U.S. patent application number 13/849524 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for sports ball throwing training system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Derrick Clark, Eric Clark. Invention is credited to Derrick Clark, Eric Clark.
Application Number | 20140287852 13/849524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51569541 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140287852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark; Eric ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
SPORTS BALL THROWING TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
A sporting ball training system and method. The sports training
system and methods include a rod member, with one end attached to a
handle for gripping. The other end is attached to one end of a
guide member; the other end of the guide being attached to a ball
that creates a tension during a simulated throw.
Inventors: |
Clark; Eric; (San Diego,
CA) ; Clark; Derrick; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Clark; Eric
Clark; Derrick |
San Diego
San Diego |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51569541 |
Appl. No.: |
13/849524 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/424 ;
473/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4039 20151001;
A63B 2069/0006 20130101; A63B 60/34 20151001; A63B 69/0002
20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B
21/4043 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 2214/00 20200801; A63B
21/0552 20130101; A63B 60/0081 20200801; A63B 21/0004 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 69/0088 20130101;
A63B 69/0091 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2209/08
20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 69/0059 20130101; A63B
2209/10 20130101; A63B 60/12 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/424 ;
473/422 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A sports training system for training proper player positioning
and accurate ball throwing, the sports training system comprising:
a rod member, the rod member comprising a rod proximal end and a
rod distal end, the rod proximal end being disposed to join with a
handle, the handle being configured to be operable to be gripped,
the rod member being configured to be operable to press against a
back for balancing appropriate body and arm positioning against a
centrifugal force developed from a throwing motion; a guide member,
the guide member comprising a guide member proximal end and a guide
member distal end, the guide member proximal end being disposed to
join with the rod distal end, the guide member distal end being
disposed to join with the ball, the guide member being operable to
create a tension for controlling a throwing arm in a substantially
full range of shoulder and elbow motions to impart appropriate
rotation and hand motion to the ball.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod member defines a rigid and
linear shape configured to position in a substantially vertically
orientation along a back for guiding appropriate body and arm
positioning while throwing the ball in a forward motion.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod member comprises a pad for
providing comfort while engaging the back, the pad comprising a
tubular foam member, the tubular foam member being configured to at
least partially enclose the rod member.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the rod distal end comprises a
ring, the ring being configured to join with the guide member
proximal end.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the handle is disposed to form a
tangent away from the rod member.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the guide member distal end
comprises a ball support member, the ball support member being
configured to hold the ball.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the ball support member comprises
a clip.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the guide member comprises a
flexible cord for providing tension while throwing the ball.
9. The system of claim 4 wherein the guide member comprising a
loop, the loop being configured to pass through the ring.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the ball comprises a
baseball.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the sports training system
comprises an indicating system integral with the ball, wherein the
indicating system provides at least one of an audible indication
and visual indication of the accuracy of a throwing motion.
12. A method operable to train proper player positioning and
accurate ball throwing while throwing a ball, the method
comprising: providing a sports training system extending between a
rod member and a guiding member, the guiding member having a ball
at its distal end; grasping a handle of a rod member proximal end
with a grip hand; placing the ball in a throwing hand of a throwing
arm; positioning the rod member in a substantially vertical
orientation against a back for training appropriate body and arm
positioning against a centrifugal force generated by a simulated
throw, wherein the handle positions at a lower elevation than a rod
member distal end; throwing the ball in a forward throwing motion
from the throwing hand and the throwing arm; and creating tension
from the guide member to control the throwing arm in a
substantially full range of shoulder and elbow motions to impart
appropriate elbow rotation and hand motion to the ball.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein a forward throwing motion
comprises placing the feet spaced apart along a forward axis
extending in the forward throwing direction.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein the rod member positions in a
substantially horizontal orientation along the back.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein the method is operable to
develop arm muscles associated with throwing by doing strengthening
exercises.
16. A sports training system for training proper player positioning
and accurate ball throwing, the sports training system comprising:
a rod member, the rod member comprising a rod proximal end and a
rod distal end, the rod proximal end being disposed to join with a
handle; and a guide member, the guide member comprising a guide
member proximal end and a guide member distal end, the guide member
proximal end being disposed to join with the rod distal end, the
guide member distal end being disposed to join with a ball.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the guide member is operable to
create a tension between the rod member and the ball.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/616,170 filed Mar. 27, 2012, the entirety
of the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference
as if fully set forth in the present specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to sports training
systems methods, and more specifically to sports training systems
and methods for training proper player positioning and accurate
ball throwing.
[0003] Many sporting activities utilize balls or other like
projectiles that can be thrown by a player. The distance and
velocity of the throw may vary from sport to sport. Further, the
technique of grasping the ball and manipulating the wrist and elbow
to throw the ball may vary between different sports. Variables that
affect a throwing style may include, without limitation, size of
the ball, distance to throw the ball, necessary velocity to deliver
the ball, and estimated strength and capacity of the player to
throw the ball.
[0004] Typically, throwing for a particular sport requires a
specific mechanism and style. The player often practices the sport
specific style repetitively until it is perfected. However, the
throwing style may not be intuitively obvious. In this case, the
player may require special training equipment and coaching to learn
and master the appropriate throw. There is a need to address one or
more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and
methods, and the present invention meets this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Various aspects of a sports training system and method can
be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0006] In a first embodiment, the sports training system trains a
player in an appropriate throwing mechanism by guiding body parts
pertinent to the throwing motion. The present invention includes a
rigid rod member that presses against the players back, providing a
restrictive mechanical barrier that restricts incorrect throwing
motions.
[0007] A flexible guide member extends from the rod member,
terminating at the ball. The guide member creates a predetermined
quantity of tension that counteracts a centrifugal force generated
from the throwing motion. In this manner, when the player simulates
a throw, the mechanism of the throw is better controlled for
teaching and observation purposes.
[0008] A ball attaches to the end of the guide member for the
player to grasp and simulate an appropriate throwing motion against
tension from the guide member. The rod member presses against the
player's back to provide additional resistance and guide
appropriate body positioning during the simulated throw.
[0009] The rod member is substantially linear and rigid, configured
to press against the player's back in a substantially vertical or a
substantially horizontal orientation. The specific orientation of
the rod member is dependent on the type of throw desired, or the
size of the player.
[0010] The guide member includes a looped cord that attaches to a
ring on the rod member from one end, and the ball from the other
end. The guide member provides sufficient tension to control and
regulate the simulated throw. Both the rod member and the guide
member work together to guide the pertinent body parts in the
proper throwing mechanism.
[0011] The sports training system and method provides a throwing
device that is helpful in developing throwing mechanisms,
including, without limitation, appropriate arm and shoulder
rotation, body orientation and positioning while throwing,
imparting appropriate rotation and hand motion to a ball, and lower
body positioning in a throwing motion.
[0012] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention herein may be realized by reference to the
remaining portions of the specifications and the attached drawings.
Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as
the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with respect to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a sports training system with a ball
attached, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a sports training
method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present;
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a player utilizing a sports training
method that includes positioning a rod member vertically against a
shoulder blade and simulating a throw, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present;
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a player utilizing a
sports training method that includes positioning a rod member
horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;
[0018] FIG. 3C illustrates a rear view of a player utilizing a
sports training method that includes positioning a rod member
horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a sports training system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a rod member enclosed with a pad, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a ball support member attached to a
looped guide member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a guide member attached to a ring from a
rod member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.
However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present invention may be practiced without these specific
details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,
components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as to
not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a sports training system with a ball
attached, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] In FIG. 1, sports training system 100 comprises a rod member
102 that presses against the players back, providing a restrictive
mechanical barrier that is helpful in restricting incorrect
throwing motions. The rod member 102 further provides resistance
against a simulated throw from a player's arm to better control the
throwing mechanism.
[0026] In some embodiments, the rod member 102 comprises a rigid
and linear shape configured for pressing straight across the back.
However, in other embodiments, the rod member 102 includes a
concave shape to more effectively contour the lower back or
shoulder blades. The rod member 102 may include various lengths to
satisfy different sizes of players and styles of ball throwing for
various sports. In some embodiments, a pad 114 may at least
partially enclose the rod member for providing comfort.
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rod member
102 includes a rod proximal end 104 having a handle 106 for
gripping. In this manner, the player may grab the handle 106 with a
grip hand while grasping a ball 118 and simulating a throw with a
throwing hand. The handle 106 is configured to provide sufficient
grip to prevent slippage during the simulated throw.
[0028] A guide member 110 joins with the rod member 102, extending
out and terminating at a ball 118. The guide member 110 includes a
guide member proximal end 112 that extends from a rod distal end
108 and loops around a ring. In this manner, a strong connection
allows a player to exert maximum force while simulating a
throw.
[0029] The guide member 110 includes a flexible looped cord that
provides sufficient tension against a simulated throw to produce a
slow, controlled throwing motion efficacious for teaching and
observation purposes. The guide member 110 and the rod member 102
act together to resist the throwing motion, allowing the throwing
mechanism to be more fully realized by the player and an observer.
In this manner, proper analysis and appreciation of the simulated
throw may be enhanced.
[0030] Specifically, the flexible nature of the guide member 110
allows for a substantially full range of shoulder and elbow motion
for simulating a throw. The rod member 102 stabilizes and orients
the body, while the guide member 110 regulates the throwing
mechanism with tension that pulls against the throwing arm. The
tension also serves to train a throwing hand to impart proper
rotation and hand motion while simulating a throw.
[0031] A ball support member 120 joins with a guide member distal
end 116. The ball support member 120 may include, without
limitation, a clip that grasps the ball, a string that ties around
the ball 118, a rod that passes through the ball, a magnet that
attracts the ball, and an adhesive that sticks to the ball. Those
skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will
recognize that the ball support member 120 must utilize a minimum
amount of space to allow the throwing hand space to grasp the ball
118. In this manner, the throw may be simulated accurately.
[0032] Suitable materials for fabricating the sports training
system 100 may include, without limitation, fiberglass, aluminum,
wood, plastic, and resin derived polymers. The sports training
system 100 may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate a variety of
sports that require ball throwing, including, without limitation,
baseball, softball, cricket, tennis, football, basketball, and
water polo.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a sports training
method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present.
[0034] In FIG. 2, a sports training method 200 allows a player to
develop a proper throwing motion by guiding the player's throwing
mechanism through repetitive simulation of a throw. An initial Step
202 includes providing a sports training system 100. The sports
training system 100 is substantially a rod member 102 with a guide
member 110, such as a flexible cord, attached thereto. An
appropriate ball 118 joins with the guide member for the player to
grasp. The sports training method 200 essentially requires the
player to simultaneously grip the handle 106 of the rod member 102,
while holding and throwing the ball 118.
[0035] A Step 204 includes attaching the ball 118 to the guide
member 110. A ball 118 attaches to the end of the guide member 110
for the player to grasp and simulate an appropriate throwing motion
against tension from the guide member 110. The sports training
system 100 is sufficiently diverse to allow myriad types of balls
118 to be used for simulating a throw. A ball support member 120
joins the guide member to the ball. The ball support member 120 may
include, without limitation, a clip, a screw, a rubber band, a
magnet, and an adhesive.
[0036] A Step 206 includes grasping the handle 106 with the grip
hand. The handle 106 is disposed to position at a rod proximal end
104. In this manner, the player must extend to a maximum point for
simulating a throw. However, in other embodiments, the player may
grasp the rod member 102 at a more central point along the rod
member 102. In one alternative embodiment, the handle 106 includes
a strap for securing a wrist to the rod member 102.
[0037] A Step 208 includes placing the ball 118 in the throwing
hand. The sports training system 100 may serve to force the
throwing hand to hold the ball 118 in an appropriate orientation
for imparting proper rotation and hand movement to the ball 118.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will
recognize that, the angle of the throwing arm, as dictated by the
rod member 102 and guide member 110, can force the throwing hand to
orient to an appropriate angle. In one alternative embodiment, the
ball 118 may include markings that instruct on finger placement.
The markings are designed to coordinate with a specific placement
of the rod member 102 against the back.
[0038] A Step 210 includes positioning the rod member 102 against a
back for training appropriate body and arm position while
simulating a throw. The rod member 102 is substantially linear and
rigid, configured to press against the player's back in a
substantially vertical or a substantially horizontal orientation.
The specific orientation of the rod member 102 is dependent on the
type of throw desired, or the size of the player.
[0039] For example, without limitation, a baseball pitch requires
appropriate foot positioning along with arm mechanics. During a
simulated pitch, the throwing arm initially breaks in a downward
semi-circular motion. The front arm stays closed and the front
elbow remains at a 45 to 90 degree angle. The rod member 102
pressed against the back helps the player attain this position.
During the throw, the throwing arm should reach its lowest point
during the motion. The arm is nearly perpendicular to the ground,
with a slight bend in the elbow. The rod member 102 ensures that
the throwing arm is pressured to the lowest point.
[0040] A Step 212 includes throwing the ball 118 in a forward
motion. The simulated throw does not require releasing the ball
118, or even throwing at full speed. Rather, the throwing mechanism
is controlled and oriented to achieve a desired final throwing
motion.
[0041] A Step 214 naturally follows Step 212 as tension is created
during the throwing motion from the elastic nature of the guide
member 110, along with the rod member 102 pressing against the
back. The guide member 110 may include an elastic cord that
stretches, yet provides a predetermined amount of resistance
against a centrifugal force developed from the throwing motion. The
guide member 110 may be fabricated from various materials and have
various elasticity factors and resistance to deformation. Those
skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will
recognize that the elasticity of the guide member 110 can be
adjusted to provide different resistances for various types of
throws and balls with a formula such as Hooke's Law: F=kx, where F
is an elastic force, x is displacement, and k is a spring
constant.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates a player utilizing a sports training
method that includes positioning a rod member vertically against a
shoulder blade and simulating a throw, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present.
[0043] In FIG. 3A, a player 302 utilizes a sports training method
to develop a particular throw. In some embodiments, the sports
training method may be utilized for strength conditioning and
stretching exercises. The vertical positioning of a rod member 308
may be efficacious for simulating an overhand throw. The rod member
308 can position in proximity to a left shoulder blade or a right
shoulder blade, depending on a throwing hand 304 of the player. A
grip hand 306 restricts the rod member 308 against the back.
[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a player utilizing a
sports training method that includes positioning a rod member
horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.
[0045] In FIG. 3B, the player 302 presses the rod member 308
against the back in a substantially horizontal orientation. The
horizontal positioning of the rod member 308 may be efficacious for
simulating a side throw. However, a variety of other throws can be
simulated from the position. In one embodiment, a pad 312 at least
partially covers the rod member 308 to provide comfort for the
back.
[0046] FIG. 3C illustrates a rear view of a player utilizing a
sports training method that includes positioning a rod member
horizontally against a lower back and simulating a throw, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present.
[0047] In FIG. 3C, the player positions the rod member 308 in a
lower area of the back and grasps the ball 314 from the side. The
throwing hand 304 pulls on a guide member 310 attached to the ball
314. The grip hand 306 serves to counterbalance the centrifugal
force exerted by the throwing hand 304. In this manner, the
player's back serves as a fulcrum, allowing the player to exert
full control over the throwing motion.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a sports training system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] In FIG. 4, the sports training system trains a player in an
appropriate throwing mechanism by guiding body parts pertinent to
the throwing motion. A rod member 404 presses against the player's
back in numerous possible orientations, providing a restrictive
mechanical barrier that restricts incorrect throwing motions. The
exact positioning of the rod member can be manipulated to match a
desired throwing style or ball type. A handle 402 provides a grip
to press the rod member against the back.
[0050] In one embodiment, a flexible guide member 410 extends from
the rod member, terminating at the ball. The guide member may
include a looped cord having elasticity characteristics. The guide
member generates a predetermined quantity of tension that
counteracts a centrifugal force generated from the throwing action.
The resistance of the guide member provides a slower, more
controlled simulated throw for enhanced teaching and
observation.
[0051] In some embodiments, a ball support member 408, such as a
clip securely retains a ball to the guide member. In this manner, a
player can grasp the ball to simulate an appropriate throwing
motion against tension from the guide member. The rod member
presses against the player's back to provide additional resistance
and guide appropriate body positioning during the simulated throw.
In some embodiments, a pad 406 at least partially encloses the rod
member to provide comfort to the back.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a rod member enclosed with a pad, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0053] In FIG. 5, a pad 502 includes a tubular foam member
configured to at least partially enclose a rod member 504. However,
in other embodiments, the pad can be fabricated from other
materials, including, without limitation, rubber, cardboard, a
nonwoven material, and cotton. The pad is sized to enclose an area
of the rod member that engages the back.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a ball support member attached to a
looped guide member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0055] In FIG. 6, the ball support member 602 joins with a guide
member distal end 604 to provide a secure connection for the ball.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will
recognize that the ball support member must utilize a minimum
amount of space to allow the throwing hand space to grasp the ball.
In this manner, the throw may be simulated accurately. The ball
support member may include, without limitation, a clip that grasps
the ball, a string that ties around the ball, a rod that passes
through the ball, a magnet that attracts the ball, and an adhesive
that sticks to the ball.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a guide member attached to a ring from a
rod member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0057] In FIG. 7, a guide member joins with the rod member,
extending out and terminating at a ball. The guide member includes
a guide member proximal end 702 that loops around a ring 704 that
extends from a rod distal end 706. In this manner, a strong
connection between the guide member and the rod member allows a
player to exert maximum force while simulating a throw.
[0058] While the above is a complete description of exemplary
specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are
also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the
appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
* * * * *