Abstract
Disclosed herein is a sport practice device comprising a solid core ball having a bore formed therein, an elongated tether secured in the bore, a positioning washer configured to position the elongated tether inside the bore, and an adhesive configured to hold the elongated tether inside the bore. The elongated tether has a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, with the first end portion secured inside the bore and the second end portion configured to be attached to an anchoring mechanism. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.
Claims
1. A sport practice device comprising: a solid core ball having a bore formed therein; an elongated tether secured in the bore; a positioning washer configured to position the elongated tether inside the bore; and an adhesive configured to hold the elongated tether inside the bore; the elongated tether having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, with the first end portion secured inside the bore and the second end portion configured to be attached to an anchoring mechanism.
2. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the elongated tether has a single-strand and continuous configuration.
3. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the elongated tether is 10-50 feet long.
4. The sport practice device of claim 2 wherein the elongated tether is a rope.
5. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the elongated tether is substantially inelastic.
6. The sport practice device of claim 1, wherein the solid core ball includes a solid core and an outer cover layer.
7. The sport practice device of claim 6, wherein the solid core ball further comprises a photoluminescent layer formed on or over the outer cover layer.
8. The sport practice device of claim 6, wherein the outer cover layer comprises leather.
9. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the ball is photoluminescent.
10. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the bore extends about 25% to about 75% of the way through the ball.
11. The sport practice device of claim 10, wherein: the ball has an outer cover layer; and the ball further comprises a plurality of lights formed on the outer cover letter.
12. The sport practice device of claim 1, wherein the ball has an outer surface, and comprises a plurality of lights formed on the outer surface.
13. The sport practice device of claim 1, wherein the positioning washer is at least partially inside the bore and/or flush with an outer surface of the ball.
14. The sport practice device of claim 1, wherein the positioning washer comprises at least one of a metal, a thermoset material, and a thermoplastic material.
15. The sport practice device of claim 1 wherein the ball is one of a golf ball, a baseball and a softball.
16. A method of making a sport practice device comprising: obtaining a solid core ball; obtaining a washer having a central hole; forming a bore, which extends from an outer surface to inside the ball, and is defined by a bore wall; attaching a positioning washer to the bore wall, whereby the washer is at least partially inside the bore; obtaining an elongated tether having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion; placing the first end portion of the elongated tether through the central center hole of the washer and into the bore; and inserting an adhesive in the bore to hold the elongated tether in place.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the elongated tether is a single-strand and continuous tether.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: obtaining an anchoring mechanism; and attaching the second end portion of the elongated tether to the anchoring mechanism.
19. A method of practicing sports comprising: obtaining a sport practice device comprising a solid core ball having a bore formed therein, an single-strand elongated tether secured inside the bore, a positioning washer and adhesive configured to position the elongated tether inside the bore, the single-strand elongated tether having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, with the first end portion secured inside the bore and the second end portion configured to be attached to an anchoring mechanism; obtaining an anchoring mechanism; securing the anchoring mechanism; attaching the second end of the elongated tether to the anchoring mechanism; extending the elongated tether to the desired distance from the anchoring mechanism; and hitting the ball.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising securing the anchoring mechanism by drilling and/or twisting it into the ground.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the practice device bearing a golf ball and ready for use.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the ball.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts the method of preparing the device for use.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the ball practice device anchored in the ground.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows the golf practice device being used.
[0017] FIG. 6A shows a first embodiment of the positioning washer, from FIGS. 1-5.
[0018] FIG. 6B shows a second embodiment of the positioning washer, from FIGS. 8-9.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the sport training device.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a solid core ball.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows the cross-section of yet another embodiment of the solid core ball.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the practice device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The device is a tool for practicing and/or training a sports swing, making it easier and more productive. By anchoring a ball to the ground that is also attached to an elongated tether, a user can practice using full swings and striking the ball in a limited space, such a backyard or local park, while still being able to see the initial trajectory of the ball and watch how it then flies. Additionally, by nature of the tether, the user does not need to walk far in order to retrieve the ball after every swing, making practicing efficient and convenient.
[0024] As used herein, the term single-strand tether refers to a tether that is a singular, continuous, and uncut rope, that has not been knotted together nor attached to a mechanism that might attach it to another tether.
[0025] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of the entire device, designated as 2, including the anchoring mechanism 18 which, in this embodiment, is a screw-like stake 17 with a polymeric handle cover 22 and a ring-shaped fastening device 20 as to connect the second end portion 25 of the elongated tether 23 to the anchoring mechanism 18. This fastening device 20 is further connected to a small metal ring 19, which encircles the neck portion 29 of the anchoring device 18. The small metal ring 19 is kept in place by four projections 16, two above and two below. The second end portion 25 of the tether 23 is attached to a carabiner clip 15 that is then attached to the fastening device 20, which is connected to the neck portion 29 of the anchoring mechanism 18 via the small metal ring 19. The second end portion 25 of the elongated tether 23 is connected to the carabiner clip 15 by way of an elaborate and durable knot 21. In alternative embodiments, the second end of the elongated tether 23 is connected by different means, such as a metal retaining clip. A hook-and-loop securing clasp 14 collects and holds the elongated tether 23, keeping it bundled together while not in use. Finally, this elongated tether 23 is further connected to a ball 7, in which the first end portion 12 of the tether 23 is inserted into and held within the bore portion of the ball 10.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates the drilled or otherwise formed bore portion 10 of the ball 7 and the manner in which the first end of the elongated tether 12 is inserted into it. It also portrays the adhesive 11 used to bind the elongated tether 6 within the bore 10, and the positioning washer 13, which is at least partially in the bore and may have a portion extending outside the bore that is adjacent to and/or flush with the outer surface 27 of the cover 8 of the ball 7, used to hold the first end of the elongated tether 12 in place. The first end of the elongated tether 12 may be inserted into the bore 10 before the adhesive 11, after the adhesive, or at the same time as the adhesive. The bore 10 may be drilled part of the way, halfway, or most of the way into the solid core of the ball 9, so long as it does not breach the other side. The bore 10 may be formed by drilling or another technique that produces an opening in the ball having a round, oval, rectangular, or triangular cross section, or another suitable shape, configured to receive an end portion of a tether. In embodiments, the bore 10 may be 5/16 inches in diameter, or between and inches. In other cases, the bore 10 may be 11/32 inches in diameter, or between and 7/16 inches in diameter. In FIG. 2, the ball 7 is represented by a golf ball, but alternative embodiments may utilize a baseball, softball, or any other ball with a solid core 9. In some cases, the tether has a diameter in the range of about 3 mm to about 6 mm.
[0027] In the first embodiment, the ball 7 includes a solid core 9 and a hard outer layer 8, whereby the axis of the inner bore 10 extends through the center of the ball 7. A golf ball typically has an outer cover layer 8 formed from an ionomer, a polyurethane, or another thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the outer layer 8 comprises an outer natural leather or synthetic leather layer, as may be the case with a baseball or softball. In some cases, the outer cover layer is a photoluminescent layer, or has a thin photoluminescent layer formed thereon. In some cases, a very thin topcoat layer is applied over the cover layer made of a clear thermoplastic material. This topcoat layer is not shown in FIG. 2. In embodiments, one or more lights are formed on the outer surface layer 8. In some embodiments, the bore 10 extends about 25% to about 75% of the distance through the ball. In embodiments, the bore 10 extends about 40% to about 60% of the distance through the ball 7, or about 25% to 35% of the distance through the ball. In other cases, the bore 10 extends about 60% to about 75% of the distance through the ball 7. In many embodiments, the ball 7 is a golf ball and has a plurality of dimples formed thereon. In some cases, the ball is a baseball or softball and has a stitched cover formed thereon.
[0028] Also in this embodiment, the adhesive 11 may run beneath the underside portion 30 of the visible section of the positioning washer 13, thereby connecting it to the outer surface 27 of the outer layer 8 of the ball 7. In other embodiments, the adhesive 11 does not rise to the top portion of the bore 10, and is thus maintained and kept within.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows the method of using the device. First, the lower stake portion 17 of the anchoring mechanism 18 is drilled into the ground. This is done by holding onto the rubber handle 22 and twisting until the device is secure. During this process, the four notches 16 prevent the fastening device 20 from sliding down the body of the anchoring device 18. Second, the second end of the elongated tether 23 is attached to the anchoring mechanism 18 using the carabiner clip 15. Third, the user walks the ball out to the desired distance, allowing the elongated tether 6 to lengthen and follow in their wake. Lastly, the user swings at and hits the ball 7. In one alternative embodiment, the elongated tether 6 is attached to the anchoring mechanism 18 before the anchoring mechanism 18 is secured into the ground. In this alternative embodiment, the attaching step can be performed by the user of the device, or by the manufacturer. In another alternative embodiment, securing the anchoring mechanisms 18 includes hooking the second end of the tether 6 to a fence or some other weighted device.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows the golf practice device after it has been secured into the ground, whereby the anchoring mechanism 18 has been drilled into the ground. At this point in the process, the handle 22 is visibly sticking out of the ground, and the elongated tether 6 and ball 7 are sitting next to it.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows the ball 7 in flight after being hit by a user, whereby the user can observe the flight path and trajectory of the ball by watching its movement as well as the movement of an elongated tether 6, which in this embodiment is a neon rope providing better visibility. The anchoring mechanism 18 will prevent the ball 7 from traveling too far, and the elongated tether 6 will stop its force upon traveling the length of the cord.
[0032] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of a positioning washer 62 which can be used in the ball of FIGS. 1-5. The washer 62 includes a small circular ring 61, which encapsulates a cylindrical perforation 63 forming an annular or hollow cylindrical segment that extends out and underneath the rest of the device 64. When the washer is in use, the small circular ring 61 may be positioned outside the solid core ball, whereby the adhesive would glue the outer surface 60 of the extension portion 64 to the inner walls of the bore. The adhesive may also touch on the underside 30 of the circular ring 65, attaching it to the outer layer of the ball.
[0033] FIG. 6B shows another embodiment of the positioning washer 68, which can be utilized in the embodiment of FIG. 8. This washer 68 includes a small circular ring 66, which encapsulates a circular hole 63 that runs the entire length of the body of the washer 67. In this embodiment, the small circular ring 66 does not extend outside of the solid core ball, and is instead held within and along the bore with the outer wall 70 of the washer 68 adhered to and/or in contact with the side wall of the bore.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the sport training device 102, similar to that of FIG. 1, which shows a frontal view of the entire device, including the anchoring mechanism 118 which, which again is a screw-like stake 117 with a polymeric handle cover 122 and fastening device 120 as to connect the second end portion of the elongated tether 106 to the anchoring mechanism 118. This fastening device 120 is further connected to a small metal ring 119, which encircles the neck portion 129 of the anchoring device 118. The small metal ring 119 is kept in place by four notches 116, two above and two below. The second end of the tether 106 is attached to a carabiner clip 115 that is then attached to the fastening device 120, which is connected to the neck portion of the anchoring mechanism 118 via the small metal ring 119. The second end of the elongated tether 106 is connected to the carabiner clip 115 by way of an elaborate and durable knot 121. In alternative embodiments, the second end of the elongated tether 106 is connected by different means, such as a metal retaining clip. The hook-and-loop securing clasp 14 collects and holds the elongated tether 106, keeping it bundled together while not in use. Finally, this elongated tether 106 is further connected to the ball 177, (a second embodiment to the ball 7 of FIG. 1) in which the first end of the tether 112 is inserted into and held within the drilled-hole bore portion 110 of the ball 177.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows details of the second embodiment of a solid core ball, designated as 177. In this embodiment, the elongated tether 106 enters solid core ball 177 through the top portion, extending through the positioning washer 173 and into the core of the ball 179. The outer cover 179 surrounds the solid core of the ball 177 and has an outer surface 179. In some cases, the outer cover 179 comprises leather, and/or has a photoluminescent layer formed thereon.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of a solid core ball, designated as 287. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 2, except that the positioning washer 283 is positioned within the bore 280, slightly above the solid core portion 289 but slightly below the outer surface 227 of the outer cover layer 288. In other embodiments, this positioning washer may be stationed further along the bore 280, to be positioned deeper within the solid core portion 289. The first end of the elongated tether 212 is held within and connected to the solid core ball 287 using the same adhesive 211 as in FIG. 2.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the sport practicing device, which is similar to FIG. 1, except that the elongated tether 336 comprises a less illuminating color, and can be seen entering inside the bore portion 338 of the ball 337, through a positioning washer 333. Also in this embodiment, securing clasp 334 made of hook and loop fastening material is elongated as to fully wrap around the tether 336. Further in this embodiment the screw carabiner clip 331 includes a twisting mechanism 332 which maintains the positioning and further secures the use of the screw carabiner clip 331, upon being connected to an alternative weighted anchoring device. Finally, in this embodiment the elongated tether 336 is attached to an integrally formed ring-shaped base portion 340 of the screw carabiner clip 331 by way of a knot 335. The tether 336 is looped through the ring-shaped base portion 340 of the screw carabiner clip 331, and is then tied around itself to secure it. The clip 331 can be attached to a stake, a fence, or another anchoring mechanism.
[0038] In some embodiments, when the bore in the ball has a diameter in the range of about 8/32 inch (0.25 inch) to about 13/32 inch (0.406 inch), the tether has a diameter in the range of about 4 mm (0.157 inch) to about 5 mm (0.196 inch). Thus, in some embodiments the ratio of the diameter of the tether to the diameter of the bore can about 0.48 to about 0.63, or about 0.5 to about 0.6. These ratios provide for an ample quantity of adhesive to be placed around the tether inside the bore to ensure that the tether remains inside the bore during prolonged use of the device.
[0039] In many embodiments, the washer 13 comprises at least one of a metal, a thermoplastic material and the thermoset material. In some cases, the thermoset material is a rubber. In embodiments, the adhesive 11 may be an acrylic, silicone or epoxy, or another type of hardening adhesive.
[0040] A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
