Abstract
A training assembly structured to facilitate a swing motion of a user, during performance of a sports activity, including a receiver and a transmitter both mounted on predetermined portions of the user's body, such as the hip and arm. The arm mounted transmitter is movable relative to the receiver and is structured to communicate and activating signal to the receiver when disposed a predetermined distance there from, representative of a reactive segment of the swing motion. The receiver is structured to generate and deliver and indicating signal to the user for purposes of indicating that the reactive segment of the swing motion has been reached. The reactive segment is thereby determinative of when the user instigates a complementary adjustment of the user's body, during the swing motion, such as rotating the user's hips during a preferred part of the swing motion.
Claims
1. A training assembly structured to facilitate a swing motion of a user, said assembly comprising: a receiver operatively disposed in a first predetermined the vicinity relative to the user, a transmitter operatively disposed in a second predetermined vicinity relative to the user, said receiver and said transmitter cooperatively structured for wireless communication of an activating signal from said transmitter to said receiver, said receiver structured to transmit an indicating signal to the user, upon receipt of said activating signal, said indicating signal dependent on said first predetermined vicinity, said activating signal and said indicating signal collectively operative to determine and indicate a predetermined reactive segment of the swing motion to the user, and said reactive segment determinative of instigation of a complementary adjustment of the user's body during the swing motion, wherein said first predetermined vicinity comprises said receiver being mounted on the user and said second predetermined vicinity comprises said transmitter mounted on the user such that said transmitter is at a variable distance from said receiver during the swing motion, and wherein said transmitter is structured to generate and transmit said activating signal to said receiver upon a predetermined distance existing between said transmitter and said receiver, and wherein said first and said second vicinities comprise said receiver respectively disposed adjacent one hip of the user and said transmitter on a corresponding arm of the user and said predetermined distance is determined by movement of the arm relative to the corresponding hip of the user.
2. The training assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating signal comprises a generated sound.
3. The training assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said indicating signal further comprises a mechanical vibration applied to the user.
4. The training assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said receiver comprises a mobile communication device programmed to receive said activating signal and generate said indicating signal.
5. The training assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said indicating signal comprises a generated sound.
6. The training assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said receiver comprises an impulse generator disposed in confronting relation to the user's body; said impulse generator structured to generate and deliver said indicating signal in the form of an impulse to the user.
7. The training assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said impulse generator comprises an electrical impulse generator disposed in electrically conductive relation to the user's body, said indicating signal comprising an electric charge.
8. The training assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said impulse generator comprises a mechanical impulse generator structured to generate and deliver said indicating signal in the form of a mechanical impulse to the user.
9. The training assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined reactive segment is at least partially defined by said predetermined distance between said transmitter and said receiver during performance of the swing motion.
10. The training assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said complementary adjustment of the swing motion comprises a complementary movement of the user's hip during the swing motion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the training assembly of the present invention mounted on and being operative with a user.
(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a user performing a swing motion and having the embodiment of the training assembly of FIG. 1 mounted thereon.
(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 2 wherein the transmitter and the receiver are disposed at a predetermined distance from one another being representative of a reactive segment of a swing motion being performed by the user.
(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein portions of the training assembly of the present invention are located remotely from one another.
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view in partially schematic form representative of a user and the training assembly of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3 mounted thereon, where in the user has reached the reactive segment of the swing motion.
(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a mechanical impulse generator associated with the receiver of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.
(8) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(9) The various preferred embodiments of the present invention are represented in FIGS. 1 through 6. More specifically the training assembly is generally indicated as 100 and is further represented as being used with an individual, user or player generally indicated as 102. The training assembly 100 is structured to facilitate the performance of a proper swing motion, perhaps best represented in FIG. 5, such as used in the practicing or performance of a sports activity. As also indicated herein, many sports activities involve the performance of a proper swing motion including but not limited to the game of golf. For purposes of clarity the training assembly 100 of the present invention will be primarily demonstrated and described with reference to a swing motion used in the game of golf. However the versatility and operative features of the training assembly 100 is capable of being used in the performance and training of swing motions associated with other sports including baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and/or other activities which incorporates the use of a sports club. However, the training assembly 100 is not limited to the training or facilitation of a swing motion of an individual utilizing an appropriate sports club. Accordingly, the term swing motion is also used to describe an individual involved in a throwing motion, such as when throwing a ball or like object.
(10) Accordingly, one or more preferred embodiments of the training assembly 100 facilitate the performance of a preferred swing motion by indicating to the user or player 102 when a reactive segment of the swing motion has been reached. The indication of the reactive segment to the player 102 is for the purpose of informing the player 102 when the hips, generally indicated as 104 should be rotated, moved or properly positioned to accommodate and facilitate a proper or preferred swing motion, dependent upon the specific sports or other activity being performed by the player 102.
(11) As schematically represented in the FIGS. 1-5, the training assembly 100 includes a receiver 10 and a transmitter 12. As also shown throughout the Figures, the receiver 10 is located within a first predetermined vicinity relative to the user or player 102 such as, but not limited to being mounted directly on the player 102. In addition, the transmitter 12 is operatively located within a second predetermined vicinity relative to the player 102 and receiver 10. The second predetermined vicinity may be defined by the transmitter being mounted on the player 102 or being located remotely therefrom as schematically represented in FIG. 4, to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
(12) The receiver 10 in the transmitter 12 are cooperatively structured for wireless communication with one another. As represented in FIG. 1, the transmitter 12 is structured to generate and wirelessly transmit an activating signal 14 to the receiver 10 upon a predetermined distance 16 (see FIG. 3) existing between the receiver 10 and transmitter 12. Upon receipt of the activating signal 14, the receiver 10 is structured to transmit and communicate an indicating signal 18 to the user 102. The indicating signal 18 is operative to inform the user 102 when the hip rotation or hip movement should be instigated, based on the fact that the reactive segment of the swing has been reached by the transmitter 12. The indicating signal 18 being transmitted to the user 102 during a reactive segment of the swing motion will be explained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Also, the form or configuration of the indicating signal 14 may vary dependent, at least in part, first and second predetermined vicinities or relative positions or locations of the receiver 10 and transmitter 12. In more specific terms the relative location between the receiver 10 and transmitter 12 may be determinative of the form or configuration of the indicating signal, generated by the receiver 10.
(13) Accordingly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention, is represented in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 and includes a first predetermined vicinity defined by the receiver 10 being mounted on the user. Preferably the receiver 10 is disposed at a predetermined location such as adjacent a selected hip 104. When the receiver 10 is so mounted, the indicating signal 18 may be in the form of a generated sound of sufficient loudness to be easily heard during the performance of the swing motion by the user 102. As indicated herein, the indicating signal 18, being in the form of a generated sound, is generated and delivered during the reactive segment of the swing motion. In contrast, the indicating signal 18 may also comprise a mechanical impulse such as, but not limited to, a vibration applied directly to the user 102, such as about the hip 104. Such a mechanical impulse will serve to inform the user that the reactive segment of the swing motion has been reached and that rotation or other intended movement of the hips 104 should be instigated by the user 102.
(14) The receiver 10 may include a variety of different wireless communication devices specifically including, but not limited to, a wireless mobile communication device such as a cell phone, smart phone, etc. As such, the mobile communication device may be preprogrammed to generate the aforementioned indicating signal 18 in the form of the generated sound and or mechanical vibration. As further indicated, either the sound heard by the player 102 or the mechanical vibration felt by the player 102 informs the player 102 that the reactive segment of the swing motion has been reached. As explained in greater detail hereinafter, determination of the reactive segment of the swing will be based on the transmitter 12 being located a predetermined, preprogrammed distance from the receiver 10, as it travels with the arm or wrist of the user 102 during the swing motion.
(15) As another representative embodiment of the training assembly 100, the receiver 10 may include or be operatively associated with an impulse generator 110 disposed in direct confronting and or engaging relation to a portion of the body of the user 102, such as adjacent either of the hips 104, as schematically represented in FIG. 6. Moreover, the impulse generator 110 may be in the form of an electrical impulse generator, disposed in electrically conductive relation to a predetermined portion or hip 104 of the player 102. As such, an electric charge or electric shock is delivered to the body or hip portion 104. Alternatively, the impulse generator 110 may be structured to deliver a mechanical impulse and be in the form of a mechanical impulse generator. The mechanical impulse generator 110 may be in the form of a spring-loaded device 112 having a plunger 114 which is triggered when the receiver 10 receives the activating signal 14 from the transmitter 12. The plunger 114 will be forced outwardly into mechanical engaging relation with a corresponding body portion 104 of the hips 104 or other portion of the player's body.
(16) In the schematically represented embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 and 5 both the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12 are mounted on the player 102 such as adjacent the hip 104 and arm or wrist 106 respectively. Accordingly, both the first predetermined vicinity and the second predetermined vicinity may be defined by the receiver 10 in the transmitter 12 both being mounted on predetermined body portions of the player 102. Therefore, during the performance of the swing motion, as best represented in FIG. 5, the transmitter 12 will be continuously moved a greater distance from the receiver 10 as it moves with the arm 106 as the player 102 goes through the swing motion. It is again emphasized that the swing as represented in FIG. 5 represents a golf swing. As such, the player 102 is represented during the swing motion and at the top of the backswing. The increase in distance and or the specific distance between the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12 is generally indicated as 113. The distance 113 will be preprogrammed or preset and as a result will be recognized by a proximity determining assembly 22, 24. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the proximity determining assembly may comprise proximity sensitive RFID tags 22 and 24 located respectively on the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12. The RFID tags 22 and 24 or other distance determining components defining the proximity determining assembly may be preprogrammed and/or adjusted to recognize a predetermined separation distance 113 between the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12 which coincides with the reactive segment 120 of the swing motion, as generally represented in FIG. 5. Upon reaching the reactive segment 120, the transmitter 12 will be triggered to generate and wirelessly deliver the activating signal 14 to the receiver 10. Upon receipt of the activating signal 14, the receiver 10 will be activated to generate and deliver the indicating signal 18 directly to the player 102. The player 102 will then know to activate a complementary adjustment in his or her swing motion. The complementary adjustment as used herein is defined as the proper and timely movement or rotation of the hips 104, during the performance of the swing motion.
(17) As schematically represented in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the receiver is indicated as being located on the left hip 104 of the user 102, while the transmitter 10 is represented as being located on the right hand of the user 102. However, it is emphasized that the transmitter 10 and the receiver 12 can be located on the same side of the user, or different sides of the user 102. For example and in addition to the representations of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, when a right-handed user 102 has the transmitter 12 mounted on or connected to the right-hand or other portion on the right side of his/her body, it may be more comfortable or functionally expedient to place the receiver 10 on the corresponding, right hip 104. Similarly, when the transmitter 12 is mounted on a left-hand or other left side portion of a left-handed user 102, placement of the receiver 10 on the left hip 104 may be more comfortable or functionally expedient.
(18) The versatility of the training assembly 100 is further demonstrated in the additional preferred embodiment of FIG. 4. More specifically, the first predetermined vicinity of the receiver 10 may be defined by it being mounted on an appropriate portion of the player 102 as represented. However, in contrast, the transmitter 12 will be located remote from the player 102 in operative relation by a second individual 103 which may be representative of a swing coach. As such, the individual 103 observes the swing motion of the player 102. When the swing motion enters or reaches the reactive segment 120, (FIG. 5) the swing coach or other individual 103 will manually activate the transmitter 12 causing the activating signal 14 to be delivered to the receiver 10 from the transmitter 10 from the remote location. As with the above noted embodiments, the form or configuration of the indicating signal 14 may be in the form of a generated sound, a mechanical vibration, a mechanical impulse, etc. While not specifically represented in the Figures both the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12 may include appropriate attachment or connecting structures such as belts, straps, harnesses, etc. dimensioned and configured to position the receiver 10 and the transmitter 12 in appropriate locations on the player's body 102 as set forth in detail above.
(19) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
(20) Now that the invention has been described,
