WO2013141839A1

WO2013141839A1 - Customizable swing training device

Info

Publication number: WO2013141839A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/029675
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph LAGANO
Original assignee: Lagano Joseph
Priority date: 2012-03-19
Filing date: 2012-03-19
Publication date: 2013-09-26
Also published as: JP2015510815A

Abstract

A customizable swing training device designed to build both core muscles and balance in sports participants, having a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, and foot pad kick stops which will prevent rotation of the foot pads so as to assist in mounting the device. The device may have stability stops that allow the user to decrease the instability of the device while the users train balance, and may also be adjusted to suit the needs of users of different age, height and sporting levels and different levels of interest.

Description

CUSTOMIZABLE SWING TRAINING DEVICE

Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a customizable swing training device, designed to build both core muscles and balance in sports participants. The devices have foot pad kick stops and stability stops to provide both ease of mounting and gradual improvement in balance, and adjustable foot pivots to allow adaptation to the needs of both professional and amateur users.

Background

[0002] Various sports require the use of core muscles (e.g., the lower and upper back, abdomen and hips) to swing various types of apparatus during play. For example, in golf and hockey, a player swings a golf club or a hockey stick in a pendulum-type motion. In baseball, Softball and tennis, a player swings a bat or a racquet across his body. Each swinging motion utilizes the core muscles to generate speed and power to drive an object hit at a desired velocity in a desired direction. Balance is also a critical factor in developing and refining the swing, because shifting weight from front-to-back and/or pivoting on the front and/or back foot significantly affects the velocity and direction of the object struck. Training the core muscles through exercises may not provide corresponding results in developing the swing, because such exercises may not incorporate the balance training that is required to achieve the desired result. Thus, there is a need for a means to train an individual on the proper swing technique, which incorporates core muscle development and balance training.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,997,996, which is incorporated by reference, disclosed a swing training device and system that is useful for teaching balance and developing core muscles used while swinging a sporting device. However, the swing training device and system disclosed does not always provide sufficient stability for users who are unused to balancing to mount easily and gradually learn the necessary balance. It is also more difficult, when using that device, to adapt to the different demands of both professional and amateur, young and old, baseball players and golfers, and the many other varieties of possible users. The present invention therefore represents a substantial improvement and technical advance over my prior device as it comprises a customizable swing training device which enables users with limited balance to gradually improve while also providing adaptability of the swing training device to the fullest possible array of potential users.

Summary of Invention

[0004] It is the object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad.

[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and stability stops that allow the user to decrease the instability of the device.

[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and a knob in the underside of said foot pads that the user can manually turn to tighten or loosen to adjust the speed of pivotal rotation of said foot pads.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and a pin on the underside of said foot pads that allows the user to manually adjust the degree of rotation of said foot pads. The degree of rotation may be set at 90, 180 and 360 degrees.

[0008] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and moving plate settings which allow the user to manually adjust said foot pads to different widths. The user may be provided with at least three different width settings.

[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and foot pad covers for said foot pads that are designed to protect against slippage. The object of the invention may also be accomplished by a tubular steel structure. The present invention may also comprise an electronic module that can emit sound and show graphics as the customizable swing training device is used. The present invention may also comprise a black steel mesh, which may support icons of various sports.

[00010] The present invention also provides a customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, where the first foot pad has a first foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the first foot pad and the second foot pad has a second foot pad kick stop that will prevent rotation of the second foot pad, and an extending tee with a flex head that extends outwardly from the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a fuller

understanding of the invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention together with the description herein.

[00012] FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention rocking from side-to-side, thus creating instability the user must train to overcome.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention, showing the foot pads in "home" position (3 A), and rotated into the position for a right-handed user (3B) or a left-handed user (3C).

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top (4A) and bottom (4B) view of the foot pad and the pin and radial slots controlling the pivoting of the foot pad. [0013] FIG. 5 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing the way in which the foot pads may slide into different width settings using a pin.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing the way that stability stops may be added to the device.

[0015] FIG. 7 is view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing the foot pad kick stops in locked and unlocked positions (7 A) and an exploded view of the foot plate and foot pad (7B). Also shown is a view of the foot pad in unlocked (7C) and locked (7D) positions and a view of the unlocked position without the footpad (7E) and a view of the rounding bracket underneath the footpad (7F).

[0016] FIG. 8 is view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing bottom views of the rounding bracket and the finger nut and knob used to control rotation of the foot pad.

[0017] FIG. 9 is view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing the mounting of an electronic module on the device.

[0018] FIG. 10 shows schematic side (10A), top (10B), front (IOC) and bottom (10D) views of the device.

[0019] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the device with an extending flex head attached.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0020] The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. This preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a customizable swing training device for one or more activity types including, but not limited to, golf, hockey, baseball, softball and tennis. Those of skill in the art will understand that the same device may be utilized for all (or a subset) of activity types, body sizes, ages and both

professional and amateur sports participants.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a customizable swing training device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a first foot pad 1 is connected to a second foot pad 2 via a connector 3. Each of the foot pads has a foot pad cover, 4, 5, with a surface designed to prevent slippage by, for example, mimicking the surface of tire treads. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of foot pad covers may be designed to prevent slippage. The foot pad covers described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of foot pad cover.

[0022] The customizable training device shown in Fig. 1 is formed by a tubular steel structure, which is extremely sturdy and promotes ease of transport by the user. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that the present invention is not limited by the kinds of materials used to make the device or whether the device is otherwise designed for ease of transport or operational convenience.

[0023] A black steel mesh shown in Fig. 1 forms a center piece which can show logos, such as icons of baseballs, golf balls, tennis balls, cricket balls, hockey pucks, footballs, etc.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows the device rocking from side-to-side, creating instability that the user must train to overcome (typically while performing the swinging action of a particular sporting activity). The arrows (I, II) depicted in Fig. 2 indicate the direction of motion as the device rocks side-to-side. [0025] Fig. 3 shows that the foot pads rotate freely. Fig. 3A shows the foot pads in the

"home" position, facing forwards in alignment with the foot plates on which the foot pads rest. Fig. 3B shows the foot pads rotated into position for a right-handed user to train balance while performing a baseball swing with feet in the appropriate orientation. Fig. 3C shows the foot pads rotated into position for a left-handed user to train balance while performing a baseball swing with feet in the appropriate orientation. The arrows indicate the direction of the side-to-side rocking motion of the device with the foot pads locked in their rotated positions. The foot pads can be pre-set to stop at three different angles.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows that the degree of rotation of the foot pads is controlled by a spring pin, 6, on the underside of the foot pad (Fig. 4A). The pin allows the user to manually set the degree of rotation of the foot pad. The degree of rotation is controlled by positioning the pin in one of a set of three holes, 7. The settings are for 90, 180 and 360 degrees of rotation. The pin engages through the holes and into radial slots, 8, located above on the surface of the foot pad (Fig. 4B). This enables the device to be customized by users who play different sports which require different amounts of pivoting as part of their routine. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of means to control the pivoting may be designed to adjust the degree of rotation of the device. The means of controlling the degree of rotation described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of controlling the degree of rotation.

[0027] The arrows shown in Fig. 5A and 5B indicate the directions in which the foot plates may be moved closer or further apart. The user has an option of three different setting provided by sets of three holes, 10, 11. The spring pin, 9, is designed so that the pin "pops" into place. This enables the device to be customized for use by users of different heights and age who will have different stances which need to be accommodated. Fig. 5C shows the moving plate settings that operate through holes, I, II, III, in which the spring pin, 9, is engaged to anchor the foot plate into position so allowing the user to manually adjust the foot plates to different widths. The arrow in Fig. 5C indicates that the pin is in the disengaged position, in which it is pulled out. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of moving plate settings may be designed to adjust the device to adapt to users with different stances. The moving plate settings described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of moving plate setting.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a view of a representative embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing stability stops, 12, 13, that allow the user to decrease the instability of the device by setting a stopper in one of a set of three positions, I, II, III, in both sides of the underside of the device, 14, 15. The stability stops can be mounted to any of the three positions per side to limit degree of rocking as desired. This enables the user to start training on a more stable platform before developing sufficient balance to move to more advanced settings and eventually using the device with no stopper at all. This is particularly advantageous to older users of the device, in particular golfers. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of stability stops may be designed to decrease the instability of the device when users are mounted. The stability stops described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of stability stop.

[0029] Fig. 7A shows foot pad kick stops, 16, 17, are positioned on the customizable swing training device so that the user can get on the device without the foot pads rotating. The foot pad kick stops "lock" by pushing forward with the toe of the user on each side. Once the user is on the foot pads, the user can then unlock either foot pad or both the foot pads by pulling the tip of the foot pad kick stop back in place using the bottom of the user's toe to disengage the "lock." The arrows in Fig. 7A show the directions of movement for locking (arrow "I") and unlocking (arrow "Π") the foot pads. Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the foot pad cover, 5, foot pad, 2, and the foot pad kick stop, 17. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of foot pad kick stop may be designed to prevent the foot pads rotating while the user mounts onto the device. The foot pad kick stops described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of foot pad kick stop.

[0030] Each foot pad kick stop is injection molded (insert molded) onto a flat metal

"pusher" plate, 18, with rounded back ends (see Fig. 7C). The metal inside each of the foot pad kick stops has holes through it, which molten plastic flows through during molding, thereby making the metal and plastic behave as one integral and inseparable piece. The "pusher" plate has dimples, 19, pressed into the right and left of the back end, so that the "pusher" plate "pops" into holes that secure the locked and unlocked positions. Movement of the pusher plate back and forth is limited by the rectangular hole that the L-shaped return, 20, sits in. In the unlocked position (Fig. 7C), the L-shaped return is pulled away from the wall of the pocket in the round bracket underneath the foot pad.

[0031] In the locked position (Fig. 7D), the L-shaped return touches the wall of the pocket formed by the mounting legs of the round bracket underneath the foot pad. Fig. 7E shows the device without the footpad inserted so that the round bracket underneath can be seen, 21. Fig. 7F shows the device without the foot pad or pusher plate, so that it can be seen that the round bracket has the inner rotating "cup", 22, wielded to it under the footpad.

[0032] FIG. 8 A is an underside-view of a further embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention showing the underside of the inner rotating "cup", 22. The rotation of the foot pad is controlled by a knob, 24, on the underside of the device. The user can manually turn the knob to tighten or loosen the foot pad by squeezing the ball bearing ring inside the foot slider, 25, so that the speed of rotation is adjusted to be slower or faster as desired by the user. Tightening the finger nut, 26, on the knob shaft, locks the knob in place (Fig. 8B). This is of particular use to professional sports participants who are users of the device who will pivot much faster than amateur sports participants. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that different types of means to control the foot pads may be designed to adjust their speed of rotation. The means of controlling the speed of rotation described herein are illustrative, not limiting. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of controlling the speed of rotation.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention showing an electronics module with an LCD screen, 27, mounted on the back of the device. The electronics module can emit sounds and show graphics while the customizable swinging device moves. The electronics module works with applications for smart phones and over the Internet. Back-mounting protects the electronics module from possible ball hits and it is sealed against dust and rain in case of outdoor use of the device.

[0034] Fig. 10 shows schematic views of the side (10A), top (10B), front (IOC) and bottom (10D) of the device.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a top-view of a further embodiment of a swing training device according to the present invention having an extending tee, 28, with a flex head, 29. The extending tee and flex head are used to hold various sports ball upon which users of the device may wish to practice their swing, most notably golf balls. [0036] While the various preferred and exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, many variations are possible which remain within the concept and scope of the invention. Such variations would be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the specification and reviewing the drawings. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A customizable swing training device that comprises a first foot pad, a second foot pad, a connector connecting the first foot pad to the second foot pad, a first foot pad kick stop attached to the first foot pad to prevent rotation of the first foot pad and a second foot pad kick stop attached to the second foot pad that prevents rotation of the second foot pad.

2. The customizable swing training device of claim 1 , which further comprises stability stops that allow the user to decrease the instability of the device.

3. The customizable swing training device of claim 1, which further comprises a knob

disposed in the underside of each of the foot pads that the user can manually turn to tighten or loosen to adjust the speed of pivotal rotation of each of the foot pads.

4. The customizable swing training device of claim 1 , which further comprises a pin disposed on the underside of each of the foot pads that allows the user to manually adjust the degree of pivotal rotation of each of the foot pads.

5. The customizable swing training device of claim 4, wherein the degree of pivotal rotation may be set at 90, 180 and 360 degrees.

6. The customizable swing training device of claim 1 , which further comprises movable plate settings which allow the user to manually adjust said foot pads to different widths.

7. The customizable swing training device of claim 5, wherein the movable plate settings enable the user to set up to three different widths by the moving plate settings.

8. The customizable swing training device of claim 1 , which further comprises removable foot pad covers for each of the foot pads that are designed to protect the foot pad against slippage.

9. The customizable swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the device is constructed of tubular steel.

10. The customizable swing training device of claim 1, which further comprises an electronic module that can emit sound and show graphics as the customizable swing training device is used.

11. The customizable swing training device of claim 1, which further comprises forming the device of a black steel mesh, which is capable of supporting icons of various sports.

12. The customizable swing training device of claim 1, which further comprises an extending tee having a flex head that extends outwardly from the device.