US20220080282A1

US20220080282A1 - Apparatus and method for improving swings of sports players

Info

Publication number: US20220080282A1
Application number: US17/447,651
Authority: US
Inventors: DeWayne Edward Lepper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-14
Filing date: 2021-09-14
Publication date: 2022-03-17

Abstract

A sports swing aid is disclosed, and includes a shaft, head, and grip. The head may be substantially flat, weighted, and curved, as well as angled relative to the shaft at a first end of the shaft. A grip is provided at a second end of the shaft. The swing aid, and in particular the head, is configured to be swung at a plurality of orientations to work different muscle groups of a user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/706,844, filed Sep. 14, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to training devices/aids and, more particularly, to a tool for increasing power and speed of a golf and/or softball/baseball swing.
A swing, in the context of sports, is an action by which a player attempts to hit a ball. Generating power for a golf, softball, baseball, or other swing can prove challenging. Weight-training improves strength but generally only targets a single muscle group at a time and does not specifically train a player to improve their golf swing.
Available products do not feel like or swing like a golf club, and there is nothing that currently exists to train a softball player that works all the muscles this does in the forearms and hand. The MEDICUS™ is like a golf club but is barely heavier than an iron, and it isn't designed to be swung very fast, meaning it doesn't result in a faster swing. Rather, this product is designed to teach proper swing form, not strengthen a player's muscles that are used during the swinging process. Another example is the SUPERSPEED™ stick, which is straight, so it cannot be adjusted to change the angle of swing in softball (i.e., rotating the stick and swinging it does not result in different muscles being worked since it has a symmetrical design about its longitudinal axis).
As can be seen, there is a need for a tool that is superior for increasing power and speed in a player's swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a sports swing aid comprises: a shaft; a substantially flat, weighted, and curved head extending from a first end of the shaft at an angle; and a grip being provided at a second end of the shaft, the grip, curved head, and shaft being configured to be swung.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a swing of a user includes the steps of: (1) providing a sports swing aid comprising: a shaft; a substantially flat, weighted, and curved head being angled relative to the shaft at a first end of the shaft; and a grip being provided at a second end of the shaft; (2) grasping the grip such that an end portion the curved head is oriented at least partially upwards; and (3) swinging the swing aid a plurality of times.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention that also includes a detail view of a lower portion thereof;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a first position the embodiment, in use; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a second position the embodiment, in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the art will be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a sports swing aid comprising: (1) a shaft; (2) a curved head (that is substantially flat and weighted) being angled relative to the shaft at a first end thereof; and (3) a grip being provided at a second end of the shaft section. The grip, curved head, and shaft being configured to be swung to increase the speed and power of a user's sports swing.
One objective of the present invention is to increase the power and speed of a player's swing. In accordance with this objective, swinging an embodiment of the present invention a plurality of times (such as 40 to 60 times) and a set period of days (such as every other day) will greatly increase the power of an individual's swing, giving them the power to swing through the ball and follow through. The unique design can advantageously be utilized across sports, such as golf, softball, and baseball, to increase swing speed and power in all of them. While the prior art attempts to solve similar problems as the present invention, the present invention is a vast improvement in actual results, due to its unique configuration. Regarding softball and baseball, for example, the present invention changes the angle of swing compared to the SPEEDSTICK™. The present invention is configured to help a user roll his or her wrist over better as well.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a golf swing aid 10 includes a grip 12, a shaft 14, a head 16, and a rubber coating 18. In certain embodiments, the shaft 14 may be embodied as an iron bar that includes a jig piece, forming a curved and substantially flat head 16, rigidly attached thereto (such as by welding). In other embodiments, the shaft 14 may be curved and substantially flat at the bottom to form the head 16 (i.e., formed as an integral piece). In certain embodiments, the head 16 may be arranged at approximately a 135-degree angle relative to the shaft 14. To the right of the head 16 (relative to the orientation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), a bulge is provided at a bottom end of the shaft 14. As a result of the configuration, the aid 10 is heavier than a typical golf club. The grip 12 may be embodied as a rubber handle to hold onto the iron. In certain embodiments, the head 16 and grip 12 may be painted or coated with a rubber coating. The grip 12 may be inserted on the top part of the shaft 14 and securely connected in any appropriate manner, such as via gluing. Paint also improves the aesthetics of the aid 10. In certain embodiments, the entire shaft 14 may be provided with a rubber coating to better protect other objects that may be struck by the aid 10, as well as providing distinctive coloring to it.
This aid 10 is specifically configured for training and strengthening. An individual may swing it in a similar manner as a golf club (i.e., pull the aid 10 behind their head (FIG. 4), swing downwardly (FIG. 5), and follow through) a plurality of times, such as approximately 40-70 times, every other day. It will be appreciated that the number of times and specific days utilized may be varied in accordance with the present invention. Applicant's experimentation with the present invention has yielded gains of 30-50 yards of golf ball travel since employing the present invention. For baseball and softball, the aid 10 also helps an individual roll their wrists over, which contributes to increased power.
To train, an individual may swing this aid 10 with the curved head 16 directed upwards (orientation seen in FIG. 5) about twenty times, then turn it down (i.e., rotate the aid 10 ninety degrees) and swing it same number of times. In doing so, this makes the individual swing down on the ball for more of a homerun swing and puts back spin on the ball to make it carry further. When the iron angle is oriented up, it makes the individual swing up a little and consequently works different muscle groups. Next, the curved head 16 may be turned to face forwards (relative to the direction of the swing, i.e., the tip of the head 16 points in a forward direction) and swung the same number of times, and then turned 180 degrees (i.e., the tip of the head 16 points backwards) and swung in a similar manner again.
As described above, this unique workout aid 10 provides swings at four different angles due to the shaped head 16. This also helps individuals to adjust their swing to connect with the ball if the swing is off to begin with. For golf, it helps individuals make better contact with the ball when hitting irons because it helps them hit down on the ball more and with significantly more hand and wrist power. The length of the aid may also be varied to act as a shorter iron or a driver.
A method of making the present invention may include the following. First, a straight iron bar is bent at an end thereof to approximately a 20 percent curve. Next, the bar may be painted or coated with rubber 18 approximately 0.25 inches thick to provide protection to others and other objects. Next, a grip 12 is put on the top of the iron. Certain embodiments of the present invention may include an additional V-shape piece of iron welded on the back of the aid 10 towards the bottom, or the present invention may be included without it.
A method of using the present invention may include of the following. An individual may swing the aid 10 in a smooth and steady swing rhythm for 10-20 swings for each set (the sets being, for example, the different angular arrangements of the aid 10 as described in detail above). Three to four sets may be done per day. After the workout, at least 24 hours should be given for recovery. Every other day is preferred to obtain ideal results but may be varied. When training for golf, an individual doesn't need to change the angle of the iron (i.e., it can be swung as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). For baseball and softball swing training, a user should utilize the four different angles as described above and may swing at each orientation approximately 30-50 times with four sets. An alternative method of using the aid 10 may include swinging it 8-15 sets, with 10-15 swings per set. This will result in approximately 100 to 150 total swings, which will strength and speed up golf, softball, and baseball swings.
Potential reconfigurations may include the following. In certain embodiments, the curved head 16 may be lengthened, or the design at the very bottom may be adjusted. In other embodiments, a small ball may be provided at the end. In certain embodiments, to achieve a lighter model aid 10, weight may be reduced by providing the shaft 14 as with a hollow core, while maintaining the flat head.
While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.
While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. For example, the action of rotating the aid 10 90 degrees or 180 degrees also includes angles close to 90 degrees and 180 degrees, respectively (as it would be difficult to rotate exactly 90 degrees or 180 degrees every single time). Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.
Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A sports swing aid comprising:

a shaft;

a substantially flat, weighted, and curved head extending from a first end of the shaft at an angle; and

a grip being provided at a second end of the shaft,

the grip, curved head, and shaft being configured to be swung.

2. The sports swing aid of claim 1, wherein the shaft is formed of iron and comprises a solid core.

3. The sports swing aid of claim 1, further comprising a rubber coating that covers the curved head and at least a portion of the shaft.

4. The sports swing aid of claim 1, wherein the curved head is angled at approximately a 135-degree angle relative to the shaft.

5. The sports swing aid of claim 1, wherein the shaft and the curved head are integral with one another.

6. A method of improving a swing of a user, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a sports swing aid comprising:

a shaft;

a grip being provided at a second end of the shaft;

grasping the grip such that an end portion the curved head is oriented at least partially upwards; and

swinging the swing aid a plurality of times.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:

rotating the shaft approximately 180 degrees; and

swinging the swing aid a plurality of times.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

rotating the shaft approximately 90 degrees; and

swinging the swing aid a plurality of times.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of times is approximately twenty swings.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the curved head is angled at approximately a 135-degree angle relative to the shaft.