U.S. patent application number 12/460792 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for body attached sports training device.
Invention is credited to Patrick Dunne.
Application Number | 20110021329 12/460792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43497834 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110021329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunne; Patrick |
January 27, 2011 |
Body attached sports training device
Abstract
A body attached sports training device for improving
forward/twisting motion and consisting of a belt with a series of
attaching rings disposed to guide and receive resilient bands that
are secured at another ring located to provide an attaching point
on the belt. The other end of the belt is connected to rings that
hold yet allow movement there through as the bands are extended and
tensioned. The band arrangement resists forward motion while
wrapping around the belt/wearer and resists twisting motion. The
belt securely grips the user's body with a gripping system that
intensifies and concentrates belt holding forces around the user's
waist to keep the belt in place during use without the need for leg
straps or the like.
Inventors: |
Dunne; Patrick; (Palos
Heights, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES J. CONLON
SUITE 2200, 205 W. RANDOLPH
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
43497834 |
Appl. No.: |
12/460792 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/169 20151001;
A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 21/4021
20151001; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B
21/4049 20151001; A63B 21/4011 20151001; A63B 21/4001 20151001;
A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/1627 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise and training device providing a belt adapted for
attachment to a human body exercising and having resilient bands
attached, the improvement comprising: said belt having guides for
limiting movement of the bands on the belt while allowing
stretching of the bands, and said resilient bands having first
connecting means to attach at one end to said belt and having
second attaching means to anchor and secure the other end rearward
of the user to allow extension of said bands and thereby provide a
training force opposing twisting and forward movement of the user;
said resilient bands having portions extending through said guides
and having lock means to secure said guides to said belt thereby
securely holding to the belt during use; said resilient bands
providing a training and strengthening force as extended during use
whereby said force has two components, a first component providing
a thrust resistance and the second component providing a rotational
component resisting the user's twisting movement, and, said bands
contacting said belt and urging said belt toward the user's body to
thereby tighten said belt on the user during athletic and training
movement.
2. The exercise and training device of claim 1 and further
comprising: said guides comprising a series of attachment and guide
members providing attachment points to allow attachment of one end
of each elastic band to each guide means while also to allow the
elastic band to extend there through and portions to overlap to
thereby provide said belt tightening force about the user.
3. The exercise and training device of claim 2 and said guides
further comprising: a series of guide rings extending about said
belt to provide attaching points at the sides and rear for said
resilient bands.
4. The exercise and training device of claim 1, and: said guides
providing secure attaching members for receiving said resilient
bands and at least one of said bands has a portion of said band
extending around said belt whereby extension of said band firmly
wraps said band adjacent the belt and tightens said belt around the
user's waist.
5. A training belt with a combination of elements and comprising: a
belt adapted for attachment to a human body; elastic resilient
bands having a length and extending from said belt to provide both
training resistance and belt holding and tightening to allow said
training belt to be held in place due to forces provided by said
resilient bands that have portions that are configured on and
around a great portion of said belt with portions overlapping to
tighten the belt during use and hold it in place without the use of
leg straps or other belt holding harnesses and contraptions; guides
located on said belt and having means adapted to guide and hold
said elastic band means around said great portion of said belt
during use; said bands having first connecting means to attach at
one end to said belt and having second attaching means to anchor
and secure the other end to allow extension of said bands to the
rear of the user and thereby provide a training force opposing
twisting and forward movement of the user.
6. The training belt according to claim 5, and the improvement
further comprising: said guides comprising a series of two guides
attached to said belt and having portions for connecting and
guiding said elastic bands to thereby provide said training effect
through resistance to thrusting and twisting.
7. The training belt of claim 6, and said guides further
comprising: a plurality of attachment means adapted about said belt
to provide a multitude of attachment points to thereby provide
resistance to forward thrusting, and twisting in two
directions.
8. The training belt of claim 7 and the improvement further
comprising: auxiliary elastic bands with one end secured to said
belt and a second end with connecting means for attachment to the
user's wrists for training the user's arms, shoulders and the
like.
9. A method for athletic conditioning comprising the steps of:
providing a workout belt adapted to fit snugly about a human body
and having first guide means attached at a first point on said
belt; positioning an elastic band having a locking end for
attachment to said belt into said guide means at said first point
and providing said band with a free end; extending said elastic
band through said first guide means at least 180 degrees around the
user's waist to a second, attaching point to thereby retain said
band adjacent said belt during use; attaching said band to said
belt at the second point to hold the band; securing the free end of
said elastic band away from and to the rear of the user; attaching
the free end of said band to an anchor point to secure said band in
place during use; extending said elastic band and providing a
training force and resistance to thrusting movement and torsional
and rotational movement of the user.
10. The method of athletic conditioning of claim 9 and further
comprising the steps of: attaching said band securely to the belt;
positioning said band to contact at least 180 degrees, of said
belt, half way, when it is around a human body; and providing a
tightening force gripping the user's waist to hold the belt in
place without the use of leg straps or the like as the band is
extended.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (1) Field of the Invention
[0002] This disclosure shows a strength and training device for
athletes that provides a belt securely affixed to the user's waist
and a plurality of elastic cords that are attached thereto with a
free end secured to a stationary object. The elastic cords tighten
around the user's waist to hold the belt in place eliminating the
need for leg straps or the like.
[0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] This disclosure pertains to exercise/training devices used
by persons developing a common athletic movement that combines
forward/sideway motion with a twisting of the waist and upper body.
This common motion is replicated by: hitters striding into a
pitched ball in baseball; a tennis player hitting a ball; a golfer
hitting a ball; a racquetball/handball player serving or hitting
balls; a boxer throwing a punch; and, kickers in sports ranging
from soccer to punting in football. Specifically, this invention
provides a belt with resilient cords fixed adjacent and partially
encircling the user for training and proving resistance to said
twisting and linear, forward movement while holding the belt
securely in position.
[0005] A number of so-called exercise devices have been disclosed
in the past to increase strength, improve reaction time and skill
by utilizing elastic cords attached to the user's body with a belt.
The purpose of the belt is to provide an anchor point for one end
of one or several cords. In some instances with prior devices the
loose end of the cords may be attached to another part of the
user's body or may be held by an assistant or fixed to a non
moveable anchor point. One feature all these prior art devices
require is a number of straps either extending upwardly from the
belt to the user's shoulders or downwardly to grip the user's legs,
usually the upper thighs to hold the belt in place during use.
[0006] One such configuration of the prior art is shown in the
Gutkowski, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,827 (1997) that discloses an
exercise device with a belt and several elastic cords for
exercising arms and legs. The entire device is worn by the user and
intended primarily for running and arm exercises that do not
involve athletic twisting and thrusting as is the intention of the
present invention. Unlike the disclosure herein, there is no hint
or suggestion of mounting the elastic bands off the user's body for
a permanent anchor and providing the thrusting and twisting
training as disclosed herein.
[0007] The Miller U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,881 (1998) discloses an
athletic training belt that has elastic cords extending from the
user's attached belt that has three rings for selectively adjusting
the amount of resistance in the cords. The belt also shows right
and left thigh straps that encircle the user's legs to prevent the
belt from moving around the user's waist. There is no disclosure or
suggestion of providing and using the varying resistance of
applicant's device that wraps the elastic cords around the user
waist and belt and providing a belt tightening force as the user
twists to thereby hold the belt firmly in place without the need
for thigh straps.
[0008] Similarly, the Holland, U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,900 (1998) shows
another exercise belt attached around the user's waist and has
elastic cord(s) attached to the belt for strength and endurance
training. This product shows a girdle type device with both leg and
shoulder straps to hold the belt securely in place and prevent it
from twisting about the user's waist.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention disclosed herein is involved in the field of
sports training devices that attach around the waist of an
athlete's body and provide at least one elastic cord extending
therefrom that is securely attached or otherwise held to assist in
training. The particular configuration of the elastic members that
extend about the belt as it is used provides a belt tightening
force to hold the belt in place. More specifically, this invention
has eliminated the need for thigh or shoulder straps to hold the
belt from twisting around the user's waist.
[0010] In operation or use, the athlete attaches the belt around
his/her waist and fastens it securely with the buckle provided.
Next, the elastic cord(s) are threaded through rings that hold yet
allow movement and attached to a fixed object or could be hand held
by an assistant, are extended through loops on the belt and have a
second end that is clipped to the belt at a point to partially
encircle the waist to provide contact with the belt while allowing
the elastic member to extend. Thus configured, the elastic member
tightens around the athlete's waist as the cord is extended to hold
the belt in place and prevent movement. The belt is easily attached
and removed without the need to attach and tighten cumbersome leg
straps or a shoulder harness. The belt can be attached and removed
in public with a minimum of effort.
[0011] It is thus an object of the invention to provide an exercise
and training device that allows the user to duplicate athletic
actions specific to his or her sport without risking injury of
discomfort.
[0012] Another object is to provide a training device that is
easily transported and used with a minimum of effort and time by
providing a belt with a buckle and a loops system for attaching an
elastic cord that enters a first loop at the rear of the user and
extends through other loops to an attaching loop at or near the
front to be easily attached and removed by the user.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide the exercise
and training device with a graduated training feature by allowing
additional elastic bands to be attached around the user's waist and
extending about the belt to provide more belt tightening or holding
forces to prevent belt movement as the training effect is
increased.
[0014] Another object is to provide a multi discipline training
device that can be used to train athletes in the common movement of
thrust and twist that has heretofore not been provided by a
portable, simple training device.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
training belt with attachment means for positioning additional
elastic bands that can be attached to the user's hands or arms to
improve the training effect by allowing upper body development.
[0016] These and other objects of the invention will become
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art with reference
to the attached drawings, description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of one application of the
exercise training belt as used by a right handed golfer;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration of another application of
the exercise training belt as used by a right handed batter in
baseball;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a pictorial illustration of yet another
application of the exercise training belt as used by a left handed
golfer;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the training belt and showing
the arrangement of the belt with additional straps used for
training a boxer;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the training belt anchored with
a door frame mounted system and showing the arrangement of the belt
with additional straps used for training a boxer;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the training belt anchored with
a wall mounted system and, like FIG. 5 showing the arrangement of
the belt with additional straps used for training a boxer;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a rear view of the training
belt anchored with a portable floor mounted system and showing the
arrangement of the belt with additional straps used for training a
boxer;
[0024] FIG. 8 shows application use of the training belt with a
portable platform as used by a punter in American style
football;
[0025] FIG. 9 shows the use of the training belt with a portable
platform as used by a person practicing jumping and or acceleration
for a variety of sports;
[0026] FIG. 10 shows the belt and arm cords removed from the user's
body;
[0027] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the belt on a user with the
elastic cords shown extending about the front buckle to the
attachment point on the opposite side;
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the belt with the main bands
extending around the user and auxiliary bands attached to the side
of the belt;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the belt and suggested
arrangement of the elastic cords for a person training to twist in
a counterclockwise direction such as a right handed batter in
baseball;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the belt and suggested
arrangement of the elastic cords for a person training to twist in
a clockwise direction such as a left handed batter in baseball;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the belt and suggested
arrangement of the elastic cords for a person training to twist in
a counterclockwise direction such as a right handed batter in
baseball with the cord extended more than 180 degrees about the
persons waist; and,
[0032] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the anchor point in the front
of the belt used to secure the belt and allow the elastic cord to
tighten as is extended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1
wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention shows an
exercise and training belt 10 attached around the waist of a person
12 practicing golf. The belt 10 is sized to extend about the user's
waist and is rigid enough to allow three D-rings to be securely
attached thereto--one at the back that is indicated by the numeral
14, and one at each side that is identified by the numeral 16. This
specific construction is shown particularly in FIGS. 10-16.
[0034] Belt 10 also utilizes at least one elastic band having
sections shown as 20, 20a with at least one section that extends
through the center loop 14, around the belt with both sections
positioned through a first side ring 16 and across the buckle 17 to
the second ring 16 where the ends are fastened with use of the
locking hook 23. Band 20 has a portion away from the end away from
the user end that is anchored, but free to slide, as shown in FIG.
1 to a portable platform 24.
[0035] The illustrations show the use of a double band 20-20a that
has one portion that extends through the back ring 14, and the
other portion through one side ring 16 and is hooked to the
opposite ring 16 after extending across the front of the belt. In
this configuration, as the user twists, the belt tightens and stays
in place as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 7, 13-15. Other configurations of
the basic arrangement are discussed below.
[0036] The configuration of band 20-20a that is used tightens as
the user twists and moves forward may also be used in conjunction
with another elastic band 22 that connects directly to side ring 16
and produces an enhanced training force that resists the user from
twisting. The bands 20, 20a are essentially one continuous band or
can be joined and extend through anchor rings 26 on the platform
24. The band 20-20a may be divided into two sections 20-20a that
are joined by auxiliary clips 23a (FIG. 10) after positioning
through the anchors.
[0037] The arrangement of the bands 20, 20a shown in FIG. 2 is
illustrated with respect to a baseball player and the function is
essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and described
above.
[0038] The arrangement of the bands 20, 22 shown in FIG. 3 is
illustrated with respect to a left handed golfer and are
essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and described above
for the right handed golfer.
[0039] With the arrangements shown in FIGS. 1-3 and described
above, when the user 12 moves forward a resistance is produced by
the elastic bands as they are extended. Now, as the user 12 twists
to swing the golf club or baseball bat, that twisting motion is
resisted by the bands that wrap around the belt 10 producing the
desired training effect. It is observed that the thrust or forward
athletic motion combined with the twist athletic move are both
resisted by the arrangement of the elastic bands 20, 20a and side
band 22 (FIG. 15).
[0040] FIGS. 4-5 show the belt used by an individual utilizing
additional arm bands 34 that are attached to the belt 10 at the
rear D-ring 14. The bands 20, 20a are wrapped around the belt in
such a fashion to tighten as the boxer twists and lunges. For
example. The boxers shown in FIGS. 4-5 are right handed--leading
with a left foot and left arm. For such right hand lead boxers, the
twist of the upper body is counter-clockwise as viewed from above
and the bands would be attached to the belt as shown in FIGS.
12-13. In the event a greater training effect is desired, side band
22 could be attached as shown in FIGS. 12-15.
[0041] The arrangement of the training belt 10 shown in FIGS. 5-6
disclose another important feature, that is, the extreme
portability of the device. Here the bands 20, 20a are attached with
anchors 28, FIG. 5, to a door frame 30. The illustration shows a
boxer with additional elastic bands 32 attached at one end to the
belt 10 at the rear or back D-ring 14 and at the arm end to wrist
band 34. It is contemplated that the bands 20, 20a extend through
brackets 28 to enable the training belt 10 to be easily used while
traveling or at home. Similarly, FIG. 6 shows training belt 10
attached to wall anchors 36 such as may be present at a health club
or in a user's home.
[0042] FIG. 7 is like FIG. 6 in the sense that the training belt 10
is being used by a person training for boxing. However, another
arrangement is shown in which the bands 20, 20a are anchored to a
portable platform 24. It should also be noticed that the elastic
bands 20, 20a extend through anchor rings 26 on platform 24. With
such a connection the bands may move through the rings 26 to adjust
for movement of the user. The arm straps 32 are shown attached at
one end to the user with the wrist bands 34 and at the other end to
the rear D-ring 14 of the training belt 10.
[0043] FIG. 8 shows the training belt 10 used to condition and
strengthen a person kicking and is anchored to a portable platform
as described earlier. The bands 20, 20a are shown in the same
configuration as shown for the golfer and baseball player in FIGS.
1-2. Thus, as the kicker thrusts forward and twists the bands
resist the forward movement and also tighten the belt around the
user's waist as his/her body twists. Ankle band 38 also trains the
leg and associated kicking muscles by providing a resistive
force.
[0044] One additional use of the training belt 10 is illustrated in
FIG. 9 that shows a jumping training move using the belt 10. With
such a use it is contemplated that the bands 20, 20a would be
attached to the side D-rings and anchored as shown on the portable
platform 24 or to another suitable anchor. This arrangement could
also be used to train sprinters or other athletes in developing a
quick and powerful start.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows the belt away from the user's body. The belt
10 is a semi rigid of a type well known in the art and similar to a
basic weight lifting belt with the following modifications as shown
herein. A center D-ring 14 is attached in the middle to be
positioned at the user's back. Two side D-rings 16 are attached at
the sides near the front of the belt 10 near the buckle or latching
members 17. The D-rings 14-16 are large enough to allow several of
the elastic bands 20, 20a to easily fit there through an move
freely during use. The illustration of FIG. 10 also shows the
arrangement when the belt 10 is used with the elastic arm straps 32
and wrist/arm bands 34 as would be the configuration when used by a
person training for boxing.
[0046] FIGS. 11-12 show the arrangement of the bands 20, 20a around
the belt 10 and with the addition of auxiliary band 22 for extra
training effect. As strap 20-20a is extended it is automatically
tightened around the user to hold the belt tightly in place and
thus has eliminated the need for the usual and cumbersome leg or
body straps. For example, referring to FIGS. 11, 13-15, the
illustrations show the belt 10 end sections of 20 and 20a extending
through first side D-ring 16, across the front of the belt past
buckle latch 17 to connect with the second, opposite D-ring 17 with
clips 23. As bands 20, 20a stretch they provide a resistive force
to both forward movement and twisting movement. Further, as the
stretching of 20, 20a occurs a tightening force is added that
encircles the user to hold the belt tighter as more twisting and
extension of bands 20, 20a occurs. Thus, the maximum tightening
force of belt 10 around the user's body is provided when it is
needed most.
[0047] FIG. 13 shows schematically a similar arrangement of the
belt 10 and elastic bands 20, 20a shown in FIGS. 11-12 with the
bands extending approximately three fourths (270 degrees) around
the wearer's waist to secure the belt in place during use.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a schematic showing a reverse of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 13 and shows in detail one arrangement for attaching
the ends of the bands to the belt 10. The D-ring 16 is similar to
or the same as the D-ring identified by the number 14.
[0049] FIG. 15 is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 13 with the
addition of an auxiliary band 22 to provide additional resistive
forces and improved training.
[0050] Thus it has been shown by the foregoing description and
detailed drawings that the disclosure shows an improved training
and exercise belt 10 that allows use in a variety of training
movements from baseball to sprinting. The belt 10 provides
attachment points through the use of the rings attached about the
perimeter to attach the elastic cords or band(s) 20, 20a with one
ring and allow movement through the other rings. Further, an
auxiliary band can be attached to the rear ring or side ring
depending on the exercise desired.
[0051] The forgoing description and drawings merely explain and
illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto,
except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those who
are skilled in the art and have the disclosure before them will be
able to make modifications and variations therein without departing
from the scope of the invention.
* * * * *