US20210245027A1 - Tennis-Stroke Trainer Device - Google Patents
Tennis-Stroke Trainer Device Download PDFInfo
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- US20210245027A1 US20210245027A1 US17/171,872 US202117171872A US2021245027A1 US 20210245027 A1 US20210245027 A1 US 20210245027A1 US 202117171872 A US202117171872 A US 202117171872A US 2021245027 A1 US2021245027 A1 US 2021245027A1
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- pair
- washers
- arm
- cantilever arm
- tennis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/38—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for tennis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0073—Means for releasably holding a ball in position; Balls constrained to move around a fixed point, e.g. by tethering
- A63B69/0091—Balls fixed to a movable, tiltable or flexible arm
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to sports equipment. More specifically, the present invention is a tennis-stroke trainer.
- Tennis is played in countries all around the world. There are over 17 million tennis players in the United States. There are over 14,000 certified tennis teaching professionals in the United States. Teaching professionals are always looking for new and improved ways to teach students. Teaching aids are a commonly used to help players better understand the mechanics of the various tennis strokes. An essential skill for playing tennis is to better understand and learn top spin and back spin.
- the present invention is a portable training aid that simulates the movement of a tennis ball.
- the present invention provides tennis players with a controlled and repetitive opportunity to practice the tennis racket motion required to generate top spin and backspin. Each time the player hits a foam ball of the present invention, the foam ball spins and swings away from them, then returns to a neutral position to be hit again. This provides the player with an opportunity to practice their strokes in a more focused and controlled setting.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top side view of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along line 5 - 5 in FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a first fastening assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a second fastening assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a ball-fastening assembly of the present invention.
- the present invention is a tennis-stroke trainer device.
- the present invention serves as a training tool for tennis players.
- the present invention serves to improve the form of a user.
- the present invention allows a user to practice various tennis strokes, such as a top spin and a back spin, repetitively.
- the present invention also only requires a post such as a tennis post or a pole so that the user may use the present invention individually, requiring no additional assistance.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame 1 , a training ball 21 , a pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 , and an elastic cord 23 , seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
- the frame 1 upholds and positions the training ball 21 with a tennis post or the like.
- the frame 1 comprises a U-shaped bracket 2 , a cantilever arm 10 , a counterfort arm 14 , and a hook 18 .
- the U-shaped bracket 2 serves as a mount for the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 with the tennis post.
- the U-shaped bracket 2 comprises a connecting rod 3 , an upper leg 4 , and a lower leg 7 .
- the connecting rod 3 presses against the post and stabilizes the U-shaped bracket 2 across the tennis post.
- the upper leg 4 secures the cantilever arm 10 with the U-shaped bracket 2
- the lower leg 7 secures the counterfort arm 14 with the U-shaped bracket 2 .
- the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 provide the structural integrity for the frame 1 so that the user may hit the training ball 21 with the force as if the training ball 21 was an actual tennis ball.
- the training ball 21 serves as a target for the user.
- the training ball 21 is preferably a foam ball so that a tennis racket is not damaged after multiple hits with the training ball 21 .
- the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 secures the frame 1 with the tennis post and a variety of posts.
- the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 is preferably a pair of steel band clamps. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 may be, but is not limited to, various clamps, ropes, and straps.
- the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 allows the present invention to be mounted to posts of varying shapes and sizes.
- the elastic cord 23 retracts both the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 after the training ball 21 has been hit by the user to a neutral position. While in the neutral position, the cantilever arm 10 is aligned with the upper leg 4 , and the counterfort arm 14 is aligned with the lower leg 7 .
- the overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows the user to repetitively perform a top spin and a back spin with the present invention without having to reset the present invention after each hit.
- the upper leg 4 is terminally fixed with the connecting rod 3 , seen in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , and FIG. 5 .
- the lower leg 7 is terminally fixed with the connecting rod 3 , opposite the upper leg 4 .
- the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 is distributed in between the upper leg 4 and the lower leg 7 and is mounted onto the connecting rod 3 , thereby securing and stabilizing the frame 1 with a tennis post.
- the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 , and consequently the training ball 21 , pivot about the frame 1 , the upper leg 4 and the lower leg 7 are oriented away from the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 . More specifically, a fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 is rotatably mounted with the upper leg 4 , and a fixed end 15 of the counterfort arm 14 is rotatably mounted with the lower leg 7 .
- the training ball 21 remains connected with the frame 1 while the user performs various tennis strokes as the training ball 21 is rotatably mounted with a free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 . This engagement allows the training ball 21 to rotate in the direction that corresponds with the type of tennis stroke.
- the force of the tennis stroke against the training ball 21 is evenly distributed through the frame 1 as the free end 12 of the counterfort arm 14 is laterally fixed to the cantilever arm 10 , offset from the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 . More specifically, the cantilever arm 10 is positioned perpendicular with the connecting rod 3 , and the counterfort arm 14 is oriented at an acute angle 43 with the connecting rod 3 . This arrangement allows the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 to smoothly pivot about the connecting rod 3 .
- the elastic cord 23 is mounted with the frame 1 as the hook 18 is laterally fixed to the cantilever arm 10 , offset from the fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 . In order for the training ball 21 to return to the neutral position, the elastic cord 23 is tethered between the upper leg 4 and the hook 18 .
- the cantilever arm 10 may further comprise an upward bend 13 , seen in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6 .
- the upward bend 13 extends the cantilever arm 10 into the upper leg 4 while maintaining the perpendicular arrangement with the connecting rod 3 .
- the upward bend 13 is preferably shaped to be a 90-degree arc.
- the upper leg 4 may comprise an upper leg end 5 and a lower leg end 6 . As the fixed end 11 rotates with the upper leg 4 , the upward bend 13 is integrated into the fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 .
- the upper leg end 5 is positioned opposite the lower leg end 6 along the upper leg 4 .
- the upper leg end 5 is fixed adjacent with the connecting rod 3
- the lower leg end 6 is tethered with the elastic cord 23 .
- This arrangement allows the elastic cord 23 to freely extend and retract.
- the cantilever arm 10 freely pivots as the upward bend 13 is positioned in between the upper leg end 5 and the lower leg end 6 .
- the upper bend is rotatably connected with the upper leg 4 .
- the counterfort arm 14 may further comprise a downward bend 17 .
- the downward bend 17 extends the counterfort arm 14 into the lower leg 7 while preserving the acute angle between the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 , seen in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7 . More specifically, the downward bend 17 is shaped to be an obtuse arc. As the fixed end 15 rotates with the lower leg 7 , the downward bend 17 is integrated into the fixed end 15 of the counterfort arm 14 . The counterfort arm 14 freely pivots as the downward bend 17 is rotatably connected with the lower leg 7 .
- the structural integrity of the elastic cord 23 is preserved as the present invention may further comprise an eyelet 26 , seen in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6 .
- the eyelet 26 connects the elastic cord 23 with the upper leg 4 so that the elastic cord 23 does not get abraded or torn with the upper leg 4 as the cantilever arm 10 pivots.
- a loop is defined with the elastic cord 23 as the elastic cord 23 may comprise a first cord end 24 and a second cord end 25 .
- the hook 18 may comprise a shank 19 and a horizontal bend 20 .
- the shank 19 connects the horizontal bend 20 with the cantilever arm 10 .
- the elastic cord 23 is secured along the cantilever arm 10 with the hook 18 as the shank 19 is fixed along the cantilever arm 10 , and the horizontal bend 20 is oriented towards the training ball 21 .
- the loop is defined as the first cord end 24 and the second cord end 25 are laterally fixed to the eyelet 26 .
- the elastic cord 23 is looped around the hook 18 . This arrangement further preserves the elastic cord 23 and allows the elastic cord 23 , along with the eyelet 26 to be easily interchanged or replaced.
- the upper leg 4 is positioned into the eyelet 26 , thereby pulling the cantilever arm 10 back into the neutral position with the upper leg 4 .
- the present invention may further comprise a tubing 27 and a ball-fastening assembly 28 , seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 .
- the tubing 27 reduces the friction between the training ball 21 and the cantilever arm 10 .
- the tubing 27 is preferably made of nylon.
- the ball-fastening assembly 28 secures the training ball 21 with the cantilever arm 10 .
- the ball-fastening assembly 28 may comprise a pair of proximal washers 29 , a pair of distal washers 30 , and a stop fastener 31 .
- the pair of proximal washers 29 reduces the friction between the training ball 21 with both the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 and the free end 16 of the counterfort arm 14 .
- the pair of distal washers 30 reduces the friction between the stop fastener 31 and the training ball 21 .
- the pair of proximal washers 29 and the pair of distal washers 30 may each comprise a nylon washer 44 and metal washer 45 .
- the nylon washer 44 is positioned in between the metal washer 45 and the tubing 27 .
- the training ball 21 freely rotates about the cantilever arm 10 as the tubing 27 is diametrically integrated through the training ball 21 .
- the cantilever arm 10 is positioned through the pair of proximal washers 29 , the tubing 27 , and the pair of distal washers 30 , so that the training ball 21 remains on cantilever arm 10 while rotating. Furthermore, the pair of proximal washers 29 , the tubing 27 , and the pair of distal washers 30 are rotatably engaged with the cantilever arm 10 . The rotation of the training ball 21 is uninhibited with both the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 and the free end 16 of the counterfort arm 14 and with the stop fastener 31 as the tubing 27 is positioned in between the pair of proximal washers 29 and the pair of distal washers 30 .
- the pair of proximal washers 29 is positioned adjacent with the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10
- the pair of distal washers 30 is positioned with the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 .
- the training ball 21 does not slip past the cantilever arm 10 as the stop fastener 31 is positioned adjacent with the pair of distal washers 30 , opposite the tubing 27 .
- the stop fastener 31 is threadedly engaged to the distal end so that the training ball 21 is interchangeable or replaceable.
- the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 freely rotate with the frame 1 while remaining connected with the frame 1 as the present invention may further comprise a first fastening assembly 32 and a second fastening assembly 36 , seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , respectively.
- the first fastening assembly 32 secures the connection between the cantilever arm 10 and the upper leg 4 .
- the second fastening assembly 36 secures the connection between the counterfort arm 14 and the lower leg 7 .
- the first fastening assembly 32 may comprise a pair of first fasteners 33 , a pair of first washers 34 , and a first bushing 35 .
- the U-shaped bracket 2 may further comprise a first hole 8 .
- the pair of first fasteners 33 locks the cantilever arm 10 through the upper leg 4 .
- the pair of first washers 34 allows the cantilever arm 10 to freely rotate while locked into the first hole 8 with the pair of first fasteners 33 .
- the first bushing 35 reduces the friction between cantilever arm 10 and the upper leg 4 .
- the first hole 8 laterally traverses through the upper leg 4 .
- the pair of first washers 34 is positioned in between the pair of first fasteners 33 so that the rotation of the cantilever arm 10 remains uninhibited.
- the first bushing 35 is positioned in between the pair of first washers 34 , further facilitating the rotation of the cantilever arm 10 .
- the first bushing 35 is mounted through the first hole 8 . More specifically, the fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 traverses through the pair of first fasteners 33 , the pair of first washers 34 , and the first bushing 35 .
- the pair of first fasteners 33 is threadedly engaged to the fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 so that the cantilever arm 10 , and consequently the counterfort arm 14 , may be interchanged or replaced with the U-shaped bracket 2 .
- the second fastening assembly 36 may comprise a pair of second fasteners 37 , a pair of second washers 38 , and a second bushing 39 , seen in FIG. 7 .
- the second fastening assembly 36 may comprise a pair of second fasteners 37 , a pair of second washers 38 , and a second bushing 39 .
- the U-shaped bracket 2 may further comprise a second hole 9 .
- the pair of second fasteners 37 locks the counterfort arm 14 through the lower leg 7 .
- the pair of second washers 38 allows the counterfort arm 14 to freely rotate while locked into the second hole 9 with the pair of second fasteners 37 .
- the second bushing 39 reduces the friction between counterfort arm 14 and the lower leg 7 .
- the second hole 9 laterally traverses through the lower leg 7 .
- the pair of second washers 38 is positioned in between the pair of second fasteners 37 so that the rotation of the counterfort arm 14 remains uninhibited.
- the second bushing 39 is positioned in between the pair of second washers 38 , further facilitating the rotation of the cantilever arm 10 .
- the second bushing 39 is mounted through the second hole 9 .
- the fixed end 15 of the counterfort arm 14 traverses through the pair of second fasteners 37 , the pair of second washers 38 , and the second bushing 39 .
- the pair of second fasteners 37 is threadedly engaged to the fixed end 15 of the counterfort arm 14 so that the cantilever arm 10 , and consequently the counterfort arm 14 , may be interchanged or replaced with the U-shaped bracket 2 .
- a first rotation axis 40 is rotatably mounted between the fixed end 11 of the cantilever arm 10 and the upper leg 4 , seen in FIG. 3 .
- a second rotation axis 41 is rotatably mounted between the fixed end 15 of the counterfort arm 14 and the lower leg 7 .
- a third rotation axis 42 is rotatably mounted between the training ball 21 and the free end 12 of the cantilever arm 10 .
- Both the cantilever arm 10 and the counterfort arm 14 continuously pivot about the U-shaped bracket 2 as the first rotation axis 40 and the second rotation axis 41 are positioned colinear with each other.
- the present invention readily receives a hit from a tennis racket as the first rotation axis 40 and the second rotation axis 41 are positioned perpendicular with the third rotation axis 42 .
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Abstract
A tennis-stroke trainer device is an apparatus that allows a user to perform various tennis strokes repetitively. The apparatus includes a frame, a training ball, a pair of length-adjustable fasteners, and an elastic cord. The frame offset and rotates the training ball around a post. The post is preferably a tennis post. The frame includes a U-shaped bracket, a cantilever arm, a counterfort arm, and a hook. The U-shaped bracket offsets and mounts both the cantilever arm and the counterfort arm with the post. The hook stretches the elastic cord along the cantilever arm. The training ball is preferably a large foam ball and serves as a target for the user. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners mounts the U-shaped bracket with the desired post. The elastic cord retracts the cantilever arm and the counterfort arm, and consequently the training ball after the training ball has been hit by the user.
Description
- The current application claims a priority to the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/972,049 filed on Feb. 9, 2020.
- The present invention generally relates to sports equipment. More specifically, the present invention is a tennis-stroke trainer.
- Tennis is played in countries all around the world. There are over 17 million tennis players in the United States. There are over 14,000 certified tennis teaching professionals in the United States. Teaching professionals are always looking for new and improved ways to teach students. Teaching aids are a commonly used to help players better understand the mechanics of the various tennis strokes. An essential skill for playing tennis is to better understand and learn top spin and back spin.
- The present invention is a portable training aid that simulates the movement of a tennis ball. The present invention provides tennis players with a controlled and repetitive opportunity to practice the tennis racket motion required to generate top spin and backspin. Each time the player hits a foam ball of the present invention, the foam ball spins and swings away from them, then returns to a neutral position to be hit again. This provides the player with an opportunity to practice their strokes in a more focused and controlled setting.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a top side view of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along line 5-5 inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a first fastening assembly of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a second fastening assembly of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a ball-fastening assembly of the present invention. - All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
- The present invention is a tennis-stroke trainer device. The present invention serves as a training tool for tennis players. The present invention serves to improve the form of a user. The present invention allows a user to practice various tennis strokes, such as a top spin and a back spin, repetitively. The present invention also only requires a post such as a tennis post or a pole so that the user may use the present invention individually, requiring no additional assistance. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame 1, a
training ball 21, a pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22, and anelastic cord 23, seen inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 . The frame 1 upholds and positions thetraining ball 21 with a tennis post or the like. The frame 1 comprises aU-shaped bracket 2, acantilever arm 10, acounterfort arm 14, and ahook 18. The U-shapedbracket 2 serves as a mount for thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 with the tennis post. The U-shapedbracket 2 comprises a connectingrod 3, anupper leg 4, and alower leg 7. The connectingrod 3 presses against the post and stabilizes the U-shapedbracket 2 across the tennis post. Theupper leg 4 secures thecantilever arm 10 with the U-shapedbracket 2, and thelower leg 7 secures thecounterfort arm 14 with the U-shapedbracket 2. Thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 provide the structural integrity for the frame 1 so that the user may hit thetraining ball 21 with the force as if thetraining ball 21 was an actual tennis ball. Thetraining ball 21 serves as a target for the user. Thetraining ball 21 is preferably a foam ball so that a tennis racket is not damaged after multiple hits with thetraining ball 21. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 secures the frame 1 with the tennis post and a variety of posts. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 is preferably a pair of steel band clamps. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 may be, but is not limited to, various clamps, ropes, and straps. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 allows the present invention to be mounted to posts of varying shapes and sizes. Theelastic cord 23 retracts both thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 after thetraining ball 21 has been hit by the user to a neutral position. While in the neutral position, thecantilever arm 10 is aligned with theupper leg 4, and thecounterfort arm 14 is aligned with thelower leg 7. - The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows the user to repetitively perform a top spin and a back spin with the present invention without having to reset the present invention after each hit. In order for the frame 1 to remain structurally sound as the
training ball 21 is hit by the user, theupper leg 4 is terminally fixed with the connectingrod 3, seen inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 , andFIG. 5 . Conversely, thelower leg 7 is terminally fixed with the connectingrod 3, opposite theupper leg 4. The pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22 is distributed in between theupper leg 4 and thelower leg 7 and is mounted onto the connectingrod 3, thereby securing and stabilizing the frame 1 with a tennis post. So that thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14, and consequently thetraining ball 21, pivot about the frame 1, theupper leg 4 and thelower leg 7 are oriented away from the pair of length-adjustable fasteners 22. More specifically, a fixedend 11 of thecantilever arm 10 is rotatably mounted with theupper leg 4, and a fixedend 15 of thecounterfort arm 14 is rotatably mounted with thelower leg 7. Thetraining ball 21 remains connected with the frame 1 while the user performs various tennis strokes as thetraining ball 21 is rotatably mounted with afree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10. This engagement allows thetraining ball 21 to rotate in the direction that corresponds with the type of tennis stroke. The force of the tennis stroke against thetraining ball 21 is evenly distributed through the frame 1 as thefree end 12 of thecounterfort arm 14 is laterally fixed to thecantilever arm 10, offset from thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10. More specifically, thecantilever arm 10 is positioned perpendicular with the connectingrod 3, and thecounterfort arm 14 is oriented at anacute angle 43 with the connectingrod 3. This arrangement allows thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 to smoothly pivot about the connectingrod 3. Theelastic cord 23 is mounted with the frame 1 as thehook 18 is laterally fixed to thecantilever arm 10, offset from the fixedend 11 of thecantilever arm 10. In order for thetraining ball 21 to return to the neutral position, theelastic cord 23 is tethered between theupper leg 4 and thehook 18. - In order to provide a secure connection between the
cantilever arm 10 and the connectingrod 3 throughout rotation, thecantilever arm 10 may further comprise anupward bend 13, seen inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 5 , andFIG. 6 . Theupward bend 13 extends thecantilever arm 10 into theupper leg 4 while maintaining the perpendicular arrangement with the connectingrod 3. Theupward bend 13 is preferably shaped to be a 90-degree arc. More specifically, theupper leg 4 may comprise anupper leg end 5 and a lower leg end 6. As thefixed end 11 rotates with theupper leg 4, theupward bend 13 is integrated into thefixed end 11 of thecantilever arm 10. Inorder cantilever arm 10 to be connected with theupper leg 4, theupper leg end 5 is positioned opposite the lower leg end 6 along theupper leg 4. Moreover, theupper leg end 5 is fixed adjacent with the connectingrod 3, and the lower leg end 6 is tethered with theelastic cord 23. This arrangement allows theelastic cord 23 to freely extend and retract. Thecantilever arm 10 freely pivots as theupward bend 13 is positioned in between theupper leg end 5 and the lower leg end 6. Furthermore, the upper bend is rotatably connected with theupper leg 4. - Similarly, the
counterfort arm 14 may further comprise adownward bend 17. Thedownward bend 17 extends thecounterfort arm 14 into thelower leg 7 while preserving the acute angle between thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14, seen inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 5 , andFIG. 7 . More specifically, thedownward bend 17 is shaped to be an obtuse arc. As thefixed end 15 rotates with thelower leg 7, thedownward bend 17 is integrated into thefixed end 15 of thecounterfort arm 14. Thecounterfort arm 14 freely pivots as thedownward bend 17 is rotatably connected with thelower leg 7. - The structural integrity of the
elastic cord 23 is preserved as the present invention may further comprise aneyelet 26, seen inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 5 , andFIG. 6 . Theeyelet 26 connects theelastic cord 23 with theupper leg 4 so that theelastic cord 23 does not get abraded or torn with theupper leg 4 as thecantilever arm 10 pivots. A loop is defined with theelastic cord 23 as theelastic cord 23 may comprise afirst cord end 24 and asecond cord end 25. In order for theelastic cord 23 to latch onto thehook 18, thehook 18 may comprise ashank 19 and ahorizontal bend 20. Theshank 19 connects thehorizontal bend 20 with thecantilever arm 10. Theelastic cord 23 is secured along thecantilever arm 10 with thehook 18 as theshank 19 is fixed along thecantilever arm 10, and thehorizontal bend 20 is oriented towards thetraining ball 21. The loop is defined as thefirst cord end 24 and thesecond cord end 25 are laterally fixed to theeyelet 26. Theelastic cord 23 is looped around thehook 18. This arrangement further preserves theelastic cord 23 and allows theelastic cord 23, along with theeyelet 26 to be easily interchanged or replaced. Moreover, theupper leg 4 is positioned into theeyelet 26, thereby pulling thecantilever arm 10 back into the neutral position with theupper leg 4. - In order for the
training ball 21 to freely rotate with thecantilever arm 10 while remaining secure with thecantilever arm 10, the present invention may further comprise atubing 27 and a ball-fasteningassembly 28, seen inFIG. 5 andFIG. 8 . Thetubing 27 reduces the friction between thetraining ball 21 and thecantilever arm 10. Thetubing 27 is preferably made of nylon. The ball-fasteningassembly 28 secures thetraining ball 21 with thecantilever arm 10. The ball-fasteningassembly 28 may comprise a pair ofproximal washers 29, a pair ofdistal washers 30, and astop fastener 31. The pair ofproximal washers 29 reduces the friction between thetraining ball 21 with both thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10 and thefree end 16 of thecounterfort arm 14. The pair ofdistal washers 30 reduces the friction between thestop fastener 31 and thetraining ball 21. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair ofproximal washers 29 and the pair ofdistal washers 30 may each comprise anylon washer 44 andmetal washer 45. Moreover, thenylon washer 44 is positioned in between themetal washer 45 and thetubing 27. Thetraining ball 21 freely rotates about thecantilever arm 10 as thetubing 27 is diametrically integrated through thetraining ball 21. Thecantilever arm 10 is positioned through the pair ofproximal washers 29, thetubing 27, and the pair ofdistal washers 30, so that thetraining ball 21 remains oncantilever arm 10 while rotating. Furthermore, the pair ofproximal washers 29, thetubing 27, and the pair ofdistal washers 30 are rotatably engaged with thecantilever arm 10. The rotation of thetraining ball 21 is uninhibited with both thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10 and thefree end 16 of thecounterfort arm 14 and with thestop fastener 31 as thetubing 27 is positioned in between the pair ofproximal washers 29 and the pair ofdistal washers 30. More specifically, the pair ofproximal washers 29 is positioned adjacent with thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10, and the pair ofdistal washers 30 is positioned with thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10. Thetraining ball 21 does not slip past thecantilever arm 10 as thestop fastener 31 is positioned adjacent with the pair ofdistal washers 30, opposite thetubing 27. Thestop fastener 31 is threadedly engaged to the distal end so that thetraining ball 21 is interchangeable or replaceable. - Similarly, the
cantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 freely rotate with the frame 1 while remaining connected with the frame 1 as the present invention may further comprise afirst fastening assembly 32 and asecond fastening assembly 36, seen inFIG. 6 andFIG. 7 , respectively. Thefirst fastening assembly 32 secures the connection between thecantilever arm 10 and theupper leg 4. Thesecond fastening assembly 36 secures the connection between thecounterfort arm 14 and thelower leg 7. Thefirst fastening assembly 32 may comprise a pair offirst fasteners 33, a pair offirst washers 34, and afirst bushing 35. Furthermore, theU-shaped bracket 2 may further comprise a first hole 8. The pair offirst fasteners 33 locks thecantilever arm 10 through theupper leg 4. The pair offirst washers 34 allows thecantilever arm 10 to freely rotate while locked into the first hole 8 with the pair offirst fasteners 33. Thefirst bushing 35 reduces the friction betweencantilever arm 10 and theupper leg 4. In order for thecantilever arm 10 to be connected with theupper leg 4, the first hole 8 laterally traverses through theupper leg 4. The pair offirst washers 34 is positioned in between the pair offirst fasteners 33 so that the rotation of thecantilever arm 10 remains uninhibited. Furthermore, thefirst bushing 35 is positioned in between the pair offirst washers 34, further facilitating the rotation of thecantilever arm 10. In order to reduce the friction between thecantilever arm 10, specifically theupward bend 13, with that of theupper leg 4, thefirst bushing 35 is mounted through the first hole 8. More specifically, thefixed end 11 of thecantilever arm 10 traverses through the pair offirst fasteners 33, the pair offirst washers 34, and thefirst bushing 35. The pair offirst fasteners 33 is threadedly engaged to thefixed end 11 of thecantilever arm 10 so that thecantilever arm 10, and consequently thecounterfort arm 14, may be interchanged or replaced with theU-shaped bracket 2. - Likewise, the
second fastening assembly 36 may comprise a pair ofsecond fasteners 37, a pair ofsecond washers 38, and asecond bushing 39, seen inFIG. 7 . Thesecond fastening assembly 36 may comprise a pair ofsecond fasteners 37, a pair ofsecond washers 38, and asecond bushing 39. Furthermore, theU-shaped bracket 2 may further comprise a second hole 9. The pair ofsecond fasteners 37 locks thecounterfort arm 14 through thelower leg 7. The pair ofsecond washers 38 allows thecounterfort arm 14 to freely rotate while locked into the second hole 9 with the pair ofsecond fasteners 37. Thesecond bushing 39 reduces the friction betweencounterfort arm 14 and thelower leg 7. In order for thecounterfort arm 14 to be connected with thelower leg 7, the second hole 9 laterally traverses through thelower leg 7. The pair ofsecond washers 38 is positioned in between the pair ofsecond fasteners 37 so that the rotation of thecounterfort arm 14 remains uninhibited. Moreover, thesecond bushing 39 is positioned in between the pair ofsecond washers 38, further facilitating the rotation of thecantilever arm 10. In order to reduce the friction between thecounterfort arm 14, specifically thedownward bend 17, with that of thelower leg 7, thesecond bushing 39 is mounted through the second hole 9. More specifically, thefixed end 15 of thecounterfort arm 14 traverses through the pair ofsecond fasteners 37, the pair ofsecond washers 38, and thesecond bushing 39. The pair ofsecond fasteners 37 is threadedly engaged to thefixed end 15 of thecounterfort arm 14 so that thecantilever arm 10, and consequently thecounterfort arm 14, may be interchanged or replaced with theU-shaped bracket 2. - In order for the
cantilever arm 10 to freely pivot with theU-shaped bracket 2 and about a tennis post, afirst rotation axis 40 is rotatably mounted between thefixed end 11 of thecantilever arm 10 and theupper leg 4, seen inFIG. 3 . Likewise, in order for thecounterfort arm 14 to freely pivot with theU-shaped bracket 2 and about the tennis post, asecond rotation axis 41 is rotatably mounted between thefixed end 15 of thecounterfort arm 14 and thelower leg 7. In order for thetraining ball 21 to rotate when struck by a tennis racket, athird rotation axis 42 is rotatably mounted between thetraining ball 21 and thefree end 12 of thecantilever arm 10. Both thecantilever arm 10 and thecounterfort arm 14 continuously pivot about theU-shaped bracket 2 as thefirst rotation axis 40 and thesecond rotation axis 41 are positioned colinear with each other. The present invention readily receives a hit from a tennis racket as thefirst rotation axis 40 and thesecond rotation axis 41 are positioned perpendicular with thethird rotation axis 42. - Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims (14)
1. A tennis-stroke trainer device comprises:
a frame;
a training ball;
a pair of length-adjustable fasteners;
an elastic cord;
the frame comprises a U-shaped bracket, a cantilever arm, a counterfort arm, and a hook;
the U-shaped bracket comprises a connecting rod, an upper leg, and a lower leg;
the upper leg being terminally fixed with the connecting rod;
the lower leg being terminally fixed with the connecting rod, opposite the upper leg;
the pair of length-adjustable fasteners being distributed in between the upper leg and the lower leg;
the pair of length-adjustable fasteners being mounted onto the connecting rod;
the upper leg and the lower leg being oriented away from the pair of length-adjustable fasteners;
a fixed end of the cantilever arm being rotatably mounted with the upper leg;
a fixed end of the counterfort arm being rotatably mounted with the lower leg;
the training ball being rotatably mounted with a free end of the cantilever arm;
the free end of the counterfort arm being laterally fixed to the cantilever arm, offset from the free end of the cantilever arm;
the hook being laterally fixed to the cantilever arm, offset from the fixed end of the cantilever arm; and,
the elastic cord being tethered between the upper leg and the hook.
2. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pair of length-adjustable fasteners is a pair of steel band clamps.
3. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the cantilever arm being positioned perpendicular with the connecting rod; and,
the counterfort arm being oriented at an acute angle with the connecting rod.
4. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the cantilever arm further comprises an upward bend;
the upper leg comprises an upper leg end and a lower leg end;
the upward bend being integrated into the fixed end of the cantilever arm;
the upper leg end being positioned opposite the lower leg end along the upper leg;
the upper leg end being fixed adjacent with the connecting rod;
the lower leg end being tethered with the elastic cord;
the upward bend being positioned in between the upper leg end and the lower leg end; and,
the upward bend being rotatably connected with the upper leg.
5. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the upward bend is shaped to be a 90-degree arc.
6. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
the counterfort arm further comprises a downward bend;
the downward bend being integrated into the fixed end of the counterfort arm; and,
the downward bend being rotatably connected with the lower leg.
7. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the downward bend is shaped to be an obtuse arc.
8. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
an eyelet;
the elastic cord comprises a first cord end and a second cord end;
the hook comprises a shank and a horizontal bend;
the shank being fixed along the cantilever arm;
the horizontal bend being oriented towards the training ball;
the first cord end and the second cord end being laterally fixed to the eyelet;
the elastic cord being looped around the hook; and,
the upper leg being positioned into the eyelet.
9. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a tubing;
a ball-fastening assembly;
the ball-fastening assembly comprises a pair of proximal washers, a pair of distal washers, and a stop fastener;
the tubing being diametrically integrated through the training ball;
the cantilever arm being positioned through the pair of proximal washers, the tubing, and the pair of distal washers;
the pair of proximal washers, the tubing, and the pair of distal washers being rotatably engaged with the cantilever arm;
the tubing being positioned in between the pair of proximal washers and the pair of distal washers;
the pair of proximal washers being positioned adjacent with the free end of the cantilever arm;
the pair of distal washers being positioned with the free end of the cantilever arm;
the stop fastener being positioned adjacent with the pair of distal washers, opposite the tubing; and,
the stop fastener being threadedly engaged to the distal end.
10. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 9 comprises:
the pair of proximal washers and the pair of distal washers each comprise a nylon washer and a metal washer; and,
the nylon washer being positioned in between the metal washer and the tubing.
11. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the tubing is made of nylon.
12. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a first fastening assembly;
the first fastening assembly comprises a pair of first fasteners, a pair of first washers, and a first bushing;
the U-shaped bracket further comprises a first hole;
the first hole laterally traversing through the upper leg;
the pair of first washers being positioned in between the pair of first fasteners;
the first bushing being positioned in between the pair of first washers;
the first bushing being mounted through the first hole;
the fixed end of the cantilever arm traversing through the pair of the first fasteners, the pair of first washers, and the first bushing; and,
the pair of first fasteners being threadedly engaged to the fixed end of the cantilever arm.
13. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a second fastening assembly;
the second fastening assembly comprises a pair of second fasteners, a pair of second washers, and a second bushing;
the U-shaped bracket further comprises a second hole;
the second hole laterally traversing through the lower leg;
the pair of second washers being positioned in between the pair of second fasteners;
the second bushing being positioned in between the pair of second washers;
the second bushing being mounted through the second hole;
the fixed end of the counterfort arm traversing through the pair of the second fasteners, the pair of second washers, and the second bushing; and,
the pair of second fasteners being threadedly engaged to the fixed end of the counterfort arm.
14. The tennis-stroke trainer device as claimed in claim 1 comprises:
a first rotation axis being rotatably mounted between the fixed end of the cantilever arm and the upper leg;
a second rotation axis being rotatably mounted between the fixed end of the counterfort arm and the lower leg;
a third rotation axis being rotatably mounted between the training ball and the free end of the cantilever arm;
the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis being positioned colinear with each other; and,
the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis being positioned perpendicular with the third rotation axis.
Priority Applications (2)
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US17/171,872 US11083948B1 (en) | 2020-02-09 | 2021-02-09 | Tennis-stroke trainer device |
US29/774,039 USD1006937S1 (en) | 2021-02-09 | 2021-03-12 | Tennis-stroke trainer device |
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US202062972049P | 2020-02-09 | 2020-02-09 | |
US17/171,872 US11083948B1 (en) | 2020-02-09 | 2021-02-09 | Tennis-stroke trainer device |
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US29/774,039 Continuation-In-Part USD1006937S1 (en) | 2021-02-09 | 2021-03-12 | Tennis-stroke trainer device |
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US11083948B1 US11083948B1 (en) | 2021-08-10 |
US20210245027A1 true US20210245027A1 (en) | 2021-08-12 |
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US17/171,872 Active US11083948B1 (en) | 2020-02-09 | 2021-02-09 | Tennis-stroke trainer device |
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Family Cites Families (12)
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US2305187A (en) * | 1940-08-20 | 1942-12-15 | Benjamin H Neiden | Sport practice apparatus |
US2976040A (en) * | 1958-09-19 | 1961-03-21 | Jack J Bales | Practice tether ball device |
US3876203A (en) | 1974-04-04 | 1975-04-08 | Philip Gold | Device for use in practicing tennis strokes |
US4042237A (en) | 1976-06-24 | 1977-08-16 | Cornel Moraru | Tennis trainer |
US4089521A (en) | 1976-08-25 | 1978-05-16 | Berst Theodore H | Tennis stroke trainer |
US4477083A (en) | 1983-07-29 | 1984-10-16 | Sowards Gregory E | Sports training and practice device |
US5553848A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1996-09-10 | Amron; Scott L. | Multiple sport practice apparatus |
US5618039A (en) * | 1995-07-18 | 1997-04-08 | Tsai; Peter | Batting exercising device for baseball |
US20010036874A1 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2001-11-01 | Robert Dale Cathcart | Tennis stroke trainer |
US7115052B2 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2006-10-03 | Pro Tennis Training, Inc. | Methods and devices for sport ball training |
US6976926B2 (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2005-12-20 | Pro Performance Sports, Llc | Extended-use ball striking training device |
WO2017141270A1 (en) | 2016-02-18 | 2017-08-24 | Oceanic Floats Pvt. Ltd. | Trainer for ball hitting |
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