Basketball training device for the guide hand

Abstract

This is a basketball training device for a user's guide hand comprising upper arm, pivot, forearm, thumb, and finger components. The pivot component is pivotably connected to the upper arm component and rigidly coupled to the forearm component, and the forearm component is rigidly coupled to both the thumb component and the finger component. The upper arm, forearm, thumb, and finger components are each secured to the user's upper arm, forearm, thumb, and at least one finger, respectively. As such, the basketball training device not only restricts flexion and opposition of the thumb but it restricts pronation of the user's forearm. In addition, the basketball training device restricts flexion, extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation of the user's wrist while allowing the user appropriate extension at the elbow joint during the entire shooting motion.

Claims

1. A basketball training device for a user's guide hand, comprising: an upper arm component comprising at least one upper arm strap through-slot and a socket; an upper arm strap attached to said at least one upper arm strap through-slot, said upper arm component configured to be secured to a user's upper arm with said upper arm strap; a pivot component comprising a pivot attachment point and a gudgeon; a separate pintle, said separate pintle pivotably connecting said gudgeon to said socket; a forearm component comprising at least one forearm strap through-slot, a proximal forearm attachment point, and a first distal forearm attachment point; a forearm strap attached to said at least one forearm strap through-slot, said forearm component configured to be secured to a user's forearm with said forearm strap; a first elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said first elongated coupling member comprising a first distal end and a first proximal end, said first distal end attached to said proximal forearm attachment point and said first proximal end attached to said pivot attachment point; a thumb component comprising at least one thumb strap through-slot and a thumb attachment point, a thumb strap attached to said at least one thumb strap through-slot, said thumb component configured to be secured to a user's thumb with said thumb strap; and a second elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said second elongated coupling member comprising a second distal end and a second proximal end, said second distal end attached to said thumb attachment point and said second proximal end attached to said first distal forearm attachment point; whereby said upper arm component is configured to be secured to said user's upper arm, said pivot component is pivotably connected to said upper arm component, said pivot component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said first elongated coupling member, said forearm component is configured to be secured to said user's forearm, said forearm component is coupled to said thumb component by way of said second elongated coupling member, and said thumb component is configured to be secured to said user's thumb.

2. The basketball training device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one of an elbow flexion stop and an elbow extension stop; whereby said at least one of said elbow flexion stop and said elbow extension stop is configured to limit at least one of a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

3. The basketball training device of claim 1 further comprising: a finger component comprising at least one finger strap through-slot and a finger attachment point; a finger strap attached to said at least one finger strap through-slot, said finger component configured to be secured to at least one of a user's fingers with said finger strap; said forearm component further comprising a second distal forearm attachment point; and a third elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said third elongated coupling member comprising a third distal end and a third proximal end, said third distal end attached to said finger attachment point and said third proximal end attached to said second distal forearm attachment point; whereby said upper arm component is configured to be secured to the user's upper arm, said pivot component is pivotably connected to said upper arm component, said pivot component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said first elongated coupling member, said forearm component is configured to be secured to said user's forearm, said forearm component is coupled to said thumb component by way of said second elongated coupling member, said thumb component is configured to be secured to said user's thumb, said finger component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said third elongated coupling member, and said finger component is configured to be secured to said at least one of the user's fingers.

4. The basketball training device of claim 3 further comprising: at least one of an elbow flexion stop and an elbow extension stop; whereby said at least one of said elbow flexion stop and said elbow extension stop is configured to limit at least one of a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

5. A basketball training device for a user's guide hand, comprising: an upper arm component comprising at least one upper arm strap through-slot and an integrated pintle; an upper arm strap attached to said at least one upper arm strap through-slot, said upper arm component configured to be secured to a user's upper arm with said upper arm strap; a pivot component comprising a pivot attachment point and a gudgeon, said gudgeon pivotably connected to said integrated pintle of said upper arm component; a forearm component comprising at least one forearm strap through-slot, a proximal forearm attachment point, and a first distal forearm attachment point; a forearm strap attached to said at least one forearm strap through-slot, said forearm component configured to be secured to a user's forearm with said forearm strap; a first elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said first elongated coupling member comprising a first distal end and a first proximal end, said first distal end attached to said proximal forearm attachment point and said first proximal end attached to said pivot attachment point; a thumb component comprising at least one thumb strap through-slot and a thumb attachment point, a thumb strap attached to said at least one thumb strap through-slot, said thumb component configured to be secured to a user's thumb with said thumb strap; and a second elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said second elongated coupling member comprising a second distal end and a second proximal end, said second distal end attached to said thumb attachment point and said second proximal end attached to said first distal forearm attachment point; whereby said upper arm component is configured to be secured to said user's upper arm, said pivot component is pivotably connected to said upper arm component, said pivot component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said first elongated coupling member, said forearm component is configured to be secured to said user's forearm, said forearm component is coupled to said thumb component by way of said second elongated coupling member, and said thumb component is configured to be secured to said user's thumb.

6. The basketball training device of claim 5 further comprising: at least one of an elbow flexion stop and an elbow extension stop; whereby said at least one of said elbow flexion stop and said elbow extension stop is configured to limit at least one of a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

7. The basketball training device of claim 5 further comprising: a finger component comprising at least one finger strap through-slot and a finger attachment point; a finger strap attached to said at least one finger strap through-slot, said finger component configured to be secured to at least one of a user's fingers with said finger strap; said forearm component further comprising a second distal forearm attachment point; and a third elongated coupling member formed from a rigid material, said third elongated coupling member comprising a third distal end and a third proximal end, said third distal end attached to said finger attachment point and said third proximal end attached to said second distal forearm attachment point; whereby said upper arm component is configured to be secured to the user's upper arm, said pivot component is pivotably connected to said upper arm component, said pivot component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said first elongated coupling member, said forearm component is configured to be secured to said user's forearm, said forearm component is coupled to said thumb component by way of said second elongated coupling member, said thumb component is configured to be secured to said user's thumb, said finger component is coupled to said forearm component by way of said third elongated coupling member, and said finger component is configured to be secured to said at least one of the user's fingers.

8. The basketball training device of claim 7 further comprising: at least one of an elbow flexion stop and an elbow extension stop; whereby said at least one of said elbow flexion stop and said elbow extension stop is configured to limit at least one of a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, but from an opposing angle;

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a basketball training device having no finger component;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a basketball training device having no finger component and no forearm component;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component with both an elbow extension stop and an elbow flexion stop, as well as an associated pivot component;

(6) FIG. 6. is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component with both an elbow extension stop and an elbow flexion stop, as well as an associated pivot component;

(7) FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an upper arm component with both an elbow extension stop and an elbow flexion stop, as well as an associated pivot component; and

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the training device positioned on a user's arm and hand.

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the training device with the associated upper arm, forearm, thumb, and finger straps.

(10) TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR DRAWINGS (Please note that the first digit indicates the figure in which a component is first readily identifiable): 110 Basketball training device 112 Upper arm component 114 Upper arm strap through-slot 116 Pivot component 118 Pivot screw 120 Pivot attachment point 122 First elongated coupling member 124 Forearm component 126 Proximal forearm attachment point 128 Second elongated coupling member 130 Thumb component 132 Thumb attachment point 134 Thumb strap through-slot 136 Third elongated coupling member 138 Finger component 140 Finger attachment point 142 Finger strap through-slot 244 Pivot nut 246 First distal forearm attachment point 248 Second distal forearm attachment point 258 Forearm strap through-slot 310 Basketball training device 312 Upper arm component 314 Upper arm strap through-slot 316 Pivot component 318 Pivot screw 320 Pivot attachment point 322 First elongated coupling member 324 Forearm component 326 Proximal forearm attachment point 328 Second elongated coupling member 330 Thumb component 332 Thumb attachment point 334 Thumb strap through-slot 346 Distal forearm attachment point 410 Basketball training device 412 Upper arm component 414 Upper arm strap through-slot 416 Pivot component 418 Pivot screw 420 Pivot attachment point 422 Elongated coupling member 430 Thumb component 432 Thumb attachment point 434 Thumb strap through-slot 512 Upper arm component 514 Upper arm strap through-slot 516 Pivot component 518 Pivot screw 550 Elbow flexion stop 552 Elbow extension stop 612 Upper arm component 614 Upper arm strap through-slot 616 Pivot component 618 Pivot screw 644 Pivot nut 650 Elbow flexion stop 652 Elbow extension stop 654 Integrated Pintle 660 Gudgeon 712 Upper arm component 714 Upper arm strap through-slot 716 Pivot component 718 Separate Pintle 744 Pivot nut 750 Elbow flexion stop 752 Elbow extension stop 756 Socket 760 Gudgeon 810 Basketball training device 910 Basketball training device 962 Upper arm strap 964 Forearm strap 966 Thumb strap 968 Finger strap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(11) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device 110. The basketball training device 110 comprises an upper arm component 112, a pivot component 116, a forearm component 124, a thumb component 130, a finger component 138, a first elongated coupling member 122, a second elongated coupling member 128, and a third elongated coupling member 136. The upper arm component 112 comprises at least one upper arm strap through-slot 114. An upper arm strap is fed through the upper arm through-slot 114, which allows the user to secure the upper arm component 112 to his or her upper arm. The pivot component 116 comprises a pivot attachment point 120. The pivot component 116 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 112 using a pivot screw 118 and a corresponding pivot nut 244. The pivot screw 118 can be a fully-threaded screw, partially-threaded screw, shoulder screw, bolt, pin, or other suitable fastener. The pivot nut 244 is visualized better in FIG. 2. As such, the pivot component 116 is connected to and can rotate relative to the upper arm component 112.

(12) The forearm component 124 comprises at least one forearm strap through-slot 258, a proximal forearm attachment point 126, a first distal forearm attachment point 246, and a second distal forearm attachment point 248. The forearm strap through-slot 258, the first distal forearm attachment point 246, and the second distal forearm attachment point 248 are each visualized better in FIG. 2. A forearm strap is fed through the forearm strap through-slot 258, which allows the user to secure the forearm component 124 to his or her forearm. The first elongated coupling member 122 is formed from a rigid material, such as fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber, or similarly rigid material. The first elongated coupling member 122 is attached at a proximal end to the pivot attachment point 120 and attached at a distal end to the proximal forearm attachment point 126. As such, the forearm component 124 is rigidly coupled to the pivot component 116. The pivot attachment point 120 and the proximal forearm attachment point 126 are both preferably sockets adapted for the insertion of the first elongated coupling member 122. The first elongated coupling member 122 is then secured in either socket using, preferably, an adhesive. However, other means, such as a set screw or other mechanical means, may be used to ensure that the first elongated coupling member 122 is secured within the socket.

(13) The thumb component 130 comprises at least one thumb strap through-slot 134 and a thumb attachment point 132. A thumb strap is fed through the thumb strap through-slot 134, which allows the user to secure the thumb component 130 to his or her thumb. The second elongated coupling member 128, also formed from a rigid material, is attached at a distal end to the thumb attachment point 132 and attached at a proximal end to the first distal forearm attachment point 246. As such, the thumb component 130 is rigidly coupled to the forearm component 124. The thumb attachment point 132 and the first distal forearm attachment point 246 are both preferably sockets adapted for the insertion of the second elongated coupling member 128. The second elongated coupling member 128 is then secured in either socket using, preferably, an adhesive. However, other means, such as a set screw or other mechanical means, may be used to ensure that the second elongated coupling member 128 is secured within the socket.

(14) The finger component 138 comprises at least one finger strap through-slot 142 and a finger attachment point 140. A finger strap is fed through the finger strap through-slot 142, which allows the user to secure the finger component 138 to his or her finger. The third elongated coupling member 136, also formed from a rigid material, is attached at a distal end to the finger attachment point 140 and attached at a proximal end to the second distal forearm attachment point 248. As such, the finger component 138 is rigidly coupled to the forearm component 124. The finger attachment point 140 and the second distal forearm attachment point 248 are both preferably sockets adapted for the insertion of the third elongated coupling member 136. The third elongated coupling member 136 is then secured in either socket using, preferably, an adhesive. However, other means, such as a set screw or other mechanical means, may be used to ensure that the third elongated coupling member 136 is secured within the socket.

(15) FIG. 2 is another perspective view, but from an opposing angle, of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The basketball training device 110 comprises and upper arm component 112, a pivot component 116, a forearm component 124, a thumb component 130, a finger component 138, a first elongated coupling member 122, a second elongated coupling member 128, and a third elongated coupling member 136. The upper arm component 112 comprises at least one upper arm strap through-slot 114. The pivot component 116 comprises a pivot attachment point 120. The pivot component 116 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 112 using a pivot screw 120 and a corresponding pivot nut 244. As such, the pivot component 116 is connected to and can rotate relative to the upper arm component 112.

(16) The forearm component 124 comprises a proximal forearm attachment point 126, a first distal forearm attachment point 246, and a second distal forearm attachment point 248. The proximal forearm attachment point 126 is visualized better in FIG. 1. The first elongated coupling member 122 is attached at a proximal end to the pivot attachment point 120 and attached at a distal end to the proximal forearm attachment point 126. As such, the forearm component 124 is rigidly coupled to the pivot component 116.

(17) The thumb component 130 comprises at least one thumb strap through-slot 134 and a thumb attachment point 132. The thumb attachment point 132 is visualized better in FIG. 1. The second elongated coupling member 128 is attached at a distal end to the thumb attachment point 132 and attached at a proximal end to the first distal forearm attachment point 246. As such, the thumb component 130 is rigidly coupled to the forearm component 124. The finger component 138 comprises at least one finger strap through-slot 142 and a finger attachment point 140. The finger attachment point 140 is visualized better in FIG. 1. The third elongated coupling member 136 is attached at a distal end to the finger attachment point 140 and attached at a proximal end to the second distal forearm attachment point 248. As such, the finger component 138 is rigidly coupled to the forearm component 124.

(18) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a basketball training device 310. The basketball training device 310 comprises an upper arm component 312, a pivot component 316, a forearm component 324, a thumb component 330, a first elongated coupling member 322, and a second elongated coupling member 328. The upper arm component comprises at least one upper arm strap through-slot 314. The pivot component 316 comprises a pivot attachment point 320. The forearm component 324 comprises at least one forearm strap through-slot 258, a proximal forearm attachment point 326, and a distal forearm attachment point 346. An embodiment of the forearm strap through-slot 258 is visualized better in FIG. 2. The thumb component 330 comprises at least one thumb strap through-slot 334 and a thumb attachment point 332.

(19) The pivot component 316 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 312 using a pivot screw 318 and a pivot nut 244. An embodiment of the pivot nut 244 is visualized better in FIG. 2. As such, the pivot component 316 is connected to and can rotate relative to the upper arm component 312. The first elongated coupling member 322 is formed from a rigid material, such as fiberglass, aluminum, carbon fiber, or similarly rigid material. The first elongated coupling member 322 is attached at a proximal end to the pivot attachment point 320 and attached at a distal end to the proximal forearm attachment point 326. As such, the forearm component 324 is rigidly coupled to the pivot component 316. The second elongated coupling member 328, also formed from a rigid material, is attached at a proximal end to the distal forearm attachment point 346 and attached at a distal end to the thumb attachment point 332. As such, the thumb component 330 is rigidly coupled to the forearm component 324.

(20) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a basketball training device 410. The basketball training device 410 comprises an upper arm component 412, a pivot component 416, a thumb component 430, and an elongated coupling member 422. The upper arm component 412 comprises at least one upper arm strap through-slot 414. The pivot component 416 comprises a pivot attachment point 420. The thumb component 430 comprises at least one thumb strap through-slot 434 and a thumb attachment point 432.

(21) The pivot component 416 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 412 using a pivot screw 418 and a pivot nut 244. An embodiment of the pivot nut 244 is visualized better in FIG. 2. As such, the pivot component 416 is connected to and can rotate relative to the upper arm component 412. The elongated coupling member 422, formed from a rigid material such as fiberglass, aluminum, or carbon fiber, is attached at a proximal end to the pivot attachment point 420 and attached at a distal end to the thumb attachment point 432. As such, the thumb component 430 is rigidly coupled to the pivot component 416.

(22) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component 512 and a pivot component 516. The upper arm component 512 comprises an elbow flexion stop 550 and an elbow extension stop 552. The pivot component 516 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 512 using a pivot screw 518 and a pivot nut 644. The pivot nut 644 is visualized better in FIG. 6. As such, the pivot component 516 is connected to and can rotate relative to the upper arm component 512. However, the elbow flexion stop 550 is positioned on the upper arm component 512 to limit clockwise rotation of the pivot component 516 and the elbow extension stop 552 is positioned on the upper arm component 512 to limit counterclockwise rotation of the pivot component 516. It should be noted, while it is preferred that the upper arm component 512 comprise both the elbow flexion stop 550 and the elbow extension stop 552, that either stop or both stops can be removed and the basketball training device will remain effective.

(23) FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component 612 and a pivot component 616. An upper arm component 612 comprises an integrated pintle 654, an elbow flexion stop 650, and an elbow extension stop 652. The pivot component 616 comprises a gudgeon 660, which is pivotably connected to the integrated pintle 654 of the upper arm component 612 using a pivot screw 618 and a pivot nut 644. As such, the pivot component 616 is connected to and can rotate relative to a central axis of the integrated pintle 654. However, the elbow flexion stop 650 is positioned on the upper arm component 612 to limit clockwise rotation of the pivot component 616 and the elbow extension stop 652 is positioned on the upper arm component 612 to limit counterclockwise rotation of the pivot component 616.

(24) FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an upper arm component 712 and a pivot component 716. An upper arm component 712 comprises a socket 756, an elbow flexion stop 750, and an elbow extension stop 752. The pivot component 716 comprises a gudgeon 760, which is pivotably connected to the socket 756 of the upper arm component 712 using a separate pintle 718 and a pivot nut 744. It should be noted that the separate pintle 718 can be a fully-threaded screw, partially-threaded screw, shoulder screw, bolt, pin, or other suitable fastener. As such, the pivot component 716 is connected to and can rotate relative to a central axis of the socket 756. However, the elbow flexion stop 750 is positioned on the upper arm component 712 to limit clockwise rotation of the pivot component 716 and the elbow extension stop 752 is positioned on the upper arm component 712 to limit counterclockwise rotation of the pivot component 716.

(25) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device 810 positioned on a user's arm and hand. While the associated straps are not depicted here, the basketball training device 810 is preferably secured by way of adjustable straps to the user's upper arm, user's forearm, user's thumb, and at least one of the user's fingers.

(26) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device 910, which includes an upper arm strap 962, a forearm strap 964, a thumb strap 966, and a finger strap 968. Adjustable straps, which are preferable, are used to secure the basketball training device 910 to the user.

(27) While specific embodiments and applications of the present invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations on the embodiments and applications described are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. It should be understood that while certain embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated.