Training device and method for improving release velocity and accuracy when throwing a flying disc

Abstract

A flying disc training device incorporates a training disc for being gripped by a user, and having a centerpoint, top and bottom sides and an annular rim. A swivel strap includes first and second ends pivotably attached at the centerpoint of the disc on respective top and bottom sides. The swivel strap forms an intermediate loop which extends beyond the annular rim of the disc, such that the swivel strap is capable of freely pivoting relative to the disc. An elastic resistance band is attached to the swivel strap and has a free end adapted for being secured to a fixed structure.

Claims

1. A flying disc training device, comprising: a training disc for being gripped by a user, and comprising a centerpoint, top and bottom sides and an annular rim, and wherein the annular rim comprises a beveled edge; a swivel strap having first and second ends pivotably attached at the centerpoint of said disc on respective top and bottom sides, and forming an intermediate loop extending beyond the annular rim of said disc such that said swivel strap is capable of freely pivoting relative to said disc; and an elastic resistance band attached to said swivel strap and having a free end adapted for being secured to a fixed structure.

2. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, and comprising an exchangeable flexible anchor strap attached to the free end of said resistance band and adapted for being releasably secured to the fixed structure.

3. The flying disc training device according to claim 2, wherein said flexible anchor strap comprises a door anchor adapted for being wedged between a door and door frame.

4. The flying disc training device according to claim 2, wherein said anchor strap comprises a flexible nylon tree strap adapted for wrapping around a tree and having at least one looped end.

5. The flying disc training device according to claim 2, wherein the free end of said resistance band comprises a fabric band coupler and carabiner, said carabiner adapted for being releasably attached to said anchor strap.

6. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said resistance band comprises a fabric band coupler and carabiner, said carabiner adapted for being releasably attached to said swivel strap.

7. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, and comprising a flexible safety wrist tether releasably attached to said swivel strap.

8. The flying disc training device according to claim 7, wherein said wrist tether comprises an adjustable wrist strap.

9. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, and comprising a second elastic resistance band attached to said swivel strap and having a free end adapted for being secured to the fixed structure, said second resistance band combining with said first resistance band to increase a resistance level of said training device.

10. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of said swivel strap are folded at the centerpoint of said disc and define respective fastener holes aligned on top and bottom sides of said disc with a centerpoint disc hole.

11. The flying disc training device according to claim 10, and comprising an integrally-molded annular reinforcement collar located at the centerpoint disc hole and projecting from the bottom side of said disc.

12. The flying disc training device according to claim 11, and comprising a metal sleeve bearing residing within an opening defined by said reinforcement collar at the centerpoint disc hole.

13. The flying disc training device according to claim 12, and comprising complementary-threaded male and female fasteners inserted through said sleeve bearing on respective top and bottom sides of said disc.

14. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein the annular rim of said training disc has a maximum thickness between 2-4 cm.

15. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said training disc is fabricated of a homogenous plastic.

16. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said training disc weighs between 200 and 300 grams.

17. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said training disc is between 20-23 cm in diameter.

18. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said elastic resistance band offers resistance levels of between 5 and 8 pounds.

19. The flying disc training device according to claim 1, wherein said elastic resistance band is color-coded to indicate a predetermined resistance level.

20. A flying disc training device, comprising: a training disc for being gripped by a user, and comprising a centerpoint, top and bottom sides and an annular rim; a swivel strap having first and second ends pivotably attached at the centerpoint of said disc on respective top and bottom sides, and forming an intermediate loop extending beyond the annular rim of said disc such that said swivel strap is capable of freely pivoting relative to said disc; a first elastic resistance band attached to said swivel strap and having a free end adapted for being secured to a fixed structure; and a second elastic resistance band attached to said swivel strap and having a free end adapted for being secured to the fixed structure, said second elastic resistance band combining with said first elastic resistance band to increase a resistance level of said training device.

21. A flying disc training device, comprising: a training disc for being gripped by a user, and comprising a centerpoint, top and bottom sides and an annular rim; a swivel strap having first and second ends pivotably attached at the centerpoint of said disc on respective top and bottom sides, and forming an intermediate loop extending beyond the annular rim of said disc such that said swivel strap is capable of freely pivoting relative to said disc; and an elastic resistance band attached to said swivel strap and having a free end adapted for being secured to a fixed structure, and wherein said elastic resistance band is color-coded to indicate a predetermined resistance level.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows the present flying disc training device according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rigid training disc incorporated in the exemplary training device;

(4) FIG. 3 is a further perspective view the training disc showing fragmentary end portions of the swivel strap and fasteners exploded away;

(5) FIG. 4 is top view of the exemplary training disc;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary training disc;

(7) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary training disc taken substantially along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4;

(8) FIGS. 7 and 8 demonstrate indoor use of the exemplary training device;

(9) FIGS. 9 and 10 demonstrate outdoor use of the exemplary training device; and

(10) FIG. 11 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the present training device incorporating multiple elastic resistance bands.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

(11) The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

(12) Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term one, single, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

(13) For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

(14) Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

(15) Referring now specifically to the drawings, a flying disc training device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at broad reference numeral 10. The exemplary training device 10 incorporates a rigid training disc 11 for being gripped by a user, a nylon swivel strap 12 attached to the training disc 11, and an exchangeable elastic resistance band 14. The resistance band 14 includes a first nylon band coupler 15 and metal carabiner 16 which releasably attaches to the swivel strap 12. A free end of the resistance band 14 comprises a second fabric band coupler 18 and carabiner 19. The carabiner 19 is adapted for being releasably attached to a selected anchor strap 21. As demonstrated in FIGS. 7-10 and discussed further below, the selected anchor strap 21 is designed for being temporarily secured to a fixed structure when exercising using the exemplary training device 10. A separate flexible safety wrist tether 22 is releasably attached to the swivel strap 12, and may have an adjustable wrist strap 23 to custom fit the particular user.

(16) Used properly in a prescribed routine, such as the exemplary 6 Week Workout outlined in Table 1, the present training device 10 may function to improve release velocity, distance and accuracy when throwing a flying disc.

(17) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 WEEK SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT 1 2 sets - Yellow Band 2 sets - Yellow Band 2 sets - Yellow Band 10-12 Reps 10-12 Reps 10-12 Reps WEEK SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT 2 3 sets - Yellow Band 3 sets - Yellow Band 3 sets - Yellow Band 10-12 Reps 10-12 Reps 1 sets - Green Band 10-12 Reps WEEK SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT Rest SPEED WORKOUT 3 3 sets - Yellow Band 3 sets - Yellow Band 3 sets - Yellow Band 1 set - Green Band 1 set - Green Band 1 set - Green Band 10-12 Reps 10-12 Reps 10-12 Reps WEEK Release Angle Workout Rest Release Angle Workout Rest Release Angle Workout 4 2 Sets - Yellow Band 2 Sets - Yellow Band 2 Sets - Yellow Band 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 Hold for 5 seconds Each Set Hold for 7 Seconds Each Set Hold for 7 Seconds Each Set WEEK Elbow Pull Workout Rest Elbow Pull Workout Rest Elbow Pull Workout 5 2 Sets - Yellow Band 2 Sets - Yellow Band 2 Sets - Yellow Band 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 Hold for 5 seconds AFTER Hold for 5 seconds AFTER Hold for 5 seconds AFTER your muscle starts to shake. your muscle starts to shake. your muscle starts to shake. WEEK Speed Workout Rest Speed Workout Rest Speed Workout 6 2 Sets - Green Band 2 Sets - Green Band 2 Sets - Green Band 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps 8-10 Reps ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD ISOMETRIC HOLD Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band Yellow & Green Band 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position 1 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 2 Sets Position #2 Hold for 5 seconds AFTER Hold for 5 seconds AFTER Hold for 5 seconds AFTER your muscle starts to shake. your muscle starts to shake. your muscle starts to shake.

(18) Referring to FIGS. 2-6, the exemplary disc 11 of training device 10 is fabricated of a molded homogenous plastic, and comprises a centerpoint 31, top side 32, bottom side 33 and a thick annular rim 34. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, first and second ends of the nylon swivel strap 12A, 12B are folded at the centerpoint 31 of the disc 11, and define respective fastener holes 35, 36 aligned on top and bottom sides 32, 33 of the disc 11 with a centerpoint disc hole 38. An integ rally-molded annular reinforcement collar 39 is located at the centerpoint disc hole 38 and projects from the bottom side 33 of the disc 11. A cylindrical metal sleeve bearing 41 resides within the cylindrical opening defined by the reinforcement collar 39 at the centerpoint disc hole 38. With the sleeve bearing 41 closely assembled inside the reinforcement collar 39 and the fasteners holes 35, 36 of swivel strap 12 properly aligned with hole 38, complementary-threaded male and female fasteners 44, 45 are inserted through the swivel strap 12 and sleeve bearing 41 on respective top and bottom sides 32, 33 of the disc 11. The fasteners 44, 45 are tightened using a screwdriver or other conventional tool. As shown in FIG. 6, the sleeve bearing 41 is slighter longer than a combined depth and thickness of the disc 11 and reinforcement collar 39, thereby allowing the swivel strap 12 to freely pivot relative to the disc 11. The exemplary swivel strap 12 forms an intermediate loop 12C which extends beyond the annular rim 34 of the disc 11 and creates an attachment point for the elastic resistance band 14.

(19) In one exemplary embodiment, the present training disc 11 is between 20-23 cm in diameter and weighs between 200 and 300 grams. The outer rim 34 of the training disc may have a beveled edge and a maximum thickness of between 2-4 cm, while the thin body portion of the disc inside the outer rim may have a thickness no greater than 1 cm. The exemplary disc 11 may be custom designed and molded for incorporating in the present training device 10.

(20) In exemplary embodiments, the present training device 10 incorporates one or multiple elastic resistance bands 14e.g., 5 pound and/or 8 pound bands. See FIG. 11. The resistance band 14 creates tension and stability in the torso throughout the disc golf throwing motion, while engaging multiple stabilizer muscles and enhancing coordination and balance. The exemplary resistance bands 14 are fabricated of double dipped, heavy-duty tubular latex, and may offer many different predetermined levels of resistance. The exemplary bands 14 are color-coded to indicate the different resistance levels. For example, green bands may indicate resistance of 5 to 8 pounds, red bands may indicate resistance of 8 to 12 pounds, blue bands may indicate resistance of 12 to 16 pounds, black bands may indicate resistance of 16 to 20 pounds, purple bands may indicate resistance of 20 to 30 pounds, navy bands may indicate resistance of 30 to 40 pounds, and brown bands may indicate resistance of 40 to 50 pounds. Each resistance band is 122 cm (48 inches) long and lightweight.

(21) FIGS. 7-10 demonstrate exemplary uses of the present training device 10. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the detachable anchor strap 21 comprises a door anchor 51 designed for being wedged between a door and door frame for indoor training. The height of the door anchor 51 (and resistance band 14) should be set just above the elbow, and the safety wrist strap 23 applied and adjusted to the particular user. In use, the training disc 11 is moved by the user inline with a notional plane (trajectory) of the opposing force created by the tensioned resistance band 14, while also being inline with an imaginary target line of the disc golf throw. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative anchor strap 61 applicable for securing the training device 10 to a tree, utility pole, fence post, or other upright structure. The exemplary anchor strap 61 (or tree strap) comprises elongated flexible nylon webbing designed to wrap around the tree and having a first looped end 62 (or D-ring) through which a second looped end 63 extends. The carabiner 19 of fabric coupler 18 releasably attaches to the looped end 63 to temporarily secure the resistance band 14 to the tree. As with indoor training, using a throwing motion, the user moves the training disc 11 inline with a notional plane of the opposing force created by the resistance band 14the notional plane being inline with an imaginary target line of the disc golf throw. Attaching the training device 10 to a tree or other fixed outdoor structure, allows the user to quickly, conveniently and fully warm-up before competitions.

(22) In other embodiments, the present training device 10 may incorporate multiple elastic resistance bands 14, 14 such as shown in FIG. 11. The interchangeable elastic resistance bands 14, 14 combine to offer customized resistance levels of the exemplary training device 10.

(23) For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as substantially, generally, approximately, and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

(24) Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

(25) In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Unless the exact language means for (performing a particular function or step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.