KR20010032244A - Sports ball throwing training device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a training device for audibly or visually displaying a properly thrown sports ball. The apparatus includes an elongated hollow tubular member having a closed end and an inner dowel that is free to move longitudinally within the hollow tube. In a preferred embodiment the ends of the hollow tube may optionally comprise a stopper, a weight, a magnet, or a bolt, such that the device is adapted for various levels of sound, weight, resistance, release point or other training needs. It can be adjusted or changed. One end of the tubular member preferably includes an upwardly curved handle that mimics the lower end of the sports ball, the upper curved handle being positioned a predetermined distance from the lower handle to simulate the top of the sports ball. The upper curved handle can be preferably adjusted along the length of the tubular member such that the distance between the handles is increased or decreased to simulate sports balls of various sizes, such as baseballs, softballs, footballs, etc., even with the same device. Can be. Alternatively, one end of the tubular member may be inserted (or attached to the outside of the sports ball) of the simulated or actual sports ball so that the athlete can grip the sports ball with his / her proper grip. Alternatively, the apparatus includes an elongated rod having an oblique end and an outer ring that surrounds the rod and is free to move longitudinally along the outside of the rod. Alternatively, the mercury switch may comprise an electronic circuit external or internal to the ball, which acts as a dowel in the preferred embodiment.

Description

SPORTS BALL THROWING TRAINING DEVICE}

The sports industry is a multibillion-dollar industry involving stakeholders of all skill levels. With the continued expansion of the sports industry, competition among athletes has increased. So in order to be drafted into a sports team, to win a match, and to improve personal goals, it is necessary to be a better athlete. In order to be a better athlete, officials typically practice to fine-tune all aspects of their sporting experience, i.e. improve form, skill, power, speed, and accuracy.

When a person throws a baseball, softball, football, and / or other sports ball, he stretches his arm backwards, raises it over the shoulders, and eventually performs a forward circular motion that is strongly and accelerated, then bending the wrist strongly. Use a circular arm movement, to lay the ball. Alternatively, in other sports, such as softballs, circular arm movements occur but in the underhand direction. In any sport involved, proper positioning of the arms and wrists is usually an important factor in delivering a more powerful, more controlled, and more accurate pitch. In addition to physical conditions and forces, the techniques used to throw the ball, including accurate rotational motion when the ball is released, are difficult techniques that require a lot of training time for many athletes to master. Thus, as a training aid, there is a need for a simplified device to remember muscle sensations and to inform athletes of proper pitching techniques that improve circular arm movement and lead to maximum strength, control, speed and accuracy.

Athletes were able to practice proper throwing motions by repeatedly throwing a baseball, such as a baseball, until skill improvement was achieved. However, throwing a baseball repeatedly can typically cause muscle fatigue or other serious medical problems over time. In addition, an injured athlete or disabled person will not be able to throw a baseball properly. In addition, throwing a baseball for practice requires salvage and a large outdoor field to practice. In addition, there are many devices for training athletes with proper pitching techniques, but these devices are typically only applicable to one type of sport or one type of sport ball. There are other devices for training proper swing techniques in golf or baseball swings, but these devices are limited to the training of the optimal swing and the training of the best RBI for the ball. Thus, training aids are needed to improve the throwing technique indoors or outdoors without substantially increasing the likelihood of medical injury from repeated use.

The present invention relates generally to sports pitching training devices and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for audibly or visually displaying appropriate throwing techniques.

Like numbers refer to like reference numerals representing like elements and the invention will be described below.

1 shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention, partially cut away.

2 is a view showing the overall shape of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention.

3 shows the overall shape of another alternative embodiment including a ring on a rod in accordance with the present invention.

4A illustrates the overall shape of another alternative embodiment that includes a visual indicator in accordance with the present invention.

4B is a detailed view of elements of the visual indicator of FIG. 4A.

Figure 5 illustrates the invention used during the initial stages of the throwing operation in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention used during the final phase of the throwing operation in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention includes a training aid that provides an audible or visual indication of a properly thrown sport ball. Preferred embodiments include an elongated hollow tubular member having a closed end and an internal dowel that is free to move longitudinally within the hollow tube. The ends of the tube can optionally include a stopper, weight, magnet, or bolt, such that the device can be adjusted or changed for various levels of sound, weight, resistance, release point or other training needs. Optional embodiments include an elongated rod having oblique ends and a ring surrounding the exterior of the rod and freely movable from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction along the outside of the rod. One end of the elongated rod / tube includes a handle that is curved upward to simulate the lower end of the sport ball, wherein the upper curved handle that simulates the top of the sport ball is located at a distance from the lower handle. Since the upper curved handle can be preferably adjusted along the elongated rods / tubes, sports having various sizes such as baseballs, softballs, footballs, and / or other balls with the same device. The distance between the handles can be increased or enjoyed to simulate the ball. Alternatively, one end of the elongated rod / tube can be inserted (or glued to the outside of the sports ball) inside a simulated or actual sports ball, such that the athlete can grip the sports ball with his / her proper grip. have.

In use, the athlete simulates the throwing motion by bending the lower end of the elongated rod / tube around the curved handle or around or around the actual sports ball, and rotating his arm. While rotating the arm, the inner dowel or outer ring stops substantially at one end of the elongated rod / tube, indicating a proper throwing technique. When a certain point is reached during the throwing motion, the athlete will bend his wrist to simulate the optimal release point. When the wrist is bent, centrifugal force acts on the inner dowel or outer ring, causing the dowel or ring to move longitudinally within the hollow tubular member or along the outside of the rod, eventually leading to the extension of the elongated rod / tube. The upper end is hit, resulting in an audible indication of the changed wrist position. While the pitching technique is inaccurate, the dowel or ring will not move at all or hit the upper end of the elongated rod / tube at a faster point, causing the athlete to acoustically indicate an incorrect pitch.

In another embodiment, when the wrist bends, a visual indication is provided rather than an auditory indication. This embodiment includes a simple electronic circuit consisting of a battery, a mercury switch, a light emitting diode (LED), a resistor and / or other similar basic elements. The LED does not turn on unless the mercury switch completes the circuit and current flows from the cell to the LED. The mercury will operate in a manner similar to the dowel in the preferred embodiment. When the wrist is bent, centrifugal force will push the mercury to the outer end of the device to complete the circuit. Alternatively, the electrical circuit can be used to produce an acoustic indication by replacing the LED with a speaker or similar device.

The present invention preferably generates an audible or visual warning during practice throwing (no balls are released in this preferred embodiment), and an audible or visual indication is generated depending on the throwing stage, indicating proper or improper wrist positioning. Sports pitching training aids. 1, a cross-sectional view of the overall device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. This preferred embodiment generally includes a hollow tubular member 12 having an inner dowel 40, which freely moves longitudinally along the interior of the hollow tubular member 12. One end of the hollow tubular member 12 includes means that simulate the gripping of a baseball, softball, football, and / or other sports ball to hold one end of the tubular member 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be used for other nonsports activities requiring similar exercise.

More specifically with respect to FIG. 1, the hollow tubular member 12 in the throwing device 10 is preferably a metal tube about 18 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tubular member 12 can have any size, material or shape that can be included in the present invention to produce substantially similar results. For example, tubular member 12 may be formed from a suitable plastic or metal alloy. Additionally, the tubular member 12 can be filled with any liquid or other material that changes the friction around the dowel 40.

The tubular member 12 preferably comprises a first end 14 and a second end 16. Both ends 14, 16 preferably comprise weighted bolts 18, 20 screwed with both ends 14, 16. In an alternative embodiment, the ends 14, 16 comprise any suitable device for closing the hollow tubular member at one or both ends 14, 16. For example, the tubular member 12 is manufactured to have a permanently closed end by a method such as soldering, a bolt having different weights, materials and sizes is inserted into both ends, a magnet is inserted into both ends, and the like. Can be. In a further alternative embodiment, the bolts 18, 20 comprise a hard rubber material 21 coated on the inner ends of the bolts 18, 20, as appropriate when hit by the inner dowel 40. Absorb the shock. In a preferred embodiment, screwed joints 17, 19 are used, such that bolts 18, 20 are easily removed and have different properties, including reduced and increased weight, magnetic and / or other properties. Replaced by bolts. In practice, a skilled trainer will typically adjust the weight of one or two bolts 18, 20 to aid muscle development or for recovery purposes.

The small dowel 40 is preferably located in the hollow tubular member 12 and freely moves longitudinally along the inner cavity in the tubular member 12. The dowel 40 is preferably a solid metal element, but one skilled in the art will understand that the dowel 40 may be any size or shape element capable of longitudinally moving within the tubular member 12. For example, the dowel 40 may be a spherical ball. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the dowel 40 may be made of any suitable material, including metals, metal alloys, plastics, magnetization materials, and the like.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, the second end 16 of the tubular member 12 preferably comprises means for simulating a sports ball. In a preferred embodiment, the upwardly curved metal handle 28 is suitably attached to the end 16. This handle 28 preferably provides a lower gripping point for the thumb when the device 10 is used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle 28 may be made of any suitable curvature, shape, material, or the like. For example, the handle 28 may be a circular plate attached to the end 16 of the tubular member 12. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 28 includes a circular ring 29 suitably received mutually around the end 16 such that the handle 28 slides properly along the tubular member 12 and is tubular. It may be located at any point along the member 12. The circular ring 29 optionally includes a threaded inner surface between the handle 28 and the upper handles 22, 24 by simply rotating the handle 23 (similar to a known butterfly nut). You can adjust the distance. Due to the adjustable handle 28, the device 10 can be adapted to different hand sizes and comfort levels.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper curved dual handles 22, 24 are located at a distance from the end 16 to support the fingers when gripping the device 10 during the throwing operation. The upper handles 22, 24 are preferably respectively located on opposite sides of the tubular member 12 and connected by vertical elements 26 to form a ″ H ″ shape. The vertical member 26 connects the handles 22 and 24 by being located in a narrow rectangular opening 30 that is aligned but located on the opposite side of the tubular member 12. The rectangular opening 30 surface includes marks 32, 34, 36 indicating a predetermined distance for fixing the upper handles 22, 24 away from the lower handle 28. The predetermined distances 32, 34, 36 simulate the diameters of the baseball, softball and football balls, respectively. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a ball having any diameter size can be simulated according to the current placement of the handles 22, 24 and 28. The upper handles 22, 24 are preferably temporarily fixed at predetermined positions 32, 34, 36 by appropriate means for temporarily locking the handles 22, 24 to the tubular member 12. In a preferred embodiment, the notches are located at each distance 32, 34, 36 so that the vertical cross member 26 simply fits within the selected notch. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the upper handles 22, 24 are replaced with one handle fixedly attached to a predetermined point on the tubular member 12. In this embodiment, the adjustability of the lower handle 28 (as described above) preferably functions as a means for adjusting the distance between the handles. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the top handles 22, 24 comprise one circular ring (similar to the handle 28 described above) appropriately received mutually around the tubular member 12. Replaced with a handle, the handle can slide properly along the tubular member 12 and can be positioned at any point along the tubular member 12. The circular ring can optionally include a threaded inner surface to adjust the distance between the handle 28 and the upper handles 22, 24 by simply rotating the handle 23 (similar to a known butterfly nut). have.

With reference to FIG. 2, in an alternative embodiment, one or two of the upper handles 22, 24 and the lower handle 28 are removed and the actual sport ball 41 or replica of the sport ball is a tubular member 12. Is fixedly attached on its end 16. In a preferred embodiment, the ends 16 of the tubular member 12 are mutually received within the sport ball. The end 16 comprises an outer surface, preferably threaded, so that the balls 41 can be threaded. The ball 41 preferably comprises a hollowed out hole 42 having a threaded inner surface. The threaded end 16 includes a hollowed out opening 42 and allows a variety of simulated sports balls 41 (football balls, softball balls, etc.) to be readily connected to the end 16 temporarily. This increases the flexibility of the device 10.

In connection with FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the device is configured to extend an elongated rod 12 with an oblique portion 46 on the first end 14 and to move freely around the elongated rod 12. Ring 48. The ring 48 may have any size, shape or arrangement suitable for sliding along the rod 12. The ring 48 acts like a dowel 40 in the preferred embodiment such that the ring strikes the oblique portion 46 of the first end 14 when the athlete's wrist is properly bent. Alternatively, the oblique portion 46 of the first end 14 prevents the ring from leaving the device and provides an audible indication when the ring 48 hits the first end 14. It may be appropriately replaced with any similar design or device that can be produced. For example, the first end 14 may comprise a bolt having an enlarged head and screwing into a screw hole 17 (see FIG. 1).

With respect to FIG. 4A, in an alternative embodiment, the auditory presentation component is replaced by a simple electronic circuit that is completely submerged into the artificial ball. In connection with FIG. 4B, the device is suitably arranged to perform a function similar to the LED 50, the mercury switch 52, the resistor 56, the battery 58, and / or the known electronic elements described above. Consisting of any other similar components. Mercury 54 acts like dowel 40 in the preferred embodiment such that battery 58 activates LED 50 by completing the circuit of FIG. 4B when the athlete's wrist is properly bent. Alternatively, the device can be externally mounted to make the LED 50 more visible. Alternatively, this electronic circuit may be used to generate an audible indication when the wrist is bent by simply replacing the LED 50 with a speaker or similarly fitted device.

In another alternative embodiment, the bolt 18 on the first end 14 is properly attached to the electronic circuit and the ring 48 or dowel 40 (according to the embodiment described above) is attached to the same electronic circuit. When the ring 48 or dowel 40 strikes the bolt 18, the circuit is completed and an acoustic indicator such as a speaker attached to the circuit or a visual indicator such as an LED 50 attached to the circuit. Start the operation. The ring 48 or dowel 40 is attached to the circuit, for example, via a flexible wire having one end attached to the circuit and the other end attached to the ring 48 or dowel 40.

In connection with FIG. 1, when using the device, the athlete adjusts the upper handles 22, 24 to a predetermined height to simulate the type of sports ball to be practiced. For example, an athlete who wants to practice pitching in baseball aligns the upper handles 22, 24 into the notch located on the indicator 32. The cross member 26 preferably restricts the movement of the inner dowel 40 downward, such that the initial position of the inner dowel 40 is parallel to the upper surface of the hand. The athlete preferably grips the upper handles 22, 24 with four fingers and positions the tubular member 12 between any two fingers. The athlete's thumb wraps around the lower handle 28.

In connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, the athlete performs a practice throwing motion by rotating the arms in a circular manner from the rear (see FIG. 5) over the head and forward (see FIG. 6). Alternatively, the softball pitcher performs a similar motion in the underhand direction. At the release point of the simulated ball (the ball is not released from the athlete's hand in the preferred embodiment), the athlete's wrist is bent downward (or upward in the softball) and moved within the tubular member 12. The inner dowel 40 moves by centrifugal force towards the first end 14 (as best seen in FIG. 6). After the inner dowel 40 impinges on the first end 14, the inner dowel 40 will preferably make an audible indication indicative of proper throwing technique. In an alternative embodiment, by including a weighted stopper at either end 14, 16 or by including a magnetic inner dowel 40, the effect of centrifugal force on the inner dowel 40 is increased or decreased. Thus, the athlete may be able to adjust the point where the inner dowel 40 is in contact with the end 14 of the tubular member 12. In an alternative embodiment in which the electronic device is completely submerged into the artificial ball, as shown in FIG. 4A, it will be possible for the athlete to actually throw the ball when practicing with the device.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred and alternative embodiments described in the drawings and specification, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited. For example, other sizes, shapes, materials, and components can be included in the device. Various modifications in the selection and placement of components and materials can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

A training device configured to indicate the accuracy of a throwing motion, the device comprising: Simulated sports balls; And And a display device integrally formed with the sports ball and providing the accuracy of the throwing motion to at least one of an audible display and a visual display. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises: An elongated member having first and second ends; A ring surrounding the elongated member and adapted to move longitudinally along the elongated member against centrifugal forces resulting from a throwing motion; And And the simulated sports ball positioned substantially at the second end of the elongated member. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of the elongated member includes a stopper formed to impinge on the ring, the stopper attached to the first end, and at least one of a bolt, a magnet, a rubber stopper and an oblique portion. Device characterized in that. 3. A visual as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stopper is attached to the electronic circuit and the ring is attached to the electronic circuit such that the electronic circuit is completed when the ring strikes the stopper, and by this action the visual attached to the circuit. And at least one of an indicator and an acoustic indicator attached to the circuit is actuated. The device of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises an electronic circuit having a mercury switch. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises at least one of an LED providing the visual indication and a speaker providing the audio indication. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises: A hollow tubular member having a chamber, a first end and a second end; A dowel disposed within the tubular member and adapted to move longitudinally within the chamber against centrifugal forces resulting from the throwing motion; And And a simulated sports ball attached to the second end of the tubular member. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the simulated sports ball comprises a first handle attached to the elongated member and a second handle attached to the elongated member, wherein at least one of the first handle and the second handle is selected from the An apparatus is adjustablely attached to an elongated member. CLAIMS 1. A method for indicating the accuracy of a throwing motion, the method comprising: Holding a sports ball simulated in a user's hand; Practicing a throwing motion with the simulated balls; And Using the display device integrally formed with the sports ball, providing the accuracy of the throwing motion to at least one of an auditory display and a visual display. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of providing an acoustic indication; An elongated member having first and second ends; A ring surrounding the elongated member and adapted to move longitudinally along the elongated member against centrifugal forces resulting from a throwing motion; And Providing the simulated sports ball substantially positioned at the second end of the elongated member. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first end of the elongated member includes a stopper formed to impinge on the ring, the stopper attached to the first end, and at least one of a bolt, a magnet, a rubber stopper, and an oblique portion. Method characterized in that. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the stopper is attached to the electronic circuit and the ring is attached to the electronic circuit such that the electronic circuit is completed when the ring strikes the stopper, and by this action a visual attached to the circuit. At least one of an indicator and an acoustic indicator attached to the circuit is actuated. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein providing an indication comprises providing an electronic circuit having a mercury switch. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said electronic circuitry comprises at least one of an LED providing said visual indication and a speaker providing said acoustic indication. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of providing an auditory indication is: A hollow tubular member having a chamber, a first end and a second end; A dowel disposed within the tubular member and adapted to move longitudinally within the chamber against centrifugal forces resulting from the throwing motion; And Providing a simulated sports ball attached to the second end of the tubular member. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein gripping the simulated sports ball comprises gripping a first handle attached to the elongated member and a second handle attached to the elongated member. At least one of the two handles is adjustablely attached to the elongated member.