US20130324331A1

US20130324331A1 - Rotational Mechanics Swing Aid Device

Info

Publication number: US20130324331A1
Application number: US13/904,888
Authority: US
Inventors: Jon Barnhill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-29
Filing date: 2013-05-29
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: WO2013181275A1

Abstract

A batting swing aid for batting practice is provided having an arm encircling strap engaged to a planar base. The base is held against the torso of a user and provides a mount for the strap to hold an encircled arm of the user adjacent to the user's torso during a swing of the bat. The attachment of the base to the strap may be elastic to allow for movement of the arm away from the torso during a swing, or may be detachable and make an audible noise to signal deviation from optimal body positioning during a swing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/652,636 filed on May 29, 2012, and is incorporated herein in its entirety. The present invention relates to the field of sports. More specifically, the disclosed device and method relate to teaching the proper rotational mechanics of swinging a baseball bat, softball bat or golf club. The device, when employed during practice, aids in imparting neural connections necessary between the brain and muscles involved, to form muscle memory necessary for a repeatable proper swing when not wearing the device. The resulting muscle memory thereafter elicits sequential muscle movement for maximum hitting power and speed.
2. Prior Art
Many parents choose to immerse their young children in team sports at a young age to teach sportsmanship, build confidence, improve athleticism, and also just to have fun. Baseball being America's favorite pastime, is one of the top sports enjoyed by young children and individuals alike, and one that may be shared between them.
As most parents may know, young children seem to learn the most when they are fully engaged and especially when enjoying the activity in which they learn by participation. For young children learning any sport, and especially baseball, they seem to be most engaged and improve their skills, when having fun and doing well in the chosen sport, and when they perceive positive reinforcement from their teammates and others concerning their performance. As such, parents spend countless amounts of time and money to help their children succeed in sports such as baseball. This can include specialized coaching, rigorous training which are typically adapted to impart a sense of self-discipline to the person being coached so they perform and practice well without the coach present or helping.
Further, in the sport of baseball, physical size is not always a precursor of professional success as with other sports such as basketball and football. This is because a bat provides great mechanical advantage to smaller players, and technique can multiply this effect. Consequently, because size is not a major factor, the prospect of youngsters pursuing careers in baseball is higher than in many sports and parents and youngsters continually push for improvement so a child's dreams of one day becoming one of the greats of the sport may be realized.
Of course the goal and major objective of every player, be they young, old, professional, or amateur is to hit the ball well with each swing of the bat. A player's long term success in baseball, can be directly proportional to their long term batting average. Consequently, batting is often an aspect of the sport which is especially focused upon in practice. To that end, the fundamentals of batting, such as arm and hand position from start through sequential movements while rotating the torso are a most important aspect of a good batting average.
Many of the greatest ball-hitters in history can be generalized as having one factor lacking in other players. That factor is power or force which is generated by the bat squarely impacting the pitched ball at the proper moment. The speed of the pitched ball, if hit correctly, aids the batter in a longer hit ball. Thus, a powerful and high-speed swing, resulting from proper employment of the fundamentals of swing mechanics, when impacting a thrown ball, multiplies the batter's power. A proper swing, employing the fundamental aspects of grip, eye contact, arm and hand positioning and body rotation, provides the player employing them correctly, greater hitting distances and better batting averages than players who have poor batting mechanics.
Because team scouts look at prospective player's batting averages first, dependable hitting with control for both long and short hitting distances is an essential skill sought after by every individual learning the game as well as seasoned veterans. Other sports such as softball and golf additionally require the skill to accurately and powerfully swing a bat or club, respectively, and similarly require proper swing mechanics of their muscles and body as fundamentals.
Conventionally, coaches assess and teach the practicing batter or golfer through rigorous and generally very repetitive hitting exercises. Physical repetition results in effective muscle memory, which helps make proper batting mechanics a reflex and is made possible by a process called long-term potentiation.
When a movement is performed by a person such as a batter holding and swinging a bat, corresponding brain synapses fire to move the muscles in proper sequence and amounts to form the neural connections necessary to repeat the same movement. Thus, the more that same mechanical movement is performed by a batter, the stronger and more efficient those neural connections become and resulting “muscle memory” is imparted to the batter. Resulting muscle memory, after repeated swings of the bat while in the proper posture and making proper movements with the arms and hands during batting, makes it more likely for a batter to repeat the particular movements involved as a reflex, without much thought. This ability to swing properly in a reflex action his highly important when a ball is pitched at 80 miles per hour and the batter has milliseconds to spot the ball and swing.
Thus, it is during batting sessions where coaches or parents provide the practicing batter feedback on fundamental swing aspects such as stance, shoulder, elbow and hand positioning and hip movement. As noted, it is the proper employment of these fundamental swing aspects, repeatedly, on many occasions, which allows the player to achieve optimum weight transfer and follow through to achieve a bat impact with the ball which results in increased hitting power.
For novices and professionals alike, it is almost certain that batters practicing a proper swing will have areas of weakness in some, if not all, of the noted aspects of achieving an optimal swing. For young children especially, with no muscle memory or perspective on the proper swing to aid them, the opportunity for failure when batting is often a huge deterrent in their success and enjoyment of the game.
Some known primary swing action problems, which even coaches improperly teach to youngsters due to lack of knowledge, include lunging or reaching for the ball with the bat, dropping their elbow during body rotation, chasing the ball to hit it out of the ‘strike zone’, and the batter extending their arms too far prior to or at the moment of contact with the pitched ball. These problems in mechanics of their swing result in poor hitting for new players and old alike. In the case of children and teens, poor hitting invariably results in bruised egos and a loss of self-esteem and confidence when learning and playing the sport. This, of course, can result in the player finding the sport unenjoyable which will just increase the problem.
As a result of this importance for strong hitting resulting from proper swing, prior art has attempted to provide devices which are taught as intended to aid the swinger in achieving their most optimum swing. Devices such as those found in prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,577,864, 6,688,994, 7,226,373, and countless others, teach batting aid devices which allow the user to replicate the swinging motion, without the need for a pitcher to accurately pitch a ball. However, these and many other prior art devices merely provide a means for repetitive batting practice by providing moving balls emulating a pitch, and do not directly impart and teach the proper mechanics and resulting muscle memory when swinging the bat. As such, many batters using pitching devices simply continue to employ incorrect batting techniques and thus impart muscle memory of an incorrect, weak swing, which is repeated as a reflex during real batting during games resulting in poor accuracy caused by one or a combination of these problems.
There exists many other prior art patents for providing swing trainers and aids for baseball, softball and golf. However, these designs have been poorly conceived in arrangement, resulting in undesirable and ineffective characteristics.
As a further result, many coaches, parents, and athletes are employing an increasingly popular approach to achieving the ‘perfect swing’ based on proper swing mechanics. The method is conventionally referred to as ‘rotational mechanics’ or ‘rotational hitting’. Rotational mechanics in baseball and softball involves learning how to use the batter's entire body to increase hitting power, through employment of the large muscles of the hips and the core, during a rotation of the body for a swing of the bat. Employing muscles of the body core and torso in addition to just those of the arms, yields a significantly more powerful and accurate swing than just using the arms, wrists, and hands to swing the bat through the hitting zone. Further, using proper rotational swing mechanics, increases the chances during a reflex action at bat, that a batter will make optimal contact between bat and ball. It is noted that while this application focuses on baseball batting and swinging, the action of swinging golf clubs employs muscle mechanics which may vary slightly, however, which are substantially similar. Consequently, the device herein with minor adjustments can be employed for golf club swing practice also.
As noted, proper rotational mechanics generally requires many practice sessions with many practice swings to thereby impart substantial muscle memory to the individual and the brain synapses to form the neural connections necessary for that movement to become more of a reflex action. Where batters have learned bad habits in their swing approach, they have as such, imparted muscle memory which has become reflex which is incorrect. Consequently, such batters often must ‘unlearn’ their prior swing habits and essentially relearn the proper way to swing the bat. This can be daunting absent some means to force proper swing mechanics to overcome the improper reflex learned.
Basic techniques for batting include the set up, body rotation, a contact of the held bat with the ball, and importantly a follow through motion subsequent to the contact with the ball.
The set up action can be generalized as keeping the batter's feet spaced a correct distance apart with more weight on the rearward positioned foot. Additionally, the leading or front shoulder should be pulled toward the chest. The rearward positioned or back elbow should concurrently be positioned against the torso, and concurrently the rearward positioned (from the pitched ball) palm facing outward.
Once properly set up, the body rotation procedure of the batter in a proper swing, generally consists of keeping the batter's eyes on the approaching ball, leading or starting the rotation of the body from the hips, and subsequently rotating the shoulders while concurrently turning the rearward or back foot in place, and ultimately swinging the held bat through the hit zone.
If proper rotational actions have been performed, upon a contact with the pitched ball, the palm of the back or rearward hand will be facing upward from the ground, and the back elbow will continue to be maintained against the batter's torso. If the above techniques are followed correctly, a rotational follow through action after striking the ball generally comes naturally by simply continuing the swing path of the bat while rotating the body and concurrently keeping the batter's eyes on the ball.
It is conventionally known in the art that young children are not coached the proper aspects of the above noted rotational mechanics until around 5^thgrade. It is purported that some of the concepts involved are subjective and also considered too complex for younger developing players to learn and/or retain. Additionally, teaching young children is especially difficult when there is a need for repetition of swing mechanics, and proper body positioning, to achieve muscle memory.
Coaches and parents can currently only orally instruct a child as to the proper techniques on so many instances. This is of course if the coach or parent has the knowledge of proper technique to teach. Therefore, the chance for failure or poor batting performance is extremely high and parents, coaches, and especially new or budding players are easily discouraged. This is unfortunate because all children and adults alike should have the opportunity to do well and succeed in the sport and have fun doing it. However, research has shown when a task is unpleasant, people will tend to avoid is. The same problem occurs in sports, especially in younger players, so they tend to avoid playing after a point when with proper posture and mechanics they could have been contenders.
As such, there is a continuing unmet need for a swing aid device which essentially restrains the user and forces the employment of a proper rotational swing mechanics technique. Such a device should comfortably position and maintain the user into a proper stance, and provide mechanical restraints to physically maintain the batter and their body parts in the proper stance for them to swing the bat through the hitting zone with the most speed and power. Such a device should allow the user to practice the same muscle movements repeatedly in the same positioning to easily and quickly learn and thereby retain muscle memory for proper swing mechanics, to render it a reflex action when needed during a game.
The forgoing examples of related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device and method of employment herein disclosed and described provides a solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a baseball or golf swing aid device which is configured to properly restrain and maintain the back elbow of the user in a position proximate to the torso. The device in a preferred mode is intended to aid the user by maintaining a proper body positioning during repeated swings which thereby aids the brain and muscles involved in learning the proper mechanics for swinging baseball or softball bats to render a proper and powerful swing as a reflex action. However, those skilled in the art will recognize minor modifications can be made to the device herein for employment as a golf club swinging aid and are anticipated within the scope of this application and claims.
Briefly, the device when worn in an as-used position on the batter, by maintaining the back or trailing elbow in an abutting position against the torso, essentially restrains and forces the user into the proper body positioning for a proper swing. In the as-used worn position, the batter is as such physically restricted to maintaining a proper swing during rotation and batting to yield the proper mechanics of rotational hitting. This proper positioning is maintained for each batting practice session for dozens, hundreds, or thousands of practice swings. The user can employ the device as an aid to maintain proper muscle use and positioning during swinging, to provide repetition of swing mechanics for the high number of times required to develop muscle memory. The batter or user will retain this muscle memory and proper swing technique with the device removed after a number of practice sessions which renders the proper swing a reflex during a real game when there is no coaching and the batter has milliseconds to hit a pitched fastball. Ultimately, the playing batter will perform batting actions with optimum bat speed and a significant increase in the power of their impact on the pitched ball. Further, in addition to untrained and new batters, the device and method of employment may also be employed to correct many of the problems youngsters encounter when unlearning previous bad habits of swinging which have themselves resulted in muscle memory and reflex actions which are detrimental to the batter's performance.
In accordance with one preferred mode of the device, the means to maintain the elbow proximate the torso is provided by a flexible torso-mounted or positioned securement member in combination with a permanently engaged flexible arm engagement member. The various components of the device disclosed herein can be formed of conventional materials such as vinyl, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or the like. However, it can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure and as would occur to those skilled in the art.
The torso member for engaging the device to the batter or user in an as-used position, comprises a substantially planar and flexible but pliable base portion having a plurality of straps or strap members which employ releasable buckles extending therefrom for end securement. These straps provide a means to secure the device about the torso of the user. The straps are preferably flexible and can be elastic or non-elastic and employ releasable closures such as snaps, buckles or the like. Of course other means of engagement may be employed, such as securement to an existing belt, or sewing, or positioning the device on a shirt or garment worn by the user, or other means of mounting for the as-used position engagement as would occur to those skilled in the art.
The arm engagement member consists of an elongated and preferably padded strap engaged to or extending from the planar base member and formed as an arm band which is adjustable for circumference. The user positions their arm within the formed arm band and adjusts the length or ‘tightness’ for secured engagement around the arm to hold it in position therein.
In use, the user engages the torso member about their torso with the planar base portion positioned substantially square with their back shoulder. It is noted that in a batting stance, the user will have a leading (front)body part which will be closest to a pitched ball which include an arm, shoulder and leg, and a trailing (back) arm, shoulder and leg which are furthest from the pitched ball when the user straddles home plate or a swing zone during batting. For right handed hitters, in a right handed stance adjacent the hitting zone for the ball, the right arm is considered the back arm and vice versa for left handed hitters.
The user then positions their back or trailing arm within the adjustable arm band of the arm engagement member such that the adjustable loop is engaged just above the elbow of their back arm in between the shoulder and elbow (proximate the biceps). The adjustable band allows the device to be employed with users of all shapes and sizes. The band is then securely engaged about the arm in an as-used position providing a means to maintain the user's back elbow proximate their torso.
As a result, with the device in the as-used position, when the user grips a bat with their hands, in the conventional manner, bending the back arm at the elbow to bring the bat up to the shoulder, the mechanics of a proper rotational swing action are fixed and held in place by the device during every practice swing, in substantially exactly the same manner. To that end, the user's hands are positioned correctly with the palm out. Their weight is maintained rearward or biased back. The elbow is restricted from dropping and/or extending out during the swing (lunging), and the hips and shoulders are forced to rotate in order to contact the ball during the swing. This combination results in a positioning of the body in the optimum position for power at contact of the held bat with a pitched ball.
The device, thus, advantageously allows the user to maintain their concentration on making contact with the ball, since their body mechanics of the swing are set up and maintained for them by the restraint action of the device during every sequential swing at every practice session. The device positions the user in the proper rotational mechanics setup and restricts the swinging arc of the bat to the proper rotational swing for developing muscle memory as needed for maximum hitting power and bat speed. It is noted that in this mode, the follow through motion is slightly inhibited.
In another particularly preferred mode of the invention the torso-mounted member and arm engagement member are engaged via an elastic or stretchable member, such as an elastic or rubber like band or the like. The elastic member preferably maintains the arm engagement member substantially approximate the base portion of the torso mounted member in a similar arrangement as the mode described above. However, during use, as the user swings the bat through the restricted motion dictated by the device, the elastic member allows the arm to slightly or moderately extend away from the torso just after contact with the ball for a more improved follow-through motion of the hands, arms, shoulder and hips. The resistance of the elastic should be of sufficient strength to overcome the strength of the user and maintain a one to two inch gap when stretched.
In yet another preferred mode the elastic member may be removably engageable. This mode may be provided to the user in a kit comprising a plurality of varying elasticities of elastic members such that the user or coach can selectively employ the proper elastic member per player. For example, stronger players may require stronger resistant elastic bands with less elasticity, while weaker or younger users may require an elastic member which more easily stretches to allow for the one to two inch proximity movement noted.
In still yet another particularly preferred mode of the invention, the arm engagement member is removably and releasably engaged to the torso mounted member. Means for removable releasable engagement can include snaps, hook and loop fasteners or the like. In this mode, the means for removable engagement of the arm engagement member to the torso mounted member allows the user's back arm to disengage and release from the position proximate the torso after contact with the ball is made. This will allow the user to perform and carry out a full follow through arm extension after ball contact.
It is noted and especially preferred to employ hook and loop fasteners as a means for removable or separable releasable engagement. In this manner, the user and adjacent coach will be provided with an auditory response when the arm engagement member disengages from the torso mounted member as the sound made when hook and loop fasteners disengage is widely known. Added utility is provided in the event the user preemptively extends their back arm away form their torso during the swing of the bat since the hook and loop fastener will disengage and provide an auditory response. This response will indicate that the proper rotational mechanics were not maintained prior to contact with the ball. This is of great advantage over prior art in that a user may employ the device with little or no feedback from a coach since improper form will be immediately recognized through the auditory response.
For example, if the separable hook and loop or other members disengage prior to contact with the ball, then the batter had improper form and must make corrections. If the separable members disengage after contact with the ball, then proper form and mechanics were maintained up to the follow through of the swing.
In still yet another preferred mode of the invention, the device may be providable to the user in a kit employing various means for removable engagement of the arm member to the torso member, including secured, elastic and releasable. As a result, a system for muscle memory training is provided. For example, when the user is initially starting out, they may employ the device with the removable arm member securely engaged to the torso member, providing the most restricted movement of the back arm. Means for removable secured engagement can include snap fits, high strength hook and loop fasteners or other secured engagement fasteners of the like. The restriction of movement provided by the secured engagement will initially teach and force the player into the proper rotational mechanics form and it is expected that the player will struggle somewhat while learning the new technique.
Still further, once sufficient basic swing form is developed in the player, they may then change to an elastic engagement of the arm member to the torso member. As such the elastic member provides some give to allow the user to follow through with the swing, however, maintaining restricted movement of the arm for muscle memory retention.
Upon further development and training, the user may then employ releasable engagement means of the arm member to the torso member. This step allows the user to complete a full follow through with the swing and employs the advantage of an audible response, as noted above, and gets the player one step closer to swinging without the device.
Additionally, it is again noted and anticipated that although the device in it's preferred mode is intended as a baseball and softball bat swinging aid, those skilled in the art may recognize various modifications to the device for employment as a golf club swinging aid to teach players proper swing mechanics in that aspect.
With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and embodiments, “comprising” means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word “comprising”. Thus, use of the term “comprising” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and mayor may not be present. By “consisting of is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of”. Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By “consisting essentially of” is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and mayor may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the activity or action of the listed elements.
It is an object of the invention to provide a baseball bat swinging aid which teaches and forces a player to employ proper rotational mechanics techniques.
It is an object of the invention to maintain the user's back elbow in a position proximate the torso during the swing.
It is another object of the invention to maintain the user's back elbow in a position proximate the torso during the swing up until contact with the ball wherein the elbow and back arm then may extend outward in a follow through motion.
It is an object of the invention to provide an auditory response for the user for proper employment of the device.
It is another object of the invention to provide a muscle memory training system for rotational hitting.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a golf club swinging aid.
These and other objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first particularly preferred mode of the invention providing an adjustable arm engagement member securely engaged to the torso engagement member.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the mode of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the device of FIG. 1, depicting a slight angled disposition of the arm engagement member relative the torso member providing for improved ergonomics.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the mode of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another particularly preferred mode of the invention providing an arm engagement member engaged to the torso member via an elastic member.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the mode of the device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a kit of removably engageable elastic members of varying elasticity and size, allowing the user to selectively interchange the elastic members as desired.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of still yet another particularly preferred mode of the invention wherein the arm engagement member is removably engaged to the torso member via removable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 9 shows the device of FIG. 1 in the as used position with the batter's back arm engaged within the adjustable arm band of the arm engagement member for maintaining the back elbow proximate the torso.

FIG. 10 depicts the device in a current favored mode with the base member elongated and the engagement member affixed to the front surface of the base member at an angle, or in a manner to adjust the angle of the axis of the encircled engagement member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.
Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-9, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 views of a first particularly preferred mode of the rotational mechanics swing aid device 10. Briefly, in use the device 10 is mounted on the torso of the user and provides a means to maintain the back or trailing elbow during the swing, in position proximate the torso to train and teach the user proper rotational mechanics of swinging a bat, such as a baseball or softball bat. Since the player cannot extend their trailing arm away from a proximate position adjacent to their torso, and since both hands grip the bat, the user's arms are maintained in the proper batting position for a swing due to the restraint of the trailing arm (furthest from the pitch). The user is forced to correctly rotate during the swing, with both arms correctly positioned until the ball is hit by the bat, in order to hit the ball since they cannot extend their arms.
The various components of the device disclosed herein can be formed of conventional materials such as vinyl, webbing, and nylon, however, can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 is generally comprised of a torso engagement member 12 and an arm engagement member 14. The torso engagement member 12 is comprised of a planar base portion 16 having at least one and preferably a plurality of securement straps 20 engaged to and extending therefrom. The straps 20 provide a means to engage the device around the torso of the user.
As shown in FIG. 3, distal ends of the straps 20 include buckles 40,42 or other means for secured removable engagement of the device 10 around a user's torso. Other means for secured removable engagement may include snaps, hook and loop fabric, or fasteners of the like. Further it is preferred and anticipated that the straps 20 are adjustable in length as to allow the device 10 to fit on any size user. Still further, in some preferred modes the straps 20 may be slightly or moderately elastic for improved comfort.
Shown in FIG. 4 the straps 20 are engaged to a rear surface 19 of the base portion 16 via sewn stitches 44, however can be engaged by other means suitable for the intended purpose such as rivets, adhesives, or fasteners of the like. It is noted and anticipated that one skilled in the art may recognize other means for secured removable engagement of the device 10 about the torso of the user, such as a torso band, and are herein considered part of this disclosure.
Referring again to FIG. 1-FIG 3, the arm engagement member 14 is comprised of a elongated strap 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 36. As can be seen, the first end 24 of the strap 22 is engaged at the proximal end on a front surface 18 of the base portion 16. Means for engagement may include sewn stitches 34 as shown, however can be any means for secured engagement known in the art such as rivets, snaps, adhesives, swivel, or the like. The strap 22 communicates through a first loop strap 26 wherein the strap 22 is looped around forming a kind of arm band. The loop strap 26 is engaged on both ends, by sewing 28 or other means, such that the strap 22 may feed through the central portion and thereby loop around as shown. A second loop strap 30 is also provided and disposed proximate the first end 24 of the strap 22 and may be employed to form a substantially smaller arm band as needed for smaller or younger players.
The strap 22 securely and removably engages back onto itself via removably engageable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners 38, forming a kind of arm band for engaging a users arm. Further it is additionally preferred and shown that the strap 22 is engaged to the base 16 at an angle 35 of its axis running through the center of the strap which is slightly less than or equal to 90 degrees relative the horizontal line, which is shown as the two straps 20 running substantially horizontal when engaged in the as-used position on a user or batter such as in FIG. 9. The two straps 20 when engaged in the as-used position of FIG. 9, are substantially running at a horizontal line or an angle normal to the user or batter's spine when in the as-used position of FIG. 9.
It has been found through experimentation that positioning the engagement member 14 at an angle 35 which will position the axis 61 (FIG. 10) of the aperture formed by the engagement member 14 encircling the arm 102 of the user, essentially aligned with the axis of the arm 102 of the user, when in the proper as-used batting position and as depicted in FIG. 9, that the device 10 is more comfortable to wear and the user hits harder. An angle 35 of the line of the engagement member 14, relative to the horizontal lines of the strap or straps 22, is thus preferred and the improved performance of players appears to stem from alignment of the axis 61 with the axis of the rearward portion of the arm from shoulder to elbow which provides improved ergonomics and batter comfort during use. Such will be discussed later regarding the exemplary depiction of the as-used mode in FIG. 9.
During employment of the current mode of the device 10, the secured engagement of the arm engagement member 14 to the torso member 12 provides the user with maximum arm restraint for maintaining the back elbow at a position proximate or abutting their 103 torso during swing set up, swing, and follow through.
It is noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 shows views of another particularly preferred mode of the invention wherein the arm engagement member 14 is elastically engaged to the torso member 12 engaged to the straps 22. As shown means for elastic engagement is provided by one or a plurality of elastic bands 54. Further, as shown the current mode the arm engagement member 14 is comprised of an elongated strap 46 having a first end 48 and second end 50. The strap 46 is looped and engaged in an overlapped adjustable engagement of the second end 50 over the first end 48 to form a kind of encircling arm band as shown. The size of the strap 46 is adjustable via removable hook and loop fasteners 52 disposed on the first and second ends 48, 50 to allow the overlap to increase or decrease and a resulting change in the circumference of the strap 46.
The elastic band 54 or tether is engaged at one end to the front surface 18 of the base portion 16 and the other end to the strap 46. Means for engagement of the elastic band 54 to the base 16 and strap 46 can be permanent such as rivets, sewing or adhesive. So engaged, during employment of the device 10, while in the as-used position of FIG. 9, as the user swings, the elastic band 54 will stretch slightly and allow the user to slightly or moderately extend their restrained arm and thus both arms slightly away from their torso 103 as is often done during the follow through motion.
In other modes however, removable secured engagement means are employed, such as snaps 56, 58, or possibly hook and loop fasteners. It is intended that in this mode the snaps 56, 58 or other means will not disengaged during the operative employment of the device 10, however will allow the user to selective interchange elastic bands 54 of varying elasticity and/or resistance to elongation, as needed depending on the strength of the user and distance of movement desired for the arm from the torso 103. FIG. 7 shows a kit 60 of elastic bands 54 of varying size and elasticity which is providable to the user to allow them to selectively choose an elastic band 54 suitable for the user. For example, stronger players may require stronger, shorter elastic bands with less elasticity, while weaker or younger users may require an elastic band which more easily stretches. Such elastic material is available as rubber rope or bungee cord for example. In a rubber rope or cord, a 0.62-inch (1.6 cm) diameter mil-spec cord will resist a force of 250-350 pounds (113-159 kg) at 100% elongation without breaking and has a minimum breaking strength of 500 pounds (227 kg). The specification requires the material to endure a minimum of 50,000 flex cycles. Flat elastic materials such as that by STRETCHRITE are also available and can be provided in different resistances to elongation such as 20 pounds of force to elongate 2 inches or 30 pounds of force to elongate 3 inches and then retract.
FIG. 8 shows yet another particularly preferred mode of the invention wherein the arm member 14 and torso member 12 are removably and releasably engaged. Means for removable releasable engagement is preferably provided by hook and loop fastener. As is shown a portion of loop fastener 62 is engaged to the front surface 18 of the base portion 16, and a portion of hook fastener 64 is engaged to the strap 46.
The means for removable releasable engagement of the arm engagement member 14 to the torso member 12 allows the users back arm to release and extended forward after ball contact to perform a full follow through motion. It is noted and especially preferred to employ hook and loop fasteners 62, 64 as a means for removable releasable engagement to provide the user and an adjacent coach or parent with an auditory response when the arm engagement member 14 disengages from the torso mounted member 12.
The sound made when hook and loop fasteners disengages is widely known and added utility is provided in the event that if user preemptively extends their back arm away form their torso during the swing. If extended before contact with the ball the hook and loop fastener will disengage and provide an auditory response that the proper rotational mechanics were not maintained prior to contact with the ball. Further, if the hook and loop fastener disengages after contact with the ball, then proper form and mechanics were maintained up to the follow through of the swing. This is of great advantage over prior art in that a user may employ the device with little or no feedback from coach since improper form will be immediately recognized through the auditory response.
FIG. 9 shows a view of the device 10 in the as-used position on a user 100 showing the user 100 in the set up stance for proper rotational mechanics. The straps 22 are engaging the device and run horizontally substantially normal to the spine or back of the user. As can be seen the user's arm 102 is engaged through the arm engagement member 14 above the elbow 104 in an angle with the arm aligned with the axis of the encircled engagement member. The torso member 12 is engaged about the torso 106 of the users such that the engagement of the user's arm 102 in the arm engagement member 14 will maintain the elbow 104 at a position proximate the torso 106 of the user 100, thereby restricting the user 100 from extending their arm 102 outward.
It is noted that slight or moderate modification to this invention has other applications for employment as a golf club swinging aid, and one skilled in the art could discover these. As such the explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.
FIG. 10 shows the device 10 in a current favored mode with the base member 18 elongated and the engagement member 14 affixed to the front surface 18 of the base member 16. Shown angled have the axis 61 of the engagement member 14 encirclement matching the axis of an imaginary line running through the arm portion, the device 10 maximizes comfort. In this mode, the removable engagement of the engagement member 14 may be preferable since it allows for change in the angle of the axis 61 for differing users with differing body characteristics. Adjustment of the angle between 0 and 4 degrees which have shown to cover most user's body characteristics, can also be handled by attaching the engagement member 14, to the base member 16 with a rivet or the like and thereby achieve a rotational engagement at the attachment point allowing for angle adjustment.
While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A swing aid device for engagement to the torso of a user in an as-used position, to maintain one arm adjacent to the torso of said user during a swing of a bat, comprising:

a base member having a first surface positionable against or adjacent to the torso of a user with said swing aid device engaged in an as-used position upon said user, and having a second surface opposite said first surface;

at least one securement strap having a securement strap engagement with said base member and extending to a distal end;

a first fastener for securing said distal end of said securement strap, to one of said base member or a second distal end of a strap portion extending from said base member, to an engaged position;

said securement strap in said engaged position, encircling said torso of said user and providing means to hold said swing aid device in said as-used position;

a flexible member extending to a distal end from a member engagement of said flexible member to one of said base member or said securement strap;

a second fastener engaging said distal end of said flexible member to one of said base member or said securement strap in an engagement position;

said flexible member in said engagement position forming part of an encirclement of a rearward portion of a first arm of said user, said rearward portion being a portion of said first arm between an elbow and a shoulder of said first arm of said user;

said encirclement maintaining a positioning of said rearward portion of said first arm, adjacent to said second surface of said base member; and

whereby during a swing of a bat by said user griping said bat with two hands, said swing aid in said as-used position with said flexible member in said engagement position, maintains said rearward portion of said first arm of said user adjacent to said torso of said user, thereby maintaining both said user's arms in a proper batting position.

2. The swing aid device of claim 1, additionally comprising:

said second fastener engaging said distal end of said flexible member to one of said base member or said securement strap to said engagement position, provides for adjustment of a circumference of said encirclement of said rearward portion of said user's first arm;

said adjustment of said circumference providing means for accommodating an arm diameter of said rearward portions of said user's arms therethrough, whereby said circumference may be reduced for a smaller said arm diameters and said circumference increased for larger said arm diameters to accommodate said users of differing size.

3. The swing aid device of claim 1, additionally comprising:

said second fastener having a first component engaging said distal end of said flexible member to a mating second component positioned at an engagement point on said second surface of said base member.

4. The swing aid device of claim 2, additionally comprising:

5. The swing aid device of claim 3, additionally comprising:

said first component being one of hook fastener fabric removably engageable with loop fastener fabric; and

said second component being the other of said hook fastener fabric or loop fastener fabric from that of said first component.

6. The swing aid device of claim 4, additionally comprising:

7. The swing aid device of claim 1, additionally comprising:

said member engagement of said flexible member being to said second side of said base member;

said member engagement formed of disengageable hook fastener fabric and loop fastener fabric;

one of said hook fastener fabric and loop fastener fabric engaged with said flexible member;

the other of said hook fastener fabric and said loop fastener fabric from that employed with said flexible member, engaged to a mounting point on said second side of said base member;

a disengagement of said hoop fastener fabric from said loop fastener fabric by a movement of said rearward portion of said user's first arm, away from said second surface, causing an audible noise; and

said audible noise providing said user an audible signal of an improper batting swing.

8. The swing aid device of claim 2, additionally comprising:

9. The swing aid device of claim 3, additionally comprising:

10. The swing aid device of claim 4, additionally comprising:

11. The swing aid device of claim 1, additionally comprising:

said member engagement formed of elastic material having a collapsed length and an elongated length, said elongated length exceeding said collapsed length by an elongated distance;

said elastic material stretchable to said elongated length by movement of said rearward potion of said user's arm a distance up to said elongated distance away from said second side of said base member;

whereby said user may distance said rearward portion of their arm from said second surface and said torso underlying said second surface, a distance up to said elongated distance during a follow through motion at an end portion of said swing.

12. The swing aid device of claim 2, additionally comprising:

13. The swing aid device of claim 3, additionally comprising:

14. The swing aid device of claim 4, additionally comprising:

15. The swing aid device of claim 5, additionally comprising:

16. The swing aid device of claim 6, additionally comprising:

17. The swing aid device of claim 11, additionally comprising:

said flexible member being one of a kit of said flexible members; and

each of said kit of flexible members requiring a different force from movement of said rearward portion of said arm of said user to stretch said flexible member to said elongated length.

18. The swing aid device of claim 12, additionally comprising:

said flexible member being one of a kit of said flexible members; and

19. The swing aid device of claim 1, additionally comprising:

said securement strap in said engaged position, holding said swing device in said as-used position, forming a horizontal line extending around said user;

said flexible member engaged with said second surface of said base member at an angle to said horizontal line;

said angle positioning an axis running through said encirclement at an angle aligned with an axis of said rearward portion of said user's arm running from said shoulder through said encirclement to said elbow of said first arm.

20. The swing aid device of claim 2, additionally comprising:

said angle positioning an axis running through said encirclement at an angle aligned with an axis of said rearward portion of said user's arm running from said shoulder through said encirclement to said of said first arm.