ATHLETIC TRAINING DEVICE FOR THROWING A BALL

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Baseball training and practice device.

2. Background

An objective of playing baseball is to accurately throw a ball at a target with a reasonable, often high velocity. To throw a baseball, a thrower must place their middle and index finger on one side of the ball and their thumb on the opposite side of the ball. The middle and index finger are slightly separated. This technique of handling a ball is also known as a throwing grip and is shown in FIG. 1. Many instructional techniques have been developed and implemented to help throwers accurately throw a ball at a target with a high velocity. These techniques assert that the position of the hand at the release point of a throw is a primary factor for determining which direction the ball will travel and with what rotation the ball will spin. For example, twisting or pronating the hand of the thrower prior to releasing the ball results in an inaccurately thrown ball with reduced velocity. Specifically by twisting the hand prior to release, an unequal amount of force is applied by the index and middle fingers to the ball, because the middle and index fingers are not jointly aligned behind the ball. This positioning of the middle and index fingers in turn causes the ball to rotate in a left or right direction relative to the route of the ball and causes the ball to travel at a reduced speed and take a longer, non-linear route to a target.

The effect of an improper throwing motion can be clearly seen when throwing a four seam fastball. This fundamental throw, when executed properly, will rotate the four seams of a baseball from front to back on a linear path from the player throwing the ball to the intended target. This rotation produces backspin, which creates high pressure under the ball and low pressure on top of the ball allowing the ball to glide on a cushion of air toward the target (i.e. plane out). By traveling on this cushion of air, the ball travels in a straight line at a high velocity. In contrast, pronating or twisting the thrower's wrist during the throwing motion prevents the ball from rotating from front to back as described. The ball will instead rotate from left-to-right or right-to-left based on the unequal force applied by the middle and index fingers. Consequently, the ball will travel on a non-linear path at a reduced velocity toward an intended target. Therefore, pronating or twisting of the wrist reduces the thrower's effectiveness to throw the ball accurately while increasing the amount of time the ball takes to arrive at the target.

Additionally, when properly throwing a ball without pronating or twisting the wrist, the thrower experiences the benefit of minimizing the amount of physical strain on his/her arm and/or shoulder. In particular, any twisting of the wrist during the release point will stretch the muscles and ligaments in the arm and shoulder of a thrower eventually leading to soreness and injury. Therefore, it is necessary that a thrower release the baseball with his/her index and middle fingers directly behind the ball while applying an equal amount of pressure on the ball by both fingers. If executed properly, the hand will return to the side of the thrower's body in a u-shaped path minimizing any unnecessary strain to the thrower's arm and shoulder.

It is therefore critical that the hand of a thrower travel in a path toward the target with a minimal amount of twisting of the throwing wrist while the ball is being released. FIG. 2a shows an example of a thrower properly throwing a ball. In this example, the wrist of the thrower is pointed straight down such that the palm of the throwing hand is parallel to the ground after the ball has been released from the hand of the thrower.

FIG. 2b shows an example of a thrower improperly throwing a ball. In this example, the wrist of the thrower is pointed to the side such that the palm of the throwing hand is perpendicular to the ground after the ball has been released from the hand of the thrower. This improper throwing motion is the result of the thrower twisting his wrist prior to the release of the ball. As described below, this improper throwing motion may result in an inefficient, ineffective and possibly harmful throw.

Despite the efficiency and effectiveness of throwing a ball without twisting or pronating the wrist, throwers often still instinctively throw a ball in this improper manner. Thus, there is a desire for an apparatus and method for training and conditioning a thrower to properly throw a ball as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one.

FIG. 1 illustrates a throwing grip.

FIG. 2a shows an example of a thrower properly throwing a ball.

FIG. 2b shows an example of a thrower improperly throwing a ball.

FIG. 3a shows a top side of an athletic training device.

FIG. 3b shows a bottom side of an athletic training device.

FIGS. 4a and 4b show an embodiment of the athletic training device that is configured for multiple sizes of individuals.

FIG. 5a shows an embodiment of the athletic training device that includes a curved rear section.

FIG. 5b shows an embodiment of the athletic training device with a rear section that is bent askew from the front section.

FIG. 6 shows athletic training device being worn by a user.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c show a user properly throwing a ball using the athletic training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings are now explained. While numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate one embodiment of athletic training device 300. FIG. 3a shows top side 302 of athletic training device 300 while FIG. 3b shows bottom side 304 of athletic training device 300. Athletic training device 300 assists a thrower/user (hereinafter “u ser”) properly develop an accurate and effective throwing motion by training the hand of a user to limit a twisting motion of the user's wrist prior to releasing the ball. By limiting the twisting of the wrist prior to release, the ball maintains a four-seam backspin which in-turn reduces the arc of the ball as it travels to a destination. This reduced arc limits the distance traveled, increases the average velocity of the ball, and ultimately the time the ball takes to arrive at its destination.

The design and construction of athletic training device 300 will first be described followed by a description of methods for using athletic training device 300 to improve the throwing motion of a user.

Athletic training device 300, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b includes body 306 made of a resilient material. Resilient as used herein is defined by the capability of withstanding shock or force without permanent deformation or breakage. In some embodiments, the resilient material may be polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or cardboard. However, any resilient material may be used to form body 306.

Body 306 may be defined by various geometrical shapes including, but not limited to, a rectangle, a square, and an ellipse. In the embodiment of athletic training device 300 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, body 306 is rectangular. In some embodiments, the corners of body 306 may be rounded to improve aerodynamics and to reduce possible injuries caused by sharp corners.

Body 306 may have varying dimensions. In one embodiment, the length of body 306 is 4 to 6½ inches, the width of body 306 is 2 to 5 inches, and the height or thickness of body 306 is ¼ to ¾ inches.

Body 306 includes two openings 308a and 308b with center points 310a and 310b, respectively. Openings 308a and 308b are sized to accept the index finger and middle finger of a user. Accordingly, openings 308a and 308b may be ¾ to 1 inches in diameter. Smaller diameters for openings 308a and 308b are preferential for users with smaller fingers (e.g. children) while larger diameters are preferential for users with larger finger (e.g. adults). In some embodiments, the diameters of openings 308a and 308b are equal in size while in other embodiments, the diameters of openings 308a and 308b are not equal. For example, opening 308a may be ¾ of an inch in diameter while opening 308b may be 1 inch in diameter. This configuration is sized to fit a user with a larger middle finger than index finger.

Openings 308a and 308b may be formed in body 306 through various processes. For example, a drill may be used to bore openings 308a and 308b through body 306, openings 308a and 308b may be cut or carved out of body 306, body 306 may be formed through a casting or extrusion process to include openings 308a and 308b, or any other similar set of processes may be used to create openings 308a and 308b.

Openings 308a and 308b are spaced in relation to each other such that the middle and index fingers of a user are slightly separated to mimic the standard throwing grip shown in FIG. 1. For example, the distance separating openings 308a and 308b may be between ¼-½ inches measured between the perimeter of openings 308a and 308b.

Although openings 308a and 308b are shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b to be circular, openings 308a and 308b may be defined by other shapes. For example, openings 308a and 308b may be elliptical.

Openings 308a and 308b are positioned on body 306 such that when a user inserts fingers through openings 308a and 308b and places these fingers parallel to surface 312 of top side 302, the fingers of the user do not extend past edge 314 of body 306. Accordingly, the distance between centers 310a and 310b and edge 314 is greater than the length of a finger of the user. This distance may be established by determining the average finger length of a set of intended users. For example, some embodiments of athletic training device 300 may be directed to smaller individuals (e.g. children) while other embodiments may be directed to larger individuals (e.g. adults). In the embodiments of athletic training device 300 directed toward children, the distance between centers 310a and 310b and edge 314 of body 306 is smaller than the embodiments of athletic training device 300 directed to adults.

Although the distance between centers 310a and 310b to edge 314 is longer than the average finger length of a set of intended users, this distance should not greatly exceed the average finger length of the set of intended users. For example, if an average length of an adult is four inches, an example of a distance between center 310a and center 310b, respectively, to edge 314 is representatively 4½ to 6 inches. Thus, body 306 will just barely extend past the fingers of a user. Accordingly, the minor overlap between the fingers of a user and body 306 will not create undue wind resistance during the delivery of a throw.

In some embodiments, athletic training device 300 may be jointly configured for multiple sizes of individuals (e.g. children and adults). FIGS. 4a and 4b show one such embodiment in which openings 308a and 308b are positioned closer to edge 314 than edge 316. Based on the positioning of openings 308a and 308b, the distance from centers 310a and 310b to edge 314 is smaller than the distance from centers 310a and 310b to edge 316. Accordingly, a smaller user would insert his/her fingers directed towards edge 314 and a larger user would insert his/her fingers directed towards edge 316.

In other embodiments that are designed for use by a single size of individuals, rear section 502 of body 306 may be curved towards the wrist of a user as shown in FIG. 5a. Curving rear section 502 of body 306 provides a more aerodynamic structure that allows a user throw a ball with less drag caused by air resistance. In some embodiments, the curve of rear section 502 is between one to fifteen degrees. This low degree of angle assists in reducing drag, while angled rear section 502 does not interfere with the lower hand and wrist of the user during delivery of a throw.

In still other embodiments, rear section 502 may be bent askew from front section 504 as shown in FIG. 5b. In this embodiment, rear section 502 is coupled to front section 504 through mid section 506. Openings 308a and 308b may be located on mid section 506, rear section 502, front section 504, or on a combination of these sections. The user places their fingers into openings 308a and 308b such that the fingers rest on front section 504. Configuring body 306 as described in this embodiment reduces discomfort and interference potentially caused by rear section 502 interfering with the wrist of a user.

In some embodiments, openings 308a and 308b are lined or coated with padding. The padding may be any material that assists in reducing irritation and provides a closer fit around the fingers of a user. For example, the padding may be rubber, foam, cloth, firm gel, or a similar material. The padding may be permanently affixed to openings 308a and 308b or it may be a removable insert that may be replaced by the user. For example, the padding may be defined by a convex cylindrical structure with a hole down the center axis of the cylinder structure. This convex structure allows the padding to fit snugly in openings 308a and 308b without the need for additional adhesives or fasteners.

In some embodiments, bottom side 304 of body 306 may include gripping devices 318. Gripping devices 318 provide grip for the ball as it is held between athletic training device 300 and the fingers of a user. Gripping devices 318 may be any set of devices capable of providing an adhesive or friction force that prevents the ball from slipping off body 306 before the intend release point. Gripping devices 318 may be a series of indentations/grooves scribed into bottom side 304, a series of bumps coupled to bottom side 304, an adhesive material applied to bottom side 304, or any other similar device.

In embodiments of athletic training device 300 intended for a single size of individuals (e.g. children or adults), gripping devices 318 are only applied adjacent to edge 314. In embodiments of athletic training device 300 intended for multiple sizes of individuals (e.g. children and adults), gripping devices 318 are applied adjacent to both edges 314 and 316. By applying gripping devices adjacent edges to both 314 and 316, users of athletic training device will be provided with additional control over a ball while using device 300 regardless of their size.

In some embodiments, body 306 may include a plurality of arrows to assist the user in throwing a ball. In FIG. 3a, top side 302 includes first top arrow 320. First top arrow 320 is located adjacent to edge 314 and points toward edge 314. First top arrow 320 allows the user judge his/her throwing motion. In particular, top arrow 322 should be pointing at the intended target immediately after the user releases the ball. If the arrow is not pointing at the intended target then the user may be twisting his/her wrist during the throw. An embodiment of athletic training device 300 may also include first bottom arrow 322 on bottom side 304 as shown in FIG. 3b. Bottom arrow 322 is located adjacent to edge 316 and points toward edge 316. First bottom arrow 322 also allows the user judge his/her throwing motion. In particular, if the throwing form of the user is proper, bottom arrow 322 will be pointing at the intended target when the throwing hand is at the side of the thrower at the end of the throwing motion. If first bottom arrow 322 is not pointing at the intended target at the end of the throwing motion then the user may be twisting his/her wrist during the throw.

In embodiments in which athletic training device 300 is designed for a multiple sizes of individuals (e.g. children and adults), top side 302 and bottom side 304 may include extra arrows in addition to first top arrow 320 and first bottom arrow 322. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, top side 302 may include second top arrow 402 adjacent edge 316 and pointing to edge 316 and bottom side 304 may include second bottom arrow 404 adjacent edge 314 and pointing to edge 316. These additional arrows are intended to assist a user judge their throwing motion in a similar fashion as arrows 320 and 322.

Arrows 320, 322, 402, and 404 may be formed on top side 302 and bottom side 304, respectively, using various methods. For example, arrows 320, 322, 402, and 404 may be etched into sides 302 and 304, applied as decals or stickers to sides 302 and 304, painted on sides 302 and 304, or any similar technique.

As described above, athletic training device 300 may be designed to fit numerous possible configurations and arrangements. The examples provided above are merely illustrative and not limiting.

Now methods for using athletic training device 300 to improve the throwing motion of a user will be described. FIG. 6 shows athletic training device 300 being worn by a user. As shown, a user places an index finger and a middle finger through opening 308a and 308b and rests the inner portion of these fingers parallel to top side 302 of body 306. A ball is thereinafter gripped between athletic training device 300 and a thumb of the user such that the ball is held in a throwing grip.

Although different sets of fingers may be used to grip a ball to be thrown, the index and middle fingers are vital for nearly all throwing motions. Thus, while different finger arrangements may be used to hold a ball, the index and middle fingers of a user should be placed through openings 308a and 308b to ensure these fingers are properly conditioned.

After gripping the ball as described above, the user winds up to throw a ball. FIG. 7 shows a user properly throwing a ball using athletic training device 300. Specifically, FIG. 7a shows the user prior to releasing the ball, FIG. 7b shows the user immediately after releasing the ball, and FIG. 7c shows the user after the throwing motion has been completed. During the delivery of the ball, the user may become aware of several indicators that the pitch is being thrown improperly.

Firstly, the user may immediately become aware of an improper throwing technique if the ball slips out of the throwing grip in an erratic fashion. Specifically, when using a proper throwing motion the ball will be held tightly between body 306 and the hand of a user, because body 306 is on top of the ball and preventing the ball from flying out of the grip of the user. However, if the user has twisted or pronated their wrist during the delivery of the ball, body 306 will not be located on top of the ball to prevent the ball from being released prematurely. Accordingly, the ball will be released at an unintended moment and fly off erratically. This erratic motion of the ball is a strong indication that the user improperly twisted or pronated their wrist during the delivery of the ball.

Secondly, after releasing the ball, the user may become aware of an improper throwing technique if arrow 320 or arrow 402 is not directly pointing at the intended target. The direction of arrows 320 and 402 indicate if the user twisted or pronated their wrist during the delivery of the ball. FIG. 7b shows a user properly throwing a ball using athletic training device 300 such that arrow 320 is directly at an intended target.

Thirdly, at the end of the throwing motion, the user may become aware of an improper throwing technique if arrow 322 or arrow 404 are not directly pointing at an intended target. FIG. 7c shows a user properly throwing a ball using athletic training device 300 such that arrow 322 is directly pointing at an intended target at the end of the throwing motion. If the user twisted or pronated their wrist during the delivery of the ball, arrow 322 would not be pointing at the target.

Based at least on these three indicators, the user may use athletic training device 300 to determine if his/her throwing motion is inefficient, ineffective, and/or harmful as described above and adjust his/her throwing motion to achieve a more efficient throw.

Although the embodiments described above have been described using a ball, athletic training device 300 may be used without a ball. For example, the user may perform shadow throws (i.e. going through the motions of throwing a ball without gripping a ball) to practice a proper throwing motion.

Additionally, although the embodiments described above have been described or shown in relation to baseball, athletic training device 300 may be used with a variety of other sports and activities to assist users efficiently, effectively, and safely throw, shoot or swing an object. For example, athletic training device 300 may be used by participants of tennis, softball, cricket, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, and other similar sports and activities.

To conclude, while certain embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.