consistently, resulting in over-throws and walks. Thus, having a device or a tool that can help in fixing all the above issues is in demand in the current market.

An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a training device that can address the above-mentioned problems. In other words, the present invention is a correction and training tool that can teach fundamentals of important actions and postures in baseball and softball games. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention helps improve fundamentals in pitching accuracy by not allowing the glove hand to fly open when breaking the ball from the glove while delivering throws to the plate. This helps create muscle memory in pitching delivery to produce long-term development and fundamentals. Further, the present invention does not allow users to swipe or reach of for the ball and puts the glove hand in a perfect catching position. Furthermore, the present invention improves and develops fundamental skills for fielding ground balls, by putting the fielder in a proper throwing position and producing an accurate throw across the field. By keeping the glove tucked close to the body it requires the fielder to get low to the ball while keeping their eyes, glove and ball in line through the catch. Thus, the present invention not only does fundamentally help reduce errors, but also improves accuracy in all fields.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a correction and training tool that can teach fundamentals of important actions and postures in baseball and softball games. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a shoulder strap, a wrist strap, and a detachable connecting link that connects the shoulder strap to the wrist strap. When worn on the glove hand of a user, the present invention restricts extension of the elbow of that hand while still giving room for slight motions, which makes it a great starter tool for young players who are just learning how to catch a baseball. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention helps improve fundamentals in pitching accuracy by not allowing the glove hand to fly open when breaking the ball from the glove while delivering throws to the plate. This helps create muscle memory in pitching delivery to produce long-term development and fundamentals. Further, the present invention does not allow users to swipe or reach of for the ball and puts the glove hand in a perfect catching position. Furthermore, the present invention improves and develops fundamental skills for fielding ground balls, by putting the fielder in a proper throwing position and producing an accurate throw across the field. By keeping the glove tucked close to the body it requires the fielder to get low to the ball while keeping their eyes, glove and ball in line through the catch. Additionally, the connecting link may be replaced with a longer extension piece, that allows more space for picking and scooping balls out of the dirt. This attachment is specifically geared towards infielders and first baseman to work backhands, picks and scoops. Thus, the present invention not only does fundamentally help reduce errors, but also improves accuracy in all fields.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the present invention, wherein all the components of the invention are disconnected.

FIG. 2 is a top-front perspective view, wherein the first strap and the second strap are connected by means of a shorter connecting link.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view, wherein the first strap and the second strap are connected by means of the shorter connecting link.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, wherein the present invention is worn by a user, and the wrist strap is at a first position along an arm of the user.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, wherein the present invention is being worn by the user and the wrist strap is in a second position along the arm of the user.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the present invention is a baseball training device. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a correction and training tool that can teach fundamentals of important actions and postures in baseball and softball games. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a shoulder strap, a wrist strap, and a detachable connecting link that connects the shoulder strap to the wrist strap. When worn on the glove hand of a user, the present invention restricts extension of the elbow of the glove hand while still giving room for slight motions, which makes it a great starter tool for young players who are just learning how to catch a baseball. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention helps improve fundamentals in pitching accuracy by not allowing the glove hand to fly open when breaking the ball from the glove while delivering throws to the plate. This helps create muscle memory in pitching delivery to produce long-term development and fundamentals. Further, the present invention does not allow users to swipe or reach of for the ball and puts the glove hand in a perfect catching position. Furthermore, the present invention improves and develops fundamental skills for fielding ground balls, by putting the fielder in a proper throwing position and producing an accurate throw across the field. By keeping the glove tucked close to the body it requires the fielder to get low to the ball while keeping their eyes, glove and ball in line through the catch. Additionally, the connecting link may be replaced with a longer extension piece, that allows more space for picking and scooping balls out of the dirt. This attachment is specifically geared towards infielders and first baseman to work backhands, picks and scoops.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a first strap 100, a second strap 200, a first fastener 300, a second fastener 400, and a connecting link 500. Preferably, the first strap 100 is the shoulder strap or the strap wound around the biceps of the user's glove hand. In other words, the first strap 100 is fastened around a user's non-dominant hand 110, adjacent to the biceps of the user's non-throwing arm 110. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the first strap 100 is an adjustable strap made of a flexible material such as nylon, rayon, cotton or any sturdy fabric or polymer, that may be wound around a human arm. In the preferred embodiment, the first strap 100 is approximately 24 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. However, the first strap 100 may comprise any other size, shape, material, components, arrangement of components etc., that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

Further, the second strap 200 is a smaller strap that may be wound around the wrist area of the user's glove hand. In other words, the second strap 200 is fastened around the user's non-throwing arm 110, adjacent to the wrist 210 of the user's non-throwing arm 110. In the preferred embodiment, the second strap 200 is approximately 14 inches long and 1 inch wide. Thus, the first strap 100 is longer than the second strap 200. However, the second strap may comprise any other size, shape, material, components, arrangement of components etc., that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intent of the present invention is not altered. In order to attach the connecting link 500 between the first strap 100 and the second strap 200, the first fastener 300 is mounted onto the first strap 100, and the second fastener 400 is mounted onto the second strap 200. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the first fastener 300 and the second fastener 400 are metal snap hooks that are sewn on to the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 respectively. However, the first fastener 300 and the second fastener 400 may comprise any other size, shape, material, orientation, location, fastener type, technology etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not hindered. Examples of such fasteners include, but are not limited to, snap fasteners, clips, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

It is an objective of the present invention to enable certain level of movement to the glove hand or non-throwing arm as part of training for the baseball game. Accordingly, the connecting link 500 is detachably attached between the first fastener 300 and the second fastener 400, wherein a length 510 of the connecting link 500 governs the extendibility of the user's non-throwing arm 110. Preferably, the connecting link 500 is a single linking component that is connected between the first strap 100 and the second strap 200. However, the connecting link 500 may comprise any number of components of varying lengths, that may be detachably attached between the first strap 100 and the second strap 200.

A more detailed description of the present invention follows. According to the present invention, the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 must be tied around the glove hand of the user is a comfortable yet firm way. In other words, the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 are securely wrapped around the user's hand. More specifically, the first strap 100 is firmly wound around the biceps area of the user, whereas the second strap 200 is wound around the wrist area with a little bit more room for movement. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the second strap 200 may move slightly along the forearm region of the user's hand from a first position to a second position. In reference to FIG. 5, the second strap 200 is fastened around the forearm of the user's non-throwing arm, adjacent to an elbow of the user's non-throwing arm.

To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a first adjustment fastener 600 and a second adjustment fastener 700. Preferably, the first adjustment fastener 600 is integrated onto the first strap 100 and the second adjustment fastener 700 is integrated onto the second strap 200. More specifically, the first adjustment fastener 600 is operably coupled with the first strap 100, wherein operating the first adjustment fastener 600 governs the fit of the first strap 100 around the user's biceps. Similarly, the second adjustment fastener 700 is operably coupled with the second strap 200, wherein operating the second adjustment fastener 700 governs the fit of the second strap 200 around the user's wrist. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, preferably, the first adjustment fastener 600 and the second adjustment fastener 700 are hook and loop fasteners. Additionally, the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 may have other attachment components, such as connector loops 610, 710 etc., that helps with the fastening of the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 around the user's arm. However, the first adjustment fastener 600 and the second adjustment fastener 700 may comprise any other size, shape, material, orientation, location, fastener type, technology etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not hindered.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting link 500 determines the amount of maneuverability and flexibility of the glove hand. Preferably, the connecting link 500 comprises a first link 800 and a second link 900, wherein the first link 800 is longer than the second link 900. For example, the first link 800 is 2.55 inches in total length, and when the first link 800 is connected between the first strap 100 and the second strap 200, elbow extendibility of the glove hand of the user is restricted more and this helps in training for pitching and fielding tactics. Alternatively, when the second link 900, which is 2.95 inches in total length is connected between the first strap 100 and the second strap 200, it allows the user slightly more extendibility to the user's glove hand. Such an arrangement helps in training of picking and scooping, for infielders and first baseman.

As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the connecting link 500 comprises a rectangular strip 1000, and a plurality of end connectors 1100, wherein the plurality of end connectors 1100 is terminally integrated onto the rectangular strip 1000. In the preferred embodiment, the rectangular strip 1000 is a flexible yet sturdy piece of fabric, and the plurality of end connectors 1100 comprises D-rings that are sewn at the end of the rectangular strip 1000. However, the rectangular strip 1000 and the plurality of end connectors 1100 may comprise any other material, shape, connecting technology, components, arrangement of components etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Further, according to the preferred embodiment, a first end connector 1110 from the plurality of end connectors 1100 is connected to the first fastener 300, and a second end connector 1120 from the plurality of end connectors 1100 is connected to the second fastener 400. More specifically, during operation, the snap hooks on the first strap 100 and the second strap 200 are connected to the D-rings on the connecting link 500 for helping with the desired training regimes.

Thus, the present invention not only does fundamentally help reduce errors, but also improves accuracy in all fields.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A training device comprising:

a first strap;
a second strap;
a first fastener;
a second fastener;
at least one connecting link;
the first strap being fastened around a non-throwing arm, adjacent to biceps of the non-throwing arm;
the second strap being fastened around the non-throwing arm, adjacent to a wrist of the non-throwing arm;
the first fastener being mounted onto the first strap;
the second fastener being mounted onto the second strap; and
the at least one connecting link being detachably attached between the first fastener and the second fastener, wherein a length of the connecting link governs the extendibility of the non-throwing arm.

2. The training device of claim 1, comprising:

a first adjustment fastener and a second adjustment fastener;
the first adjustment fastener being integrated onto the first strap;
the second adjustment fastener being integrated onto the second strap;
the first adjustment fastener being operably coupled with the first strap, wherein operating the first adjusting strap governs the fit of the first strap around the biceps; and
the second adjustment fastener being operably coupled with the second strap, wherein operating the second adjustment fastener governs the fit of the second strap around the wrist.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the first adjustment fastener and the second adjustment fastener are hook and loop fasteners.

4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first strap is longer than the second strap.

5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first strap and the second strap are securely wrapped around the arm.

6. The training device of claim 1, the at least one connecting link comprising:

a first link and a second link; and
the first link being longer than the second link.

7. The training device of claim 1, the at least one connecting link comprising:

a rectangular strip;
a plurality of end connectors; and
the plurality of end connectors being terminally integrated onto the rectangular strip.

8. The training device of claim 7, comprising:

a first end connector from the plurality of end connectors being connected to the first fastener; and
a second end connector from the plurality of end connectors being connected to the second fastener.

9. The training device of claim 7, wherein the rectangular strip being flexible.

10. The training device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of end connectors comprising D-rings.

11. The training device of claim 1, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are snap hooks.

12. A training device comprising:

a first strap;
a second strap;
a first fastener;
a second fastener;
at least one connecting link;
a first adjustment fastener;
a second adjustment fastener;
the first strap being fastened around a non-throwing arm, adjacent to biceps of the non-throwing arm;
the second strap being fastened around the non-throwing arm, adjacent to a wrist of the non-throwing arm;
the first fastener being mounted onto the first strap;
the second fastener being mounted onto the second strap;
the at least one connecting link being detachably attached between the first fastener and the second fastener, wherein a length of the connecting link governs the extendibility of the non-throwing arm;
the first adjustment fastener being integrated onto the first strap;
the second adjustment fastener being integrated onto the second strap;
the first adjustment fastener being operably coupled with the first strap, wherein operating the first adjusting strap governs the fit of the first strap around the biceps; and
the second adjustment fastener being operably coupled with the second strap, wherein operating the second adjustment fastener governs the fit of the second strap around the wrist.

13. The training device of claim 12, wherein the first adjustment fastener and the second adjustment fastener are hook and loop fasteners.

14. The training device of claim 12, wherein the first strap is longer than the second strap.

15. The training device of claim 12, wherein the first strap and the second strap are securely wrapped around the arm.

16. The training device of claim 12, the at least one connecting link comprising:

a first link and a second link; and
the first link being longer than the second link.

17. The training device of claim 12, the at least one connecting link comprising:

a rectangular strip;
a plurality of end connectors; and
the plurality of end connectors being terminally integrated onto the rectangular strip.

18. The training device of claim 17, comprising:

a first end connector from the plurality of end connectors being connected to the first fastener; and
a second end connector from the plurality of end connectors being connected to the second fastener.

19. A training device comprising:

a first strap;
a second strap;
a first fastener;
a second fastener;
at least one connecting link;
the first strap being fastened around a non-throwing arm, adjacent to biceps of the non-throwing arm;
the second strap being fastened around a forearm of the non-throwing arm, away from a wrist of the non-throwing arm;
the first fastener being mounted onto the first strap;
the second fastener being mounted onto the second strap; and
the at least one connecting link being detachably attached between the first fastener and the second fastener, wherein a length of the connecting link governs the extendibility of the non-throwing arm.

20. The training device of claim 19, the at least one connecting link comprising:

a rectangular strip;
a plurality of end connectors; and
the plurality of end connectors being terminally integrated onto the rectangular strip.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240066373
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 30, 2022
Publication Date: Feb 29, 2024
Inventors: Jerry Wilson (Daytona Beach, FL), Jessica Wilson (Daytona Beach, FL)
Application Number: 17/899,188
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 69/00 (20060101);