WO2011003142A1

WO2011003142A1 - Method and device for limiting the movement of a player's arm during a sporting action

Info

Publication number: WO2011003142A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Ross Middleton
Original assignee: Simplified Sports Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-06
Filing date: 2010-07-06
Publication date: 2011-01-13

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for resisting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action. In particular, the device provided includes a forearm section configured to be removably attached to the player's forearm and an upper arm section configured to be removably attached the player's upper arm. The device also includes a bias means extending between the forearm section and the upper arm section. The bias means is attached to at least one of these sections through an attaching means, such that the bias means provides a tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section thereby resisting the flexion movements of the player's arm where this tension is adjustable through the attaching means.

Description

Method and Device For Limiting The Movement of a Player's Arm

During a Sporting Action

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is related to devices for assisting sports players with practicing a sporting action. In particular, the present invention is related to devices for limiting the movement of a player's arm during a sporting action.

The device of the present invention can be used in relation to sporting actions including a golf swing, a cricket bowling action, a roll in lawn bowls or ten pin bowling, archery or any other sporting action that requires the player's arm to be substantially straight during at least a portion of the action. The present invention is particularly useful with respect to devices for limiting the movement of a player's arm during a golf swing. BACKGROUND ART

Many devices have been developed to assist sports players with practicing sporting actions. Particularly, due to the popularity of golf, many devices have been developed for assisting golf players in improving their swing technique.

United States Patent no. 3,900,199 by Mike Gonagol, for example, discloses a rigid brace that is attached to both the forearm and the upper arm of the leading arm of a golf player to prevent the arm from bending during a golf swing. The disclosed device is both uncomfortable and restrictive since the arm is kept straight all the time and the only way for a user to bend his arm is by removing the device from the arm. A somewhat similar restraining device is disclosed in United States Patent no. 4,504,054 by E Jackson and B Myers. This device may be slightly more comfortable since it includes a pliable member that is wrapped around a user's elbow. It also includes an elongated reinforcing member which is removably housed in an open-ended casing within the pliable member. However, even if the reinforcing member is removed, the remaining pliable member would still offer resistance to the arm's movement, thus making the device somewhat inconvenient. Substantial improvements to such devices are disclosed in patents

United States Patent nos. US 5,048,837, US 5,076,587 and US 5,472,206 by M Manley et al. The disclosed device includes a forearm brace and an upper arm brace connected in a -pivotal point. When the pivot is locked, the golfer cannot bend his upper arm and elbow beyond the locked angle. However, unlocking the pivot allows a golfer to freely bend the arm. The pivot is selectively lockable by way of a stop pin which enters into a butting engagement with a corresponding surface. A sensor and an actuator can be used to move the stop pin at an appropriate time so that the golfer may simulate a professional swing, in which the elbow is locked until the ball is addressed, but is able to freely bend thereafter.

Similar arrangements have been adapted for attaching to the golfer's lead arm (US 5,048,837) and the golfer's following arm (US 5,076,587 and US 5,472,206). One disadvantage with the disclosed device is that it is relatively complex and, therefore, more difficult to manufacture and maintain. In addition, while the device is able to unlock the golfer's arm during the golf swing, it seems less suitable for providing the opposite function, i.e. allowing the user to start a golf swing with a bended arm and, once the user's arm is stretched, to lock it Into a stretch configuration. Such functionality may be particularly useful for less advanced golfers.

In US 3,339,926 (Coupar) a golf-wing correcting device is described that includes a brace formed of a pair of elongated telescopically arranged members and means to fasten the brace to a user's wrist and biceps so that it extends across the inside of the elbow.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an improved device for limiting the movement of a player's arm during sporting movement, and more particularly during a golf swing. This would overcome at least some of the disadvantages of previously known approaches in this field, or would provide a useful alternative. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for resisting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the device comprising: a forearm section configured to be removably attached to the player's forearm; an upper arm section configured to be removably attached the player's upper arm; and a bias means extending between the forearm section and the upper arm section; the bias means is attached to at least one of the sections through an attaching means, such that the bias means provides a tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section thereby resisting the flexion movement of the player's arm; and wherein the tension is adjustable through the attaching means.

Preferably, the forearm section is pivotally connected to the upper arm section. Preferably, the bias means is formed from a flexible elastic material.

Preferably, the bias means has an adjustable length and the tension provided by the bias means is proportional to the length of the bias means.

Preferably, the tension provided by the bias means is increased as the length of the bias means is increased.

Preferably, the flexible elastic device is an elastomeric band.

Preferably, the elastomeric band is made of rubber.

Preferably, the bias means includes at least one end projection. Preferably, the bias means includes at least one projecting shoulder. Preferably, the attaching means is a locking point.

Preferably, the locking point secures the bias means to the upper arm or forearm section at a desirable length of bias means.

Preferably, the locking point is adapted to secure the bias means at one end of the upper arm or forearm section. Preferably, the upper arm or forearm section includes a groove adapted to receive the bias means.

Alternatively, the forearm section includes a tunnel adapted to receive the bias means therein.

Preferably, the forearm section and the upper arm section are integrally formed. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for inhibiting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the device comprising: a brace having a section configured to be removably attached to the player's forearm, and a upper section configured to be removably attached to the player's upper arm; a bias means traversing across the forearm section and the upper arm section; wherein the bias means is adjustably attached to at least one section of the brace; and said bias means is configured to provide a tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section to inhibit flexion movement of the player's arm.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of resisting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a forearm section of a training device to the player's forearm and attaching an upper section of the training device to the player's upper arm; wherein the forearm section is pivotally connected to the upper arm section, and a bias means is adjustably attached to at least one of the forearm section and the upper arm section, such that the bias means is configured to provide an adjustable tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section to resist flexion movement of the players' arm.

The present invention is adapted to provide a device used to resist flexion movement of the players' arm during a sporting action. Flexion movements may be defined as the opposite of extension movements - meaning that the invention resists or inhibits movement of a players' arm out of or from a fully extended orientation. In particular the present invention may be employed to assist a player in keeping their arm straight, or returning the players' arm to a straightened orientation during the performance of an entire sporting action.

In a preferred embodiment the present invention may employ a flexible elastic material or flexible elastic band to provide a bias means where the tension provided by this bias means resists flexion movements of a players' arm. The present invention may employ a range of flexible elastic materials which when formed in bands define a strip, length or strap of elastic material, which need not necessarily enclose or loop around the entire circumference of the device provided. Such a flexible elastic device or elastomeric band may be adjustable in length to adjust the degree of tension applied by the resulting bias means. This length adjustment may be completed through stretching the flexible elastic material to a desired, required or effective length depending on the degree of tension to be applied. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the longer such elastomeric materials are stretched the greater the tension which will be applied to return the material to it's original length.

Preferably the bias means is attached to one or more sections of the device provided through at least one attaching means. An attaching means can fix the effective or resulting length of the flexible elastic or elastomeric band employed, preferably by locking an end or section of the bias means in place relative to a section of the device.

Reference in general has been made throughout the specification to the present invention including a pair of attachment means or attachment points located at either end of the device. However those skilled in the art should appreciate that three or more attaching means or points may be provided in alternative embodiments. For example in one instance either or both the forearm or upper arm sections may be provided with a number of attaching means at various positions or locations distributed along the length of either of these sections. The bias means may then be engaged with a selected attaching means or attachment point at a particular position along the length of a section to control the degree of tension applied to the device by stretching the bias means.

In a further preferred embodiment a region of the bias means may form, define, or provide a projecting shoulder section which increases the width or extent of that region of the bias means. This projecting shoulder can then be located within or associated with an attaching means defined by a complimentary shaped cavity, depression, aperture or step within the relevant section of the device.

In some embodiments the bias means may form, define or provide a number of projecting shoulders disposed at various positions along the length of the bias means. Shoulder projections may therefore be located at additional regions of the bias means other than at one of its ends, thereby allowing different sections or areas of the bias means to be locked in placed relative to a particular section of the device. The provision of a number of projecting shoulder sections can allow for a degree in variability as to the tension ultimately applied by the bias means depending on which section or area of the bias means is locked in place relative to a section of the device.

In some embodiments an end of the bias means may form or define at least one end projection. An end projection may extend from an end of the bias means and allow a player or user to engage one or more fingers with the projection. An end projection can then be used by a player or user to pull on one end of the bias means to tension and preferably locate a region of the bias means with respect to an adjacent attaching means. An end projection or potentially a pair of end projections (for example) can be provided to allow a player to easily fit, install, and adjust the invention themselves without third party assistance. Preferably either or both the forearm and upper arm sections of the invention may include or define some form of channel or location system for the length of the bias means. For example in one instance a groove may be provided in either or both the upper arm or forearm section in which the bias means can be located. Alternatively in other embodiments an enclosed tunnel may be provided instead of a groove in either or both of the upper arm or forearm sections.

In one embodiment the bias means may be located within a combination of both a channel and a tunnel based location system. For example in one such embodiment the section of the bias means associated with the forearm section may be located within a tunnel whereas the section of the bias means associated with the upper arm section may be located within a channel or groove. In such an embodiment a plurality of attachment means or attachment points may be disposed along the length of this groove or channel in the upper arm section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein;

FIG 1 is a side view of a first aspect of an embodiment of the training device of the present invention shown in a flexed configuration.

FIG 2 is a side view of the training device shown in FIG 1 in a relaxed configuration.

FIG 3 is a plan view of the training device shown in FIG 1 in a relaxed configuration.

FIG 4 is a perspective view of a base body member of a second embodiment of the training device of the present invention. FIG 5 is a side view of the base body member of shown in FIG 4. FIG 6 is an end view of the base body member shown in FIG 4. FIG 7 is a side view of a second aspect of the training device shown in

FIG 4 and a housing.

FIG 8 is an end view of the training device shown in FIG 7. FIG 9 shows a plan view of a training device as configured in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention.

FIGS 10a, 10b show side cross section and perspective views of a training device as configured in accordance with a yet additional embodiment of the invention, and

FIGS 10c, 1Od show a forearm end view and upper arm end view of the embodiment shown with respect to FIGS 10a, 10b, and FIGS 11a, lib show enlarged cross section perspective views of two different configurations of the device shown with respect to FIGS 1Oa-IOd.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The training device 1 shown can be used in relation to sporting actions including a golf swing, a cricket bowling action, a roll in lawn bowls or ten pin bowling or any other sporting action that requires the arm to be substantially straight during at least a portion of the action. FIGS 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the training device 1, which is used for limiting flexion movement such as bending or flexing of a user's arm, during a golf swing. The device 1 comprises an upper arm section 3 configured to be removably attached to upper arm of the user's arm and a forearm section 5 configured to be removably attached to the forearm of the user's arm. The upper arm section 3 is pivotally connected to the forearm section 5 at a pivotal point 7.

On the centred region of each of the sections, there is a groove 9 for receiving an elastomeric band 11 traversing from a first end 13 of the upper arm section 3 to a second end 14 of the forearm section 5. The elastomeric band 11 is secured to the training device 1 with two locking points 15. Each of the locking points 15 is releasably attached to one end of the elastomeric band 11 and thereby holds the elastomeric band within the groove 9 along the device.

In the embodiment shown a projecting shoulder 16 is formed at each end of the elastomeric band bias means 11 to engage with each end locking point 15.

FIGS 2 and 3 show that each of the upper arm section 3 and the forearm section 5 comprises a centred region 17 and two flaps 19a, 19b extending from a first side of the centred region and two flaps 19a, 19b extending from an opposite second side of the centred region. The centred region 17 includes two sections 17a, 17b. The centred region 17a of the upper arm section 3 is pivotally attached to the centred region 17b of the forearm section 5. Each of the flaps 19a and 19b has one angled side edge 21, to allow the upper arm section 3 and the forearm section 5 to pivot towards each other. Each of the flaps 19a, 19b also includes an aperture 23 for attaching a strap thereto for fastening the device 1 to the player's arm.

In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS 2 and 3, the elastomeric band 11, which is housed in the groove 9 traverses along the entire length of the centred regions 17a, 17b of the respective upper arm section 3 and the forearm section 5. Typically, the elastomeric band 11 is stretched and fixed at the two ends of the sections with the locking points 15 via projecting shoulders 16. The tension of the stretched elastomeric band 11 keeps the training device 1 in a straightened position in its relaxed state and will restore the training device to the straightened position if the training device 1 is bent, as is shown with respect to Figure 1.

In another embodiment, the groove 9 may include a number of locking points 15 along the length thereof. In this way, the elastomeric band 11 is adjusted by stretching and lifting the band out of the groove 9 before reaffixing the projecting shoulder at the end of the band to one or more different locking points 15 along the length of the groove, thereby changing the tension of the band. This embodiment is shown with respect to FIG 9.

Accordingly, where the elastomeric band 11 is affixed to more distally located locking points 15, there will be more tension in the band and resultantly, more force will be applied onto the players arm, thereby more forcefully pulling the arm back into a fully extended position. Conversely, where the elastomeric band 11 is affixed to more proximally located locking points 15, there will be less tension in the band and resultantly, less force will be applied onto the players arm.

When in use, the training device 1 is attached to the arm of the person such that the pivotal point 7 of the training device is positioned approximately at the same level of and/or above the player's elbow joint.

The upper arm section 3 is strapped to the upper arm of the person, and the forearm section 5 is strapped to the forearm of the person. The training device 1 is maintained in the straightened position such that the arm is also kept in a substantially straight position. When the arm is bent, the training device 1 pivots at the pivotal point 7, which stretches the elastomeric band

11, thereby increasing the tension against the bending action at the player's arm. Therefore, the person needs to exert a larger force in order to bend the arm further and while bending, the training device 1 induces a counteraction to pull the arm back to the straightened position.

The training device 1 allows the tension in the elastomeric band 11 to be adjusted so that it can be tailored to fit people with different arm strengths and to serve different purposes. The elastomeric band 11 allows an increase or decrease in tension by increasing or shortening its length. By changing the length of the elastomeric band 11 with the locking points 15, the tension between the upper arm and forearm sections 3, 5 can then be adjusted.

In order to adjust the strength of the tension in the elastomeric band 11, one of the locking points 15 is first released from the band and the elastomeric band can be freely stretched to a preferable length. After the elastomeric band 11 is adjusted to the preferred length with the desirable tensional resistance, the locking point 15 is set to fix the length and the position of the elastomeric band on the training device 1.

In a second embodiment of the present invention shown with respect to FIGS 4 to 6, the training device 1 comprises a base body member 25 which includes the centred region 17 comprising sections 17a, 17b and the flaps 19a and 19b. The base body member 25 includes the upper arm section 3 and the forearm section 5. These two sections are joined at a dividing line 27, which is weakened to allow the upper section 3 to pivot against the forearm section 5. Each of the flaps 19a, 19b has one angled side edge 21, to allow the upper arm section 3 and the forearm section 5 to pivot towards each other along dividing line 17.

The base body member also includes a locating dimple 31 situated in the middle of the center region 17. The dimple 31 is adapted to receive the end of a player's elbow. This assists the player in correctly positioning the training device 1 when it is fitted to the player's arm and also increase the comfort to the player when wearing the training device. The dimple 31 is also weakened along the dividing line 27 to allow the sections of the dimple to pivot around the dividing line. The dimple 31 may also be sectioned, slit or sliced in other ways that allow hinging of the dimple to allow the upper section 3 to pivot against the forearm section 5. In the embodiment shown in FIGS 7 and 8, a housing 33 is attached to centred regions 17a, 17b of the base body member 25. The housing 33 provides a groove 9 for receiving the elastomeric band 11. FIG 9 shows a plan view of a training device as configured in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown with respect to FIG 9 a similar training device 1 is illustrated to that discussed above with respect to Figure 1. However in this embodiment the elastomeric band forming the bias means is located within a tunnel shaped cavity disposed within the upper surface of the forearm section, with a single locking point 15 for the elastomeric band being provided at the end of the forearm section. The section of the elastomeric band running over or adjacent to the upper arm section is located within a open groove or channel within the upper surface of this section. Furthermore, a number of locking means or locking points 15 are disposed along the length of the upper arm section to allow a degree of variability as to what point of the upper arm section the end of the elastomeric band is locked to.

As can also be seen from FIG 9 the end of the elastomeric band associated with the upper arm section includes a pair of loop shaped end projections. A user of the device shown can thread one or more fingers through each of these loops to assist the user in tensioning the elastomeric band and locating the end thereof within one of the locking points.

FIGS 10a, 10b show side cross section and perspective views of the training device as configured in accordance with a yet additional embodiment of the invention, and FIGS 10c, 1Od show a forearm and upper arm end views of the embodiment shown with respect to FIGS 10a, 10b.

The training device 101 shown is similar in most respects to the devices described with respect to alternative embodiments discussed above. However in the embodiment shown the elastomeric band 111 forms or defines a number of projecting shoulders 116 along its length. As can be seen from FIG 10a and the cross section cut away of FIG 10b a single projecting shoulder 116 is provided the end of the elastomeric band 111 associated with the forearm section 105.

Conversely a number of projected shoulders 116 are disposed along the length of the elastomeric band 111 located adjacent to the upper arm section 103.

At approximate the end of each section there is provided a locking point 115 which is arranged to engage with a projecting shoulder 116 to tension the elastomeric band 111 and engage same with each relevant section 103, 105. This tensioning operation is shown more clearly with respect to FIGS 11a and lib. The views provided with respect to FIGS 10a, 10b, and 11a show the elastomeric band un-tensioned. The projecting shoulder 116 adjacent to the locking point 115 is not arranged to tension the elastomeric band 115. Conversely FIG lib shows the elastomeric band tensioned as the projecting shoulder lib is pulled up against the locking point 115 via the tension present within the elastomeric band.

In the embodiment illustrated with respect to FIGS 1Oa-IOd and 11a, lib the end of the elastomeric band 111 adjacent to the end of the upper arm section 103 forms or defines a pair of end projections 130. These end projections may be grasped by the free hand of the wearer of the device to pull the elastomeric band 111 towards their shoulder and hence the tension same. Once the required tension is placed on the elastomeric band the projecting shoulder 111 closest to the locking point 115 of the upper arm section 103 is engaged with this locking point 115 as is shown with respect to FIG lib. It is obvious from the above description that the device 1 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is relatively simple, reliable and easy to manufacture and maintain. It should be appreciated that the disclosed golf swing training device is not limited to the particular preferred embodiment described here, but also covers other arrangements using similar concepts. For example, the elastomeric band is replaceable with other elastic device such as a coil spring. Alternatively, the elastomeric band can be substituted with other suitable mechanisms, which provide an adjustable tension.

Similarly, while the locking points of the preferred embodiment are located at the two ends of the training device, an alternative arrangement is also possible where locking points are attached at any position along the length of the training device. Other kind of locking means can be applied to fit the different types of the elastomeric mechanisms.

Furthermore, a configuration can be envisaged where the elastomeric band is permanently attached to one of the upper arm and forearm sections and is adjustably attached to the other section. Again, by varying the location of locking points and the length and tension of the elastomeric band, various functionalities can be implemented, which include locking the device in such configuration so as to allow bending or straightening the arm only during predetermined movements.

The first embodiment of the training device 1, shown in the drawings and described in detail in the specification is directed towards a training device 1, which is used for limiting the movement of a player's arm 2 during a golf swing. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the training device 1 can be used in any suitable sporting actions including a golf swing, a cricket bowling action, a roll in lawn bowls or ten pin bowling or any other sporting action that requires the arm to be substantially straight during at least a portion of the action. For example, when playing cricket, the optimal delivery position is for the bowler to release the ball when the bowling arm is raised at a maximum height above the bowlers head and that the bowling arm is substantially straight when the ball is released. The device 1 of the present invention is also configured to be worn on a cricket player's bowling arm. During the delivery of the ball, as the player's bowling arm is rotated about its respective shoulder, when the bowling arm becomes substantially straight the device 1 will resist and prevent the user's bowling arm from bending or flexing before the ball is delivered. In this way, the device 1 can be used to assist in the training of correct bowling delivery techniques.

In another embodiment of the present invention the locating dimple 31 may be replaced by an alternative locating member, which allows for the wearer to readily locate the training device in a correct orientation on their arm and increases the comfort to the player when wearing the training device.

In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word "comprising" is not intended to have the exclusive meaning of the word (such as "consisting only of"), but rather has the non-exclusive meaning, in the sense of "including at least". The same applies, with corresponding grammatical changes, to other forms of the word such as "comprise", etc. It will be apparent that obvious variations or modifications may be made in accordance with the spirit of the invention that are intended to be part of the invention, and any such obvious variations or modification are therefore within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for resisting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the device comprising: a forearm section configured to be removably attached to the player's forearm; an upper arm section configured to be removably attached the player's upper arm; and a bias means extending between the forearm section and the upper arm section; the bias means is attached to at least one of the sections through an attaching means, such that the bias means provides a tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section thereby resisting the flexion movements of the player's arm; and wherein the tension is adjustable through the attaching means.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the forearm section is pivotally connected to the upper arm section.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the bias means is a flexible elastic material.

4. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the bias means has an adjustable length and the tension provided by the bias means is proportional to the length of the bias means.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the tension provided by the bias means is increased as the length of the bias means is increased.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the flexible elastic material is an elastomeric band.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the elastomeric band is made of rubber.

8. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the bias means includes at least one end projection.

9. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the bias means includes at least one projecting shoulder.

10. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the attaching means is a locking point.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the locking point secures the bias means to the upper arm or forearm section at a desirable length of bias means.

12. A device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the locking point is adapted to secure the bias means at one end of the upper arm or forearm section.

13. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the upper arm or forearm section includes a groove adapted to receive the bias means.

14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 wherein the forearm section includes a tunnel adapted to receive the bias means therein.

15. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein the forearm section and the upper arm section are integrally formed.

16. A device for inhibiting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the device comprising: a brace having a section configured to be removably attached to the player's forearm, and a upper section configured to be removably attached to the player's upper arm; a bias means traversing across the forearm section and the upper arm section; wherein the bias means is adjustably attached to at least one section of the brace; and said bias means is configured to provide a tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section to inhibit flexion movement of the player's arm.

17. A method of resisting flexion movement of a player's arm during a sporting action, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a forearm section of a training device to the player's forearm and attaching an upper section of the training device to the player's upper arm; wherein the forearm section is pivotally connected to the upper arm section, and a bias means is adjustably attached tσ at least one of the forearm section and the upper arm section, such that the bias means is configured to provide an adjustable tension between the forearm section and the upper arm section to resist flexion movement of the player's arm.

18. A device for inhibiting flexion movement of a players' arm substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

19. A method of resisting flexion movement of a players' arm substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

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