SPORTS SWING TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION

Abstract

A sports swing training system and method of operation trains the proper swing of a shaft to hit a sports target, such as a ball or puck so as to drive the sports target at a proper direction and velocity. The assembly provides a base. A height adjustable rod extends perpendicularly from base. A spring positions between the base and the bottom end of the rod to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod. A target holder attaches to top end of rod to retain a first sports target. A hub and a washer disposed at the bottom end of rod are rotatable about the rod. A rotating tethering mechanism extends from the hub, so as to enable tethering the interchangeable sports targets to a cable. The cable attaches to the tethering mechanism from a proximal end and attaches to a second sports target from an opposite end.

Claims

1. A sports swing training system, the system comprising: a base; a height adjustable rod extending perpendicularly from the base, the rod defined by a bottom end and a top end; a spring disposed between the base and the bottom end of the rod, the spring enabling side-to-side swaying by the rod; a target holder detachably attached to the top end of the rod, the target holder retaining at least one first sports target, whereby swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact; a tethering mechanism rotatable about the top end of the rod; and a cable defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the cable joined with the tethering mechanism from the proximal end, the distal end of the cable detachably attached to at least one second sports target, whereby swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod, whereby the first and second sports targets are interchangeable.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base has a disc shape, or a truncated cone shape.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the target holder comprises a cylinder.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a height adjustment fastener configured to fasten the rod at a fixed height.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the height adjustment fastener comprises a threaded bolt or a pin.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tethering mechanism comprises a disc defined by a central aperture and an edge.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the tethering mechanism comprises a bi-hook shaped protrusion extending from the peripheral region of the disc.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first end of the cable ties around the bi-hook shaped protrusion.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable is resilient.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a hub and a washer disposed at the bottom end of the rod.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the hub and the washer are operable to rotate about the rod.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the tethering mechanism extends from the hub.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sports target includes at least one of the following: a baseball, a softball, and a cricket ball.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the second sports target includes at least one of the following: a hockey puck, a soccer ball, and a volleyball.

15. A sports swing training system, the system comprising: a base; a height adjustable rod extending perpendicularly from the base, the rod defined by a bottom end and a top end; a height adjustment fastener configured to fasten the rod at a fixed height; a hub disposed at the bottom end of the rod; a washer disposed at the bottom end of the rod, whereby the hub and the washer are operable to rotate about the rod; a spring disposed between the base and the bottom end of the rod, the spring enabling side-to-side swaying by the rod; a target holder detachably attached to the top end of the rod, the target holder retaining at least one first sports target, whereby swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact; a tethering mechanism rotatable about the top end of the rod, the tethering mechanism extending from the hub; and a cable defined by a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the cable joined with the tethering mechanism from the proximal end, the distal end of the cable detachably attached to at least one second sports target, whereby swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod, whereby the first and second sports targets are interchangeable.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the tethering mechanism comprises a disc defined by a central aperture and an edge.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the tethering mechanism comprises a bi-hook shaped protrusion extending from the peripheral region of the disc.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sports target includes at least one of the following: a baseball, a softball, and a cricket ball.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the second sports target includes at least one of the following: a hockey puck, a soccer ball, and a volleyball.

20. A method for operation of a sports swing training system, the method comprising: positioning a rod in a vertical orientation on a flat surface, the rod being defined by a bottom end and a top end, the rod further being joined to a base by a spring, whereby the rod sways when force is applied thereto; extending a cable to a rotatable tethering mechanism at the bottom end of the rod; attaching at least one second sports target to the distal end of the cable; facing, by a user, the rod in a swinging stance at a predetermined distance; swinging a shaft at the second sports target, whereby swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod; resting at least one first sports target on a target holder at the top end of the rod; swinging the shaft at the first sports target, whereby swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact; and interchanging first and second sports targets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary sports swing training system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an elevated side view of the sports swing training system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate perspective views of a user swinging on the system, where FIG. 3A shows the user swinging on a baseball with a bat, FIG. 3B shows the user swinging on a hockey puck with a hockey stick, and FIG. 3C shows the user swinging on a soccer ball with the leg, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the sports swing training system shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary base and attached rod, and further shows a detached target holder, cable, and various types of sports targets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base and attached rod showed in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rod with various sports target attachments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate perspective views of the rod with different sports targets, with FIG. 9A showing a hockey puck and FIG. 9B showing a baseball, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary rod and tethering mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an exemplary rod and tethering mechanism shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tethering mechanism defined by a disc, a central aperture, an edge, and a hooked protrusion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating a sports swing training system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0045] A sports swing training system 100 and method 1300 of operation is referenced in FIGS. 1-13. Sports swing training system 100, hereafter system 100, is configured to efficiently train a user in the proper stance and swing of a shaft, so as to strike a sports target in the most effective manner, and for multiple types of sports and sport targets. This is accomplished with an upright, flexible rod 104 that supports sports targets from a top end and a bottom end, depending on the type of sports target being used.

[0046] In one non-limiting embodiment, system supports and tethers to at least one first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c and at least one second sports 202a, 202b, 202c target in a position that allows the user to swing a shaft 204a, 204b, 204c in order to hit the sports target. System 100 is also unique in that the first and/or second sports target may be tethered to its appropriate end of the rod 104, so that after swinging and striking sports target, the user can quickly set up system for multiple swings.

[0047] Further, the vertical orientation of rod 104 helps train the proper initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user's body, as well as develop an appropriate swinging motion that is driven initially by the user's hips instead of the arms. The user's visual perception of the sports target is also enhanced through use of system 100. Other swinging advantages are also developed through repetitive use of system 100.

[0048] Thus, by swinging at the sports target attached to system 100, the user can develop the skills necessary to drive the sports target at an appropriate direction and velocity to achieve the goal for that specific sport. The sports targets that detachably rest/tether to the top or bottom end of the resilient rod may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, a hockey puck, a tennis ball, and a soccer ball. The sports targets may be interchangeable between the top end and bottom end of the rod. The shaft by which the player swings at the sports targets may include, without limitation, a bat, racket, hockey stick, the leg, and the arm.

[0049] Generally, sports such as golf, baseball, hockey and tennis require the holding and swinging of a shaft 204a-c, which may be a baseball bat 204a, hockey stick 204b, racket, or simply the leg or arm 204c, to hit a sports target, such as a ball or a puck for the purpose of driving the sports target at the proper direction and velocity, while maintaining proper body position. The swinging of the shaft (or leg/arm) requires skill and a lot of practice in order to perfect the angle and speed of the swing, as well as to develop muscle memory.

[0050] As referenced in FIG. 1, system 100 is unique in providing a height adjustable, resilient rod 104 that provides the foundation towards which the swing is directed. Rod 104 is configured to support a first sports target 200a-c from a top end, and enable a tethered, rotational attachment to a second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c that can be swung at with shaft 204a-c. First and second sports targets 202a-c, 202a-c may be interchanged to include any sports targets known in the art.

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates one possible embodiment in which first sports target 200a, such as a baseball, rests at a top end 106a of the rod 104, and second sports target 202a, such as a hockey puck, is tethered to the bottom end 106b of rod 104 through a tethering mechanism 114 that rotates about rod, and a resilient cable 116.

[0052] This unique support structure for the sports targets provides the user with the dual function of swinging at a stationary first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c that is also height adjustable; and repeatedly swinging at a second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c that rotates around the rod 104. This creates a dynamic where the user has the opportunity to take repetitive swings; and thereby, maximize swing practice without requiring a partner to retrieve the second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c. System 100 also allows the user to interchange sports targets, so as to provide a flexible, adaptive swing training experience for myriad sports.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, top end 106a of rod 104 may include a baseball resting stationary, thereon. As the user swings at the baseball, the resilient configuration of rod 104 allows for a side-to-side swaying motion if the baseball bat inadvertently hits the rod 104. FIG. 3B shows second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c, of a hockey puck, tethered to cable 116. As the user swings the hockey stick at second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c with a hockey stick, the hockey puck rotates around the rod 104 up to 360, providing the user with unlimited swings without the need to retrieve the puck after every swing. Further, the user can initially position the puck at a desired distance, so as to customize the type of swing that is being trained.

[0054] Looking now at FIG. 3C, the cable 116 that retains second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c of a hockey puck has been detached from the tethering mechanism 114, and replaced with another second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c. A soccer ball is now being used, so that the user swings at the soccer ball with the leg. As the user swings the leg at the soccer ball, and hits the soccer ball with the foot, the soccer ball rotates around rod 104 up to 360. Similar to the hockey puck, this rotatable configuration provides the user with unlimited swings at the soccer ball.

[0055] Thus, one of the disadvantages of playing these particular sports is that the swing of a club or the shaft occurs so fast, that it is almost impossible to figure out how you did it improperly unless the user repetitively swings at the sports target over a long period of time. The disclosed swing training system 100 helps solve this problem by positioning sports target for swing training, so that the user learns to drive the ball or puck in a proper direction through the initial positioning of the shaft relative to the user's body, as well as a swinging motion driven initially by the user's hips instead of the arms.

[0056] As referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2, system 100 provides a base 102 that firmly rests the system 100 on a flat surface. In one embodiment, base 102 has a disc shape, or a truncated cone shape. Base 102 provides a solid foundation about which system 100 operates, and also provides a point of reference for swinging at the sports targets.

[0057] System 100 further comprises a height adjustable rod 104 defined by a top end 106a and a bottom end 106b. Rod 104 extends perpendicularly from base 102. Bottom end 106b is detachably attached into an orifice in base 102. Bottom end 106b of rod 104 and base 102 may couple in a friction fit relationship, or through fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as screws, bolts, magnets, and adhesives.

[0058] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4, rod 104 may include an elongated cylinder fabricated from a resilient polymer. Rod 104 may be height adjustable to enable differently sized users to swing at first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c resting on the top end 106a of rod 104. The height adjustability may be through telescopic means; or by adding and removing sections of rod 104 to increase or decrease the height, respectively. A height adjustment fastener 128a, 128b, such as a screw, clamp ring, or other fastening means known in the art may be used to fasten the rod at the desired height.

[0059] In one non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 4, rod 104 is sufficiently resilient to sway in a side-to-side motion when forcefully engaged by a shaft. For example, when a shaft strikes first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c and rod 104, the first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c is driven off the rod 104, and the rod 104 sways, so as to remain intact and not break from the impact of the shaft. This swaying motion helps train the user to visually decipher if the swing level of the shaft is too low; thereby causing rod 104 to sway from the impact.

[0060] In some embodiments, a spring may be disposed between the base 102 and the bottom end 106b of the rod 104 to enable side-to-side swaying by the rod 104. In this embodiment, the rod 104 may not be resilient, but still sway, as the spring, which serves as a nexus between base 102 and rod 104, provides a predetermined spring tension that allows the rod 104 enough lateral freedom to sway. In either case, the swaying motion of rod 104 helps train the appropriate swing position and velocity, as well as the proper stance when swinging.

[0061] In some embodiments shown in FIG. 5, a target holder 108 attaches to the top end 106a of rod 104 to retain a first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c. In one possible embodiment, target holder 108 comprises a cylinder that is shaped and dimension to support a baseball, as shown in FIG. 6. Target holder 108 may couple to top end 106a of rod 104 in a friction fit relationship, or through fastening mechanisms known in the art, such as screws, bolts, magnets, and adhesives.

[0062] In some embodiments, system 100 further comprises a hub 112a and a washer 112b that are coupled to the bottom end 106b of rod 104, and also rotatable up to 360 about rod 104. In one embodiment, hub 112a and washer 112b comprises a thumb screw that can be tightened with one hand and has a threaded bolt and a ribbed cap. Hub 112 and washer 112b may also be used to help rotate tethering mechanism 114. In some embodiments, a pair of spacers 134a, 134b are also used to help in radial rotation and spacing. In one non-limiting embodiment, hub 112a and washer 112b are defined by a central opening that enables passage of rod 104. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, washer 112b has a generally flat, round shape, and may be constructed from metal. Washer 112b may also be thin, so as to minimize space around the orifice of base 102 (FIG. 15). In another embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the hub and washer are a thumb screw with a threaded bolt and a ribbed cap that can be gripped with one hand. 134b and 112b in FIG. 4 show the thumb screw separated.

[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, hub 112a may fit around the bottom end 106b of rod 104 at a distance that allows for rotation about the rod 104. In one non-limiting embodiment, various washers 130a, screws 130b, bearings, and lubricants can be applied between hub 112a and the outer surface of the rod 104 to facilitate, and adjust the rate of rotation. As discussed below, hub 112a and washer 112b provide support and facilitate rotation for a tethering mechanism 114 used to attach second sports target 202a-c.

[0064] In some embodiments shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a tethering mechanism 114 extends from hub 112a. Tethering mechanism 114 is operable to enable tethering to a resilient cable 116. In one non-limiting embodiment, a strap 132 joins tethering mechanism 114 to cable 116. In this manner, cable 116 can be easily wrapped around the tethering mechanism 114 or strap 132. In one non-limiting embodiment, tethering mechanism 114 is a rubber or resilient strap.

[0065] Thus as FIGS. 10 and 11 show, cable 116, the tethering mechanism 114, the hub 112a, and the washer 112 may rotate together in this arrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment, tethering mechanism 114 comprises a thin disc 120 defined by a central aperture 122 and an edge 124 (FIG. 12). In one non-limiting embodiment, a secondary cable 138 may also be used in conjunction with cable 116. Secondary cable 138 allows multiple sports targets to be struck simultaneously.

[0066] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the tethering mechanism 114 may include a bi-hook shaped protrusion 126 that extends from the edge 124 of disc 120. Strap 132 may include a U-shaped rubber strap. Proximal end 118a of cable 116 ties around the bi-hook shaped protrusion 126 or rubber strap. This fastening means enables quick attachment and detachment of various cables with different types of sports targets, as FIG. 9A shows a hockey puck, and FIG. 9B shows a ball being attached to cable 116 and tethering mechanism 114.

[0067] In one non-limiting embodiment, cable 116 attaches to tethering mechanism 114 from a proximal end 118a. Cable 116 also attaches to second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c from a distal end 118b. The length of cable 116 can be predetermined, depending on the type of swing required. For example, cable 116 can be lengthened when kicking a soccer ball. In one non-limiting embodiment, cable 116 may include a resilient material, such as nylon, rubber, or elastic. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the hooked shape of tethering mechanism 114 allows for facilitated winding and detachable attachment of cable 116 for easy interchangeability of second sporting targets 202a, 202b, 202c.

[0068] Thus, both sports targets 200a-c, 202a-c are interchangeable and replaceable, so as to accommodate different types of sports. For example, first sports target 200a can be replaced simply be resting the desired ball on the target holder 108, and replacing with a different first sports target 200b. Second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c can be changed by untethering the cable 116 from tethering mechanism 114 and replacing second sports target 202a with another second sports target 202b, or another cable 116 having an attached ball or puck.

[0069] Thus in a method 1300 of operation, a user stands at a predetermined distance from the rod 104 and base 102. The user uses either component as a point of reference. When the user swings at first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c at the top end 106a of the rod 104, the first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c is hit, and this may cause rod 104 to flex and sway upon contact.

[0070] As FIG. 7 illustrates, first sports target 200a, 200b, 200c may include, without limitation, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, and a croquet. Or, if the user swings at the second target at bottom end 106b of rod 104, this causes the second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c to rotate in a circular pattern up to 360 about the rod 104. Second sports target 202a, 202b, 202c may include, without limitation, a hockey puck, a soccer ball, and a volleyball. In one non-limiting embodiment, a helix member 136 may be used to improve rotation of rod and/or retain sports target 200a-c.

[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 1300 for maneuvering an exemplary guide wire through a cavity. The method 1300 may include an initial Step 1302 of positioning a rod in a vertical orientation on a flat surface, the rod being defined by a bottom end and a top end, the rod further being joined to a base by a spring, whereby the rod sways when force is applied thereto. The method 1300 may further comprise a Step 1304 of extending a cable to a rotatable tethering mechanism at the bottom end of the rod. A Step 1306 includes attaching at least one second sports target to the distal end of the cable.

[0072] In some embodiments, a Step 1308 comprises facing, by a user, the rod in a swinging stance at a predetermined distance. A Step 1310 includes swinging a shaft at the second sports target, whereby swinging at the second sports target urges the second sports target to rotate in a circular pattern about the rod. In some embodiments, a Step 1312 may include resting at least one first sports target on a target holder at the top end of the rod. A Step 1314 comprises swinging the shaft at the first sports target, whereby swinging at the first sports target displaces the first sports target from the target holder, and causes the rod to sway upon contact. A final Step 1316 includes interchanging first and second sports targets.

[0073] Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process

[0074] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0075] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments 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 equivalence.