Adjustable basketball training device for the guide hand

Abstract

This is an adjustable 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. The forearm component is rigidly coupled to both the thumb component using separate telescopic complexes, which allows the user to adjust the device for proper fit. 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. An adjustable basketball training device for a user's guide hand, comprising: an upper arm component comprising at least one upper arm strap through-slot and pivot mounting 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 at least one pivot attachment point and a gudgeon, said gudgeon pivotably connected to said pivot mounting socket; a forearm component comprising at least one forearm strap through-slot, at least one 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 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; a first telescopic complex comprising a first distal end and a first proximal end, said first distal end attached to said thumb attachment point and said first proximal end attached to said first distal forearm attachment point; and at least one forearm-pivot coupling member comprising a first end and a second end, said first end attached to said at least one pivot attachment point and said second end attached to said at least one proximal 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 at least one forearm-pivot 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 first telescopic complex, and said thumb component is configured to be secured to said user's thumb.

2. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 1 further comprising: an elbow flexion-extension limiter; whereby said elbow flexion-extension limiter limits a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

3. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 2 further comprising: a first telescopic complex locking mechanism; whereby said first telescopic complex locking mechanism locks a relative positions of said thumb component and said forearm component.

4. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 1 further comprising: a first telescopic complex locking mechanism; whereby said first telescopic complex locking mechanism locks a relative positions of said thumb component and said forearm component.

5. The adjustable 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 user's fingers with said finger strap; said forearm component further comprising a second distal forearm attachment point; and a second telescopic complex comprising a second distal end and a second proximal end, said second distal end attached to said finger attachment point and said second proximal end attached to said second 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 at least one forearm-pivot 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 first telescopic complex, 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 second telescopic complex, and said finger component is configured to be secured to said at least one of said user's fingers.

6. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 5 further comprising: an elbow flexion-extension limiter; whereby said elbow flexion-extension limiter limits a user's elbow flexion and a user's elbow extension.

7. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 6 further comprising: a first telescopic complex locking mechanism; and a second telescopic complex locking mechanism; whereby said first telescopic complex locking mechanism locks the relative positions of said thumb component and said forearm component and said second telescopic complex locking mechanism locks the relative positions of said finger component and said forearm component.

8. The adjustable basketball training device of claim 5 further comprising: a first telescopic complex locking mechanism; and a second telescopic complex locking mechanism; whereby said first telescopic complex locking mechanism locks the relative positions of said thumb component and said forearm component and said second telescopic complex locking mechanism locks the relative positions of said finger component and said forearm component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device;

[0024] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 3. is another perspective view from an opposing angle of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component and associated pivot component;

[0027] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a first telescopic complex;

[0028] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from a different angle of the first telescopic complex embodiment depicted in FIG. 5; and

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the basketball training device positioned on a user's arm and hand.

[0030]

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 Forearm component 120 Forearm strap through-slot 122 Finger component 124 Finger strap through-slot 126 Thumb component 128 Thumb strap through-slot 130 First telescopic complex 132 Thumb-side sliding component 134 First forearm-side sliding component 136 First plurality of elongated coupling members 138 Second telescopic complex 140 Finger-side sliding component 142 Second forearm-side sliding component 144 First locking mechanism 146 Second plurality of elongated coupling members 148 First forearm-pivot coupling member 150 Second forearm-pivot coupling member 152 Second locking mechanism 218 First proximal forearm component attachment point 220 Second proximal forearm component attachment point 222 First finger component attachment point 224 Second finger component attachment point 226 First thumb component attachment point 228 Second thumb component attachment point 316 First pivot component attachment point 318 Second pivot component attachment point 320 First distal forearm component attachment point 322 Second distal forearm component attachment point 454 Pivot screw 456 Pivot nut 458 Pivot barrel 460 Pivot component mounting hole 462 Elbow flexion-extension limiter 554 First pivot pin 556 First pivot pin mounting hole 558 First elongated coupling member 560 Second elongated coupling member 562 Third elongated coupling member 564 Proximal thumb-side attachment point 566 First thumb-side bore 568 Second thumb-side bore 570 First forearm-side bore 672 First distal forearm-side attachment point 674 Second distal forearm-side attachment point 754 Second pivot pin 756 Second pivot pin mounting hole 758 Fourth elongated coupling member 760 Fifth elongated coupling member 762 Sixth elongated coupling member 764 Proximal finger-side attachment point 766 First finger-side bore 768 Second finger-side bore 770 Second forearm-side bore 872 Third distal forearm-side attachment point 874 Fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 910 Basketball training device 976 User

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device 110 that comprises an upper arm component 112, a pivot component 116, a forearm component 118, a finger component 122, a thumb component 126, a first telescopic complex 130, a second telescopic complex 138, a first forearm-pivot coupling member 148 and a second forearm-pivot coupling member 150. 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 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 112 using a pivot screw 454 and a corresponding pivot nut 456. The pivot screw 454 can be a fully-threaded screw, partially-threaded screw, shoulder screw, bolt, pin, or other suitable fastener. The pivot screw 454 and pivot nut 456 are visualized better in FIG. 4.

[0032] The forearm component 118 comprises at least one forearm strap through-slot 120, a first proximal forearm attachment point 218, and a second proximal forearm component attachment point 220 (SEE FIG. 2). A forearm strap is fed through the forearm through-slot 114, which allows the user to secure the forearm component 118 to his or her forearm. The thumb component 126 comprises at least one thumb strap through-slot 128, a first thumb component attachment point 226, and a second thumb component attachment point 228. A thumb strap is fed through the thumb strap through-slot 128, which allows the user to secure the thumb component 126 to his or her thumb. The finger component 122 comprises at least one finger strap through-slot 124 and a first finger component attachment point 222 and a second finger component attachment point 224. A finger strap is fed through the finger strap through-slot 124, which allows the user to secure the finger component 122 to at least one of his or her fingers.

[0033] The first telescopic complex 130 comprises a first plurality of elongated coupling members 136, a thumb-side sliding component 132, a first forearm-side sliding component 134, and a first locking mechanism 144. The second telescopic complex 138 comprises a second plurality of elongated coupling members 146, a finger-side sliding component 140, a second forearm-side sliding component 142, and a second locking mechanism 152. The first locking mechanism 144 and second locking mechanism 152, which lock the relative positions of associated elongated coupling members, are discussed in more detail below (See FIG. 5 and FIG. 7).

[0034] According to this embodiment of a basketball training device 110, the first plurality of elongated coupling members 136 comprises a first elongated coupling member 558, a second elongated coupling member 560, and a third elongated coupling member 562. The thumb-side sliding component 132 comprises a first thumb-side bore 566, a second thumb-side bore 568, and a proximal thumb-side attachment point 564. The first forearm-side sliding component 134 comprises a first forearm-side bore 570, a first distal forearm-side attachment point 672, and a second distal forearm-side attachment point 674 (See FIG. 5 and FIG. 6).

[0035] The first elongated coupling member 558 passes through the first thumb-side bore 566 and is slidably engaged with the thumb-side sliding component 132. Similarly, the second elongated coupling member 560 passes through the second thumb-side bore 568 and is slidably engaged with the thumb-side sliding component 132. A proximal end of the first elongated coupling member 558 is attached to the first distal forearm-side attachment point 672 and a distal end of the first elongated coupling member 558 is attached to a first thumb component attachment point 226. Similarly, a proximal end of the second elongated coupling member 560 is attached to the second distal forearm-side attachment point and a distal end of the second elongated coupling member 560 is attached to a second thumb component attachment point 228. The third elongated coupling member 562 passes through the first forearm-side bore 570 and is slidably engaged with the first forearm-side sliding component 134. A distal end of the third elongated coupling member 562 is attached to the proximal thumb-side attachment point 564 and a proximal end of the third elongated coupling member 562 is attached to a first distal forearm component attachment point 320.

[0036] As such, both the thumb-side sliding component 132 and first forearm-side sliding component 134 can slide along an axis parallel to the central axes of the first plurality of elongated coupling members 136. When the thumb-side sliding component 132 and first forearm-side sliding component 134 are slidably positioned closer to one another, the distance between the thumb component 126 and the forearm component 118 approaches a maximum. In contrast, when the thumb-side sliding component 132 and the first forearm-side sliding component 134 are slidably positioned farther apart, the distance between the thumb component 126 and the forearm component 118 approaches a minimum. The maximum and minimum distances are defined, in part, by the lengths of the first plurality of elongated coupling members 136.

[0037] Regarding the second telescopic complex 138, the second plurality of elongated coupling members 146 comprises a fourth elongated coupling member 758, a fifth elongated coupling member 760, and a sixth elongated coupling member 762. The finger-side sliding component 140 comprises a first finger-side bore 766, a second finger-side bore 768, and a proximal finger-side attachment point 764. The second forearm-side sliding component 142 comprises a second forearm-side bore 770, a third distal forearm-side attachment point 872, and a fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874 (See FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0038] The fourth elongated coupling member 758 passes through the first finger-side bore 766 and is slidably engaged with the finger-side sliding component 140. Similarly, the fifth elongated coupling member 760 passes through the second finger-side bore and is slidably engaged with the finger-side sliding component 140. A proximal end of the fourth elongated coupling member 758 is attached to the third distal forearm-side attachment point 872 and a distal end of the fourth elongated coupling member 758 is attached to a first finger component attachment point 222. Similarly, a proximal end of the fifth elongated coupling member 760 is attached to the fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874 and a distal end of the fifth elongated coupling member 760 is attached to a second finger component attachment point 224. The sixth elongated coupling member 762 passes through the second forearm-side bore 770 and is slidably engaged with the second forearm-side sliding component 142. A distal end of the sixth elongated coupling member 762 is attached to the proximal finger-side attachment point 764 and a proximal end of the sixth elongated coupling member 762 is attached to a second distal forearm component attachment point 322.

[0039] As such, both the finger-side sliding component 140 and second forearm-side sliding component 142 can slide along an axis parallel to the central axes of the second plurality of elongated coupling members 146. When the finger-side sliding component 140 and second forearm-side sliding component 142 are slidably positioned closer to one another, the distance between the finger component 122 and the forearm component 118 approaches a maximum. In contrast, when the finger-side sliding component 140 and the second forearm-side sliding component 142 are slidably positioned farther apart, the distance between the finger component 122 and the forearm component 118 approaches a minimum. The maximum and minimum distances are defined, in part, by the lengths of the second plurality of elongated coupling members 146.

[0040] The pivot component 116 further comprises a first pivot component attachment point 316 and a second pivot component attachment point 318. According to the present embodiment, a distal end of a first forearm-pivot coupling member 148 is attached to a first proximal forearm component attachment point 218 and a proximal end of a the first forearm-pivot coupling member 148 is attached to a first pivot component attachment point 316 (See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Similarly, a distal end of a second forearm-pivot coupling member 150 is attached to a second proximal forearm component attachment point 220 and a proximal end of the second forearm-pivot coupling member 150 is attached to a second pivot component attachment point 318. As such, the forearm component 118 is directly coupled to the pivot component 116, which is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 112.

[0041] Each of the elongated coupling members are formed from a rigid material such as fiber-reinforced plastic(i.e. Fiberglass), carbon fiber, aluminum, or other sufficiently rigid material. The attachment points described herein are preferably sockets adapted for the insertion of an elongated coupling member. The elongated coupling member is secured in the socket using, preferably, an adhesive. However, other means, such as a set screw or other mechanical means, may be used to ensure that the elongated coupling member is secured within the socket.

[0042] Regarding the telescopic complexes described above, it is well understood to one skilled in the art that the telescopic means can be accomplished in other ways. For example, a telescopic complex can comprise a smaller diameter tube inserted into and slidably engaged with a larger diameter tube. This telescopic complex can incorporate a locking collar or other means for securing their relative positions, such as used with telescoping broom handles or poles used by painters.

[0043] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The basketball training device 110 comprises an upper arm component 112, a pivot component 116, a forearm component 118, a thumb component 126, a finger component 122, a first telescopic complex 130, a second telescopic complex 138, a first forearm-pivot coupling member 148, and a second forearm-pivot coupling member 150.

[0044] As discussed in the description of FIG. 1, the forearm component 118 comprises a first proximal forearm component attachment point 218 and a second proximal forearm component attachment point 220, the finger component 122 comprises a first finger component attachment point 222 and a second finger component attachment point 224, and the thumb component 126 comprises a first thumb component attachment point 226 and a second thumb component attachment point 228.

[0045] FIG. 3 is another perspective view from an opposing angle of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. The basketball training device 110 comprises an upper arm component 112, a pivot component 116, a forearm component 118, a thumb component 126, a finger component 122, a first telescopic complex 130, a second telescopic complex 138, a first forearm-pivot coupling member 148, and a second forearm-pivot coupling member 150.

[0046] As discussed in the description of FIG. 1, the forearm component 118 comprises a first distal forearm component attachment point 320 and second distal forearm component attachment point 322. The pivot component 116 comprises a first pivot component attachment point 316 and a second pivot component attachment point 318.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an upper arm component 112 and associated pivot component 116. The upper arm component 112 comprises at least one upper arm strap through-slot 114, an elbow flexion-extension limiter 462, and a pivot component mounting hole 460. The pivot component 116 comprises a pivot barrel 458. The pivot component 116 is pivotably connected to the upper arm component 112 using a pivot screw 454 and a pivot nut 456. The elbow flexion-extension limiter 462 restricts the degree of elbow flexion and elbow extension allowed by the basketball training device 110.

[0048] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a first telescopic complex 130 with an associated thumb component 126 and a forearm component 118. The first telescopic complex 130 comprises a first plurality of elongated coupling members 136, a thumb-side sliding component 132, a first forearm-side sliding component 134, and a first locking mechanism 144.

[0049] The first plurality of elongated coupling members 136 comprises a first elongated coupling member 558, a second elongated coupling member 560, and a third elongated coupling member 562. The thumb-side sliding component 132 comprises a first thumb-side bore 566, a second thumb-side bore 568, and a proximal thumb-side attachment point 564. The first forearm-side sliding component 134 comprises a first forearm-side bore 570, a first distal forearm-side attachment point 672, and a second distal forearm-side attachment point 674. The first distal forearm-side attachment point 672 and second distal forearm-side attachment point 674 are visualized better in FIG. 6.

[0050] The first elongated coupling member 558 passes through the first thumb-side bore 566 and is slidably engaged with the thumb-side sliding component 132. Similarly, the second elongated coupling member 560 passes through the second thumb-side bore 568 and is slidably engaged with the thumb-side sliding component 132. A proximal end of the first elongated coupling member 558 is attached to the first distal forearm-side attachment point 672 (See FIG. 6) and a distal end of the first elongated coupling member 558 is attached to a first thumb component attachment point 226. Similarly, a proximal end of the second elongated coupling member 560 is attached to the second distal forearm-side attachment point 674 (See FIG. 6) and a distal end of the second elongated coupling member 560 is attached to a second thumb component attachment point 228. The third elongated coupling member 562 passes through the first forearm-side bore 570 and is slidably engaged with the first forearm-side sliding component 134. A distal end of the third elongated coupling member 562 is attached to the proximal thumb-side attachment point 564 and a proximal end of the third elongated coupling member 562 is attached to a first distal forearm component attachment point 320.

[0051] A first pivot pin 554 pivotably connects the first locking mechanism 144 to a first pivot pin mounting hole 556 incorporated into the thumb-side sliding component 140. The first locking mechanism 144 can then rotate around an axis defined by the first pivot pin 554. In the locked position, the first locking mechanism 144 is pressed down and between the first elongated coupling member 558 and the second elongated coupling member 560 to form an interference fit (i.e. Press fit or friction fit). To unlock, the first locking mechanism 144 is pulled from between these elongated coupling members and rotated to an unlocked position.

[0052] As such, both the thumb-side sliding component 132 and first forearm-side sliding component 134 can slide along an axis parallel to the central axes of the first plurality of elongated coupling members 136. When the thumb-side sliding component 132 and first forearm-side sliding component 134 are slidably positioned closer to one another, the distance between the thumb component 126 and the forearm component 118 approaches a maximum. In contrast, when the thumb-side sliding component 132 and the first forearm-side sliding component 134 are slidably positioned farther apart, the distance between the thumb component 126 and the forearm component 118 approaches a minimum. The maximum and minimum distances are defined, in part, by the lengths of the first plurality of elongated coupling members 136.

[0053] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from a different angle of the first telescopic complex 130 embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, which better illustrates the first distal forearm-side attachment point 672 and second distal forearm-side attachment point 674.

[0054] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a second telescopic complex 138 with an associated finger component 122 and a forearm component 118. The first telescopic complex 138 comprises a second plurality of elongated coupling members 146, a finger-side sliding component 140, a second forearm-side sliding component 142, and a second locking mechanism 152.

[0055] The second plurality of elongated coupling members 146 comprises a fourth elongated coupling member 758, a fifth elongated coupling member 760, and a sixth elongated coupling member 762. The finger-side sliding component 140 comprises a first finger-side bore 766, a second finger-side bore 768, and a proximal finger-side attachment point 764. The second forearm-side sliding component 142 comprises a second forearm-side bore 770, a third distal forearm-side attachment point 872, and a fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874. The third distal forearm-side attachment point 872 and fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874 are visualized better in FIG. 8.

[0056] The fourth elongated coupling member 758 passes through the first finger-side bore 766 and is slidably engaged with the finger-side sliding component 140. Similarly, the fifth elongated coupling member 760 passes through the second finger-side bore 768 and is slidably engaged with the finger-side sliding component 140. A proximal end of the fourth elongated coupling member 758 is attached to the third distal forearm-side attachment point 872 (See FIG. 8) and a distal end of the fourth elongated coupling member 758 is attached to a first finger component attachment point 222. Similarly, a proximal end of the fifth elongated coupling member 760 is attached to the fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874 and a distal end of the fifth elongated coupling member 760 is attached to a second finger component attachment point 224. The sixth elongated coupling member 762 passes through the second forearm-side bore 770 and is slidably engaged with the second forearm-side sliding component 142. A distal end of the sixth elongated coupling member 762 is attached to the proximal finger-side attachment point 764 and a proximal end of the sixth elongated coupling member 762 is attached to a second distal forearm component attachment point 322.

[0057] A second pivot pin 754 pivotably connects the second locking mechanism 152 to a second pivot pin mounting hole 756 incorporated into the finger-side sliding component 140. The second locking mechanism 152 can then rotate around an axis defined by the second pivot pin 754. In the locked position, the second locking mechanism 152 is pressed down and between the fourth elongated coupling member 758 and the fifth elongated coupling member 760 to form an interference fit. To unlock, the second locking mechanism 152 is pulled from between these elongated coupling members and rotated to an unlocked position.

[0058] As such, both the finger-side sliding component 140 and second forearm-side sliding component 142 can slide along an axis parallel to the central axes of the second plurality of elongated coupling members 146. When the finger-side sliding component 140 and second forearm-side sliding component 146 are slidably positioned closer to one another, the distance between the finger component 122 and the forearm component 118 approaches a maximum. In contrast, when the finger-side sliding component 140 and the second forearm-side sliding component 142 are slidably positioned farther apart, the distance between the finger component 122 and the forearm component 118 approaches a minimum. The maximum and minimum distances are defined, in part, by the lengths of the second plurality of elongated coupling members 146.

[0059] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view from a different angle of the second telescopic complex 138 embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, which better illustrates the third distal forearm-side attachment point 872 and fourth distal forearm-side attachment point 874.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a basketball training device 910 positioned on a user's 976 arm and hand.

[0061] 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.