Pitching Training Device

Abstract

An apparatus for training a throw includes an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end, a grip member coupled to the first end, a weight member coupled to the second end, a first stopper positioned on the elongated shaft, and a second stopper positioned on the elongated shaft at a distance from the first stopper. A sliding cartridge is positioned around the elongated shaft and is slidable along the shaft between the first stopper and the second stopper. An elastic band assembly is positioned on the sliding cartridge and has one end coupled to the sliding cartridge and another end configured to be removably couplable to one of the first stopper and the second stopper. When the elastic band assembly is coupled to one of the first stopper and the second stopper, the elastic band assembly resists movement of the sliding cartridge along the elongated shaft.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training a throw comprising: an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end; a grip member coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft; a weight member coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft; a first stopper positioned on the elongated shaft; a second stopper positioned on the elongated shaft at a distance from the first stopper; a sliding cartridge positioned around the elongated shaft and being slidable along the shaft between the first stopper and the second stopper; and an elastic band assembly positioned on the sliding cartridge and having one end coupled to the sliding cartridge and another end configured to be couplable to one of the first stopper and the second stopper; wherein, when the elastic band assembly is coupled to one of the first stopper and the second stopper, the elastic band assembly resists movement of the sliding cartridge along the elongated shaft.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connecting member coupled to at least one of the first end and the second end of the elongated shaft at one end and coupled to at least one of the grip member and the weight member at the opposite end.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a material that is different from a material of the connecting member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first connecting member coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft at one end and coupled to the grip member at the opposite end.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a second connecting member coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft at one end and coupled to the weight member at the opposite end.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic band assembly comprises one or more elastic bands.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, whether the elastic band assembly comprises a plurality of elastic bands and wherein at least one of the first stopper and the second stopper includes a plurality of receptacles corresponding to the plurality of the elastic bands.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of elastic bands is separately couplable to the at least one of the first stopper and the second stopper.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each elastic band has a different elasticity.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each elastic band has the same elasticity.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the elastic band assembly is not coupled to one of the first stopper and the second stopper, the at least one elastic band is stretched in a tensioned state.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one of a visual and an audible indicator configured to indicate a position of the sliding cartridge during the throw.

13. An apparatus for training a throw comprising: an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end; a connecting member coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft at one end and coupled to a grip member at the opposite end, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a material that is different from a material of the connecting member; a first stopper positioned on the elongated shaft; a second stopper positioned on the elongated shaft at a distance from the first stopper; and a sliding cartridge positioned around the elongated shaft and being slidable along the shaft between the first stopper and the second stopper.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a weight member coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft,

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising an elastic band assembly positioned on the sliding cartridge and having one end coupled to the sliding cartridge and another end configured to be removably couplable to one of the first stopper and the second stopper, wherein, when the elastic band assembly is coupled to one of the first stopper and the second stopper, the elastic band assembly resists movement of the sliding cartridge along the elongated shaft.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sliding cartridge further comprises a first anchor member positioned at one end of the elastic band assembly and a second member positioned at the opposite end of the elastic band assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first anchor member and the second anchor member comprise one or more receptacles configured to removably accommodate one or more elastic bands of the elastic band assembly.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the one or more elastic bands are configured to be removed from the one or more receptacles and coupled to one of the first stopper and the second stopper.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, when the one or more elastic bands are coupled to the first and second anchor members, the elastic assembly does not resist the movement of the sliding cartridge along the elongated shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a pitching training device in accordance with the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the pitching training device of FIG. 1 showing displacement of a resistance member during operation of the device.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the exemplary embodiment of the pitching training device of FIG. 1 showing further displacement of the resistance member during operation of the device.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary internal portion of a sliding cartridge in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary anchor and/or stopper in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It is noted that, as used in the specification and the claims, the singular form a, an, and the comprises plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

[0027] The term about is to be construed as modifying a term or value such that it is not an absolute. This term will be defined by the circumstances. This includes, at the very least, the degree of expected experimental error, technique error and instrument error for a given technique used to measure a value. In general, this term used in connection with a numerical value throughout the specification and the claims denotes an interval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in the art. In general, such interval of accuracy is 10%. Thus, about ten means 9 to 11. All numbers in this description indicating amounts, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word about, except as otherwise explicitly indicated.

[0028] The term comprising is synonymous with including, having, containing, or characterized by. These terms are inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0029] The present technology relates to a device for training both mechanics and power for a pitch-based sport. As will be described in detail herein, training of pitch mechanics is accomplished by a sliding component that audibly and/or visually indicates whether a pitch is proper. Additionally, training of pitch power is accomplished by elastic components that resist movement of the sliding component. The present disclosure is applicable to any sport or exercise that involves pitching, including baseball, softball, cricket, and others.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pitch training device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The device 10 includes an elongated shaft 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. The elongated shaft 12 may be solid or hollow and may be made with any suitable materials, such as metal or plastic. In one exemplary embodiment, the shaft is made with polyoxymethylene or similar materials. The shaft 12 may be generally cylindrical in shape and have a suitable diameter and length. In one preferred embodiment, an outer diameter of the elongated shaft 12 is more than about inch, such as inch, and the length of the shaft is about 18 inches. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the shaft may have a different shape, length and diameter, as desired.

[0031] The device 10 also includes a grip member 20 and a weight member 22. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the grip member 20 and the weight member 22 are ball-shaped or substantially ball-shaped, It is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, either or both the grip member and the weight member may have a different shape other than a ball-shape.

[0032] The weight member 22 is positioned at the second end 16 of the elongated shaft 12. The weight member 22 may be directly attached to the second end 16 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the weight member 22 may be permanently attached to the shaft 12 by any suitable means such as adhesive, welding, etc. In other embodiments of the present technology, the weight member 22 may be removably attached to the elongated shaft 12 via a screw or snap connector or other suitable means such that a different weight member may be attached by a user having a different shape and/or weight to provide a more customizable training device. Other types of removable or non-removable couplings are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The weight of the weight member 22 may be adjusted as desired. In some embodiments, the weight member 22 is about 5 ounces in weight.

[0033] The grip member 20 is positioned adjacent the first end 14 of the elongated shaft 12 and is coupled to the first end via a connecting member 24. The connecting member is different from the elongated shaft 12it is made from a different material that is more flexible than the material of the shaft 12. In some embodiments, the connecting member 24 is made with a metal wire, plastic tubing or fiber rope. Other types of materials are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The connecting member 24 is coupled to the first end 14 of the shaft 12 at one end and is coupled to the grip member 20 at the opposite end. In various embodiments, a second connecting member (not shown) may be provided. The second connecting member may be coupled to the second end 16 of the shaft 12 at one end and to the weight member 22 at the opposite end. An athlete may grasp either the grip member 20 or the weight member 22 during a throw motion.

[0034] The grip member 20 may be permanently attached to the connecting member 24 by any suitable means such as adhesive, welding, etc. In other embodiments, the grip member 20 may be removably attached to the connecting member such that it may be removed, and a different grip member may be attached by a user having a different shape and/or weight to provide a more customizable training device. For example, the device of the present invention may utilize different grip members corresponding to different types of balls used in pitching- based sports, e.g., baseball, softball, cricket ball, etc.

[0035] The training device 10 further includes a sliding cartridge 18 positioned on the shaft 12 and configured to slide along the shaft 12 in both directions from a first position shown in FIG. 1 to a second position shown in FIG. 3. The sliding cartridge 18 can interface with the shaft 12 in various ways. In various embodiments, the sliding cartridge 18 can simply wrap around the shaft 12. Low friction coatings can be applied to the sliding cartridge 18 and the shaft 12 to enable the sliding movement. In some embodiments, the shaft 12 can include channels (not shown) and the inner portion of the sliding cartridge 18 can include fins (not shown) that fit into and slide along the channels. In additional embodiments, the sliding cartridge 18 and/or the shaft 12 can include rollers or bearings (not shown) to enable the sliding movement. Persons skilled in the art will understand the implementation of these various mechanisms. Other mechanisms for enabling the sliding cartridge 18 to slide along the shaft 12 are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The training device 10 also includes first and second stoppers 26, 28 which halt the sliding of the sliding cartridge 18 along the shaft 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first stopper 26 is positioned at or adjacent the first end 14 of the shaft 12 and the second stopper 28 is positioned at a location along the shaft 12 removed from the first stopper 26. The distance between the first and second stoppers 26, 28 may be adjusted as desired, As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the sliding cartridge 18 is shorter than the length of the shaft 12 and is slidable along the shaft between the first stopper 26 and the second stopper 28. The first and second stoppers 26, 28 may have various shapes. In some embodiments, the stoppers may include a flange and a bung-shaped stopper portion (not shown). Other shapes for the stoppers are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The stoppers 26, 28 may be removably or non-removably secured to the shaft 12, e.g., by mating screws and threads, adhesives, or welding. In some embodiments, the stoppers 26, 28 may be formed as an integral part of the shaft 12, rather than coupled to the shaft 12. The coupling mechanisms described above are exemplary, and other coupling mechanisms are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] The sliding cartridge 18 includes an elastic band assembly 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic band assembly 30 includes one or more elastic bands 40 and a first and second anchor members 32 and 34 positioned on opposite ends of the elastic band assembly. The anchor members may be inserted over the shaft 12 and may be removably or non-removably secured to the shaft 12 by any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, screws, etc. One or more elastic bands 40 are secured at each end to the first anchor 32 and the second anchor 34. In some embodiments, one end of the one or more elastic bands 40 is removably secured to the second anchor 34 positioned adjacent the first stopper 26 and the other end of the one or more elastic bands is non-removably secured to the first anchor 42 positioned on the opposite end of the elastic band assembly 30. The elastic bands 40 may be secured to the anchors 32 and 34 in various ways.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows one exemplary embodiment of the anchors 32, 34. The anchors include one or more receptacles 50 corresponding to the elastic bands 40. Each receptacle 50 may receive and secure one elastic band 40 of the elastic band assembly 30, In various embodiments, the anchors 32, 34 can include a different number of receptacles 50, such as one receptacle, two receptacles, four receptacles, eight receptacles, or another number, as desired. The receptacles may be arranged differently than as shown in FIG. 5. In various embodiments, the receptacles can be evenly spaced apart, as illustrated. In additional embodiments, the receptacles need not be evenly spaced apart.

[0039] The anchors 32, 34 also include a central opening 52 through which the shaft 12 is inserted such that the anchors are slidably retained on the shaft. An outer surface of the anchors may have various desired shapes. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the outer surface 54 of the anchors has a generally circular shape. In various embodiments, the anchors can have another shape, such as hexagon, oval, etc. Various configurations of the anchors having receptacles are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] The sliding cartridge 18 has a support structure 60 positioned between and coupled to the first and second anchors 32, 34. The support structure 60 may be provided in different forms. In some embodiments, the support structure 60 may comprise a plurality of support members extending between the anchors 32, 34. In some embodiments, the support structure may be a cylindrical sleeve positioned over the shaft 12 between the anchors 32, 34 and attached to the anchors. Other embodiments of the support structure are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments of the present technology, the support structure 60 may be a sleeve that encases the one or more elastic bands 40 and/or one or both of the first and second anchors 32, 34. In some of these embodiments, the one or more elastic bands 40 may be unremovable from the encasing sleeve.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a portion of the shaft 12 with the sliding cartridge 18, The elastic band assembly 30 includes the elastic band 40, the first anchor 32 and the second anchor 34, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the elastic band 40 can be secured to the anchors 32, 34 in the same way. The elastic band 40 has two abutment members 42 and 44 positioned at opposite ends of the band 40. The abutment members may be secured to the band ends by any suitable method, such as adhesive, molding the abutment members onto the band ends, tying the band ends around the abutment members, etc. The abutment members 42, 44 abut and push against the ends of the anchors 32, 34 and are unable to enter the receptacles 50. In this manner, the elastic band 40 is secured to the first and second anchor 32, 34. The embodiment of FIG. 4 is exemplary, and other ways of securing an elastic band to the anchors are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first anchor 32 can be molded and formed around an end of the elastic band 40 such that when the anchor 32 is solidly formed, one end of the elastic band 40 is within the anchor 32.

[0042] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the first stopper 26 and/or the second stopper 28 includes one or more receptacles corresponding to the elastic bands 40. The receptacles may be similar to those shown in FIG. 5. Each receptacle may receive and secure the abutment member of one of the elastic bands 40. In various embodiments, the first stopper and/or the second stopper can include a different number of receptacles, such as one receptacle, four receptacles, six receptacles, eight receptacles or another number. The receptacles can be arranged differently than that shown in FIG. 5. In various embodiments, the receptacles can be evenly spaced apart, as illustrated. In various embodiments, the receptacles need not be evenly spaced apart. The receptacle may have different shapes, e.g., circular, etc. Various configurations of the first and/or second stopper receptacles are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Either end of the elastic band 40 may be grasped and pulled out of the first anchor 32 and/or second anchor 34 to stretch the elastic band 40. When neither of the elastic band ends is pulled, the ends of the band 40 abut the first and second anchors 32, 34 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In this state, the elastic bands 40 do not operate to resist movement of the sliding cartridge 18.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, when one or more of the elastic bands 40 are anchored to the first stopper 26, the elastic band 40 resists movement of the sliding cartridge 18 towards the second stopper 28. Accordingly, a user needs to produce more power to move the sliding cartridge 18 during a throw. Each elastic band 40 can be individually pulled, separately from any other elastic bands. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate one elastic band 40 being pulled and secured to the first stopper 26. In various embodiments, each elastic band can have the same elasticity. In various embodiments, different elastic bands can have different elasticities. The amount of resistance can be adjusted by anchoring different numbers of elastic bands to the coupling member, and/or by anchoring elastic bands having different elasticities. For example, anchoring three elastic bands to the coupling member provides more resistance than anchoring one elastic band.

[0045] In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the pitch training device 10 can include one or more elastic bands that couple to the second stopper 28. As described above, the second stopper can include one or more corresponding receptacles that can receive and secure the elastic bands 40. When one or more elastic bands 40 is coupled to the second stopper 28, the elastic bands resists movement of the sliding cartridge 18 towards the first stopper 26. This configuration can be used, for example, to secure the sliding cartridge 18 to the second stopper 28 when an athlete is warming up or to familiarize with the feel of the pitch training device 10 during a throw.

[0046] The training device 10 described above can be used in pitching practice or for training and/or toning arm and shoulder muscles. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the athlete grasps the grip member 20 at the start of a throw. As the athlete performs the throwing movement, the sliding cartridge 18 slides towards the second stopper 28. This can be done without attaching any of the elastic bands 40 to the first stopper 26, which provides no resistance to the movement of the sliding cartridge. If it is desirable to add resistance, before the throw, the athlete can attach one or more elastic bands 40 to the first stopper 26. In the motion of throwing a ball (or another object), the sliding cartridge 18 moves from the first stopper 26 towards the second stopper 28, as shown in FIG. 3. The athlete's throwing mechanics can be determined by audibly and/or visually examining the movement of the sliding cartridge.

[0047] In some embodiments, an electronic component may be added to the end of the shaft 12. When the sliding cartridge 18 slides on the shaft during a throw, the electronics component may be contacted by the weight of the sliding cartridge, causing an LED or another suitable electronic mechanism to turn on and produce either an audible signal (beep, etc.) or a visual signal (light turns on) indicating that a proper pitch has been achieved. If the electronics component does not turn on, it indicates that the sliding cartridge did not slide far enough and thus, a proper pitch has not been achieved. In additional embodiments, parts of the shaft and/or sliding cartridge may have contrasting colors so as to visually indicate a proper throw/pitch when the sliding cartridge slides to a correct position on the shaft. In further embodiments, the sliding cartridge may make a physical contact with another part of the shaft to produce an audible sound indicating a proper throw/pitch.

[0048] In various embodiments, the athlete may instead grasp the weight member 22 and/or the shaft portion above the sliding cartridge 18 during a throwing motion. Also, as described above, one or more elastic bands 40 may be coupled to the second stopper 28 during the throwing motion.

[0049] Although the technology has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present technology. It should also be understood that features described and illustrated in reference to one embodiment may be employed in other embodiments as appropriate.