US3269729A - Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap - Google Patents

Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3269729A
US3269729A US346744A US34674464A US3269729A US 3269729 A US3269729 A US 3269729A US 346744 A US346744 A US 346744A US 34674464 A US34674464 A US 34674464A US 3269729 A US3269729 A US 3269729A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
flexible
wrist
tube
plate
bubble
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US346744A
Inventor
Tom R Morrison
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US346744A priority Critical patent/US3269729A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3269729A publication Critical patent/US3269729A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00Training appliances or apparatus for special sports

Definitions

  • the subject invention comprises a transparent tube, preferably of a flexible material, mounted upon a calibrated base plate which is also preferably made of an easily deformable material.
  • the transparent tube contains a fluid and a bubble of gas or a fluid which is adapted to move within the tube and along the calibrated plate when movement occurs.
  • the combination of the transparent tube and the calibrated plate are fixedly attached to a flexible strap for attachment to the users body.
  • the invention is secured to the users body, for example the wrist, and the combination of the transparent tube and the calibrated plate is bent to conform to the users wrist such that a large dynamic angular measurement of wrist rotation is provided by movement of the bubble which measurement allows the wearer to angularly position his wrist repeatedly in a predetermined position.
  • FIGURE 1 is an illustration helpful in understanding the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a drawing illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention.
  • FIGURE 3 is a drawing helpful in understanding the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 2;
  • FIGURE 4 is a drawing illustrative of one type of flexible tube which can be utilized in the subject invention.
  • FIGURE 5 is a drawing of yet another type of flexible tube
  • FIGURE 6 is a drawing illustrative of one embodiment of the subject invention in which the level tube and the calibrated plate are integrated into a single unit;
  • FIGURE 7 is another embodiment of the subject invention comprising an integrated unit
  • FIGURE 8 is still another embodiment of the subject invention employing an integrated unit
  • FIGURE 9 is yet another embodiment of the subject invention in which the level and base plate are integrated into a single unit.
  • FIGURE 10 is a drawing of still another embodiment of the subject invention in which the level and base plate are integrated into a single unit.
  • FIGURE 1 illustrates the manner in which the subject invention achieves its desired objects. Shown therein is a view of the human elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand including the fingers. The thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the hand are extended outwardly at mutually right angles to one another. An orthogonal coordinate system is superimposed such that the thumb defines the Z axis, the forefinger defines the Y axis and the middle finger defines the X axis. Apparatus comprising the subject invention is shown attached to the wrist of the wearer with the level portion appearing on the upper curved portion thereof. It
  • initial Wrist angle defined as the rotational angle of the wrist about the Y axis, can be precisely controlled by reference to the calibration markings included on the subject invention.
  • the preferred embodiment of the subject invention is shown comprising a flexible transparent tube containing a fluid 12 and a bubble 14 of a gas or other suitable fluid.
  • the tube 10 is mounted upon a selectively deformable plate 16 having indicia 17 in the form of graduations printed thereon to form a calibrated plate.
  • the tube 10 and the calibrated plate 16 are attached to a flexible strap 18 which includes a buckle 19 for temporary, relatively immovable, attachment to the users body.
  • a preferred means of mounting the flexible tube 10 and the calibrated plate 16 to the flexible strap 18 is shown in FIGURE 2 where one or more staples 20 are driven through the plate 16 and the strap 18 and clinched on the underside thereof so that each tab end of the tube 10 is secured under the loop of the staple 20.
  • the staple 20 and the ends of the flexible tube 10 are concealed by the tabs 22 formed by shaping and bending the ends of the calibrated plate 16.
  • a strip of compressible non-skid foam material 24 is attached to the underside of the flexible strap 18 opposite the position of the calibrated plate 16 and the flexible tube 10.
  • the flexible strap 18 is buckled to the users wrist with the tube 10 and the deformable calibrated plate 16 located in such a manner that when the user, for example, holds his bowling ball in his usual pre-swing manner, the bubble 14 is substantially centered in the graduations appearing on the calibrated plate.
  • the user practices a few times to determine the correct bubble position for his particular style of delivery; and thereafter always returns his wrist to the same rotational position before the start of every swing using the calibration marks on the calibrated plate 16 for reference.
  • the flexibility of the calibrated plate 16 is chosen to be preferably a compromise between the softness required to allow easy bending for initial fitting to the curve of the users wrist and the stiffness required to retain its shape in the same curve between periods of use when being worn.
  • the foam material 24 allows the wrist expansion and contraction attendant upon sporting activities and prevents slippage of the assembly around the users wrist as well as providing a certain degree of comfort.
  • FIGURE 3 is a diagram helpful in the understanding of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 2, the flexible tube 10 is formed such that the tab ends 30 of the tube are coplanar with one side thereof. This configuration reduces the stress in the tube when the assembly is formed in an are as shown by the dashed lines. Excessive stress tends to flatten the tube 10 and, if a gas bubble 14 is utilized, tends to cause absorption of the gas into the fluid.
  • FIGURE 4 is illustrative of another embodiment of the tube 10 in which the calibrated plate of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 2 has been replaced by an internal calibrated plate 32 having graduations printed thereon which is sealed into the flexible tube 10 at the time of fabrication.
  • FIGURE 5 is yet another embodiment of the flexible tube 10 where the indicia 34 comprising the calibration markings are provided on the internal or external surface of the tube 10 itself, thereby eliminating the need for the aforementioned calibrated plate 16.
  • the bubble 14 is then made to be centered between the graduations 34.
  • FIGURE 6 illustrates one embodiment of the subject invention in which the calibrated plate and flexible tube are fabricated into a single unit.
  • a transparent plastic sheet 40 is bonded to a deformable plate 46 in such a fashion that an unbonded protuberance 42 exists longitudinally along the center.
  • the semi-cylindrical cavity 44 so formed in the unbonded section is partially filled With a suitable fluid.
  • Calibration markings can be located on either sideof the plastic sheet 40, or when desired upon the upper surface of the plate 46.
  • FIGURE 7 illustrates another embodiment of an integrated plate and tube.
  • An easily deformable preferably metal plate 50 is stamped with a semi-cylindrical impression 54.
  • a plain transparent plastic plate 52 is bonded to the plane surface of the plate 50.
  • the semi-cylindrical cavity 56 formed in the stamped depression 54 is partially filled with fluid.
  • Calibration markings, not shown, can be located on either side of the transparent plastic plate 52 or when desired upon the upper surface of the plate 50.
  • FIGURE 8 Shown therein is a transparent sheet of plastic material sandwiched between an easily deformable preferably metal base plate 62 and aperture plate 64, also easily deformable. Bonding of the three pieces 60, 62 and 64 is performed in a well known manner such that a protuberance 66 is formed in the plastic sheet 60 so that the sheet 60 bulges outward through the aperture plate 64.
  • the semi-cylindrical cavity 68 so formed is partially filled with a suitable fluid.
  • Indicia comprising calibration markings, not shown, can be located when desired on the aperture plate 64 on either side of the protuberance 66 and on the revealed portion of the base plate 62.
  • FIGURE 9 Still another embodiment of the integrated plate and tube structure is shown in FIGURE 9.
  • a semi-cylindrical cavity '78 is formed between two plastic sheets 72 and 74 in a manner similar to that described with regard to FIGURE 6. This assembly is then bonded to an easily deformable base plate 70. Calibration markings can be selectively located on any revealed surface.
  • FIGURE 10 Still another embodiment of the integrated plate and tube structure is shown in FIGURE 10.
  • An easily deformable metal plate and a transparent flexible plastic plate 82 are bonded to either side of a metal aperture plate 84.
  • the cavity 86 formed by the aperture plate 84 and the two plain plates 80 and 82 is partially filled with fluid.
  • the calibration markings not shown can be selectively located on any revealed surface.
  • a position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the limb of a user comprising a flexible strap, and a flexible bubble indicator means connected to said strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said flexible bubble indicator means are conformable to the contour of the limb of the user.
  • a position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the limb of a user comprising a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to said limb, and a flexible position indicating device containing a fluid connected to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said indicating device are conformable to the contour of the limb of the user.
  • Apparatus for noting the amount of angular rotation of the wrist of a user comprising, flexible bubble indicating means, a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to said Wrist and means connecting said flexible bubble indicating means to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said flexible bubble indicating means are conformable to the contour of the wrist of the user.
  • Arm position control apparatus comprising, a flexible bubble indicator, a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to a selected limb of a wearer and means for connecting said flexible bubble indicator to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said strap and said indicator are conformable to said limb of said wearer.
  • said bubble indicator comprises, a deformable plate, a flexible transparent tube containing a fluid and means for mounting said transparent tube on said plate.
  • said bubble indicator comprises, a deformable base plate having indicia imprinted on one surface thereof in the form of graduations, a flexible transparent tube closed at both ends and containing a fluid and a bubble therein, and means for attaching said transparent tube to the surface of said base plate containing said indicia.
  • said bubble indicator comprises a tube of flexible transparent tube having tab ends pressed together such that said tab ends are coplanar with one side of said tube, a deformable base plate member having indicia in the form of graduations imprinted on one surface thereof and means for mounting said flexible tube to said one surface at said tab ends of said flexible transparent tube.
  • said bubble indicator comprises a flexible transparent tube closed at the ends and containing a fluid and a bubble, said bubble being adaptable to move within said tube upon movement thereof, and indicia means imprinted on one surface of said tube in the form of graduations for calibrating the movement of said bubble.
  • said flexible bubble indicator comprises a flexible transparent tube closed at the ends and containing a predetermined quantity of a fluid therein and a flexible calibrated plate mounted inside of said tube so that said calibrated plate is visible through said tube.
  • said bubble indicator comprises a deformable base plate member and a transparent sheet of plastic material bonded to said base plate member in a manner such that an unbonded protuberance is formed a predetermined length longitudinally substantially along the center of said base plate member.
  • said bubble indicator comprises a selectively deformable base plate member having a substantially semi-cylindrical impression of a predetermined length running along one dimension and being substantially centered along the face thereof, a plain transparent plastic plate bonded to said face, a predetermined quantity of fluid partially filling said impression, and indicia in the form of calibration markings selectively imprinted upon a selected surface.
  • a position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the arm of a user comprising in combination, a flexible position indicating device including a deformable base plate member, a deformable aperture plate member and a transparent sheet of plastic material bonded between said base plate member and said aperture plate member forming a protuberance in said plastic sheet outwardly through said aperture plate member, said protuberance additionally having a predetermined quantity of fluid therein forming a bubble which is adapted to move within said protuberance as said apparatus is moved; a flexible strap; and means for connecting said flexible position indicating device to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said indicating device is conformable to the contour of the arm of the user.
  • a position control apparatus adapted to be Worn on the limb of a user comprising in combination, a flexible position indicating device including a deformable base plate member, a first sheet of plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material, said first and said second sheets being bonded together in a manner that a semi-cylindrical cavity is formed therebetween for a predetermined length, and means for bonding said first and said second plastic sheets to said base plate member; indicia means in the form of calibration markings selectively located on a surface of said indicating device; a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to the arm of said user and means connecting said flexible position indicating device to said flexible strap whereby the combination is conformable to the contour of the arm of the user.
  • An arm position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the wrist of a user comprising in combination, a flexible bubble indicator means comprising a plate of deformable material and containing an aperture a preselected distance along its length, another deformable plate bonded to one side of said aperture plate and a plate of transparent plastic material bonded to the other side of said aperture plate, a fluid partially filling said aperture effecting a bubble therein which is adapted to move within said aperture as the rotational position of the wrist is varied; indicia comprising calibration markings located on a selected revealed surface of said bubble indicator means; a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to the wrist; and means connecting said bubble indicator means to said flexible strap whereby the combination is conformable to the contour of the wrist of the user.
  • An arm position control appartus adapted to be worn on the wrist comprising, flexible bubble indicator means; a flexible strap having a buckle attached to one end thereof, permitting said apparatus to be securely fastened to the wrist; means connecting said flexible bubble indicator means to said flexible strap on one side; and a strip of compressible non-skid foam material connected to the other side of said flexible material opposite said bubble indicator means, whereby the combination of said flexible strap, said indicator means and said strip of foam material is readily conformable to the contour of the wrist.

Description

Aug. 30, 1966 T. R. MORRISON 3,269,729
POSITION CONTROL APPARATUS WITH FLEXIBLE LEVEL INDICATOR AND MOUNTING STRAP Filed Feb. 24, 1954 INVENTOR.
TOM R. MORRISON BY MMJM A TTORNE Y United States Patent 3 269,729 POSITION CON'IROL APPARATUS WITH FLEX- IIBLE LEVEL INDICATOR AND MOUNTING STRAP Tom R. Morrison, 1721 Lansing Road, Glen Burnie, Md. Filed Feb. 24, 1964, Eer. No. 346,744 19 Claims. (Cl. 273-54) This invention relates generally to arm position control apparatus and more particularly pertains to apparatus which provides a reference calibration of wrist rotation for sports and. other selected activities.
Many sports activities depend upon precise wrist rotation as an initial condition for consistency in performance. Examples of sports activities in which consistent initial wrist angle is required for expert performance are: bowling, billiards, golf, baseball batting, archery, curling, shufiieboard, and horseshoe pitching, etc.
It has been discovered that people cannot easily sense a change in wrist angle of as much as plus or minus ten to fifteen degrees in a sequence of activities separated in time. This normal lack of angle sensibility is further degraded in many activities due to the presence of a heavy and/or clumsy object such as a ball, cue, golf club, etc. in the users hand. For example, the angle at which a bowlers wrist is held before the start of his swing determines, to a measurable degree, the direction and magnitude of the curve which the ball traces in its trajectory along the bowling lane. Various tricks are employed by serious bowlers to attempt to attain a consistent initial wrist angle. Some tricks work reasonably Well for many bowlers, but true precision is seldom attained.
The situation in which a bowling ball touches the floor just prior to being released is a complicated dynamics problem in which inertia, friction, misaligned force vectors, and gyroscopic principles are involved. The curve of a tenpin bowling ball, having one or more holes selectively spaced on its surface, as it is rolled along its trajectory, is created by the action of the fingers which remain in the ball momentarily after the thumb is withdrawn. The force vector of the fingers is laterally displaced from the inertia vector passing through the centroid of the ball. The amount of this misalignment is seen to be governed by the rotational angle of the Wrist just prior to release. The degenerate case in which the force and inertia vectors are aligned occurs only when the inner wrist is forward in the direction of motion at release. In this case, the fingers are in line with the inertia vector. Consequently, a straight roll results. The more usual situation is complicated by rotation of the ball imparted during the swing. In general, the ball contacts the lane with a certain forward velocity and an angular momentum about some axis. An additional rotation about a second axis is created in the roll of the ball along the lane towards the pins. In essence, a combination of gyroscopic precession about the rotational axis, and a cross lane roll imparted by the balls spin, combine to force the trajectory of the ball into a long are curve. If this curve can be consistently delivered by the bowler, his choice of apparent aiming points can yield controllable target points. Such consistency produces significant increases in scoring. A similar analysis applies to bowling with a non-holed ball such as used in bowling duckpins, except that the frictional contact with the fingers is substituted for the finger location in holes.
The kinematics problem just described is combined with the problem of human physical coordination. For consistency, most people require a methodical approach in which they practice with a certain, non-varying, initial position, stance, pace, swing, release, and follow through. Each element is dependent on all others. Continual practice provides integration of the many physiological and physical elements into a single smooth motion or delivery.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a lightweight, flexible angular position indicator which can be attached to the users body and which will conform to the curve of the limb to which it is attached.
It is another object of the present invention to provide means for sportsmen and the like to achieve a consistent initial position with relation to the angle of wrist rotation.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a means for bowlers and the like to achieve a consistent initial position of Wrist rotation in holding a bowling ball during the initial stance prior to delivery of the ball down the bowling lane.
Briefly, the subject invention comprises a transparent tube, preferably of a flexible material, mounted upon a calibrated base plate which is also preferably made of an easily deformable material. The transparent tube contains a fluid and a bubble of gas or a fluid which is adapted to move within the tube and along the calibrated plate when movement occurs. The combination of the transparent tube and the calibrated plate are fixedly attached to a flexible strap for attachment to the users body. The invention is secured to the users body, for example the wrist, and the combination of the transparent tube and the calibrated plate is bent to conform to the users wrist such that a large dynamic angular measurement of wrist rotation is provided by movement of the bubble which measurement allows the wearer to angularly position his wrist repeatedly in a predetermined position.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent as a reading of the following detailed description proceeds when studied in light of the following drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is an illustration helpful in understanding the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a drawing illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention;
FIGURE 3 is a drawing helpful in understanding the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 is a drawing illustrative of one type of flexible tube which can be utilized in the subject invention;
FIGURE 5 is a drawing of yet another type of flexible tube;
FIGURE 6 is a drawing illustrative of one embodiment of the subject invention in which the level tube and the calibrated plate are integrated into a single unit;
FIGURE 7 is another embodiment of the subject invention comprising an integrated unit;
FIGURE 8 is still another embodiment of the subject invention employing an integrated unit;
FIGURE 9 .is yet another embodiment of the subject invention in which the level and base plate are integrated into a single unit; and
FIGURE 10 is a drawing of still another embodiment of the subject invention in which the level and base plate are integrated into a single unit.
Considering the drawings in detail, FIGURE 1 illustrates the manner in which the subject invention achieves its desired objects. Shown therein is a view of the human elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand including the fingers. The thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the hand are extended outwardly at mutually right angles to one another. An orthogonal coordinate system is superimposed such that the thumb defines the Z axis, the forefinger defines the Y axis and the middle finger defines the X axis. Apparatus comprising the subject invention is shown attached to the wrist of the wearer with the level portion appearing on the upper curved portion thereof. It
will become apparent with an examination of FIGURE 1 that two axes of rotation, those about the X and Z axes,
are available at the wrist; however, rotation about the Y axis (represented by the pointing forefinger) cannot be performed at the wrist joint. Rotation about the forefinger can only be achieved using the elbow. Consequently, any rotation about the forefinger implies precisely equal rotation of the wrist through the elbow joint. Therefore, initial Wrist angle, defined as the rotational angle of the wrist about the Y axis, can be precisely controlled by reference to the calibration markings included on the subject invention.
With respect to FIGURE 2, the preferred embodiment of the subject invention is shown comprising a flexible transparent tube containing a fluid 12 and a bubble 14 of a gas or other suitable fluid. The tube 10 is mounted upon a selectively deformable plate 16 having indicia 17 in the form of graduations printed thereon to form a calibrated plate. The tube 10 and the calibrated plate 16 are attached to a flexible strap 18 which includes a buckle 19 for temporary, relatively immovable, attachment to the users body. A preferred means of mounting the flexible tube 10 and the calibrated plate 16 to the flexible strap 18 is shown in FIGURE 2 where one or more staples 20 are driven through the plate 16 and the strap 18 and clinched on the underside thereof so that each tab end of the tube 10 is secured under the loop of the staple 20. The staple 20 and the ends of the flexible tube 10 are concealed by the tabs 22 formed by shaping and bending the ends of the calibrated plate 16. A strip of compressible non-skid foam material 24 is attached to the underside of the flexible strap 18 opposite the position of the calibrated plate 16 and the flexible tube 10. For use, the entire assembly is bent to conform to the portion of the users body to which the subject invention is attached, for example, the wrist. The flexible strap 18 is buckled to the users wrist with the tube 10 and the deformable calibrated plate 16 located in such a manner that when the user, for example, holds his bowling ball in his usual pre-swing manner, the bubble 14 is substantially centered in the graduations appearing on the calibrated plate. The user practices a few times to determine the correct bubble position for his particular style of delivery; and thereafter always returns his wrist to the same rotational position before the start of every swing using the calibration marks on the calibrated plate 16 for reference.
The flexibility of the calibrated plate 16 is chosen to be preferably a compromise between the softness required to allow easy bending for initial fitting to the curve of the users wrist and the stiffness required to retain its shape in the same curve between periods of use when being worn. The foam material 24 allows the wrist expansion and contraction attendant upon sporting activities and prevents slippage of the assembly around the users wrist as well as providing a certain degree of comfort.
Referring now to FIGURE 3 which is a diagram helpful in the understanding of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 2, the flexible tube 10 is formed such that the tab ends 30 of the tube are coplanar with one side thereof. This configuration reduces the stress in the tube when the assembly is formed in an are as shown by the dashed lines. Excessive stress tends to flatten the tube 10 and, if a gas bubble 14 is utilized, tends to cause absorption of the gas into the fluid.
FIGURE 4 is illustrative of another embodiment of the tube 10 in which the calibrated plate of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 2 has been replaced by an internal calibrated plate 32 having graduations printed thereon which is sealed into the flexible tube 10 at the time of fabrication.
FIGURE 5 is yet another embodiment of the flexible tube 10 where the indicia 34 comprising the calibration markings are provided on the internal or external surface of the tube 10 itself, thereby eliminating the need for the aforementioned calibrated plate 16. The bubble 14 is then made to be centered between the graduations 34.
FIGURE 6 illustrates one embodiment of the subject invention in which the calibrated plate and flexible tube are fabricated into a single unit. A transparent plastic sheet 40 is bonded to a deformable plate 46 in such a fashion that an unbonded protuberance 42 exists longitudinally along the center. The semi-cylindrical cavity 44 so formed in the unbonded section is partially filled With a suitable fluid. Calibration markings, not shown, can be located on either sideof the plastic sheet 40, or when desired upon the upper surface of the plate 46.
FIGURE 7 illustrates another embodiment of an integrated plate and tube. An easily deformable preferably metal plate 50 is stamped with a semi-cylindrical impression 54. A plain transparent plastic plate 52 is bonded to the plane surface of the plate 50. The semi-cylindrical cavity 56 formed in the stamped depression 54 is partially filled with fluid. Calibration markings, not shown, can be located on either side of the transparent plastic plate 52 or when desired upon the upper surface of the plate 50.
Yet another embodiment of the integrated plate and tube is shown in FIGURE 8. Shown therein is a transparent sheet of plastic material sandwiched between an easily deformable preferably metal base plate 62 and aperture plate 64, also easily deformable. Bonding of the three pieces 60, 62 and 64 is performed in a well known manner such that a protuberance 66 is formed in the plastic sheet 60 so that the sheet 60 bulges outward through the aperture plate 64. The semi-cylindrical cavity 68 so formed is partially filled with a suitable fluid. Indicia comprising calibration markings, not shown, can be located when desired on the aperture plate 64 on either side of the protuberance 66 and on the revealed portion of the base plate 62.
Still another embodiment of the integrated plate and tube structure is shown in FIGURE 9. A semi-cylindrical cavity '78 is formed between two plastic sheets 72 and 74 in a manner similar to that described with regard to FIGURE 6. This assembly is then bonded to an easily deformable base plate 70. Calibration markings can be selectively located on any revealed surface.
Still another embodiment of the integrated plate and tube structure is shown in FIGURE 10. An easily deformable metal plate and a transparent flexible plastic plate 82 are bonded to either side of a metal aperture plate 84. The cavity 86 formed by the aperture plate 84 and the two plain plates 80 and 82 is partially filled with fluid. As with the other embodiments previously described, the calibration markings not shown can be selectively located on any revealed surface.
While there have been shown and described what are at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, modifications thereto will readily occur to those skilled in the art. It is not desired, therefore, that the invention be limited to the specific arrangements shown and described, but it is to be understood that all equivalents, alterations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are herein meant to be included.
I claim as my invention:
1. A position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the limb of a user comprising a flexible strap, and a flexible bubble indicator means connected to said strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said flexible bubble indicator means are conformable to the contour of the limb of the user.
2. A position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the limb of a user comprising a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to said limb, and a flexible position indicating device containing a fluid connected to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said indicating device are conformable to the contour of the limb of the user.
3. Apparatus for noting the amount of angular rotation of the wrist of a user comprising, flexible bubble indicating means, a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to said Wrist and means connecting said flexible bubble indicating means to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said flexible bubble indicating means are conformable to the contour of the wrist of the user.
4. Arm position control apparatus comprising, a flexible bubble indicator, a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to a selected limb of a wearer and means for connecting said flexible bubble indicator to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said strap and said indicator are conformable to said limb of said wearer.
5. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises, a deformable plate, a flexible transparent tube containing a fluid and means for mounting said transparent tube on said plate.
'6. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises, a deformable base plate having indicia imprinted on one surface thereof in the form of graduations, a flexible transparent tube closed at both ends and containing a fluid and a bubble therein, and means for attaching said transparent tube to the surface of said base plate containing said indicia.
7. The invention as recited in claim 4, and including a strip of compressible material attached to the surface of said flexible strap opposite from the surface to which said flexible bubble indicator is connected.
8. The invention as recited in claim 4, and including a strip of compressible non-skid material attached to the undersurface of said flexible strap opposite said flexible bubble indicator.
9. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises a tube of flexible transparent tube having tab ends pressed together such that said tab ends are coplanar with one side of said tube, a deformable base plate member having indicia in the form of graduations imprinted on one surface thereof and means for mounting said flexible tube to said one surface at said tab ends of said flexible transparent tube.
10. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises a flexible transparent tube closed at the ends and containing a fluid and a bubble, said bubble being adaptable to move within said tube upon movement thereof, and indicia means imprinted on one surface of said tube in the form of graduations for calibrating the movement of said bubble.
11. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said flexible bubble indicator comprises a flexible transparent tube closed at the ends and containing a predetermined quantity of a fluid therein and a flexible calibrated plate mounted inside of said tube so that said calibrated plate is visible through said tube.
12. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises a deformable base plate member and a transparent sheet of plastic material bonded to said base plate member in a manner such that an unbonded protuberance is formed a predetermined length longitudinally substantially along the center of said base plate member.
13. The invention as recited in claim 12 and including indicia in the form of graduations imprinted thereon.
14. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said bubble indicator comprises a selectively deformable base plate member having a substantially semi-cylindrical impression of a predetermined length running along one dimension and being substantially centered along the face thereof, a plain transparent plastic plate bonded to said face, a predetermined quantity of fluid partially filling said impression, and indicia in the form of calibration markings selectively imprinted upon a selected surface.
15. A position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the arm of a user comprising in combination, a flexible position indicating device including a deformable base plate member, a deformable aperture plate member and a transparent sheet of plastic material bonded between said base plate member and said aperture plate member forming a protuberance in said plastic sheet outwardly through said aperture plate member, said protuberance additionally having a predetermined quantity of fluid therein forming a bubble which is adapted to move within said protuberance as said apparatus is moved; a flexible strap; and means for connecting said flexible position indicating device to said flexible strap, whereby the combination of said flexible strap and said indicating device is conformable to the contour of the arm of the user.
16. The invention as recited in claim 15 and including indicia in the form of graduations selectively located on a predetermined revealed surface.
17. A position control apparatus adapted to be Worn on the limb of a user comprising in combination, a flexible position indicating device including a deformable base plate member, a first sheet of plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material, said first and said second sheets being bonded together in a manner that a semi-cylindrical cavity is formed therebetween for a predetermined length, and means for bonding said first and said second plastic sheets to said base plate member; indicia means in the form of calibration markings selectively located on a surface of said indicating device; a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to the arm of said user and means connecting said flexible position indicating device to said flexible strap whereby the combination is conformable to the contour of the arm of the user.
18. An arm position control apparatus adapted to be worn on the wrist of a user comprising in combination, a flexible bubble indicator means comprising a plate of deformable material and containing an aperture a preselected distance along its length, another deformable plate bonded to one side of said aperture plate and a plate of transparent plastic material bonded to the other side of said aperture plate, a fluid partially filling said aperture effecting a bubble therein which is adapted to move within said aperture as the rotational position of the wrist is varied; indicia comprising calibration markings located on a selected revealed surface of said bubble indicator means; a flexible strap adapted to be securely fastened to the wrist; and means connecting said bubble indicator means to said flexible strap whereby the combination is conformable to the contour of the wrist of the user.
19. An arm position control appartus adapted to be worn on the wrist comprising, flexible bubble indicator means; a flexible strap having a buckle attached to one end thereof, permitting said apparatus to be securely fastened to the wrist; means connecting said flexible bubble indicator means to said flexible strap on one side; and a strip of compressible non-skid foam material connected to the other side of said flexible material opposite said bubble indicator means, whereby the combination of said flexible strap, said indicator means and said strip of foam material is readily conformable to the contour of the wrist.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,317,715 4/1943 Ball 33214 2,543,139 2/1951 Viet 33207 2,816,368 12/1957 Salopek 33207 3,123,358 3/1964 Czarev. 3,206,200 9/1965 Butan 273-54 FOREIGN PATENTS 559,325 2/1944 Great Britain.
DELBERT B. LOWE, Primary Examiner.
ANTON O. OECHSLE, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A POSITION CONTROL APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE WORN ON THE LIMB OF A USER COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE STRAP, AND A FLEXIBLE BUBBLE INDICATOR MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID STRAP, WHEREBY THE COMBINATION OF SAID FLEXIBLE STRAP AND SAID FLEXIBLE BUBBLE INDICATOR MEANS ARE CONFORMABLE TO THE CONTOUR OF THE LIMB OF THE USER.
US346744A 1964-02-24 1964-02-24 Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap Expired - Lifetime US3269729A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US346744A US3269729A (en) 1964-02-24 1964-02-24 Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US346744A US3269729A (en) 1964-02-24 1964-02-24 Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3269729A true US3269729A (en) 1966-08-30

Family

ID=23360862

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US346744A Expired - Lifetime US3269729A (en) 1964-02-24 1964-02-24 Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3269729A (en)

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3301559A (en) * 1964-08-19 1967-01-31 Stanley P Jolley Bowling form indicating device
US3353824A (en) * 1964-08-11 1967-11-21 Jr Jack Hamson Batting aid and method of using same
US3383772A (en) * 1966-08-25 1968-05-21 Accurmatic Corp Rotational attitude indicator
US3422544A (en) * 1967-01-16 1969-01-21 David S Wyse Automobile safety level indicator
US3548508A (en) * 1968-11-14 1970-12-22 Richard F Olson Center locater device
US3673696A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-07-04 Gene B Wasson Attitude indicator
US3673697A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-07-04 Gene B Wasson Attitude indicator
US3819177A (en) * 1972-01-31 1974-06-25 I Spiro Elastic exercise belt
US3881257A (en) * 1974-07-16 1975-05-06 Coats & Clark Levelling device including merchandise dispensing means
US4100681A (en) * 1976-11-08 1978-07-18 Hollander Bruce L Picture frame leveling device
US4364564A (en) * 1979-12-10 1982-12-21 David Lewis Shock absorber for tennis players
US4411423A (en) * 1982-03-29 1983-10-25 Estwanik Iii Joseph J Exercise device and exercise adapter for forming same
US5463817A (en) * 1993-08-11 1995-11-07 Leeds; Richard A. Picture frame leveling device
US5560116A (en) * 1995-05-15 1996-10-01 Tobia; Frank Flexible leveling device
US5625956A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-05-06 Cosco, Inc. Level indicator for child seat
US5887783A (en) * 1998-06-12 1999-03-30 Prokopis; J. Gus Level-indicating pizza box
DE10019880A1 (en) * 2000-04-20 2002-05-23 Peter Konrad Spirit level made up of individual segments that rotate and are locked together such that the level can flex or bend so that it can be used on circular or curved surfaces
US6572073B2 (en) 1999-11-22 2003-06-03 Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. Vial and method of making same
WO2004053009A2 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-06-24 Lang, Dikla Level-determining adhesive patch
US20040221463A1 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-11 Hexamer Vearl Patrick Flexible level
DE102004019393A1 (en) * 2004-04-19 2005-11-03 Peter Mattes Tilt sensor for making and controlling the balance of riding saddles
US20090044821A1 (en) * 2007-08-15 2009-02-19 Sharon Marie Hatala Digit level devices and methods
US20090298621A1 (en) * 2008-06-02 2009-12-03 Bill Baxter Basketball shooting coach
US7771293B1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2010-08-10 Kayode Teddy Vann Basketball shooting training aid and method for its use
US7937847B1 (en) * 2010-07-07 2011-05-10 Armen Karapetyan Precision level device
EP2325602A2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-25 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Inclinometer
ITMI20121113A1 (en) * 2012-06-25 2013-12-26 Teodoro Fischetto LEVEL OF BUBBLE LIVELLA FOR ROCKERS AND GYM TOOLS

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2317715A (en) * 1941-06-18 1943-04-27 George H Alexander Machinery L Spirit level
GB559325A (en) * 1942-11-30 1944-02-14 Ronald John Stevens Improvements in or relating to spirit levels
US2543139A (en) * 1947-11-29 1951-02-27 Veit William Spirit level casing
US2816368A (en) * 1953-08-26 1957-12-17 Jr Anton C Salopek Mason's leveling device
US3123358A (en) * 1964-03-03 Bowling ball position indicator
US3206200A (en) * 1962-12-26 1965-09-14 Butan Edward Wrist attached plumb indicator for bowlers

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3123358A (en) * 1964-03-03 Bowling ball position indicator
US2317715A (en) * 1941-06-18 1943-04-27 George H Alexander Machinery L Spirit level
GB559325A (en) * 1942-11-30 1944-02-14 Ronald John Stevens Improvements in or relating to spirit levels
US2543139A (en) * 1947-11-29 1951-02-27 Veit William Spirit level casing
US2816368A (en) * 1953-08-26 1957-12-17 Jr Anton C Salopek Mason's leveling device
US3206200A (en) * 1962-12-26 1965-09-14 Butan Edward Wrist attached plumb indicator for bowlers

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3353824A (en) * 1964-08-11 1967-11-21 Jr Jack Hamson Batting aid and method of using same
US3301559A (en) * 1964-08-19 1967-01-31 Stanley P Jolley Bowling form indicating device
US3383772A (en) * 1966-08-25 1968-05-21 Accurmatic Corp Rotational attitude indicator
US3422544A (en) * 1967-01-16 1969-01-21 David S Wyse Automobile safety level indicator
US3548508A (en) * 1968-11-14 1970-12-22 Richard F Olson Center locater device
US3673696A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-07-04 Gene B Wasson Attitude indicator
US3673697A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-07-04 Gene B Wasson Attitude indicator
US3819177A (en) * 1972-01-31 1974-06-25 I Spiro Elastic exercise belt
US3881257A (en) * 1974-07-16 1975-05-06 Coats & Clark Levelling device including merchandise dispensing means
US4100681A (en) * 1976-11-08 1978-07-18 Hollander Bruce L Picture frame leveling device
US4364564A (en) * 1979-12-10 1982-12-21 David Lewis Shock absorber for tennis players
US4411423A (en) * 1982-03-29 1983-10-25 Estwanik Iii Joseph J Exercise device and exercise adapter for forming same
US5463817A (en) * 1993-08-11 1995-11-07 Leeds; Richard A. Picture frame leveling device
US5625956A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-05-06 Cosco, Inc. Level indicator for child seat
US5560116A (en) * 1995-05-15 1996-10-01 Tobia; Frank Flexible leveling device
US5887783A (en) * 1998-06-12 1999-03-30 Prokopis; J. Gus Level-indicating pizza box
US6735880B1 (en) 1999-11-22 2004-05-18 Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. Vial and method of making same
US6572073B2 (en) 1999-11-22 2003-06-03 Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. Vial and method of making same
US20040143980A1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2004-07-29 Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. Vial and method of making same
US6912793B2 (en) 1999-11-22 2005-07-05 Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc. Vial and method of making same
DE10019880A1 (en) * 2000-04-20 2002-05-23 Peter Konrad Spirit level made up of individual segments that rotate and are locked together such that the level can flex or bend so that it can be used on circular or curved surfaces
WO2004053009A2 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-06-24 Lang, Dikla Level-determining adhesive patch
WO2004053009A3 (en) * 2002-12-12 2004-09-02 Yoel Lang Level-determining adhesive patch
US20060254066A1 (en) * 2002-12-12 2006-11-16 Yoel Lang Level-determining adhesive patch
US20040221463A1 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-11 Hexamer Vearl Patrick Flexible level
DE102004019393B4 (en) * 2004-04-19 2006-02-02 Peter Mattes Tilt sensor for making and controlling the balance of riding saddles
DE102004019393A1 (en) * 2004-04-19 2005-11-03 Peter Mattes Tilt sensor for making and controlling the balance of riding saddles
US7771293B1 (en) * 2005-11-22 2010-08-10 Kayode Teddy Vann Basketball shooting training aid and method for its use
US20090044821A1 (en) * 2007-08-15 2009-02-19 Sharon Marie Hatala Digit level devices and methods
US8056248B2 (en) * 2007-08-15 2011-11-15 Sharon Mario Hatala Digit level devices and methods
US20090298621A1 (en) * 2008-06-02 2009-12-03 Bill Baxter Basketball shooting coach
EP2325602A2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-25 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Inclinometer
US20110119940A1 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-26 Zerhusen Robert M Inclinometer
EP2325602A3 (en) * 2009-11-24 2013-01-09 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Inclinometer
US7937847B1 (en) * 2010-07-07 2011-05-10 Armen Karapetyan Precision level device
ITMI20121113A1 (en) * 2012-06-25 2013-12-26 Teodoro Fischetto LEVEL OF BUBBLE LIVELLA FOR ROCKERS AND GYM TOOLS

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3269729A (en) Position control apparatus with flexible level indicator and mounting strap
US3970316A (en) Golf swing restrictor
US3347547A (en) Hand and finger exercising device
US4407079A (en) Golf aid device
US4034979A (en) Weighted bowling glove
US3512776A (en) Wrist supporting device for bowlers
US4057255A (en) Golf swing aid
US4502688A (en) Wrist and hand support device
US3350100A (en) Golfer's training aid including wrist movement indicator means
US20090318248A1 (en) Basketball training aid
US2774601A (en) Device for use in playing golf
US3166327A (en) Arrow-shaped frame with adjustable foot and golf-ball position indicators
US4088326A (en) Knee holder for golfers
US3413000A (en) Athlete's grip gauging aid
US3438630A (en) Bowling aid device
US5064198A (en) Putting aid for golfers
US5634854A (en) Golf swing training device and method
US4451044A (en) Golf training aid
US4411431A (en) Golf putting practice device
US3036831A (en) Arm lock arrangement
US4911728A (en) Throwing aid
US4245841A (en) Golf training device
US4220333A (en) Bowling practice and/or exercising device
US3436075A (en) Bowling ball grip position indicator
US3228035A (en) Wrist support glove