U.S. patent application number 14/255918 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for ball handling improvement device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Beyonca Johnson, Holly Medley. Invention is credited to Beyonca Johnson, Holly Medley.
Application Number | 20140315666 14/255918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51729429 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140315666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Medley; Holly ; et
al. |
October 23, 2014 |
BALL HANDLING IMPROVEMENT DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to sports training
devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a device for
improving the speed, power and control behind one or more ball
handling skills, affected through the use of one or more resistance
bands and two or more securing cuffs/means. Certain embodiments of
the present invention may be used to improve the speed, power and
control of a basketball player's ball handling skills, through
toning, strengthening and providing muscle memory improvements to
the muscles of the basketball player. Other embodiments may be
utilized by players of any sport that would benefit from similar
strengthening, toning and muscle memory improvements provided by
the ball handling improvement device.
Inventors: |
Medley; Holly; (Bolingbrook,
IL) ; Johnson; Beyonca; (Maywood, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medley; Holly
Johnson; Beyonca |
Bolingbrook
Maywood |
IL |
IL
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51729429 |
Appl. No.: |
14/255918 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61812940 |
Apr 17, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/450 ;
482/124 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/17 20130101;
A63B 21/00043 20130101; A63B 69/0071 20130101; A63B 2220/20
20130101; A63B 2243/0037 20130101; A63B 69/0059 20130101; A63B
21/4017 20151001; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 43/005 20130101; A63B 2023/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/450 ;
482/124 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00; A63B 21/055 20060101 A63B021/055; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A ball handling improvement device comprising: a resistance
band; two securing means, one on each opposite side of said
resistance band; rotating rings connecting said securing means to
said resistance band; a band stabilizer wrapped around a segment of
said resistance band, wherein said stabilizer is disposed between
said cuffs and is slidable between said cuffs, wherein during
normal use of the device, a user places a securing means on each
arm and handles a ball.
2. The ball handling improvement device of claim 1, wherein the
securing means is a cuff
3. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein each of
said rotating rings is connected to a respective cuff by hooking
said rotating ring through an anchor on said cuff.
4. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein each of
said cuffs are discontinuous and define a gap between opposing
radial edges of said cuffs.
5. The ball handling improvement device of claim 4, further
comprising a locking collar wrapped around each cuff, wherein said
locking collar helps secure the cuff to a user's arm.
6. The ball handling improvement device of claim 5, wherein each
collar comprises a buckle for securing said collar to said cuff and
for retaining one of said rotating rings.
7. The ball handling improvement device of claim 7, wherein said
buckle comprises a pair of crossed elastic bands extending through
holes in said collar and said cuff and across the gap between said
opposing radial edges of said cuff.
8. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein said
cuffs comprise hook and loop closures, such that each of said cuffs
may be wrapped around a user's arm and secured thereto using said
hook and loop closures.
9. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein said
cuffs are form fitting.
10. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein said
cuffs are made from a sweat resistant material.
11. The ball handling improvement device of claim 2, wherein said
cuffs are adjustable.
12. The ball handling improvement device of claim 1, wherein said
device is configured to strengthen the tendons and muscles in the
arms and increase dribble speed, power and control.
13. The ball handling improvement device of claim 1, wherein the
resistance band is a 10 inch quad strap resistance band.
14. The ball handling improvement device of claim 1, wherein said
rotating rings comprise are attached to one or more bushings,
bearings, swivel clips, swivel snaps, or any combination
thereof.
15. A method of improving the characteristics of an individual's
ball handling skills through use of a ball handling improvement
device comprising the steps of: a user attaching a cuff of a ball
handling improvement device to each of their forearms; dribbling a
ball, wherein the ball is dribbled between the user's hands while
the device is attached to the user's forearms.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following
provisional applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety: U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/812,940 filed on
Apr. 17, 2013 and entitled "BALL HANDLING IMPROVEMENT DEVICE."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to sports training
devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a device for
improving the speed, power and control behind one or more ball
handling skills, affected through the use of one or more resistance
bands and two or more securing cuffs/means. Certain embodiments of
the present invention may be used to improve the speed, power and
control of a basketball player's ball handling skills, through
toning, strengthening and providing muscle memory improvements to
the muscles of the basketball player. Other embodiments may be
utilized by players of any sport that would benefit from similar
strengthening, toning and muscle memory improvements provided by
the ball handling improvement device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a ball handling
improvement device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0004] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the ball handling improvement
device of FIG. 1;
[0005] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the ball handling
improvement device of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the ball handling
improvement device of FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the ball handling
improvement device of FIG. 4.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Basketball players looking to enhance their dribbling and
ball handling skills have limited resources to do so. Their most
common options are a combination of spending long periods of time
in traditional ball handling drills or practicing with weighted
basketballs. These methods often require use of a basketball court,
gym, or other facility to conduct the drills. Gaining access to
such facilities however can be difficult, especially for long
periods of time.
[0009] In addition, the idea of spending long periods of time
engaged in ball handling drills or practicing with weighted
basketballs can be unappealing, especially if the player has to
travel a long distance to get to a practice location. There is
therefore a need for a convenient device to help players develop
and improve their ball dribbling and handling skills in almost any
setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are
directed to a ball dribbling improvement device that provides
improved muscle strength in the arms and increases dribbling speed,
power and control. The device further aids in preventing injury by
strengthening the muscles involved in dribbling, passing, and
catching a ball.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
ball handling improvement device includes a pair of opposing cuffs
connected by a resistance band, where the cuffs are configured to
be worn on a user's arms. Rotating connection rings connect the
cuffs to opposite sides of the resistance band. A band stabilizer
sleeve is wrapped around at least a portion of the resistance band,
disposed between the cuffs and slidable between the rotating
rings.
[0012] During normal use of the device, a user places a cuff on
each forearm and handles/dribbles a ball. The resistance band
provides a resistance force while the user is dribbling a ball from
hand to hand. The rotating rings and stabilizer sleeve allow the
user to move their arms in a variety of motions without
interference from the resistance band. However, added versatility
of movement may be added by interposing a clip or secondary ring
between each connecting ring and its corresponding cuff.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
locking collar is wrapped around each cuff to help secure the cuff
to a user's forearm. The locking collar includes a buckle for
closing the collar around its respective cuff and securing it
thereto. In this embodiment, the buckle may also serve as retention
means for a rotating connection ring.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the cuffs include hook and loop closures such that each of said
cuffs may be wrapped around a user's arm and secured thereto using
the hook and loop closures.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the cuffs are form fitting arm bands. An arm band cuff may be made
from an elastic material that conforms to the size of a user's
arm.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
ball dribbling improvement device may include a clip or secondary
ring interposed between the connecting ring and its corresponding
cuff. For example, the clip may be attached to the rotating ring on
one side and collar buckle on the other side. The clip or secondary
ring may allow a user greater arm motion versatility without
interference from the resistance band.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a method of improving the characteristics of an
individual's ball handling skills through use of a ball handling
improvement device comprising the steps of: (1) a user attaching a
cuff of a ball handling improvement device to each forearm; and (2)
dribbling a ball, wherein the ball is dribbled from hand-to-hand
while the device is attached to the user's forearms. Other ball
handling skills besides dribbling may also be practiced while
wearing the device.
[0018] The foregoing summary of the present invention with the
preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of
the invention. It should be understood and obvious to one skilled
in the art that the embodiments of the invention thus described may
be further modified without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
[0019] The present invention generally relates to sports training
devices. Specifically, this invention relates to a device 100 for
improving the speed, power and control of handling or dribbling a
ball, affected through use of one or more resistance bands and two
or more securing cuffs/means. Preferred embodiments of the present
invention may further include one or more rotating rings or other
motion components and one or more band stabilizers (See, FIGS. 1
and 2).
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
resistance band 150 is comprised of a band of elastic material that
provides a predetermined level of resistance when the band is
extended to the edges of its elasticity. Each resistance band may
have a specified level of resistance, with the stiffer bands
generally providing higher resistance than resistance bands that
are more elastic. In one embodiment, the resistance band is a 10
inch quad strap resistance band. One of ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that resistance bands that could be used with
embodiments of the present invention could be constructed from any
number of materials and at any level of elasticity, and embodiments
of the present invention are contemplated for use with resistance
bands of any elasticity and construction material.
[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
resistance band is attached to one or more securing means. The
securing means may include, but are not limited to, a cuff, a
locking collar, a hook and loop cuff, a hoop, an arm band or any
others appropriate means for securing one end of a resistance band
to a portion of an arm of the user of the ball handling improvement
device as described herein.
[0022] Furthermore, the securing means may have a cylindrical shape
configured to be fastened around a user's arm and may be radially
continuous or discontinuous. A securing means having a radially
discontinuous cylindrical shape includes radial edges proximate the
discontinuity that may define a gap there between. Alternatively,
the radial edges may overlap. One of ordinary skill will appreciate
that the securing means may be a cuff that retains its shape when
not worn, or a form fitting cuff that assumes a cylindrical shape
when worn by a user.
[0023] One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there
are numerous securing means that could be utilized with embodiments
of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention
are contemplated for use with any appropriate securing means. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ball handling
improvement device is comprised of two securing means 110a and
110b, one on either side of a resistance band and configured to
secure a user's arm to the device. Securing means may be
constructed from any number of suitable materials, including, but
not limited to, leather, plastic, vinyl, cloth, synthetic
materials, carbon-fiber, or any combination thereof. One of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous
materials the securing means could be constructed from, and
embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with
securing means constructed from any suitable material.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
securing means may be further comprised of a sweat resistant
material configured to absorb sweat and help prevent the securing
means and resistance band from unwanted movement.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or
more band stabilizers 160 may be utilized to help retain a desired
shape and form of the resistance band. Band stabilizers may
include, but are not limited to, one or more of a tubing, one or
more rings, a band wrapping material, a protective casing or any
combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the band stabilizer
may be a tubing configured to be maintained around the resistance
band such that the resistance band maintains a substantially
elongated oval shape. Further, the stabilizer 160 may be slidable
along the resistance band, or fixed to a segment of the resistance
band. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there
are numerous types of band stabilizers that may be utilized with
embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the
present invention are contemplated for use with any type of band
stabilizer.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or
more motion components may be utilized. Motion components may
include, but are not limited to, rotating rings, bushings,
bearings, swivel clips, swivel snaps, or any combination thereof.
One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are
numerous types of motion components that could be utilized with
embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the
present invention are contemplated for use with any type of motion
components. In preferred embodiments, motion components are
provided to allow a full or substantially full range of motion to
arm(s) of the user to whom the ball handling improvement device is
attached. In certain embodiments, the motion component, in
conjunction with the securing means, may be detachable from the
resistance band, allowing the motion component and/or the securing
means to be utilized with resistance bands of varying resistance
levels.
[0027] In one embodiment, motion components, such as rotating rings
140a and 140b, are used to connect the securing means 110a and 110b
to the resistance band 150. In this embodiment, a rotating ring is
attached to opposite sides of the resistance band. Each of the
rotating rings is also attached to an anchor 170a, 170b on a
corresponding cuff. The anchor may be a loop integral with the
outer surface of the cuff, or some other type of anchor upon which
the ring may be hooked.
[0028] In another embodiment, a locking collar 120a, 120b is
wrapped around each cuff to help secure the cuff to a user's arm.
Each collar includes a buckle for securing the collar to a cuff and
for retaining one of said rotating rings.
[0029] In an embodiment in which the cuff is radially discontinuous
and a gap exists between its radial edges, the buckle may connect
the opposing radial edges. The buckle may also be used to tighten
the locking collar around the cuff. In one embodiment, the buckle
is a pair of crossed elastic bands 130a, 130b extending through
reinforced holes in the collar and cuff and across the gap between
opposing radial edges of the cuff. The buckle thus connects the
radial edges of the cuff and helps secure the cuff in place around
a user's arm. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that there are
many types of buckles that may be used to secure the collar to the
cuff and connect the radial edges of the cuff. Furthermore, the
buckle may be adjustable so as to reduce or expand the diameter of
the cuff.
[0030] In an embodiment in which the radial edges of the cuffs
overlap, hook and loop closures may be used to connect the
overlapping surfaces, such that each of the cuffs may be wrapped
around a user's arm and secured thereto using the hook and loop
closures (FIGS. 4-5). In this embodiment, the cuffs 110c, 110d may
be adjusted to accommodate the size of a user's arms.
[0031] Alternatively, the securing means may be form fitting
continuous arm bands. In this embodiment, the form fitting arm
bands may be made of a material that comfortably conforms to the
shape of a user's arm when worn.
[0032] In another embodiment, a method of improving an individual's
ball handling skills through use of a ball handling improvement
device 100 is provided. The method includes the steps of: (1)
attaching a cuff of a ball handling improvement device to each of a
user's arm, preferably the forearm; and (2) dribbling a ball,
wherein the user dribbles the ball between the user's hands while
the device is attached to the user's forearms. In an alternative
embodiment of the method, the user handles a ball in some other
manner besides dribbling, such as passing, throwing, or catching a
ball.
[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention is shown. In FIG. 2, a resistance band 150 is
shown, with a band stabilizer 160 encircling a middle portion of
the resistance band 150 and a securing means 110, 110b attached to
either end of the resistance band 150 by a rotating connection ring
140a, 140b. More particularly, the rings are connected to
respective crossed elastic band buckles 130a, 130b.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the ball handling
improvement device of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4-5 show an embodiment of the
invention in which cuffs 110c and 110d have hook and loop closures.
In this embodiment, the rotating rings 140a, 140b are hooked around
anchors 170a, 170b on the cuffs.
[0035] Certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to
improve the speed, power and control of a basketball player's ball
handling skills, through toning, strengthening and providing muscle
memory improvements to the muscles of the basketball player. Other
embodiments may be utilized by players of any sport that would
benefit from similar strengthening, toning and muscle memory
improvements provided by the ball handling improvement device.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention may cater to the
improvement of a basketball players ball handling by simply
attaching each cuff to the opposite forearm, beginning to dribble
and allow the device to strengthen and tone the player's
muscles.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
ball handling improvement device may further include one or more
computing means. Computing means may be configured to provide one
or more additional services to users of the ball handling
improvement device. For instance, the computing means may include
one or more of a processor, a memory (e.g., RAM, ROM), a storage
medium (e.g., flash memory), a circuit board, a sensor (e.g.,
timer, resistance sensor, repetition counter, accelerometer), an
output means (e.g., speaker, display, touchscreen, force feedback
component) and a series of computerized instructions for
instructing the computing means to take one or more specified
actions. The computing means could be configured to provide users
with relevant information related to their training and
performance, including, but not limited to, duration of workout,
correctness of form, accuracy information, speed information or any
combination thereof. The computing means could further be
configured with a communications means configured to allow the
computing means to transmit and/or receive information, such as
information related to workouts and progress. Such information
could be transmitted and stored on one or more remote computing
devices, such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet PC, desktop or web
based computing system. Communications means may include, but are
not limited to, wireless communications means (e.g., Bluetooth,
Wifi, CDMA, GSM, 3G, 4G), wired communications means (e.g.,
Ethernet, USB, HDMI, firewire, thunderbolt) or any combination
thereof. The data provided to a remote computing device can be
utilized immediately to aide and assist the user of the ball
handling improvement device. Such data could be, for instance,
transmitted to a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone) of the
user, where the mobile computing device includes a complimentary
software application that can receive data and provide output
(e.g., audio via a speaker on the smartphone, video data via
display element on the smartphone, text via display element on the
smartphone) related to the use of the ball handling improvement
device.
[0038] Below are aspects of embodiments of the present invention
incorporating a computing means in order to augment the aspects of
the present invention.
[0039] Instant Feedback
[0040] The computing means of the ball handling improvement device
may be configured to provide corrective feedback in the form of
visual or audio feedback data. This feedback data will be provided
to correct flaws on every dribble and can be processed and provided
in real-time or near real-time (e.g., latency in milliseconds). By
giving real-time or near real-time feedback, players can quickly
learn how to adjust mechanics or address flaws with objective data
provided from the device.
[0041] Adaptive Workouts
[0042] The computing means can provide information to a remote
computing device (e.g., smartphone containing a software
application) and the remote computing device can adjust and provide
directed workout information to a player as the player improves and
increases in skill difficulty level, from playground up to pro
level. Player using the ball handling improvement device begin at
the "Playground" level and work through a choice of ball-handling,
shooting, or total player workouts, each provided by the software
application integrated onto the remote computing device. Each level
adds new drills and more difficult metrics to move onto the next
level.
[0043] Develop Ball Handling Skills at Your Own Pace
[0044] Whatever skill is most important for the player, the ball
handling improvement device can measure skill level via its
integrated sensors (preferably in conjunction with an application
on a remote computing device) and suggest ways for the user of the
ball handling improvement device to improve. The computing means
inside the ball handling improvement device could, for instance,
count dribbles, dribble force, speed, for whatever skill the player
wants to improve. Data regarding the skill level and effectiveness
could be visually or audibly provided to the user via a display
element on the remote computing device with a compatible software
application.
[0045] Head to Head Competition
[0046] The computing means of multiple ball handling improvement
devices may provide data to one or more remote computing devices
which Automatically process real-time or near real-time scoring and
leaderboards determine the winner for up to five players. In a
preferred embodiment, a software application on a remote computing
device will allow the users to pick from one or more competitive
games available and then record performance of each of the players
across a selected number of drills (e.g., 5 drills, 10 drills, 50
drills) to see which player has the best skills. For instance, the
application could provide games based on seeing who can get the
most dribbles in 20 seconds, or allow for the earning of bonus
points for players who can dribble fast with dribble power. The
application could provide current leaderboards, display winners and
provide historical win-loss standings. The application could also
allow for the addition of "headstart" points to provide a handicap
and make things interesting between age groups or various skill
levels.
[0047] See Your Progress
[0048] The computing means could allow for providing of data to a
remote computing device to allow for tracking of daily and all-time
bests. This allows players to sets goals for any number of drills
and competitions. Players can let small successes every day lead to
long-term achievement.
[0049] The application on the remote computing device could further
allow players to review various metrics about current workout
performance, past performance or historical performance, including:
distance calculation, moves combinations, pace times, dribble
count, dribble rate, distance-per-handle and calories burned.
[0050] Dribbling Moves and Type Recognition
[0051] In certain embodiments, the ball handling improvement
device, in conjunction with a remote computing device may allow for
a training method that allows users to develop skills used by their
favorite players. The computing device may distinguish between
different dribbling combinations and have the identify certain ball
handles and compare these handles to moves used by the user's
favorite players (e.g., professional players).
[0052] In certain embodiments, the computing means may be
configured to receive information for use with the ball handling
improvement device, such as workout information, workout drills,
voice messages to encourage user during utilization of the device
or any combination thereof.
[0053] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is
capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
* * * * *