U.S. patent application number 10/919852 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for systems and methods for improving golf or baseball swings.
Invention is credited to Hai Minh Nguyen.
Application Number | 20060035730 10/919852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35800665 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060035730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Hai Minh |
February 16, 2006 |
Systems and methods for improving golf or baseball swings
Abstract
A swing exercising device includes a base; a handle coupled to
the base; and means for attaching a ball to the base.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Hai Minh; (San Jose,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRAN & ASSOCIATES
6768 MEADOW VISTA CT.
SAN JOSE
CA
95135
US
|
Family ID: |
35800665 |
Appl. No.: |
10/919852 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/417 ;
473/423; 473/430 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0073 20130101;
A63B 2069/0008 20130101; A63B 69/3655 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/417 ;
473/423; 473/430 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A swing exercising device, comprising: a base; a handle coupled
to the base; means for attaching a ball to the base.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching a ball
comprises a coiled spring fastened to one side of the base, whereby
when the ball is struck, the coiled spring returns the ball to its
resting position.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said base includes an opening and
wherein said means for attaching a ball comprises a pivotable arm
inserted into said opening, wherein when the ball is struck, the
arm allows the ball to orbit around said opening above said
base.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching a ball
comprises: a retainer secured in the base; a coiled spring fastened
to the retainer; and a string coupled to the coiled spring, whereby
when the ball is struck, the coiled spring and string return the
ball to its resting position.
5. The device of claim 4, comprising a tube mounted on top of the
base and adapted to receive said string therethrough.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching a ball
comprises: a stand projecting above the base; an arm projecting
from the stand; and a ring rotatably coupled to the arm.
7. The device of claim 6, comprising a distance indicator coupled
to the stand.
8. The device of claim 6, comprising a string coupled to the
ring.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said ball is a golf ball.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said base is rectangular in
shape.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching a ball
comprises: a first hollow tube; and a second tube rotatably coupled
to and slideably engaging the first hollow tube to adjust a ball
height setting.
12. The device of claim 11, comprising an arm coupled to the second
tube.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the ball is mounted on one end
of the arm, comprising a counterweight coupled to the other end of
the arm.
14. The device of claim 11, comprising a spring coupled to the arm
and the ball.
15. The device of claim 11, wherein the tubes are rectangular
tubes.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the tubes are cylindrical
tubes.
17. The device of claim 11, comprising: a counter ball; a spring
coupled to the counter ball; and a string coupled to the spring and
to the ball.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein said base is elongated in
shape.
18. The device of claim 11, comprising: an arm coupled to the
second tube; a stopper coupled to one end of the arm; a ring
positioned on the arm between the second tube and the stopper; and
a string coupled to the ring and the ball.
20. The device of claim 11 wherein the ball is a baseball.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a swing exercise
device.
[0002] Golfing is a sport which requires practice. A well practiced
golf swing is an important element of successful golfing.
Improvements in swing technique, and practice of that technique,
are required in order for a golfer to improve his or her
performance. However, green fees are expensive and a golfer does
not always have convenient access to a golf course or driving range
in which to practise. Consequently, there exists a need for a
device which allows a golfer to practise his or her golf swing
within a confined area such as a back yard or garage.
[0003] A primary consideration in the design of such a device is
safety. Golf balls when driven at full force are potentially lethal
projectiles, and when used within a confined space represent a
potential danger not only to people within the immediate vicinity,
but also to the golfer. Thus a golf swing practice device must
prevent the golf ball from becoming a dangerous projectile once the
golf ball is hit by quickly arresting the motion of the golf ball
so as to dissipate the golf ball's energy. The device must also
minimize the possibility of potentially dangerous rebounding of the
golf ball from the device. Advantageously, a golf swing practice
device must be constructed of a minimum of materials to reduce
manufacturing cost, and must be easily assembled and disassembled
for convenience of use.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,167 to Felix discloses a golf swing
practice device with a netting supported from a frame to provide a
wedge-shaped pocket. The length of the sides of the wedge are
adjustable to permit the open end of the wedge to be rotated by
rotating the portion of the frame supporting the open end of the
wedge with respect to the portion of the frame supporting the
length of the wedge to permit a golfer to stand within the opening
while avoiding the frame of the opening with his swing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,021 to Lary shows a sports swing
exercise device composed of a weight attached to a shaft by means
of a spring. When the shaft is swung, the muscles used in the swing
are not only strengthened with repeat use, they are stretched
toward full articulation with the spring as it eases the transition
of momentum and inertia at the ends of the swing from one direction
to its opposite.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,637 to Wang notes that golf ball
swinging practice structures are also available. One such product
is comprised of a rotary assembly mounted on a support, with a golf
ball assembly pivot mounted to the rotary assembly; furthermore,
the rotary assembly consists of an upper and lower shell, each
having a semicircular recess along the inner walls and two ribs,
respectively, and positioned in between the two pairs of ribs is a
bearing mounted on the relatively small diameter tip of the support
and secured in place by a lock pin; the inner sides of the upper
and lower shell form a containment cavity, and there is an
insertion slot in the containment cavity of the lower shell; the
golf ball assembly consists of a pliable plastic rod, a retainer,
and a golf ball, of which a sphere is formed on the upper end of
the pliable plastic rod which enables a restraining insertion into
the containment cavity of the rotary assembly. Wang in turn
discloses a golf practice device with a base having on the top
surface a section of artificial turf and a positioning support. A
rod is pivot mounted to the front end of the positioning support
and the leading end of the rod is pivot mounted to a ball to form
the directional control mount. The rod of the directional control
mount is inserted such that the ball enters a threaded section, at
the bottom end of which is the connection rod of a swivel mount
having an internal spherical-shaped space, and until the threaded
section is situated laterally against the ball of the direction
control mount. This enables assembly to the swivel mount so that
the ball of the direction control mount is contained in the swivel
fitting of the swivel assembly. The swivel mount and the connection
rod at the top and bottom ends of the swivel assembly are
structurally coordinated with a golf ball at the bottom end of
another rod forming the golf ball assembly.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, a swing exercising device includes a base; a
handle coupled to the base; and means for attaching a ball to the
base.
[0008] Implementations of the above aspect may include one or more
of the following. The means for attaching a ball can include a
coiled spring fastened to one side of the base, whereby when the
ball is struck, the coiled spring returns the ball to its resting
position. The base includes an opening and wherein said means for
attaching a ball comprises a pivotable arm inserted into said
opening, wherein when the ball is struck, the arm allows the ball
to orbit around said opening above said base. The means for
attaching a ball can also include a retainer secured in the base; a
coiled spring fastened to the retainer; and a string coupled to the
coiled spring, whereby when the ball is struck, the coiled spring
and string return the ball to its resting position. A tube can be
mounted on top of the base and adapted to receive said string
therethrough. The means for attaching a ball can also include a
stand projecting above the base;an arm projecting from the stand;
and a ring rotatably coupled to the arm. A distance indicator can
be coupled to the stand. A string can be attached to the ring. The
ball can be a golf ball. The base can also be rectangular in shape
to resemble a brief-case.
[0009] The means for attaching a ball can also include a first
hollow tube; and a second tube rotatably coupled to and slideably
engaging the first hollow tube to adjust a ball height setting. An
arm can be connected to the second tube. The ball can be mounted on
one end of the arm with a counterweight coupled to the other end of
the arm. A spring can be connected to the arm and the ball. The
tubes can be rectangular tubes or cylindrical tubes.
[0010] The above means can include a counter ball; a spring coupled
to the counter ball; and a string coupled to the spring and to the
ball. The base is elongated in shape. In another device, an arm can
be connected to the second tube; a stopper coupled to one end of
the arm; a ring positioned on the arm between the second tube and
the stopper; and a string can be connected to the ring and the
ball. The ball can be a baseball.
[0011] Advantages of system may include one or more of the
following. The system promotes exercises that require swinging. The
system enables users to build strength and endurance. The system
provides a portable device that can be used away from the sports
field of play to strengthen and condition muscles at any time the
athlete may desire. Other advantages include enabling the user to
increase power, strength, stamina and range of motion during the
sports swing. The system saves time in retrieving balls and is
convenient to users as they don't have to walk long distances to
retrieve balls. As a result, the users can have more time to
practice and to focus on the art of hitting the balls.
[0012] Further advantages of our invention will become apparent
from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1-9 show various embodiments of systems to improve
swings.
DESCRIPTION
[0014] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of the
structure of a swing exerciser is shown. The swing exerciser
includes an enclosure 10 having a handle 12 on one side and a pipe
14 on a second side of the enclosure 10. Attached to the pipe 14 is
a spring 16. At the end of the spring 16 is a ball 18. The ball 18
can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball.
During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface.
When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned
with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted
golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the spring 16 and spins
around the pipe 14 until the golf ball returns to its original rest
position, at which time another swing can be practiced.
[0016] Turning now to FIG. 2, a second exemplary embodiment of the
structure of a swing exerciser is shown. The swing exerciser
includes an enclosure 20 having a handle 22 on one side and a pipe
24 pivotally inserted through an opening 26 on the top surface of
the enclosure 20. Attached to the pipe 24 is a ball 28. The ball 28
can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball.
During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface.
When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned
with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted
golf ball causes the pipe 24 to spin around the opening 26 until
the golf ball returns to its rest position, at which time another
swing can be practiced.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment with an enclosure 30 having
a handle 32 on one side and a pipe 39 on a top side of the
enclosure 30. Projecting through the pipe 39 is a spring 36. At one
end of the spring 36 is a ball 38, and the other end of the spring
36 is attached to a retainer 34 to secure the spring 36 to the
enclosure 30. The ball 38 can be a golf ball or can be a rubber
facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is
placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing,
the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball
is hit, the impacted golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the
spring 36 and spins around the pipe 39 until the golf ball returns
to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be
practiced.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a fourth embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 4 is
similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, but without the pipe. In FIG.
4, an enclosure 40 has a handle 42 on one side and an opening on
another side of the enclosure 40. Projecting through the opening is
a string 47. At one end of the string 47 is a ball 48, and the
other end of the string 47 is attached to a spring 46, which in
turn is attached to a retainer 44 to secure the spring 46 to the
enclosure 40. The ball 48 can be a golf ball or can be a rubber
facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is
placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing,
the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball
is hit, the impacted golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the
spring 46 and string 47 and spins around the opening until the golf
ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another
swing can be practiced.
[0019] Turning now to FIG. 5, a fifth embodiment is shown. An
enclosure 50 has a handle 52 on one side and a stand 54.
Optionally, a distance indicator 53 is mounted on the stand 54. An
arm 55 projects horizontally from the stand 54. A ring 56 is
rotatably mounted on the arm 55. A pipe 57 is connected to the ring
56, and a string 59 is attached to the other end of the pipe 57. A
ball 58 is attached to the remaining end of the string 59. During
practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When
utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with
the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf
ball is restrained by the string 59 and spins around the arm 55
until the golf ball returns to its original rest position, at which
time another swing can be practiced. A sensor can be mounted on
either the stand 54 or the arm 55 to predict the flight distance of
the ball and reports the distance on the distance indicator 53.
[0020] FIGS. 6-9 show various embodiments for baseball training. In
FIG. 6, a base 60 is provided to rest on a flat surface. A pipe 62
projects from the base 60. The pipe 62 can be plastic or rubber in
one embodiment. A second pipe 63 is inserted into the pipe 62. The
second pipe 63 can be rubber of plastic in one embodiment. The
second pipe 63 can rest on one end of the pipe 62, or can be
elevated to a desired height above the pipe 62 using suitable
techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a screw,
latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe 63 at a
predetermined height. A pipe top piece 64 is positioned on the top
of the second pipe 63 and the top piece 64 receives an arm 65
therethrough. The arm 65 can be plastic, rubber, wood, or metal,
among others. Attached to one end of the arm 65 is a ball 68.
Additionally, attached to the other end of the arm 65 is a
counterweight 66. During practice, the baseball exerciser is placed
on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball swing,
the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit, the
impacted ball spins around the pipe 62/63 until the ball returns to
its original rest position, at which time another swing can be
practiced.
[0021] In FIG. 7, a base 70 is provided to rest on a flat surface.
A pipe 72 projects from the base 70. The pipe 72 can be plastic or
rubber in one embodiment. A second pipe 74 is inserted into the
pipe 72. The second pipe 74 can be rubber of plastic in one
embodiment. The second pipe 74 can rest on one end of the pipe 72,
or can be elevated to a desired height above the pipe 72 using
suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a
screw, latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe 74
at a predetermined height. A pipe top piece 75 is positioned on the
top of the second pipe 74 and the top piece 75 is connected to an
arm 76 which can be plastic, rubber, wood, or metal, among others.
Attached to one end of the arm 76 is a spring 77, which in turn is
connected to a ball 78. During practice, the baseball exerciser is
placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball
swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit,
the impacted ball spins around the pipe 72/74 until the ball
returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing
can be practiced.
[0022] Turning now to FIG. 8, another baseball practice device is
shown. As in FIG. 7, a base 80 supports a pipe 81. A second pipe 82
is inserted into the pipe 81 to allow height adjustment. The second
pipe 82 has openings through both ends of the pipe 82. In the end
that is inserted into the pipe 81, a counterweight ball 87 (which
can be made from steel or iron, for example), is connected to a
spring 86. The second end of the spring 86 is in turn connected to
one end of a string 84. The other end of the string 84 is then
connected to a ball 88 for practice. During practice, the baseball
exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice
the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the
ball is hit, the impacted ball flies off, but is restrained by the
string/spring/and counterweight ball. The spring 86 eventually
returns the ball 88 to its original rest position, at which time
another swing can be practiced.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a baseball practice
device. In FIG. 9, a base 90 is provided to rest on a flat surface.
A pipe 91 projects from the base 90. The pipe 91 can be plastic or
rubber in one embodiment. A second pipe 92 is inserted into the
pipe 91. The second pipe 92 can be rubber of plastic in one
embodiment. The second pipe 92 can rest on one end of the pipe 91,
or can be elevated to a desired height above the pipe 91 using
suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a
screw, latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe 92
at a predetermined height. The top end of the pipe 92 receives an
arm 93 therethrough. The arm 93 can be plastic, rubber, wood, or
metal, among others. A lock or stopper 95 is positioned at one end
of the arm 93. Slidably attached between the arm 93 and the lock 95
is a ring 94. Attached to the ring 94 is a support structure 96,
which in turn is connected to a string 97. The string 97 is
connected to a ball 68. In another embodiment, the string 97 can
also be a spring. Additionally, attached to the other end of the
arm 93 is a counterweight 99. During practice, the baseball
exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice
the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the
ball is hit, the impacted ball spins around the arm 93 until the
ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another
swing can be practiced.
[0024] Specific ways to swing the device are as many as are the
training desires of people using the device. The device can be
swung through a full swing and allowed to stretch the muscles as
for improving the fulll safe articulation range of the athlete. The
device can be swung partially through a swing then stopped and
swung in the reverse direction and back again many times to rapidly
loosen and stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons that helps ready the
muscles for athletic activity. By repeating the swinging motion
many times, the muscle tissue used in the desired swing path of the
athlete is strengthened.
[0025] While the above description contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. For example, the weight 22 may be of many
different sizes, weights, shapes and materials, as may the shafts
12, grip 13 and spring 11. Further, the means of attachment of the
spring 11 to the shaft 12 and the weight 22 may be accomplished by
many other methods than a straight pin, the channel in the weight
18 may assume many different shapes, depths and sizes, the filler
material 16 may be epoxy, steel, or other material, and so forth.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention 10 should be determined not
by the embodiments illustrated, but the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *